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Home & Kitchen
The Best Air Fryers
Crisp fries, wings, and roasted vegetables with less oil and less waiting.
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Our picks at a glance
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart with ClearCook
Cooks evenly, has a viewing window, and is easy to clean.
Check price →Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer
Two baskets cook two foods at once and finish at the same time.
Check price →An air fryer is really a small, powerful convection oven. It preheats fast and crisps food beautifully, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, reheating leftovers, and frozen snacks.
Why you should trust us
Nivef guides are written to answer one question clearly: which one should you buy? We compare specifications and prices, read long-term owner reviews, check warranty and customer-support policies, and use products hands-on wherever possible. Manufacturers never pay for placement, and they don't see our guides before they're published. Read more about how we test.
Who this is for
Air fryers are great for small households, busy cooks, and anyone who wants crispy results without heating up a full oven.
How we picked
Here's what we looked for:
- Even browning without constant shaking
- A basket large enough for two to four servings
- Simple, intuitive controls
- A nonstick basket that's easy to clean or dishwasher-safe
- Reasonable noise level
- A footprint that fits your counter
Our picks in detail
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart with ClearCook
Cooks evenly, has a viewing window, and is easy to clean.
The Vortex Plus crisps food evenly, and the window lets you check progress without opening the basket. The controls are simple and the basket is a good size for families of two to four.
What we like
- Even cooking
- Viewing window
- Easy to clean
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Takes up counter space
Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart
Fast, powerful, and quieter than many rivals.
Cosori's TurboBlaze cooks quickly with strong airflow, and its square basket uses space efficiently. It's a strong alternative if our pick is unavailable.
What we like
- Fast cooking
- Square basket fits more
- Quiet operation
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Many presets you may never use
Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer
Two baskets cook two foods at once and finish at the same time.
With two independent baskets, you can cook chicken and vegetables at different temperatures and have both ready together. It's a big help for larger households.
What we like
- Two independent baskets
- Sync finish feature
- Large capacity
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Wide footprint
Dash Compact Air Fryer
A small, inexpensive air fryer for one or two people.
If you cook for one or have limited counter space, the Dash compact model handles snacks and small meals at a low price.
What we like
- Inexpensive
- Small footprint
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Small capacity
- Basic controls
What to look for
Basket size
About 2 quarts suits one person; 5 to 6 quarts suits a family of four.
Basket vs. oven style
Basket models crisp best. Oven-style models fit more food and can toast, but take longer.
Easy cleanup
Look for dishwasher-safe baskets and avoid models with lots of hard-to-reach crevices.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need oil in an air fryer?
Not always, but a light spray of oil helps vegetables and homemade fries brown and crisp.
Can I use parchment paper?
Yes, use perforated liners made for air fryers and never preheat with an empty liner, since it can blow into the heating element.
