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Finding the Right Air Fryer
With hundreds of air fryers on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. We have researched and compared the most popular models to help you find the best air fryer for your specific needs — whether you are cooking for one or feeding a family, on a tight budget or willing to invest in a premium appliance.
Our picks prioritize cooking performance, ease of cleaning, build quality, and value for money. We focus on models with proven track records and thousands of real-world reviews.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall — Ninja AF101 4-Quart
- Best Dual Basket — Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart
- Best Budget — Gourmia 6-Quart
- Best Premium — Breville Smart Oven Air
- Best Compact — Cosori Pro LE 5-Quart
- Best Non-Toxic — Ninja AF150AMZ Stainless Steel
- Best Toaster Oven Combo — Cuisinart TOA-60
- Best Instant Brand — Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, 4-Quart
The Ninja AF101 is the best all-around air fryer for most people. It is compact enough for small kitchens, powerful enough for crispy results, and simple to use and clean. Ninja dominates the air fryer market for good reason — their build quality and reliability are consistently top-tier.
What We Like
- Consistently crispy, even results
- Ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe basket
- Simple controls with 4 cooking programs
- Compact footprint for small counters
- Wide temperature range (105–400°F)
What Could Be Better
- 4-quart capacity limits batch size
- No window to check food
- Basic controls (no WiFi/app)
Best for: Individuals, couples, and small households. If you are buying your first air fryer and want reliable performance without complexity, this is the one.
Check Price on Amazon →Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart, 2-Basket
The game-changer for families. Two independent baskets let you cook two different foods at two different temperatures simultaneously — and the Smart Finish feature syncs them to be done at the same time. No more juggling batches or eating cold sides while the main dish finishes.
What We Like
- Two independent baskets (different temps/times)
- Smart Finish syncs both baskets
- 8-quart total capacity for families
- 6 cooking functions (air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate, bake, broil)
- Dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates
What Could Be Better
- Large footprint takes counter space
- Higher price point
- Individual baskets are narrower than single-basket models
Best for: Families of 3–5 people. The dual-basket design solves the biggest air fryer pain point — cooking a full meal at once instead of in batches.
Check Price on Amazon →Gourmia 6-Quart Digital Air Fryer
The Gourmia proves you do not need to spend $100+ for an excellent air fryer. This Walmart favorite delivers surprisingly good performance at a fraction of the price. The 6-quart capacity gives you more room than most budget options, and the digital controls are simple to use.
What We Like
- Unbeatable price for the capacity
- 6-quart basket fits family portions
- Digital touchscreen controls
- RadiVection 360° cooking technology
- 12 one-touch presets
What Could Be Better
- Basket coating less durable than premium brands
- Slightly louder fan
- Shorter cord than competitors
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a capable air fryer without the premium price tag. Also great as a starter air fryer if you are unsure about committing to air frying.
Check Price on Amazon →Cosori Pro LE Air Fryer, 5-Quart
The Cosori Pro LE hits the sweet spot between compact size and usable capacity. At 5 quarts it fits enough food for 2–3 people while taking up minimal counter space. Cosori is known for quiet operation and user-friendly controls, and this model delivers on both. The shake reminder is a clever touch that many users love.
What We Like
- Quiet operation
- Built-in shake reminder
- 9 one-touch cooking presets
- Compact and lightweight
- Dishwasher-safe basket
What Could Be Better
- 5-quart capacity is not enough for large families
- Non-stick coating (not stainless steel)
- No dehydrate function
Best for: Small kitchens, apartments, dorm rooms, and couples who want a quality air fryer without sacrificing precious counter space.
Check Price on Amazon →Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer XL, 5.5-Quart, Stainless Steel
For health-conscious buyers concerned about non-stick coatings, this stainless steel Ninja is the answer. No Teflon, no PFAS, no PTFE — just stainless steel that contacts your food. You get the same Ninja cooking performance without the coating concerns. It requires a bit more oil to prevent sticking, but many users consider that a worthwhile trade-off.
What We Like
- Stainless steel basket — no non-stick coating
- PFAS-free, PTFE-free, BPA-free
- Powerful 1750W heating element
- Dishwasher-safe stainless steel basket
- Ninja build quality and reliability
What Could Be Better
- Needs more oil to prevent sticking vs non-stick
- Stainless steel is harder to clean
- Slightly pricier than coated Ninja models
Best for: Health-conscious buyers who want to avoid non-stick coatings entirely. Perfect if you are concerned about PFAS chemicals and prefer cooking on stainless steel.
Check Price on Amazon →Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer
The Cuisinart TOA-60 is the best option if you want an air fryer that doubles as a full-featured toaster oven. It toasts, bakes, broils, and air fries — replacing two countertop appliances with one. The interior fits 6 slices of toast or a 12-inch pizza. Cuisinart’s 3-year warranty is an extra confidence booster.
What We Like
- True toaster oven + air fryer in one
- Stainless steel exterior
- Fits a 12-inch pizza
- 3-year Cuisinart warranty
- Includes air fryer basket and baking pan
What Could Be Better
- Air frying is good but not as intense as dedicated basket models
- No interior light
- Bulky for small counters
Best for: Anyone who wants to consolidate their toaster oven and air fryer into one countertop appliance. Great for kitchens where counter space is at a premium.
Check Price on Amazon →Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
From the makers of the beloved Instant Pot, the Vortex Plus brings the same reliable engineering to air frying. The 6-quart capacity handles family-sized portions, and the ClearCook window lets you check on food without opening the basket. The EvenCrisp technology circulates air from top to bottom for consistent browning.
What We Like
- ClearCook window to see food while cooking
- EvenCrisp technology for consistent results
- 6-quart family capacity
- 6-in-1: air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate
- One-touch smart programs
What Could Be Better
- Window can fog up during cooking
- Slightly louder than competitors
- Basket handle can get warm
Best for: Fans of the Instant Pot brand who want the same quality in an air fryer. The ClearCook window is a standout feature for people who like to monitor food without disturbing the cook cycle.
Check Price on Amazon →📊 Quick Comparison
| Model | Capacity | Price | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 | 4 Qt | ~$80 | Most people | Best all-around |
| Ninja DZ201 | 8 Qt (2×4) | ~$160 | Families | Dual baskets |
| Gourmia 6-Qt | 6 Qt | ~$35 | Budget buyers | Best value |
| Breville SOA | 1 cu ft | ~$375 | Serious cooks | 13 functions |
| Cosori Pro LE | 5 Qt | ~$70 | Small kitchens | Quiet + compact |
| Ninja AF150AMZ | 5.5 Qt | ~$110 | Health-conscious | Stainless steel |
| Cuisinart TOA-60 | 0.6 cu ft | ~$190 | Toaster oven users | 2-in-1 combo |
| Instant Vortex+ | 6 Qt | ~$110 | Instant Pot fans | ClearCook window |
🛒 Air Fryer Buying Guide
What Size Air Fryer Do You Need?
Size is the most important decision. A too-small air fryer means constant batch cooking; a too-large one wastes counter space and energy. Here is a general guide:
- 1–2 people: 3–4 quarts is ideal
- 2–3 people: 5–6 quarts gives comfortable room
- 4+ people: 6–8 quarts, or a dual-basket model
For a deeper dive, see our complete sizing guide.
Basket vs Oven-Style
Basket air fryers (like the Ninja AF101, Cosori, and Gourmia) are the classic design. They are compact, heat up fast, and produce the crispiest results because the food is closest to the heating element. Best for quick weeknight cooking.
Oven-style air fryers (like the Breville and Cuisinart) offer more cooking versatility and a larger interior. They work as toaster ovens, convection ovens, and air fryers. Best if you want one appliance to replace several.
Non-Stick vs Stainless Steel
Most air fryers use non-stick coated baskets for easy food release and cleanup. If you are concerned about non-stick chemicals (PFAS, PTFE), look for stainless steel baskets like the Ninja AF150AMZ. Stainless steel requires a bit more oil and more thorough cleaning, but gives you peace of mind about chemical exposure.
Features That Actually Matter
- Dishwasher-safe parts — makes cleanup dramatically easier
- Shake reminder — prompts you to flip food halfway through
- Wide temperature range — low temps (100–170°F) for dehydrating, high temps (400°F+) for searing
- Presets — convenient but not essential (you will learn your preferred settings quickly)
Features That Do Not Matter
- WiFi / App control — sounds cool, rarely used in practice
- 20+ presets — most people use 2–3 settings for everything
- Rotisserie function — novelty that few people use regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best air fryer brand?
Ninja and Cosori are consistently the top-rated air fryer brands. Ninja dominates in build quality and cooking performance across price points, while Cosori offers excellent value with quieter operation. Breville is the premium pick for serious home cooks. Gourmia provides the best budget option for people who do not want to spend over $50.
Is a bigger air fryer always better?
No. A larger air fryer takes longer to preheat, uses more energy, and takes up more counter space. If you typically cook for 1–2 people, a 4–5 quart model is ideal. Only go bigger (6–8 quarts) if you regularly cook for 3+ people or want to air fry larger items like a small chicken.
Are non-toxic / stainless steel air fryers worth it?
If you are concerned about PFAS and non-stick chemical exposure, yes. Stainless steel baskets eliminate that concern entirely. The trade-off is that food is more likely to stick, so you need to use a bit more oil or parchment liners. Stainless steel baskets are also more durable long-term since there is no coating to wear off.
How much should I spend on an air fryer?
$30–80 gets you an excellent air fryer for most needs. The Gourmia at ~$35 proves that budget models can perform well. The sweet spot for most buyers is $70–100 (Ninja AF101, Cosori Pro LE), which gets you reliable brand quality and good features. Only spend $150+ if you want dual baskets (Ninja DZ201) or a premium toaster oven combo (Cuisinart, Breville).
Do I need an air fryer if I have a convection oven?
An air fryer is a more compact, more powerful convection oven — the smaller chamber means faster, more intense air circulation. If your convection oven has an air fry setting, try it first. But most people find a dedicated air fryer cooks faster, gets crispier results, and is more convenient for everyday use since it does not heat up the whole kitchen. See our air fryer vs convection oven comparison.