8 Best Air Fryers 4 Quart of 2026

This powerhouse performer redefines what a mid-sized air fryer can do. With a 4.5-quart capacity—slightly larger than most 4-quart models—it easily handles meals for families of four, crisping up to 2 pounds of wings or a whole 3.5-pound chicken with room to spare. The 1600-watt motor delivers intense, even heat, while the 400°F max temperature ensures golden, crunchy exteriors without drying out interiors. It’s the rare model that balances family-friendly volume with countertop practicality, solving the all-too-common dilemma of having to cook in batches.

In real-world testing, the Cuisinart AIR-160NAS consistently delivers restaurant-quality results across multiple cooking modes: air-fried fries emerge with a deep crunch, roasted vegetables caramelize evenly, and baked goods rise properly thanks to stable heat distribution. The preset buttons for French fries, wings, frozen snacks, and vegetables take the guesswork out of cooking, while the toss reminder ensures optimal crispness. However, its larger footprint means it’s not ideal for tiny kitchens, and the basket pull-out design can be awkward when reaching into the back of the cavity.

Compared to the compact Chefman or bella models, this Cuisinart trades some space efficiency for superior capacity and power. It doesn’t offer dehydrating or broiling like the Ninja or Instant Pot, but it outperforms them in sheer cooking volume and heat consistency. It’s best suited for small families or frequent entertainers who want reliable, batch-friendly performance without upgrading to a full-size oven-style unit. While it lacks the bells and whistles of smart presets or viewing windows, it delivers more cooking muscle and precision than similarly priced 4-quart rivals.

Meet the preset powerhouse—a 4-quart air fryer that turns cooking into a one-touch affair. With 12 preprogrammed functions, including air fry, roast, bake, broil, and even dehydrate and reheat, this Gourmia model eliminates the need for manual adjustments, making it ideal for beginners or busy households. The FryForce 360° Technology circulates heat aggressively, delivering uniform crispness on fries, nuggets, and wings with little to no oil. Its standout feature? A smart interface that simplifies meal prep without sacrificing control.

During testing, the Gourmia GAF486 proved surprisingly capable for its 1300-watt output, handling frozen foods and fresh ingredients with equal ease. The 90°F–400°F temperature range allows true low-temp dehydrating, a rarity in budget models, and the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup a breeze. However, the interior cavity feels snug with larger ingredients, and the basket’s shape can lead to uneven browning if food isn’t shaken manually—even with no built-in reminder. It struggles slightly with thick chicken breasts, requiring extra time to cook through.

Against the Ninja AF101, it offers more presets but less intuitive feedback, lacking a shake alert or viewing window. It’s best for cooks who value convenience over precision—those who want to press a button and walk away. While not as powerful as 1500W models, its versatility and compact performance make it a compelling choice for singles or couples who want one appliance to do it all. It delivers more cooking modes than the Chefman or bella while staying under $50, making it a smart pick for preset lovers on a budget.

This crisp-obsessed compact is engineered for those who demand maximum crunch in minimal time. The Hi-Fry Technology, which spikes to 450°F in the final two minutes, gives fries and chicken tenders a deep, golden finish that rivals deep frying—without the grease. With 1500 watts of power, it heats faster than most entry-level models, and the 4-quart nonstick basket is perfectly sized for 2–4 servings. It’s the ideal pick for health-conscious cooks who refuse to compromise on texture.

In real-world use, the Chefman B0CNY1F31S shines with frozen snacks and quick meals: tater tots get crispy all over, and salmon fillets cook evenly in 12 minutes. The audible shake notification ensures food is flipped for uniform browning, a small but game-changing detail. Its narrow, space-saving design fits neatly on crowded countertops, and the matte-black finish resists fingerprints. However, it lacks a viewing window, forcing users to pull the basket out to check progress—interrupting the cooking cycle and risking heat loss.

When stacked against the Gourmia or bella, this model offers better heat performance and crisp quality but fewer presets. It’s less versatile than the 12-function Gourmia and lacks the dehydrate mode of the Ninja, but it outperforms both in browning power. It’s best for budget-focused users who prioritize speed and crunch over smart features. With stronger heating and better texture results than most sub-$50 models, it’s a standout for those who want premium crisp without the premium price.

This dehydrate dynamo proves that small air fryers can punch above their weight. The Ninja AF101 isn’t just for frying—it excels at low-and-slow dehydration, turning apples, herbs, and banana slices into crisp, shelf-stable snacks with impressive consistency. The 105°F minimum temperature and ceramic-coated nonstick basket ensure gentle, even drying without sticking, a feature most 4-quart models lack. With 4-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate), it’s a multitasker’s dream in a compact body.

Testing revealed strong performance across modes: fries achieve deep crispness at 400°F, reheated pizza regains its crunch, and dehydrated cherry tomatoes come out leathery and flavorful. The 2-lb fry basket holds a solid amount for two, though it’s tight for family-sized batches. The lack of preset variety (only 4 functions) and no shake alert or viewing window make it less user-friendly than newer models. It also takes longer to preheat than higher-wattage units, likely due to its 1400W motor (estimated, not listed).

Compared to the Instant Pot Vortex or Beelicious, the Ninja offers better dehydration results at a lower price, but falls short in smart features. It’s ideal for health-focused cooks and snack makers who want to make homemade jerky or dried fruit. While it doesn’t have the presets of the Gourmia or the window of the Chefman B0D5FRXYMJ, it delivers best-in-class dehydration among compact fryers. For those who value versatility over automation, it offers more functional depth than basic fryers without bloating the footprint.

This cleanup champion combines broad functionality with effortless maintenance. The Instant Pot Vortex Plus packs 6 cooking functions—air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat—into a sleek 4-quart unit, making it one of the most versatile compact fryers on the market. Its EvenCrisp Technology ensures food browns evenly with 95% less oil, and the nonstick basket slides out like a tray, minimizing residue buildup. But where it truly shines is cleanability: the smooth, seamless interior and dishwasher-safe components mean no scrubbing stuck-on bits.

In practice, it handles a wide range of tasks: broiling gives steaks a nice sear, dehydrating works well for herbs, and reheating leftovers restores crispiness better than microwaves. The intuitive touchscreen shows cooking stages clearly, and the 95°F–400°F range supports everything from yogurt-making to chicken wings. However, the fan noise is noticeable, and the basket capacity feels tight for more than two servings. It lacks a shake reminder or viewing window, relying on users to manually monitor progress.

Against the Ninja AF101, it offers more cooking modes and a better interface, but the Ninja edges out in dehydration consistency. It’s best for students, singles, or small kitchens where counter space and cleanup time are at a premium. While not as powerful as 1500W models, its balanced performance and ultra-easy maintenance make it a top pick for low-hassle cooking. It delivers broader functionality and smoother cleanup than the Chefman or Gourmia, making it ideal for those who hate scrubbing appliances.

This smart all-rounder sets a new bar for what a 4-quart air fryer can be. The Beelicious Pro combines 8 cooking modes, a large viewing window with interior light, and 450°F Hi-Temp Technology to deliver perfectly crisp, tender results every time. Its Flavor-Lock 360° airflow and IQTemp precision control ensure food cooks evenly, while the personalized shake reminders keep browning consistent. With 85%–90% less oil, it’s a health-conscious cook’s dream—without sacrificing flavor.

Real-world testing confirmed its superiority: fries achieve a deep, uniform crunch, chicken wings stay juicy inside, and dehydrated banana chips come out crisp and flat. The 60-minute timer, wide temp range (100°F–450°F), and 40+ included recipes make it easy to explore new dishes, while the 53dB low-noise design keeps the kitchen peaceful. The glass viewing window lets you monitor food without opening the basket, preserving heat. It’s slightly pricier, but the build quality and smart features justify the cost.

Compared to the Instant Pot or Ninja, it offers better visibility, more modes, and quieter operation. It lacks the Cuisinart’s capacity but outperforms it in tech and convenience. It’s ideal for tech-savvy cooks and small families who want premium features in a compact unit. With more intelligence, better monitoring, and superior results than any other 4-quart model, it earns its title as the best overall pick—delivering smarter cooking and richer flavor than even higher-priced rivals.

This space-saving value king proves you don’t need to spend much to get solid performance. The bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer is designed for tight kitchens and tight budgets, with a slim profile that saves 50% more counter space than bulkier models. Its 3.3-pound food capacity (larger than most 4-quart baskets) handles generous portions, and the EverGood ceramic nonstick coating ensures easy cleanup without harmful chemicals. With 6 presets and 1300 watts of power, it covers the essentials without fluff.

In testing, it performed admirably for its price: fries came out crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and frozen chicken nuggets cooked evenly in 15 minutes. The circular heat technology distributes warmth reasonably well, though thicker cuts required a manual shake for full crispness. The audible tone at shutoff is a nice touch, but the lack of a shake reminder means you’ll need to set a timer. It doesn’t offer dehydrating or broiling like the Instant Pot, and the digital interface feels basic.

Against the Gourmia or Chefman, it offers better value under $45 and a slimmer design, but fewer smart features. It’s perfect for college students, renters, or singles who want reliable, healthy cooking without clutter. While it doesn’t have the power or presets of pricier models, it delivers solid performance and space efficiency at an unbeatable price. It outperforms similarly priced units in capacity and build while offering healthier nonstick coating than many competitors.

This window-equipped wonder brings real-time cooking confidence to the 4-quart category. The Chefman B0D5FRXYMJ stands out with its integrated easy-view window, allowing you to monitor crispness without opening the basket—a rare and valuable feature at this price. Paired with 450°F Hi-Fry Technology, it delivers deep golden crunch on fries, wings, and mozzarella sticks, while the 1500-watt motor ensures fast, powerful heating. The audible shake reminder keeps browning consistent, making it a top pick for texture lovers.

In daily use, the viewing window proved invaluable: watching fries turn golden without heat loss made timing more precise, and checking doneness on delicate fish was effortless. The 4-quart nonstick basket cleaned easily in the dishwasher, and the matte-black finish resisted smudges. However, the window can fog up during long cooks, and the touch controls are sensitive, sometimes registering accidental taps. It lacks dehydrating or broiling functions, limiting versatility compared to the Instant Pot or Beelicious.

Next to the standard Chefman model (B0CNY1F31S), this version adds the critical viewing window for just a slight price bump, making it the better buy. It’s ideal for cooks who hate guessing doneness or pulling out baskets too early. While it doesn’t offer the presets of the Gourmia or the dehydrate mode of the Ninja, it delivers better visual control and crisp power than most. With superior monitoring and crunch, it’s the best choice for those who want to see their food cook—offering more insight than the competition in a sleek, compact form.