Introduction
Why Everyone’s Talking About Air Fryers
Let’s be real—air fryers are everywhere. From TikTok recipe trends to health blogs, these countertop superheroes are dominating kitchens for one big reason: they let you enjoy crispy, golden-brown food without drowning it in oil. Think fried chicken without the guilt, or fries that are crunchy but not greasy. Who wouldn’t want that?
How We Tested and Ranked Each Air Fryer
We got our hands on over a dozen of the most popular air fryers, testing them for performance, features, durability, and real-world usability. We cooked everything from wings to veggies, measured cooking times, tested temperature accuracy, and even evaluated how easy they were to clean. The result? A no-fluff guide to the top air fryers you can buy in 2025.
What Makes a Great Air Fryer?
Key Features to Look For
A great air fryer isn’t just about hot air blowing in a basket. Here’s what truly matters:
- Temperature range & control
- Preset cooking functions
- Ease of cleaning (hello, dishwasher-safe!)
- Digital vs. manual controls
- Noise level
- Size and capacity
Performance vs. Price
You don’t have to break the bank to get a solid air fryer—but it is true that premium models tend to offer better consistency, quieter operation, and smarter features. That said, we found some budget options that punch way above their weight.
Capacity and Size Options
From solo cooks to large families, air fryer size matters. Smaller models take up less space but might not fit a whole meal. Larger ones can cook for four or more in one go. Always check the quart capacity and consider your kitchen counter real estate.
Top Air Fryers of the Year – Our Rankings
#1 Ninja Foodi DualZone – Best Overall
Key Features
- DualZone Technology: Cook two foods, two ways, at once
- 6-quart capacity
- 6 customizable cooking programs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Dual baskets for multitasking
✅ Powerful and quick
✅ Sleek digital controls
Cons:
❌ Bulky size
❌ Slightly higher price
#2 COSORI Pro LE – Best Value
Key Features
- 4.7-quart capacity
- 9 cooking presets
- Rapid 360° air circulation
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Affordable
✅ Easy to use
✅ Compact and stylish
Cons:
❌ No dual-zone option
❌ Basket coating may wear over time
#3 Philips Premium XXL – Best for Large Families
Key Features
- 7-quart capacity
- Fat removal technology
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Huge capacity
✅ Excellent performance
✅ Premium build quality
Cons:
❌ Expensive
❌ Takes up a lot of space
#4 Instant Vortex Plus – Best for Beginners
Key Features
- 6-in-1 functionality
- 6-quart capacity
- One-touch smart programs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Very beginner-friendly
✅ Good preset selection
✅ Affordable
Cons:
❌ Not as customizable
❌ Slight learning curve with presets
#5 Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer – Best Multi-Function
Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Convection Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel
Key Features
- 13 cooking functions
- Air fryer + convection oven
- Element IQ® system for precision heating
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Can replace multiple appliances
✅ Premium design
✅ Excellent for baking too
Cons:
❌ High price tag
❌ Takes up lots of space
Comparison Table – At a Glance
| Air Fryer | Capacity | Best For | Price Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Foodi DualZone | 6 qt | Best Overall | $98.95 | Dual cooking zones |
| COSORI Pro LE | 4.7 qt | Best Value | $99.99 | Affordable with presets |
| Philips Premium XXL | 7 qt | Large Families | $189.99 | Fat removal technology |
| Instant Vortex Plus | 6 qt | Beginners | $119.99 | 6-in-1 preset cooking |
| Breville Smart Oven AF | 13-in-1 | Multi-Function | $319.95 | Oven + air fryer combo |
In-Depth Review Criteria
Cooking Performance
We cooked batches of fries, wings, veggies, and frozen snacks in each model. Ninja and Philips were top performers for crispiness and even cooking.
Design and Build Quality
Build quality matters. Stainless steel models like Breville feel solid, while budget plastic ones may feel flimsy.
Ease of Use
Controls should be intuitive. COSORI and Instant Vortex nailed this with one-touch presets and clear displays.
Cleaning and Maintenance
All the top picks had dishwasher-safe baskets and non-stick coatings—crucial for hassle-free cleaning.
Price to Performance Ratio
COSORI wins big here—excellent features at a mid-tier price. Ninja and Instant Vortex are close seconds.
Real User Experiences
Feedback from Home Cooks
Most users loved the Ninja for its multitasking power. Philips users raved about how much oil it removes. COSORI fans praised its simplicity and price.
What Reddit and Forums Say
Redditors consistently highlight the value of COSORI and the premium feel of Breville. Beginners often mention Instant Vortex as their gateway air fryer.
Pros and Cons of Using an Air Fryer
Pros:
- Healthier meals
- Fast cooking
- Easy to clean
- No preheating needed
Cons:
- Bulky appliances
- Can dry out food if misused
- Limited batch size in smaller models
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Air Fryers
- Overcrowding the basket (kills the crisp)
- Not shaking halfway through (uneven cooking)
- Skipping preheat (if needed)
- Excessive use of oil (just a spray will do!)
- Not cleaning regularly (bad smells and smoke)
How to Make the Most of Your Air Fryer
- Use parchment liners for easier cleanup
- Preheat if the model doesn’t auto-preheat
- Don’t stack—spread food out
- Get a meat thermometer for perfect doneness
- Experiment with veggies and desserts too!
Conclusion: Which Air Fryer Is Best to Purchase?
If you want the best overall performance and flexibility, go for the Ninja Foodi DualZone. If you’re just starting or on a budget, COSORI Pro LE is the clear winner. Big family? Philips Premium XXL has you covered. For multi-use, Breville Smart Oven is a countertop beast.
No matter what you choose, you’re in for healthier, crispier, and way more convenient cooking.
Conclusion
Air fryers aren’t just a trend—they’re a kitchen upgrade. Whether you’re cooking up quick weeknight dinners or crispy snacks for movie night, there’s a model on this list that will fit your needs perfectly. Choose wisely, and happy air frying!
FAQs
1. What is the healthiest thing to cook in an air fryer?
Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or sweet potato fries—minimal oil, maximum crisp!
2. Is it possible to use foil in an air fryer?
Yes, but make sure it doesn’t block airflow and always check your model’s guidelines.
3. How do you clean an air fryer properly?
Unplug it, take out the tray and basket, clean them in the dishwasher or with warm soapy water, and then clean the inside.
4. Do air fryers save electricity compared to ovens?
Yes! They cook faster and use less energy overall.
5. Are expensive air fryers worth it?
If you use it often and want extra features or better durability—absolutely.
