The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Why Choose an 8-Quart Air Fryer?
An 8-quart air fryer is the sweet spot for families or anyone who loves hosting. It’s large enough to cook a whole chicken or a big batch of fries for 4-6 people, yet it doesn’t hog your entire countertop like some oversized appliances. These models crisp up food with little to no oil, making meals healthier without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. Plus, they’re versatile—think roasting, baking, dehydrating, and even broiling. If you’re tired of greasy pans or waiting forever for your oven to preheat, an 8-quart air fryer can be a game-changer. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Let’s dive into the top 6 models for 2025, based on performance, features, and real user feedback.
Top 6 Best 8-Quart Air Fryers for 2025
Ninja Foodi 8-Quart DualZone Air Fryer
The Ninja Foodi 8-Quart DualZone Air Fryer stands out for its innovative dual-basket design, letting you cook two different foods at once with separate settings. Each 4-quart basket can operate independently, so you can air fry wings in one while roasting veggies in the other. The SyncFinish function ensures both baskets complete cooking at the same time, perfect for weeknight dinners. In tests, it delivered crispy fries and juicy chicken wings consistently, with a temperature range of 105°F to 450°F. The dishwasher-safe baskets make cleanup a breeze, though it’s a bit bulky at x x inches.
Real User Review from Amazon: “I’ve been using this fryer for several months now, and I love it! Made chicken wings, fries, and even roasted a whole chicken. The dual zone is perfect for cooking two dishes at once without mixing flavors. Clean-up is easy, and it’s not too noisy.” – Debbie C.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a multitasker’s dream, combining an air fryer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, and more into one 8-quart unit. It comes with two lids—one for air frying and one for pressure cooking—giving you flexibility to whip up everything from crispy fries to tender stews. It excelled in tests for even cooking, with fries ready in just 14 minutes. The 1500-watt power ensures quick preheating, and the dishwasher-safe components simplify cleanup. At x x inches, it’s a bit tall, so check your counter space.
Real User Review from Amazon: “This is my favorite kitchen appliance! I use it almost daily. The air fryer function makes the best wings, and the pressure cooker is a lifesaver for quick meals. It’s easy to use and clean.” – Sarah M.
Tabitha Brown for Target 8-Quart Digital Air Fryer
Designed with style and affordability in mind, the Tabitha Brown for Target 8-Quart Air Fryer boasts a floral aesthetic and a budget-friendly price tag. Despite its 7-quart measured capacity (slightly less than advertised), it performs well for families, crisping up wings and fries with ease. The viewing window lets you monitor food without opening the basket, and it includes settings for dehydrating, reheating, and keeping food warm. It scored high for quiet operation and easy cleaning in Consumer Reports tests, though the controls can feel slightly less intuitive.
Real User Review from Target: “This air fryer is so cute and works great! I made chicken tenders and sweet potato fries, and they came out perfect. Love the window so I can check on my food. Super easy to clean too.” – Kayla R.
Chefman TurboFry Digital 8-Quart Air Fryer
The Chefman TurboFry 8-Quart Air Fryer is a solid pick for those seeking a straightforward, no-fuss option. With a sleek digital interface and four presets (air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate), it’s user-friendly for beginners. It cooked fries and wings evenly in tests, though it’s slightly slower than premium models. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, and at x x inches, it fits most countertops. Its 1700-watt power ensures decent performance, but the lack of a viewing window means you will need to open the basket to check progress.
Real User Review from Amazon: “Really happy with this air fryer. It’s easy to use, and the food comes out crispy every time. I’ve made everything from fries to salmon, and it’s all been delicious. Cleaning is simple too.” – Mike T.
PowerXL Vortex 8-Quart Air Fryer
The PowerXL Vortex 8-Quart Air Fryer is a budget-friendly option with 10 preset functions, including pizza, fish, and steak. It’s great for large families, with a spacious basket that can handle a 4-pound chicken. However, tests showed it struggles with even browning, with some fries coming out soggy. The 1700-watt unit is easy to clean, but its bulky x x 15 inches footprint may not suit smaller kitchens. It’s a decent choice if you prioritize capacity over precision.
Real User Review from Amazon: “This air fryer is huge and great for my family of made wings, fries, and even a small roast. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it gets the job done.” – Lisa P.
Kenmore 8-Quart Air Fryer
The Kenmore 8-Quart Air Fryer offers a measured capacity of quarts but still handles family-sized meals with ease. It shines in ease of cleaning and control clarity, per Consumer Reports, with a digital display and eight preset programs. It’s versatile enough for baking cakes or reheating leftovers, and its quiet operation is a plus. At 12 x 13 x 16 inches, it’s compact for its size, but the basket’s holes are slightly large, so small foods may slip through without a liner.
Real User Review from Amazon: “I love this air fryer! It’s quiet, easy to use, and cleans up in no time. I’ve made fries, chicken, and even brownies. Great for my family of four.” – Emily S.
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 8-Quart Air Fryer
Picking the right 8-quart air fryer comes down to your cooking needs, kitchen space, and budget. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision.
Key Features to Look For
- Capacity: While labeled as 8 quarts, actual capacity can vary (e.g., quarts). Ensure it can handle meals for your household—typically 4-6 servings.
- Cooking Functions: Look for versatile settings like air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and broil. Dual-basket models like the Ninja Foodi offer more flexibility.
- Controls: Digital displays with presets are user-friendly, especially for beginners. Touchscreens should be responsive and easy to read.
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe baskets and nonstick coatings save time. Viewing windows reduce the need to open the basket, keeping it cleaner.
- Power: Most 8-quart models range from 1500-1700 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking but may increase energy use.
Size and Counter Space
Measure your countertop before buying. Most 8-quart air fryers are around 12-15 inches in width and depth, with heights up to 16 inches. If space is tight, consider slimmer models like the Kenmore. Also, ensure proper ventilation—leave a few inches of clearance around the unit to prevent overheating.
Performance and Even Cooking
A great air fryer should crisp food evenly without drying it out. Dual-basket models or those with powerful fans (like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp) excel here. Check reviews for real-world performance, as some models (e.g., PowerXL) may struggle with consistent browning. Good Housekeeping tests highlight models that balance crispiness and moisture well.
Budget Considerations
Prices for 8-quart air fryers range from $80 (Tabitha Brown) to $200 (Ninja Foodi). Budget models often lack advanced features like dual baskets or app integration but can still perform well for basic tasks. Mid-range options ($120-$150) offer a good balance of features and reliability.
Safety Features
Look for auto-shutoff, cool-touch handles, and secure baskets to prevent accidents. Models with viewing windows reduce the need to open hot baskets, adding an extra layer of safety.
Additional Tips
- Accessories: Some models include racks, skewers, or recipe books. These add value but may increase the price.
- Warranty: A 1-2 year warranty is standard. Brands like Cosori and Kenmore offer two years, which is a plus.
- Noise: Larger air fryers can be noisy. Quiet models like the Tabitha Brown or Kenmore are ideal for open-plan kitchens.
By weighing these factors, you can find an 8-quart air fryer that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just love crispy, guilt-free meals.
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Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
