Air fryers are taking the market by storm right now. They’re a great way to make crispy fried foods without all the extra fat and calories you get with deep frying. And besides, they can fit on the counter and take up less space than a convection oven.
If you love making chicken wings and french fries, but consider yourself less of a chef and more of a microwave maestro, an air fryer could be for you.
We’ll talk you through everything you need to know about how to air fry and help you choose the best model for you.
Our Top Picks
Home Kitchen Land earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.| Best Air Fryers in 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall COSORI (CP158-AF) |
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 | Most Versatile Ninja Max XL Air Fryer |
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 | Best Budget ChefMan TurboFry |
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 | Best for familly of 4 Instant Pot Vortex Plus |
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 | Best Small Dash Compact Air Fryer |
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 | Best Large NuWave Brio Air Fryer |
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 | Best Toaster Oven AirFryer Convection Toaster Oven |
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 | Best Air Fryer Oven GoWISE USA Deluxe |
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 | Best Compact Philips TurboStar Airfryer XXL |
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Do I Really Need an Air Fryer?
Well, no. You could just use your oven seeing as they cook food in a similar way. But an air fryer circulates heat and oil to make sure your food is crispy all the way around. They help with even cooking and are quicker, too.
So let’s take a look at some other benefits of air fryers.
Fry Fried Food Like a Deep Fryer
Air fryers make food that tastes way more like deep-fried food than a regular convection oven. And seeing as deep fryers use around 50 times more oil than an air fryer, they’re not the best for your health(1). So an air fryer is a great choice for cutting calories and fat content.
Plus, you still get that juicy interior while having a nice crisp exterior. Which is pretty hard to achieve in a normal oven.
Economical
Air fryers are small kitchen appliances, so they use less energy than a big oven. Your regular oven uses between 2,000 and 5,000 Watts, but an air fryer only uses around 700 – 1,800W(2).
For example, this Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Electric Air Fryer is a 700W model. It makes it more energy efficient than a regular oven. And since the heat doesn’t escape, it won’t heat up your home.
As well as using less energy, they don’t need as much oil as a deep fryer. So this purse-friendly gadget will save you money on oil in the long run.
Safe to Use
Thanks to the small amount of oil they use, air fryers are a safe way to cook. They don’t have a big vat of scalding hot oil like a deep fryer. So there’s no risk of it spilling or splashing and burning(3). They also won’t fill your kitchen with cooking smells!
Easy to Use and Clean
Air fryers are straightforward to use with just a few simple steps required for delicious crispy fries.
Add your food to the basket with a little oil, then set the time and temperature. You might want to give it a little shake halfway through for extra crunchiness, but that’s it! The air fryer will shut down when it’s finished, and you can enjoy your meal.
When you’re done, most of the parts can be taken out for super easy cleaning. Some models will be dishwasher safe, but a little soap and warm water will do the trick if not.
How to Choose the Best Air Fryer
Let’s take a look at the main things to consider before buying your air fryer.
Types
First, decide which type of air fryer is right for you. They come as a basket or tray style.
A basket air fryer has a drawer with a deep basket where you place your food. You’ll need to shake the food around during cooking to make sure it cooks evenly.
The dash deluxe air fryer is a basket style air fryer.
Tray air fryers have multiple shallow trays instead. You can fit more in and spread it out, so you won’t need to shake it. But they still only take up the same amount of space as a basket style. Both are available with manual or digital controls.
This Cuisinart is a tray style air fryer toaster oven.
Capacity
Consider how much food you want to make. Air fryers are small enough to sit on your kitchen counter, so they can’t handle lots of food. Between 2 and 8.9 Qt is the standard capacity. So you’ll have to batch cook if you’re feeding a crowd!
This Bella air fryer has a smaller 2.6Qt, so it’s great for couples. And the Gourmia Digital air fryer is better for families with a bigger 6 Qt capacity.
General Features
There are a few other handy features you might want to consider for your air fryer.
Paddle
Some models have a stirring paddle that sits in the air fryer basket. It moves food around, so you don’t have to stir or shake it.
For example, this Delonghi air fryer has a paddle included.
The paddle is usually removable to help with the cooking process. Certain foods are quite delicate and you don’t want the paddle to break them up into pieces.
Digital Timers
All air fryers use a timer. But some are manual and others have digital controls.
This Philips Viva model uses manual dials. Whereas this T-fal Actifry air fryer has a digital timer, so it’s easier to check the cook time left with a quick glance.
Temperature Control
Most air fryers have a good range of temperatures. They usually go from 100°F to 400°F, so you can set it to suit everything from frozen fries to homemade jerky.
For example, this COSORI air fryer ranges from 170F to 400F. And NuWave even has this air fryer where you can change the temperature while you’re cooking. It helps you achieve delicious results every time.
Dishwasher Safe Parts
Seeing as you need to wash your air fryer every time you use it, you don’t want it being a chore.
The best air fryers are easy to maintain, and that includes having dishwasher safe parts. It’s simple to remove bits like the basket and paddle, so you can pop them in the dishwasher.
This ChefMan air fryer is dishwasher safe.
Extra Basket
If you want to make chicken wings and french fries at the same time, an extra basket is something to consider. The second compartment means you can cook them both without mixing them together.
The Ninja Foodi has a second air fryer basket.
Or if you’re short on space, this NuWave air fryer has a basket divider instead.
Advanced Features
An air fryer is an investment in both money and kitchen space. So you want something that can do more than just air fry.
The best air fryers have multiple modes such as bake, air fry, grill, and dehydrate. So you can use it for all sorts of foods. And preset functions come in handy, too. You can get cooking with a press of a button using these.
Some models will let you know when to check on your food or give it a shake. And when you’ve got a busy home, these can help to stop your food from ending up burning.
Or you might want one with a “keep warm” function instead. This way, your food will stay hot and crispy for whenever you’re ready to eat.
Budget
Think about how much you want to spend on your air fryer. A budget friendly air fryer can cost as little as $40. But some can go up to as much as $400.
For example, this Magic Bullet compact air fryer is a bargain at $60. Or you can get this mid-range Instant 4-in-1 for around $120.
But if you want a larger air fryer with more features, the Phillips Premium XXL model retails for around $300.
Warranty
A warranty is something to factor in with your purchase. It’s helpful in case your air fryer develops a defect. Each brand will have different warranty terms.
For example, COSORI products have a 1 year warranty from the date of purchase.
You can find details on the manufacturer’s website, or contact them if you’re not sure.
Brands
Finally, there are some well-known brands that make a range of air fryers. These are a good place to start when searching for the best air fryer for you:
- Ninja
- Instant
- Cosori
- Nuwave
- ChefMan
- GoWISE USA
- Dash
- Phillips
The Best Air Fryers Of 2021
Now that you know loads of cool stuff about air fryers, it’s time to find the best air fryer for you. We’ve looked at expert advice, real user reviews, and our own insight to bring you this list of the 9 best air fryers on the market right now.
1. COSORI (CP158-AF) Pro Air Fryer
This Cosori air fryer is well loved with thousands of customers happy with their purchase.
You can use it in loads of different ways, too. There are 13 cooking functions, so there’s something to suit every mealtime. It’s great for all kinds of food, from fish to french fries or even dessert.
And the square basket gives you more cooking space while still having a small footprint. So you can fit a whole five pound chicken in without losing room on your countertop.
It’s a great all-rounder that will make cooking a hassle-free experience.
What We Like
It’s Quiet
This air fryer is nice and quiet. All you hear is the air moving around inside! You can still use your Alexa when cooking with your air fryer and she won’t be disturbed by it.
It Looks Great
Seeing as your air fryer sits on the countertop, you want it to look good. And this one does! In fact, people enjoy having it on display because it’s so stylish.
It Makes a Whole Meal
You can make a whole meal in this air fryer thanks to the large basket and different cooking options. Plus, there isn’t a whole range of pots and pans to clean up after!
What We Don’t Like
Steam Leaks Out
Steam can leak out around the basket edges. This is a normal part of cooking, but make sure the drawer is fully shut or the steam can leave a puddle.
Additional Specs
| Type | Basket |
| Capacity | 5.8 Qt |
| Dimensions | 11.8 x 13.8 x 12.6 inches |
| Wattage | 1700 W |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Accessories Included | Basket, recipe card |
2. Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
Are you bored with your usual dinners and need some inspiration? This Ninja air fryer is here to shake things up!
There are seven different functions to choose from. So you can make healthy banana chips with the dehydrate function, or guilt-free french fries with the air fry setting. There’s also a broiling rack for giving tater tots a nice crunchy exterior.
And it goes all the way up to 450F for quicker cooking results. No more hanging around in the kitchen while you wait for ages for the oven to heat up.
It’s one to consider if you want to bring the fun back to dinner time.
What We Like
Better Taste Than Deep Frying
People love the taste this air fryer gives. Things like chicken wings and frozen food work so well, they even taste better than the unhealthier deep fried versions!
It Saves on Washing Up
The different settings make this the perfect air fryer for cooking all kinds of food. So you can make a whole meal and only have one thing to wash up at the end.
No Need for a Steamer
The air roast setting on this air fryer is great for vegetables, like brussels sprouts. So you don’t need to splash out on an extra steamer, saving you money!
What We Don’t Like
It Has a Burnt Plastic Smell
When you first use your air fryer there can be a smell of burning plastic. It should go away after the first few uses. But maybe turn it on without anything in it so you don’t ruin your food.
Additional Specs
| Type | Basket |
| Capacity | 5.5 Qt |
| Dimensions | 14 x 11 x 14.8 inches |
| Wattage | 1750 W |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Accessories Included | basket, crisper plate, broil rack insert, recipe book |
3. ChefMan (RJ38-2LM ) TurboFry Air Fryer
Want to enjoy healthier cooking on a budget? No problem. An air fryer doesn’t have to wipe out your bank account. This budget friendly air fryer is affordable and loved by thousands of customers.
The air fryer basket is nonstick, so you don’t even need to use any cooking spray. You can enjoy healthier versions of your favorite foods without losing the taste.
And the compact size won’t take up much counter space. It’s a great choice to enjoy air frying in a smaller kitchen.
And with advanced safety features, you can enjoy your favorite foods with peace of mind.
What We Like
It Doesn’t Heat Up the Kitchen
This handy bit of kit will cook all kinds of meals without heating up the room as a convection oven does. It’s great on hot days.
Cuts Down Waiting Times
There’s nothing worse than waiting for the oven to heat up when you’re hungry. This air fryer is quick to heat up and cooks food in a flash. Say bye to rumbly tummies!
Simple Cooking
People love how simple it is to make tasty meals without any faff. Even if you don’t enjoy cooking, this air fryer produces great results each time.
What We Don’t Like
It’s Small
The compact design of this air fryer means it doesn’t hold a lot of food. It’s great if you’re cooking for 1 or 2 people, but don’t expect to feed a family of 4 with it.
Additional Specs
| Type | Basket |
| Capacity | 2 Qt |
| Dimensions | 9.75 x 9.75 x 12.5 inches |
| Wattage | 1000 W |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Accessories Included | basket, crisper plate |
4. Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer
You can make big quantities of food with this Instant Pot air fryer and still enjoy the health benefits. The extra large 6 qt capacity is perfect for big family meals.
And the touchscreen display shows each stage of cooking, which takes the stress away. You can enjoy being with your family and still keep an eye on your food with a quick glance.
The 4 different functions make it easy to cook whatever you want. You can even heat up yesterday’s leftovers!
The basket can go in the dishwasher, making it super easy to clean up when you’ve finished. After all, nobody wants to spend hours scrubbing dishes.
What We Like
Useful Prompts
If you’re new to cooking, the useful prompts on this air fryer will come in handy. It tells you when to add food and when to turn it, making it super easy!
Easy to Control
The settings are easy to understand and use. It only takes a few minutes to get everything set up and start air frying your favorite foods.
You Can Cook Evenly
The larger basket size allows you to spread your food out, which is great for even cooking. It helps with the hot air flow and gives crispier food.
What We Don’t Like
Inner Plate Falls Out
There’s a plate in the bottom of the basket to help with air circulation. It can fall out when you tip the basket up to pour your food off. So it’s better to use tongs to remove your food.
Additional Specs
| Type | Basket |
| Capacity | 6 Qt |
| Dimensions | 14.92 x 12.36 x 12.83 inches |
| Wattage | 1700 W |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Accessories Included | Basket, recipe app |
5. Dash Compact Air Fryer
Are you excited to try air frying but are short on kitchen space? Well, this Dash compact air fryer could be the answer to your problems! The small and stylish design looks great and it won’t take up much counter space.
It’s perfect for the smaller kitchen or dorm, and you could even take it in the RV on your camping trips.
Don’t let the size fool you, though. It still has everything you need for making crispy fries and mozzarella sticks. You can set the adjustable temperature control to ensure great results every time.
This best compact air fryer is to consider for tasty food in smaller spaces.
What We Like
Great for Offices
The small and lightweight design makes it easy to transport. And you can make a delicious lunch at the office in just a few minutes without having to flip your fries all the time.
It’s Cute
People love how adorable this Dash compact air fryer is. You can choose from a range of colors to suit your decor. It’s cool to see more options than just black!
Food Isn’t Greasy
Even though an air fryer still uses oil to cook, the food comes out of this one without being greasy. Fried chicken wings seem to be something that works the best.
What We Don’t Like
The Coating Can Flake Off
A few users have had issues with the coating flaking off the tray in the basket. You have to be extra careful with how you clean it to help keep it in good order.
Additional Specs
| Type | Basket |
| Capacity | 2 Qt |
| Dimensions | 10.2 x 8.1 x 11.4 inches |
| Wattage | 1000 W |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
| Accessories Included | Basket, recipe guide |
6. NuWave Brio Air Fryer
If you’re looking to up your cooking game, this NuWave large capacity air fryer oven is stacked with extras. The tray system has a whopping 15.5 Qt capacity to handle just about anything you throw at it.
With multiple levels, it looks like a conventional oven but has all the benefits of air frying. You can make all kinds of foods at the same time.
And it comes with a handy temperature probe. So if you want to cook a whole chicken, you can be sure that it has a tender interior while being properly cooked through.
Put this air fryer at the top of your list if you want to cook large amounts of food.
What We Like
Makes Perfect Meat
The rotisserie skewer and temperature probe combo makes roasting meats super simple. You can leave it to do its thing and come back to perfectly cooked joints every time.
It’s Versatile
Unlike a basket style air fryer, this model uses trays. So you can have lots of different things cooking on each level at the same time. It makes dinner times much easier!
It’s Easy to Clean
All the accessories and racks slide out so they can go in the dishwasher. No matter what you make, clearing up will be a breeze.
What We Don’t Like
The Door Falls Off
A few people have found the door falls off if you’re not gentle with it. But actually, it’s designed to come off without any faff to make for easier cleaning.
Additional Specs
| Type | Tray |
| Capacity | 15.5 Qt |
| Dimensions | 13 x 15.4 x 16.9 inches |
| Wattage | 1800 W |
| Warranty | 1 year warranty |
| Accessories Included | Cooking racks, rotisserie skewer, temperature probe, recipes |
7. Cuisinart Airfryer (TOA-60) Convection Toaster Oven
Are you torn between an air fryer and a toaster oven? This Cuisinart model combines the best of both worlds, so you don’t have to choose!
Think of it as a toaster oven with a built-in air fryer. You’ve still got the heating elements, but heat circulates using the fan. So you can make your favorite chicken nuggets in all sorts of ways.
And because it’s so big, you can even fit a whole four pound chicken in there! The glass door and interior light make it super easy to check on the cooking progress.
This is an awesome choice if you want more options at mealtimes.
What We Like
It’s Powerful
This is one of the few air fryer models that has the power of a toaster oven. It really will cook food in record timing. It’s great if you’re hungry and don’t want to hang around.
Food Stays Juicy
Some air fryers can dry food out if you’re not careful. But the air fryer toaster oven combo gives food a delicious crunchy exterior and keeps a tender interior. It’s perfect for chicken wings.
It’s Durable
People love this air fryer toaster oven so much that they use it every single day. And even with intense use, it still works as well as it did when they first unboxed it.
What We Don’t Like
The Plastic Knobs Feel Cheap
The plastic control knobs feel cheap compared to the rest of the oven. They can break and fall off, and it’s tricky to find replacement parts.
Additional Specs
| Type | Tray |
| Capacity | 16.9 Qt |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 16 x 14 inches |
| Wattage | 1800 W |
| Warranty | 3 years limited |
| Accessories Included | Oven rack, baking pan, air fryer rack/basket, oil spray bottle |
8. GoWISE USA Electric Air Fryer Oven
Do you find yourself longing for deliciously crispy french fries, but don’t want the guilt of deep fried food? Here’s a way to make frozen french fries taste just as good, and without the guilt.
This air fryer oven has a fantastic rotisserie basket that tumbles your food around. It helps the airflow, so your food gets crispy without needing loads of oil.
And with loads of accessories included, you can air fry everything, from onion rings to kebabs. Even a whole five pound chicken!
We love how the preset options make it super easy to feel like a pro chef without the stress of juggling different pots and pans.
What We Like
It’s Popular
GoWISE USA is a popular and well-loved brand. And this is one of their top products, with thousands of people raving about how much they love their air fryer oven!
It Holds More Than a Basket Style
The unique setup of this air fryer means you can fit lots of food in it at the same time. It holds more than a basket style without taking up too much counter space.
It’s Easy to Make Healthy Meals
If you’re health conscious, this is one of the best air fryers for making healthy meals. You get loads of accessories that make it easy to cook a whole range of dishes.
What We Don’t Like
It Takes Some Time to Get Used To
Timings and temperatures are different when you air fry than when you convection bake. Some users found it tricky to get used to this new way of cooking.
Additional Specs
| Type | Tray |
| Capacity | 12.7 Qt |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 12 x 14 inches |
| Wattage | 1600 W |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Accessories Included | Rotisserie accessories, mesh trays, recipe book |
9. Philips TurboStar Airfryer XXL
This compact air fryer comes from one of the best-loved brands for kitchen appliances. And it stays true to form with thousands of happy customers.
If you want an air fryer that won’t take up loads of room, we definitely recommend you look at this Philips Premium Airfryer XXL.
The compact design is a great space-saver, but there’s still a generous 7 Qt fryer basket tucked inside. There’s more than enough space to throw in frozen fries to feed up to 6 people.
And the fat reduction technology is a worthwhile feature. Time to tick into those chicken wings without the guilt and extra calories!
What We Like
Food Has Better Flavors
Food tastes amazing in this Philips Premium Airfryer XXL. People find that spicy dishes keep their zing better than when they’re smothered in oil from a deep fryer.
It’s Good Quality
The air fryer itself and all the separate components feel sturdy and of good quality. This makes it much easier to use and clean up when you’re finished cooking.
No Need for Batch Cooking
The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL has a big enough basket to make enough food for 2 people. You can sit down and eat together without needing to cook in batches!
What We Don’t Like
It Gets Smoky
Make sure you insert the fat burner into the bottom of the drawer before you cook anything. Otherwise, it can smoke quite a lot. It’s not a smell you want when you’re trying to eat!
Additional Specs
| Type | Basket |
| Capacity | 7 Qt |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 15.5 x 15.6 inches |
| Wattage | 1700 W |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Accessories Included | Recipe app, monthly virtual cooking classes |
Air Fryers Comparison Chart
| Product | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COSORI (CP158-AF) Air Fryer | Basket | 5.8 Qt | 11.8 x 13.8 x 12.6 inches | 1700 W | 1 year | basket, recipe card |
| Ninja Air Fryer Max XL | Basket | 5.5 Qt | 14 x 11 x 14.8 inches | 1750 W | 1 year | basket, crisper plate, broil rack insert, recipe book |
| ChefMan TurboFry Air Fryer | Basket | 2 Qt | 9.75 x 9.75 x 12.5 inches | 1000 W | 1 year | basket, crisper plate |
| Instant Pot Vortex Plus | Basket | 6 Qt | 14.92 x 12.36 x 12.83 inches | 1700 W | 1 year | Basket, recipe app |
| Dash Compact Air Fryer | Basket | 2 Qt | 10.2 x 8.1 x 11.4 inches | 1000 W | 1 year limited | Basket, recipe guide |
| NuWave Brio Air Fryer | Tray | 15.5 Qt | 13 x 15.4 x 16.9 inches | 1800 W | 1 year | Cooking racks, rotisserie skewer, temperature probe, recipes |
| Cuisinart (TOA-60) Toaster Oven Airfryer | Tray | 16.9 Qt | 15.5 x 16 x 14 inches | 1800 W | 3 year limited | oven rack, baking pan, air fryer rack/basket, oil spray bottle |
| GoWISE USA Deluxe Airfryer | Tray | 12.7 Qt | 11.5 x 12 x 14 inches | 1600 W | 1 year | rotisserie accessories, mesh trays, recipe book |
| Philips TurboStar Airfryer XXL | Basket | 7 Qt | 15.5 x 15.5 x 15.6 inches | 1700 W | 1 year | Recipe app, monthly virtual cooking classes |
Jump to the Full Air Fryers Reviews
Come Air Fry With Me
Now you know more about the benefits of this kitchen appliance, it’s time to join the air fryer aficionados. Get ready to ditch the greasy deep fried foods and move onto crispy mozzarella sticks instead.
Air fryers are a great choice for healthier eating without compromising on taste. And they’re small enough for just about any kitchen counter.
When shopping, think about the capacity and features you can get for your budget. With our list, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.
If you found this article helpful, let us know in the comments below!
About the Author
Since always, I am passionate about food; I enjoy writing and want to share my passion and offer quality articles to my readers. On Homekitchenland, I like to research, review, and compare kitchen appliances, write product reviews, and develop recipes.
