Air fryers have gained significant popularity in recent years as a kitchen appliance that promises to make healthier versions of fried foods. By using hot air circulation, they achieve a crispy texture similar to deep-frying but with much less oil. This method not only reduces calorie intake but also minimizes the mess and health concerns associated with traditional frying.

With the variety of models available, it’s essential to understand what factors make an air fryer suitable for your kitchen. Capacity is one of the most critical considerations; it affects how much food you can cook at once. Additionally, features such as temperature settings, cooking presets, and ease of cleaning can greatly influence your cooking experience.

When purchasing an air fryer, we recommend paying close attention to size, wattage, and additional functionalities like presets or smart technology. These elements can help ensure you select an air fryer that meets your cooking needs and lifestyle. We spent various hours researching and testing multiple air fryers to identify the ones that provide the best results and user experience.

Best Air Fryers

We have curated a selection of the best air fryers available. These products combine efficiency and versatility, making it easier to prepare healthier meals without compromising on taste. Whether you’re new to air frying or looking to upgrade, our list will help you find the right option for your kitchen.

Ninja Air Fryer AF101

This air fryer is a solid kitchen appliance that can make cooking easier and healthier for us.

Pros

• Cooks food quickly and evenly.
• Allows for a variety of cooking methods including air frying and dehydrating.
• Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.

Cons

• The size may be limiting for larger families.
• Takes some time to get the best cooking times and temperatures right.
• Can be noisy during operation.

Using the Ninja Air Fryer has transformed our cooking routine. It offers a fast way to prepare meals without the long preheating times associated with traditional ovens. With the ability to make crispy fries and tasty veggies, it has quickly become a favorite for those busy evenings when we want something nutritious on the table.

The 4-quart capacity is adequate for most needs, but we sometimes find ourselves wishing for more space when preparing meals for guests. Still, the versatility it offers—ranging from air frying to dehydrating—means we can experiment with different types of foods and cooking techniques.

Cleaning is straightforward; the parts are designed to be taken apart easily, and we appreciate that they are dishwasher safe. The sleek design also means it fits well on our countertop, making it both an efficient and stylish addition to our kitchen.

Ninja Foodi XL 2-Basket Air Fryer

This air fryer is a fantastic choice for those who want to prepare multiple dishes at once without the hassle.

Pros

• Two separate cooking zones for efficient meal prep.
• Smart Cook System ensures perfectly cooked food every time.
• Large capacity makes it ideal for families and parties.

Cons

• Its size may be a bit bulky for smaller kitchens.
• Initial price point might be higher compared to basic models.
• Limited color options could be a downside for some.

We recently experienced the Ninja Foodi XL, and it truly revolutionized our meal preparation. The ability to cook two different items at once without juggling timings is a game changer. No more waiting and wasting time; everything comes out perfectly and on schedule thanks to the Smart Finish feature.

The cooking capacity is impressive, allowing us to prepare enough for a gathering. With its 10-quart capacity, we easily cooked a whole chicken and sides simultaneously. The DualZone Technology optimizes cooking times and yields consistently crispy results.

Cleaning up is manageable, thanks to the nonstick baskets. We appreciate that most components are dishwasher safe, making the post-cooking process less of a chore. While it could take up more counter space than some may prefer, the convenience it offers often outweighs this concern.

Overall, the Ninja Foodi XL 2-Basket Air Fryer stands out as a reliable kitchen companion for both everyday meals and special occasions.

COSORI TurboBlaze Air Fryer

We recommend the COSORI TurboBlaze Air Fryer for anyone looking to simplify their cooking process while still enjoying delicious, healthier meals.

Pros

• Cooks meals quickly, saving us valuable time in the kitchen.
• Versatile functions allow for a variety of cooking methods.
• Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components.

Cons

• Can be a bit bulky for smaller kitchens.
• Slight learning curve to master all cooking features.
• It may require adjustments in cooking times for different foods.

This air fryer has transformed our cooking experience, particularly with its TurboBlaze technology. We find it incredibly efficient, often preparing a full meal much faster than traditional methods. The crispy and evenly cooked results, even with less oil, have reshaped how we think about fried foods.

We appreciate the versatility offered by the nine cooking functions. Whether we’re roasting veggies, reheating leftovers, or baking, the air fryer handles it all. The included recipe book has also been helpful in exploring new meal ideas, ensuring we never run out of inspiration.

Cleaning up after meals has become less daunting too. Thanks to the non-stick basket and crisper plate, food residue doesn’t cling as much. Overall, this appliance has proven to be a valuable addition to our kitchen, making meal prep easier and healthier.

Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer

This versatile appliance is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their cooking routine with its multi-functionality and space-saving design.

Pros

• Space-saving design allows for easy storage against the backsplash.
• Offers quick cooking with excellent results thanks to OvenCrisp Technology.
• Capable of replacing multiple appliances with its 8-in-1 functionality.

Cons

• Cleaning can be more complex due to the number of components.
• Takes up a bit of counter space when fully upright.
• The size might be too large for some kitchen layouts.

We recently added the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer to our kitchen setup, and it has quickly become a go-to for dinner prep. The ability to flip it up against the wall when not in use is a game-changer for kitchens that are short on space. Not only does it fit a 12-inch pizza, but it can also air fry up to four pounds of food, which is perfect for family meals.

In terms of cooking performance, this oven excels with its OvenCrisp Technology. The combination of infrared heat and rapid air circulation cooks food evenly and quickly. We were impressed by how crispy our air-fried dishes turned out, giving us the satisfaction of fried food without the excess oil. The 8 cooking functions simplify meal prep, and we particularly enjoy the dehydrate option for making snacks.

While it’s an amazing appliance, we did find cleaning a bit tedious. The removable components are convenient, but with so many parts, it requires regular maintenance. Still, the benefits of quick and tasty meals often outweigh this small downside. For those looking to streamline cooking without sacrificing quality, the Ninja Flip is worth considering.

COSORI Lite Mini Air Fryer

This air fryer is a reliable choice for those seeking a compact kitchen gadget that makes cooking simple and enjoyable.

Pros

• Great for small kitchen spaces, it doesn’t take up much room.
• Has four cooking functions for versatile meal prep.
• Operates quietly, allowing for distraction-free cooking.

Cons

• The smaller capacity is best for singles or couples.
• Limited to a specific range of recipes in the app.
• Might not be ideal for larger meals or families.

Using the COSORI Lite Mini Air Fryer has been a pleasant experience. It fits seamlessly on our countertop and is surprisingly lightweight, which makes it easy to store when not in use. Even with its compact design, it does not compromise on performance. Cooking our favorite snacks, like crispy fries and fish, turned out great.

Switching between the four one-touch cooking functions is straightforward. We appreciate how it prepares meals quickly, with no preheating needed. The ability to whip up frozen foods into crispy delights is particularly convenient for a busy lifestyle.

Cleaning is hassle-free thanks to the dishwasher-safe basket. We’ve also experimented with the app’s 30 recipes, which provided fresh ideas for our meals. Overall, this mini air fryer has helped us enjoy healthier meals with significantly less oil.

Buying Guide

When selecting an air fryer, we should consider several critical features to ensure we choose the right one for our needs.

Capacity

Choose the capacity based on how many people we typically cook for. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Number of People	Recommended Capacity
1-2	2-4 quarts
3-4	4-6 quarts
5 or more	6-10 quarts

Temperature Range

Look for an air fryer with a wide temperature range. This allows us to cook various foods. A model with a range of 180°F to 400°F is ideal.

Cooking Functions

Examine the cooking functions available. Many air fryers offer:

• Air frying
• Baking
• Roasting
• Grilling

More functions provide versatility in our meal preparation.

Controls and Settings

Evaluate whether we prefer manual or digital controls. Digital options typically offer preset programs, making cooking easier.

Ease of Cleaning

Select a model with removable and dishwasher-safe parts. This feature simplifies cleanup and maintenance.

Safety Features

Prioritize safety features such as:

• Automatic shut-off
• Cool-touch handles
• Non-slip feet

These features enhance safety while cooking.

When we consider these factors carefully, we can make a well-informed choice tailored to our cooking habits and preferences.