Best Air Fryer: Crispy Food With Less Oil and Less Guilt

Air fryers deliver on their promise—crispy fries, crunchy chicken wings, and roasted vegetables with a fraction of the oil. They're essentially compact convection ovens that circulate hot air rapidly around food, creating that satisfying crunch without deep frying.

The appeal goes beyond health. Air fryers preheat in minutes, cook faster than conventional ovens, and don't heat up your kitchen. They've become essential for quick weeknight meals, reheating leftovers (goodbye soggy microwave pizza), and cooking frozen foods to perfection.

Let's find the air fryer that fits your kitchen and cooking style.

How Air Fryers Work

The Technology

Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology:

• Heating element generates intense heat
• Powerful fan circulates hot air at high speed
• Perforated basket allows air to reach all surfaces
• Result: Crispy exterior, moist interior

Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer

Air fryers won't perfectly replicate deep-fried food, but they get remarkably close with dramatically less oil.

Top Air Fryers for 2026

Best Overall: Ninja Foodi DualZone

Two baskets, independent cooking, maximum flexibility.

• Capacity: 8 quarts (two 4-quart baskets)
• Features: DualZone technology, 6 cooking functions
• Special: Smart Finish syncs both baskets to finish together
• Price: ~$180

Cook proteins and vegetables simultaneously at different temperatures. The Smart Finish feature times everything to be ready together.

Best Value: Cosori Pro II

Excellent performance at mid-range price.

• Capacity: 5.8 quarts
• Features: 12 presets, shake reminder, app connectivity
• Temperature: 170-450°F
• Price: ~$120

Square basket maximizes cooking space. The shake reminder ensures even cooking. Consistently top-rated by users.

Best Large Capacity: Ninja Foodi XL

Family-sized cooking without compromise.

• Capacity: 10 quarts
• Features: 6 cooking functions, dehydrate option
• Special: Fits 6 lbs chicken, 4 lbs fries
• Price: ~$200

When you're cooking for 4+ people, capacity matters. The XL handles large batches without crowding.

Best Compact: Dash Compact Air Fryer

Small footprint, big results.

• Capacity: 2 quarts
• Features: Auto shut-off, cool-touch housing
• Best for: 1-2 people, small kitchens
• Price: ~$50

Perfect for dorms, RVs, or small households. Makes enough for 1-2 servings.

Best Toaster Oven Combo: Breville Smart Oven Air

Premium all-in-one solution.

• Capacity: 1 cubic foot
• Features: 13 cooking functions, Element IQ
• Functions: Air fry, toast, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate
• Price: ~$400

Replaces your toaster oven and air fryer. The large capacity handles a 14-lb turkey or 9x13 pan.

Air Fryer Comparison

What Size Do You Need?

2-3 Quarts (Compact)

• Best for: 1-2 people, side dishes
• Fits: 1-2 servings of fries, 2-4 chicken wings
• Pros: Small footprint, affordable
• Cons: Limited capacity, frequent batches

5-6 Quarts (Standard)

• Best for: 2-4 people, most households
• Fits: 2 lbs fries, 6-8 wings, small chicken
• Pros: Versatile, good balance
• Cons: May need batches for large families

8-10 Quarts (Large)

• Best for: 4+ people, batch cooking
• Fits: 4+ lbs fries, whole chicken, large batches
• Pros: Family-sized portions
• Cons: Takes counter space, longer preheat

For most households, 5-6 quarts is the sweet spot. Go larger only if you regularly cook for 4+ people.

Basket vs Oven Style

Basket Air Fryers

• Pros: Compact, easy to shake/flip food, faster cooking
• Cons: Limited capacity, can't see food while cooking
• Best for: Fries, wings, small items

Oven-Style Air Fryers

• Pros: Larger capacity, visible cooking, multi-rack
• Cons: Bigger footprint, slower, harder to flip food
• Best for: Large items, multiple dishes, replacing toaster oven

What Air Fryers Do Best

Excellent Results

• Frozen foods: Fries, nuggets, mozzarella sticks
• Chicken wings: Crispy skin, juicy meat
• Roasted vegetables: Caramelized, not soggy
• Reheating: Pizza, fried foods (way better than microwave)
• Bacon: Crispy, less mess

Good Results

• Chicken breasts: Juicy if not overcooked
• Fish: Crispy coating
• Steak: Good sear, but pan is better
• Baked goods: Muffins, small cakes

Not Ideal For

• Wet batters: Drip through basket
• Large roasts: Better in oven
• Delicate foods: Can blow around
• Cheese-heavy dishes: Melts and drips

Air Fryer Tips for Best Results

General Tips

1. Don't overcrowd: Air needs to circulate
2. Shake or flip: Halfway through for even cooking
3. Light oil spray: Helps crispiness
4. Preheat: 3-5 minutes for best results
5. Pat food dry: Moisture prevents crispiness

Temperature Guide

Common Mistakes

• Overcrowding the basket
• Skipping the preheat
• Not flipping/shaking
• Using too much oil (or none at all)
• Not adjusting for your specific model

Air Fryer vs Alternatives

Air Fryer vs Convection Oven

• Air fryer: Faster, crispier, smaller batches
• Convection oven: Larger capacity, more versatile

Air Fryer vs Instant Pot

Different tools for different jobs:

• Air fryer: Crispy, dry cooking
• Instant Pot: Moist cooking, soups, stews

Many people own both. For pressure cooking, see our Instant Pot guide.

Got Questions About Air Fryers? Let's Clear Things Up.

Are air fryers actually healthier?

Yes, when replacing deep frying. Air frying uses 70-80% less oil, significantly reducing calories and fat. However, air-fried food isn't health food—it's just healthier than the deep-fried alternative.

Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?

Less than you'd think. A typical air fryer uses 1400-1700 watts but cooks faster than an oven. Overall energy use is often lower than conventional oven cooking for small batches.

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Yes, but with caution. Foil can block airflow if it covers the entire basket. Use small pieces to catch drips, and never let foil touch the heating element. Parchment paper with holes works better.

How do I clean an air fryer?

Most baskets are dishwasher safe. For stuck-on food, soak in warm soapy water. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Clean after every use to prevent smoke from buildup.

Do air fryers make food taste as good as deep frying?

Close, but not identical. Air-fried food is crispier than oven-baked but slightly less crispy than deep-fried. Most people find the difference acceptable given the health benefits.

An air fryer earns its counter space by making crispy food quick and easy with minimal oil. The Ninja DualZone offers the most flexibility, while the Cosori Pro II delivers excellent value. For complete kitchen upgrades, check our guides on Instant Pots, coffee makers, and blenders.