Air fryers have rapidly become one of the most sought-after kitchen appliances, offering a way to enjoy crispy, fried-like foods with significantly less oil. With so many models on the market, consumers often turn to online reviews to guide their purchase decisions. In this guide, we’ve scoured reputable sources from expert testing sites to user-driven platforms to compile and synthesize opinions, performance data, and user feedback. Our goal is to present a human-friendly, natural-reading overview of the top air fryers available today, complete with affiliate links so you can conveniently compare prices and features.
How We Gathered and Synthesized Reviews
To ensure a balanced perspective, we combined:
- Expert Evaluations: Sites that tested each air fryer’s cooking performance, build quality, and ease of use, often using standardized cooking tests (e.g., chicken wings, French fries).
- Editorial Roundups: Outlets that publish “best of” lists, highlighting models across categories (basket-style, oven-style, compact) after rigorous testing and comparison.
- User Feedback: Communities and customer reviews reveal real-world reliability, common pain points, and standout features appreciated by everyday cooks.
- Recent Deals & Trends: Articles that indicate which models are gaining traction and offering value in the current market.
By cross-referencing these diverse sources, we identified eight standout air fryers that consistently receive high marks. Below, you’ll find detailed breakdowns for each model, including strengths, weaknesses, and direct links to check current pricing.
Top Air Fryers of 2025
Why It Stands Out:
- Affordable Yet Powerful: Recognized as a top budget pick, it offers consistent cooking performance and a straightforward touchscreen interface.
- Memory Function & Shake Reminder: Users can save up to five custom cooking programs; a shake reminder prompts you to flip or shake foods mid-cycle, ensuring even browning. Its reliability makes it a favorite for everyday use with minimal fuss.
Drawbacks:
- Doesn’t heat as quickly as larger models; expect a slightly longer preheat time.
- Basket capacity (5 quarts) may feel cramped when cooking for a family of four.
Why It Stands Out:
- Extra-Large Capacity & Dual Baskets: Each 4.2-liter basket (approx. 4.5 quarts) lets you cook two separate items at once. Its consistent crisping performance and even cooking, even when baskets are fully loaded, make it a standout.
- Easy Cleaning: An included divider tray keeps foods separate; both baskets and trays are nonstick and dishwasher-safe. It returns to temperature quickly between batches, reducing total cook time for multiple dishes.
Drawbacks:
- User interface relies on dials rather than digital presets, which some find less precise.
- Bulkier footprint may not suit smaller kitchens.
Why It Stands Out:
- Dual Drawer Design: Two 6.5-quart baskets allow you to cook two different foods at separate times or simultaneously with different settings. The Sync Finish feature lets both drawers start and finish cooking at the same time, streamlining meal prep.
- Extensive Cooking Functions: Each drawer has six cooking modes air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate, bake, and air broil adding flexibility beyond typical basket-only units. This model excels when preparing mixed meals (e.g., chicken wings and fries) without flavor transfer.
Drawbacks:
- The two drawers must share a single power cord requires careful countertop placement to avoid blocking outlets.
- Some users mention that the drawers feel slightly shallower than advertised, limiting very tall food items.
Why It Stands Out:
- Oven-Style Versatility: Combining a toaster oven with air frying capabilities, the Breville Smart Oven Pro can bake, broil, roast, toast, bagel, pizza, cookies, and proof, in addition to air frying. Its intuitive LCD and precise Element IQ technology, which adjusts heat across five quartz elements, deliver even results.
- Large Interior: Fits a 13-inch pizza or a 4.5-pound chicken. It’s ideal for those who want both an air fryer and a small convection oven in one package.
Drawbacks:
- Occupies significant counter space due to its 14.5-inch depth and 18-inch width.
- Pricey (around $400), though justified by its multi-functionality.
Why It Stands Out:
- 6-Quart Capacity with 6-in-1 Functionality: The Instant Vortex Plus can air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. It excels at achieving crispy exteriors without drying out foods a common issue with basket-style fryers.
- Even Crisp Technology: This feature ensures uniform heat distribution, so items like chicken tenders and vegetable medleys come out evenly cooked without manual tossing.
Drawbacks:
- The basket’s metallic finish can discolor over time if hand-washed; dishwasher cleaning is recommended.
- Slightly loud fan noise at higher temperatures.
Why It Stands Out:
- Advanced Rapid Air Technology: Philips pioneered air frying, and the Premium XXL model is often cited as the gold standard for consistent airflow and precise temperature control. It delivers golden‐brown results with up to 90 % less oil than traditional frying.
- Extra-Large Basket: Suitable for families of four or more, the 2.65-pound capacity can handle a whole chicken or two bags of fries. Its reliability and intuitive touchscreen interface make it a top pick for large households.
Drawbacks:
- Higher price point (typically around $240–$300), though many retailers offer periodic deals.
- Some users report a learning curve for cooking times compared to smaller models.
Why It Stands Out:
- Generous Capacity: The Cosori Max XL boasts a 5.8-quart square basket, making it easy to fit a full 3- to 4-pound chicken or larger batches of fries. It can cook large quantities without overcrowding, yielding crispy results every time.
- Versatile Presets & App Control: With 11 cooking presets (e.g., steak, shrimp, bread), a shake reminder, and optional smartphone connectivity via an app, it’s both intuitive and tech-friendly. The heating element’s position ensures even browning without frequent basket flipping.
Drawbacks:
- The app can be glitchy at times, leading to occasional connectivity issues.
- The touchscreen panel can be sensitive, causing unintended function changes if bumped.
Why It Stands Out:
- Capacity & Performance: The Ninja AF101 offers a 4-quart basket that’s ideal for couples or small families. It produces consistently crispy, evenly browned foods, thanks to its wide temperature range (105 °F–400 °F) and superior airflow design.
- Ease of Use & Cleanup: A simple control panel with four preset functions (air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate) makes operation straightforward. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe crisper basket is praised for hassle-free cleaning.
- User Insights: Many home cooks recommend the AF101 for its reliability, compact footprint, and consistently good results with chicken wings and fries.
Drawbacks:
- Limited digital display (no exact time/temperature feedback in increments below preset settings).
- Lacks dual-zone capability for cooking multiple items at once.
Final Thoughts
With so many excellent air fryers on the market, finding the right model hinges on understanding your cooking habits, kitchen space, and budget. Whether you opt for a compact basket-style unit, a dual-zone powerhouse, or an oven hybrid, each of the models highlighted above has earned consistent praise from experts and users alike. Feel free to click the affiliate links to check current prices, read up-to-date customer reviews, and make your purchase with confidence. Happy air frying!