The best air fryers we tested
Best air fryer: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
Best budget air fryer: Dash Tasti-Crisp
Best air fryer toaster oven: Cuisinart TOA-60
Shopping for an air fryer — the small kitchen appliances that claim to re-create the crispy, crunchy taste of fried foods, without the oil and fats used in traditional deep fat frying — can be a confusing endeavor when you consider all the options out there. Not to mention the sheer number of opinions on whether or not they’re actually as convenient as they say they are.
So to see which air fryers perform the best, and which might be best for certain users, we put 11 models to the test, running them through a comprehensive evaluation process. We selected three top choices that did a great job with our test recipes and impressed us with their features and construction, so regardless of your cooking needs, budget requirements or storage space, you should find an option that works for you.
Editor’s Note: We’ve removed Cosori air fryers from this review given safety concerns that have led the company to recall many models. We will update this piece again once the company addresses those concerns.
Its heavy-duty feel, combined with the reasonable price tag, convenient controls and standout cooking results, made it easy to declare this fryer the best.
Best air fryer: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
Ninja has a great reputation for providing well-made, durable products — including its blenders — and this air fryer is no different. Right out of the box, we appreciated its sturdy, solid feel, and the sleek black finish makes it look like it’s right out of a professional kitchen.
It’s not especially heavy (10.58 pounds), but the solid construction and rubber feet give it a sturdy feel that was even more noticeable after several days of handling less rugged models. Unlike some of the lower-quality machines we tested, the tray of the Ninja wasn’t flimsy or loose, and it settled into the fryer body with a satisfying clunk. So we were never concerned that the entire unit would slide around or tip over if we pushed the basket in too hard.
We found the control panel of the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer extremely straightforward to use. It has four functions to choose from — all with their own button, so no need to scroll through options — alongside timer and temperature arrows. This minimal layout provided a great balance of convenience and functionality, and the buttons were responsive and had a good tactile feel to them as well.
The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer performed nearly perfectly in our food tests, and produced evenly cooked, crispy french fries and shrimp. The Brussels sprouts also came out with a nice crispy exterior and moist crunchy interior.
As with the other basket-style fryers, the nonstick basket and tray insert were simple to clean — either run them through the dishwasher or just wash them in the sink with a sponge and warm, soapy water. The smooth layout of the control panel is also convenient to clean, and since there are no knobs, dials, cracks or crevices to deal with, we were able to simply wipe the entire panel down as well.
The most notable issue with the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is how loud it is — in fact, it was the loudest of all models we tested. In our opinion it’s not a deal breaker, but some might find it irritating.
If you don’t mind a little noise and you’re looking for a fryer that can effectively tackle a good range of cooking tasks (it even has a dehydrate setting!) for a price that won’t break the bank, this model is a great choice.
Best budget air fryer: Dash Tasti-Crisp
The Dash Tasti-Crisp doesn’t have the presets, settings and modes that higher-end options have, but if you just want to air fry quickly and easily, this is a great option.
We quickly found the fryer’s basic controls — a timer wheel and temperature dial, with no type of LCD display — to be a benefit. With no additional settings to think about, it was extremely convenient to just toss the food in the basket, turn the dial and set the timer. Granted, you will need to know what temperature and time your food needs, but that can easily be found in the instruction manual or on the bag of food itself.
This simple timer also made it extremely easy to add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time. More complex fryers typically require you to wait until the time is up or have you reset the air fryer mode altogether, but with the Dash Tasti-Crisp all you have to do is keep cranking the timer knob as much as you like.
Despite these basic controls, or perhaps because of them, the Dash Tasti-Crisp ended up cooking all of our food items really well. The fries turned out crispy and evenly cooked, with a nice soft interior; the shrimp were perfect and crunchy; and even the Brussels sprouts came out great after a little trial and error with recommended cooking times.
It’s got a nice compact footprint too, and although it’s small, it was still easy to pull and push the tray into place. It wasn’t as sturdy as other fryers, and we usually needed to use two hands to insert the basket, but because of its small size, that wasn’t really a big deal.
The biggest difference between the Dash Tasti-Crisp and more expensive fryers is its lack of presets, and if that’s what you’re after you should probably consider a more versatile model. But if you just want a small appliance to quickly and conveniently cook small batches of food, the Dash Tasti-Crisp is a perfect choice.
Best air fryer toaster oven: Cuisinart TOA-60
If you prefer the versatility and extra space that comes from having an oven-style air fryer, the Cuisinart TOA-60 is a great option. We loved the square shape and compact size of this oven (just 15.5 inches by 16 inches by 14 inches). The large knobs were straightforward and easy to use, and although this is subjective, we appreciated the lack of LCD screen. There was something about the tactile feel of using separate knobs to select the cooking mode, temperature and timer that made us feel in total control over the cooking process.
One of the primary reasons we chose this model over other oven-style fryers is that its fryer basket is just a little bit deeper than the other ones we tested. It’s not by much, but just enough to make it noticeably easier to shake up fries or other loose items you may be air frying. We found shallower baskets are more likely to either send a few fries flying off, or just not allow you to shake them up effectively. The interior light was a nice perk as well, and made it easy to keep an eye on the food inside without opening it up and losing heat.
Performance-wise, the Cuisinart TOA-60 cooked food to near perfection — and even resulted in our favorite fries of the bunch.
The Cuisinart TOA-60 also comes with an oven rack, baking pan and air fryer rack/basket, so you’ll be prepared for a good range of cooking projects. Although its mesh basket created the same cleaning issues as other oven-style units — thin wire and lack of nonstick surface shredded our sponge — the Cuisinart TOA-60 does provide a removable crumb tray that makes the unit as a whole relatively easy to clean.
One of the most valuable features of the Cuisinart is its three-year warranty, the longest (most only have a one-year warranty) of any oven-style version we tested. That Cuisinart stands behind this product should address any concerns with the relatively high cost of this model.
How we tested
Although all of the models we tested are capable of “air frying,” they also differ quite a bit in terms of how they perform, their usability and their overall design.
Our testing group consisted of a wide range of fryer types, sizes and styles — from compact, single-serving models to large oven-style options. To ensure we got the most out of our testing process, we judged each fryer across a series of categories, from how easy they were to set up and use, their versatility in other cooking areas, their overall design and how convenient they were to clean and maintain. Most importantly, we chose a range of cooking items to judge their air frying abilities and had each fryer cook a batch of frozen french fries, battered frozen shrimp and halved Brussels sprouts.
We ran each model through the same testing process, evaluating and comparing the results to finally choose the fryers we felt were the best overall.
These are the criteria we used to evaluate and compare each model.
Installation and setup
- We paid close attention to how easy or difficult the fryer was to get set up. Was it ready to go right out of the box, or did it require any extra steps to make it operational? Did the basket require any special assembly or use any additional trays or wire inserts?
Usability
- User interface/ease of use: While some options had basic, analog controls like a timer and temperature knob, more complex fryers featured a variety of buttons and dials. These control panels can be a bit intimidating, and we made note of how difficult or easy it was to get straight to the mode we wanted.
- Versatility: How many other cooking modes and settings does the fryer offer? Does it feature presets or other helpful controls? Most importantly, are these additional cook modes convenient or too much hassle for their own good?
- Operation: Is it simple to remove, fill up and replace the fryer basket, tray or pan? Were these components comfortable to handle and maneuver? Does it have an annoying beep? Is it loud? Does the timer have a tick-tick-tick-tick?
Performance
- French fries: We cooked a serving of frozen fries in each fryer, taking note of how evenly they were cooked as well as how crispy they came out. As per the instructions of each fryer, we shook each batch about halfway through the cooking time (which is recommended with any items that aren’t able to be laid flat in the tray).
- Battered shrimp: We cooked seven frozen, butterflied battered shrimp in each fryer, again taking note of how evenly they were cooked.
- Brussels sprouts: We cooked a batch of halved Brussels sprouts in each fryer with a tablespoon of olive oil. These were also shaken halfway through, like the french fries. We took note of if they were easily dried out or were cooked unevenly.
Design
- Capacity: How large is the basket or tray of the fryer? Does the basket/tray size justify the overall size of the entire unit? Is it too clunky or bulky to be convenient enough to store when you’re not using it.
- Quality of materials: How does the unit feel in terms of sturdiness and durability? Did any knobs, handles or dials feel like they might snap or crack over time? Do any components feel flimsy, like they might snap or crack over time?
- Overall appearance: How does it look? Would it feel out of place in a modern kitchen full of stainless appliances and artisanal knives, pots and pans, or would it be more appropriate for an informal dorm room or studio apartment?
- Accessories: Are there any additional components like pizza pans or crumb trays that might be beneficial?
Warranty/Support
- If something goes wrong with the fryer, will the manufacturer replace or repair it free of charge? We reviewed each fryer’s warranty, including time period and specific limitations.
Maintenance
- Ease of cleanup: How convenient is it to clean the baskets and trays, as well as the unit as a whole? We noted how easy or difficult this was, as well as the post-cooking cleaning process.
- Dishwasher-safe: Are the trays and other accessories dishwasher-safe? Depending on the size and quantity of the pieces, having to hand-wash them all could substantially lower the convenience factor of an air fryer.
Other air fryers we tested
Just like our top pick — the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer — this 6-in-1 air fryer is about as easy to use as it comes, and the “Flexbasket” offers an impressive amount of functionality.
Thanks to a removable divider, this 7-quart basket can be bisected into two 3.5-quart sections, allowing you to cook two items at different temperatures, at the same time. The straightforward, user-friendly controls made operating the two sections a breeze, and although the instruction manual does a great job of walking you through the different settings, I was able to figure it out without even consulting it. (You can even set it to delay the start time one section to ensure both sides finish at the same time!)
I did find that this basket design seems to affect its efficiency a bit, and the cook times for the breaded shrimp and french fries were longer than single-basket fryers. This double-sided design is also less convenient to shake and dump out, and you’re unable to check on one item without also pulling out the other, interrupting its cooking process. That being said, if you frequently air fry multiple items and have the space for a bulkier machine (it’s over 18 inches long), this could be a great option.
It’s not cheap and takes up a lot of room, but if you want a quality machine that can handle a serious amount of food, consider the Typhur Dome Air Fryer.
What separates this fryer from the majority of models I’ve tested is the sheer width of its basket. At 12.6 square inches, you can fit a ton of food in this thing, and with so much available surface area, it’s much easier to arrange your items in a single layer for even heat distribution (unlike smaller baskets that need to be shaken frequently to reposition items). All the food items I tested with this fryer cooked quickly and evenly, particularly the irregularly shaped breaded shrimp, which had plenty of room to spread out and allow for maximum airflow.
Although the large basket requires a little more effort to use, the large handle helps you maintain a comfortable, sturdy grip while removing, inserting and shaking the contents. The controls are also simple to navigate, with large, bright LED digits for convenient reading from across the room. The dimensions of this unit won’t be practical for those with limited counter space, but if you want to evenly cook large quantities of food (and have the necessary budget), the Typhur Dome Air Fryer could be a smart investment.
This is an effective air fryer at a reasonable price and could be well suited for those who don’t need to cook large amounts of food at once.
Although its controls took a bit longer to get the hang of than most other models — the combination of a knob and push-button controls isn’t the most intuitive — this Instant fryer is still a fine option. Its basket and tray both featured a nonstick finish, which was easy to clean in the sink, although they are not meant to be used in a dishwasher (this is the only one of our basket-style fryers to lack this option).
Our food items were cooked fairly evenly, and the Brussels sprouts especially came out with a nice, even crisp. A “Turn Food” reminder halfway through cooking was a nice touch and ensured we wouldn’t unevenly cook food. The four cooking modes — air fry, bake, roast and reheat — should offer a good variety to most users, although the 2-quart basket might not be large enough for some users.
We did find the Instant Vortex Mini to be a bit less sturdy than other options, which usually required us to steady the unit with one hand while using the other to remove and insert the frying basket. This isn’t a deal breaker by any means, but something to consider.
The compact size of this Chefman fryer could make it an ideal choice for anyone who doesn’t have a ton of storage or counter space.
Despite its relatively small footprint, the Chefman 2-Quart still has a solid feel to it, and none of its components seemed flimsy or lacking in durability. Its controls consist of just a timer and temperature knob — similar to the Dash Tasti-Crisp — making it a great option for anyone who just wants a hassle-free basket fryer.
Just like most of the other basket-style fryers we tested, the Chefman 2-Quart was easy to clean, and the basket and tray are both dishwasher-safe, which is always a nice perk. Although the French fries and shrimp came out evenly cooked, the Chefman 2-Quart did generate one of the dryer batches of Brussels sprout in my testing, which is one of the primary reasons it didn’t make our top list. And although we’d ultimately recommend the similar Dash Tasti-Crisp because of its superior cooking results, this fryer and its ultra-low price tag make it an acceptable substitute if the Dash is unavailable or out of your price range.
The sleek, commercial-style look of this Philips fryer gave a great impression right out of the box, but issues with the basket prevented us from including it as a top pick.
Unlike other basket-style fryers that simply use a nonstick insert to keep the food off the bottom of the tray, the Philips Premium uses both a mesh tray and a “fat reducer” insert. This fat reducer is supposed to “reduce and capture” excess fat, which we suppose it did, but no more so than any other basket would capture the dripped oil or grease from frozen foods being cooked. This extra insert made the Philips Premium one of the least convenient fryers to clean, especially since the additional mesh insert was more difficult to clean than the simple nonstick tray found in every other air fryer.
That being said, the controls were easy to handle, and we were able to fire up the fryer and get cooking right away. There was no preheating needed, and the fries, shrimp and Brussels were all cooked evenly and without any real issues. The straightforward controls and cooking performance aside, we just couldn’t get past the basket design issues, especially at such a high price point.
Although it’s likely a great choice for someone looking for a multipurpose countertop oven — and it looks gorgeous — this Breville model was just a bit too inconvenient to be used as a primary air fryer.
There was plenty to like about this Breville air fryer, but it did have a few drawbacks, plus an expensive price tag. First off, the control knob was responsive and worked well with the large and bright LED display which made it easy to scroll through and select the cooking mode you want. The best feature of this model was the fact that the fryer tray automatically pulled out when you opened the door, which allowed you to take a look or use tongs to adjust the food without having to grab an oven mitt to pull it out yourself. This model also boasts an impressive 13 cooking functions, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a comprehensive cooking machine. It also included a pizza pan, which none of the other oven models did.
While the French fries and Brussels sprouts turned out well, the shrimp did not. They ended up sticking to the mesh tray, and when shaken, they lost a fair amount of batter, mangling the shrimp. This wire tray was also incredibly difficult to clean, and like the others, it shredded our sponge when cleaning. For an extremely expensive model, this was a deal breaker for us.
This KitchenAid oven-style fryer is convenient and comfortable to use, and the adjustment knob made it easy to scroll through functions and cooking settings.
This KitchenAid oven-style fryer was very easy to use and features a backlit LCD that provides a clear look at the temperature and time. The nine cooking modes offer a nice balance of options too.
The food itself was cooked evenly, although the wire mesh tray suffered from the same issues as other oven-style fryers. Despite the fact that its open design made it easier to cook food without flipping, it also allowed grease and oil to fall through and onto the tray below. While this wasn’t a huge deal, it was just an extra pan to have to clean. The wire tray was also a nightmare to clean and a sponge shredder like the others.
This fryer may not have cracked our list of top picks but it came quite close thanks to an easy-to-read LED panel screen, smooth gliding frying baskets and quality cooked food.
This air fryer has an extra-large 6-quart capacity that can fit an impressive amount of food, and the large control panel and LED screen were simple to figure out. Unlike some other basket-style fryers that had heavy or clunky drawer baskets, this one was lightweight and comfortable to slide in and out. The fries and shrimp came out crispy and evenly cooked, and the Brussels sprouts were crunchy and crisp.
This unit features six cooking modes — air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake and reheat — making it a good option for those who want a bit more versatility but aren’t ready for a countertop oven model. We found it easy to clean, and the nonstick tray in the basket can either be hand-washed or popped in the dishwasher. It also gives you more space — and thus room to cook for more people — at a price comparable to other models. Its large size did take more time to preheat than smaller models, though, so keep that in mind.
