Best Air Fryer Brands For Your Kitchen

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-fat fryers, using hot air to cook food with little to no oil. They are energy-efficient, versatile, and can cook food quickly and evenly.

When choosing an air fryer, it's important to consider factors such as capacity, ease of use, and additional features. Here are some of the best air fryers on the market:

- Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer: This air fryer has a user-friendly interface and a roomy basket. It performed well in tests, cooking food evenly and quickly. It also has a dehydrate function and is reasonably priced.

- Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer: This air fryer has a powerful motor and a compact design. It comes with several cooking functions, including air fry, roast, dehydrate, and bake. It's easy to clean and is one of the most affordable options on the market.

- Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer: This small air fryer outperforms larger and more expensive models. It has a non-stick coating for easy cleaning and delivers crispy and evenly cooked food. It's perfect for small households or individuals.

- Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer: This air fryer toaster oven combo has a large capacity and smart sensors for precise cooking. It can air fry, toast, bake, broil, and more. It's a versatile appliance but is quite expensive and takes up a lot of counter space.

- Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven: This air fryer has a large 19-quart capacity and multiple functions, including air fry, toast, bake, rotisserie, and dehydrate. It's easy to use and delivers consistent results, but it's bulky and may be more than what some people need.

Best air fryer for a small household

Air fryers are a great addition to any kitchen, especially for small households. They are compact, easy to use, and can cook a variety of foods with minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. Here are some of the best air fryers for small households:

Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer

This air fryer is perfect for small households, offering a 4-quart capacity without taking up too much counter space. It outperformed many larger and more expensive air fryers in tests, delivering near-perfect results for various foods, including chicken, shrimp, biscuits, and fries. It's easy to use, with simple settings, and quiet during operation. The non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze, and its compact size makes it easy to store.

Instant Vortex Mini 2-Qt Mini Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex Mini is an excellent choice for those cooking for one. With a capacity of less than 3 quarts, it takes up minimal counter and storage space. Despite its small size, it cooks food just as well as larger models, producing crispy fries, juicy chicken, and well-baked cakes. It features a digital interface and a knob for precise temperature control.

Cosori Lite CAF-LI211

The Cosori Lite is ideal for those with limited counter space. With a capacity of 1.7 quarts and dimensions of just 11x9x10 inches, it's one of the smallest air fryers on the market. Despite its compact size, it's packed with features, including a digital display, programmed settings, and a dishwasher-safe basket. It performs exceptionally well, producing crispy fries and juicy chicken wings. It's also one of the quietest air fryers available.

Dash Express Tasti-Crisp DCAF120

The Dash Express Tasti-Crisp is another excellent option for small households. With a capacity of 1.9 quarts and dimensions of 11x9x11 inches, it's both compact and lightweight at just 6 pounds. It receives high marks for ease of cleaning and quiet operation. While the controls are only middling, it delivers excellent results, producing crispy fries and tender chicken breasts. It's also one of the most affordable options on the market.

Dash Tasti-Crisp DCAF260

The Dash Tasti-Crisp is a slightly more advanced version of the Express model. It has a similar capacity of 1.9 quarts and dimensions of 11x9x11 inches, making it perfect for small households. This model features a digital display and three presets for saving your favorite settings. It excels in ease of use, cleanup, and noise levels. It produces crispy fries and juicy chicken without the need for added oil.

Best air fryer for a large household

Air fryers are a convenient addition to your kitchen, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. They use a fan to circulate hot air and cook food quickly and efficiently. If you're looking for an air fryer for a large household, here are some great options:

Instant Vortex Plus 10-Quart Air Fryer

This air fryer has a large 10-quart capacity, making it ideal for cooking for large groups. It comes with trays and a rotisserie insert, offering versatility in your cooking. The Instant Vortex Plus received praise for its ease of use, with a clear display and good instructions. It cooks food evenly and is a breeze to clean, making it a great choice for families.

Ninja DZ071 Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer

The Ninja DZ071 is a dual-zone air fryer, allowing you to cook two different items at different temperatures simultaneously. Each basket has a capacity of 3.5 quarts, and they can be combined to form a 7-quart basket. It's a versatile option for large families or gatherings, but some users found the temperature control to be less accurate than expected.

Instant Vortex 9-Quart Air Fryer with VersaZone Technology

With a 9-quart capacity, this Instant Vortex air fryer is perfect for cooking for a crowd. It features a removable divider, allowing you to cook two different foods at once. The digital interface and knob for temperature control make it user-friendly. While it delivers on performance and capacity, it is on the larger side and may take up considerable space on your countertop.

Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer

The Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer offers a total capacity of 8 quarts with its dual baskets. This air fryer lets you cook two different foods simultaneously, each at their own temperature and time. The Smart Finish feature ensures that both foods finish cooking at the same time. The individual baskets are on the smaller side, but the air fryer is excellent for preparing meals for a large family or group.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a premium option, offering a spacious 1-cubic-foot capacity. It has 13 preset functions, including air fry, slow cook, roast, broil, bake, and more. The digital interface is intuitive and easy to use. While it delivers exceptional performance, it comes at a higher price point and takes up a significant amount of countertop space.

Best air fryer for a small kitchen

Air fryers are a great way to cook healthier, quick meals in small spaces. They use less oil than traditional frying methods and are more energy-efficient than standard ovens. If you're looking for the best air fryer for a small kitchen, here are some top picks:

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL

The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is a top performer in Good Housekeeping's tests, making the crispiest and most golden chicken wings while keeping them juicy. It has a 5.5-quart capacity and features an intuitive, easy-to-use control panel. The basket is non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze. It also has several cook settings, including a dehydrate function that reaches as low as 105˚F.

Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook

The Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook is another great option, especially for families. It has a 6-quart capacity and features a see-through window, so you can keep an eye on your food without opening the basket. It comes with six preset cooking modes and a responsive digital control panel. The basket is non-stick and dishwasher-safe. It also has a preheat function and alerts you when it's time to shake or turn your food.

Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer

The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer is a sleek and powerful air fryer with a 6-quart capacity. It has an easy-to-read control panel and a unique square basket design that maximizes cooking space. The basket and tray are removable and dishwasher-safe. While it may not achieve the same level of crispness as other air fryers, it is a good option if you're looking for a combination of performance and style.

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is a smaller version of the Ninja Max XL, with a 4-quart capacity. It delivers similar high performance and is perfect for couples or small families. It is easy to program and clean, with a non-stick basket and removable cooking tray. Chicken wings and fries come out crispy and delicious.

Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 2-Basket Air Fryer

The Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 2-Basket Air Fryer is a unique dual-basket air fryer that offers more cooking versatility. Each basket has a capacity of 4 quarts, or you can combine them for a total of 8 quarts. It performs similarly to the Ninja Max XL, cooking food quickly and evenly. The dual-zone design can be a bit tricky to program, but once you get the hang of it, it's a great option for cooking multiple items at different temperatures.

Instant 10QT Air Fryer

The Instant 10QT Air Fryer is an oven-style air fryer with a large capacity of 10 quarts. It comes with two non-stick shelves and a drip pan that can also be used for baking. It includes a rotisserie feature, allowing you to cook a 4-pound chicken to juicy perfection. The air fryer has an attractive stainless steel design and an easy-to-use control panel. However, it is important to note that the door needs to be pushed firmly to close.

Dreo Aircrisp Pro Air Fryer

The Dreo Aircrisp Pro Air Fryer is a compact and efficient air fryer that is perfect for single servings. It has a capacity of 3.6 quarts and makes perfect fries and wings. It features convenient preset settings and is easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe parts. The only downside is that the crisping tray's rubber feet tend to come off easily.

Chefman Small Compact Air Fryer

The Chefman Small Compact Air Fryer is a budget-friendly option that delivers delicious results. It has a 2-quart capacity, making it ideal for individuals or small servings. It is easy to use and clean, with dishwasher-safe parts. It may be too small for some tasks, but it is a great choice if you're looking for a space-saving air fryer that won't break the bank.

Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer

The Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer is perfect for single-serving meals. It has a 2.2-quart capacity and cooks food quickly and evenly. It is easy to set up and use, with a digital display and customizable presets. The basket and crisping tray are dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze. However, the basket doesn't slide in smoothly and requires a bit of wiggling to fit properly.

Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven

The Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven is a compact air fryer toaster oven that can fit a 13-inch pizza, up to nine slices of toast, or six chicken breasts. It has eight different functions, including air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating. It has a slim, low-profile design that allows for easy storage, and the air fry basket and baking tray are dishwasher-safe. It also features an interior light so you can monitor the progress of your food.

Best air fryer for a large kitchen

If you're looking for an air fryer for a large kitchen, you'll want to consider the size of the appliance, its capacity, and its functions.

Size and Capacity

Firstly, you'll want to consider the size of the air fryer. Large kitchens can accommodate bigger appliances, but you'll also want to ensure that the air fryer doesn't take up too much counter space. Some air fryers are designed to be compact and space-saving, such as the Ninja Double Stack, which stacks two baskets vertically. This design allows for a generous cooking capacity while maximising counter space.

For a large kitchen, you may also want to consider an air fryer with a larger capacity, which is ideal for cooking for a family or a group of people. The Instant Vortex Plus 10-Quart Air Fryer is a great option, as it has a large capacity and performs well in cooking a variety of foods. It comes with trays and a rotisserie insert, making it versatile for different cooking needs.

Functions

When choosing an air fryer, you'll also want to consider the functions and features that are important to you. Here are some options:

• Smart functions: Some air fryers offer smart capabilities, allowing you to control them remotely via a smartphone app. The Ultenic K10 Smart Air Fryer is a reasonably priced option with plenty of automatic programs for time and temperature settings.
• Dual-zone: A dual-zone air fryer, like the Ninja DZ071 Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer, allows you to cook two different items at two different temperatures simultaneously. This feature is especially useful if you want to cook multiple dishes at once or if you want to cook smaller portions.
• Window: Some air fryers, like the Cuisinart Basket Air Fryer, have a window that lets you see inside the machine to monitor the cooking progress without opening the basket.
• Oven-style: Oven-style air fryers, like the Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer, have multiple trays that offer a larger cooking surface. They are ideal for cooking foods with larger surface areas, such as chicken cutlets or fish.

Recommendations

Based on the criteria mentioned above, here are some recommended air fryers for a large kitchen:

• Instant Vortex Plus 10-Quart Air Fryer: This air fryer has a large 10-quart capacity and comes with trays and a rotisserie insert. It performs well in cooking a variety of foods and is a great option for those who want the versatility to cook different dishes.
• Ninja DZ071 Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer: This dual-zone air fryer allows you to cook two different items at different temperatures simultaneously. It has a total capacity of 7 quarts and is versatile for families or groups.
• Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer: While this air fryer has a slightly smaller capacity, it is a user-friendly tool with a reasonable price and strong cooking performance. It has a wide, square-shaped basket and offers various cooking functions.
• Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven: This air fryer toaster oven has a large cooking surface and multiple functions, including air fry, toast, bake, roast, and more. It is a versatile option for those who want the convenience of multiple cooking functions in one appliance.
• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer: This combination toaster oven and air fryer has a large capacity and smart sensors for perfect cooking every time. It is a good choice for those who want the functionality of both an air fryer and a toaster oven in one appliance.

Remember to consider your specific needs, budget, and the functions that are most important to you when choosing an air fryer for your large kitchen.

Best air fryer for a tight budget

Air fryers are a convenient countertop convection oven that uses a fan to circulate hot air to cook, crisp, or caramelize food faster than the radiant heat in a standard toaster or traditional oven. They are a healthier alternative to deep frying as they require less oil. Air fryers come in various styles, including basket units, dual-basket style, and air fryer toaster ovens. Basket-style air fryers have a handled basket that pulls in and out much like a countertop deep fryer, while air fryer toaster ovens have a front-opening door and slide-in trays. The door is usually transparent so you can watch the food without opening it.

Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1

This air fryer from Ninja is powerful without being overpowering and has a capacious design without taking up too much space. It has a five-quart basket and can meal prep for four people without any trouble. It crisped up french fries in under 10 minutes and roasted vegetables with good charring. The basket and tray are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. However, it lacks a pre-heat setting and has limited capacity for some.

Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a versatile and affordable option that can crisp up bagels, roast a 4-pound chicken, and bake a 12-inch pizza. It has a quiet operation and doesn't require preheating, saving you time. The controls are straightforward, with well-marked dials, but there are no pre-programmed settings. The accessories are not dishwasher-safe.

Cosori TurboBlaze

The Cosori TurboBlaze is a user-friendly and powerful air fryer that is ideal for beginners. It comes with pre-set modes for cooking a range of dishes, from steak to cookies. It has a generous capacity basket and is easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe parts. It includes an automatic pre-heat function, but lacks a reminder to shake the food for even cooking.

Instant Vortex Slim Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex Slim has a narrow and deep basket that can fit a 6-quart capacity in a 10-inch width basket. It is perfect for small spaces and performs quietly, making it suitable for a smaller home. The control panel is sleek but smudges easily with greasy fingers. The maximum temperature is 400°F, which is lower than some other air fryers.

Ultenic K10 Air Fryer

The Ultenic K10 Air Fryer is a budget-friendly option that is great for beginners. It has 11 pre-sets for cooking different dishes, and a decent-sized basket. It cooked fries and nuggets evenly and crisp. However, the WiFi connection was faulty, and the touchscreen gets smudgy quickly.

Dash Compact Air Fryer

The Dash Compact Air Fryer is a small and compact air fryer that is perfect for small families or individuals. It has a pair of dials for temperature and time control and is easy to program. It can cook chicken wings, hamburgers, and air-fried chicken dinners for one or two people. The basket is dishwasher-safe, and the air fryer comes in a range of colors.

Frequently asked questions