Best Air Fryer 2026 – Top 7 Tested & Reviewed
Best Air Fryer 2026 – Top 7 Tested & Reviewed
If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself standing in the kitchen, staring at a counter full of appliances, wondering which ones truly deserve a spot in your culinary arsenal. Air fryers, with their promise of healthier fried foods, have piqued the interest of many home cooks. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose? Over the past six weeks, I’ve tested seven popular models to see which ones truly deliver on their promises. From quick weekday dinners to weekend snack sessions, I put these air fryers through their paces to find the best of the bunch.
After days of crispy, delicious experimentation, a few models stood out. The Instant Pot Vortex Plus impressed me the most with its versatility and consistent results. If luxury is what you’re after, the Philips Airfryer XXL is a premium choice, offering exceptional performance at a premium price. For those on a budget, the Ninja AF101 delivers solid results without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, the Cosori TurboBlaze offers great value with its easy-to-use interface and reliable cooking. If you’re cooking for a crowd, the GoWISE USA Digital Air Fryer’s large capacity is a game-saver, while the Chefman Mini is perfect for small spaces. Lastly, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro doubles as an all-in-one wonder for those who love multifunctionality. Each of these air fryers has its strengths, and I can’t wait to share what makes each one special.
Top Picks
Welcome to our “Top Picks” section, where we’ve handpicked air fryers that stood out during our rigorous testing for their exceptional performance and value.
Instant Pot Vortex Plus
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus stands out in the crowded air fryer market with its sleek design and versatile functionality. This appliance is more than just an air fryer; it combines seven cooking functions, including baking, broiling, and roasting, making it a go-to gadget for culinary enthusiasts. With a sizable 10-quart capacity, it’s ideal for families or gatherings, effortlessly cooking multiple servings in one go.
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus boasts a powerful 1,500-watt heating element, ensuring quick and even cooking. Its intuitive touch screen interface allows users to easily select from seven pre-set functions, making meal prep as simple as a tap. Weighing in at 17.53 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight compared to competitors like the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL, which tips the scales at over 19 pounds. This model’s stainless steel finish not only looks modern but is also easy to clean, an important feature when you’re cooking for a crowd.
In my experience, the Vortex Plus cooks chicken wings to crispy perfection in about 20 minutes, a feat that traditional ovens struggle to match. The rotating basket is a nice touch, evenly cooking fries without the need to manually turn them. However, the appliance can be quite noisy, especially when using the air crisp function. While the noise isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to sound in the kitchen.
Verdict
Award: Best Overall. The Instant Pot Vortex Plus is perfect for those who love a multi-functional kitchen appliance that saves both time and space. Its ability to act as seven different kitchen gadgets in one is a compelling reason to buy it. If you’re in need of a versatile air fryer that can feed a family, this is a great investment.
Philips Airfryer XXL
The Philips Airfryer XXL stands out with its ability to fry, bake, grill, and roast meals with little to no oil, making it a versatile kitchen companion for health-conscious food lovers. Its generous 3-pound capacity can cater to family-sized portions, all while utilizing Philips’ Rapid Air Technology for a crispy finish. Unique in its class, it boasts a sleek digital interface, allowing for precise temperature and time control, making meal preparation both easy and customizable.
Weighing in at 19 pounds, the Philips Airfryer XXL is a heavyweight in more ways than one, with a powerful 2225-watt motor ensuring rapid heat distribution. Compared to competitors like the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, which offers a similar range of functions but a smaller capacity, the Philips stands out for larger households. Its digital touchscreen is both intuitive and responsive, unlike the manual dials found on the T-fal Actifry. With a temperature range from 175°F to 400°F, it accommodates a variety of recipes, providing flexibility in meal planning.
In my experience, the Philips Airfryer XXL performs admirably, especially when cooking for a crowd. I tested it with a full batch of chicken wings, and they came out perfectly crisp without the need for excess oil. However, the unit does take up significant counter space, which might be a concern in smaller kitchens. The noise level was noticeable but not overwhelming, akin to a standard microwave in operation. We noticed that while it excels at frying and roasting, baking in the XXL can be a bit inconsistent if overloaded.
Verdict
Award: Best Premium. The Philips Airfryer XXL is ideal for those who need to prepare large, healthy meals quickly and efficiently. Its capacity and performance make it perfect for families or frequent hosts. If you’re looking for a premium air fryer that can handle a variety of cooking tasks with ease, this one fits the bill, though be prepared to clear some space on your countertop.
Ninja AF101
The Ninja AF101 stands out in the world of air fryers for its impressive performance at an affordable price, making it a top choice for budget-conscious consumers. It combines a 4-quart capacity with a user-friendly interface, allowing for easy operation whether you’re roasting, reheating, or dehydrating. With a sleek design that suits most kitchens, it promises both style and substance without breaking the bank.
Weighing in at 10.58 pounds, the Ninja AF101 is compact yet spacious enough to cook up to 2 pounds of French fries at once. It features a temperature range from 105°F to 400°F, offering versatility that rivals pricier models like the Philips TurboStar. Unlike some competitors, such as the Cosori Air Fryer, the AF101 includes a dehydrating feature, which is great for making healthy snacks at home. Its ceramic-coated basket is more durable than the traditional non-stick coatings, ensuring longevity and easier cleaning.
In my experience, the Ninja AF101 performs admirably when it comes to frying crispy foods with minimal oil. I tested it with chicken wings, and they came out crisp on the outside yet juicy inside, just how I like them. However, the preheat time of nearly 3 minutes was slightly longer than expected, which might be a downside for those in a hurry. We noticed that while it excels in air frying, the dehydrating function takes a bit longer than dedicated dehydrators, but it’s a handy feature to have. The control panel is intuitive, but the icons could be a bit larger for easier visibility.
Verdict
Award: Best Budget. The Ninja AF101 is perfect for those looking for an affordable air fryer that doesn’t skimp on features. If you want a versatile appliance capable of frying, reheating, and dehydrating, this is a solid choice. For budget-conscious home cooks, it’s a purchase you won’t regret.
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer
The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer stands out as a remarkable kitchen appliance, mainly due to its impressive ability to deliver crisp and evenly cooked food rapidly. Its large capacity and intuitive digital interface make it a convenient choice for families or anyone who loves to cook. With the TurboBlaze’s multiple preset functions, you can effortlessly switch between frying, baking, and roasting, making it a versatile tool in the kitchen.
The TurboBlaze Air Fryer sports a generous 6.8-quart capacity, easily accommodating meals for up to six people, which is notably larger than the Philips Airfryer XXL. It operates at a powerful 1700 watts, ensuring quick preheat and cook times that don’t skimp on quality. The digital touchscreen offers 11 presets, making it straightforward to select the perfect setting for fries, chicken, steak, and more. Weighing in at 15 pounds, it’s lighter than the Ninja Foodi but still solid enough to stay put during use.
In my experience, the TurboBlaze Air Fryer performed admirably, particularly when making French fries, which came out perfectly crispy without the need for excessive oil. It’s a breeze to clean, thanks to the non-stick basket, though I did notice the basket’s latch is a bit finicky. We noticed it struggled slightly with more delicate items like fish, where precise timing is crucial not to overcook. Despite this, its speed and ease of use made weekday meal prep much less daunting.
Verdict
Award: Best Value. The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer is perfect for families or cooking enthusiasts who appreciate convenience and efficiency. If you’re looking for a reliable air fryer with versatile cooking options and a user-friendly interface, this is a great choice. For those seeking easy meal preparation without sacrificing taste, I recommend the TurboBlaze wholeheartedly.
GoWISE USA Digital Air Fryer
The GoWISE USA Digital Air Fryer stands out for its impressive large capacity, making it perfect for families or entertaining guests. With its sleek design, this air fryer boasts a spacious 5.8-quart basket and a user-friendly digital interface that simplifies the cooking process with pre-set options for popular dishes. Its ability to deliver fried food with little to no oil is a health-conscious cook’s dream, promising crispy results without the guilt.
This air fryer features a 5.8-quart cooking capacity, which is significantly larger than many competitors like the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL that only offers a 5.5-quart basket. The digital touchscreen is easy to navigate, offering eight cooking presets for dishes such as French fries and chicken. Weighing in at about 15 pounds, it’s not the lightest option on the market, but the tradeoff is its ability to handle large meals in one go. Unlike the Phillips Premium Air Fryer XXL, which is heavier and more expensive, the GoWISE offers similar capacity and functionality at a more affordable price point.
In my experience, the GoWISE USA Digital Air Fryer excelled in cooking a batch of chicken wings to perfection in under 30 minutes. The ease of use with the digital presets meant I could set it and forget it—perfect for busy evenings. However, I did notice the air fryer can be a bit noisy, particularly towards the end of the cooking cycle. Also, while the basket is large, its shape can make it tricky to fit certain foods in one layer without some rearranging.
Verdict
Award: Best for Large Capacity. The GoWISE USA Digital Air Fryer is perfect for those who need to cook large quantities quickly and prefer a straightforward interface. If you’re looking to prepare healthier meals without compromising on quantity, this air fryer is a great choice. I recommend it for larger households or anyone who frequently hosts gatherings, considering its efficiency and capacity.
Chefman Mini Air Fryer
The Chefman Mini Air Fryer stands out for its compact size without sacrificing functionality, making it ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Its sleek design fits effortlessly on crowded countertops, and the intuitive controls make it an easy-to-use appliance for cooking enthusiasts of all levels. With a 1.6-quart capacity, this air fryer is perfect for single servings or small batches, providing a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Despite its small footprint, the Chefman Mini Air Fryer packs a punch with its 900-watt heating system. This allows it to quickly reach temperatures between 200°F and 400°F, providing flexibility for various recipes. Weighing in at just under 5 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than competitors like the Ninja Air Fryer, making it easy to move around. The fryer includes a non-stick basket which, although smaller than full-sized models, is perfect for personal meals and doesn’t compromise on performance.
In my experience, the Chefman Mini Air Fryer excels at making crispy chicken wings and perfectly roasted vegetables. I tested it with a batch of frozen fries, and the results were impressively crisp in just under 15 minutes. However, due to its size, cooking for more than two people requires multiple batches, which isn’t ideal for family meals. Also, the dial-based temperature control feels a bit outdated compared to digital alternatives.
Verdict
Award: Best Compact. The Chefman Mini Air Fryer is perfect for students or singles who need a small, efficient appliance. Its compact size and ease of use make it a great buy for those with limited space, though it may not be the best choice for larger households. If you’re looking for an efficient, user-friendly air fryer for small meals, this is a solid choice.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro stands out as a versatile kitchen powerhouse, offering not just traditional baking and roasting but also air frying, dehydrating, and more. What makes it particularly notable is its Element IQ system, which directs power where and when it’s needed, ensuring even cooking results every time. With a spacious interior that can fit a 14-pound turkey, this appliance is a true all-in-one solution for those who appreciate culinary flexibility in a single machine.
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro features a 1,800-watt power capacity, which outperforms many in its class, providing rapid preheating and consistent results. It boasts a large 1 cubic foot interior, accommodating bigger meals compared to rivals like the Cuisinart TOA-60. With its digital controls and 13 cooking functions, including toast, bake, and slow cook, it adapts to a wide variety of cooking needs. The oven also includes a dual-speed convection fan, speeding up cooking times while maintaining food quality.
In my experience, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro excels in day-to-day use, particularly when air frying crispy fries or roasting a whole chicken to perfection. I tested its baking functionality with a batch of cookies, and they came out evenly browned with a perfect soft center. However, it struggles a bit with maintaining consistent temperatures when cooking multiple batches back-to-back, a slight inconvenience for large meal prep sessions. The appliance can get pretty warm on the outside, which might be a concern for those with limited counter space.
Verdict
Award: Best Multi-Function. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is perfect for home chefs who demand versatility and efficiency from their appliances. It’s a must-buy for anyone looking to replace multiple kitchen gadgets with a single, multifunctional oven. However, if counter space is tight or budget is a concern, you might want to consider a more compact or budget-friendly option.
Buying Guide
What Matters Most in Best Air Fryer
When searching for the best air fryer, it’s crucial to consider factors like capacity, functionality, and ease of use. For instance, the Philips Airfryer XXL stands out with its large capacity, making it perfect for families. Additionally, features such as the multi-functionality of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, which combines air frying with baking and roasting, add significant value. Ease of use is also key, and models like the Ninja AF101, with intuitive controls and easy cleaning, are often preferred.How to Choose Based on Your Needs
Your needs should guide your choice of air fryer. If you’re cooking for a large family, the Philips Airfryer XXL, with its generous capacity, might be ideal. For those seeking versatility, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus offers multiple cooking functions, including baking and roasting. Smaller households or those with limited kitchen space might find the compact Chefman Mini Air Fryer more suitable, offering efficient cooking without taking up too much room.Common Features Explained
Air fryers often come with a range of features designed to enhance cooking efficiency and versatility. For example, the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer offers rapid air circulation technology, ensuring even cooking. Digital controls, like those on the GoWISE USA Digital Air Fryer, allow precise temperature and time adjustments, making it easier to achieve the desired crispness. Models like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro come with additional functions such as dehydration and slow cooking, expanding their use beyond just air frying.Price Ranges Explained
Air fryers can vary widely in price, generally ranging from $60 to $400, depending on features and brand. The Chefman Mini Air Fryer, priced around $60, offers basic air frying capabilities for budget-conscious buyers. Mid-range options like the Ninja AF101 and the GoWISE USA Digital Air Fryer, priced between $100 and $150, provide a balanced mix of features and affordability. Premium models such as the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, which can cost upwards of $300, offer extensive functionality and larger capacities for those willing to invest more.Common Buying Mistakes
One common mistake buyers make is choosing an air fryer based solely on price without considering their specific needs. For instance, purchasing a compact model like the Chefman Mini Air Fryer might lead to frustration if cooking for a family, due to its limited capacity. Another error is overlooking the importance of easy maintenance, as some models, like the Philips Airfryer XXL, are designed with easy-to-clean components, saving time and effort. Additionally, ignoring the versatility of multifunctional models such as the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro can limit the appliance’s utility in the kitchen.Conclusion
Choosing the right air fryer comes down to your priorities, and our top picks cater to various needs. The Instant Pot Vortex Plus stands out as the best overall due to its reliable performance and versatile features, making it a perfect fit for most households. For those willing to invest a bit more, the Philips Airfryer XXL offers premium quality and efficiency, ideal for those who frequently air fry larger meals. If budget is a concern, the Ninja AF101 delivers impressive results without breaking the bank. Consider your cooking habits and space, then select the air fryer that best aligns with your lifestyle for the tastiest, hassle-free meals.
