Air fryers have become essential kitchen appliances that use hot air circulation to create crispy food with little to no oil. These devices can reduce fat content by up to 85% compared to traditional deep frying while still delivering the crunchy texture people love. They also cook faster than conventional ovens and are easy to clean.
This guide reviews the top 10 air fryers available in 2025, covering models for every budget and household size, from compact 3-quart units for singles to large dual-basket systems for families. The reviews examine cooking performance, build quality, ease of use, and value to help readers make informed decisions.
The article explains how air fryers are tested, what features matter most, and the different types available. It also covers health benefits, cooking capabilities, and practical factors like capacity and counter space. Whether someone is buying their first air fryer or upgrading an older model, this guide provides the information needed to choose the right one.
10 Best Air Fryers of 2025
The air fryer market in 2025 offers models ranging from compact units for singles to dual-basket powerhouses for families. Top performers include the Instant Vortex Plus for its versatility, the Ninja Air Fryer for dual-zone cooking, and the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro for premium features.
Comparison Table of Top Picks
| Model | Capacity | Power | Key Feature | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COSORI Compact | 4 quarts | 1700W | 11 presets | Small kitchens | $80-$120 |
| Philips XXL | 4 quarts | 2225W | TurboStar tech | Families | $250-$300 |
| PowerXL Vortex | 5.3 quarts | 1700W | Budget-friendly | Value buyers | $60-$90 |
| Ninja DZ201 Dual | 8 quarts | 1750W | Two baskets | Multi-tasking | $150-$200 |
| Instant Vortex Plus | 6 quarts | 1700W | Smart programs | All-around use | $120-$150 |
| Gourmia GAF716 | 6 quarts | 1700W | Multi-function | Budget families | $70-$100 |
| Chefman TurboFry | 6 quarts | 1800W | Window door | Easy monitoring | $90-$130 |
| Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro | 1 cubic foot | 1800W | Element IQ | Premium users | $350-$400 |
Detailed Reviews of Each Model
COSORI Compact Air Fryer delivers solid performance in a small footprint. The 4-quart capacity handles meals for two people comfortably. Its 11 preset programs remove guesswork from cooking chicken, vegetables, and frozen foods.
Philips Airfryer XXL uses TurboStar technology to circulate hot air evenly. This prevents hot spots and reduces the need to shake food mid-cook. The 2225-watt heating element cooks faster than most competitors.
PowerXL Vortex offers 5.3 quarts of cooking space at a budget price. The digital touchscreen includes eight presets plus a dehydrate function. Some users report the controls require a light touch to avoid accidental changes.
Ninja DZ201 Dual Zone features two 4-quart baskets that operate independently. The Smart Finish function syncs both baskets to complete cooking simultaneously. This design suits families who want different foods ready at the same time.
Instant Vortex Plus provides six quarts and customizable cooking programs. The square basket design fits more food than round models of similar capacity. All removable parts go in the dishwasher for quick cleanup.
Chefman TurboFry includes a viewing window to check food without opening the basket. The 6-quart capacity and independent temperature controls make it practical for everyday cooking. Users appreciate the simple dial interface.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro combines convection oven and air fryer functions in one unit. Element IQ technology adjusts power across five heating elements for precise cooking. The premium price reflects commercial-grade construction and performance.
Why These Air Fryers Stand Out
These kitchen appliances earned top ratings through consistent cooking results and user-friendly designs. Models like the Instant Vortex Plus and Ninja Air Fryer balance capacity with counter space efficiency. Their preset programs work reliably for common foods like fries and chicken wings.
Build quality separates premium options from budget models. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro uses metal construction instead of plastic, which lasts longer under daily use. Dishwasher-safe baskets across all models simplify maintenance.
Temperature range matters for cooking versatility. Most units reach 400°F, which crisps food effectively. Models with lower temperature settings around 170°F handle dehydrating and gentle reheating better.
Dual-basket designs like the Ninja DZ201 address the main limitation of single-basket air fryers. Cooking two dishes simultaneously saves time and energy compared to running the appliance twice.
How We Test and Review Air Fryers
Our testing process combines controlled lab measurements with real-world cooking tests to evaluate how air fryers perform across multiple cooking functions. We assess temperature accuracy, cooking quality, ease of use, and practical features to help readers make informed buying decisions.
Evaluation Criteria and Methodology
We score each air fryer based on five main categories: cooking performance, temperature control, capacity, ease of cleaning, and overall convenience. Each model goes through the same standardized tests to ensure fair comparisons.
Cooking performance accounts for 40% of the total score. We test how well each unit can fry, bake, broil, and grill different foods. Frozen french fries measure evenness and crispiness. Chicken wings test the ability to render fat while achieving crispy skin. We also bake small batches of cookies and broil vegetables to assess versatility across cooking functions.
Temperature accuracy receives 20% of the score weight. We use calibrated thermometers to measure actual cooking temperatures against the set temperature. Some models run 25-67°F off target, which affects cooking results and recipe reliability.
The remaining 40% covers build quality, noise levels, control interface clarity, basket capacity, and how much effort cleaning requires.
Lab and Real-World Testing Procedures
Testing begins in a controlled lab environment where we measure precise temperatures at multiple points during preheating and cooking cycles. We record preheat times, temperature fluctuations, and heat distribution patterns.
Real-world testing involves cooking at least eight different food types in each air fryer. We prepare identical portions of frozen foods, raw proteins, and fresh vegetables. Each food item cooks according to manufacturer guidelines or preset functions when available.
We note actual cooking times versus recommended times. Testers evaluate texture, browning, and doneness. We also test maximum capacity claims by filling baskets to stated limits and observing whether air circulation remains effective.
All parts go through dishwasher cycles when marked dishwasher-safe. Hand-washing tests determine how easily grease and stuck-on food come off basket surfaces and heating elements.
Key Air Fryer Features to Consider
Choosing the right air fryer means looking beyond flashy marketing claims to features that affect daily use. The best models excel in capacity matching, temperature precision, versatile cooking modes, and simple maintenance.
Capacity and Size
Air fryer capacity ranges from compact 2-quart models to family-sized 10-quart units. A 5.8-quart basket fits most households and handles 3 pounds of fries or a 4-pound chicken.
Smaller units work well for singles or couples but require multiple batches for larger meals. Compact 2.6-quart models need three separate cooking cycles to match what a 10-quart unit does in one batch.
Physical dimensions matter as much as interior space. Most air fryers need 5 inches of clearance on all sides for proper ventilation. Square basket designs maximize cooking area compared to round baskets of the same quart capacity.
Check countertop dimensions before buying. A 10-quart model typically measures 16-17 inches wide and weighs up to 18 pounds. Some countertop ovens with air fry functions offer more capacity but take up significantly more space than standalone units.
Cooking Functions and Presets
Basic air fryers offer one function, while premium models include 6-13 cooking modes. Essential functions include air frying, roasting, and reheating. Advanced options add baking, broiling, dehydrating, and proofing.
Multi-function models replace multiple appliances. Units with dehydrate settings operate at 130-160°F for making jerky or dried fruit. Proof modes maintain 98-100°F for bread dough rising.
Pre-programmed presets simplify cooking but vary in accuracy. Models with 7-12 presets cover common foods like wings, fries, and vegetables. Some units include recipe databases with 100+ options through connected apps.
Temperature ranges differ between models. Standard air fryers reach 400°F, while premium units like those with element iq systems extend to 450°F. Wider ranges provide more cooking flexibility but cost more.
Temperature Accuracy and Control
Temperature precision separates good air fryers from great ones. Top models maintain accuracy within 5°F of the set temperature throughout cooking cycles.
Power output affects heating speed and consistency. Models with 1700-1800W heat 30% faster than 1500W units. Higher wattage reduces cooking times and eliminates the need for frequent basket shaking.
Digital controls provide more precise temperature adjustments than dial interfaces. Touchscreen panels allow 5-10 degree increments. Physical dials offer easier operation but less accuracy.
Heat distribution matters for even cooking. Dual-layer mesh baskets and rapid-air circulation technology prevent hot spots. Premium convection ovens with air fry capabilities use multiple heating elements for superior temperature control compared to basic models.
Ease of Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe components save 10-15 minutes per cleaning session. Non-stick baskets and removable drip trays simplify maintenance. Models with fixed heating elements trap grease in hard-to-reach areas.
Basket design affects cleaning difficulty. Mesh baskets drain excess oil better but require more scrubbing than solid perforated pans. Square baskets have corners that collect residue.
Removable parts reduce buildup inside the main unit. Air fryers with pull-out crumb trays catch drippings before they bake onto heating elements. Some models include dishwasher-safe racks for toast and multi-layer cooking.
Exterior finishes matter for long-term maintenance. Stainless steel resists fingerprints better than glossy plastic. Matte finishes hide smudges but may stain from oil splatter over time.
Types of Air Fryers and Alternatives
Air fryers come in several distinct designs, each with different strengths for cooking and kitchen space. Basket-style models offer simplicity and speed, while oven-style units provide more cooking space and versatility.
Basket-Style Air Fryers
Basket-style air fryers are the most common type on the market. They feature a removable drawer with a perforated basket that holds food. The heating element sits above the basket, and a powerful fan circulates hot air around the food.
These models typically range from 3 to 8 quarts in capacity. They work well for foods like chicken wings, french fries, and vegetables. The basket design allows excess oil and grease to drip away from food during cooking.
Most basket-style air fryers heat up in 2-3 minutes. They take up less counter space than oven-style models. The baskets are usually dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Some newer models feature dual baskets. These let users cook two different foods at separate temperatures at the same time. The Ninja Foodi DualZone is a popular example of this design.
Oven-Style Air Fryers
Oven-style air fryers look like small countertop ovens with a front-opening door. They use multiple heating elements and powerful fans to circulate air. These units offer more cooking space than basket-style models.
The design allows users to see food while it cooks through a glass door. Most come with racks that stack vertically, which increases capacity. They can fit larger items like whole chickens or multiple trays of food.
These models typically range from 10 to 25 quarts in capacity. They often include accessories like rotisserie spits, baking pans, and wire racks. The larger cooking area makes them better for families or batch cooking.
Oven-style air fryers take slightly longer to preheat than basket models. They require more counter space but can replace multiple appliances.
Air Fryer Toaster Ovens
Air fryer toaster ovens combine standard toaster oven functions with air frying capability. These units serve as both a toaster oven and an air fryer in one appliance. They typically include settings for toast, bake, broil, and air fry.
The Cuisinart TOA-60 and Breville Smart Oven are popular examples. These models use convection fans to circulate hot air for air frying. They can handle 4-6 slices of toast or a 12-inch pizza.
Key features include:
- Multiple cooking functions in one device
- Temperature ranges from 80°F to 450°F
- Larger capacity than standard basket air fryers
- Longer preheating times than dedicated air fryers
These units work well for people who want to reduce countertop clutter. They cost more than basic air fryers but eliminate the need for separate appliances. The air frying results may not be quite as crispy as dedicated air fryers.
Comparing with Traditional Convection Ovens
Traditional convection ovens use fans to circulate hot air, similar to air fryers. The main difference is the size of the cooking chamber and fan power. Air fryers have smaller chambers and more powerful fans, which creates faster, more intense heat circulation.
Convection ovens take 10-15 minutes to preheat. Air fryers typically preheat in 2-5 minutes. This speed difference makes air fryers more convenient for quick meals.
Air fryers use less energy than full-size convection ovens. They cost less to run and don’t heat up the kitchen as much. A countertop oven or air fryer uses about 1200-1800 watts, while a full oven uses 2400-5000 watts.
The smaller chamber in air fryers means food sits closer to the heating element. This creates crispier results than most convection ovens. However, convection ovens can cook larger quantities of food at once.
Health Benefits and Cooking Performance
Air fryers reduce oil consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional frying methods while maintaining food quality. These appliances use rapid air circulation to cook food, which affects both nutritional content and fat levels in meals.
Fat Removal Technology Explained
Modern air fryers feature specialized basket designs that allow excess fat to drip away from food during cooking. The dual-layer mesh system in premium models captures up to 32% more grease than standard baskets. Hot air circulates at high speeds around food, creating a crispy exterior without submerging ingredients in oil.
The perforated basket design serves two purposes. First, it allows rendered fat from proteins to fall into a collection tray below. Second, it ensures air reaches all surfaces of the food for even cooking. Some models include removable drip pans that collect up to 2 tablespoons of fat per cooking cycle. This extracted fat would otherwise be absorbed back into the food when deep frying.
Air Frying vs Deep Frying
Deep frying submerges food in oil heated to 350-375°F, which adds significant calories and fat. A serving of deep-fried chicken wings contains approximately 450 calories and 32 grams of fat. The same wings prepared in an air fryer contain roughly 280 calories and 18 grams of fat.
Air fryers use only 1-2 teaspoons of oil compared to 4-6 cups needed for deep frying. The cooking method relies on convection heat rather than oil immersion. Temperature control stays more consistent in air fryers, reducing the formation of harmful compounds that can develop when oil overheats.
Texture differences exist between the two methods. Deep frying creates uniform crispness across all surfaces. Air frying produces similar results but may require turning food halfway through cooking for even browning.
Retaining Nutrients in Meals
Air frying preserves more vitamins and minerals than boiling or microwaving vegetables. Water-soluble nutrients like vitamin C and B vitamins leach out during boiling. Air frying keeps these nutrients intact since no water contacts the food.
Cooking times average 20-30% shorter in air fryers compared to conventional ovens. Shorter exposure to heat means less nutrient degradation. Vegetables retain their color and firmness better, which indicates preserved antioxidant content.
Proteins cooked in air fryers maintain moisture without added fats. A study showed that chicken breast kept 15% more moisture when air fried versus oven-roasted. The sealed cooking chamber traps steam, which helps proteins stay tender while the exterior crisps.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Your Needs
The right air fryer depends on your available counter space, cooking habits, and budget. Brand reliability matters when investing in kitchen appliances that you’ll use regularly.
Kitchen Space and Usage Scenarios
Counter space determines which air fryer size works best. Compact models measure around 10-12 inches wide and suit small kitchens or single-person households. Standard basket-style air fryers need 12-15 inches of counter space and work well for families of 2-4 people.
Dual-basket models require 15-18 inches but let cooks prepare two different foods at once. This feature saves time when making complete meals. Toaster oven-style air fryers need even more room but replace multiple kitchen appliances.
Cooking frequency matters too. Daily users benefit from larger capacities between 5-8 quarts. Occasional cooks can stick with 2-4 quart models. Families making batch meals need dual baskets or 8+ quart capacities to avoid cooking in multiple rounds.
The types of food people cook most often also guides selection. French fries and chicken wings work in any model. Whole chickens or large batches require at least 6 quarts. Baking needs air fryers with even heat distribution and accessories like baking pans.
Budget and Value
Air fryers range from $50 for basic models to $400 for premium options. Budget models between $50-$100 handle simple tasks like reheating and making frozen foods. They typically include 2-4 quart capacities and basic controls.
Mid-range air fryers cost $100-$200 and offer better temperature control, larger capacities, and multiple cooking functions. These models often include digital displays and preset programs for common foods. They last longer and cook more evenly than budget options.
Premium air fryers above $200 feature dual baskets, smart controls, or extra-large capacities. They include more accessories and offer better construction quality. The higher price makes sense for frequent users but isn’t necessary for everyone.
Cheaper doesn’t always mean worse value. Some affordable models perform as well as expensive ones for basic air frying. The extra cost in premium models pays for convenience features, not always better cooking results.
Brand Reliability and Support
Ninja leads the market with reliable models and good customer service. Their air fryers include clear instructions and responsive warranty support. Most models come with one-year warranties that cover manufacturing defects.
Cuisinart and Instant Brands also rank high for reliability. They offer replacement parts and helpful customer service teams. These brands typically honor warranties without hassle.
Lesser-known brands may cost less but often lack proper support. Replacement parts become hard to find after a year or two. Customer service responses take longer or don’t resolve issues.
Warranty length indicates manufacturer confidence. One-year warranties are standard, but some brands offer two years. Extended warranties through retailers add protection but increase upfront costs.
Customer reviews reveal real-world reliability. Multiple reports of the same problem suggest quality control issues. Positive long-term reviews from users who’ve owned the air fryer for over a year indicate durability.
