Best air fryers for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Ninja AF101 is our top pick for its reliable, consistent cooking and straightforward design that works well for most households.
The Cosori Pro Gen 2 serves families best with its large basket and handy presets, while the Chefman TurboFry is the smart choice for budget buyers who want a simple, no-frills machine.
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple because they deliver the satisfaction of crispy, golden food with a fraction of the oil you’d use in a deep fryer. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, cooking frozen snacks, or roasting vegetables, a good air fryer can speed up weeknight dinners and cut down on mess. The trick is finding the one that fits your counter space, your typical batch size, and your cooking style. As you shop, consider capacity (a 3-quart basket works fine for one or two, but families need at least 5 quarts), interface preference (analog dials are simpler; digital presets add convenience), and ease of cleaning (non-stick baskets that go in the dishwasher save time). We’ve researched owner feedback and expert reviews across the most popular models to narrow down five air fryers that cover every budget and household size.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The Ninja AF101 earns its reputation for a reason: it cooks evenly, fits tidy on the counter, and is simple enough for anyone to use. It’s not the cheapest or the largest, but it nails the balance of performance and value better than any other single model.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Cosori Pro Gen 2
the family-size workhorse
4.6out of 5The Cosori Pro Gen 2 stands out with its generous 5.8-quart basket and thoughtful presets that remember your last setting. It’s quiet, cooks evenly, and gives you real temperature control – exactly what a busy family needs.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Instant Vortex Plus
the brand favorite
4.5out of 5The Instant Vortex Plus builds on the company’s popular multi-cooker line with a straightforward air fryer that gives you six cooking functions in one machine. It produces consistently crisp food, though the basket design can be awkward to handle when full.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Ninja AF101 Air Fryer | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Singles, couples, or small families who want a reliable air fryer without paying extra for | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Cosori Pro Gen 2 | 4.6 / 5 | $$ | Households of four or more who cook frequent batches of frozen appetizers, wings, or roast | Check price → |
| Best value | Instant Vortex Plus | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Instant Pot loyalists who want a second appliance that shares a similar interface and buil | Check price → |
| Best premium pick | Philips Premium XXL | 4.4 / 5 | $$$$ | Dedicated home cooks who are willing to pay extra for flawless results and need a large ca | Check price → |
| Best budget pick | Chefman TurboFry | 4.2 / 5 | $ | First-time air fryer buyers, college students, or anyone who wants an inexpensive tool for | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer — the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Ninja AF101 earns its reputation for a reason: it cooks evenly, fits tidy on the counter, and is simple enough for anyone to use. It’s not the cheapest or the largest, but it nails the balance of performance and value better than any other single model.
Pros
- Consistently crispy results with minimal oil
- Compact footprint that still holds of food
- Easy-to-use analog dials and no complicated menus
- Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate for quick cleanup
Cons
- Basket capacity is tight for feeding more than three people
- No preset buttons for specific foods like fries or chicken
- Exterior can get warm during long cooking sessions
Who it’s for
Singles, couples, or small families who want a reliable air fryer without paying extra for bells and whistles.Who should skip it
You cook for a large household and need a basket that holds more than 4 quarts of food at once.2. Cosori Pro Gen 2 — the family-size workhorse
Runner-upThe Cosori Pro Gen 2 stands out with its generous 5.8-quart basket and thoughtful presets that remember your last setting. It’s quiet, cooks evenly, and gives you real temperature control – exactly what a busy family needs.
Pros
- Large non-stick basket that fits a whole chicken or a full batch of fries
- Precise temperature control with 12 built-in presets
- Shake reminder that prevents uneven cooking during longer cycles
- Quiet operation even on high fan speeds
Cons
- Takes up noticeable counter space; measure your spot first
- Beeping sounds cannot be turned off
- Plastic exterior can scratch more easily than metal finishes
Who it’s for
Households of four or more who cook frequent batches of frozen appetizers, wings, or roasted vegetables.Who should skip it
You have very limited counter space and prefer a smaller, rounder air fryer that tucks away easily.3. Instant Vortex Plus — the brand favorite
Best valueThe Instant Vortex Plus builds on the company’s popular multi-cooker line with a straightforward air fryer that gives you six cooking functions in one machine. It produces consistently crisp food, though the basket design can be awkward to handle when full.
Pros
- Wide temperature range from 95°F to 400°F for dehydrating as well as frying
- Even cooking and browning across most foods
- Dishwasher-safe, non-stick basket and tray
- Reliable performance from a brand known for its electric cookers
Cons
- Basket shape makes shaking or flipping food less effective than round or square designs
- Digital display can be glare-prone in bright kitchens
- Lacks a viewing window to check food mid-cycle
Who it’s for
Instant Pot loyalists who want a second appliance that shares a similar interface and build quality.Who should skip it
You prioritize an easy-to-inspect cooking process and prefer a model with a built-in window or light.4. Philips Premium XXL — the premium overachiever
Best premium pickThe Philips Premium XXL delivers the most even browning we’ve seen from a consumer air fryer, thanks to its starfish-shaped base and powerful airflow. It’s big, expensive, and lacks some modern conveniences, but the results speak for themselves.
Pros
- Superior heat distribution that browns food almost perfectly every time
- Large capacity that accommodates a chicken or of fries
- Non-stick coated basket with a quick-release button for easy cleaning
- Very fast preheat compared to most air fryers
Cons
- Premium price that puts it out of reach for budget shoppers
- Bulky footprint that dominates the countertop
- Simple button interface with no presets or smart features
Who it’s for
Dedicated home cooks who are willing to pay extra for flawless results and need a large capacity for meal prepping or entertaining.Who should skip it
You are shopping on a budget or have limited counter space and prefer a more compact model.5. Chefman TurboFry — the wallet-friendly starter
Best budget pickThe Chefman TurboFry proves you don’t need to spend big to get decent air-fried food. It’s basic – just a dial for time and temperature – but it works reliably for small batches and is the most affordable way to try air frying.
Pros
- Extremely low price point that makes it accessible for any budget
- Simple analog controls that require no learning curve
- Compact size that fits in a crowded cabinet or under upper cabinets
- Includes a basic recipe guide to help beginners get started
Cons
- Smaller basket capacity (about 2.5 quarts) limits batch size
- Can cook unevenly if the basket is overloaded
- No presets, audible alerts, or other modern features
Who it’s for
First-time air fryer buyers, college students, or anyone who wants an inexpensive tool for quickly crisping small portions.Who should skip it
You plan to cook for a family of three or more, or you want digital controls and preset options.Best for specific needs
Best for small kitchens
If counter space is at a premium, look for a model that doesn’t hog real estate but still delivers consistent results. The Ninja AF101 strikes that balance perfectly – it has a small footprint yet can handle enough food for one or two people. Its upright rectangular shape also fits neatly next to a toaster or coffee maker without overlapping. Our pick: Ninja AF101.
Best for large families
When you’re feeding four or more people regularly, you need an air fryer that can hold a full pound of french fries or a whole chicken without crowding. The Cosori Pro Gen 2’s 5.8-quart basket and built-in presets make it easy to batch-cook sides and mains with minimal monitoring. It also runs quietly, so you can keep the kitchen conversation going without a loud fan roaring overhead. Our pick: Cosori Pro Gen 2.
Best for budget-conscious shoppers
Not everyone wants to invest a few hundred dollars into an air fryer, and that’s where the Chefman TurboFry shines. It strips the device down to its essentials – heat, time, and an on/off button – and delivers good enough results for about the price of a pizza delivery. It’s an ideal entry point if you’re still deciding whether air frying fits your cooking routine. Our pick: Chefman TurboFry.
Our verdict
The best air fryer for you comes down to how much you cook and how much space you have. The Ninja AF101 remains our top recommendation for most people because it does everything well without breaking the bank. If you cook for a bigger crowd, the Cosori Pro Gen 2 is a clear step up in capacity and convenience. And if you just want to dip a toe into air frying, the Chefman TurboFry is a surprisingly capable tool for the money. Whichever you choose, you’ll find that crispy, crowd-pleasing meals become a regular part of your week.
Frequently asked questions
What size air fryer should I get?
For one or two people, a 2–4 quart model is plenty. For a family of three or four, look at 5–6 quarts. Beyond that, you’re in oven territory where a full-size air fryer oven or toaster oven combo may make more sense than a basket unit. Err slightly bigger than you think you need — crowding the basket is the single most common reason food comes out steamed instead of crispy.
Are air fryers actually healthy?
They use significantly less oil than deep frying, which does reduce fat and calories on foods that would normally be submerged. Whether that makes them ‘healthy’ depends on what you’re cooking. An air fryer makes frozen fries less greasy, not nutritious. For vegetables, fish, and lean proteins, the reduced oil is genuinely useful. The bigger benefit for most people is convenience, not health.
Do air fryers need to preheat?
Many modern air fryers preheat in two to three minutes, and for most foods it improves results — especially anything where you want an immediate crust rather than a slow build. Thin foods like shrimp or sliced vegetables are forgiving; a thick chicken breast or frozen fries benefit from a preheated basket. Check the manual: some models factor preheat into their cook-time presets automatically.
How do you clean an air fryer?
After every use, let the basket cool, then wash it with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Most baskets are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing extends the life of the non-stick coating. Never use abrasive pads or metal utensils inside the basket. The heating element and interior cavity should be wiped down with a damp cloth when they accumulate grease — a monthly deep clean prevents smoke and off-flavors.
What capacity do I need for a family of four?
A 5–6 quart basket can handle a family meal in a single batch for most foods — about a pound of fries or six chicken thighs. If you regularly cook for four adults with a full spread, consider a 7+ quart model or an air fryer oven with a tray setup. Two smaller batches back-to-back works too since air fryers reheat the second batch fast, but it adds time to dinner.