Best Air Fryer Options: Value For Money

Air fryers are a great addition to your kitchen, offering a healthy alternative to frying foods. They work by heating food at a high temperature and using a large fan to circulate the air, cooking foods quickly and making them crispy.

There are many air fryers on the market, so it can be hard to choose the best one for you. Here are some of the best air fryers to consider, according to experts:

- Ninja Air Fryer Max XL: This air fryer has a 5.5-quart capacity and is known for its top performance, ease of use, and non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket. It cooks food quickly and evenly, resulting in crispy and juicy chicken wings and fries.

- Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook: This 6-quart air fryer has a see-through window and a square basket that maximizes cooking space. It cooks food evenly and has a digital control panel with six preset cooking functions.

- Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer: With a 6-quart capacity, this air fryer has a sleek and compact design, an easy-to-use control panel, and a removable tray that pops securely into place. It cooks food evenly and has several cooking functions, including air fry, broil, roast, reheat, dehydrate, and bake.

- Ninja AF101 Air Fryer: This 4-quart air fryer is a smaller version of the Ninja Max XL, with similar capabilities and performance. It cooks food quickly and evenly, is easy to program and clean, and has a non-stick basket and removable cooking tray.

- Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer: This air fryer has two baskets, offering more cooking versatility. Each basket can cook one to two portions, or they can be combined to cook up to an 8-quart capacity. It cooks food quickly and evenly and is easy to use, with a non-stick basket and removable cooking tray.

- Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven: This air fryer toaster oven has a 15.5-inch by 16-inch air fry rack and several cooking functions, including air fry, toast, bake, convection bake, and broil. It cooks food quickly and evenly and produces some of the most evenly colored toast.

- Instant 10QT Air Fryer: This oven-style air fryer has a 10-quart capacity and comes with two non-stick shelves and a drip pan. It cooks food evenly and has a rotisserie feature, allowing you to cook a juicy, evenly browned chicken.

- Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer: This high-tech air fryer has a temperature probe that guides you through the cooking process, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection. It also has a steam function to keep foods moist during cooking.

- Ninja 4-quart Air Fryer: This air fryer has a 4-quart capacity and is known for its power, ease of use, and sleek design. It cooks food quickly and evenly, resulting in crispy and juicy chicken wings and fries.

- Cosori Lite 4-quart Air Fryer: This air fryer has a 4-quart capacity and a maximum temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It has an easy-to-use control panel, a dishwasher-safe basket, and several cooking functions, including air fry, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate.

- Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer: This air fryer has two 4-quart baskets, allowing you to cook two different foods at the same time. It has a match cook setting for cooking larger amounts of food and several cooking functions, including air fry, air broil, bake, roast, and reheat.

- Instant Pot Duo Crisp: This air fryer and multicooker has a separate air fryer lid and cooking function. It cooks food evenly and has several functions, including pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, and air fry.

- Breville Smart Oven Air: This air fryer toaster oven has a large capacity and several cooking functions, including toast, bagel, bake, roast, warm, pizza, and air fry. It cooks food evenly and has a sleek design, but it is expensive and takes up a lot of space.

- Gourmia 2-quart Air Fryer: This small, compact air fryer has a 2-quart capacity and several cooking functions, including air fry, broil, bake, and reheat. It is easy to use and clean and is powerful enough to cook chicken wings and fries evenly.

When choosing an air fryer, consider the type, size, price, and additional features that suit your needs. Basket-style air fryers are standalone appliances with a cooking basket, while oven-style air fryers have multiple trays and are better for larger surface foods. Air fryer toaster ovens combine air frying and toasting capabilities but may not perform as well as standalone air fryers.

The size of the air fryer will depend on how many people you typically cook for. A 2- to 4-quart capacity is suitable for one to two people, while a larger capacity is needed for families or groups.

Digital air fryers tend to be more expensive but offer more functions and are easier to use than mechanical air fryers. Stainless steel options are also usually more expensive than plastic ones.

Some additional features to consider include smart capabilities, steam cooking, slow cooking, and rotisserie functions.

Best air fryer for large families

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and evenly, and they are a must-have for many home cooks. If you're looking for an air fryer that can handle large family meals, here are some options that might be suitable:

Instant Vortex Plus 10-Quart Air Fryer

This air fryer has a large 10-quart capacity, making it ideal for cooking family-size meals. It comes with seven cooking functions, including air fry, broil, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, and rotisserie. The straightforward display and quiet operation make it a cinch to use and clean. It performed well in tests, with food coming out crispy and evenly cooked. However, it uses a tray instead of a basket, which can be a little tricky to handle.

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 9 Quart TriZone Air Fryer

This air fryer has a generous 9-quart capacity and six cooking functions, including air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate, bake, and broil. Its unique feature is the ability to cook two different foods simultaneously using individual 4.5-quart cooking zones. It has a modern design and an intuitive control panel. Tests showed that it cooks food evenly, and it was easy to clean.

Philips Premium Airfryer XXL

If you're willing to splurge, the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL offers a spacious 7-quart basket and five cooking functions. It has a user-friendly design, with a comfortable basket handle and clear digital controls. It also features "fat removal technology" to extract excess fat from food. However, it only has five functions, and cleaning can be a bit inconvenient as the crisper plate is neither non-stick nor dishwasher-safe.

Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2 Basket Air Fryer

This air fryer has a large 10-quart capacity with two 5-quart cooking zones, making it perfect for cooking two different dishes simultaneously. It offers six cooking programs, including air frying, air broiling, roasting, and dehydrating. Tests showed that it cooks food evenly, and it has a "Match Cook" function to cook the same food in both baskets. However, the temperature control is locked at preset intervals, and the basket sizes might be a bit small for baking large batches.

Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven

The Instant Omni Plus is a massive 19-quart air fryer toaster oven that can fit a 12-inch pizza, an entire chicken, or six slices of bread. It offers ten cooking functions, including air fry, broil, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, rotisserie, toast, warm, and convection. It has a powerful performance but requires close monitoring to prevent overcooking. Its large capacity makes it ideal for large families, but it takes up significant counter space.

Best air fryer for small families

Air fryers are a great addition to your kitchen, especially if you're cooking for a small family. They are compact, easy to use, and can cook a wide variety of foods with minimal oil. Here are some of the best air fryers for small families:

Dash Compact Air Fryer

The Dash Compact Air Fryer is perfect for small families or couples. It has a capacity of 2 quarts, which is enough to cook a meal for one or two people. The fryer features two dials, one for temperature and the other for time, making it very simple to operate. It is also quite compact and can be easily stored in a cupboard if counter space is limited. The basket is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. It comes in a range of colours, including black, white, red, and aqua, so you can choose one that matches your kitchen's aesthetic.

Instant Vortex Mini 2-Qt Mini Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex Mini is a powerful and compact air fryer ideal for small spaces. With a 2-quart capacity, it can cook up to two servings of food at once. Its square basket design maximises the cooking space, allowing you to fit in more food than you would in a round basket. The Vortex Mini cooks quickly and evenly, and its streamlined interface has only four preset settings: air fry, roast, bake, and reheat. It also has a quiet operation, so you don't have to worry about it being too loud in a small home.

Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is a great option if you're looking for something with a slightly larger capacity. Its 5-quart basket can easily cook for a family of four. It has a compact and low-profile design, so it won't take up too much space on your counter or in your cupboard. The fryer has tactile controls and powerful performance, crisping up French fries in under 10 minutes. It also has a dishwasher-safe basket, making cleanup easy.

Cosori TurboBlaze 6-quart

The Cosori TurboBlaze is a versatile and user-friendly air fryer that holds its own against other popular brands. It comes with preset modes for cooking a variety of foods, from steak to cookies. The automatic preheat function is convenient, but it would benefit from a reminder to shake the basket halfway through cooking for more even results. With a maximum temperature of 450°F, it is one of the more powerful options available. It often goes on sale, so you can get a good deal if you keep an eye out for promotions.

Instant Vortex Slim 5.7L Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex Slim is perfect for small kitchens as it has a narrow and deep basket that takes up minimal counter space. Despite its compact size, it has a 6-quart capacity, so you don't have to compromise on cooking volume. It cooks a variety of foods quickly and quietly, from potatoes to broccolini. The sleek control panel looks great but is prone to smudging, so be careful when touching it with greasy fingers.

These air fryers offer a range of features and capacities to suit your small family's needs, so you can choose the one that best fits your cooking style and kitchen setup.

Best air fryer for beginners

If you're new to air fryers, you'll want to look for a model that's easy to use, clean, and compact. Here are some of the best air fryers for beginners:

Instant Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer is a top choice for beginners, offering a user-friendly interface with pre-programmed settings and a dial for temperature control. Its 6-quart capacity is suitable for cooking for a small family or a group of four. It delivers crispy, evenly cooked food and has a sleek design that won't take up too much counter space.

Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer

The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer is an excellent option for those seeking a powerful and user-friendly air fryer. It comes with pre-set modes for various dishes, from steak to cookies, making it a versatile choice. The machine is easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe parts, and its compact design makes it ideal for those with limited counter space.

Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer

The Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer is a sturdy and compact air fryer that delivers impressive results. It has a simple, multi-function display and a 4-quart capacity, making it perfect for cooking for one or two people. The air fryer also includes a dehydrate function, allowing you to make healthy snacks like fruit and veggie chips.

Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer

If you're looking for an affordable and space-saving option, the Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer is a great choice. With a 2.6-quart capacity, it's perfect for single servings or small portions. The machine has a straightforward design, with two dials for temperature and time control, making it easy to use right out of the box.

Instant Vortex Mini 2-Qt Mini Air Fryer

For those with limited counter space or those cooking for one, the Instant Vortex Mini 2-Qt Mini Air Fryer is an excellent choice. Despite its compact size, it delivers powerful performance, cooking food quickly and evenly. It has a digital interface and a knob for temperature and time control, making it user-friendly.

Best air fryer for those with limited kitchen space

If you're short on kitchen space, you'll want an air fryer that is compact, easy to store, and doesn't take up too much room on your countertop. Here are some of the best air fryers for those with limited kitchen space:

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL

The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is a top-performing, basket-style air fryer that delivers crispy and juicy results. It has a 5.5-quart capacity, making it suitable for cooking for a family of four. The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is easy to use, with intuitive buttons and a clear owner's manual. The non-stick basket and tray are also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. It's currently on sale for $94 at Amazon, down from $170.

Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook

The Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook is a 6-quart air fryer that stands out for its see-through window design, allowing you to monitor your food without opening the basket. It has a square basket that maximizes cooking space and a preheat function. The digital control panel is easy to use, and it alerts you when it's time to shake or turn your food. It's currently on sale for $100 at Amazon, down from $140.

Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer

The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer has a 6-quart capacity but a shorter and sleeker design than many other air fryers, making it a good choice for those with limited counter space. It has an easy-to-read control panel with straightforward settings. The basket and tray are also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. It's currently on sale for $128 at Walmart, down from $160.

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is a slightly smaller version of the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL, with a 4-quart capacity. It delivers similar high performance and is easy to use and clean, with a non-stick basket and removable cooking tray. It's currently on sale for $80 at Amazon, down from $90.

Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer

The Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer is a dual-basket air fryer that offers more cooking versatility. Each basket has a capacity of up to four portions, or you can combine them for a total of 8 quarts. It delivers comparable performance to the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL and is easy to clean thanks to its smaller baskets. It's currently on sale for $149 at Walmart, down from $169.

Gourmia 2-quart Air Fryer

If you're really tight on space, the Gourmia 2-quart Air Fryer is a great option. It's one of the smallest air fryers on the market, perfect for cooking for one or two people. Despite its compact size, it has good power and can cook up to nine crispy chicken wings in about 25 minutes. It has a digital control panel with four cooking modes: air fry, broil, bake, and reheat. It's currently available for $50 at Target and Walmart.

Best air fryer for those who want a multi-purpose appliance

If you're looking for a multi-purpose air fryer, you might want to consider an air fryer toaster oven. These appliances are larger than the standard basket-style air fryers and can be used for air frying, baking, roasting, toasting, reheating, dehydrating, broiling, and more.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

This air fryer toaster oven is a versatile appliance that can air fry, bake, broil, toast, roast, warm, dehydrate, proof, and slow cook. It has a large capacity that can fit a 13-inch pizza, a whole chicken, or a 9x13 casserole dish. The digital interface makes it easy to use, and it comes with a variety of accessories, including a pizza stone and a pizza crisper pan. However, it is expensive and takes up a lot of counter space.

Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven

The Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven is another excellent option for a multi-purpose air fryer. It has a large capacity that can fit a 12-inch pizza, a whole chicken, or a 9x13 baking dish. It can air fry, broil, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, rotisserie, toast, and warm. It also has a sleek design and is easy to use. However, it is also quite large and may be more than you need if you're just looking for an air fryer.

Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a good option if you're looking for a more affordable air fryer toaster oven. It can air fry, toast, roast, and bake, and it doesn't require preheating. It has a sleek stainless steel design and straightforward controls. However, the accessories are not dishwasher-safe.

Frequently asked questions