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.
Top 6 Air Fryers for Perfectly Cooked Chicken in 2025
When it comes to cooking chicken, air fryers have become a game-changer for home cooks. They deliver crispy, golden results with minimal oil, making them a healthier and faster alternative to traditional frying or oven roasting. After extensive research and testing, we’ve narrowed down the six best air fryers for chicken in 2025, focusing on their performance, ease of use, capacity, and ability to produce juicy, flavorful chicken with that perfect crunch. Whether you’re preparing wings, thighs, or a whole bird, these models stand out for their reliability and versatility.
Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer is our top pick for cooking chicken, thanks to its consistent performance and user-friendly design. This basket-style air fryer excels at delivering crispy chicken wings and juicy breasts in record time. During testing, it cooked hand-cut fries in just 14 minutes and produced evenly cooked chicken wings that were golden and succulent in 20 minutes. Its 6-quart capacity is ideal for families of four, and the square basket maximizes cooking space. The clear window and interior light let you monitor your chicken without opening the basket, preserving heat and ensuring even cooking. Plus, its odor-erase technology keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
User Review (Amazon): “I love how easy this air fryer is to use! The chicken wings come out crispy every time, and it’s so simple to clean. The window is a game-changer—I can check on my food without losing heat!” – Sarah M.
Shop Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer on Amazon
Foodi DZ550 10-Quart DualZone Air Fryer
For those who need to cook larger batches or multiple dishes at once, the Ninja Foodi DZ550 is a standout. This 10-quart dual-basket air fryer lets you cook two different foods at different temperatures and times, syncing them to finish together. It’s perfect for preparing chicken wings in one basket and sides like fries in the other. The ceramic nonstick coating ensures easy cleanup, and its large cooking surface handles up to a pound of chicken per basket with ease. Testers noted its ability to produce evenly crispy wings and moist chicken breasts, making it a great choice for family dinners.
User Review (Amazon): “This air fryer is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. I can cook chicken thighs in one basket and veggies in the other, and everything comes out perfect. The baskets are super easy to clean, too!” – James R.
Shop Ninja Foodi DZ550 10-Quart Air Fryer on Amazon
Pro LE 5-Quart Air Fryer
If you’re on a budget but still want top-notch chicken, the Cosori Pro LE 5-Quart Air Fryer delivers exceptional value. Priced under $100, it offers a digital touchscreen with customizable settings, making it easy to adjust for different cuts of chicken. In tests, it produced golden-brown wings and crispy chicken cutlets with minimal oil. Its 5-quart capacity suits small to medium households, and the dishwasher-safe basket simplifies cleanup. The Cosori’s compact design is perfect for smaller kitchens, yet it doesn’t skimp on performance.
User Review (Amazon): “This air fryer is amazing for the price! I’ve made chicken wings, thighs, and even drumsticks, and they all come out crispy and delicious. It’s so easy to use and clean.” – Emily T.
Shop Cosori Pro LE 5-Quart Air Fryer on Amazon
Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
For those who want a versatile appliance that goes beyond air frying, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a premium choice. This oven-style air fryer can handle a whole chicken, thanks to its rotisserie function and spacious interior. It delivered consistently crispy chicken skin and juicy meat during testing, particularly for larger cuts like thighs and breasts. The digital control panel offers 13 presets, including air fry, roast, and bake, making it ideal for a variety of chicken recipes. While it’s pricier, its multifunctionality justifies the investment for serious home cooks.
User Review (Amazon): “I’ve roasted whole chickens in this, and they come out better than my oven! The rotisserie feature is fantastic, and the chicken is always juicy with crispy skin.” – Laura P.
Shop Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro on Amazon
3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200/91
The Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L is a compact yet powerful option for small households or solo cooks. Its 3-quart basket is perfect for cooking a few chicken wings or a single breast, delivering fast and even crisping. Testers praised its simple manual controls, which are easy to use even with greasy fingers. It cooked chicken nuggets and wings faster than many competitors, with a nonstick basket that’s a breeze to clean. While it’s not ideal for large families, its small footprint and reliable performance make it a great choice for smaller kitchens.
User Review (Amazon): “This air fryer is perfect for my small apartment. I make chicken wings all the time, and they come out crispy and juicy every time. It’s so easy to use and clean!” – Michael S.
Shop Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L on Amazon
Dome 2 Air Fryer
The Typhur Dome 2 is a high-end option for those who prioritize speed and capacity. Its wide, shallow basket can fit up to 20 chicken wings or a 12-inch pizza, making it ideal for larger gatherings. Testers were impressed by its lightning-fast cooking—chicken wings were ready in under 15 minutes with no preheating required. The ceramic nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, and the companion app offers 50 recipes tailored for air frying, including chicken dishes. While it’s on the pricier side, its performance and versatility make it worth considering for chicken enthusiasts.
User Review (Amazon): “This air fryer is a beast! I cooked a huge batch of chicken wings for a party, and they were done in no time—crispy and perfect. The app is super helpful for recipes.” – David K.
Shop Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer 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 Chicken
Selecting the right air fryer for cooking chicken depends on your household size, cooking habits, and budget. Here are the key factors to consider to ensure you pick a model that delivers perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Capacity
Air fryer capacity is measured in quarts or liters, ranging from 2 to 10 quarts or more. For small households or solo cooks, a 2- to 5-quart model, like the Philips 3000 Series, is sufficient for a few wings or a single breast. Families of four or more should opt for a 6-quart or larger model, such as the Instant Vortex Plus or Ninja Foodi DZ550, to cook larger batches of chicken. If you plan to roast a whole chicken, consider an oven-style air fryer like the Breville Smart Oven, which offers enough space for a 4-pound bird.
Cooking Performance
The best air fryers for chicken deliver crispy exteriors and juicy interiors. Look for models with powerful fans and heating elements that ensure even heat distribution. Features like rotisserie functions (found in the Breville Smart Oven) or dual-basket designs (like the Ninja Foodi) can enhance versatility, allowing you to cook multiple chicken dishes or sides simultaneously. Check reviews from trusted sources like Food & Wine for detailed performance insights.
Ease of Use
Intuitive controls are essential, especially when cooking chicken, which requires precise timing and temperature. Digital touchscreens, like those on the Cosori Pro LE and Instant Vortex Plus, offer presets for chicken, simplifying the process. Manual dials, as seen on the Philips 3000 Series, are straightforward but may lack the precision of digital models. A window or interior light is a bonus for monitoring chicken without interrupting cooking.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Chicken can leave behind grease, so choose an air fryer with a nonstick basket or tray that’s dishwasher-safe, like the Typhur Dome 2 or Instant Vortex Plus. Models with removable parts and simple designs reduce cleanup time. Avoid air fryers with complex grates that trap food particles, as they can be a hassle to clean.
Additional Features
Some air fryers offer extras like WiFi connectivity (Cosori Dual Blaze) or companion apps with recipes (Typhur Dome 2). Rotisserie functions are great for whole chickens, while dual-basket models are ideal for multitasking. However, don’t pay for features you won’t use—stick to what suits your chicken-cooking needs. For more tips on selecting an air fryer, check out Consumer Reports’ buying guide.
Budget
Air fryers range from $50 to over $ models like the Cosori Pro LE offer excellent performance for under $100, while premium options like the Breville Smart Oven or Typhur Dome 2 justify their cost with advanced features and larger capacities. Determine your needs and balance them with your budget to find the best value.
Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer
To get the most out of your air fryer when cooking chicken, follow these tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange chicken in a single layer to ensure even crisping. Overcrowding can lead to soggy results.
- Use a Light Oil Spray: A quick spritz of oil enhances crispiness without adding excess fat. Opt for avocado or olive oil for high-heat cooking.
- Flip or Shake Mid-Cooking: For wings or smaller pieces, shake the basket or flip the chicken halfway through to promote even browning.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety. Models like the Ninja Foodi DZ550 include a temperature probe for precision.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Air fryers intensify flavors, so try bold marinades or spice rubs for extra taste. Check out Bon App¨¦tit’s air fryer recipes for inspiration.
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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.
