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.
Our Top Picks for the Best Air Fryers of 2025
After hours of research, testing insights, and sifting through customer feedback, we’ve rounded up the six best air fryers for models stand out for their performance, ease of use, and versatility, catering to everyone from busy parents to solo cooks. Whether you’re craving crispy wings or want to bake a quick dessert, these air fryers deliver.
Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer earns our top spot for its consistent cooking, user-friendly design, and reasonable price. Its square basket maximizes cooking space, fitting enough fries or wings for a family of four without overcrowding. In tests, it delivered golden, crispy chicken wings in just 20 minutes and evenly cooked frozen fries without needing a mid-cook shake. The digital controls are intuitive, and the preheat function (3-5 minutes to reach 400°F) saves time. Plus, it’s quiet and easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe parts.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Settings: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
- Dimensions: x x inches
- Power: 1,500 watts
Customer Quote: “This air fryer has been a game changer for our family. The basket is spacious, and everything comes out crispy. Clean-up is a breeze since it’s dishwasher-safe.” – Amazon reviewer, verified purchase
Shop the Instant Vortex Plus on Amazon
Foodi DZ550 Dual Basket Air Fryer
For those juggling multiple dishes, the Ninja Foodi DZ550 with its dual 5-quart baskets is a lifesaver. You can cook a main dish and a side simultaneously at different temperatures and sync them to finish together. It crisps up fries and wings evenly, and the ceramic nonstick coating makes cleanup simple. The included temperature probe ensures perfectly cooked meats, a rare feature at this price point.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 10 quarts (two 5-quart baskets)
- Settings: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
- Dimensions: x x inches
- Power: 1,690 watts
Customer Quote: “I love the dual baskets! I can make chicken in one and veggies in the other, and they’re both done at the same time. It’s so convenient.” – Amazon reviewer, verified purchase
Shop the Ninja Foodi DZ550 on Amazon
TurboBlaze 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Cosori TurboBlaze shines for its sleek design and versatility. Its 6-quart basket handles meals for four, and the flat, top-mounted display is easy to read. It performed well in tests, producing moist chicken breasts and crispy Brussels sprouts. The VeSync app offers recipes, though it doesn’t control the fryer. It’s a solid pick for those who value aesthetics and performance.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Settings: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm
- Dimensions: x x inches
- Power: 1,750 watts
Customer Quote: “This air fryer looks great on my counter and cooks everything perfectly. The app is a nice bonus for recipe ideas.” – Amazon reviewer, verified purchase
Shop the Cosori TurboBlaze on Amazon
Crispi Glass Air Fryer
The Ninja Crispi introduces a unique glass cooking chamber, letting you watch your food crisp up without opening the basket. It comes with 6-cup and 4-quart glass containers, ideal for meal prepping or serving. It cooked chicken and veggies evenly in tests, and the glass is durable but gets hot, so use caution. It’s pricier but perfect for those who prioritize visibility and style.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 6 cups or 4 quarts
- Settings: Air Fry, Bake, Reheat, Roast
- Dimensions: x x inches
- Power: 1,800 watts
Customer Quote: “I love seeing my food cook through the glass! It’s so easy to use, and the food comes out crispy every time.” – Amazon reviewer, verified purchase
Shop the Ninja Crispi on Amazon
3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200/91
The Philips 3000 Series is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. Its 4-quart basket is ideal for smaller households, and it crisps food quickly. It lacks advanced features like app connectivity, but its simple controls make it a great choice for beginners. It’s compact and easy to store, perfect for small kitchens.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 4 quarts
- Settings: Air Fry, Bake, Grill, Roast
- Dimensions: x x inches
- Power: 1,400 watts
Customer Quote: “This air fryer is so easy to use and fits perfectly in my tiny apartment. Fries come out crispy, and it’s super quiet.” – Amazon reviewer, verified purchase
Shop the Philips 3000 Series on Amazon
Air Fryer Toaster Oven
If you want an air fryer that moonlights as a toaster oven, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is your pick. It air fries, bakes, broils, and toasts, with a interior that fits a whole chicken. It’s pricier and bulkier but ideal for those who need a multi-tasker. In tests, it delivered even browning and crispy results.
Key Features:
- Capacity: cubic feet
- Settings: Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Warm
- Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 14 inches
- Power: 1,800 watts
Customer Quote: “This does everything! I use it to air fry, bake cookies, and toast bread. It’s a kitchen workhorse.” – Amazon reviewer, verified purchase
Shop the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven on Amazon
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 Air Fryer for Your Needs
With so many air fryers on the market, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider, backed by insights from testing and expert reviews, to help you make an informed choice.
Capacity: Match Size to Your Household
Air fryer capacity is measured in quarts or liters, and choosing the right size depends on how many people you’re cooking for:
- 2-4 quarts: Best for 1-2 people, ideal for small apartments or occasional use. The Philips 3000 Series (4 quarts) is a great example.
- 5-7 quarts: Suits families of 3- Instant Vortex Plus (6 quarts) or Cosori TurboBlaze (6 quarts) are versatile for this size.
- 8+ quarts: Perfect for larger families or entertaining. The Ninja Foodi DZ550 (10 quarts) handles big meals with ease.
Tip: Check the actual measured capacity, as some brands overstate. For instance, Consumer Reports found the Kenmore KKAF8Q’s claimed 8-quart capacity was only quarts.
Basket vs. Oven-Style: Which Design Works for You?
Air fryers come in two main designs, each with pros and cons:
- Basket-Style: Compact, with a pull-out basket for easy shaking. Great for fries and wings but limited for larger items like whole chickens. Most of our picks, like the Instant Vortex Plus, are basket-style.
- Oven-Style: Larger, with racks for multi-level cooking. Ideal for baking or roasting but takes up more counter space. The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a top oven-style choice.
Consider your counter space and cooking habits. Basket models are easier to store, while oven-style units replace multiple appliances.
Features: What’s Worth the Extra Cost?
Modern air fryers offer a range of features, but not all are essential. Here’s what to prioritize:
- Multiple Cooking Modes: Look for air fry, roast, bake, and reheat. Dehydrate and proof are bonuses for niche tasks like drying herbs or baking bread.
- Digital Controls: Intuitive displays, like those on the Cosori TurboBlaze, make setting time and temperature a breeze.
- Preheat Function: Speeds up cooking, as seen in the Instant Vortex Plus, but not all models need it, per Serious Eats testing.
- Dual Baskets: Cook two dishes at once, like with the Ninja Foodi DZ550, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Viewing Window: Handy for monitoring food, as in the Ninja Crispi, but can reduce efficiency in some models.
Skip smart features like app connectivity unless you love tech; they often add cost without significant benefits.
Performance: Crispy Results Matter
An air fryer’s job is to mimic deep frying with less oil, so performance is key. Look for models with strong fans and even heat distribution. In tests by Good Housekeeping, the Instant Vortex Plus excelled at crisping wings and fries, while the Ninja Foodi DZ550 handled dual cooking flawlessly. Avoid models with uneven cooking, like the Cuisinart Air-200, which produced burnt and mushy results in Wirecutter tests.
Ease of Cleaning: Save Time on Cleanup
Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easier. The Instant Vortex Plus and Ninja Foodi DZ550 score high here. Glass models like the Ninja Crispi are durable but require careful handling due to heat. Avoid models with loose trays that fall out when emptying, like the Instant Vortex in some reviews.
Price: Balancing Budget and Quality
Air fryers range from $50 to $ models like the Philips 3000 Series ($100) perform well for basic needs, while premium picks like the Ninja Crispi ($180) offer unique features. Mid-range options like the Instant Vortex Plus ($160) strike the best balance for most households. Check for sales, especially around holidays, to snag deals.
Safety and Durability: Long-Term Reliability
Look for models with cool-touch handles and auto-shutoff. Glass containers, like in the Ninja Crispi, get hot, so use oven mitts. Brands like Instant and Ninja are known for durability, backed by one-year warranties. Avoid models with flimsy baskets or overheating issues, like the Fritaire, which ran 90°F over its set temperature in WIRED tests.
🔌 Air Fryer Electricity Cost Calculator
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.
