In recent years, the air fryer has emerged as a staple kitchen appliance, transforming the way millions of people approach cooking. With its promise of crispy, delicious food with little to no oil, it’s no surprise that demand for air fryers has soared. Today, countless models are available, ranging from compact single-basket units to large multi-functional systems. Choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a detailed guide to the top five air fryers available in 2024, helping you make an informed decision based on performance, versatility, value, and customer satisfaction.
Why Air Fryers Are the Future of Kitchen Cooking
Before diving into the best options, it’s important to understand why air fryers have become such a popular choice. At their core, air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food. A high-powered fan circulates hot air around food at high speed, creating a crispy outer layer while sealing in moisture—resulting in food that’s golden and crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, without the mess or excess fat of traditional frying.
Modern air fryers go beyond frying. Many offer functions like roasting, baking, grilling, dehydrating, and even reheating leftovers with restaurant-quality results. They also significantly reduce cooking time compared to conventional ovens, making them ideal for busy families, health-conscious individuals, and those who want restaurant-style meals at home.
Additionally, air fryers are remarkably easy to clean, with most models featuring non-stick baskets or removable trays that can be wiped down or placed in the dishwasher. Their energy efficiency and compact size make them perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms.
Now, let’s explore the five best air fryers currently dominating the market.
1. Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer (AF400)
Best Overall for Families and Multi-Tasking Cooks
The Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer stands out as a top contender, offering unmatched versatility and performance. It features two independent cooking baskets, each with 5.5 quarts capacity, allowing you to cook two different foods at once—no flavor mixing, perfect temperature control, and simultaneous programming.
This dual-basket design is especially beneficial for households with different dietary preferences. For example, cook chicken tenders in one basket and fries in the other, each at its optimal temperature and time.
Key Features:
- Smart Finish and Match Cook settings: Automatically syncs cook times when preparing multiple items.
- Twin TurboFan technology ensures fast, even cooking with minimal preheating.
- Seven versatile cooking functions: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, Max Crisp, and Broil.
- Digital touchscreen controls with pre-set programs.
- Dishwasher-safe, non-stick baskets for easy cleanup.
Performance Highlights
In testing, this model consistently delivered golden, crispy fries, juicy roasted chicken, and perfectly baked cakes. The independent time and temperature controls make it ideal for multitasking, and the “Broil” function adds a unique capability not found in most air fryers—allowing you to achieve a restaurant-style sear or browned top on casseroles and meats.
Consumers rave about its large capacity and dual-zone performance. Reviewers frequently mention being able to prepare entire meals in one step, such as cooking salmon and vegetables separately but simultaneously. It’s particularly praised for its consistency and durability.
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The Ninja Foodi DualZone AF400 blends convenience, performance, and modern engineering into one exceptional appliance. It’s most suited for medium to large households, health-conscious families, and those who cook multiple dishes daily.
2. Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
Best Value for Money and Ease of Use
The Instant Vortex Plus has firmly cemented its place as a best-seller thanks to its perfect balance of price, performance, and simplicity. As part of the Instant Pot family of products, it inherits a reputation for reliability and user-friendliness.
With a generous 6-quart capacity, it can comfortably cook meals for four to six people. Whether making crispy wings, roasted vegetables, or even baked desserts, this model handles it with precision.
Smart Features and Convenience
The Instant Vortex Plus includes a clear-text digital display with seven one-touch cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Air Crisp. The Auto-Shut Off and cool-touch handles enhance safety, while the non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup hassle-free.
One standout feature is the EvenCrisp technology, which eliminates the need for shaking food during cooking. A combination of internal swirl technology and a textured basket ensures foods like French fries or chicken come out uniformly golden without manual intervention.
User Experience and Reliability
Users appreciate the intuitive interface and lack of steep learning curve. The preset buttons take the guesswork out of cooking—just select the function, choose the temperature (range: 100°F to 400°F), set the time, and let the appliance work.
It’s also praised for its consistent results across different food types. Smoothies may not be on the menu, but it does an excellent job with wings, egg rolls, mozzarella sticks, and even banana bread.
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The Instant Vortex Plus is perfect for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise too much on performance. It’s especially ideal for small families, those new to air frying, or anyone wanting a reliable, no-frills appliance.
3. Cosori Air Fryer Max XL (5.8-Quart)
Best All-Around Design and Ease of Use
The Cosori Air Fryer Max XL, winner of multiple Amazon’s Choice awards, combines sleek aesthetics with dependable functionality. Renowned for its stylish look and intuitive design, it’s a favorite among modern home cooks.
With 11 preset cooking functions—including breakfast, fries, seafood, steak, chicken, shrimp, cake, bake, roast, toast, and dehydrate—the Cosori Max XL is one of the most feature-rich air fryers in its class.
Design and Smart Technology
The Max XL features a digital touchscreen panel with pre-programmed settings, making it incredibly simple to use. Each setting is optimized for specific foods with time and temperature pre-set for best results. For example, select “Fries,” and the machine automatically sets to 380°F for 16 minutes.
It also includes a 45-minute timer, pause button, shake reminder feature (to promote even cooking), and a 360° rapid air circulation system that ensures heat is distributed uniformly.
The basket is made of PFOA-free non-stick coating, BPA-free materials, and is dishwasher-safe. Its square basket design allows for greater cooking surface compared to round baskets of similar capacity, making it easier to cook larger items like whole chicken breasts.
Customer Feedback
Cosori has earned its reputation through excellent customer support and a strong online presence. Users frequently mention the shake reminder as a standout feature, reducing the risk of uneven cooking. Others love the preset options, which simplify cooking for beginners.
It also ranks high in reliability and build quality. The exterior stays cool during operation, and the internal fan is powerful enough to crisp wings in 22 minutes or fry a batch of frozen tater tots to perfection.
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The Cosori Max XL hits the sweet spot between design, functionality, and performance. It’s perfect for individuals or couples who appreciate convenience and intuitive cooking features.
4. Philips Premium Airfryer XXL (HD9650/96)
Best High-End Choice for Gourmet Results
If you’re looking for the Mercedes-Benz of air fryers, look no further than the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL. Built with patented Starfish Technology and Rapid Air circulation, this model delivers restaurant-quality results for discerning cooks.
The standout element is its large 7-quart capacity, making it ideal for families of four or more. Thanks to its advanced heating and airflow system, it excels at cooking whole chickens, racks of ribs, and large batches of vegetables with even browning.
What Sets It Apart
The Philips HD9650 features a tactile digital interface with five preset programs and fully adjustable time and temperature settings. It includes a precision temperature control system that can be set from 175°F to 400°F in 9-degree increments—a level of granularity not found on most other models.
The basket’s star-shaped design is engineered to promote airflow from all angles, reducing the need to flip or shake food during cooking. This results in more consistent and reliable crisping.
Another highlight is Philips’ Fat Reduction Technology, which drains excess oil and fat into a collection tray beneath the basket, leading to even healthier meals.
Performance and Real-World Use
Test results show this air fryer dramatically outperforms others when it comes to roasting and large-item cooking. Roasted vegetables develop an almost caramelized crispness, and whole chickens emerge juicy inside with crackling skin.
While excellent, it does come with a premium price tag. It’s also heavier and larger than most models, making it less suitable for small kitchens. However, for those who prioritize perfect cooking results and don’t mind spending more, the Philips XXL is unmatched.
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The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is ideal for culinary enthusiasts, large families, or anyone who regularly hosts dinners and values high-end performance.
5. GoWISE USA Air Fryer (8-Quart, 12-in-1)
Best for Large Families and Multi-Functional Cooking
The GoWISE USA 8-Quart Air Fryer is a powerhouse appliance designed for serious home cooks who need volume and versatility. With an 8-quart capacity and 12 built-in cooking functions, it’s one of the largest and most feature-rich options available.
Functions include: Air Fry, Grill, Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Rotisserie, Dehydrate, Pizza, Cookies, and Chicken. This range makes it not just an air fryer, but a full countertop oven replacement.
Power and Precision in One Unit
The model features dual-layer racks, allowing you to cook two dishes simultaneously—such as ribs on the top rack and veggies on the bottom. The rotisserie function further sets it apart, enabling you to roast a whole chicken evenly with juicy, tender results.
The digital touchscreen allows for precise control over time (up to 24 hours) and temperature (90°F to 400°F). Unlike smaller models, the GoWISE 8-quart unit offers the ability to dehydrate jerky, make yogurt, or bake multiple trays of cookies—all with even heating.
Who Should Buy This Model?
This air fryer is ideal for large families, meal preppers, or anyone with limited oven space. Its dual racks and rotisserie make it a space-efficient alternative to a full oven for many cooking tasks.
It’s also popular among health enthusiasts who want to avoid microwaves and deep-frying but still cook in bulk. Since the appliance uses convection-style heating, it reduces the cooking time for roasting or baking by up to 30% compared to a regular oven.
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The GoWISE USA 8-quart model is perfect for those seeking maximum versatility and capacity without spending premium brand prices. It competes directly with ovens and offers a smarter, healthier way to cook in volume.
How to Choose Your Ideal Air Fryer
Now that you’ve seen the top five models, it’s important to pick the one that aligns with your lifestyle and kitchen needs.
Consider the following:
- Household size: Small households may prefer 5–6 quart models, while large families benefit from 7+ quarts or dual baskets.
- Cooking frequency: If you cook daily, look for durable, easy-to-clean models with advanced features.
- Kitchen space: Compact air fryers are ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms.
- Budget: Prices range from $80 for basic models to $300+ for premium units. Focus on what features you truly need.
- Special needs: Vegetarians, meal preppers, or those with dietary restrictions may benefit from dehydrating or baking capabilities.
Final Verdict: Which Air Fryer Is Right for You?
After weighing performance, features, customer feedback, and value, here’s a quick guide:
- Best Overall: Ninja Foodi DualZone – excellent for multi-tasking and families.
- Best Budget Pick: Instant Vortex Plus – reliable, consistent, and affordable.
- Most User-Friendly: Cosori Max XL – ideal for beginners and mid-sized kitchens.
- Premium Performance: Philips XXL – built for culinary perfection and large roasts.
- Largest Capacity: GoWISE 8-Quart – perfect for households that need volume and versatility.
No matter your choice, investing in a quality air fryer can dramatically improve your cooking experience—making healthy, delicious meals easier, faster, and more enjoyable. By selecting one of these top five models, you’re not just buying an appliance—you’re upgrading your entire kitchen game.
Whether you’re crisping up fries, roasting a chicken, or baking a cake, air fryers continue to prove their worth as one of the most versatile and transformative tools in modern home cooking. Choose wisely, and you’ll enjoy years of golden, tasty results.
What makes an air fryer a top choice in today’s market?
A top air fryer on today’s market is distinguished by a combination of performance, capacity, ease of use, durability, and advanced technological features. Consumers prioritize models that offer rapid cooking with minimal oil while delivering results similar to deep frying—crispy exteriors and moist interiors. Key factors include consistent heat distribution, intuitive digital controls, preset cooking functions, and compatibility with various accessories. Build quality and materials, such as stainless steel construction and non-toxic coatings, also enhance longevity and safety.
Beyond functionality, user convenience plays a significant role in determining top-tier models. Energy efficiency, compact footprints, and ease of cleaning—especially dishwasher-safe baskets and removable parts—add to a product’s appeal. Additionally, air fryers with smart features like app connectivity, Wi-Fi, or compatibility with voice assistants are becoming increasingly popular. Top models balance these features with competitive pricing and strong customer support, ensuring buyers receive value for their investment.
Which air fryer offers the best cooking performance for families?
The Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer stands out as an excellent choice for families due to its dual independent baskets, allowing users to cook two different foods simultaneously at varying temperatures and times. With a combined capacity of up to 10 quarts, it can handle larger portions, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping. Its cyclonic air technology ensures rapid, even cooking, resulting in crispy results without flipping or rotating food frequently.
This model also features Smart Finish, which synchronizes both baskets so meals finish at the same time, enhancing convenience. Multiple presets for various foods—such as fries, chicken, and vegetables—take the guesswork out of cooking, while the extra-large capacity reduces the need for multiple batches. Families appreciate its robust build, easy-to-clean components, and versatile functionality, including air frying, roasting, dehydrating, and reheating.
What is the most energy-efficient air fryer available?
The Instant Vortex Pro 8-Quart Air Fryer is widely regarded as one of the most energy-efficient models on the market. It uses advanced radiant heating technology and optimized airflow to cook food faster than conventional ovens, reducing energy consumption significantly. With wattage in the mid-range (approximately 1700 watts) and rapid cooking cycles, it excels in minimizing power use while maintaining excellent results.
In addition to its energy efficiency, the Instant Vortex Pro offers precise temperature control from 100°F to 500°F and nine smart cooking functions, including air fry, roast, and bake. Its compact design heats up quickly and retains heat efficiently, reducing idle energy loss. The digital interface is user-friendly, and pre-programmed settings help avoid overcooking, further conserving energy. Its combination of performance and efficiency makes it a top pick for eco-conscious consumers.
Are there air fryers with smart features like Wi-Fi and apps?
Yes, several high-end air fryers now come equipped with smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and companion apps. The Cosori Smart WiFi Air Fryer Pro II is a leading model in this category, allowing users to control and monitor cooking remotely via a smartphone app. It supports voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant, and the app offers thousands of guided recipes, cooking presets, and real-time notifications.
This smart integration enhances convenience, especially for busy households or tech-savvy users. The app not only enables remote control but also allows users to pause, resume, or adjust cooking times from anywhere. Additionally, firmware updates can introduce new features over time. While smart air fryers tend to be pricier, the added connectivity and automation offer a modern, streamlined cooking experience that appeals to innovative home cooks.
Which air fryer is best for small kitchens or limited counter space?
The Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL is a top contender for small kitchens due to its compact yet efficient design. Despite offering a generous 7-quart capacity, its footprint is smaller than many full-sized models, making it suitable for apartments or minimalistic spaces. Its sleek, rounded shape and vertical airflow system maximize internal cooking space without requiring excessive counter area.
In addition to space-saving benefits, the Philips model features rapid air technology that cooks food evenly and quickly, eliminating the need for preheating in many cases. Its removable parts are dishwasher-safe, and the intuitive digital touch interface reduces the need for additional accessories or manuals. The combination of high capacity, small footprint, and outstanding cooking performance makes it ideal for users with limited kitchen space.
What air fryer offers the crispiest results comparable to deep frying?
The Cosori Pro LE Air Fryer is renowned for producing some of the crispiest results among countertop air fryers, closely mimicking deep-fried textures with significantly less oil. Its 5.8-quart capacity and 1700-watt power output generate intense, circulating heat that rapidly sears the outer layer of food, locking in moisture while creating a golden, crunchy finish. Round frying basket design enhances air circulation, reducing cold spots and ensuring even crispness.
Users consistently report excellent results with foods like French fries, chicken wings, and breaded appetizers. The preheating function and high-temperature settings (up to 400°F) contribute to the crisp factor, while the nonstick coating prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup. Additional presets tailor cooking times and temperatures for specific crispy favorites, such as shrimp or mozzarella sticks. For those seeking deep-fry taste without the grease, the Cosori Pro LE is a top performer.
Is there a premium air fryer that combines air frying with other cooking methods?
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a premium countertop convection oven that combines air frying with multiple cooking functions, including baking, roasting, toasting, broiling, dehydrating, and rotisserie. With a 1 cubic foot capacity and Element IQ technology, it precisely directs heat for optimal results across all modes. Its air frying capability rivals standalone units, producing crispy, evenly cooked meals without sacrificing versatility.
This model is ideal for users who want to replace multiple appliances with one high-performance unit. The interior includes a convection fan and a rotating rotisserie spit, enhancing browning and cooking efficiency. Its intuitive interface with 13 preset functions simplifies complex cooking tasks, and the large viewing window allows monitoring without heat loss. Though it comes at a higher price point, its multifunctionality, spacious interior, and professional-grade results justify the investment for serious home cooks.