Best of
The Best Air Fryers (2026)
The best air fryers of 2026 for every kitchen: top picks for families, small spaces, and tight budgets, ranked on crisping, capacity, and cleanup.
Our top picks at a glance
Best large
Instant Vortex PlusFamilies that want one appliance to air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate.
Best value
Cosori Pro IIBuyers who want a mid-size fryer with thoughtful presets and quiet operation.
The Ninja AF101 is the best air fryer for most people: its 4-quart basket hits the sweet spot between capacity and counter footprint, and it has the longest proven track record in the category. Families should get the Instant Vortex Plus (6 quarts, 7 functions). The Cosori Pro II offers big 5.8-quart capacity at a value price, and the Dash Compact is the cheapest way to try air frying.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Capacity | Functions | Temp range | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Best overallNinja AF101 | 4 qt | 4-in-1 (air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate) | 105–400 F | Check price |
| Best largeInstant Vortex Plus | 6 qt | 7-in-1 | 95–400 F | Check price |
| Best valueCosori Pro II | 5.8 qt | 12 presets | 170–400 F | Check price |
 Best budget / smallDash Compact Air Fryer | 2 qt | — | 200–400 F | Check price |
 Best premium pickPhilips Airfryer XL | 6.5 qt | 16-in-1 (connected model) | 175 to 400 F | Check price |
 Best for extra-crisp resultsNinja AF161 Max XL | 5.5 qt | 7-in-1 | 105 to 450 F | Check price |
 Best mini sizeInstant Vortex Mini | 2 qt | 4-in-1 (air fry, roast, bake, reheat) | 120 to 400 F | Check price |
 Best budget largeGourmia 6-Qt Digital Air Fryer | 6 qt | 12 one-touch presets | 150 to 400 F | Check price |
 Best extra-largeChefman TurboFry Touch 8-Qt | 8 qt | Preset touchscreen programs | 200 to 400 F | Check price |
 Best easy touchscreenBella Pro Series 8-Qt | 8 qt | — | 180 to 400 F | Check price |
Best overall
Ninja AF101
The 4-quart benchmark everyone copies.
Strengths
- Even cooking in tests
- Dishwasher-safe basket
- Simple dial controls
Limitations
- 4-quart capacity limits batch size
- Single function focus
- Bulky for the capacity
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Ceramic-coated basket cleans up easily for most owners
- Compact footprint suits small counters
- Consistent, crispy results with simple controls
Common complaints
- A plastic smell during the first few uses is commonly reported
- The 4-quart basket means batch cooking for families
- Fan noise is noticeable, and temperature options are limited
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 4 qt |
|---|---|
| Functions | 4-in-1 (air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate) |
| Temp range | 105–400 F |
Best for: Small households that want a proven, easy-to-clean air fryer.
Skip if: You regularly cook for four or more.
Best large
Instant Vortex Plus
6-quart 7-in-1 versatility for families.
Strengths
- Large 6-quart basket
- 7 cooking functions
- Clear cooking window on some models
Limitations
- Large footprint
- More functions than most people use
- Louder than smaller models
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Easy to clean and simple to operate
- The viewing window on ClearCook versions removes guesswork
- Results are consistently well reviewed for fries and wings
Common complaints
- A small share report the basket not seating or closing properly
- Some find the unit large for small kitchens
- The beeping dial and window fogging irritate some owners
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 6 qt |
|---|---|
| Functions | 7-in-1 |
| Temp range | 95–400 F |
Best for: Families that want one appliance to air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate.
Skip if: Counter space is tight.
Best value
Cosori Pro II
5.8 quarts of quiet, even cooking.
Strengths
- 12 presets including preheat
- Relatively quiet fan
- Nonstick basket cleans easily
Limitations
- App adds little value
- Preset temps are not adjustable mid-cook on all modes
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket makes cleanup quick
- The 5.8-quart basket feeds four to five people
- Owners report responsive customer support
Common complaints
- Handle durability is the most repeated concern
- Some coating scratches appear with heavy use
- Several presets go unused, and the shake reminder can feel naggy
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 5.8 qt |
|---|---|
| Functions | 12 presets |
| Temp range | 170–400 F |
Best for: Buyers who want a mid-size fryer with thoughtful presets and quiet operation.
Skip if: You want the absolute cheapest option.
Best budget / small
Dash Compact Air Fryer
2 quarts, tiny footprint, tiny price.
Strengths
- Very compact
- Simple one-dial operation
- Great for snacks and sides
Limitations
- 2-quart capacity is truly small
- No presets
- Basic build
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Tiny footprint that suits dorms and small kitchens
- Very affordable
- The basket is easy to clean
Common complaints
- The 2-quart basket only feeds one or two people
- Cooking is slower and less even than larger air fryers
- The outside gets hot, and the temperature drifts
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 2 qt |
|---|---|
| Controls | Analog dial |
| Temp range | 200–400 F |
Best for: Singles, dorms, and small kitchens cooking one or two portions.
Skip if: You cook for more than two people.
Best premium pick
Philips Airfryer XL
The original air fryer brand, in family size.
Strengths
- 6.5-quart family-size basket
- Starfish pan design for even cooking
- Connected app with recipes
- Removable parts are dishwasher safe
Limitations
- Premium price for the capacity
- Large footprint
- App adds cost more than value for some
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Crisp, even results from the fat-removal design
- Solid build that many owners use daily for years
- Simple controls
Common complaints
- Some owners report units failing after a couple of years
- Cleaning the top and the heating element area is awkward
- Warranty disputes over rusty baskets come up in owner reports
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 6.5 qt |
|---|---|
| Functions | 16-in-1 (connected model) |
| Temp range | 175 to 400 F |
| Pan | Starfish design |
| Connectivity | App with recipes |
Best for: Buyers who trust the Philips name and want a large, well-engineered fryer.
Skip if: You want the most functions per dollar.
Best for extra-crisp results
Ninja AF161 Max XL
5.5 quarts with Max Crisp for frozen foods.
Strengths
- Max Crisp mode at 450 F for frozen foods
- 5.5-quart XL basket
- 7-in-1 functions
- Ceramic-coated nonstick basket
Limitations
- 450 F mode is loud
- Large footprint
- Heavier than smaller models
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Large basket that handles family portions
- Crisps food quickly and evenly
- Easy to use and clean
Common complaints
- There is a plastic smell when new
- It is louder than expected
- It is bulky on the counter
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 5.5 qt |
|---|---|
| Functions | 7-in-1 |
| Max temp | 450 F (Max Crisp) |
| Temp range | 105 to 450 F |
| Basket | Ceramic nonstick |
Best for: Households that cook a lot of frozen foods and want genuinely crisp results.
Skip if: Counter space is tight.
Best mini size
Instant Vortex Mini
2 quarts of Instant reliability for one person.
Strengths
- Very compact footprint
- 4-in-1 functions
- Even heating for the size
- Simple touchscreen
Limitations
- 2-quart capacity is one serving
- No rotisserie or advanced modes
- Small basket needs batch cooking for sides
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Compact and well suited to one person
- Browns food evenly when not overloaded
- Simple to clean
Common complaints
- Too small for families
- Cooks unevenly when the basket is full
- The basket is not dishwasher safe, and cook times take trial and error
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 2 qt |
|---|---|
| Functions | 4-in-1 (air fry, roast, bake, reheat) |
| Temp range | 120 to 400 F |
| Controls | Touchscreen |
| Power | 1300 W |
Best for: Solo cooks and small kitchens that want the Instant brand in mini form.
Skip if: You cook for more than one person.
Best budget large
Gourmia 6-Qt Digital Air Fryer
6-quart capacity at a budget-friendly price.
Strengths
- Full 6-quart capacity for the price
- 12 one-touch presets
- Dishwasher-safe basket and tray
- FryForce 360 tech for even cooking
Limitations
- Build quality is basic
- No app or connectivity
- Louder fan than premium models
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Good value for a 6-quart air fryer
- Handles most foods well, with useful presets
- Regularly on sale
Common complaints
- Some owners notice a lasting plastic smell
- Basket coating can chip over time
- The outside runs hot, and support experiences are mixed
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 6 qt |
|---|---|
| Functions | 12 one-touch presets |
| Temp range | 150 to 400 F |
| Tech | FryForce 360 |
| Basket | Dishwasher safe |
Best for: Families on a budget who need a full-size fryer without paying brand premiums.
Skip if: You want premium build quality or app features.
Best extra-large
Chefman TurboFry Touch 8-Qt
8 quarts for big batches and whole chickens.
Strengths
- Large 8-quart square basket
- Touchscreen with presets
- Hi-Fry finish for extra crispness
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Limitations
- Very large footprint
- Takes longer to preheat
- Square basket needs counter depth
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Large capacity at a low price
- The window lets you check food without opening it
- Easy touch controls
Common complaints
- Water can get trapped behind the window when cleaning
- Some owners report a chemical smell when new
- It does not crisp as well as stronger air fryers
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 8 qt |
|---|---|
| Functions | Preset touchscreen programs |
| Temp range | 200 to 400 F |
| Finish | Hi-Fry crisping mode |
| Basket | Square, dishwasher safe |
Best for: Large families and meal preppers who cook in big batches.
Skip if: Counter space is limited.
Best easy touchscreen
Bella Pro Series 8-Qt
8 quarts with a full touchscreen.
Strengths
- 8-quart capacity for families
- Full-color touchscreen
- Multiple preset programs
- Sleek stainless look
Limitations
- Large on the counter
- Touchscreen can be finicky with wet hands
- Heavier to move for cleaning
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Big capacity at a budget price
- Easy to use and clean
- Fits a full batch of wings
Common complaints
- The basket can stick when sliding it in
- Touch buttons sometimes need a second press
- The round basket limits how much fits flat
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 8 qt |
|---|---|
| Controls | Touchscreen |
| Temp range | 180 to 400 F |
| Design | Stainless steel finish |
| Basket | Dishwasher safe |
Best for: Big households that want touchscreen convenience at a mid-range price.
Skip if: You have a small kitchen.
How we chose
Size and household fit
Capacity is the first decision: 2 quarts serves one, 4 quarts serves two to three, 6 quarts and up serves families. An oversized air fryer wastes counter space and energy; an undersized one forces batch cooking.
Cooking functions
Basic models air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. Larger units add baking, broiling, and rotisserie. We matched function count to realistic use rather than rewarding button count.
Ease of cleaning
Nonstick baskets with dishwasher-safe parts win. Designs with lots of crevices or hard-to-reach heating elements lose points fast in daily use.
Counter footprint
Air fryers are bulky. We considered how much counter each model claims versus the capacity it delivers, since a giant unit that lives in a cabinet gets used far less.
Questions, answered
What size air fryer do I need?
For one person: 2 quarts. For two to three people: 4 quarts, the most popular size. For families of four or more: 5.8 to 6 quarts or an oven-style unit. When in doubt, size up slightly; cooking in batches gets old fast.
Are air fryers healthy?
They use far less oil than deep frying, which cuts calories meaningfully for foods like fries and wings. They do not make unhealthy food healthy; battered and breaded foods are still battered and breaded foods.
Do air fryers replace an oven?
For small batches, often yes: they preheat faster and crisp better than a conventional oven. They do not replace an oven for large roasts, big batches, or baking that needs even heat and space.
What can you not cook in an air fryer?
Wet batters drip through the basket, leafy greens fly around, and cheese melts into a mess. Very saucy foods and large cuts that do not fit are also poor candidates. See our buying guide for the full list.