6 Best Air Fryers in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Instant Vortex	cooks evenly with simple touch controls
Best for families	Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt	large capacity with dishwasher-safe baskets
Best toaster oven style	Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro	versatile cooking functions
Best design-focused	Non Toxic Air Fryer™ - Glass AirFryer 5 Quart w/ 360	stylish appearance with solid performance
Also recommended	Our Place Wonder Oven	stylish and gets the job done
Also recommended	Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8	versatile all-in-one kitchen workhorse

How we chose and tested

We evaluated air fryers based on cooking performance, ease of use, and real-world practicality. Testing included cooking fries, chicken, and vegetables to check for even browning and consistent results. We considered factors like temperature control precision, cleaning difficulty, and counter space requirements. Models were assessed for both everyday use and special cooking needs.

The best air fryer right now

Instant Vortex - Best overall

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This air fryer delivers consistently crispy results with minimal fuss, making it the top choice for most kitchens. Its touchscreen with physical knob makes temperature and time adjustments quick and intuitive.

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Key highlights

Touchscreen display with physical knob for easy adjustments, with temperature adjustable in five-degree increments
Cooks fries and chicken evenly with good browning
Six-quart capacity handles family-sized portions
Relatively quiet operation compared to some models
Preheats quickly for faster cooking

Pros

Consistent performance across different foods
Simple controls that are easy to master
Large enough for most family meals
Reasonably priced for its capabilities

Cons

Takes up moderate counter space
Basket cleaning requires some attention
Plastic components may discolor over time

Who it is for: Home cooks who want reliable results without complicated settings.

Skip if

You need maximum counter space or prefer manual dial controls.

Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt - Best for families

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With its large capacity and dishwasher-safe components, the Cosori air fryer simplifies cooking for households. The spacious basket accommodates bigger batches, reducing cooking time for family meals.

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Key highlights

Dishwasher-safe baskets simplify cleanup
Generous capacity for family-sized portions
Even cooking across the basket
Multiple preset functions for common foods
Clear viewing window to check progress
Temperature range up to 450°F, higher than most air fryers

Pros

Easy cleaning with dishwasher compatibility
Handles larger quantities efficiently
Presets reduce guesswork for beginners
Good value for the capacity

Cons

Larger footprint requires more counter space
Some plastic parts may wear over time
Can be noisy during operation
Preset times may need adjustment for preferences

Who it is for: Families who need to cook larger batches and value easy cleanup.

Skip if

You have limited counter space or prefer manual temperature control.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro - Best toaster oven style

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This versatile appliance combines air frying with multiple cooking functions in a toaster oven format. It offers precise temperature control and even heating for various cooking tasks.

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Key highlights

Multiple cooking functions beyond air frying
Precise temperature control in five-degree increments from 80°F to 480°F
Even heating across the cooking space
Larger capacity than pod-style units
High-quality construction

Pros

Versatile for baking, toasting, and air frying
Excellent temperature precision
Even cooking results
Durable build quality

Cons

Higher price point
Significant counter space required
Longer preheat times than pod-style units
More complex controls to learn

Who it is for: Serious home cooks who want multi-function capability and precision.

Skip if

You only need basic air frying or have limited counter space.

Non Toxic Air Fryer™ - Glass AirFryer 5 Quart w/ 360 - Best design-focused

For those who care about aesthetics as much as performance, the Fritaire offers stylish design without sacrificing cooking ability. Its thoughtful appearance makes it suitable for visible kitchen counters.

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Key highlights

Attractive design with multiple color options
Solid cooking performance
Balanced form and function
Good heat distribution
Durable construction

Pros

Visually appealing for kitchen display
Performs well for everyday cooking
Multiple color choices
Well-built for longevity

Cons

Higher price than basic models
Color options may discolor with heat over time
Limited availability compared to major brands
Fewer preset functions

Who it is for: Design-conscious cooks who want their appliances to look good.

Skip if

You prioritize maximum value or need specialized cooking functions.

Also Good

Our Place Wonder Oven - stylish and gets the job done.
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8- versatile all-in-one kitchen workhorse.

How to Choose

Consider capacity first - larger families need six-quart or bigger models, while singles can manage with smaller units. Look at controls: touchscreens with knobs offer the best balance of precision and ease. Check cleaning requirements - dishwasher-safe baskets save time. Evaluate counter space - toaster oven styles need more room but offer versatility. Finally, consider temperature precision if you cook varied recipes regularly.

FAQ

Do air fryers really make food taste fried?

No, air-fried food won't taste exactly like deep-fried, but it delivers satisfying crispiness with much less oil. The texture is closer to oven-baked but faster and often crispier.

What's the difference between pod-style and toaster oven air fryers?

Pod-style units are compact and heat quickly, ideal for basic air frying. Toaster oven models are larger, take longer to preheat, but offer multiple cooking functions beyond air frying.

How do I clean an air fryer properly?

Most baskets are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing nonstick coatings extends their life. Wipe the exterior regularly, and clean the heating element area periodically to prevent smoke.

Can I cook frozen food directly in an air fryer?

Yes, air fryers handle frozen foods well, often better than conventional ovens. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly compared to fresh foods.

Are air fryers worth the counter space?

For regular users who want quick, crispy results without heating a full oven, yes. If you rarely cook crispy foods or have extremely limited space, consider your usage frequency first.