About once a week, people ask me, “Is an air fryer worth it?”
After using air fryers for over a decade — even before they became popular in the U.S. — and cooking with mine several times a week, my answer is a definite yes.
While they’re not the only kitchen gadget I’d suggest using all the time, they’re incredibly handy for reheating leftovers and cooking frozen foods like fries or chicken nuggets.
I also love using my air fryer for proteins like chicken and salmon — they turn out juicy, flavorful, and require almost no effort.
At tech ware net, we’ve tested more than 50 air fryers over the years to check their performance and ease of use.
During testing, we focus on how well they cook popular foods like frozen fries and fresh chicken wings — the kind of things people often make at home.
We also use air fryers in our daily routines, get feedback from consumer testers, and work closely with our Test Kitchen editors, who create tasty air fryer recipes. From our experience, the best air fryers are fast, powerful, and simple to use.
Our Top Air Fryer Picks
| Image | Air Fryers | Price |
|---|---|---|
Advertisement  Advertisement | 1. Ninja Air Fryer Max XLNow 24% Off
| Price |
 | Instant 10-Quart Air FryerNow 13% Off
| Price |
 | Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook
| Price |
 | Cosori TurboBlaze Air FryerNow 25% Off
| Price |
 | Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
| Price |
 | Typhur Dome
| Price |
 | Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-Quart 2-Basket Air FryerNow 13% Off
| Price |
List of Best Air Fryer in 2025
1. Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
Best Overall
- Up to 75% less fat for healthier meals
- 5.5-quart capacity fits 3 lbs of fries or wings.
- 450°F Max Crisp Technology for faster, crispier results.
- 7 cooking functions: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake & more.
- Nonstick & dishwasher safe ceramic basket.
- Includes 20-recipe guide for inspiration.
- Stylish high-gloss finish with compact design.
The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is a basket-style air fryer with a 5.5-quart capacity, ideal for preparing meals for 2–4 people.
Known for its performance, it delivers crispy, golden chicken wings that are juicy and cooked in record time.
This model stands out for its user-friendly design, featuring intuitive buttons and a clear manual.
The ceramic nonstick basket and snug-fitting tray ensure hassle-free handling and easy cleanup.
Both parts are dishwasher safe, making maintenance simple. A broiling rack is also included, adding versatility for browning and crisping.
With seven cooking functions—including Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, and Dehydrate—it accommodates a variety of recipes.
The high temperatures (up to 450˚F for crisping and broiling) and precise timer offer excellent control.
Though some users find the basket size slightly smaller compared to others, its compact design and reliable performance make it a great choice for frequent use.
Over time, this air fryer has proven durable and consistent in delivering delicious results.
Pros
- Outstanding performance among basket-style air fryers tested.
- Simple and intuitive to operate.
- Nonstick cooking basket is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- Basket size might feel small for some users.
2. Instant 10-Quart Air Fryer
Best Large Capacity
- 7-in-1 Appliance: Air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, reheat, and rotisserie.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Crispy, tender results with little to no oil.
- 10-Quart Capacity: Perfect for families and batch cooking.
- One-Touch Programs: Simplifies cooking for various dishes.
- Fast Preheating: Adjustable temps from 95°F to 400°F.
Type of Air Fryer: Air fryer oven
Dimensions: 13.23″D x 13.23″W x 14.37″H
Capacity: 10 quarts
Settings: Air Fry, Broil, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate, Reheat, Rotisserie, Toast, Warm, Convection Oven
If you need to cook large portions, the Instant 10-Quart Air Fryer is a great choice.
Its oven-style design is ideal for cooking proteins, wings, or dehydrated foods, allowing you to spread items across multiple trays for even results.
Rotating the trays during cooking ensures consistency. Cleaning is easy, as the trays and drip pan are dishwasher safe.
This model comes with two nonstick trays and a versatile drip pan that doubles as a baking pan.
In tests, wings were crispy and evenly browned, and fries stayed moist when cooked in the rotisserie basket.
The rotisserie spit is perfect for cooking juicy, evenly browned foods like a 4-pound chicken.
The stainless steel design and user-friendly control panel add to its appeal, though the door may need a firm push to close securely.
Pros
- Produces crispy, well-cooked chicken wings.
- Rotisserie feature is simple to use and delivers juicy, evenly browned chicken.
Cons
- Door requires a firm push to close securely.
3. Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook
Best Value
- 6-in-1 Functionality: Versatile cooking options for air frying, roasting, broiling, baking, reheating, and dehydrating.
- ClearCook Window: Monitor cooking progress without opening the basket.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Ensures golden, crispy, and tender results every time.
- Fast Preheating: Ready to cook in minutes with a temperature range of 95–400°F.
- Easy Clean-Up: Non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket and tray for hassle-free cleaning.
- Smart Programs: One-touch presets for quick and convenient cooking.
Type of Air Fryer: Basket-style
Dimensions: 12.8″D x 11.8″W x 14.9″H
Capacity: 6 quarts
Settings: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
The Instant ClearCook 6-quart air fryer is ideal for families or meal preppers, offering a spacious square basket with a large cooking area while remaining dishwasher-friendly.
A built-in window and light let you monitor food without removing the basket, and the light activates right before the timer ends — a unique feature.
This air fryer excels in performance and value. Chicken wings turned out crispy and juicy in just 20 minutes, while frozen fries were evenly cooked without shaking.
It preheats quickly (400˚F in 3.5 minutes) and doesn’t require pressing Start after preheating, making it easy to use. The halfway alert helps ensure evenly cooked food.
The digital control panel is responsive, and the knob simplifies programming time and temperature. Six preset functions cover versatile cooking needs.
However, the removable tray can shift during food transfer, so tongs are recommended.
Pros
- Features a preheat function for quicker cooking.
- Built-in manual light illuminates just before the timer ends for easy monitoring.
- Nonstick, dishwasher-safe cooking basket ensures effortless cleaning.
Cons
- Tray may dislodge when flipping the basket; recommend using silicone-tipped tongs for serving.
4. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer
Most Stylish
- TurboBlaze Technology: 3600 rpm fan & 450°F temperature for ultra-crispy, juicy results.
- 5-Fan Speed & Wide Temp Range: Precise 90°F–450°F control for versatile cooking.
- 6-Quart Capacity: Square basket fits large family meals while saving space.
- Quieter Operation: Works at less than 53 dB for a peaceful kitchen environment.
- 95% Less Oil: Achieve crispy textures with up to 95% less oil.
- Dishwasher-Safe: Nonstick basket and detachable accessories for easy cleaning.
- Customizable Preheat Function: Adjust preheat time based on temperature for optimal results.
Type of Air Fryer: Basket-style
Dimensions: 14.4″D x 11.8″W x 11.9″H
Capacity: 6 quarts
Settings: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm
The Cosori 6-Quart Air Fryer is perfect for families of four, offering a sleek, compact design that fits easily on your countertop.
Its square basket provides ample cooking space, and the removable tray stays securely in place for hassle-free use.
The intuitive top-mounted screen is easy to read, featuring clear lettering and simple settings, making operation straightforward.
In our tests, food came out perfectly golden, moist, and evenly cooked.
The adjustable fan speed ensures versatility, from gentle cooking for delicate meals to powerful frying for crispy results.
One user with small children uses it daily for quick after-school snacks and full meals like steaks or side dishes.
Reliable, easy to use, and compact, this air fryer is a must-have for busy households.
Pros
- More compact and streamlined design compared to many other air fryers
- User-friendly control panel that’s easy to read and operate
Cons
- Air fry setting may be too intense for grilled cheese, but a gentler setting is available for better results.
5. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
Best Compact
- Included Accessories: Comes with a nonstick basket, crisper plate, and a 20-recipe booklet.
- Easy Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate for hassle-free maintenance.
- Dehydrate Feature: Create crispy, chip-like snacks with low fan speed and temperature.
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate options.
- Healthier Cooking: Reduces fat by up to 75% compared to traditional frying.
- Temperature Range: Adjustable from 105°F to 400°F for versatile cooking.
- Family-Friendly Capacity: 4-quart nonstick basket fits up to 2 lbs of French fries.
Type of Air Fryer: Basket-style
Dimensions: 8.5″D x 12.1″W x 11″H
Capacity: 4 quarts
Settings: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
This compact air fryer is perfect for small spaces or cooking for one. Despite its 4-quart size, it delivers powerful performance, similar to larger models like the Ninja Max XL.
Key benefits:
- Cooks chicken wings and fries to crispy perfection in no time.
- Nonstick basket and removable tray ensure easy cleaning and fit neatly in the dishwasher.
- Ideal for cooking proteins like chicken, salmon, and pork chops, delivering quick and evenly browned results.
A great addition to any kitchen, it’s sleek, space-saving, and efficient for everyday use.
Pros
- Compact design delivers excellent cooking performance.
- Simple to operate and hassle-free to clean.
Cons
- Slightly larger compared to other compact models we’ve tested.
6. Typhur Dome – Air Fryer
Most Versatile
- Faster Cooking: Cooks 30% quicker than standard air fryers.
- 360° Heating: Even cooking with dual heating elements.
- 15 Functions: Air fry, bake, grill, dehydrate, and more.
- Quiet Operation: Operates at just 55dB.
- Self-Cleaning: App-activated cleaning in 2 hours.
- Non-Stick Basket: Easy-to-clean ceramic coating.
- Award-winning: Best large-capacity air fryer of 2025.
Dimensions: 17.3 x 15.5 x 9.7 inches
Capacity: 5.6 quarts
Power: 1,750 watts
Functions: Air fry, roast, broil, toast, dehydrate, frozen, bacon, steak, fries, wings
The Typhur Dome combines innovation and convenience with its sleek bubble-shaped design and fan positioned above the heating element, ensuring quieter and faster cooking.
Its standout feature is the Wi-Fi capability, enabling you to select any of its 10 cooking modes or over 50 pre-set recipes from your phone.
Notifications for preheating and cooking completion add convenience, though you must press a physical button to start cooking.
The unique auto-cleaning mode eliminates grease and residue monthly, maintaining a spotless interior effortlessly.
In tests, it delivered perfectly cooked salmon and bok choy, though pork tended to be a bit dry.
Pros
- Smart app control for recipes and cooking modes.
- Monthly auto-cleaning mode simplifies maintenance.
- Quiet and efficient operation with faster cooking times.
Cons
- High price for moderate capacity.
Ideal for beginners or those seeking versatile air frying options with smart features.
7. Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer
Best Dual-Basket
- Dual Baskets: Cook 2 foods at once, independently.
- Smart Finish: Sync or copy settings for perfect timing.
- 6 Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Broil, Dehydrate.
- XL Capacity: 8-quart fits up to 4 lbs. of fries or wings.
- Wide Temps: 105°F–450°F for versatile cooking.
- Easy Clean: Dishwasher-safe baskets and plates.
- Healthier: 75% less fat than traditional frying.
Type: Dual-basket style
Dimensions: 13.86″D x 15.63″W x 12.4″H
Capacity: 8 quarts
Settings: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
This dual-basket air fryer is perfect for families or individuals, offering the versatility to cook large portions, prepare different foods simultaneously, or make smaller meals.
Its compact basket design fits neatly into dishwashers, making cleanup a breeze.
Plus, having a second basket ensures you’re never stuck if one is still dirty.
Each basket can handle one to two portions and supports all six cooking settings.
You can program them independently or sync them for simultaneous cooking.
In tests, it delivered crispy wings and evenly cooked fries, outperforming many other dual-basket models.
Pros
- Dual baskets for versatility and convenience.
- Crispy and consistent results for wings and fries.
- Compact baskets fit easily into dishwashers.
Cons
- Slight learning curve for selecting the correct basket on the control panel.
A great choice for those seeking efficiency, versatility, and reliable performance.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Air Fryer
✔️ Type of Air Fryer:
- Basket-Style: Ideal for quick, crispy results. Choose models with a removable tray for easy cleaning and less bulk. Dual-basket designs offer more cooking versatility.
- Oven-Style: Great for larger foods like chicken or fish and for dehydrating. Often includes rotisserie features but requires tray rotation for even cooking.
- Air Fryer Toaster Ovens: Multi-functional but slower and harder to clean compared to standalone air fryers.
- Glass Air Fryers: Stylish but can overheat; not widely recommended yet.
✔️ Size:
- For 1-2 people, go for compact models (2 quarts).
- Families of 4 will need around 6 quarts.
- For large groups, opt for 10+ quarts.
✔️ Price:
- Quality air fryers range from $80-$120.
- Digital controls, stainless steel builds, or extra features like steaming and slow cooking may cost more.
Choose the type and size that suits your cooking style for a healthier, convenient way to enjoy your favorite foods.
When to Replace Your Air Fryer
Your air fryer basket is similar to nonstick cookware—over time, it can wear out, especially if scratched, nicked, or covered in stubborn residue.
Regular, gentle cleaning will extend its life, and many brands offer basket replacements, so you don’t have to buy a whole new unit.
Consider replacing your air fryer if:
- It’s over five years old or no longer crisps food effectively.
- You experience electrical or mechanical issues—stop using it and reach out to customer support.
Upgrading to a newer, more powerful model can boost performance and cooking results!
