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An air fryer is a hot take on other kitchen devices, and the Best Air Fryers create crisp textures and crunchy foods while saving you time in the process.
It’s essentially an oven that doesn’t need to be preheated; it’s a deep fryer that doesn’t need a gallon of oil. Meggan loves the versatility of her air fryer: It’s perfect for reheating leftovers (everything from restaurant onion rings to bakery croissants) and general cooking. She uses it to make things like french fries, her amazing air fryer chicken wings, air-fryer baked potatoes, and even air-fried meatballs.
“They’re great because they’re a healthier way of frying,” Meggan says. “You can get the crisp without all the oil due to the convection recirculation. In the summer, when you don’t want to fire up the oven and overheat your house, your countertop air fryer can step in and do the job.”
To make this list of the best air fryers, the Culinary Hill team considered our first-hand experiences with air fryers, and then intensely researched the market to find the best options available. Read on to discover our top picks for the best air fryers, including what Meggan uses in her own kitchen.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
- What’s In Meggan’s Kitchen: Ninja 4-Quart Programmable Air Fryer – $89 at Walmart
- Meggan’s Favorite Air Fryer Rotisserie Oven: Instant Vortex Plus – $149.95 at Amazon
- Best Budget: Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Quart – $99.99 at Amazon
- Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – $399.95 at Amazon
- Best Large Air Fryer: GoWISE 7-Quart Electric Air Fryer – $115 at Amazon
- Best Small Air Fryer: DASH Compact Air Fryer – $49.99 at Amazon
Reviews of the Best Air Fryers
1. What’s In Meggan’s Kitchen: Ninja 4-Quart Programmable Air Fryer
Meggan bought this Ninja air fryer during a Black Friday Sale. “I was skeptical,” she says. “I never really got into the trendy Instant Pot and I wondered if an air fryer would be equally disappointing. It wasn’t, and I loved it!”
The Ninja air fryer has four cooking modes: air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. You can also customize the cooking time and temperature, which ranges from 105 degrees to 400 degrees. The non-stick interior is easy to clean, and the 4-quart capacity can handle most medium-sized meals.
Meggan has found that it’s perfect for making lighter and healthier versions of her family’s fried favorites. “My kids love it and always request homemade potato fries and they don’t even complain about me leaving the skin on,” she says. “I know there’s so much more I can make in it too, like sturdy vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower), and even baked goods and pizza.”
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 8.5 by 12.1 by 11 inches
- Size: 4-quart capacity
- Weight: 10.85 pounds
- Warranty: 1-year limited
The Pros:
- Easy to use
- Basket and crisper are dishwasher safe
- Multifunctional
The Cons:
- Not the largest capacity
What Others Are Saying
U.S. News and World Report gives the Ninja 4-quart air fryer high marks for being affordable and easy to clean. It has a star rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 47,000 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Ninja 4-Quart Programmable Air Fryer:
2. Meggan’s Favorite Air Fryer Rotisserie Oven: Instant Vortex Plus
The Instant Vortex Plus is also Meggan’s top choice for a rotisserie oven. She likes how versatile it is because you can also use it as a dehydrator and air fryer, so you don’t need to buy other countertop appliances. Not only can you use it to roast a whole chicken, but you can use the rotisserie basket to get a nice even crisp on smaller foods like tater tots or fries.
It has a massive, 10-quart capacity size and comes with a number of accessories, including two racks, a drip pan, a rotisserie basket, rotisserie forks, and a fetch tool. Additionally, the adjustable temperature range is 95 to 400 degrees F.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 7 by 13.23 by 14.37 inches
- Size: 10-quart capacity
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Warranty: 1-year limited
The Pros:
- Dishwasher-safe oven door and accessories
- Large capacity
- Free app with instructions and recipes
The Cons:
- Takes up more counter space than drawer-style air fryers
- Heavy
What Others Are Saying
Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 62,000 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven:
3. Best Budget: Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Quart
If you’re looking for a lower-cost option, then we recommend this sleek unit from Cosori, which has a slightly larger capacity than Meggan’s top choice (her Ninja air fryer) but is about the same price, giving you more bang for your buck. The Cosori tilted LED screen is easy to read and wipe down. It has nine pre-programmed cooking options, plus you can set a “Shake Reminder” that will alert you when you need to turn or flip your food to cook more evenly. There are also four different color options available.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 10.7 by 10.8 by 11.9 inches
- Size: 5-quart capacity
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Warranty: 2-year limited
The Pros:
- Compact for a 5-quart capacity unit
- Comes with a free recipe booklet
- Attractive design
The Cons:
- May cook less evenly
- Longer cooking times than some others
What Others Are Saying
The Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE is also Wirecutter’s and Food & Wine’s top choice for the best budget air fryer. It has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 15,800 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Quart:
4. Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
For a device that does a great job as both a toaster oven and an air fryer, we like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. It has two fan speeds and a large interior, which gives you a ton of versatility to cook all kinds of meals—from a whole chicken to a dozen cupcakes. It has a ton of pre-programmed settings, including one for proving dough and one for dehydrating. Its temperature range is 80 to 480 degrees.
Although it’s a pricier option, it alleviates the need for multiple devices. We also like that you can program the oven to cook at two different temperatures back-to-back.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 17.5 by 21.5 by 12.7 inches
- Size: 1 cubic foot capacity
- Weight: 38.9 pounds
- Warranty: 2-year
The Pros:
- Multifunctional
- Highly accurate temperature control
- Oven light controls
- Comes with 6 racks and pans
The Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
What Others Are Saying
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro was Wirecutter’s top choice for a toaster oven air fryer. It has a star rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 8,000 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro:
5. Best Large Air Fryer: GoWISE 7-Quart Electric Air Fryer
If you have a big family to feed but you still want an air fryer that has a basket (and isn’t a toaster oven style), then the GoWISE 7-quart air fryer is a top contender. Not only does it have a higher capacity than most, but it’s also less expensive for a larger-size fryer. It has an oval-shaped cooking drawer, and you can stack up to 4 racks in it at once, making it ideal for use as a dehydrator. There are four different finish options, so you can pick the look that matches your kitchen and taste.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 11.75 by 11.75 by 14 inches
- Size: 7-quart capacity
- Weight: 17.11 pounds
- Warranty: 1-year
The Pros:
- Comes with 4 stackable racks
- Good for bigger families and for entertaining
- Many pre-set options
The Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Not as durable as other models
What Others Are Saying
The GoWISE 7-Quart Electric Air Fryer is Good Housekeeping’s pick for the best large air fryer, and it has a star rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 15,000 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the GoWISE 7-Quart Electric Air Fryer:
6. Best Small Air Fryer: DASH Compact Air Fryer
If you’re tight on space or cooking for just one or two people, then DASH’s space-age-style air fryer might be the best bet for you. While it doesn’t have as many pre-programmed options as the other air fryers on this list, its controls are super simple to use. It only holds 2 quarts, but that’s enough space for appetizers (like fries or onion rings) and small entrees.
It’s not dishwasher-safe, but the non-stick coating makes it easy to wipe down the interior with a sponge or cloth.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 10.2 by 8.1 by 11.4 inches
- Size: 2-quart capacity
- Weight: 5.7 pounds
- Warranty:1-year limited, extended with registration
The Pros:
- Good for individuals and couples
- Simple to use
- Available in multiple finishes
The Cons:
- Fewer preset cooking options
- Not dishwasher safe
What Others Are Saying
This DASH air fryer is Good Housekeeping’s pick for the best air fryer for one person. It has a star rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 16,000 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the DASH Compact Air Fryer:
Other Air Fryers We Considered
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer Oven
Another popular option from the makers of the Instant Pot, this 6-quart air fryer has a more conventional drawer design than the rotisserie oven option we recommend above. It’s easy to use, with plenty of pre-set options. It’s also Food & Wine’s top pick for an air fryer. The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer Oven is available at Amazon for $119.99.
Ninja Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer
A double basket design lets you cook two different foods at the same time without worrying about mixing flavors—perfect for families with varying tolerances for spice. If you have the counter space for it, this Ninja air fryer is very similar to our top choice, with the added flexibility of the second basket, in which you can own cook mode and temperature. The Ninja Foodi 2-BasketAir Fryer is available at Amazon for $179.95.
Hamilton Beach Digital Air Fryer
This compact air fryer from the trusted appliance maker Hamilton Beach is an affordable find. Although it’s less stylish and a little bigger than our top pick for a small air fryer, it works great and has six pre-programmed cooking settings. With a capacity of 3.2 quarts, it’s a great choice for small spaces. Note that it’s hand-wash only. The Hamilton Beach Digital Air Fryer is available for $36.34 at Amazon.
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
This splurge-worthy air fryer claims to actually remove fat from foods, making it a good choice for reheating any greasy restaurant dishes. It’s on the larger side with a 7-quart capacity and weighs 19 pounds and it’s more expensive than the other air fryers on this list. The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is available for $192 at Amazon.
Why You Can Trust Us
Meggan, the founder of Culinary Hill, is a professionally trained chef who creates modern recipes for home cooks. She’s tried out all kinds of different appliances to find the best approach to making both beloved classics and new favorites. Not only does she use her air fryers on a regular basis to make recipes like chicken wings or baked potatoes, but she’s also bought several as gifts for friends and family.
Margaret is a journalist who wants to help readers find the best products to avoid wasting time and money. She’s a product testing expert who’s always willing to try out new gear to see what lives up to the hype and what flops. In creating this list of the best air fryers, we started with products Meggan owns and loves and then researched reputable brands selling several types of air fryers. We combed through online reviews from consumers and recommendations from trusted media sites and evaluated the size, functions, and performance to determine if an air fryer offered a solid overall value.
What to Know About Air Fryers
What to Consider Before Buying an Air Fryer
If you’re shopping for an air fryer, the three main things to keep in mind are the type, size, and settings. “I’d also recommend looking for one with dishwasher-safe components (if you’re into that),” Meggan says .
Type: The original air fryer design has a heated basket that holds the food you want to cook. But there are several other types of air fryers that you may want to consider, depending on what types of cooking you want to do and if you’re looking to swap out other appliances.
For example, A toaster oven air fryer can serve many functions, from baking to roasting, and of course toasting! Another option is a rotisserie-oven-style air fryer, which slowly turns food as it cooks.
Size: You’ll want to consider how many people you’re cooking for, as well as how much space you have in your kitchen for use and storage. Consider the capacity (how much you want to cook to feed however many people) and the overall dimensions. Drawer-style air fryers range from about 2 to 7 quarts, while toaster-oven-style air fryers can be larger (around 10 to 12 quarts). Make sure it fits in the space you want to keep it. Toaster oven air fryers typically have larger capacities and can accommodate multiple racks but should live on your countertop.
Settings: All air fryers have an “air fry” setting, but most also have a range of other cooking options like the ability to bake, broil, dehydrate, or roast. Some use a digital interface, while others have more simplistic dials (and fewer cooking options). For some users, more settings can be confusing, and a simpler air fryer is actually preferable.
How Does An Air Fryer Work?
Unlike a microwave, an air fryer uses hot air and convection to cook food. They’re basically like a small oven! A heating element converts electricity into heat, which is blown around the unit. Food sits on a rack or in a perforated basket and is cooked. Technically, this isn’t “frying,” but it results in the same crispy, crunchy texture.
How to Use an Air Fryer
While the settings and controls will differ from brand to brand, the basic idea of a drawer-style air fryer is that you will add foods to the drawer, and then select your desired cooking temperature and time. The device will heat and cook your food. Depending on the recipe, you may want to shake or turn your food midway through cooking. When it’s done, you’ll want to use tongs to lift the food out, otherwise, you risk dumping excess oil back onto your food.
Many air fryer recipes don’t require the addition of oil, but if you do need some, the best oil for an air fryer is something with a high smoke point like avocado oil or peanut oil. Add the oil to your food, don’t spray it into the tray or rack to ensure it’s fully coated.
Additionally, you should always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, and read the directions carefully when using an air fryer for the first time.
How to Clean an Air Fryer
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your air fryer. Many air fryers, including our top pick, have components that can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Others are hand washed only. You can wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth if something spills on it. Warning: Never submerged electric parts in water.
Can You Put Foil in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil in most air fryers, but it’s always good to check the user manual. Be sure to only use foil in the cooking basket or rack, don’t place foil directly on the heating element.
Are Air Fryers Healthy?
When compared to a traditional oil fryer, an air fryer is a healthier frying option. You can get the crisp without all the oil due to the convection recirculation.
Are Air Fryers Worth It?
If you love home-fried foods but don’t want the fat, mess, or work associated with deep frying, then yes, an air fryer is absolutely worth it. Most air fryers have a number of additional cooking settings, like reheat and roast, so they can also replace the need to own multiple countertop appliances.
What are the Best Things to Cook in an Air Fryer?
Meggan loves to cook wings, chicken, French fries, and salmon in her air fryer. Air fryers are also great for cooking frozen foods like nuggets and fish sticks. Bacon is another popular dish to cook in an air fryer. Air fryers are also great for reheating breaded foods like coconut shrimp or chicken schnitzel. The possibilities of what you can cook in an air fryer seem endless!
The Best Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for some air fryer recipe inspiration? Here are some Culinary Hill favorites:
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
Margaret Badore is a journalist and editor who has covered a wide range of food topics, and is passionate about sustainable eating. Her work has appeared in Civil Eats, Treehugger, and Tales of the Cocktail among many other publications. She loves baking, tea, learning about the history of different ingredients, and is always game to test out new kitchen gear.
I have the Instant Vortex. Love it, makes everything, just like small oven. Has adjustable racks, no silly drawers. Everything is to die for, and easy. The rotisserie cooks chicken better than Costco or Supermarkets. Cookies are chewy and wonderfully easym
Thank you so much for your comment, Violet! I love the Vortex. Take care! – Meggan
I recently bought the “Instant” brand. I’m not one to jump into the latest and greatest gadgets that hit he street. This one is more like a three rack, convection oven. I think it’s more versatile than cooking in a big measuring cup. It also has a rotisserie shaft and a rotisserie basket.
Haven’t used it much but it certainly reheats and French fries well.
You are missing out of a lot of great food if you don’t use it. I have this one and it’s great for everything from heating frozen corn dogs to lamb chops, chicken and fish.
Hi Megan,
I have the GoWise 7 quart air fryer and the parts are all dishwasher safe! I have done it for years. I just wanted to clarify.
Thank you!
Kristen Berry
Hi Kristin, thank you so much for sharing! The user manual with this specific model suggests to “Wash the basket and crisper tray with hot water, soap and a non-abrasive sponge. You can remove any stuck-on food by using a degreasing liquid soap. For any hard-to-remove food, soak the basket and crisper tray in hot water.” It might be that you have a different 7-quart model that has dishwasher friendly parts, big plus! Thank you again and take care! – Meggan
I already have an air fryer, but I’m still confused about what accessories can be used in one. Would you pleased address this? Thanks…