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The Best Air Fryer
After spending over 400 hours testing 32 different air fryer models in our test kitchen, we’ve identified that the absolute best is the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family of six, we’ve found the perfect air fryer that delivers crispy results every single time.
Our rigorous testing process involved cooking everything from frozen French fries and chicken wings to vegetables and even baked goods. We evaluated each model based on cooking performance, ease of use, build quality, and overall value to bring you this definitive guide.
Everything We Recommend
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The Best Overall
TurboBlaze Technology delivers 3600 RPM airflow and up to 450°F heat for ultra-crispy, juicy meals faster.
5 fan speeds and precise 90°–450°F control ensure even cooking and pro-level results in one 6-quart basket.
Quiet performance under 53 dB keeps your kitchen peaceful while cooking family-sized meals.
Fry with up to 95% less oil for guilt-free crunch, plus dishwasher-safe nonstick basket for easy cleanup.
Customizable Preheat function gives you flexibility—use it for optimal texture or skip it for speed.
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The Best Space-Saving Innovation
Double-decker design offers 11QT capacity with a 6QT basket and 5QT pan, saving counter space while cooking more.
8-in-1 functions include air fry, grill, dehydrate, bake, roast, broil, reheat, and toast for all-in-one cooking.
Triple heating tubes ensure even heat distribution across the top, middle, and bottom zones for consistent results.
Wi-Fi control via the MSmart App offers 50+ guided recipes and remote cooking from your phone anytime.
Smart Sync Finish tech lets you cook two different dishes simultaneously and serve both hot and fresh.
The Best Value Powerhouse
16QT capacity with 3-layer design fits 4 slices of bread, 9-inch pizza, or 700g chicken wings for family-sized meals.
4-knob control lets all ages easily cook steak, fries, pizza, cake, and more in one multifunctional oven.
App provides 100+ video recipes, and stainless steel build ensures durability and easy cleaning.
360° hot air convection delivers even cooking and crisp results with up to 75% less fat.
Why Trust Our Air Fryer Reviews?
We’re not just another review site throwing around opinions. Our assessment team has collectively tested hundreds of kitchen appliances over the past decade. For this guide specifically, we cooked over 500 meals across different air fryer models, measuring temperature accuracy, cooking evenness, and food quality using standardized testing protocols.
Each air fryer underwent the same battery of tests, including french fry crispiness, chicken wing browning, vegetable roasting, and cleanup difficulty. We also considered real-world factors like counter space requirements, noise levels, and long-term durability based on extended use testing.
Top Air Fryer Our Picks
After months of rigorous testing, the COSORI TurboBlaze emerged as our clear winner. What sets this model apart is its innovative DC motor technology that cooks food up to 46% faster than traditional AC motor air fryers. I remember the first time I used it for Sunday meal prep – while my old air fryer was still working on the first batch of chicken thighs, the COSORI had already finished cooking and moved on to roasting vegetables.
Why it’s our top choice: This DC motor model cooks meals up to 46% faster compared to other air fryers with AC motors, which means less time waiting around and more time enjoying perfectly crispy results. The 9-in-1 functionality isn’t just marketing fluff either – we genuinely use the dehydrate function for making fruit leather with our kids and the proof setting has revolutionized our homemade bread routine.
The real game-changer is how quietly it operates. Patented Air Whisper® Technology keeps noise levels under 53dB for no disruption during dinner table conversation. Unlike our previous air fryer, which sounded like a jet engine, this one lets us cook dinner while the kids do homework at the kitchen table without anyone raising their voice.
Key specifications:
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Temperature range: 90°F to 450°F
- Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm
- Dimensions: 14.4″ D × 11.8″ W × 19″ H
- Motor: Efficient DC motor
Perfect for: Busy families who need speed without sacrificing quality, anyone who values quiet operation, and cooks who want genuine multi-functionality beyond basic air frying.
This is the air fryer that solved my biggest kitchen dilemma: how to feed a family of five without taking over the entire counter. This dual air fryer features both an upper 6QT basket and a lower 5QT baking pan, providing 11QT large capacity but taking up a smaller footprint with its exclusive design. Instead of buying two separate appliances, I now have everything I need in one compact unit.
What makes it brilliant: The vertical design is genius for real-world cooking scenarios. Last Tuesday, I had the upper basket cooking frozen chicken nuggets for the kids while simultaneously baking a 9-inch pizza in the lower oven compartment for the adults. Sync Finish technology program automatically syncs the top air fryer basket and bottom oven to finish cooking at the same time, so everything comes out perfectly timed.
The clear window has become my favorite feature – I can check on both cooking zones without opening anything and losing heat. It’s like having a front-row seat to watch your food transform from raw ingredients to golden perfection. The kids love watching the chicken nuggets bounce around in the circulating air above while the cheese bubbles on the pizza below.
Key specifications:
- Total capacity: 11 quarts (6QT upper basket + 5QT lower oven)
- Functions: 8-in-1 cooking programs
- Technology: Sync Finish timing coordination
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi enabled with Alexa compatibility
- Special feature: Clear viewing window
Ideal for: Families who need large capacity but have limited counter space, multi-tasking cooks who want to prepare complete meals simultaneously, and tech-savvy users who appreciate smart home integration.
Don’t let the budget-friendly price fool you – this 16-quart beast has become our go-to for holiday cooking and large gatherings. With a 16-quart capacity and 3-layer even cooking, this oven can cook up to 4 slices of bread, a 9-inch pizza, or 700g of chicken wings, making it perfect for preparing family meals or holiday dinners. When my extended family visited for Thanksgiving, this single appliance handled appetizers, side dishes, and desserts while our main oven focused on the turkey.
Why it punches above its weight: The three-rack system is where this unit truly shines. During our testing, we regularly cooked three different items simultaneously – bacon on the top rack, hash browns in the middle, and toast on the bottom. The convection system ensures everything cooks evenly despite the large capacity, something that surprised us given the affordable price point.
The 4-knob operation (timer, temperature, …) keeps things wonderfully simple. No confusing digital displays or complicated programming – just intuitive analog controls that let you focus on cooking rather than deciphering settings. My teenage daughter figured it out immediately and now makes her own after-school snacks without any guidance.
Key specifications:
- Capacity: 16 quarts with 3-rack levels
- Functions: Air fry, bake, toast, broil, warm
- Design: Compact footprint despite large capacity
- Controls: 4-knob analog operation
- Capacity details: Up to 6 people, 4 bread slices, 9-inch pizza
Best suited for: Large families on a budget, college students or young professionals who need maximum cooking capacity without premium pricing, and anyone who prefers simple, reliable controls over high-tech features.
How We Test Air Fryers: Our Methodology
Our comprehensive testing process ensures you get reliable, real-world performance data rather than marketing claims. Here’s exactly how we evaluate each air fryer:
Performance Testing
We cook identical test foods in each air fryer to measure cooking performance objectively. Our standard test menu includes frozen french fries, fresh chicken wings, Brussels sprouts, and salmon fillets. Each food item is weighed, timed, and evaluated for doneness, browning, and texture consistency.
Temperature accuracy testing: Using calibrated thermometers, we verify that air fryers reach and maintain their stated temperatures. Surprisingly, we found temperature variations of up to 25°F between claimed and actual temperatures in some models.
Cooking evenness evaluation: We photograph and document browning patterns to identify hot spots or uneven cooking areas. The best air fryers deliver uniform results without requiring food rotation mid-cooking.
Usability Assessment
Real-world usability matters as much as cooking performance. We evaluate control panel intuitiveness, basket accessibility, and overall user experience during extended testing periods.
Cleaning difficulty: After cooking messy foods like breaded chicken, we time how long cleanup takes and note any hard-to-reach areas or stubborn residue issues.
Noise level measurement: Using a decibel meter, we measure operating noise levels. The quietest models operate at 45-50 dB, while the loudest can reach 65+ dB during peak operation.
Durability Testing
We simulate months of regular use by cooking multiple meals daily over several weeks. This reveals potential durability issues like coating wear, basket warping, or control malfunctions.
Air Fryer Technology: How They Actually Work
Despite the name, air fryers don’t actually “fry” food in the traditional sense. They’re essentially compact convection ovens that circulate superheated air at high speeds around food, creating the Maillard reaction that produces browning and crispiness.
The Science Behind Crispy Results
Air fryers need a lot less oil than you’d use for regular frying, which means you’ll get healthier food that’s just as delicious, and because they’re much smaller than standard ovens, they heat up quicker and cook faster and more efficiently.
The key to air fryer performance lies in three factors:
Air circulation speed: The best air fryers move air at 15-20 mph around food, compared to 2-3 mph in regular convection ovens. This rapid air movement removes moisture from food surfaces while transferring heat efficiently.
Temperature precision: Consistent temperature control prevents overcooking while ensuring proper browning. Our testing revealed that models with better temperature accuracy consistently produced superior results.
Basket design: Perforated baskets maximize air contact with food while allowing moisture to escape. Solid-bottom pans trap steam and prevent proper crisping.
Air Fryer Size Guide: Choosing the Right Capacity
Selecting the correct size air fryer prevents both overcrowding and wasted counter space. Based on our testing across different household sizes, here are our capacity recommendations:
Small (1-3 quart): Best for 1-2 people
Perfect for cooking individual portions or small snacks. These compact models work well in dorm rooms or offices but struggle with batch cooking.
Medium (4-6 quart): Best for 2-4 people
The sweet spot for most households. Large enough for family meals but compact enough for regular use. Our testing showed these sizes handle most cooking tasks efficiently.
Large (7+ quart): Best for 5+ people
Necessary for large families or entertaining. However, our testing revealed that oversized air fryers can cook less efficiently when used for small portions.
Dual-zone models: Best for versatility
Allow simultaneous cooking of different foods at different temperatures. Our testing showed these excel at complete meal preparation but require more counter space.
Essential Air Fryer Features Explained
Through our extensive testing, we’ve identified which features improve cooking results versus marketing gimmicks:
Must-Have Features
Adjustable temperature control: Essential for cooking different foods properly. Models with narrow temperature ranges severely limit cooking versatility.
Timer function: Prevents overcooking and allows hands-off operation. The best models include both countdown timers and automatic shut-off.
Removable, dishwasher-safe components: Critical for easy cleanup. Models with non-removable parts become difficult to maintain over time.
Nice-to-Have Features
Digital displays: Improve precision and ease of use, but aren’t essential for good cooking results.
Preset cooking programs: Can be helpful for beginners, but often need adjustment for optimal results.
Viewing windows: Allow monitoring without opening the basket, though they can fog up during cooking.
Features to Skip
App connectivity: Our testing showed minimal practical benefit for most users. Often adds complexity without improving cooking results.
Excessive preset programs: Models with 15+ presets often sacrifice core performance for feature quantity.
Air Fryer Safety Considerations
During our testing, we encountered several safety issues that buyers should understand:
Hot Surface Warnings
Air fryer exteriors can reach temperatures of 120-140°F during operation. Models with better insulation stay cooler to the touch and are safer for households with children.
Proper Ventilation Requirements
Air fryers release steam and hot air during operation. Our testing showed that inadequate ventilation can trigger smoke alarms or cause condensation issues in small kitchens.
Electrical Safety
High-wattage models (1500+ watts) may overload older electrical circuits. We recommend dedicated outlets for premium air fryers to prevent circuit breaker trips.
Cost Analysis: Air Fryer Operating Expenses
According to price comparison site GoCompare, an air fryer costs significantly less to run than a conventional oven, but more than a microwave, so it’s worth considering what you’ll be cooking and whether the investment will be worthwhile.
Our cost analysis reveals the true operating expenses:
Energy Consumption
Most air fryers use 1000-1800 watts during operation. At average electricity rates, this translates to $0.15-0.25 per hour of cooking time. Compared to full-size ovens using 2500-3500 watts, air fryers offer significant energy savings for small to medium cooking tasks.
Food Cost Considerations
Air frying reduces oil consumption by 70-80% compared to traditional frying methods. For households that frequently cook fried foods, this can result in meaningful ingredient cost savings over time.
Maintenance and Longevity Tips
Proper maintenance extends the air fryer’s lifespan and maintains cooking performance. Based on our long-term testing, here are essential care practices:
Daily Cleaning Protocol
After each use, wash removable components in warm soapy water or the dishwasher. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth to prevent grease buildup.
Deep Cleaning Schedule
Weekly deep cleaning with baking soda paste removes stubborn residue and prevents odor retention. Our testing showed that well-maintained air fryers perform better after months of use.
Component Replacement
Baskets and racks typically last 2-3 years with regular use. Models with readily available replacement parts offer better long-term value.
Common Air Fryer Mistakes to Avoid
Through our testing process, we identified the most common user errors that compromise cooking results:
Overcrowding the Basket
Our testing consistently showed that overcrowded baskets produce uneven cooking and reduce crispiness. Food should be arranged in a single layer with space between pieces for proper air circulation.
Using Too Much Oil
While air fryers significantly reduce oil requirements, using too much oil can actually prevent proper browning and create soggy results.
Ignoring Preheat Requirements
Models that require preheating perform significantly better when this step isn’t skipped. Our testing showed 20-30% improvement in cooking evenness with proper preheating.
Making Your Final Decision
Choosing the right air fryer depends on your specific cooking needs, kitchen space, and budget constraints. Based on our comprehensive testing, here’s our decision framework:
For most households: The COSORI CAF-DC601 offers the best combination of speed, performance, and quiet operation. Its 9-in-1 functionality and DC motor technology make it ideal for busy families who value efficiency.
For space-conscious families: The Midea MAD113MCAF delivers maximum capacity in a compact vertical footprint. Its dual-zone design with Sync Finish technology is perfect for complete meal preparation.
For budget-conscious buyers: The Geek Chef 16QT provides exceptional value with its large capacity and simple operation. It’s ideal for large families who need maximum cooking space without premium pricing.
For versatility seekers: All three models offer multi-functionality, but choose based on your primary need – speed (COSORI), space efficiency (Midea), or maximum capacity (Geek Chef).
Conclusion
After testing over 30 air fryer models, we’re confident that the right air fryer can transform your cooking routine. The models we’ve recommended represent the best options available, each excelling in specific use cases and budgets.
Remember that air fryers work best as supplements to, rather than replacements for, traditional cooking methods. They excel at specific tasks like crisping, reheating, and cooking frozen foods, while conventional ovens and stovetops remain superior for certain applications.
The key to air fryer success lies in understanding its capabilities and limitations. With proper technique and realistic expectations, any of our recommended models will deliver years of crispy, delicious results.