Should You Buy an Air Fryer? Here’s What We Found
About once a week, I get asked: “Should I buy an air fryer?” As someone who’s been testing air fryers for over a decade—since before they became a household staple in the U.S.—my answer is an enthusiastic yes. While an air fryer isn’t the only kitchen appliance you need, it’s incredibly versatile.
Air fryers excel at reheating leftovers, cooking frozen favorites like fries and chicken nuggets, and even preparing proteins like salmon and chicken to perfection. With minimal effort, you can achieve juicy, flavorful results that make cooking not just easier but tastier.
Our Top Air Fryer Picks
After testing countless models, our top pick remains the Ninja Max XL. It consistently delivers the crispiest food in the shortest time while being user-friendly. Another standout is the Instant Vortex Plus Clear Cook, which combines excellent performance with ample cooking space, making it ideal for families or meal prep.
What Makes an Air Fryer the Best?
Our findings consistently show that the best air fryers are:
- Quick: They reduce cooking times significantly compared to traditional methods.
- Powerful: They evenly cook a variety of foods, from delicate salmon to hearty wings.
- Easy to Use: Intuitive controls and easy-to-clean designs are must-haves.
Top 7 Air Fryers for Healthy Cooking
NO 1
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
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Type of air fryer: Basket-style | Dimensions: 11″D x 14″W x 14.75″H | Capacity: 5.5 quarts | Settings: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
Pros
- Best performance of the basket-style air fryers we tested
- Easy to use
- Cooking basket is nonstick and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Cons
- Some may find the basket diameter a bit small
The 5.5-quart Ninja air fryer is a basket-style appliance perfect for preparing meals for two to four people. It remains a standout in our air fryer tests, consistently delivering the crispiest, most golden chicken wings we’ve ever tried. These wings are juicy and flavorful, cooked to perfection in record time.
This model excels in ease of use, earning top marks for its intuitive, user-friendly controls and well-written owner’s manual. During our evaluations, the basket slid in and out smoothly, making it hassle-free to handle.
The basket’s ceramic nonstick interior is durable and easy to maintain, holding up well over time. The removable tray fits securely at the bottom, so you won’t have to worry about it slipping out when transferring food to a plate. Both the basket and tray are dishwasher safe and easy to clean, even if you prefer handwashing. The air fryer also includes a broiling rack, which is great for adding extra color to your dishes. Some testers did note that the basket feels smaller compared to other air fryers, but its performance more than makes up for it.
This model offers multiple cooking settings, each programmed with specific temperature ranges. These include “max crisp” and “air broil,” which reach 450°F, and a dehydrate function that goes as low as 105°F. It also features a precise countdown timer that displays seconds.
Over the years, this Ninja air fryer has proven to be durable and reliable, standing up to daily use while continuing to perform exceptionally well.
NO 2
Instant Vortex Plus Clear Cook
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Type of air fryer: Basket-style | Dimensions: 12.8″D x 11.8″W x 14.9″H | Capacity: 6 quarts | Settings: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
Pros
- Preheat function
- Manual light turns on right before the timer goes off
- Cooking basket is nonstick and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Cons
- Tray falls out when basket is turned upside down; use silicone-tipped tongs to serve
If you’re cooking for a family of four or prepping meals in advance, the Instant air fryer with a square basket is an excellent choice. Made by the creators of the Instant Pot, this model offers a spacious basket with a large surface area that accommodates more food without being too bulky for the dishwasher. The built-in window and light make it easy to monitor your food without removing the basket — a standout feature, especially since the light activates just before the timer ends.
This air fryer is not only easy to program but also delivers high performance, making it a fantastic value whether on sale or at full price.
During our tests, chicken wings turned out perfectly crispy, golden, and juicy in only 20 minutes. Frozen fries were moist, crisp, and evenly cooked, requiring no mid-cooking shake. The 6-quart Clear Cook model also features a preheat function, which is rare in air fryers. It reaches 400°F in approximately 3.5 minutes and alerts you when preheating is complete. Conveniently, it doesn’t require you to press Start again after preheating, allowing you to load food in advance and step away. It also reminds you midway through cooking to shake or flip your food if needed.
The digital control panel is highly responsive, and the knob allows for quick adjustments to temperature and time. With six preset cooking functions — air fry, bake, roast, reheat, broil, and dehydrate — it’s versatile and user-friendly.
One drawback is the removable tray, which didn’t stay in place during our tests when flipping the basket to transfer food. To avoid spills, we recommend using tongs instead.
NO 3
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer
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Type of air fryer: Basket-style | Dimensions: 14.4″D x 11.8″W x 11.9″H | Capacity: 6 quarts | Settings: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm
Pros
- Shorter, sleeker design than many air fryers we’ve tested
- Easy to read and use control panel
Cons
- Air fry setting was too strong for grilled cheese, but you can choose a gentler setting.
The Cosori air fryer, with its 6-quart capacity, is perfect for a family of four. Despite its generous size, its shorter and sleeker design gives it a compact feel, making it a great fit for smaller kitchens. It features a square basket with a removable tray that stays securely in place.
What sets this air fryer apart is its top-mounted, flat screen. Unlike angled or front-facing displays, this design is unique and easy to use. The screen features large, clear lettering with straightforward settings and contrasting colors, remaining completely black when not in use for a sleek appearance.
In our tests, food came out golden brown, moist, and evenly cooked. The air fry setting is powerful; during a grilled cheese test, the fan blew the bread around, but we appreciated that the air fryer displays fan speed for each setting. This allowed us to select a gentler option on the next attempt for perfect results.
One tester, a parent of two small children, has relied on this air fryer for over a year, using it several times daily. She finds it indispensable for preparing quick after-school snacks, side dishes, and even whole steaks that the whole family enjoys.
NO 4
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
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Type of air fryer: Basket-style | Dimensions: 8.5″D x 12.1″W x 11″H | Capacity: 4 quarts | Settings: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
Pros
- Smaller size doesn’t compromise cooking performance
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Not as small or compact as some other models we’ve tested
If you’re tight on space or usually cook for one, this compact air fryer is a perfect fit. Similar in performance to our top pick, the Ninja Max XL, it offers a slightly smaller capacity at 4 quarts compared to 5.5 quarts, making it an excellent choice for smaller kitchens.
During our tests, chicken wings turned out perfectly crispy in record time, and fries cooked evenly. Its user-friendly design includes a nonstick basket and a removable cooking tray, both of which are dishwasher-safe for effortless cleaning.
After using this model at home for over six months, I’m continually impressed by its efficiency. It takes up minimal counter space and is ideal for preparing proteins like chicken, salmon, and pork chops. Plus, it delivers great browning and speedy cooking every time!
NO 5
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer
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Type of air fryer: Dual-basket style | Dimensions: 13.86″D x 15.63″W x 12.4″H | Capacity: 8 quarts | Settings: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
Pros
- Two baskets offer more cooking versatility
- Comparable performance to our best overall air fryer
Cons
- Can be confusing to program if you don’t select the right basket on the control panel
Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, this large air fryer is a smart addition to your kitchen. Its dual baskets are incredibly versatile, allowing you to cook large portions at once, prepare different foods for picky eaters, or simply whip up something small for one person. When I used it in my apartment, I appreciated the baskets’ compact size compared to other air fryer models—they fit easily into my dishwasher. Plus, having two baskets meant one was always ready to use, even if I forgot to clean the other.
Each basket is ideal for cooking one to two portions and can operate independently or simultaneously using the air fryer’s six preprogrammed settings.
In our tests, this was one of the few dual-basket air fryers to deliver consistently crispy wings, whether cooked solo in one basket or in both at the same time. Fries also came out evenly cooked and perfectly crispy.
The only downside is that the dual-basket setup can make programming the air fryer slightly confusing at first. However, once you ensure the correct side is selected, the process is smooth, and you’ll be good to go.
NO 6
Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, TOA-70
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Type of air fryer: Air fryer toaster oven | Dimensions: 12.25″D x 15.75″W x 13.75″H | Capacity: 0.6 cubic feet | Settings: Air Fry, Toast, Convection Bake, Bake, Convection Broil, Broil, Grill, Keep Warm
Pros
- Multi-functional
- Comparable performance to a standalone air fryer
- Works quickly
Cons
- Since the air fry function is so powerful, we recommend using a lower temp and keeping a close eye on food to help prevent burning
- Mechanical dials make it hard to program toaster oven to the exact minute
During our tests, this model delivered the crispiest air-fried foods in record time among all the air fryer toaster ovens we evaluated. It also produced the most evenly-colored toast in our toaster oven trials. Be aware, though, that the “air fry” setting is particularly powerful. To avoid overcooking, we recommend using a lower temperature than usual and keeping a close eye on your food.
The rectangular air fry rack measures 15.5 inches by 16 inches, providing a generous cooking area compared to basket-style air fryers. It sits atop a convenient drip and crumb tray, simplifying cleanup. However, neither the rack nor the tray is dishwasher safe, so handwashing is necessary.
For those seeking more precise controls, Cuisinart offers a digital version of this model. While it is pricier, its performance is comparable, making it a matter of preference.
NO 7
Instant 10-Quart Air Fryer
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Type of air fryer: Air fryer oven | Dimensions: 13.23″D x 13.23″W x 14.37″H | Capacity: 10 quarts | Settings: Air Fry, Broil, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate, Reheat, Rotisserie, Toast, Warm, Convection Oven
Pros
- Chicken wings air fried nicely
- Rotisserie feature is easy to use and produces an evenly browned and juicy chicken
Cons
- The door needs to be pushed firmly to close
If you’re seeking to air fry a large quantity of food at once, this oven-style air fryer from Instant is a top contender. It’s particularly ideal for those who frequently cook proteins and other items that benefit from a single-layer cook, such as wings, chicken, and dehydrated snacks. The multiple trays allow for better food placement, although rotating them during cooking ensures the most even results.
One of the highlights of this model is its easy-to-clean trays, which fit neatly in the dishwasher. It comes with two nonstick trays and a versatile drip pan that can also serve as a baking pan. During our tests, wings turned out crispy, tender, and evenly browned when cooked on the top shelf, while fries cooked better in the rotisserie basket, staying moist and crispy.
The rotisserie spit is a fantastic addition, enabling you to cook items like a 4-pound chicken to juicy perfection. The insertion process was simple, and the chicken came out evenly browned.
This air fryer oven features a sleek stainless steel design with a user-friendly control panel. Like many air fryer ovens, the door requires a firm push to close properly.
How We Test Air Fryers
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we’ve tested more than 50 air fryers to date. Each model is evaluated for its performance and ease of use, including how well it air fries staples like frozen fries and fresh chicken wings.
Beyond lab testing, we incorporate real-world insights by using air fryers in our daily lives, surveying consumer testers, and collaborating with Test Kitchen editors. Their work in developing air fryer recipes offers us valuable perspectives on what makes an air fryer truly exceptional.
What to look for when shopping for the best air fryer?
✔️ Type of air fryer:
Basket-style air fryers, like the Ninja Max XL, are favorites at the Good Housekeeping Institute. These standalone appliances feature a cooking basket that slides out like a drawer, making it easy to shake and toss food during cooking.
There are two common basket designs to consider. Most newer models have a single basket with a removable perforated tray. These trays have improved over time, staying securely in place when the basket is flipped to serve food. Some models, however, use a perforated basket nested inside a drawer. While we prefer the removable tray design for its compactness (easier cleaning with just one large piece to wash), some users appreciate the basket-in-drawer style for its ability to separate grease from the food.
Dual-basket air fryers are also gaining popularity. They offer greater versatility with side-by-side or stacked baskets, allowing for simultaneous cooking of different foods.
Oven-style air fryers, like the Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer, include multiple trays for spreading out food. These are ideal for items like chicken cutlets, fish, and other proteins that benefit from flipping rather than shaking. They are also well-suited for dehydrating, thanks to their larger surface area. Many models feature rotisserie options. However, a downside is the need to rotate trays during cooking, as the top tray tends to brown more quickly than the bottom one.
Air fryer toaster ovens, such as the Cuisinart TOA-70, combine air frying with traditional toaster oven functions like baking, roasting, and toasting. While they sound like an all-in-one solution, they often don’t air fry as effectively or quickly as standalone air fryers. Cleanup can also be more challenging, as the stainless-steel baskets are harder to clean.
Glass air fryers are an emerging trend but remain niche. They use glass bowls instead of nonstick baskets, but early tests suggest they become too hot during use, raising safety concerns. For now, we recommend other options over glass models.
✔️ Size: Consider how many people you’ll be cooking for. A compact air fryer (about 2 quarts) is ideal for one or two people. For a family of four, a medium size of around 6 quarts is typically sufficient. If you’re cooking for a larger group or want extra capacity for batch cooking, opt for a model with 10 quarts or more.
✔️ Price: A quality air fryer typically costs between $80 and $120, with smaller models being more affordable for budget-conscious buyers. Keep a few price factors in mind: digital air fryers are generally pricier than mechanical ones, and stainless steel models cost more than plastic alternatives. Additionally, air fryers with extra features, such as steam cooking or slow cooking, will have a higher price tag compared to those designed exclusively for air frying.
How do air fryers work?
Air fryers work by rapidly heating food and using a powerful fan to circulate hot air, similar to a convection oven. This process cooks food quickly while creating a crispy texture. The key differences between air fryers and convection ovens lie in the fan’s size, speed, and placement. Air fryer fans are typically larger, operate at higher speeds, and are positioned at the top, near the heating elements.
In contrast, convection ovens use smaller, slower fans, usually located at the back or side. The compact design of air fryers, combined with the fast fan speed, creates an intense cooking environment. Additionally, air fryers use little to no oil, and grease drips through the perforated tray, keeping it away from the food and contributing to a crispier result.
Is air frying healthy?
“Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying or pan frying, making it a lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative that still achieves a crispy texture,” says Stefani Sasses, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., Director of the Nutrition Lab. “However, air fryers are only as healthy as the foods you prepare in them. They can’t eliminate saturated or trans fats from your meals.”
To maximize the health benefits of your air fryer, Sasses suggests using it to incorporate more vegetables and lean proteins into your diet. One of her go-to options is air frying frozen vegetables. “The first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how easy it was,” she shares.
Can you put aluminum foil or parchment paper in your air fryer?
For the best results, place food directly on the air fryer tray to allow maximum air circulation for crispier cooking. Using aluminum foil or parchment paper can block airflow and reduce crispness. If you’re worried about food sticking, try lightly oiling the food before cooking. Keep in mind that most air fryer baskets and trays have a nonstick coating.
If easy cleanup is a concern, consider using parchment paper liners. These are pre-cut to fit the basket, reducing the risk of them touching the heating element and catching fire. They’re also less reactive than aluminum foil, making them a safer option for air frying.
When should you replace your air fryer?
Think of your air fryer basket like nonstick cookware—it wears out over time and may need replacement if it becomes scratched, nicked, or develops excessive build-up. Regular, gentle cleaning can help extend its lifespan. Many brands offer replacement baskets, so you don’t necessarily have to replace the entire air fryer.
Consider replacing your air fryer if it’s more than five years old or if it no longer crisps food effectively. Newer models are often more powerful and efficient, offering better performance in recent tests.
Finally, if you encounter any electrical or mechanical issues, stop using your air fryer immediately and contact the manufacturer’s customer service for assistance.
What is the best way to clean an air fryer?
Cleaning your air fryer after every use is essential to prevent build-up that can affect the taste of your food and may lead to burning.
Once the air fryer has cooled, carefully dispose of any grease by emptying it into the trash. Then, remove the basket and/or tray and either place them in the dishwasher or wash them by hand with warm, soapy water. A bottle brush works especially well for reaching into all the nooks and crannies. Be sure to let all parts dry completely before reassembling your air fryer.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior, the bottom of the air fryer, and the control panel as needed. For a more thorough cleaning, check out our tips for a deeper clean.
