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.
The Best Air Fryers of 2025: Our Top Picks
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, delicious foods without the guilt of deep frying. After diving into Wirecutter’s extensive testing and reviews for 2025, we’ve curated a list of the six best air fryers that stand out for their performance, ease of use, and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these models deliver exceptional results. Let’s explore our top picks, their unique features, and what makes them shine.
3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200/91 – Best Overall
The Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200/91 takes the crown as Wirecutter’s top pick for 2025, thanks to its fast cooking, consistent crisping, and budget-friendly price under $ RapidAir Plus Technology ensures even heat distribution, producing golden fries and juicy chicken wings in record time. The 4-quart basket is ideal for small to medium households, and its compact design saves counter space.
Why We Love It:
- Cooks quickly and evenly, outperforming many pricier models.
- Simple interface with intuitive controls for air fry, roast, bake, and reheat.
- Dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup a breeze.
User Review: “I was skeptical about air fryers, but this Philips model has changed my mind. Fries come out crispy, and chicken is juicy every time. It’s so easy to use, even my kids can operate it!” – Amazon Customer, verified purchase.
Drawbacks: The basket is slightly smaller than some competitors, so it may not suit larger families. Also, it lacks a viewing window, which some users might miss.
Vortex Slim 6-Quart Air Fryer – Best for Families
For those needing more capacity without sacrificing counter space, the Instant Vortex Slim 6-Quart Air Fryer is a fantastic choice. Its square basket maximizes cooking surface, fitting enough food for four people. Wirecutter praises its powerful air circulation, which delivers crispy results for everything from tater tots to roasted veggies.
Why We Love It:
- 6-quart capacity is perfect for meal prepping or family dinners.
- User-friendly touchscreen with pre-programmed settings for beginners.
- Slim design fits neatly on most countertops.
User Review: “This air fryer is a game-changer for our family of four. We’ve made everything from wings to salmon, and it all comes out perfect. The basket is huge but doesn’t hog counter space.” – Amazon Customer, verified purchase.
Drawbacks: It’s a bit noisier than some models, and the “slim” design is still larger than compact options.
Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven
If versatility is your priority, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is unmatched. This air fryer toaster oven can handle everything from air frying wings to baking cakes or roasting a whole chicken. Wirecutter highlights its spacious cavity, which fits a Dutch oven, making it a true secondary oven.
Why We Love It:
- 13 cooking functions, including toast, bake, roast, and dehydrate.
- Large capacity for pizzas, casseroles, or big batches of fries.
- Nonstick interior is easy to clean, and magnetic racks simplify food retrieval.
User Review: “This is more than an air fryer—it’s like having a second oven. I’ve baked cookies, roasted veggies, and air-fried nuggets, all with amazing results. Worth every penny!” – Amazon Customer, verified purchase.
Drawbacks: It’s expensive and takes up significant counter space, so it’s best for those with larger kitchens.
Crispi – Best Portable Option
The Ninja Crispi is a unique, compact air fryer that’s perfect for small spaces or on-the-go cooking. Its innovative design uses glass containers (4-quart or 6-cup) with a heating lid, allowing you to cook, store, and reheat in the same vessel. Wirecutter loves its portability and surprising power for such a small device.
Why We Love It:
- Lightweight (as little as pounds) and easy to transport.
- Glass containers are fridge- and dishwasher-safe for easy storage.
- Delivers crispy results despite its petite size.
User Review: “I take this to work for quick lunches, and it’s amazing. The glass container keeps food fresh, and it crisps up leftovers better than a microwave.” – Amazon Customer, verified purchase.
Drawbacks: The glass gets hot during cooking, requiring caution, and it’s pricier than other compact models.
Lite CAF-LI211 – Best for Small Households
Designed for solo cooks or couples, the Cosori Lite CAF-LI211 is a air fryer that doesn’t skimp on performance. Consumer Reports notes its high marks for ease of use and quiet operation, making it ideal for small apartments or dorms.
Why We Love It:
- Ultra-compact footprint (9×10 inches) fits anywhere.
- Digital display and programmed settings simplify cooking.
- Quiet operation won’t disturb roommates or neighbors.
User Review: “Perfect for my tiny apartment! It’s so quiet, and I can make crispy fries or chicken in minutes. Cleanup is super easy, too.” – Amazon Customer, verified purchase.
Drawbacks: Limited capacity means it’s not suitable for more than one or two servings.
Vortex Plus 140-3089-01 – Best with Viewing Window
For those who like to keep an eye on their food, the Instant Vortex Plus 140-3089-01 features a clear cooking window. Consumer Reports praises its digital controls and easy-to-clean design, with a capacity that’s great for larger meals.
Why We Love It:
- Clear window lets you monitor food without opening the basket.
- Digital controls are intuitive, with customizable settings.
- Excels in noise and cleaning tests, per Consumer Reports.
User Review: “The window is a game-changer—I can check my food without losing heat. It’s big enough for a family meal, and cleanup is a snap.” – Amazon Customer, verified purchase.
Drawbacks: The window can get hot, and it’s slightly bulkier than other 6-quart models.
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 You
With so many air fryers on the market, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision based on your needs, kitchen space, and cooking habits.
Capacity
Air fryer capacity is measured in quarts, but actual usable space is often less than advertised. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 1-3 quarts: Best for one or two people, like the Cosori Lite. Great for small snacks or sides.
- 4-6 quarts: Ideal for small to medium families, like the Philips 3000 or Instant Vortex Slim. Can handle main dishes or meal prep.
- 6+ quarts: Suits larger families or batch cooking, like the Instant Vortex Plus. Some models, like the Breville, can even roast whole chickens.
Tip: Check measured capacity in reviews, as brands often overstate basket size. For example, Consumer Reports found the Kenmore KKAF8Q’s actual capacity was quarts, not 8 quarts. Consumer Reports
Cooking Functions
Basic air fryers focus on air frying, but many models offer additional functions like baking, roasting, or dehydrating. If you want a multi-purpose appliance, consider:
- Basket-Style Air Fryers: Compact and great for crisping foods like fries or wings. The Philips 3000 and Instant Vortex Slim excel here.
- Air Fryer Toaster Ovens: More versatile, with room for larger dishes. The Breville Smart Oven is perfect for baking or roasting.
- Special Features: Some models, like the Ninja Crispi, offer unique designs for portability or storage, while others, like the Instant Vortex Plus, include windows or dual baskets.
Think about what you will cook most often. If it’s mostly fries and nuggets, a basket-style model is fine. For baking or roasting, go for a toaster oven model.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
A great air fryer should be intuitive and easy to maintain. Look for:
- Controls: Digital displays and preset programs (like those on the Instant Vortex) simplify operation, especially for beginners.
- Cleaning: Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts save time. The Philips 3000 and Breville models score high here.
- Noise: Some air fryers, like the Cosori Lite, are quieter, which matters in small spaces.
Wirecutter’s tests emphasize cleaning ease, noting that models with nonstick interiors, like the Breville, require minimal effort. Wirecutter
Size and Storage
Air fryers vary in size, so measure your counter space before buying. Compact models like the Ninja Crispi or Cosori Lite are great for small kitchens, while larger ones like the Breville need more room. If storage is an issue, consider the Ninja Crispi’s stackable design.
and Value
Air fryers range from $40 to $350+. Budget models like the Cosori Lite offer solid performance for less, while premium options like the Breville justify their cost with versatility. Decide what features matter most to avoid overspending.
Features
Look for models with auto-shutoff, cool-touch handles, and stable designs. The Ninja Crispi’s glass containers get hot, so it’s less ideal for homes with kids, while the Cosori Lite’s heat-resistant handle adds safety.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Air Fryer
To maximize your air fryer’s potential, follow these tips from experts and home cooks:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space for air circulation to ensure even cooking. Shake or flip food halfway through for best results.
- Use a Little Oil: A light spray of oil enhances crispiness, even though air fryers use less than deep fryers.
- Experiment: Try roasting veggies, baking desserts, or reheating pizza. Air fryers are more versatile than you might think.
- Clean Regularly: Wipe down the interior and wash the basket after each use to prevent buildup. Bon App¨¦tit
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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.
