Review: The Best Air Fryers on the Market Right Now
Air fryers have completely changed how many of us cook. These countertop appliances promise crispy, delicious food with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. But with so many models flooding store shelves and online retailers, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Which brands deliver on their promises? Is a budget option good enough, or should you invest in a premium model? I’ve spent months testing the most popular air fryers to help answer these questions.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick dinner solutions, a health-conscious cook trying to cut down on oil, or simply someone who loves crispy food without the mess of deep frying, this guide will help you find the perfect air fryer for your kitchen and cooking style.
Understanding Air Fryer Technology
Before diving into specific models, let’s talk about what air fryers actually do. Despite the name, these appliances don’t really “fry” anything. They’re basically compact convection ovens that circulate hot air around food at high speeds. This creates a crispy exterior similar to deep-fried food, but using only a fraction of the oil.
Most air fryers work on the same basic principle, but they come in different styles. Basket-style air fryers are the most common – these have a drawer with a removable basket where you place your food. Oven-style air fryers look more like toaster ovens and often have multiple racks, allowing you to cook different foods simultaneously.
The main factors that separate good air fryers from great ones include heating consistency, temperature accuracy, capacity, noise level, and ease of cleaning. The best models heat up quickly and maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cooking process.
Power matters too – most home air fryers range from 1,400 to 1,800 watts. Higher wattage generally means faster cooking and better crisping, but also higher energy consumption. For most households, something in the 1,500-watt range offers a good balance of performance and efficiency.
Size is another important consideration. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller 2-4 quart model might be perfect. Families often need 5-7 quart models, while the largest units (8+ quarts) are great for entertaining or batch cooking.
Top Performing Air Fryers of 2023
After testing more than 15 popular models, I’ve narrowed down the best performers across different price points and categories.
Best Overall: Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
The Ninja Max XL consistently outperformed competitors in almost every test. This 5.5-quart model heats up quickly and maintains remarkably accurate temperatures. French fries came out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, while chicken wings developed beautifully crisp skin without drying out the meat.
What really sets the Ninja apart is its “Max Crisp” setting, which runs at 450°F for extra crispiness on foods like frozen mozzarella sticks or onion rings. The ceramic-coated basket is genuinely non-stick and surprisingly easy to clean – something that can’t be said for many competitors.
The control panel is intuitive with preset programs that actually work well (unlike some models where the presets seem more like marketing gimmicks). At around $150, it sits in the mid-range price category, offering excellent value for the performance.
Budget Pick: Cosori 5.8-Quart Air Fryer
If you’re watching your budget, the Cosori offers impressive performance at around $85-100. This 5.8-quart model has become incredibly popular for good reason – it delivers crispy, evenly cooked food consistently. The square basket design provides more usable space than round models with similar quart ratings.
The Cosori heats up quickly and maintains temperature well, though not quite as precisely as premium models. The 11 preset cooking functions are actually useful, especially for beginners who might not know exactly what temperature or time to use for different foods.
One minor drawback is the slightly louder fan compared to premium models, but it’s not disruptive. The basket and drawer are dishwasher safe, though hand washing will likely extend their lifespan.
Premium Choice: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
For those willing to spend more, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro represents the high end of the market at around $350. This isn’t just an air fryer – it’s a multi-functional appliance that can replace several kitchen gadgets. The oven-style design with multiple racks means you can cook larger quantities or different foods simultaneously.
The Breville’s temperature precision is exceptional, with minimal fluctuation during cooking. The “Element IQ” system directs heat where it’s needed most, resulting in remarkably even cooking. French fries come out perfectly golden, and even delicate items like fish cook beautifully without drying out.
Beyond air frying, it excels at roasting, baking, and even dehydrating. The larger footprint requires more counter space, but for serious cooks, the versatility makes it worth considering.
Features That Matter (And Those That Don’t)
After testing dozens of air fryers, I’ve identified which features actually improve your cooking experience and which are just marketing fluff.
Features Worth Paying For:
- Dishwasher-safe components: This makes cleanup significantly easier, especially for sticky or greasy foods.
- Digital controls with precise temperature settings: Analog dials are often inaccurate, leading to inconsistent results.
- Preheat function: Models that automatically preheat produce more consistent results.
- Non-stick coating quality: Better coatings last longer and make cleanup easier.
- Visual doneness indicators: Some newer models have clear windows or even internal cameras so you can check food without opening and losing heat.
Features You Can Skip:
- Bluetooth/WiFi connectivity: Most app-controlled air fryers offer minimal benefit for the added cost.
- Too many preset buttons: Basic models with temperature and timer controls often perform just as well as those with 10+ presets.
- Voice control: It sounds cool but proves impractical in real kitchen environments.
The basket design significantly impacts performance and cleanup. Square and rectangular baskets generally provide more usable space than round ones with the same quart rating. Look for baskets with holes or mesh patterns that allow for better air circulation while preventing small food items from falling through.
Noise level varies considerably between models. If your kitchen is open to living spaces or you have thin walls, prioritizing a quieter model (typically higher-end brands) might be worth the extra cost.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- A surprising fact is that air fryers were first introduced in 2010 by Philips, but didn’t gain mainstream popularity in the US until around 2018.
- It’s interesting to note that despite using up to 80% less oil than deep fryers, air fryers can reduce calorie content by 70-80% while maintaining similar taste profiles.
- You might be surprised to learn that air fryers consume significantly less electricity than conventional ovens – typically about half as much energy for similar cooking tasks.
- Get this: the air inside most air fryers circulates at speeds up to 130 mph, creating the intense heat transfer that produces crispy exteriors.
- Consider this: the largest home air fryer on the market has a 16-quart capacity, large enough to cook a whole turkey.
Maintenance and Longevity
An air fryer is only as good as its maintenance. Even the best models can deteriorate quickly without proper care. Most air fryers last 2-5 years with regular use, but this timeframe varies dramatically depending on how you treat the appliance.
Cleaning after each use is crucial. Food residue left in the basket can burn the next time you use the air fryer, creating smoke and unpleasant flavors. Most baskets and drawers are dishwasher safe, but the heating element and main unit should never be submerged in water.
For stubborn grease, soak the basket in warm, soapy water before cleaning. Some users report success with a paste made from baking soda and water for particularly difficult residue.
The non-stick coating on baskets will eventually wear down, especially if you use metal utensils or abrasive cleaning tools. Use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils to extend the life of your air fryer basket.
Regularly check the heating element for dust or food particles, which can affect performance and create smoke. A quick wipe with a damp cloth (when the unit is cool and unplugged) can prevent these issues.
Conclusion
After months of testing, it’s clear that air fryers have earned their place in modern kitchens. They’re not just another trendy appliance – they genuinely make cooking certain foods faster, healthier, and less messy.
If you’re buying your first air fryer, the Cosori 5.8-Quart offers the best balance of performance and affordability for most people. Those willing to spend more for top performance will be happy with the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL. And if you’re looking for a multi-functional appliance with exceptional performance, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is worth the investment.
I learned the hard way that bigger isn’t always better with air fryers – match the size to your typical cooking needs. An oversized air fryer takes up precious counter space and uses more energy, while one too small means cooking in frustrating batches.
Whichever model you choose, expect a learning curve as you figure out optimal temperatures and times for your favorite foods. Most models cook faster than conventional ovens, so checking food earlier than you think necessary can prevent overcooking. The results are worth the experimentation – crispy, delicious food with minimal oil and cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can air fryers really replace deep fryers?
For most foods, yes. Air fryers produce results very similar to deep fryers but with significantly less oil. The texture might be slightly different – air-fried food sometimes has a slightly drier exterior. However, for health-conscious cooks, the trade-off is well worth it. Foods like french fries, chicken wings, and mozzarella sticks come remarkably close to their deep-fried counterparts.
Do air fryers actually save cooking time compared to conventional ovens?
In most cases, yes. Air fryers preheat in 2-3 minutes versus 10+ for conventional ovens. The concentrated heat and rapid air circulation cook food faster – often 20-30% quicker than conventional ovens. However, the smaller capacity means cooking larger quantities might require multiple batches, potentially negating time savings.
Are air fryers difficult to clean?
Most modern air fryers are designed with easy cleaning in mind. Higher-quality models feature dishwasher-safe baskets and drawers with good non-stick coatings. The main challenge comes from cooking greasy foods, which can create residue in hard-to-reach areas. Regular cleaning after each use prevents buildup and keeps maintenance simple.
What’s the difference between a cheap and expensive air fryer?
The main differences include temperature accuracy, heating consistency, noise level, durability, and additional features. Premium models typically maintain more precise temperatures, heat more evenly, operate more quietly, and last longer. They also tend to have higher quality non-stick coatings that resist wear and make cleaning easier. However, for occasional use, budget models can still produce great results.
Can I put aluminum foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?
Yes, but with important precautions. Never place foil or parchment paper in the air fryer without food on top to weigh it down – the powerful air circulation can cause it to fly into the heating element, creating a fire hazard. Cut the paper or foil to fit the basket with space around the edges for air circulation. Some manufacturers sell pre-cut parchment liners specifically designed for air fryers, which have holes to maintain proper air flow.
