The Best Air Fryers: Expert Reviews, Features & Buying Guide
Discover how capacity, cooking speed, and easy cleanup elevate healthy meal prep.
The Best Air Fryers: Expert Reviews, Features, and Buying Guide
Air fryers have completely transformed the way home chefs approach healthy, crispy cooking without excess oil. Whether you’re searching for a space-saving appliance for your countertop, want to make weeknight meals faster, or need a versatile tool for everything from fries to roasted chicken, the modern air fryer delivers—with a dizzying range of styles and features. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the best air fryers of 2025, with thorough hands-on reviews, comparisons, and everything you need to choose the right model for your kitchen.
What Is an Air Fryer and How Does It Work?
An air fryer is a compact convection oven that circulates hot air at high speed to cook and crisp food with minimal oil. The result? Golden fries, crunchy chicken, or roasted vegetables in a fraction of the time needed for conventional baking or frying—plus a much healthier nutritional profile. Most air fryers include a nonstick basket, digital controls, and a range of pre-set cooking functions for common foods like chicken, fries, or fish.
Top Air Fryers Reviewed
With countless air fryer models on the market, we’ve curated the standout performers this year based on capacity, cooking performance, versatility, ease of cleaning, controls, and value. Here’s a look at the best options across styles and budgets:
1. Cosori TurboBlaze 6.0-Quart Air Fryer
- Capacity: 6.0 quarts—ideal for families or small gatherings
- Cooking Performance: Rapid, even cooking (up to 46% faster than other models)
- Versatility: 9 cooking functions (air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, defrost, proof, reheat, keep warm)
- Ease of Cleaning: Non-stick basket & crisper, all removable and dishwasher safe
- Build Quality: Durable plastic/metal; auto shut-off safety when the basket is removed
Expert Verdict: The Cosori offers impressive speed, even results, and versatile preset functions that make it a powerhouse for busy kitchens. It’s easy to clean and has thoughtful safety features, although you may need to tweak cooking times for especially delicate foods.
2. Instant Vortex Plus Dual 8-Quart Stainless Steel Air Fryer
- Capacity: 8 quarts (dual basket—cook two foods with different times/settings)
- Cooking Performance: Cooks quickly and evenly; Sync Cook and Sync Finish features
- Versatility: Air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe baskets; grill plates may require extra scrubbing of rubber grips
- Build Quality: Sleek stainless steel, auto shut-off, intuitive digital touchscreen
Expert Verdict: The Vortex Plus stands out for its dual-basket design and broad function set, making multitasking easy for large families or meal preppers. Cleaning is straightforward, though care is needed for rubber parts. The stylish build and safeties add to its appeal.
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3. Ninja Foodi DZ550 10-Quart Air Fryer
- Capacity: 10 quarts—true family size
- Cooking Performance: Consistent, even crisping across both baskets
- Versatility: Multiple fan speeds, bake, dehydrate, dual zones for mains/sides
- Ease of Cleaning: Ceramic non-stick trays (note: more challenging to hand-wash than standard non-stick)
- Unique Features: Built-in meat probe for temp monitoring
Expert Verdict: The Ninja Foodi’s unmatched capacity and dual cooking zones make meal planning a breeze. The ceramic coating resists PTFE, but requires careful cleaning. Best for bulk-batch cooks and those who value hands-off multitasking.
4. Instant Slim 6-Quart Air Fryer
- Capacity: 6 quarts (fits a whole chicken or large batch of fries)
- Cooking Performance: EvenCrisp tech ensures uniform browning; comes with a shake reminder
- Versatility: Air fry, bake, roast
- Ease of Cleaning: Non-stick basket and grill plate are dishwasher safe; hand-wash rubber edges
- Design: Minimalist look, clear progress bar, single control knob
Expert Verdict: Well-suited for families in need of consistent results. The intuitive controls and safety shut-off make it user-friendly, though cleaning rubber parts requires extra effort.
5. Chefman RJ38-2T Compact Air Fryer
- Capacity: 1.8 quarts—perfect for singles or couples
- Performance: Quiet operation and fast, straightforward cooking
- Features: Simple digital controls, dishwasher-safe basket
- Design: No programmed settings; compact for small spaces
Expert Verdict: The Chefman is ideal for and easy operation. It works well for snack-sized portions and is a great fit for small kitchens or dorm rooms.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer
- Capacity: Do you cook for one, a couple, or a family? A 1.8–2-qt. model serves solo cooks; 5–10-qt. models handle larger meals.
- Cooking Functions: More presets and modes (roast, bake, dehydrate, proof, etc.) add flexibility, especially for adventurous cooks.
- Crisping Technology: Some models (like Instant’s EvenCrisp or Ninja’s DualZone) deliver better surface crunch.
- Cleaning: Removable, dishwasher-safe baskets with true non-stick coatings simplify cleanup.
- Safety: Look for auto shut-off, cool-touch handles, and basket-lock features.
- Size & Style: Consider footprint on your counter, door clearance, and overall design appeal in your kitchen.
Pros and Cons of Air Fryers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Healthier results with less oil | Can dry out food if times/temps are not adjusted |
| Faster cooking than oven roasting or baking | Some models are bulky, take up counter space |
| Versatile: fries, roasts, bakes, dehydrates | Some features (grill plates, baskets) require extra cleaning effort |
| Energy-efficient and safer than traditional fryers | Non-stick coatings may wear out over time |
| Programmable cooking presets for convenience | Preheat time and capacity vary by model |
How We Tested Air Fryers
Each air fryer was rigorously evaluated across several metrics:
- Cooking Performance: Prepared common foods (chicken, French fries, veggies) to measure crispness, moisture, and flavor.
- Evenness: Checked browning and doneness throughout the basket.
- Speed: Timed to compare actual cooking times with manufacturer claims.
- Preset Accuracy: Tested built-in programs for accuracy and utility in real-life meal prep.
- Cleanup: Washed baskets, trays, and accessories by hand and via dishwasher.
- User Experience: Evaluated display clarity, controls, noise, and overall ease of use.
Tips for Using an Air Fryer
- Avoid overcrowding the basket: Arrange food in a single layer for best crisping.
- Pat foods dry: Moisture can prevent browning; dry veggies and proteins thoroughly before air frying.
- Lightly oil foods: While air fryers need less fat, a light spritz of oil can enhance browning and flavor.
- Shake or turn food: For most models, shaking the basket halfway through ensures even results. Some units have reminders or auto-pauses for this purpose.
- Experiment with presets: Adjust default programs based on your taste and preferences—don’t be afraid to test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are air fryers healthier than deep fryers?
A: Yes, air fryers use a fraction of the oil of deep fryers, reducing calorie and fat content while still delivering a crisp exterior and satisfying flavor.
Q: What foods work best in an air fryer?
A: Foods that benefit most include breaded proteins (chicken nuggets, breaded fish), frozen snacks, fries, vegetables, and even baked goods. Whole cuts of meat, like chicken breasts or thighs, can also be prepared for a juicy and crisp result.
Q: How do you clean an air fryer?
A: Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher safe; if hand washing, soak in warm soapy water and use non-abrasive sponges. Take extra care with rubber grips and edges which can trap grease.
Q: Can you bake or roast in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely. Many models feature bake and roast functions, making them suitable for cookies, muffins, and even small chickens or roasts.
Q: Is preheating necessary?
A: Not always; some air fryers preheat automatically or cook efficiently from a cold start. However, preheating can enhance browning for certain dishes.
Conclusion: Which Air Fryer Is Best for You?
Choosing the best air fryer comes down to your individual needs: family size, preferred features, available space, and the types of foods you prepare most often. If you value speed and broad cooking options, choose a larger, versatile model like the Cosori TurboBlaze or Ninja Foodi. For compact spaces or singles, the Chefman offers efficiency and simplicity. Prioritize models with easy cleaning, robust safety features, and intuitive controls for the best day-to-day experience—and get ready to enjoy healthier, crunchier meals all year long.
References
- https://www.toptenreviews.com/best-air-fryers
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umO4iIFxm7g
- https://www.rtings.com/air-fryer/reviews/best/air-fryers
- https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-fryers/best-air-fryers-of-the-year-a3919863393/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a20515434/best-air-fryer-reviews-2018/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a20513593/airfryer-amazon-daily-deal/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/kitchen/secura-air-fryer-review-2018-7
- https://twosleevers.com/best-air-fryer-reviews/
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