Get the crispiness without the grease with this futuristic kitchen accessory.
BEST DEALS ON AIR FRYERS:
We’re calling it now: Air fryers are the Instant Pots of 2019.
We’re always on the lookout for new kitchen gadgets that will make cooking easier and more fun — so pumped was an understatement we first heard claims of a countertop appliance that can make our favorite greasy foods less unhealthy, all with speed similar to an Instant Pot. Air fryers started popping into mainstream eye back in 2017, and now that they’ve had their chance to marinate in the market (food pun intended), it feels like an appropriate time to compare the best ones. (And if you’re in the market for a Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Prime Day deal, it’s helpful to know which devices are the best so when the sales start you’ll know which one to buy.)
SEE ALSO: The best sous vide machines and cooking devices
If you thought you were overwhelmed with all of the different Instant Pot models, just wait until you see how many air fryers are out there.
Before we dive into the different devices, let’s answer some lingering questions.
What is an air fryer and how does it work?
Simply put, it’s deep frying without the oil — AKA deep frying without the unhealthy part. Some may tell you to just cut back on fried foods all together, but is that really the only option?
Nope.
Deep fryers flash heat foods and take them from frozen to ready-to-eat in minutes by dunking them in a bath of super hot oil. This process jumpstarts the Maillard reaction, which is when food gets brown and crispy and delicious — and drenched in fat.
While your typical deep fryer needs enough oil to completely drown the food, an air fryer barely uses any (like, a tablespoon at most). Other than that, air fryers basically use the same method, using a convection fan to surround the food with hot air instead of oil. The air bounces off of the bottom of the air fryer and back up through the food, cooking it all over to create that crisping effect in just minutes — something that was previously only possible with deep frying. Not only are you getting that coveted taste and texture without the part that makes it unhealthy, but you’re getting it in half the time.
Air fryers can also cook a hell of a lot more food than a deep fryer and can be used for things like grilling a steak or baking a pizza. It’s like having a combo oven and deep fryer, except it fits on your counter and doesn’t require frozen food to be thawed before cooking.
But is air fried food actually healthy?
Taking the guilt out of guilty pleasure snacks is probably the main reason you’re looking to buy an air fryer, right? We will say it’s health-ier: Manufacturers claim that air frying can reduce calorie intake by up to 80% — so yes, air frying is certainly a much better preparation alternative. However, scientists aren’t bullshitting with the whole “moderation is key” thing, and calories aren’t the only factor to measure health. Having an air fryer does not mean that a diet consisting of french fries and pizza rolls is a good path to take, and making sure you get those plant-based oils and vitamins from fruits and veggies should still be worked in somehow.
Got a picky eater at home? Air fryers are a bomb way to crisp up zucchinis, carrots, squash, and more to give them some added taste and crunch, teaching kids that they don’t always have to run for cover when the veggies come out.
Which air fryers are best?
As with any beloved appliance, there are various sizes, features, and physical interfaces from all of the major kitchen brands you’d expect — and some don’t. We’ll keep it simple and fill you in on the need-to-know details and differences, so your brain doesn’t get too fried. (Note: Make sure to hit the grey arrow in the upper right of each card to read everything we have to say, plus dive into what other reviewers are saying.)
1. Instant Vortex Plus
Instant Pot expands their product line with an air fryer that can rotate poultry and dehydrate fruit.-
Capacity:
10 quarts -
Color options:
Stainless steel -
Extra functions:
Roast, broil, bake, reheat, rotate, dehydrate
It’s wild that Instant Pot waited this long to release an air fryer, but it’s clear that they spent time researching the best air frying techniques, downfalls of competing models, and how to incorporate multitasking. Instead of the typical pull-out basket design, the Vortex takes on the shape of a toaster oven. The overhead heating element and motorized fan rapidly blow air from every direction, effectively eliminating the need for oil by 95%. Three trays inside allow snacks to be spread out for even crispiness and can be air fried, baked, or broiled.
But there’s another function we haven’t seen much of before: A rotisserie basket. Swap the trays out for a rotating cage to roast a whole chicken, toss wings, or make golden-brown fries without pausing to flip. Not only does this mean less work for you, but the omnipresent heat on all sides can reduce cooking times by 20%.
And of course there’s a touchscreen. Use the LED display to select cooking times and temperature, or choose from seven preset cooking programs to find the right settings for your recipe. But it gets even more hands off, y’all — like the Instant Pot Ultra and Max cookers, the Vortex remembers your settings to fine-tune meals every time.
2. Philips Digital Air Fryer
Pricey but worth it, Philips offers a stellar combo of size, user-friendliness, and even cooking.-
Capcity:
2.75 quarts, 4 quarts -
Color options:
Black -
Extra functions:
None
Even cooking seems like it should be a given with air fryers, but it’s not as easy to find as you’d think. Luckily, that’s not a worry with here, as customers in the Amazon reviews rave about how their consistent turnouts. All you need is a little practice, and you (and your food) will be golden.
The HD9641’s straightforward interface is a mix of sleek and simple, with a QuickControl dial for temperature and time, five cooking presets for popular dishes, and a large screen. (It’s rare to get a screen at all, and most with screens are borderline overwhelming). Also included are a grease tray and food basket, both dishwasher safe.
This is the second generation of the HD9641 model and is 20% smaller than the original so it frees up counter space, but still has the same 1.8-pound capacity inside. While that’s enough room for a chicken breast or a good amount of french fries, it probably won’t be enough if you’re cooking for more than two. Luckily, Philips also makes a 2.65-pound XL version as well.
3. Ninja Foodi
Forego the Instant Pot and grab the Ninja Foodi, the air fryer that can pressure cook.-
Capcity:
6.5 quarts -
Color options:
Black -
Extra functions:
Pressure cook
The Instant Pot took the foodie world by storm with its ability to perform numerous appliance duties in a singe machine — the only thing it can’t do is air fry. Ninja saw that as an obvious way in.
Just released in fall 2018, the Ninja Foodi (fitting, right?) is coined “the pressure cooker that crisps.” Here’s the thing, though: It also does so much more.
For max precision, the pressure cooking and the air frying are done in two different compartments. The top crisping lid is where Ninja’s TenderCrisp technology works its magic, with options to air fry, bake, broil, and roast. Underneath, the Foodi’s pot does the tenderizing, sautéing, and pressure cooking for juicier parts of the meal like soups, dips, and more. They can’t be used at the same time, but it’s still nicer than having to buy two separate appliances.
As you can probably guess, two compartments don’t make it the most compact thing in the world. This thing is big, awkwardly shaped, and heavy, so if you’re short on counter space (or muscles), you might want to opt for a smaller machine.
4. Breville Smart Oven Air
The mother of oven and air fryer combos conducts highly precise temperatures and can also slow cook.-
Capacity:
5.8-quarts -
Color options:
Stainless steel -
Extra functions:
Air fry, bagel, broil, bake, roast, warm, pizza, proof, reheat, cookies, slow cook, dehydrate
Using the oven takes forever. Kids complain about waiting 45 minutes for dinner, but we can’t really blame them — messing with preheating, figuring out the knobs to turn, and waiting is the last thing you want to do after a long, hungry day at work. But, in a world of appliances promising to make your life easier, the Breville Air Smart Oven (BOV900BSS) actually does it. This combination air fryer and toaster oven might actually be more versatile than your traditional oven.
A lot of air fryers get shit for not being able to hold an accurate temperature (therefore not cooking things the whole way through), but the Breville Smart Oven Air is known for its excellent temperature accuracy. It’s achieved by Breville’s Element IQ, which sends 1800W heat across six quartz elements to keep temperatures stable depending on what’s inside. This smart method essentially adjusts heat to move where it’s needed, which is a degree of precision that hasn’t really been seen in countertop ovens before. It can also reduce cooking time by up to 30%.
Though inevitably a bit of a counter space hog, this oven is quite compact for the 5.8-quart capacity inside (the Ninja Foodi can’t say the same). It’s big enough to serve 14 people, with 16 inches of side-to-side capacity for large cookie sheets, braising pans, and up to four stacked trays. Technically speaking, every meal of your day could be cooked here: Fried bacon, baked personal pizzas, a snack of dehydrated fruit, or a 14-pound turkey are all possibilities — and it doubles as a slow cooker.
5. Cuisinart AirFryer Toaster Oven
Air fry, bake, roast, and broil in this versatile 2-in-1 that’s clutch for families or large groups.-
Capacity:
4 pounds -
Color options:
Stainless steel -
Extra functions:
Bake, toast, broil
Read what reviewers have to say about the Cuisinart AirFryer Toaster Oven.
Counter space is not a thing to take lightly, especially if you’re an apartment dweller. Thankfully, this 2-in-1 from Cuisinart exists. It’s a toaster oven with a built-in air fryer, that’s built for baking, toasting, broiling, and air frying while saving you the counter clutter — unless you already have a toaster oven, that is.
If you live in a full house or host a big group often, the 4-lb capacity of this 2-in-1 device ensures that everyone can be fed on the first batch (whether that’s a 4-lb chicken or 4 pounds of fries). The 16-inch baking tray allows for the hot air to circulate and hit your food evenly, so stirring or flipping probably isn’t necessary.
Its totally stainless steel exterior makes it a perfect addition to a stainless steel kitchen (while most other options are black with a stainless steel handle), using four dials across the top for temperature, function, time, and a special toast timer. This particular bundle also throws in a free five-piece knife set and a bamboo cutting board (ooh, fancy) to cross even more kitchen necessities off the list.
6. T-fal ActiFry Multi-Cooker
Get even, golden brown cooking without the effort with T-Fal’s unique ring shape and built-in stirring paddles.-
Capacity:
2.2 pounds (around 2.75 quarts) -
Color options:
Black -
Extra functions:
None
While you may recognize the brand T-fal for their heavy duty pots and pans, they’re also a force to be reckoned with in the air fryer game. The FZ700251 ActiFry multi cooker is futuristic as hell and has a major “set it and forget it” vibe that most other cookers can’t offer.
Unlike most of the competition, the Actifry does not sport a pull-out food drawer. Instead, the overhead lid opens to reveal a (dishwasher-safe) ring-shaped basket that can hold up to 2.2 pounds. Once turned on, the Actifry’s built-in stirring paddle will rotate your food under the hot air, so you don’t have to depend on stirring or flipping for even cooking, which is the hardest part. Can we get a hell yeah?
The transparent lid allows you to look in on how your food is coming along. But if you don’t have time to check in (or just don’t feel like it), don’t worry — a buzzer will go off once the timer is done. Along with your purchase, you’ll also get a 38-recipe cookbook and a measuring spoon.
7. Cosori Air Fryer
Cosori has garnered reviews comparable to Ninja with a preset for nearly any recipe you could think of.-
Capacity:
5.8-quarts -
Color options:
Stainless steel -
Extra functions:
Steak, poultry, seafood, shrimp, bacon, frozen foods, french fries, vegetables, root vegetables, bread, desserts, preheat
Most air fryers have a few presets to take some guesswork out of common recipes, but the Cosori air fryer wants to be your new head chef. Once it pre-heats, a tap of one of 11 cooking presets on the touchscreen puts you on the fast track without having to research air fryer hacks on Pinterest. Crispy french fries don’t even scratch the surface of the built-in instructions: shrimp, bacon, root vegetables, and cake are just a few, but you can still toggle the temperature and time if you have your own preferences. There’s also a shake reminder that lets you know to stir or flip your food for an even fry, and automatic shut off and keep warm functions if you’re not eating right away.
Despite being one of the best reviewed models on Amazon, some customers report that the device becomes unresponsive after a few uses. Pretty much any product ever will have its fair share of random issues — it happens to iPhones all the time. Cosori relieves your worries by offering a free two-year guarantee.
8. GoWise USA XL Air Fryer
This versatile, extra large model from GoWise is an affordable way into air frying with a touchscreen.-
Capcity:
5.8-quarts -
Color options:
Black -
Extra functions:
Fries, pork, chicken, steak, shrimp, cake, fish, pizza
Frying, baking, grilling, and roasting are all possible here, with eight built-in presets for fries, pork, chicken (a whole chicken), steak, shrimp, cake, fish, and pizza. When your ingredients need to be stirred or shaken, the device will warn you in increments of five, 10, or 15 minutes. If you need to change temperature or time (or do a taste test), just use the stop/start button to make changes mid-cook.
Pro tip: Don’t expect the circulation or temperature precision of a Ninja or Breville fryer from this budget option. It’s a great starter device for easing into healthier fried meals, but restaurant steaks probably can’t be achieved. Also, marble countertops may benefit from putting a cutting board under the fryer while it’s on.
9. GoWISE USA 2.75-quart Air Fryer
This retro fryer is handy for quick snacks and appetizers, but don’t expect high-tech customization.-
Capacity:
2.75-quarts -
Color options:
Black, white, red, purple, mint, red, mustard yellow, blush -
Extra functions:
None
When an air fryer comes in enough colors to match your outfit, you know you’re in for a good time. GoWise has snuck a model into most size categories, but the 2.75-quart one is one of the only models that’s a reliable budget alternative to the 2.75-quart Philips Turbostar.
KitchenAid mixers get a big chunk of their attention from that rainbow color selection, but that’s rarely an option for appliances like air fryers. From mint green and pastel yellow to vibrant red and purple, this small, unsuspecting cooker will give your counter a pop of color.
There’s no reason to pay for a touchscreen or a long list of presets if your purpose for getting an air fryer ends at snacks or personal appetizers. This mini cooker can heat to 400 degrees, has a 30-minute timer, and the listing says it can also bake, grill, and roast. At under three quarts, it’s roomy enough to cook a personal steak or corn on the cob, yet small enough to shove in your remaining cabinet space or take on a camping trip.
10. Black+Decker Purifry
Ease into air frying with straightforward controls and a basket perfect for quick snacks.-
Capacity:
2 liters (2.11 quarts) -
Colors:
Black/stainless steel, white/black -
Extra functions:
None
Intense snackers, look no further: Hailing from home gadget megabrand Black+Decker. Their Purify 2-Liter Air Fryer is a bomb midsize option to squeeze on that last inch of open counter space and promises perfectly-crisped appetizers or small meals.
The best part? There’s next to no learning curve. Once you perfect the flipping action, it’s one of the most straightforward on the bunch — so even if toast is the furthest you’ve been able to make meal wise, this machine is nothing you can’t handle. With no screen and only two dials to control temperature and time (with two lights to show preheating status), it’s a basic approach that’s nearly impossible to mess up.
Quick bites are the name of the game here: An eight cup capacity gives wiggle room for 10 chicken nuggets or onion rings, 15 pizza rolls, or a half pound of french fries — it’s also been said to be one of the best models to tackle frozen foods. Frying up a main course (like an actual chicken) probably isn’t likely, but it’s clutch for those side dishes or meals for one.
Bonus: It’s also one of the most aesthetically pleasing options. Its stainless steel accents make it a seamless addition to any modern kitchen — but if you’re more of a traditional decor person, there’s a white model as well.
11. Dash Compact Air Fryer
Skip the drive-thru and the boring campfire foods with this portable fryer from Dash.-
Capacity:
1.6 quarts -
Color options:
White, black, grey, red, aqua -
Extra functions:
None
No matter how great they sound, forking over $100 or more for an air fryer may not be within your budget. Thankfully, there are a few cheap air fryers on the market that don’t sacrifice quality. Our favorite cheap air fryer is the Dash Compact Air Fryer, a reliable little sidekick that can be taken nearly anywhere.
This no-frills fryer offers the bare minimum of features — and when you’re a newbie or only planning on using it sparingly, there’s no point to paying for extras. Set your temperature and time using their respective knobs, stir or flip once if you’re feeling ambitious, and come back in a few minutes to a hot, crispy snack. Dash’s model is the scrawniest of the bunch, offering a 1.6-quart capacity to fit personal batches of fries, hot wings, fish, cinnamon rolls, and more — perfect for a college dorm, apartment, or camping RV. (Just don’t expect to feed more than one at a time.)
There aren’t many negative reviews, and most that do exist speak to the manufacturer quality. Unfortunately, you can’t expect restaurant-grade longevity in a model that costs so little, but if you use it sparingly, it’ll get the job done.
Dash always shines in the looks department: Offering a handful of adorable colors to match any decorating style, this little fryer makes an easy gift.
Burgers, anyone? Get your summer BBQ on year round with the Secura Electric Air Fryer, one of the only on the market to include accessories like a BBQ rack and tongs for easy indoor grilling. At 1500 Watts, it’s a true powerhouse and has garnered one of the best collection of reviews we’ve seen compared to the rest of the list
At a pretty hefty 3.4 quarts, Secura’s basket is more than enough to hold a decent amount of appetizers like quiche or ingredients for shish kebabs, as well as main entrees like falafel, three patties at once, or even a five pound turkey.
Though the Secura fryer doesn’t have a screen, its complexity is upped by six preset food settings (fries, steak, chicken wings, cake, bread, and other meat) to do the work for you, as well a temperature dial and a timer dial. Its stainless steel interface allows it to blend seamlessly with the rest of your stainless steel appliances.