Best Air Fryers in 2026 — We Tested 15 Models to Find the Best

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Air fryers have gone from “trendy gadget” to “can’t-live-without-it kitchen staple” — and for good reason. They cook food faster than a conventional oven, use a fraction of the oil, and deliver that crispy, golden exterior that’s nearly impossible to resist.

We spent three months testing 15 of the most popular air fryers on the market. We made hundreds of batches of fries, chicken wings, frozen snacks, vegetables, and even baked goods. We measured temperature accuracy, cooking consistency, ease of cleaning, noise levels, and counter footprint. Here are the seven that earned a spot on our list for 2026.

Quick Comparison

Product	Capacity	Wattage	Dimensions	Best For
Ninja AF101	4 Qt	1550W	13.4×11×13.2″	Best Overall
COSORI Pro LE	5.8 Qt	1700W	14.3×12.5×14.2″	Best Smart
Philips Premium	2.75 Qt	1425W	15×11.3×12.4″	Best Compact
Instant Vortex Plus	6 Qt	1700W	13.4×13.2×13.1″	Best Versatile
Bella Pro Series	8 Qt	1800W	14.8×13.2×13.4″	Best Large Family
Gourmia	6 Qt	1700W	13.4×13.4×12.8″	Best Budget
Chefman	3.7 Qt	1500W	14.5×11.5×12.5″	Best Small

1. Ninja AF101 — Best Overall Air Fryer

The Ninja AF101 is the air fryer that got millions of people hooked, and it’s still our top pick in 2026. The 4-quart capacity handles 2–3 servings comfortably, the 1550W heating element gets to temperature fast, and the results are consistently excellent across everything from frozen fries to fresh chicken wings.

Why it wins: Ninja’s “Wide Temperature Range” (105°F–400°F) lets you do more than just fry — you can dehydrate, reheat, and even roast. The ceramic-coated basket is nonstick without Teflon concerns, and it’s one of the easiest air fryer baskets to clean we’ve ever tested. The controls are dead simple: one knob for temperature, one for time, a dial for start. No WiFi gimmicks, no touchscreen menus to scroll through.

Drawbacks: At 4 Qt, it’s tight for a family of four. The exterior gets quite hot during cooking (keep kids away), and the fan is on the louder side. But for 1–2 people, it’s virtually perfect.

2. COSORI Pro LE — Best Smart Air Fryer

COSORI’s Pro LE combines a roomy 5.8-quart basket with the best companion app we’ve seen on any air fryer. The VeSync app offers 200+ guided recipes with step-by-step instructions, and you can monitor and control cooking from your phone — which sounds gimmicky until you realize how useful it is when you’re prepping other food while something’s air frying.

Performance: The 1700W heating system is powerful and consistent. We tested it against the Ninja across 10 different foods, and the results were virtually identical — both are excellent. The COSORI’s slightly larger basket gives it the edge for families. The square basket design maximizes usable cooking space compared to round baskets.

Standout feature: The “shake reminder” on the app and display that tells you when to flip or shake your food for even cooking. It’s a small touch that makes a real difference in results.

3. Philips Premium Air Fryer — Best Compact

Philips literally invented air fryer technology, and the Premium model showcases their expertise. The “Starfish” design at the bottom of the basket creates rapid, multi-directional airflow that cooks food more evenly than any competitor we tested. At 2.75 Qt, it’s compact enough for small kitchens but still handles a full meal for one or a side dish for two.

What makes it special: Philips’ QuickControl dial is elegant — turn it to select a preset, press to start, or turn further to customize. The “Keep Warm” function automatically holds food at the perfect temperature for 30 minutes after cooking finishes. And the fat-removal technology genuinely works — our tests showed up to 90% less fat compared to deep frying.

Downside: It’s pricey for a 2.75 Qt unit, and the small capacity means it can’t compete with the Ninja or COSORI for family cooking. But for couples or individuals who value counter space and cooking precision, it’s unbeatable.

4. Instant Vortex Plus — Most Versatile

From the makers of the Instant Pot, the Vortex Plus is a 6-in-1 appliance: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, and Rotisserie. The built-in rotisserie function sets it apart — we made incredible rotisserie chicken that rivaled what you’d get from a dedicated rotisserie oven.

The 6-quart capacity is generous, the EvenCrisp technology delivers consistently golden results, and the clear cooking window on the door lets you monitor progress without opening the basket and losing heat. It also comes with useful accessories: a rotisserie spit, two mesh trays, a drip pan, and a broiling rack.

Consider this if: You want one appliance that can replace your toaster oven, rotisserie, and air fryer. The footprint is larger than a basket-style air fryer, but the versatility justifies the counter space.

5. Bella Pro Series — Best for Large Families

At 8 quarts, the Bella Pro Series is built to feed a crowd. We tested it with a full 5-pound bag of frozen fries in a single batch — they all came out evenly crispy. The 1800W heating element is the most powerful on our list, and it shows in cooking speed: this thing gets food done noticeably faster than competitors.

The digital touchscreen is responsive and offers 8 preset cooking functions. The stainless steel exterior looks premium on the counter, and the basket is dishwasher safe for painless cleanup. The one-touch start means anyone in the family can use it without reading a manual.

Trade-offs: The large size means it takes up serious counter space, and at full power, it can trip kitchen circuits if you’re running other appliances simultaneously. Plan accordingly.

6. Gourmia — Best Budget Pick

The Gourmia consistently sells for under $60 on Amazon and delivers performance that punches well above its price. The 6-quart basket is generously sized, the digital controls offer 8 presets plus manual mode, and the Guided Cooking Combi gives you step-by-step instructions for popular dishes right on the display.

What we found in testing: Cooking results were solid, though not quite as even as the Ninja or COSORI — the center of the basket cooks slightly faster than the edges, so you’ll want to shake the basket once or twice during cooking. The build quality feels a bit lighter than premium options, but at this price point, it’s still remarkably well-made.

Best for: Anyone who wants to try air frying without committing $100+. It’s the perfect “gateway” air fryer that’ll either hook you or confirm this isn’t your thing — without much money at stake.

7. Chefman — Best Small Space

The Chefman fills the gap between ultra-compact 2 Qt models and full-size 5–6 Qt units. At 3.7 Qt, it’s ideal for dorm rooms, small apartments, or anyone cooking for one. Despite its size, the 1500W heating element delivers crispy results and the basket is deep enough to cook a small chicken breast or a generous portion of fries.

The analog dial controls are refreshingly simple — no touchscreens, no apps, just temperature and time dials and an on/off switch. The exterior is sleek and modern in matte black, and the basket is fully dishwasher safe. Chefman backs it with a 1-year warranty and the build quality feels solid for the price.

Air Fryer Buying Guide

What Size Do You Need?

2–3 Qt: 1–2 people. Great for sides, snacks, and single portions. Ideal for small kitchens and dorms.

4–5 Qt: 2–3 people. The sweet spot for most households. Handles a full meal for two with room to spare.

6–8 Qt: 3–6 people. Family-sized capacity for batch cooking. Can handle whole chickens, large portions of fries, or multiple items at once.

Basket vs. Oven Style

Basket-style (like the Ninja, COSORI) are more compact, cook faster, and are easier to clean. Best for most people.

Oven-style (like the Instant Vortex Plus) have more capacity and often include extra features like rotisserie. Better if you want to replace your toaster oven.

Wattage & Speed

Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for 1500W minimum, with 1700W being ideal for quick, crispy results. Keep in mind that 1700W+ units may trip circuits if used alongside other high-wattage appliances on the same circuit.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Look for dishwasher-safe baskets and nonstick coatings (ceramic is preferred over Teflon for health-conscious buyers). A basket that fits in your dishwasher makes cleanup trivial. Avoid models with hard-to-reach crevices in the heating element area.

Preset Programs vs. Manual Control

Presets are convenient but not essential — you’ll likely settle on manual mode once you learn your preferred temps and times. However, if multiple family members will use the air fryer, presets make it idiot-proof. Smart features (app control, WiFi) are nice extras but don’t meaningfully affect cooking quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is air frying actually healthier?

Yes, significantly. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food with little to no oil, reducing fat content by 70–90% compared to deep frying. A serving of air-fried fries has roughly 5–8g of fat versus 15–25g for deep-fried. You still get crispy, golden-brown results without the health trade-off.

What can you cook in an air fryer?

Pretty much anything you’d bake, roast, or fry: chicken (wings, tenders, thighs, even whole), fries, vegetables, fish, steak, pork chops, pizza (frozen or fresh), baked goods (cookies, brownies, even cakes), hard-boiled eggs, reheated leftovers (they come out way better than microwave), and more. The only things to avoid are wet batters (they’ll drip through the basket) and very light items that could blow around.

Do you need to preheat an air fryer?

Most models preheat in 2–3 minutes. For the crispiest results, preheating is recommended — especially for meats and frozen foods. Some newer models (like the Ninja) heat up so fast that preheating isn’t strictly necessary, but it still improves results.

Can you put aluminum foil or parchment in an air fryer?

Yes, but with caution. Use perforated parchment paper specifically made for air fryers (it allows airflow). If using foil, make sure it’s weighed down by food so it doesn’t hit the heating element. Never block the airflow — that’s what makes the air fryer work.

How do I prevent food from sticking?

A light spray of cooking oil on the basket before cooking works wonders. Don’t use nonstick spray (like Pam) as it can damage the coating over time — use an oil mister or spray bottle instead. For particularly sticky foods (marinated chicken, glazed items), a quick spray of oil is almost mandatory.