Best Air Fryers for Home Cooks (2026 Buyer's Guide)

Air fryers have earned their place on the kitchen counter, and it is not hard to see why. They cook food faster than a conventional oven, use a fraction of the oil, and deliver that crispy texture people crave without the mess of deep frying. If you have been on the fence about getting one, this guide will help you figure out which model makes sense for your kitchen, your household, and your budget.

Here is a quick reality check before we dive in: an air fryer is not actually a fryer. It is a compact convection oven with a powerful fan that circulates hot air around your food at high speed. That rapid air movement creates the crispy exterior on everything from frozen fries to chicken wings. The results are not identical to deep-fried food, but they are honestly close enough that most people stop missing the deep fryer entirely.

The main factors when choosing come down to capacity, footprint, ease of cleaning, and whether you want a basket-style unit or a full oven. We narrowed the field to six models that cover every common use case.

Quick Comparison

Product	Best For	Capacity	Price Range
Cosori Pro II	Best Overall	5.8 Qt	$90-$120
Ninja AF101	Best Budget	4 Qt	$70-$90
Breville Smart Oven Air	Best Air Fryer Oven	1 cu ft	$350-$400
Instant Vortex Plus	Best for Families	6 Qt	$100-$130
Philips Essential Airfryer XL	Best Build Quality	6.2 Qt	$150-$200
DASH Compact Air Fryer	Best for Small Kitchens	2 Qt	$40-$60

Cosori Pro II 5.8-Qt -- Best Overall

Cosori Pro II Air Fryer on Amazon

The Cosori Pro II is the air fryer we recommend to most people. It heats remarkably evenly, so you get consistent browning without babysitting the basket. The square basket design gives you more usable cooking area than round competitors, and at 5.8 quarts it handles a full pound of wings or enough fries for three to four people in one round.

The companion app includes hundreds of presets and shake reminders, though the physical controls are intuitive enough to skip the app entirely. The basket and tray are dishwasher safe with a durable nonstick coating that releases food with minimal scrubbing.

What we like:

• Even heat distribution with no hot spots
• Square basket maximizes cooking space
• App with hundreds of presets and shake reminders
• Dishwasher-safe basket and tray

What could be better:

• Exterior gets warm during long cook times
• Footprint is slightly larger than some 5-quart models

Best for: The home cook who wants one air fryer that handles everything reliably.

Ninja AF101 4-Qt -- Best Budget

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer on Amazon

If you want to try air frying without a major investment, the Ninja AF101 punches well above its price. At around $80, it delivers results that rival units costing twice as much. The 4-quart capacity is right-sized for one to two people, and the ceramic-coated basket holds up well with daily use.

The AF101 includes four cooking functions -- air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate -- which is more versatility than you typically find at this price. The dehydrate function is a standout for making jerky, dried fruit, or herbs at home. If you are looking to save money on groceries, an air fryer that reheats leftovers to near-original quality means less food waste and fewer takeout nights.

What we like:

• Excellent performance for the price
• Includes a dehydrate function
• Wide temperature range (105-400 degrees)
• Ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe basket

What could be better:

• 4-quart capacity limits batch size for larger households
• No smart app or WiFi connectivity

Best for: Budget-conscious cooks, singles, or couples who want great results without spending over $100.

Breville Smart Oven Air -- Best Air Fryer Oven

Breville Smart Oven Air on Amazon

The Breville Smart Oven Air is the premium choice for people who want an air fryer that also replaces their toaster oven. With one cubic foot of interior space and 13 cooking functions, it air fries, bakes, broils, roasts, dehydrates, proofs dough, and slow cooks. Element IQ technology adjusts heating elements independently for precise results.

The build quality is exceptional -- brushed stainless steel, sturdy interior, and controls that feel precise. The tradeoff is size and price. This is a large appliance that needs dedicated counter space. But if you have the room and budget, it genuinely replaces two or three other appliances.

What we like:

• 13 cooking functions in one appliance
• Element IQ for precise heat control
• Outstanding build quality and durability
• Replaces toaster oven, dehydrator, and slow cooker

What could be better:

• Premium price point ($350-$400)
• Large footprint requires dedicated counter space
• Heavy (over 20 lbs)

Best for: Serious home cooks who want one countertop appliance to do everything.

Instant Vortex Plus 6-Qt -- Best for Families

Instant Vortex Plus 6-Qt Air Fryer on Amazon

The Instant Vortex Plus is built for families who need dinner on the table fast. The 6-quart basket serves four to five people in a single batch, and six cooking functions (air fry, broil, roast, reheat, bake, dehydrate) cover most weeknight needs. The ClearCook window lets you check food without opening the basket and releasing heat.

Fries come out crispy, chicken thighs get a golden crust, and reheated pizza tastes close to fresh. The EvenCrisp technology circulates air from the top down for better browning on the bottom. If you are already doing meal prep for beginners, the Vortex Plus reheats prepped meals without the sogginess of a microwave.

What we like:

• 6-quart capacity feeds a full family
• ClearCook window for checking food without opening
• EvenCrisp top-down airflow for better browning
• Trusted Instant brand with solid warranty

What could be better:

• Can be loud at highest fan settings
• Touchscreen less responsive with wet fingers

Best for: Families of three to five who want a reliable, high-capacity air fryer at a mid-range price.

Philips Essential Airfryer XL -- Best Build Quality

Philips Essential Airfryer XL on Amazon

Philips essentially invented the consumer air fryer, and the Essential Airfryer XL reflects that experience. The build quality is immediately noticeable -- the unit feels substantial, controls click with precision, and the basket slides in and out smoothly. Rapid Air technology (a starfish-design bottom) creates a vortex that produces exceptionally even results.

The 6.2-quart capacity is generous, and Philips uses a higher-grade nonstick coating that handles years of daily use without flaking. It lacks smart features like app connectivity, but if you prioritize longevity, this is the air fryer still performing flawlessly five years from now. Be mindful that the removable parts should be hand-washed carefully to preserve the coating -- it is one of those things you should never put in the dishwasher on the bottom rack at high heat.

What we like:

• Superior build quality and materials
• Rapid Air starfish design for excellent circulation
• Durable, high-grade nonstick coating
• Quiet operation

What could be better:

• Higher price than feature-comparable models
• No app connectivity or smart features

Best for: Buyers who value durability and long-term performance over flashy features.

DASH Compact Air Fryer -- Best for Small Kitchens and Dorms

DASH Compact Air Fryer on Amazon

The DASH Compact proves you do not need a big appliance or big budget to enjoy air-fried food. At 2 quarts, it is purpose-built for small kitchens, dorm rooms, and RVs. It takes up less counter space than a coffee maker and weighs under five pounds.

Despite its size, it delivers surprisingly good results on personal portions of fries, chicken tenders, and veggies. The analog dial is as simple as it gets -- set temperature, set timer, walk away. It is not the machine for feeding a family, but for single-serve meals and snacks, it is hard to beat at this price.

What we like:

• Incredibly compact and lightweight
• Priced under $60 (often under $50)
• Dead-simple analog controls
• Available in multiple colors

What could be better:

• 2-quart capacity too small for more than one person
• No digital display or presets
• Basic build quality

Best for: Dorm rooms, small apartments, RVs, or anyone who wants a personal-sized air fryer.

How to Choose the Right Air Fryer

Basket Style vs. Oven Style

Basket-style air fryers heat up fast, are easy to clean, and take up less space. Oven-style models give you more versatility and capacity but are bigger and heavier. If you already own a good toaster oven, a basket model is the better fit. If you want to consolidate appliances, an oven model can replace your toaster oven entirely.

Capacity Guide

A good rule of thumb is about 2 quarts per person. A 2-quart model works for one person, 4-quart handles two, and 5 to 6-quart serves three to four. For five or more, go with a 6-quart-plus basket or an oven-style model. Leave room for air to circulate -- do not plan to pack the basket full.

Wattage and Cleaning

Most air fryers run between 1200 and 1800 watts. Anything above 1400 watts performs well for the average home cook. For cleaning, look for dishwasher-safe baskets with quality nonstick coatings and simple designs without hard-to-reach crevices. A quick wipe after every use prevents buildup. If you have learned how to season a cast iron skillet, you already know the value of proper cookware care -- the same principle applies here.

Air Fryer Tips for Beginners

Do not overcrowd the basket. This is the most common mistake. Air needs to circulate around every piece of food for even crisping. If the basket is packed tight, you get steamed food instead of crispy food. Cook in batches -- the speed of an air fryer makes this painless.

Preheat for two to three minutes. Run the air fryer empty at your target temperature before adding food. This gets the chamber up to temp so food starts crisping immediately.

Use a light spray of oil. A thin mist of cooking spray on lean foods makes a noticeable difference in browning. Avoid aerosol sprays with propellants that can damage nonstick coatings -- use a refillable oil mister instead.

Shake or flip halfway through. This ensures even exposure to the heating element and prevents one side from getting too dark. Most app-connected models send shake reminders automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are air fryers actually healthier than deep frying?

Yes. Air frying uses up to 80 percent less oil, which significantly reduces calories and fat. A batch of air-fried fries contains around 4 to 6 grams of fat compared to 17-plus for the deep-fried version. That said, an air fryer does not make inherently unhealthy food healthy. The benefit is in the cooking method.

Can I use aluminum foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?

You can use both. Perforated parchment liners made for air fryers are the easiest option. Aluminum foil works too, but never cover the entire basket bottom -- air needs to flow through. Always weigh down loose paper with food so the fan does not blow it into the heating element.

How do I prevent food from drying out?

A light spray of oil and marinating meat before cooking both help. Use a meat thermometer and pull chicken breast at 165 degrees to avoid overcooking. If you are doing weekly meal prep for beginners, slightly undercooking proteins before storing and reheating in the air fryer keeps them juicy.

How long do air fryers typically last?

A quality air fryer should last three to five years with regular use. The nonstick basket coating is the most common point of wear. Extend its life by avoiding metal utensils, cleaning after every use, and not running it empty for long periods.

Our Pick

For most home cooks, the Cosori Pro II 5.8-Qt remains the best air fryer you can buy in 2026. It strikes the ideal balance between performance, capacity, ease of use, and price. The even heating, smart app, and dishwasher-safe basket make daily cooking genuinely effortless.

If budget is the priority, the Ninja AF101 delivers outstanding results for around $80. For anyone ready to invest in a do-everything countertop oven, the Breville Smart Oven Air justifies its premium price by replacing multiple appliances.

No matter which model you choose, an air fryer will quickly become one of the most-used appliances in your kitchen. It speeds up weeknight dinners, breathes new life into leftovers, and makes snack time a whole lot crispier -- all without heating up your full-size oven or dealing with a pot of hot oil.