Best air fryers for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
For most households, the Ninja AF101 is the best air fryer overall, compact, consistent, and unfussy.
The Cosori Pro Gen 2 is the smart choice for families, while the Chefman TurboFry offers surprising quality on a tight budget.
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for good reason: they produce crispy, golden food with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying, and they do it faster than a conventional oven. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, cooking frozen snacks, or roasting vegetables, an air fryer can streamline weeknight dinners and reduce cleanup. Choosing the right model comes down to three things: capacity, features, and budget. Single people or couples can get by with a compact 2–3 quart basket, while families of four or more will want a larger 5–6 quart model. Extra features like presets, rotisserie, or Wi-Fi add convenience but raise the price. Our picks below cover every need and price point, based on reputation, owner feedback, and published expert reviews.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
the do-it-all default
4.8out of 5The Ninja AF101 earns its top spot with consistent performance, a compact footprint, and a proven track record. It handles everything from fries to chicken with minimal fuss, though the basket feels snug for larger batches.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Cosori Pro Gen 2
spacious and smart
4.7out of 5The Cosori Pro Gen 2 offers a generous basket and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control, making it ideal for families. Its presets and shake reminders simplify batch cooking, though it takes up more counter space.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Instant Vortex Plus
versatile and affordable
4.6out of 5Instant Vortex Plus brings the brand’s reliable performance to air frying with added rotisserie and dehydrate functions. It’s a strong value for its versatility, though the interface can be somewhat loud.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Ninja AF101 Air Fryer | 4.8 / 5 | $$ | Singles, couples, or anyone who wants a reliable, no-frills air fryer that performs every | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Cosori Pro Gen 2 | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Families or frequent entertainers who want to cook larger portions with the convenience of | Check price → |
| Best value | Instant Vortex Plus | 4.6 / 5 | $$ | Cooks who want an all-in-one machine that air fries, roasts, and dehydrates without a stee | Check price → |
| Best premium pick | Philips Premium XXL | 4.5 / 5 | $$$$ | Enthusiasts who cook often and want the crispiest fries, wings, and vegetables with minima | Check price → |
| Best budget pick | Chefman TurboFry | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious shoppers or first-time air fryer buyers who want a no-fuss entry point. | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Ninja AF101 earns its top spot with consistent performance, a compact footprint, and a proven track record. It handles everything from fries to chicken with minimal fuss, though the basket feels snug for larger batches.
Pros
- Compact design fits most countertops
- Intuitive manual controls with no learning curve
- Excellent heat distribution for even cooking
- Durable build that holds up over years
Cons
- Basket size limits cooking for more than two people
- No built-in presets for specific foods
Who it’s for
Singles, couples, or anyone who wants a reliable, no-frills air fryer that performs every time.Who should skip it
You regularly cook for four or more and need a larger capacity.2. Cosori Pro Gen 2: spacious and smart
Runner-upThe Cosori Pro Gen 2 offers a generous basket and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control, making it ideal for families. Its presets and shake reminders simplify batch cooking, though it takes up more counter space.
Pros
- Large 5.8-quart basket fits whole chickens or multiple servings
- Built-in Wi-Fi lets you monitor and adjust from your phone
- Smart shake reminder prevents uneven cooking
- Extensive preset library covers common foods
Cons
- Bulky footprint may crowd a small kitchen
- App can occasionally lag or require reconnection
Who it’s for
Families or frequent entertainers who want to cook larger portions with the convenience of smart controls.Who should skip it
You prefer a simple, non-connected appliance and have limited counter space.3. Instant Vortex Plus: versatile and affordable
Best valueInstant Vortex Plus brings the brand’s reliable performance to air frying with added rotisserie and dehydrate functions. It’s a strong value for its versatility, though the interface can be somewhat loud.
Pros
- Rotisserie function roasts a whole chicken evenly
- Dehydrate mode expands snack-making options
- Easy-to-navigate LED display with clear controls
- Compact enough for most counters despite extra features
Cons
- Operation is noticeably noisy compared to competitors
- Presets are pre-programmed and can’t be customized
Who it’s for
Cooks who want an all-in-one machine that air fries, roasts, and dehydrates without a steep price.Who should skip it
Noise sensitivity is a deal-breaker for your kitchen environment.4. Philips Premium XXL: top-tier performance
Best premium pickThe Philips Premium XXL delivers exceptionally even crisping thanks to its proprietary Fat Removal technology. It’s the most expensive pick here, but for those who demand the best, it delivers. The basket is heavy when full.
Pros
- Superb heat distribution for consistently crispy results
- Fat Removal system reduces excess oil in cooking
- Extra-large basket suitable for large families or meal prep
- Sturdy, premium construction feels built to last
Cons
- High price tag puts it out of reach for budget shoppers
- Heavy basket can be awkward to handle when loaded with food
- Bulky size dominates counter space
Who it’s for
Enthusiasts who cook often and want the crispiest fries, wings, and vegetables with minimal oil.Who should skip it
You’re on a tight budget or have a small kitchen with limited space.5. Chefman TurboFry: budget-friendly workhorse
Best budget pickThe Chefman TurboFry proves you don’t need to spend much to get solid air-frying performance. It’s basic, no presets or smart features, but it cooks evenly and reliably for everyday meals.
Pros
- Very affordable, making air frying accessible
- Simple dial controls are easy to use
- Quiet operation for a budget model
- Compact size fits small kitchens well
Cons
- No presets or timer presets require manual attention
- Basket capacity is smaller, not ideal for families
- Build feels less substantial than pricier models
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious shoppers or first-time air fryer buyers who want a no-fuss entry point.Who should skip it
You need large capacity, programmable features, or a premium feel.Best for specific needs
Best for small kitchens
Counter space is precious, and the Ninja AF101’s small footprint makes it ideal for tight spaces. It still delivers full-size performance without hogging real estate, and its simple controls mean you don’t need extra counter room for a manual. Our pick: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer.
Best for large families
When cooking for four or more, the Cosori Pro Gen 2’s 5.8-quart basket handles generous portions. The smart presets and shake reminders also take the guesswork out of batch cooking, so you can confidently prepare multiple servings in one go. Our pick: Cosori Pro Gen 2.
Best for budget shoppers
The Chefman TurboFry gives you the core air-frying experience at a fraction of the cost. It’s perfect for students, first-time buyers, or anyone who wants to save without sacrificing quality, just don’t expect frills. Our pick: Chefman TurboFry.
Our verdict
Whether you’re a solo cook or feeding a family, the right air fryer can transform your kitchen routine. For most people, the Ninja AF101 strikes the best balance of size, performance, and value. If you need more room or smarter controls, the Cosori Pro Gen 2 is a worthy upgrade; and for the budget-conscious, the Chefman TurboFry delivers real bang for the buck.
Frequently asked questions
What size air fryer should I get?
For one or two people, a 2–4 quart model is plenty. For a family of three or four, look at 5–6 quarts. Beyond that, you’re in oven territory where a full-size air fryer oven or toaster oven combo may make more sense than a basket unit. Err slightly bigger than you think you need, crowding the basket is the single most common reason food comes out steamed instead of crispy.
Are air fryers actually healthy?
They use significantly less oil than deep frying, which does reduce fat and calories on foods that would normally be submerged. Whether that makes them ‘healthy’ depends on what you’re cooking. An air fryer makes frozen fries less greasy, not nutritious. For vegetables, fish, and lean proteins, the reduced oil is genuinely useful. The bigger benefit for most people is convenience, not health.
Do air fryers need to preheat?
Many modern air fryers preheat in two to three minutes, and for most foods it improves results, especially anything where you want an immediate crust rather than a slow build. Thin foods like shrimp or sliced vegetables are forgiving; a thick chicken breast or frozen fries benefit from a preheated basket. Check the manual: some models factor preheat into their cook-time presets automatically.
How do you clean an air fryer?
After every use, let the basket cool, then wash it with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Most baskets are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing extends the life of the non-stick coating. Never use abrasive pads or metal utensils inside the basket. The heating element and interior cavity should be wiped down with a damp cloth when they accumulate grease, a monthly deep clean prevents smoke and off-flavors.
What capacity do I need for a family of four?
A 5–6 quart basket can handle a family meal in a single batch for most foods, about a pound of fries or six chicken thighs. If you regularly cook for four adults with a full spread, consider a 7+ quart model or an air fryer oven with a tray setup. Two smaller batches back-to-back works too since air fryers reheat the second batch fast, but it adds time to dinner.