8 Best Air Fryers of 2026

The Cosori 6-Quart TurboBlaze redefines what a mid-range air fryer can do, delivering professional-grade crispness with consumer-friendly simplicity. Its 3600 rpm TurboBlaze fan and 5-fan-speed system generate intense, evenly distributed heat that locks in moisture while creating a golden, crunchy exterior—no more unevenly cooked wings or soggy fries. The premium ceramic nonstick coating not only resists scratches and wear but also ensures safer cooking with no PFOA, making it a standout for health-conscious families who still crave indulgent textures.

In real-world testing, this air fryer shines across a wide range of dishes—from frozen tater tots to a full 4-pound chicken—and consistently delivers even browning without flipping required. The 90°F to 450°F temperature range allows for delicate dehydrating tasks like fruit leather as well as high-heat searing for steak fries. With a 6-quart square basket, it fits more food than round-basket competitors, maximizing usable space without increasing countertop footprint. It does emit a low hum, but even at max speed, it stays under 53dB, making it one of the quieter models during peak operation.

Positioned between budget basics and high-end dual-basket models, the Cosori TurboBlaze beats single-basket rivals like the Instant Pot Vortex Plus with smarter airflow and better texture control. While it lacks dual zones, it outperforms in cooking precision and ease of cleaning, especially with its dishwasher-safe ceramic-coated components. It’s ideal for small-to-medium households wanting restaurant-quality results without complexity. Compared to similarly priced models, it offers superior heat control and quieter performance than the Cuisinart AIR-200, making it the best overall balance of power, consistency, and usability.

If you’re tired of cooking meals in shifts, the Ninja DZ550 DualZone Smart XL is a game-changer for multitasking kitchens, offering two independent 5-quart baskets that let you cook a protein and side simultaneously—no flavor transfer, no timing juggling. What sets it apart is the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer, which takes the guesswork out of doneness by monitoring internal meat temperature in real time, delivering everything from medium-rare steak to juicy roasted chicken with flawless accuracy. This isn’t just an air fryer—it’s a precision cooking command center for serious home chefs.

During testing, the Smart Finish feature proved invaluable: roasting salmon in one basket while air frying broccoli in the other, both hitting perfect doneness at the same moment. The IQ Boost power distribution ensures fast, efficient cooking—even a 6-pound whole chicken crisps up in under an hour. With a 10-quart total capacity and temperature range from 105°F to 450°F, it handles everything from slow-roasting to flash-frying. The only hiccup? The sheer size demands significant counter space, and the control panel can feel overwhelming for beginners.

When compared to the DZ201, the DZ550 adds smart thermometer integration and enhanced IQ Boost efficiency, making it the premium pick for tech-savvy users. It’s overkill for singles or couples but perfect for large families or meal preppers who value time-saving automation. While it costs more than most models, its dual independent zones and smart doneness tracking offer capabilities no single-basket fryer can match. Against other high-end models, it trades some simplicity for unmatched versatility and precision, delivering restaurant-level control at home.

The Ninja DZ201 DualZone is the workhorse of family-sized air frying, built for households that need to get dinner on the table fast—without sacrificing variety or texture. Its two 4-quart independent baskets let you air fry chicken nuggets and broccoli at the same time, each at their ideal temperature, thanks to separate heating zones and cyclonic fans. The Smart Finish and Match Cook features are pure genius: Smart Finish syncs cook times for two different foods, while Match Cook duplicates settings across both baskets to maximize the full 8-quart capacity for big batches.

In daily use, this model excels at batch cooking and family meals, crisping up to 4 lbs of wings with consistent results across both baskets. The 105°F to 450°F range supports dehydrating herbs or jerky with precision, while the rapid convection heat turns frozen meals into hot, crispy dishes in under 30 minutes. It handles heavy use with ease, though the 32-inch power cord can feel short when placed at the back of the counter. Unlike single-basket models, it eliminates the need for sequential cooking, cutting meal prep time in half.

Compared to the DZ550, it lacks the built-in thermometer but offers nearly the same dual-basket performance at half the price, making it the smarter buy for budget-conscious families. It’s a direct upgrade over single-basket models like the Instant Pot Vortex, offering greater flexibility and capacity without advanced features that may go unused. Ideal for parents, meal preppers, or anyone cooking for four or more, it delivers maximum practicality with minimal learning curve. For the value, it outperforms similarly priced models by offering true dual-zone independence at a mid-tier price.

The CHEFMAN 10L Air Fryer+ isn’t just an air fryer—it’s a full countertop oven replacement that combines rotisserie, dehydrator, convection baking, and air frying in one sleek, space-saving unit. With 17 smart presets and a large viewing window with interior lighting, it brings oven-grade versatility to small kitchens, dorms, or RVs where space is at a premium. The stainless steel rotisserie spit is a rare gem, allowing you to roast a whole chicken with even, self-basting rotation for juicy, golden skin—something most air fryers can’t touch.

In real-world tests, it outperformed traditional ovens in speed, baking cookies in 12 minutes and roasting a full chicken in under 45 minutes—no preheating needed. The 10-liter capacity fits multiple racks, perfect for batch cooking or large family meals, and the rapid air circulation ensures even crisping without hot spots. Dehydrating apple slices or making beef jerky is effortless thanks to the low-temperature control. However, the 1700W power means it takes up a standard outlet fully, and the touch screen can be overly sensitive at times.

Compared to the Ninja DZ550, it trades dual baskets for rotisserie and multi-rack functionality, making it better suited for those who bake or dehydrate often. It’s the clear choice over basic models like the Cuisinart AIR-200 when you want one appliance to replace five. For users tired of cluttered countertops, this is the ultimate all-in-one powerhouse. While it lacks the smart cooking sync of Ninja’s DualZone, it offers broader functionality and larger capacity than any other model in its class, making it the best option for those seeking true oven-level performance without the footprint.

For singles, students, or minimalists, the CHEFMAN 2-Quart Mini Air Fryer is a compact powerhouse that proves big flavor doesn’t need big appliances. Its square 2-quart basket maximizes space efficiency, fitting two servings of fries or a small chicken breast—perfect for solo meals or side dishes. The 900W TurboFry system heats up instantly, cooking food up to three times faster than a conventional oven, and the shake reminder ensures even crispness without guesswork, a rare feature at this size and price.

In daily use, it’s ideal for reheating leftovers to crispy perfection or whipping up quick snacks like mozzarella sticks or roasted chickpeas. The 400°F max temperature delivers satisfying crunch, though it struggles with larger items due to the small cavity. It fits easily in tight kitchens or dorm rooms, and the automatic shutoff and cool-touch handle add safety for beginner cooks. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe nonstick basket, but the lack of presets means more manual input.

Compared to the 4-qt Chefman model, it sacrifices capacity and presets for ultra-compact convenience, making it the go-to for those with limited storage. It outshines other mini fryers by including a shake alarm and square design for better space use. Best for one or two people, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go solution for healthy, fast meals. While it can’t match the power of larger models, it delivers exceptional value and portability for its size, outperforming similarly priced minis in usability and safety.

The Cuisinart AIR-200 stands out as the most intuitive preset-driven air fryer, designed for users who want one-touch simplicity without sacrificing capacity or power. With five dedicated air fry presets—French Fries, Wings, Vegetables, Frozen Snacks, and Leftovers—it takes the guesswork out of cooking, delivering consistent results every time. Its 1800W heating element and 450°F max temperature ensure deep, even crisping, while the large viewing window lets you monitor food without interrupting the cycle.

In testing, the preset accuracy was impressive: frozen tater tots came out golden and crunchy with zero input beyond selecting the icon. The 6-quart basket comfortably fits a 4-pound chicken or 2 pounds of fries, making it great for families. The toss reminder vibrates halfway through cooking, prompting you to flip or shake for even browning—a small but impactful feature. However, it lacks dehydrate or bake presets found in more versatile models, and the fan noise is slightly louder than competitors.

Compared to the Cosori TurboBlaze, it offers more cooking power and better presets but falls short in even heat distribution and noise control. It’s ideal for beginners or busy households who prioritize speed and simplicity over advanced features. While it doesn’t have dual baskets or rotisserie, it excels in preset reliability and ease of use. Against similarly priced models, it delivers stronger heating and smarter defaults than the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, making it the best choice for users who want set-it-and-forget-it convenience with solid performance.

The Instant Pot Vortex Plus earns its spot as the best for even crisping, thanks to its proprietary EvenCrisp Technology that eliminates cold spots and ensures golden-brown results on every bite—no flipping required. With a 6-quart basket and 1700W convection system, it handles family-sized meals with ease, crisping up chicken wings, fries, or roasted veggies with remarkable consistency. The adjustable temperature range (95°F to 400°F) supports everything from gentle dehydrating to fast roasting, and the intuitive touchscreen displays cooking stages clearly, making it beginner-friendly.

In real-world use, it consistently outperformed other single-basket models in texture uniformity, producing evenly cooked tater tots without rotation. The 100+ in-app recipes add smart guidance, though the app connection can be spotty. It reheats leftovers better than most microwaves, restoring crispness without drying out. However, the stainless steel exterior attracts fingerprints, and the basket handle gets hot during long cycles—minor but noticeable quirks.

Compared to the Cuisinart AIR-200, it offers better evenness and a sleeker design but lacks dedicated presets and has slightly less power. It’s perfect for families and crispy-food lovers who value texture over automation. While it doesn’t have dual zones or rotisserie, it beats most in crisping consistency and ease of monitoring. Against the Cosori TurboBlaze, it trades some temperature precision for superior surface browning, making it the top pick for those who prioritize crunch above all else.

The Chefman 4-Quart Air Fryer is the best budget-friendly pick that doesn’t skimp on crunch, delivering high-heat performance at an unbeatable price. Its 450°F Hi-Fry Technology kicks in during the final two minutes of cooking, giving wings, fries, and nuggets that restaurant-style crisp most budget models can’t match. With four presets and a shake reminder, it balances simplicity with smart features, making it ideal for students, couples, or anyone starting their air frying journey.

In testing, it cooked frozen fries to golden perfection in 16 minutes, with minimal oil and no preheating. The square 4-quart basket maximizes space for its size, fitting meals for 2–4 people, and the dishwasher-safe nonstick coating makes cleanup effortless. The 1500W motor provides strong airflow, though it’s a bit louder than pricier models. It doesn’t offer dehydrating or rotisserie, but for basic air frying, it performs like a much more expensive unit.

Stacked against the 2-qt mini model, it offers double the capacity and presets for just $10 more, making it the smarter long-term buy. Compared to the Instant Pot Vortex, it lacks app connectivity but delivers similar crisping at a lower cost. It’s perfect for budget-conscious buyers who still want quality results. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of premium models, it delivers outstanding value and reliable performance, outperforming other sub-$50 fryers in both power and usability.