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 2025: Our Expert Picks
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many households, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, delicious meals with minimal oil. In 2025, the market is packed with innovative models that cater to various needs, from compact designs for small kitchens to large-capacity options for families. After extensive research and testing, we’ve rounded up the six best air fryers for 2025, focusing on performance, ease of use, and value. Each recommendation includes real user feedback and links to trusted retailers, ensuring you can make an informed decision.
Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer stands out as the best overall choice for its exceptional performance and user-friendly design. With a spacious square basket, it can handle batches of fries, wings, or even a whole chicken without overcrowding. Its six preset functions—air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake, and reheat—make it versatile for everything from crispy snacks to baked goods. The built-in preheat function, which takes about 3–5 minutes to reach 400°F, ensures consistent cooking, and the clear window lets you monitor progress without opening the basket.
Why We Love It: This air fryer delivers crispy, evenly cooked food in record time. In testing, chicken wings were golden and juicy in just 20 minutes, while frozen fries came out moist yet crisp without needing a mid-cook shake. The intuitive digital controls and responsive knob make programming a breeze, and the dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleanup.
User Feedback: “I’ve had my Instant Vortex for about a month and I’m obsessed! It’s so easy to use, and the food comes out perfect every time. I made chicken wings for a party, and everyone thought they were deep-fried. Cleanup is a breeze too!” – Amazon Customer Review
Shop the Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer on Amazon
Foodi DZ550 2-Basket Air Fryer
For those who need to cook multiple dishes at once, the Ninja Foodi DZ550 2-Basket Air Fryer is a game-changer. With two 5-quart baskets, you can prepare a main dish and a side simultaneously, using different settings for each. The sync function ensures both baskets finish cooking at the same time, perfect for family dinners. It also features a temperature probe for precise meat cooking, and its ceramic nonstick coating is durable and easy to clean.
Why We Love It: The dual-basket design saves time and maximizes efficiency, making it ideal for busy households. It performed exceptionally in tests, producing evenly cooked fries and tender chicken breasts. The compact footprint is a bonus for smaller kitchens.
User Feedback: “This air fryer is a lifesaver for weeknight dinners. I can cook chicken in one basket and veggies in the other, and they’re both done perfectly at the same time. It’s sturdy and easy to clean, too!” – Amazon Customer Review
Shop the Ninja Foodi DZ550 2-Basket Air Fryer on Amazon
Pro LE Air Fryer
The Cosori Pro LE Air Fryer is a fantastic choice for those seeking a balance of performance and affordability. Its 5-quart capacity is perfect for small to medium households, and its sleek, compact design fits well in most kitchens. With nine preset functions, including air fry, roast, and dehydrate, it’s versatile enough for a variety of recipes. The nonstick basket and crisper tray are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup effortless.
Why We Love It: This air fryer excels at producing crispy, golden results, from Brussels sprouts to chicken wings. Its intuitive controls and customizable shake reminder ensure even cooking, even for beginners. At under $100, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality.
User Feedback: “I was skeptical about air fryers, but this Cosori model blew me away. The fries are crispy, the chicken is juicy, and it’s so easy to use. I love that it doesn’t take up much counter space!” – Amazon Customer Review
Shop the Cosori Pro LE Air Fryer on Amazon
Crispi Glass Air Fryer
The Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer is a standout for its innovative glass cooking chamber, which eliminates the need for nonstick coatings that can wear out over time. It comes with two glass containers (6-cup and 4-quart) for versatile cooking, from personal meals to family-sized portions. The four preset modes—air fry, bake, reheat, and max crisp—are simple to use, and the glass bowls are equipped with stay-cool handles for safe handling.
Why We Love It: The glass chamber allows you to watch your food cook, adding a fun element to meal prep. It performed well in tests, delivering crispy fries and evenly baked goods. The included storage lids make it easy to store leftovers or take meals on the go.
User Feedback: “I love the glass design of this air fryer! It’s so cool to watch the food cook, and it’s super easy to clean. The fries come out perfectly crispy, and I’ve even used it to bake cookies!” – Amazon Customer Review
Shop the Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer on Amazon
Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer
For small kitchens or solo cooks, the Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer is a compact yet powerful option. With a capacity, it’s perfect for single servings or small sides. Despite its size, it delivers impressive results, earning high marks for ease of use and quiet operation. Its simple digital interface and three preset functions make it ideal for air fryer newbies.
Why We Love It: This air fryer is lightweight (just 6 pounds) and takes up minimal counter space. It excelled in noise tests and produced evenly cooked food, though it’s best for smaller portions. At around $50, it’s a great entry-level option.
User Feedback: “This little air fryer is perfect for my small apartment. It cooks my fries and chicken nuggets perfectly, and it’s so quiet I barely notice it’s on. Great value for the price!” – Amazon Customer Review
Shop the Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer on Amazon
Smart Oven Air Fryer
If you’re looking for a multi-functional appliance, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is a top-tier choice. This air fryer toaster oven combo offers seven functions, including air fry, bake, broil, and toast, with a interior that can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. Its stainless steel design is sleek and durable, and the adjustable racks allow for customized cooking.
Why We Love It: This model is perfect for those who want more than just an air fryer. It performed well in tests, delivering crispy fries and evenly baked cakes. The large capacity and versatile settings make it a great option for larger households or avid home cooks.
User Feedback: “This Breville air fryer oven is a game-changer. I’ve used it for everything from roasting veggies to baking bread, and it’s fantastic. It’s pricey, but worth every penny for its versatility!” – Amazon Customer Review
Shop the Breville Smart Oven 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 Your Needs
With so many air fryers on the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the best choice for your kitchen, based on key factors like size, features, and budget.
Capacity: Match Your Air Fryer to Your Household
The size of the air fryer is one of the most important considerations. A 2- to 3-quart model, like the Dash Tasti-Crisp, is ideal for one or two people, perfect for small apartments or solo meals. For families of three to five, a 5- to 7-quart air fryer, such as the Cosori Pro LE or Instant Vortex Plus, offers enough space for sides or mains. If you’re cooking for a larger group or meal prepping, opt for an 8-quart or larger model, like the Ninja Foodi DZ550 or Breville Smart Oven. Keep in mind that larger models take up more counter space, so measure your kitchen before buying. Consumer Reports offers a great guide on sizing air fryers for different households.
Features: Prioritize Functionality
Modern air fryers come with a range of features to suit different cooking styles. Basic models offer simple air fry settings, while advanced options include presets for baking, roasting, dehydrating, and more. Dual-basket models, like the Ninja Foodi DZ550, are great for multitasking, while smart features, like app connectivity in the Dreo Chefmaker, provide recipe guidance. Look for models with intuitive controls, dishwasher-safe parts, and safety features like auto shutoff. If you value visibility, consider air fryers with viewing windows, such as the Ninja Crispi or Instant Vortex Plus.
Performance: Crispy Results Matter
The best air fryers deliver crispy, evenly cooked food without soggy spots. Look for models with powerful fans and good airflow, as these ensure consistent browning. In testing, basket-style air fryers, like the Instant Vortex and Cosori Pro LE, outperformed larger models with glass panels, which can struggle to maintain high temperatures. Check user reviews for real-world performance insights, and consider models tested by reputable sources like Good Housekeeping for reliable results.
Budget: Find Value Without Compromising Quality
Air fryers range from under $50 to over $300, depending on features and brand. Budget models, like the Dash Tasti-Crisp, are great for simple tasks, while mid-range options, like the Cosori Pro LE and Instant Vortex Plus, offer excellent value for versatility and performance. High-end models, like the Breville Smart Oven, are worth the investment if you want a multi-functional appliance. Compare prices across retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target to find deals, especially during sales events.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Keep It Simple
Ease of cleaning is a key factor, as air fryer baskets can get greasy. Look for models with nonstick or ceramic coatings, like the Ninja Foodi DZ550, or glass chambers, like the Ninja Crispi, which are easier to wipe down. Dishwasher-safe parts, found in the Instant Vortex Plus and Cosori Pro LE, save time. Avoid models with complex designs or trays that don’t stay in place, as these can make cleaning a hassle. For maintenance tips, check out CNET’s guide on keeping your air fryer in top shape.
Energy Efficiency: Save on Bills
Air fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens, heating up faster and using less power. According to price comparison site GoCompare, running an air fryer for 30 minutes costs between and (roughly $ to $ USD), compared to a conventional oven’s higher energy consumption. Choose a model with a wattage of 1,500 or less, like the Instant Vortex Plus (1,500 watts), for optimal efficiency.
🔌 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.
