best air fryers
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No kitchen is complete without an air fryer. They can quickly whip up delicious, crunchy snacks with minimal oil and make leftovers — like that two-day-old pizza in your fridge — taste fresh again.
But with so many models to choose from, finding the best air fryer isn’t easy. From traditional basket-style air fryers that are perfect for snacks and small meals to large-capacity air fryer ovens that can cook for a big group, the options are nearly endless.
The BestReviews Testing Lab put more than 15 air fryers through their paces to identify the best models for a variety of needs. We evaluated how well each cooked commonly air-fried foods, including french fries, chicken wings and hot dogs, and considered how crispy and evenly cooked the finished products were and how long they took to cook compared to a standard oven.
After spending over a month thoroughly reviewing each one (and indulging in more comfort foods than we care to admit), we had to give the best air fryer title to the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro. Large enough to cook for groups of 10 or more, it's able to quickly crisp up whatever you like and can perform a dozen cooking functions besides air-frying.
Which air fryer is best?
Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart Air Fryer
Best Overall Air Fryer
Type: Basket air fryer | Capacity: 6 qt | Dimensions: 14.4” D x 11.8” W x 11.9” H | Weight: 13.2 lb | Material: Non-stick | Control Type: Touchpad | Number of Functions: 9 | Temperature Range: 90 to 450 degrees
The Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart Air Fryer stands out as one of the largest and most versatile air fryers on our list, making it the overall best pick. It offers an impressive 6-quart basket for whole-household cooking, and its functions include reheat, dry, bake, proof, warm, air fry, roast, broil and frozen. It currently has a 4.8 rating from nearly 6,000 reviews.
Its large capacity comes in a compact design that doesn't take up too much countertop space, measuring 14.4 inches deep by 11.8 inches wide by 11.9 inches high. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a spot for it in your kitchen
It is also a very efficient model, as users say it cooks quickly and evenly. The air fryer uses 95% less oil than conventional air frying methods, allowing you to make healthier meals. It also features a five-speed fan system for efficient and even cooking no matter what the meal is.
As an air fryer, it offers nine cooking functions and presets including air-frying, so its versatility is another plus. It features modes for reheating, dehydrating, baking, proofing, warming, roasting, broiling and cooking frozen foods. The preheat mode is easy to use as it adjusts the cooking time based on temperature.
Its basket and detachable pieces are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup easy. This makes it perfect for large households, seniors or anyone looking to cut down on their cooking and cleaning time. The under-$150 price point also makes it a good value.
We choose the Cosori TurboBlaze as best overall for its large capacity, versatility, even cooking and ease of use.
Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer
Best Value Air Fryer
Type: Basket air fryer | Capacity: 2 qt | Dimensions: 11’26” L x 9” W x 11.73” H | Weight: 7.23 lb | Material: Plastic | Control Type: Touchpad | Number of Functions: 4 | Temperature Range: 120 to 400 degrees
The Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer was one of the smallest models we tested, but we found its compact size had plenty of benefits. Its 2-quart capacity is large enough to hold six hot dogs, but at 9 inches wide, the air fryer doesn’t take up much counter space. The smaller size also enabled it to preheat more quickly than larger models, requiring just two minutes compared to most other models’ four or five.
Its small size also allowed the Vortex Mini to get foods extra crisp. It got frozen french fries extremely crispy in just 12 minutes and in only 18 minutes produced some of the crispiest chicken wings of all the air fryers we tested. We also loved how crisp and flavorful it got bacon in just nine minutes, which was 40% faster than a standard oven. That said, one of our testers noted, "We love our bacon to be almost burnt. While it was perfect for us, it may have been too cooked for some people."
While the Vortex Mini primarily functions as an air fryer, it offers three additional cooking functions: baking, roasting and reheating. We especially liked the Reheat function, which warmed up food in two to three minutes without crisping it significantly more. We also found the air-frying function versatile enough to toast bread, which took only two minutes.
Additionally, the air fryer didn’t cool down between cooking tasks if we air-fried foods back-to-back, so we didn’t have to wait for it to preheat again, shortening our cooking times even further.
The Vortex Mini’s compact size made the air fryer very easy to clean. Because it holds less food, it doesn’t create as much grease, so we could easily wipe most of it away with a paper towel. We only had to follow up with a sponge dampened with warm water and dish soap to get it fully clean.
While it’s best for one or two people or just heating up snacks, we give it a 5 out of 5 for its crispy air-frying results, super-fast preheating and compact size that works in nearly any kitchen.
Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer
Best Air Fryer for Multizone Cooking
Type: Basket air fryer | Capacity: 7 qt | Dimensions: 18.19” L x 11.81” W x 11.26” H | Weight: 17 lb | Material: Plastic | Control Type: Touchpad | Number of Functions: 6 | Temperature Range: 90 to 450 degrees
The Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer is designed to allow for multizone cooking, so its basket comes with a removable divider that can create two zones inside for different foods. Its Smart Finish feature lets you choose different cooking temperatures for the two foods and then controls the cooking to ensure that both finish at the same time.
We found that the FlexBasket was straightforward to use and produced solid results with evenly cooked foods in both baskets, though it did increase the overall cooking time.
However, unlike many air fryers, the Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer didn’t require preheating, which helped shorten our cooking times a bit. It was pretty efficient at air-frying, too. It needed just 18 minutes to cook chicken wings to an even crispiness on all sides, which was 55% faster than those prepared in the oven. And it only needed 12 minutes to make crisp, golden-brown Brussels sprouts with excellent flavor, which was 63% faster than those made in the oven.
In addition to air-frying, we were pleased with the Reheat feature. It didn’t restore our leftovers to their original crispness, but the results were much better than microwave reheating, leaving the food hot and tasty with no burning.
One of our favorite features was the Dehydration setting. We used it to dry out fresh herbs for seasoning recipes and found the process very easy. "It let us take some raw spices and dry them up so we could store them in a jar to sprinkle on food for flavoring," Allen Foster, BestReviews tester and home-improvement writer, said. "It's hard to tell if the process would really be cost-effective and time-efficient, but it does give you full control, which is exciting."
The total size of the Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer’s basket is 7 quarts, so we could fit six chicken wings or an entire package of hot dogs. We found that the capacity was best for two people or small families, but we were impressed by the fact that it could cook different sizes and cuts of food evenly. We made several pork chops of various sizes and all were perfectly cooked.
The Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer’s only major flaw was its noise level. It was clearly the loudest air fryer we tested, reaching levels similar to those of a vacuum.
However, it was very easy to operate with a clearly configured display. We give it a 4 out of 5 for dual cooking zones, versatile functions and even cooking.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Best Large-Capacity Air Fryer Oven
Type: Oven air fryer | Capacity: 1 cu ft | Dimensions: 21.5” W x 17.1” D x 12.7” H | Weight: 38.9 lb | Material: Stainless steel | Control Type: Knob/LCD display | Number of Functions: 13 | Temperature Range: 80 to 480 degrees
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is similar to the Breville Joule in nearly every way except it is not Wi-Fi enabled. The oven offers the same capacity of 1 cubic foot, so we could fit 2 pounds of french fries in its basket with room to spare. We could also air-fry 1.75 pounds of chicken wings, so it would also work for larger families and parties.
Its cooking times were a minute or two longer than the Joule’s, but it was still among the more efficient air fryers we tested. Our french fries needed just 14 minutes to get golden and crispy with a flavorful, tender interior, which was 42% faster than those cooked in a regular oven, while it took 20 minutes to produce crispy, juicy chicken wings, which was 56% faster than those made in the oven.
Like the Joule, the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro boasts 12 additional cooking functions besides air-frying, impressing us with its versatility. We used the Pizza setting to bake a frozen pizza that developed a crisp crust and nicely browned cheese in 20 minutes and the Toast setting to perfectly toast two slices of bread in about four minutes. "It’s pretty convenient to be able to prepare all these foods in one appliance," said one of our testers.
The Reheat setting also worked like a charm for warming up leftover chicken and rice in 10 minutes without drying out the food. Overall, we found its various functions cooked all foods evenly, offering an accurate temperature within 1 or 2 degrees of the set temperature on the oven thermometer used during testing.
As with the Joule, the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro requires significant counter space that could pose an issue in smaller kitchens. However, we didn’t have trouble finding a spot for it in our testing area, even with somewhat low overhead cabinets.
Ultimately, we score it a 4.5 out of 5 for its versatility, even cooking and family-approved capacity.
Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer
Best Multicooker Air Fryer
Type: Multicooker air fryer | Capacity: 6 qt | Dimensions: 13.8” L x 14.1” W x 12.4” H | Weight: 16 lb | Material: Plastic | Control Type: Touch controls | Number of Functions: 12 | Temperature Range: 90 to 450 degrees
While it isn’t an air fryer oven, the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer is one of the most versatile models we tested. It offers 11 functions besides air-frying, including baking/roasting, broiling, dehydrating, slow cooking and sous vide.
Because it uses steam for non-air-frying functions, it can create moisture quickly and significantly shorten cooking times.
We were pleased with its air-frying performance. It made crispy, golden brown french fries in 15 minutes, crispy, delicious bacon in only nine minutes and tasty hot dogs with crispy skin in just eight minutes. "These were the best-tasting fries of all the air fryers we tested," Foster said. "They had an even golden brown and were lightly crisped with no burning."
The Speedi was also very easy to use thanks to its simple, intuitive control panel. It provides quick access to all of the multicooker’s features with just a few taps, and the buttons are all highly responsive, so we didn’t need to press too hard to choose a setting.
While it holds up to 6 quarts, we didn’t find its cooking surface to be that large, and we could only fit two burgers inside. However, because it opens from the top and has a deeper cooking cavity, it was excellent for foods like rice that don’t require the air to circulate around them for crisping.
However, the main issue we had with it in our testing area was that its lid opens upward, so we needed approximately 2 feet of space above it to open it fully. While the Speedi isn’t quite as large as some air fryer ovens we tested, it does have a large footprint on the counter.
But because its versatility made up for that inconvenience, we scored it a 4 out of 5 since it can cook quickly in many different ways and offers excellent air-frying results.
Instant Vortex Slim Air Fryer
Best Compact Air Fryer
Type: Basket air fryer | Capacity: 6 qt | Dimensions: 12” L x 15.31” W x 12.72” H | Weight: 14.5 lb | Material: Plastic | Control Type: Touch buttons and select knob | Number of Functions: 5 | Temperature Range: 120 to 400 degrees
If you’re looking for an air fryer that can fit in a small kitchen but still hold enough food for two to four people, the Instant Vortex Slim Air Fryer is an excellent choice. It has a long, narrow design, so we had no trouble finding a spot for it in our testing area.
Despite its compact size, it holds more food than some larger models we tested. We could even bake cookies in the Vortex Slim, which we couldn’t do in many of the basket-style air fryers we tested.
Its air-frying performance was impressive, too, striking the ideal balance between crispy and juicy. It took 18 minutes to make perfectly crispy chicken wings with a juicy, flavorful interior and 15 minutes to make crisp, golden french fries. The air-frying function was also easy to use and didn’t make as much noise as other air fryers we tested.
The Vortex Slim offers four additional cooking functions besides air-frying. We used the Bake function to make chocolate chip cookies that were crisp on the outside and soft in the center in just 10 minutes and delicious baked potatoes in only 36 minutes. Foster also tested this model and said, "Even with precise time and temperature, expect a bit of trial and error. For instance, when baking, it took us three tries before the cookies were satisfactory."
We made perfectly toasted, flavorful garlic bread with the Broil feature in two minutes and warmed some chicken tenders with the Reheat function, needing only four minutes to heat them through.
The air fryer also has a connected app with recipe access. However, it had limited functionality and was pretty difficult to navigate.
The one issue we ran into with the Vortex Slim was that it didn’t fully burn off the manufacturing residue that often causes air fryers to give off a plastic smell during testing. The manufacturer claims it is normal and should burn away after a few uses, but it hadn’t entirely dissipated even after 15 uses.
But its top-notch air-frying performance and slim design still earn it a score of 4 out of 5.
Cosori Smart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Best Value Air Fryer Oven
Type: Oven air fryer | Capacity: 26 qt | Dimensions: 16.3” L x 16.9” W x 15.5” H | Weight: 22 lb | Material: Stainless steel | Control Type: Buttons, LCD display and selector knob | Number of Functions: 11 | Temperature Range: 80 to 450 degrees
For anyone on a budget, the Cosori Smart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is an excellent value. It offers many of the same features as higher-end models like the Breville Joule but at a fraction of the price. Its air-frying performance is on par with those premium ovens, too, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality to save money.
It has a 26-quart capacity that can hold a 5-pound chicken. We easily fit a 2-pound bag of frozen french fries in its air-frying basket and a 1.75-pound London broil on its food tray during testing. The oven is pretty bulky, but we didn’t have much trouble finding a place for it in our testing area. However, its height could be an issue in kitchens with low cabinets, so it’s best for more spacious kitchens.
It was one of the most efficient air fryer ovens we tested. It took only 12 minutes to make crispy, golden french fries with a fluffy interior, 50% faster than those made in our standard oven. One of our testers noted, "I found the Cosori was hotter than the other air fryers I’ve used, so the cook time in many basic air-frying recipes was a bit too long for this model. I estimate you’d need to shave off a minute or two."
The chicken wings we made were some of our favorites during testing. They had crispy skin with a slight char near the edges and wonderfully juicy, flavorful meat, all in just 18 minutes, or 61% faster than those we made in the oven. We were also pleased with how well it toasted bread and reheated leftover pizza.
We also used the oven to fix London broil, cooking it at 425 degrees for seven minutes on each side. The edges of the meat were slightly overcooked, but the rest was cooked evenly.
Like the Breville Joule, the Cosori Smart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is Wi-Fi enabled, so it can connect to the VeSync app. We had no trouble connecting the oven to Wi-Fi or the app and found its functionality to be better than the Breville+ app. We could not only access recipes but also control all of the oven’s settings from our smartphone even from another room.
Overall, we scored it a 4 out of 5 for its advanced features, solid air-frying and cooking performance, impressive capacity and excellent value.
Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer
Best Beginner-Friendly Air Fryer
Type: Basket air fryer | Capacity: 6 qt | Dimensions: 12.8” L x 11.8” W x 14.9” H | Weight: 11.35 lb | Material: Plastic | Control Type: Touch screen and selector | Number of Functions: 6 | Temperature Range: 95 to 400 degrees
If you’re new to the world of air-frying and want a model that’s easy to use, the Instant Vortex Plus can help simplify the process. We found that its simple design was very beginner-friendly, with a one-touch button for each of the six cooking functions and a knob to set the time and temperature.
It also has a progress bar to let us know how far along in the cooking process our food was. We also liked that it beeped halfway through air-frying to remind us to turn or flip the food to ensure it cooked evenly.
The Vortex Plus offered impressive air-frying performance. It made some of the juiciest chicken wings of the models we tested in 18 minutes, 55% faster than those made in a standard oven. It also cooked bacon 40% faster and hot dogs 58% faster than those in our regular oven. We toasted bread to a crisp golden brown in just two minutes and reheated leftover french fries in three minutes.
The capacity of the Vortex Plus is another major benefit. We found it can hold eight hot dogs, 20 ounces of steak fries, six full-size pieces of bacon or over 16 ounces of Brussels sprouts. "It's a great size for a family," Foster said. "It's large enough to cook a decent amount of food without taking up an excessive amount of counter space."
We also found it was quieter during cooking than other air fryers we tested, making a soft whirring sound that didn’t interfere with conversation. It preheated quickly, taking just 2.5 minutes to reach temperature.
We gave the Vortex Plus a 4 out of 5 for its user-friendly operation and family-size capacity.
How air fryers work
An air fryer combines several different cooking methods in one convenient appliance.
- An electric coil suspended above the food provides radiant heat, much like a broiler element or stovetop burner. This dry heat penetrates the food and warms it internally.
- A fan positioned above the coil creates a current of superheated air that flows around and under the food. This is convection heating, a cooking method often found in commercial ovens.
- The convection action converts the small amount of oil used into a fine mist that coats the food as it circulates. This action mimics the effect traditional deep-frying has on foods submerged in hot cooking oil.
- As the hot air flows, the food's own moisture creates the steam needed to finish the cooking process.
Types of air fryers
Basket-style air fryers are the most common type. They are usually egg-shaped and have a removable drawer with a basket that holds the food. With a smaller cooking area, they typically preheat and cook more quickly than other air fryer types and often get food crispier. They generally have a smaller footprint, making them a good fit for kitchens with limited counter space.
Air fryers that we tested that fit this description are the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Slim and Instant Vortex Plus.
Air fryer ovens combine the functions of an air fryer with those of a toaster oven, so they usually offer more cooking functions and greater versatility. They also have a larger capacity, making them an excellent choice for families. However, they require more space on the counter, so they might not fit in smaller kitchens. But they can replace multiple appliances to maximize counter space.
Air fryers that we tested that fit this description are the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Cosori Smart Air Fryer Toaster Oven.
Multicookers pair an air-frying setting with other cooking settings, such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, searing and more. Like air fryer ovens, they can replace multiple appliances but typically can’t hold as much food.
The only air fryer that we tested that fits this description is the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer.
What to consider when buying an air fryer
If you want to find the right air fryer for your kitchen, it’s essential to consider key factors like the capacity that will work best for your household and the size that will fit seamlessly on your countertop. Other features like the number and versatility of the settings can help you choose the best model for your needs.
Wattage
To work their magic, air fryers typically require between 800 and 2,100 watts of power. The number of watts typically corresponds to the size of the air fryer, so larger models use more watts. A small model (such as the Instant Vortex Mini) generally runs on 800 to 1,300 watts, medium models use 1,300 to 1,600 watts and large models offer 1,600 to 2,100 watts.
The most powerful models we tested were the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and the Cosori Air Fryer, which all used 1,800 watts. However, the Ninja Speedi wasn't far behind at 1,760 watts, followed by the Instant Vortex Slim and Instant Vortex Plus at 1,700 watts and the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket at 1,690 watts.
Before you buy an air fryer, make sure your kitchen outlet can support its wattage. You can usually find a model’s running wattage in its product description on the manufacturer’s website or the online retailer’s product listing.
However, keep in mind that a standard oven typically uses 2,000 to 5,000 watts, so even the largest air fryer you choose will use less energy.
Capacity and size
Another important pre-purchase consideration is an air fryer's capacity. You want a model that can make enough food for your household so you don’t have to cook multiple batches to get a meal on the table.
Most air fryers can hold between 1.5 and 10 quarts. In general, you usually want at least 1 quart of capacity for each person you’re cooking for. A 2- to 3-quart model like the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer is typically large enough for one or two people. For four people, a 5- to 6-quart model, such as the Instant Vortex Slim Air Fryer, works well. If your household is larger, opt for a 7- to 10-quart model like the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer to make sure you have enough cooking area.
If you need even more cooking space, air fryer ovens typically offer between 0.4 to 1.2 cubic feet of capacity. The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro and Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro both have 1 cubic foot of capacity, which means they’re large enough to fit a 14-pound turkey. That makes them excellent for large groups and entertaining.
However, air fryer ovens and basket air fryers with a large cooking area obviously take up more space on the countertop. If you have a small kitchen, a large-capacity air fryer oven like the Breville Joule or Cosori Smart Air Fryer Toaster Oven may have a larger footprint than you’d like. Compact models like the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer or Instant Vortex Slim Air Fryer are a better fit for smaller kitchens.
There are benefits to both small air fryers and large-capacity ovens:
- Compact air fryers have a smaller cooking area to heat, so they often have shorter preheat and cooking times than larger models.
- A large-capacity air fryer oven not only allows you to cook for more people but also offers additional cooking functions, which means it can replace multiple countertop appliances besides an air fryer, including a toaster oven, slot toaster, slow cooker, pressure cooker and/or dehydrator, and maximize your available counter space.
Settings
All air fryers obviously have an air-frying setting, but many models include additional cooking functions and presets that increase their versatility. The number of settings you can choose ranges from one to as many as 13, depending on your cooking needs and habits.
The more settings an air fryer has, the more appliances it can replace on your counter. Some popular settings you’ll find on air fryers include the following:
- Air-fry: All air fryers have a convection fan for air-frying, which is ideal for foods you want to get as crispy as possible, such as french fries, onion rings, chicken wings, chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks.
- Bake: You can use this setting for dishes that require moderate temperatures like cookies, cakes and casseroles. Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule, Instant Vortex Mini, Ninja Foodi FlexBasket, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Ninja Speedi, Instant Vortex Slim, Cosori Air Fryer and Instant Vortex Plus.
- Roast: This setting is ideal for foods that need slightly higher temperatures, including thick meats and hearty vegetables. Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule, Instant Vortex Mini, Ninja Foodi FlexBasket, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Ninja Speedi, Instant Vortex Slim, Cosori Air Fryer and Instant Vortex Plus.
- Toast: This is the perfect setting for breads and sandwiches. Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Cosori Air Fryer.
- Broil: You can use this setting to cook at high temperatures and finish off meals that need browning on top, such as casseroles or pizzas. It can even be used to cook thin pieces of meat like chicken breasts. Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule, Ninja Foodi FlexBasket, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Ninja Speedi, Instant Vortex Slim, Cosori Air Fryer and Instant Vortex Plus.
- Reheat: This setting relies on low temperatures to warm foods through without burning or cooking them further. Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule, Instant Vortex Mini, Ninja Foodi FlexBasket, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Instant Vortex Slim, Cosori Air Fryer and Instant Vortex Plus.
- Warm: With this setting, you can keep cooked food at a steady temperature until you’re ready to eat it. Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Cosori Air Fryer.
- Dehydrate: This setting uses extremely low temperatures to dry out foods over a long period. It’s perfect for making jerky, dried spices or dried fruit. Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule, Ninja Foodi FlexBasket, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Ninja Speedi, Cosori Air Fryer and Instant Vortex Plus.
- Slow cook: With this setting, you can cook foods at low temperatures over a prolonged period so they become extremely tender. Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Ninja Speedi and Cosori Air Fryer.
- Proof: This setting creates a low-temperature environment that helps activate the yeast in various dough recipes. Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule and Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro.
- Bagels: This setting is designed to perfectly toast thick bagel halves. Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule and Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro.
- Pizza: This setting is a baking function with a preset cooking temperature and time to crisp the crust and perfectly melt the cheese on pizzas. Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Cosori Air Fryer.
- Cookies: This setting is another baking function that provides an ideal cooking temperature and time for delicious cookies. Said one of our testers, "I used the Cookie setting [on the Breville Joule] to make some cookies from a refrigerated premade roll of chocolate chip cookie dough, and they came out nice and crispy with a slightly soft center in 11 minutes." Our top picks with this function: Breville Joule and Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro.
Controls
When it comes to cooking functions, you can expect to find simple knob controls on basic models and sleek touch screens with preset functions on high-end options. Some models also pair knob controls with a digital or LCD display for more control over your chosen settings. So, which one should you choose?
With a touch screen or LCD display and knobs, we found it's easier to lock in more precise settings. You can usually set the time in one-minute intervals and the temperature in five-degree increments. However, some users find touch-screen controls intimidating, and may prefer how simple and intuitive turning a knob can be.
However, with knob-only controls, it's basically impossible to achieve a precise cooking time and temperature. Knob controls have marks in increments, such as five minutes for time settings or 25 degrees for temperature settings. If you want to choose a time or temperature in the middle of those increments, you often wind up guessing at the proper placement of the knob.
Additionally, some knob controls can be difficult to turn, especially for someone who lacks hand strength or has mobility issues.
There are also some durability concerns about an air fryer with knobs, particularly if they require some force to turn.
Finally, when it comes to presets, we say the more the better. The more presets an air fryer has makes it possible to cook various types of food with the precise time and temperature required at the touch of a button. The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro and Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro both offer 13 presets, which is more than any other air fryer we tested.
Frying basket
If you're considering a basket-style air fryer, the frying basket is the part of an air fryer in which the food is placed for cooking. It has a handle that stays cool to the touch, so it’s safe to remove it from the unit for checking or serving the food. Here are a few things to look for when shopping.
- Multiple baskets: Air-frying baskets vary in size depending on the model, but some air fryers have two baskets, allowing you to cook two foods at the same time without them mixing.
- Dividers: You can find models with a removable divider, so you can have separate drawers when necessary or one large cooking area when you need extra space for food. The Ninja Foodi FlexBasket, for instance, has a 7-quart basket that can be divided into two 3.5-quart baskets; our tests found that the divider effectively kept the juices and flavors in each basket separate, so for example, your french fries won't taste like the broccoli cooking next to it.
- Material: Most air fryers have baskets made either of stainless steel with a nonstick coating or ceramic, which provides a naturally nonstick surface. Many frying baskets are safe to put in the dishwasher.
Crisping plate
Crafted of metal with holes that enable the hot air to circulate, this removable component fits in the bottom of the frying basket and helps produce a uniform crispy finish. Also sometimes referred to as a crisping tray, most have a nonstick finish and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Pros and cons of air fryers
There is no doubt that air fryers have a multitude of uses in the kitchen, from creating an oil-free version of fried foods to steaming vegetables to baking cupcakes and brownies. But an air fryer does have some limitations and drawbacks.
Pros of cooking with an air fryer
- An air fryer produces crisp, moist food without the need for a deep fryer or large amounts of oil. If avoiding saturated fats and heavily fried foods is on your list of dietary priorities, then using an air fryer that requires far less oil than a deep fryer is clearly the way to go. That said, in our tests, we found large-capacity air fryers did a much better job cooking foods like chicken wings and hot dogs to crispy, juicy perfection compared to the smallest air fryer we tested, the 2-quart Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, which dried out our food a bit more than we would have liked.
- Air fryers are versatile and can be used to prepare a large variety of foods. While you may think of french fries, chicken nuggets and pizza when you think of an air fryer, this small kitchen appliance is also great for cooking foods like burgers, fish, chicken wings, baked potatoes, veggies, desserts and much more. An air fryer can also be used to reheat leftovers. Some air fryers are even multicookers; the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer, for instance, offers 12-in-1 fuctionality and can whip up a three-part meal in under 30 minutes with a combination of steam and dry heat.
- Air fryers are much easier to clean and maintain than traditional deep fryers. There is no large container of hot cooking oil to filter and store. The air fryer's cooking basket can be washed by hand or in a dishwasher between uses. In our tests, we had no real trouble cleaning any of the air fryers. We especially liked that the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket's basket divider worked well to keep one half of the basket clean if we only needed to make a small amount of food, so cleanup was quicker.
- In addition to standard air fryers, the rapid hot-air technology is available in combo appliances. For example, you can find an air fryer multicooker that also works as a pressure cooker and an air fryer toaster oven that fries, roasts and bakes. What’s more, some countertop convection ovens that rotisserie, bake, roast and dehydrate also have an air fryer function. Some of our favorite models from testing that offer 11 functions or more included the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer and the Cosori Air Fryer.
Cons of cooking with an air fryer
- Some air fryers struggle with evenly cooking the food, especially when it's piled in the basket so heat can't get to the center as well. The Instant Vortex Plus, for instance, produced a batch of Brussels sprouts with some that were soft in the middle and others too firm. A way to minimize this is by shaking the basket occasionally during cooking.
- Air fryers can take up a good amount of space on the counter. The three largest models we tested were the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro (21.5-by-17.3-inch footprint), the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (21.5-by-17.1-inch footprint) and the the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket (18.19-by-11.81-inch footprint).
- Cooking times can be considerably longer in an air fryer than in a traditional deep fryer. (But, again, cooking with an air fryer is better for your health.)
- It can take some trial and error to achieve great results for those who are new to cooking with an air fryer. We found we sometimes had to try a recipe a few times, making adjustments to the time and temperature on each round, before we reached perfection.
Air fryer prices
Air fryer prices vary based on the size and type, but most models cost between $50 and $500.
Small basket-style air fryers that hold between 1 and 4 quarts, such as the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, typically range from $50 to $100, but larger basket air fryers that can fit between 5 and 8 quarts, such as the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer, go for $100 to $200.
If you prefer the extra-large capacity or versatility of an air fryer oven or multicooker, you’ll pay more. Air fryer ovens like the Cosori Smart Air Fryer Oven and Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro typically cost between $125 and $500. A multicooker air fryer like the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer usually ranges from $100 to $300 because their capacity is more limited than an air fryer oven.
The case against deep-frying
As air fryers grow in popularity, it’s important to understand why traditional deep-frying has become an issue with many health-conscious cooks.
First, the amount of saturated fat contained in lard and other animal fats is high. Diets rich in saturated fats can lead to arterial clogging, which in turn can lead to strokes and heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.
Here are some other reasons why people are replacing deep-frying with other cooking methods:
- Cooking oils break down over time. Animal-based shortenings have a very limited shelf life because they react with the outside air and become rancid. Vegetable oils can also separate into water and fat after several deep-frying sessions. Replacing these cooking oils, especially in the quantities required for larger deep fryers, can be expensive and time-consuming.
- Deep-frying creates hazardous byproducts. Small bits of batter or dry coating tend to fall into the oil as foods cook. Because of the high temperatures involved, this process can cause acrylamide to form. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, studies have found that acrylamide in very high doses causes cancer in lab animals, so there may be carcinogenic chemicals in deep-fried food.
- Deep fryers require diligent maintenance. A deep fryer remains too hot to handle for several hours after use. That means it’s a challenge to perform important tasks like filtering the oil. Working with large amounts of animal-based fat is also a messy and thankless job for many cooks. There is also the problem of having a large container of scalding hot oil within reach of small children.
- Ideal cooking temperatures are hard to maintain. The secret to successful deep-frying is maintaining a proper oil temperature. When cooking oil falls below a certain temperature, the food's internal moisture does not repel the oil as well, resulting in greasy, undercooked food. Simply putting frozen food into a hot deep fryer will affect the oil temperature, and the heating elements of many deep fryers take a long time to recover from the shock. This is not a concern with superheated cooking methods like convection or air-frying.
How we tested
We tested the air fryers in this article in October 2023. As of September 2024, we haven't seen many updates to the space, as manufacturers aren't coming out with too much new technology that we believe changes the overall cooking experience. We've continued to test models from our favorite brands — like Ninja, Instant Pot, Breville and others — as upgrades are released, but haven't seen anything that changes our top recommendations.
To help evaluate the air fryers we tested, we cooked five commonly air-fried foods (french fries, chicken wings, hot dogs, Brussels sprouts and bacon) using the same basic recipe for each food. We also prepared the same foods in a standard oven to compare the crispiness and cooking times between the two methods.
French fries: We cooked frozen french fries in all the air fryers we tested. If the package had air-frying instructions, we followed those recommendations. Otherwise, we used a recipe that called for air-frying them at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing them halfway through the cooking time for even cooking. However, we checked on the fries periodically to try to avoid overcooking them.
Chicken wings: We tossed the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper and air-fried them at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. We flipped the wings for even cooking and cooked them for another eight to 12 minutes.
Hot dogs: We prepared hot dogs by making several slits down the length before adding them to the air fryers. We cooked them at 400 degrees for six minutes before transferring them to buns. We returned the hot dogs in the buns to the air fryers for another two minutes to finish cooking and toast the buns.
Brussels sprouts: We coated the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper before adding them to the air fryers. We air-fried them at 375 degrees for 5 minutes and tossed them to ensure even cooking. We then cooked them for another 5 to 8 minutes.
Bacon: We placed the bacon in a single layer in the air fryers and cooked it at 350 degrees for seven to 12 minutes, depending on its thickness.
If the air fryers had presets for specific foods, such as french fries or chicken wings, we used those preprogrammed cooking times and temperatures rather than the online recipes’ instructions.
FAQ
Q. Can I remove the basket of my air fryer to add seasoning in the middle of cooking?
A. It depends on the model, so consult the owner's manual to be certain. Many air fryers allow you to pull out the basket during the cooking cycle to stir the product or add seasoning. The unit should shut off automatically if it has this feature.
Q. Can I cook more than one type of food item at the same time in a standard air fryer?
A. Many models have dividers that keep different food items separate during a cooking cycle. We recommend only combining foods with similar prep times or temperatures to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Q. Can I cook frozen meats or vegetables in an air fryer?
A. In most cases, you can prepare meats and vegetables from a frozen state in an air fryer. The superheated air and convection action draw excess moisture to an exhaust port, so frozen foods won't get mushy from unwanted steaming. It’s important to remember that cooking times could be extended considerably when starting with frozen foods.
Q. Can I use aluminum foil or other baking paper in an air fryer?
A. Since air fryers do not use microwave technology, you can safely use aluminum foil or metal containers. Parchment paper will also work in an air fryer. The important thing to remember is that the superheated air requires free circulation to work. Food wrappers should not block the natural flow of hot air around the cooking chamber.
Q. Is air-fried food more healthful?
A. Air-fried food is certainly more healthful compared to deep-fried and pan-fried food. Air-frying requires little to no oil, while deep-frying typically requires 4 to 6 cups of oil to submerge the food. Even pan-frying usually calls for a few tablespoons of oil or butter.
But the overall healthfulness of air-frying depends on what you’re cooking. You won’t be eating the healthiest, most nutritious meals if you mainly air-fry foods like french fries, onion rings and mozzarella sticks. However, your air fryer can make plenty of healthy vegetable, chicken and fish recipes.
