If you’re a home cook, chances are, you’ve heard the buzz surrounding air fryers. These machines have quickly become popular for their ability to cook healthier versions of your favorite fried foods. But, what is an air fryer, and how can it help you?
The best way to think of an air fryer is as a convection-oven-meets-microwave-oven. Inside these devices, food is surrounded by a vortex of heat to create a faster, oil-free cooking process. Like a deep fryer, an air fryer surrounds the food with heat from every angle. Since the space is so small, this process cooks the food in record time. With an air fryer, convection heat surrounds the food, rather than oil, so you are left with perfectly cooked dishes with a fraction of the fat.
Air fryers are compact and fit comfortably on any kitchen countertop. They are also easy to use and convenient—many brands offer features such as WiFi connectivity, touchscreens, and preset functions. With the popularity of these machines, some manufacturers even combine air fryer technology with other appliances, such as rotisseries, toaster ovens, and dehydrators.
If you are in the market for an air fryer, you may need some help deciding which one is right for you. With so many models available, selecting the right machine may feel a little overwhelming. We reviewed 11 of the best air fryers on the market to help you narrow down your options. Plus, we include a short buyer’s guide to make the process as easy as possible.
11 Best Air Fryers of 2024
Best Air Fryer Overall
Cosori Smart Air Fryer
Rated #1 on Amazon, the Cosori Smart Air Fryer comes with 11 different presets that help you create delicious, healthy meals in minutes. Using the VeSync app, users can set cook times, monitor the cooking process, and access 100 different recipes.
$119.99 on AmazonBest Air Fryer Overall: Cosori Smart Air Fryer
Most Versatile Air Fryer: Cuisinart Toaster Oven Air Fryer
Best Touchscreen Air Fryer: Gowise Electric Air Fryer
Most User-Friendly Air Fryer: T-Fal Actifry Air Fryer
Best Large Capacity Air Fryer: Instant Vortex Plus
Most Powerful Air Fryer: Breville Smart Oven Air
Best Grill Combo Air Fryer: Secura Electric Air Fryer
Best Rotisserie Combo Air Fryer: Innsky Air Fryer
Best Basket Air Fryer: NuWave Brio Air Fryer
Most Affordable Air Fryer: Bella 14538 Air Fryer
Best Compact Air Fryer: Dash Compact Air Fryer
Best Air Fryer Overall
Cosori Smart Air Fryer
- 11 preset functions
- Available in black, white, and red
- Alexa and WiFi-enabled
- Dishwasher safe and BPA-free removable basket
- Affordable option
Cosori’s line of kitchen appliances aims to help everyday cooks prepare healthy, homemade meals. With their Smart Air Fryer, this task has never been easier. This machine creates a variety of delicious foods, from side dishes to main courses and everything in between. Using one of the 11 preset functions, the Cosori Air Fryer creates the perfect heat transfer rate for each item. Whether you’re preparing root vegetables or baking bread, your food will come out perfectly cooked every time. With a 5.8-quart capacity, this machine allows you to create enough food for up to 5 people.
One of the unique features of this air fryer is its smartphone app and WiFi connectivity. Using Cosori’s app, VeSync, you can connect your phone to the fryer and schedule cook times up to 4 hours in advance. Plus, the application will alert you when your food is ready. Cosori has also included 100 air fryer recipes for you to choose from. With so many easy to use features and an affordable price, it is easy to see why the Cosori Smart Air Fryer is one of the highest-rated air fryers on Amazon.
Most Versatile Air Fryer
Cuisinart Toaster Oven Air Fryer
- 7 preset functions
- Available in stainless steel, black stainless, and copper stainless
- Large capacity
- Whisper-quiet motor
- Powerful heating element
Cuisinart is known for creating high-powered, versatile appliances—their toaster oven air fryer combo is no exception. This machine houses the technology of a convection oven, air fryer, and toaster oven all in one. The 7 preset functions allow you to bake, broil, toast, and fry your favorite foods. With its large capacity, you can fry up to 3 pounds of food, toast 6 pieces of bread at once, or cook a 12-inch pizza. This feature is perfect for large families or those who enjoy entertaining.
This machine has 1800-watts of power and 4 upper heating elements, so it is incredibly powerful. To help you make the most of its features, the Cuisinart Air Fryer comes with a removable oven rack, baking pan, and air frying basket. You can also purchase an 11-inch pizza stone for a perfectly crispy, evenly cooked crust.
“Cuisinart is known for creating high-powered, versatile appliances—their toaster oven air fryer combo is no exception. This machine houses the technology of a convection oven, air fryer, and toaster oven all in one.”
Best Touchscreen Air Fryer
Gowise Electric Air Fryer
- 8 preset functions
- Available in black/silver, copper/black, blue/silver, and red/silver
- 7-quart, non-stick basket
- Built-in dehydrator
- Includes recipe book
Gowise has recently upgraded their electric air fryer to include a large, non-stick 7-quart basket. This air fryer is now large enough to roast a whole chicken or cook 4 to 5 burgers at once. Thanks to the machine’s ergonomic design, the basket is easy to remove and program. The LED touchscreen and digital display let you choose from one of the 8 preset functions, including a “keep warm” function that holds the food at the perfect temperature for up to an hour.
The Gowise Electric Air Fryer also comes with a built-in dehydrator with programmable temperature control between 90 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The dehydrator includes 3 stackable racks so users can create a large batch of dried fruits and vegetables. Included with this machine are 100 different air fryer recipes—each tested in the Gowise test kitchen.
Most User-Friendly Air Fryer
T-Fal Actifry Air Fryer
- 2.2-pound cook capacity
- Stay cool exterior
- LCD countdown time
- Rotating even cook tray
- Includes recipe book
The T-Fal Actifry is our top pick for the most user-friendly air fryer because it comes with an automatic rotating stirring paddle and food tray. This paddle ensures a hassle-free, even cooking process for perfectly crispy food. With a ceramic, non-stick coating, this paddle is removable and dishwasher safe. The lid of the T-Fal Actifry has a steam-free, splatter proof, odor locking lid so that you can cook your favorite foods with little mess.
Although this machine does not have preset functions, the digital LCD countdown timer is easy to monitor. Plus, this lid also has a viewing window to keep an eye on your dishes as they cook. This air fryer can also hold up to 2.2 pounds of food—ideal for a family of four. Included with the T-Fal Actifry is a cookbook of 38 different recipes to try out with your new air fryer.
Best Large Capacity Air Fryer
Instant Vortex Plus
- 7 preset functions
- 10-quart capacity
- Includes rotating tumble dry basket
- Built-in dehydrator and toaster oven
- Instant app available for Apple iOS and Android
The Vortex Plus by Instant is a 10-quart, extra-large capacity machine that acts as several different appliances in one. By selecting one of the presets and adjusting the hardware inside, the Vortex Plus is a countertop oven, air fryer, rotisserie, toaster oven, and dehydrator all in one. This versatile machine comes with 3 stackable dehydration racks and a tumble fry rotating basket that allows you to cook everything from chicken wings to fresh French fries.
The touchscreen on this machine offers 14 simple touch controls, including presets for roasting, broiling, and reheating. The backlit control panel makes the Vortex easy to use, whether you’re preparing a big meal or reheating leftovers. For recipe inspiration, you can download the Instant app, available on Apple iOS and Android.
Tip: The Vortex Plus originally costs $240, but it’s available right now for $129.95 on Instantpot.com.
Most Powerful Air Fryer
Breville Smart Oven Air
- 13 smart cook functions
- 2-speed convection fan
- Available in brushed stainless steel
- Built-in dehydrator and toaster oven
- Downloadable recipe book
Like some of the other machines on our list, the Breville Smart Oven Air is an air fryer, dehydrator, and countertop oven in one. With an 1800-watt motor and the unique Breville Element IQ technology, this machine is much more powerful than your average air fryer. This technology senses the temperature of the item and moves hot air to where it is most needed, so your food is never under or overcooked.
This machine also has a two-speed convection fan. Users can select either the regular or super speed setting. This feature gives cooks more control over the cooking process and food texture. For extra crispy foods, super speed is best, while the regular rate is perfect for pizza or roasting vegetables. The Breville Smart Oven Air is also large enough to toast 9 pieces of bread or cook a 12-inch pizza.
“Breville’s Element IQ technology senses the temperature of the item and moves hot air to where it is most needed, so your food is never under or overcooked.”
Best Grill Combo Air Fryer
Secura Electric Air Fryer
- 4.2-quart basket
- Variable temperature control
- Includes toaster rack, BBQ rack, and skewers
- 60-minute timer with automatic shut-off
- 2-year limited warranty
If you are looking for an air fryer that can also act as an indoor grill, the Secura Electric Air Fryer is ideal. This machine has a compact size but offers a lot of versatility. With the included BQ rack and skewers, you can enjoy grilled meats and vegetables without an outdoor grill and with minimal space. Despite its small footprint, the basket has a 4.2-quart capacity, which is large enough to produce 2 to 3 servings.
Home cooks who enjoy a more hands-on cooking process will love the Secura Air Fryer’s variable temperature control. This feature allows you to select a temperature between 180-390 degrees Fahrenheit for each item. You can even change the temperature during cooking. With a 60-minute cooking timer and automatic shut-off, there is no risk of burning or overcooking your dishes.
Best Rotisserie Combo Air Fryer
Innsky Air Fryer
- 10-quart capacity
- 10 preset functions
- See-through front window
- Includes 32-recipe booklet
- Made with stainless steel and BPA-free plastic
The great thing about the Innsky Air Fryer is that it comes with 6 different accessories that turn the device into a rotisserie, dehydrator, or an air fryer. Each attachment, including skewers, mesh shelves, drip tray, and rotisserie basket, is made of a food-grade metal. The machine’s compact body is made of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic molding that remains cool to the touch even when baking or broiling.
With the combination of attachments and the 10-quart capacity interior, this machine is ideal for entertaining guests. The LCD touchscreen offers 10 preset cooking temperatures and manual controls with settings between 150 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the clear front window and interior light allow you to watch every minute of the cooking process.
Best Basket Air Fryer
NuWave Brio Air Fryer
- 3-quart capacity
- 6 preset functions
- 3 wattage settings—600/900/1300
- Digital Thermostat Control
- Dishwasher safe
The NuWave Brio Air Fryer has a patented high-speed airflow design that achieves super crispy food with no oil. A built-in Digital Thermostat Control maintains a consistent temperature with zero fluctuation, so food always comes out evenly cooked. You can choose one of the 6 presets—including fish, poultry, frozen foods, and French fries. You can also change the power behind the Brio Air Fryer by adjusting the wattage to 600, 900, or 1300.
The basket of the Brio Air Fryer features food-grade metal that is non-stick and dishwasher safe. The basket’s safety lock automatically reduces temperature before opening to prevent burns when frying or baking. Plus, with no oil, the machine allows for a quick and easy clean up. With a 3-quality capacity, this basket is also perfect for a single or double portion size. An affordable price and a 1-year warranty make this basket air fryer a great value.
Most Affordable Air Fryer
Bella 14538 Air Fryer
- 2.6-quart capacity
- Manual temperature control
- Easy-check basket lock
- Available in stainless steel and black
- 1500-watt Circular Heat Technology
For an affordable, everyday air fryer, the Bella 14538 is an excellent choice. For just under $55, this easy to use air fryer helps you quickly fry homemade chips, onion rings, and chicken. The 2.6-quart basket holds up to 2.5 pounds of food. The 1500-watt Circular Heat Technology provides an even cook whether food is stacked or flat.
The basket of the Bella Air Fryer has an easy-check feature that allows users to monitor their dish without interrupting the cooking process. It is also dishwasher safe for quick cleanup. With a sleek black and stainless steel exterior and a small footprint, this machine will fit comfortably on any kitchen countertop.
Tip: The Bella 14538 Air Fryer is originally $79.99, but this compact machine is available right now for $54.09 on Amazon.
Best Compact Air Fryer
Dash Compact Air Fryer
- 2-quart capacity
- Includes recipe book
- Easily portable and compact
- AirCrisp technology
- Available in five different colors
The Dash Air Fryer is a compact machine, perfect for single-serving dishes. This appliance is ideal for home cooks living in small city apartments, college dorm rooms, or in an RV. To fit your kitchen decor, you can choose from five different colors, including aqua, black, dark gray, white, and red.
Although this machine is small and portable, it offers just the right amount of power to create an assortment of fried and baked foods—including sweet potato fries, small cakes, and baked tofu. With Dash’s patented AirCrisp technology, powerful hot air circulates your food for quicker cook times and healthier results. The housing remains cool to the touch even while cooking, and the non-slip feet create a stable, secure machine.
Air Fryer Buying Guide
If you’re considering adding an air fryer to your kitchen, there are few things to keep in mind. From functionality to size, you want an air fryer that fits seamlessly into your life. With our suggestions, you will be sure to select the best air fryer for you.
Type
There are two types of air fryers—those with a basket and those with a rack. For the most part, those with a rack are slightly larger and are often labeled as “electronic multi-cookers.” These devices can act as a countertop oven, toaster oven, air fryer, and more. Basket air fryers are smaller and are more suitable for a family of 4 or less. Although some basket air fryers have various other functions such as baking and grilling, they are primarily designed to fry.
When purchasing your new air fryer, be sure to consider how you plan to use it. If you want a basic machine that will help you fry foods with less oil, opt for a basket air fryer. If you are looking for an appliance that can accomplish pretty much any cooking task, go with a large capacity, multipurpose air fryer.
Size
When it comes to the size of your air fryer, you will want to consider both the portions you plan to cook and available counter space. When preparing food for 1 to 2 people, a 2 to 3-quart capacity is ideal. However, if you plan to cook for a family of 4, it is best to get an air fryer with a 4-quart capacity. Those who like to entertain or have a large family will prefer a larger capacity air fryer such as those 7 quarts and up.
If you have a small kitchen and are limited on counter space, a more compact air fryer will likely work best for you. However, if you live in a college dorm room or a kitchen with fewer appliances, a larger, multipurpose machine may work best. Since many of these machines function as both an oven, toaster oven, and air fryer, they can replace several other appliances you may not have room for.
Ease of Use
Home cooks who prefer a more hands-on approach will enjoy a manual temperature setting. A manual setting allows the user to set the temperature and time for each item. However, those looking for a quick and easy process will prefer one-touch preset options. These presets are programmed to the perfect temperature and cook time for popular dishes. Many of the air fryers on our list offer both options. As you shop, keep in mind your cooking style. If you don’t require preset functions, then there is no need to spend the extra money on this feature.
Also, be sure to consider maintenance. Air fryers use less oil so they will naturally be easier to clean. However, baskets and racks that are dishwasher safe will save you time during cleanup.
Accessories
Many air fryers do more than just frying. If you are considering a multipurpose air fryer, check that it comes with accessories that allow you to take advantage of these features. For example, if the machine can also be used as a dehydrator, it should also come with mesh racks. If a rotisserie function is included, be sure you will have a rotating basket for this purpose.
Price
The price of an air fryer can fluctuate depending on size, function, and accessories. Large-capacity air fryers and those that can also toast, dehydrate, or roast, can cost between $100 and $400. To avoid spending money on features you don’t need, consider your purpose before shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do air fryers emit radiation?
Air fryers do not emit electromagnetic radiation like a microwave oven. Instead, air fryers rely on radiated heat, which is circulated throughout the cooking chamber.
What is a good size air fryer for a family of four?
For a family of four, you will want an air fryer with at least a 4-quart capacity. In some cases, a 3.5-quart air fryer will also be sufficient. Larger air fryers may take up too much counter space, but they are convenient when cooking for multiple people. To select the perfect size air fryer, keep in mind your family size and your available counter space.
How often should I clean my air fryer?
An air fryer should be cleaned after each use. To do so, unplug the appliance and let it cool. Once it’s cool, wipe down the outside of the machine with a damp cloth. Then, remove all of the components from the device such as the basket, drip pan, racks, or shelves. If attachments are dishwasher safe, they can be washed in the dishwasher. Otherwise, you will want to clean each item with warm soapy water. Before replacing the clean items, be sure to wipe out the inside of the machine with a damp cloth.
Can you reheat food in an air fryer?
You can reheat leftover food in your air fryer. Many machines have a preset reheat function that automatically uses the ideal temperature for this process.
Can you pop popcorn in an air fryer?
Yes! You can pop popcorn in an air fryer. Using about 3 tablespoons of whole popcorn kernels and a small amount of oil, you can produce about 4 cups of popped popcorn. This process only takes about 15 minutes and works best in a basket style air fryer.
Final Thoughts
An air fryer can create endless possibilities in the kitchen. Whether you are an experienced cook or are just getting started, an air fryer is a great way to experiment with new cooking techniques. All of the appliances on our list will help you fry your favorite foods with less oil. That way, you can skip the traditional deep-frying process and save on calories too. Some feature neat digital controls for a more modern cooking experience. Plus, many of these machines can dehydrate fruit and vegetables, roast a whole chicken, and bake a cake. Whatever you plan to use it for, an air fryer is a fun, easy, and healthy way to get creative in the kitchen.
