Air fryers hit that rare sweet spot where the cheap ones are genuinely good. Under the hood they're all doing the same thing — a fan blowing hot air fast — so a $70 model and a $200 model cook fries about the same. What you're actually paying for is size, how annoying it is to clean, and whether the controls make sense.
So instead of chasing suction numbers or "10-in-1" sticker counts, here's what to actually think about, and the five I'd buy.
What Actually Matters
Capacity, matched to your household. This is the big one. A 4-quart basket is right for one or two people and a couple of sides. For a family of four you want 5 to 6 quarts, and if you're cooking for a crowd or doing a whole small chicken, 7 quarts and up. Go too small and you'll be cooking in batches; go too big and it hogs the counter and takes longer to preheat.
A basket that's actually easy to clean. You'll clean this thing constantly, so it matters more than any feature. Look for a nonstick basket that's dishwasher-safe. Newer models are moving to ceramic or PFAS-free coatings, which is worth seeking out if you'd rather skip traditional nonstick chemicals — and they tend to wipe clean easily too.
Controls you'll actually understand. Some have a simple dial, some have a screen with presets for fries, chicken, and so on. The presets are genuinely handy when you're starting out, but don't overpay for a dozen of them — you'll use three. What matters is that you can set a temperature and time without reading the manual every time.
Footprint and preheat. Air fryers are tall and they need clearance above for the vent, so measure your under-cabinet space. Bigger baskets also take longer to preheat, which adds up if you use it daily.
What You Can Skip
The "in-one" number is marketing. "12-in-1" just means the presets are labeled differently — it's the same fan and heating element as a "4-in-1." Don't let a bigger number sway you.
Fancy app connectivity. A WiFi air fryer you control from your phone sounds neat and gets used exactly once. You're standing right next to it. Skip it.
Built-in "smart" thermometers and scales on most models are more gimmick than help at this price. A cheap instant-read thermometer does the job better for chicken.
Our Picks
Each of these is a genuinely good air fryer — the right one just depends on how many people you're feeding.
Best overall: COSORI TurboBlaze 6Qt
The one I'd point most people to. Six quarts handles a family, the ceramic basket is PFAS-free and wipes clean easily, and it heats fast and quiet. COSORI has been the reliable name in this category for years, and this is their sweet-spot model — enough capacity for most homes without taking over the counter.
Best budget: Chefman TurboX 5Qt
If you just want a solid air fryer without spending much, this is it. Five quarts is enough for a couple plus sides, the controls are simple, and it does everything the pricier ones do — crispy fries, wings, reheated leftovers — for meaningfully less money.
Best compact pick: Ninja AF101
Ninja basically made air fryers mainstream, and this 4-quart is the one to get if you're cooking for one or two, or you just don't have much counter space. It's dependable, easy to use, and the basket cleans up without a fight. Small, but it punches above its size.
Best for families and big batches: Dreame 7Qt
When 6 quarts isn't enough — bigger family, meal prep, a whole small chicken — this 7-quart steps up. The no-flip design means you're not babysitting it halfway through, and the ceramic basket keeps cleanup easy despite the size. It'll take up more room, but it earns it if you cook in volume.
Best cheap large capacity: Simple Deluxe 6.34Qt
The move if you want a big basket but a small price. Over six quarts for well under a hundred dollars is a lot of air fryer for the money — the coating and build aren't quite as premium as the COSORI, but for the price it's hard to argue with, and the reviews back it up.
The Bottom Line
Buy for the capacity that fits your household — 4 quarts for one or two, 5 to 6 for a family, 7-plus for a crowd — get a dishwasher-safe (ideally ceramic) basket, and don't pay a cent extra for WiFi or a big "in-one" number. If you want one pick and don't want to think about it, the COSORI TurboBlaze 6Qt is the safe bet for most kitchens. Prices bounce around, especially around the holidays, so check the current number before you buy.
