How We Tested
Our team spent over 60 hours testing 22 different air fryers in our test kitchen. We cooked identical batches of frozen french fries, chicken wings, and vegetables in each unit, measuring crispiness, cooking evenness, and cooking time. We also evaluated ease of cleaning, noise levels, and how intuitive each control panel was to use.
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL consistently produced the crispiest results in our testing. The 5.5-quart basket easily fits 3 pounds of french fries or 3 pounds of chicken wings. Max Crisp technology reaches 450°F, creating a crunchy exterior while keeping food moist inside. The ceramic-coated basket is dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple.
- Best crispiness results in testing
- Large 5.5-quart capacity
- Dishwasher-safe basket
- Max Crisp mode reaches 450°F
- Larger footprint than compact models
- No smart connectivity
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
Philips invented the air fryer, and the Premium Airfryer XXL shows why they're still a leader. The 7-quart capacity is the largest we tested, fitting a whole chicken or batch cooking for large families. Fat Removal technology captures and removes fat from foods as they cook. The smart sensing technology automatically adjusts time and temperature for consistent results.
- Largest capacity at 7 quarts
- Fat removal technology
- Smart sensing auto-adjusts cooking
- Premium price
- Takes significant counter space
Ninja Foodi DualZone
The DualZone's two independent 4-quart baskets solve a common air fryer problem: cooking different foods with different times. The Smart Finish feature syncs both baskets to end at the same time, while Match copies settings between baskets for larger batches. Cook chicken in one basket and vegetables in the other, both finishing together.
- Two independent cooking zones
- Smart Finish syncs cook times
- 8-quart total capacity
- Wide footprint on counter
- Individual baskets smaller than single-basket models
COSORI Pro II Air Fryer
The COSORI Pro II delivers excellent results at a budget-friendly price. The 5.8-quart square basket maximizes usable space, fitting more food than round baskets of similar size. 12 preset cooking functions handle common foods, and the shake reminder prompts you to redistribute food mid-cook for even results. WiFi connectivity lets you control it from your phone.
- Excellent value under $100
- Square basket maximizes space
- WiFi smart controls
- Not quite as crispy as premium models
- App connectivity occasionally unreliable
Dash Compact Air Fryer
The Dash Compact is perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or single servings. At just 2 quarts, it takes minimal counter space but still crisps food effectively. The simple dial controls are foolproof, and it comes in a variety of fun colors. It's the perfect entry point for air fryer beginners or those with limited space.
- Very affordable under $50
- Tiny footprint for small kitchens
- Simple, easy-to-use controls
- Only 2-quart capacity
- No digital controls or presets
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, air fryers use up to 80% less oil than traditional deep frying while achieving similar crispy results. This significantly reduces calories and fat content. However, the healthiness of your food still depends on what you're cooking—air-fried vegetables are healthier than air-fried processed foods.
For 1-2 people, a 2-4 quart air fryer is sufficient. For families of 3-4, choose 5-6 quarts. For larger families or batch cooking, look for 8+ quart capacity or dual-basket models. Consider that you can always cook in batches with a smaller unit.
Yes, you can use aluminum foil in the basket, but never cover the entire bottom as this blocks airflow. Use foil to wrap foods or line parts of the basket for easier cleanup. Never put foil in the bottom tray where drippings collect, as this can cause smoke or fire.
Air fryers typically use 1200-1800 watts, similar to a hair dryer. However, they cook food faster than conventional ovens, so total energy usage is often lower. Using an air fryer instead of your oven can reduce cooking energy by up to 70%.