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.
Understanding Air Fryers: What Makes Them Special?
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many households, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying by using hot air circulation to cook food with minimal oil. These compact appliances mimic the crispy, golden results of frying while significantly reducing fat content, making them ideal for everything from fries to chicken wings to roasted vegetables. Consumer Reports’ 2025 reviews highlight the best models based on performance, ease of use, and versatility, helping you choose the right one for your needs. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family of four, understanding key features like capacity, temperature control, and ease of cleaning can make all the difference.
Air fryers come in two main types: basket-style and toaster oven-style. Basket-style models, like those tested by Consumer Reports, feature a pull-out drawer with a perforated tray or basket, making it easy to shake and toss food for even cooking. Toaster oven-style air fryers offer more versatility, doubling as a countertop oven for baking or broiling. The best air fryers balance powerful fans, intuitive controls, and easy-to-clean components, ensuring consistent results across a variety of dishes.
Top 6 Air Fryers for 2025: Consumer Reports’ Picks
Consumer Reports rigorously tested dozens of air fryers in 2025, evaluating them on cooking performance, ease of use, noise levels, and cleaning. Below are the top six models that stood out, each excelling in specific areas to suit different households and cooking preferences. These recommendations include links to Amazon for easy purchasing, along with real user reviews from trusted platforms to give you a sense of what real customers think.
Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer earned top marks for its versatility and consistent cooking results. With a spacious basket and six cooking modes (air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and reheat), it’s perfect for families or those who love experimenting in the kitchen. Its digital controls are intuitive, and the stainless steel design adds a sleek touch to any countertop. Consumer Reports praised its ability to produce evenly crispy fries and juicy chicken wings with minimal oil.
User Review (from Amazon): “I’ve had this air fryer for 6 months, and it’s a game-changer. The fries come out crispy, and cleanup is a breeze with the nonstick basket. I’ve even made dehydrated fruit slices for snacks!” – Sarah J.
Foodi DZ550 10-Quart Air Fryer
For larger households, the Ninja Foodi DZ550 is a standout with its dual-basket design, allowing you to cook two different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. This 10-quart model is ideal for preparing full meals, like chicken and veggies, without mixing flavors. Consumer Reports noted its powerful fan and excellent browning capabilities, though it’s slightly noisier than smaller models.
User Review (from Amazon): “This air fryer is amazing for family dinners. I can cook salmon in one basket and asparagus in the other, and both come out perfect. It’s a bit bulky, but worth it for the capacity.” – Mark T.
3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200/91
The Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. With a capacity, it’s great for small families or couples. Consumer Reports highlighted its rapid cooking times and compact design, making it a top pick for smaller kitchens. The analog controls are simple, though it lacks some of the advanced presets of pricier models.
User Review (from Amazon): “I was skeptical about air fryers, but this Philips model won me over. It’s so easy to use, and my mozzarella sticks come out perfectly crispy every time.” – Emily R.
Pro II Air Fryer
The Cosori Pro II Air Fryer offers a great balance of capacity and features, with 11 preset cooking modes and a user-friendly digital interface. Consumer Reports loved its even cooking and quiet operation, making it ideal for busy households. The square basket design maximizes cooking space, perfect for larger portions of fries or wings.
User Review (from Amazon): “This is my first air fryer, and I’m obsessed! The presets make it foolproof, and it’s so quiet compared to my friend’s older model. Cleanup is super easy too.” – Jessica L.
Air Fryer Toaster Oven AFR-25
For those seeking a multi-functional appliance, the Cuisinart AFR-25 combines air frying, toasting, baking, and broiling in one. Consumer Reports praised its ability to handle everything from pizza to roasted vegetables with consistent results. Its larger footprint makes it less ideal for small kitchens, but it’s a great choice for those who want an all-in-one solution.
User Review (from Amazon): “I use this for everything – air frying, baking cookies, even toasting bread. It’s like having a second oven. The controls are straightforward, and it looks great on my counter.” – David P.
Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer
The Dash Tasti-Crisp is the best small air fryer for solo cooks or small spaces. Despite its compact capacity, it delivers crispy results and is incredibly easy to use with simple analog dials. Consumer Reports noted its affordability and efficiency, though it’s best for smaller portions.
User Review (from Amazon): “Perfect for my tiny apartment! I make single servings of fries or chicken tenders, and it works like a charm. Super affordable and doesn’t take up much space.” – Rachel 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 Right Air Fryer
Selecting the perfect air fryer depends on your cooking habits, kitchen space, and budget. Here are key factors to consider, based on insights from Consumer Reports and other trusted sources like Good Housekeeping and Food Network.
Capacity: Match Size to Your Needs
Air fryer capacity ranges from 2 to 10 quarts or more. Small models (2-4 quarts), like the Dash Tasti-Crisp, are great for one or two people, while larger models (6-10 quarts), like the Ninja Foodi DZ550, suit families or batch cooking. Consider how much counter space you have and how often you will cook large portions.
Cooking Performance and Features
Look for models with strong fans for even cooking and adjustable temperature settings for versatility. Preset modes, like those on the Cosori Pro II, simplify cooking specific foods. Multi-function models, such as the Cuisinart AFR-25, add value if you want baking or broiling capabilities. Check for digital or analog controls based on your preference for ease of use.
Ease of Cleaning
Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts, like those in the Instant Vortex Plus, make cleanup a breeze. Avoid models with complex accessories that are hard to clean. Consumer Reports emphasizes that removable trays in basket-style fryers are easier to maintain than fixed baskets.
Noise Levels
Some air fryers, like the Ninja Foodi DZ550, can be noisy due to powerful fans. If you’re sensitive to noise, opt for quieter models like the Cosori Pro II, which Consumer Reports noted for its low hum during operation.
Budget Considerations
Air fryers range from $50 to $200+. Budget models like the Philips 3000 Series deliver solid performance, while premium options like the Instant Vortex Plus offer advanced features. Decide which features matter most to avoid overspending, as advised by Consumer Reports’ buying guide.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Air Fryer
To maximize your air fryer’s potential, follow these practical tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave space for air to circulate to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a Light Oil Spray: A quick spritz enhances browning without adding excess fat.
- Shake or Flip Food: For basket-style models, shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even results.
- Experiment Beyond Fries: Try roasting vegetables, baking desserts, or reheating leftovers for versatile meals.
- Clean Regularly: Remove grease buildup to maintain performance and prevent off-flavors.
🔌 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.
