7 TOP AIR FRYERS OF 2023, REVIEWED BY THE PROFESSIONALS

Each and every type of air fryer recipe has a variety of basket styles as well as a toaster oven style.

To guarantee that all of the items examined and approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab are still accessible, we carefully reviewed this article in April 2023. We stick by our selections.

If you're still unclear about what an air fryer is and how it varies from convection baking, picture a tiny oven that can quickly crisp up foods like wings, fries, and vegetables using little (or no!) oil.

There are several different types of air fryers, such as what we like to call basket-style, which is great for cooking large quantities of foods like fries and vegetables that benefit from shaking; oven-style, which is great for cooking food on many shelves and frequently includes rotisserie accessories; and toaster oven-style, which can toast, bake, broil, and more in addition to air frying. They require little cleanup regardless of style, which is one of the main reasons we enjoy utilizing them. (When the time comes, look at our cleaning advice.

Over the years, we at Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab have tested more than 40 air fryers, cooking at least one pound of chicken wings, as well as half a pound of both frozen and freshly cooked fries, in each of them. Our best air fryers produced food with a crispy exterior and moist interior, and they were simple to operate thanks to their big, clear controls that hardly needed the owner's handbook. The top air fryers and air fryer toaster ovens available today are listed below.

OUR TOP AIR FRYER PICKS:

You may read more about how we test air fryers in our lab and learn everything you need to know about air fryer shopping at the end of this guide. Once you've selected the ideal air fryer for your requirements, browse our selection of the top air fryer cookbooks for recipe ideas and our list of other little kitchen gadgets that will revolutionize your life.

1. NINJA AIR FRYER MAX XL

PROS

• Performed the best of the basket-style air fryers

• Easy to use

CONS

• Some may find the basket diameter a bit small

Type of Air Fryer

Basket-styleItem

Dimensions

14 x 11 x 14.25 inches

Capacity

5.5 quarts

Functions

Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate

In our air fryer test, the 5.5-quart Ninja Air Fryer Max XL delivered the best results. It received the greatest ratings for usability across the board due to its intuitive, easy-to-read buttons and comprehensible, helpful owner's manual. The air fryer basket was simple to insert and remove during our tests, which made handling a breeze. The basket's removable tray and sleek, ceramic interior, which renders it nonstick, are features we like. Additionally, you won't have to worry about the tray slipping out when you turn the food out onto a plate because it fits firmly and securely to the bottom of the basket. Even if you decide to hand wash it, the basket and tray are both dishwasher-safe and simple to clean.

The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL received the highest performance rating in addition to being simple to operate. It generated chicken wings that were moist inside, homemade fries that were crispy and evenly cooked, and frozen fries. For even speedier and juicier results as well as a rapid way to make melty cheese, the model we tested has a broiling rack. In order to accomplish varied cooking outcomes, it also has a number of cook settings, each of which is programmed with a different maximum and minimum temperature. These include Max Crisp and Air Broil (both of which can reach 450°F), as well as dehydrate (which can go as low as 105°F). The timer, which counts down to the second, is another distinctive element. Consider the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 2-Basket Air for a bigger capacity.

2. COSORI PRO II 5.8 QUART AIR FRYER

PROS

• Easy-to-use control panel

• The square basket offers a good cooking area

CONS

• The handle can loosen over time

Typer of Air

FryerBasket-style item

Dimensions

11.78 x 13.87 x 12 inches

Capacity

5.8 quarts

Functions

Steak, Chicken, Seafood, Shrimp, Bacon, Frozen Foods, French Fries, Vegetables, Toast, Bake, Preheat, Keep Warm

This Cosori Air Fryer is a terrific deal even though it isn't the cheapest air fryer on our list because it is simple, simple to use, and can feed a full family without breaking the bank. With a 5.8-quart square basket, it has a large amount of cooking space, especially when compared to its round rivals. The lightweight, detachable basket has numerous vents that allow for the best possible airflow. Presets with suggested cooking times and temperatures are programmed into the control panel, along with a preheat option. If none of the presets are the ideal fit, the Cosori air fryer can still be operated manually.

In our tests, the Cosori received great marks for usability, and more than 10,000 Amazon customers have given it five stars. It rapidly produced good fresh fries and chicken wings. Although the air fryer produced delicious chicken wings, our tester did observe that the chicken breasts were a little bit dry on the outside. However, there was no charring and the color was still good.

Be informed that in February 2023, Cosori voluntarily recalled 21 air fryer models in collaboration with the Procuradura Federal del Consumidor (Profeco) of Mexico, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and Health Canada. The affected models "are responsible for establishing electrical connections between certain wires [that] can overheat, posing fire and explosion hazards," even though the model on our list is not mentioned in the recall.

3. DASH COMPACT AIR FRYER

PROS

• Comes in an assortment of colors

• Doesn't require as much counter space as full-size models

• Amazon's choice

CONS

• Homemade fries did not cook evenly

Type of Air

FryerBasket-styleItem

Dimensions

LxWxH10.2 x 8.1 x 11.4 inches

Capacity

2 quarts

Functions

Air Fry

For those who cook exclusively for themselves or for those who wish to try air frying for the first time, the Dash Compact is a good air fryer. One piece of food can be cooked in just two quarts of water. It takes up less space on your counter thanks to its reduced footprint, and the tiny basket makes cleaning it up simpler. This model's dial timer makes it a little challenging to set the timer to the correct minute. We discovered that the Dash was still a decent choice because we use the maximum 400°F temperature to air fry the majority of items despite the fact that the temperature is likewise regulated via a dial and doesn't give many possibilities. We adore the variety of vibrant colors it is available in.

4. CUISINART CONVECTION TOASTER OVEN

PROS

• Cooks very quickly

• Large cooking surface

CONS

• Since foods cook quickly using air fry, we recommend using a lower temp and keeping a close eye on food to help prevent burning

Type of Air

FryerAir Fryer Toaster OvenItem

Dimensions

LxWxH17 x 21.73 x 15.75 inches

Capacity

0.6 cubic feet

Functions

AirFry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Roast, Dehydrate, Proof, Low, Dual Cook, Reheat, and Warm with a wide temperature range (Warm-450°F)

One of the first companies to market a toaster oven air fryer that supports toasting, baking, air frying, and convection baking was Cuisinart. We tried this digital model, and it produced some of the most evenly colored bread in our toaster oven test as well as the crispiest air-fried food among all the air fryers we tested in the least amount of time. When compared to air fryers that use baskets, the rectangular 15.5 by 16-inch air fry rack has a larger frying area and is supported by a drip/crumb tray for simple cleanup. Since releasing the toaster oven air fryer, Cuisinart has also released a smaller, non-digital model with the same features and high-quality performance as well as a similar-sized device with a grill pan that can cook food on both

5. INSTANT POT VORTEX PLUS CLEARCOOK

PROS

• Preheat function

• The manual light turns on right before the timer goes off

CONS

• Tray falls out when the basket is turned upside down; use silicone-tipped tongs to serve

Type of Air

FryerBasket-StyleItem

Dimensions

12.8 x 11.8 x 14.9 inches

Capacity

6 quarts

Functions

Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate

Since we began evaluating them, Instant, the same company that produces Instant Pot multicookers, has had air fryers on our list of the top air fryers. The ones we examined, including this one, are effective and simple to program. This one stands out in particular because of its transparent window design, which enables you to peek inside without removing the basket. Additionally, it features a light that can be manually switched on and that automatically comes on just before the timer runs off.

In our tests, frozen fries were moist but crisp and uniformly cooked without shaking midway, and chicken wings cooked in this 6-quart ClearCook model came out crispy, golden, and juicy in just 20 minutes. There is a built-in preheat function in this air fryer.

The knob makes it simple to easily program the temperature and time, and the digital control display has excellent responsiveness. It includes six preset cooking modes, including air fry, bake, roast, reheat, broil, and dehydrate, all of which have suggested (yet customizable) cooking temperatures and times. The square basket makes the most of the available cooking space, is simple to slide out and move about, and fits snugly in the dishwasher. In contrast to the Cosori and the Philips air fryers, which have separate baskets that are stored inside drawers, this air fryer has a removable tray, which we find to be easier to clean.

6. NINJA SPEEDY RAPID COOKER & AIR FRYER

PROS

• Can air fry and cook with steam

• Fast and powerful

CONS

• Bulky

Type of Air Fryer

Basket-style plusItem

Dimensions

LxWxH14.1 x 13.8 x 12.4 inches

Capacity

6 quarts

Functions

Speedi Meals, Steam & Crisp, Steam & Bake, Steam or Proof in Rapid Cooker mode and unlock Air Fry, Bake/Roast, Air Broil, Dehydrate, Sear & Sauté, Slow Cook, and Sous Vide functions in Air Fry mode

One of the newest air fryers we've reviewed is the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer. It's worth making room for on your counter even if it differs in appearance and size from the majority of air fryers now available. The 12-in-1 gadget may be used to sear, sauté, bake, roast, broil, steam, slow cook, prove, cook sous vide, and even dehydrate in addition to air-frying rapidly and effectively (without the pressure!). For the juiciest and tastiest outcomes, it can also steam and bake/air fry at the same time.

One of the most astounding things it can do is make quick one-pot meals by cooking the toppings (such as chicken, shrimp, or meatballs) on the top level and the base (such as pasta, rice, or quinoa) on the bottom of the square basket. It only needs the provided perforated tray, which is used for air frying and steaming in the lower position and crisping/broiling in the higher position. It doesn't need any other accessories. Like the other Ninja air fryers, the tray and six-quart basket have ceramic coatings and are simple to wash by hand or in the dishwasher. The Speedi was easy to program, and we loved the clean control panel. The user manual is stuffed with practical advice, recipes, and instructions.

7. GOWISE 7-QUART ELECTRIC AIR FRYER

PROS

• Includes shelves for air frying multiple thinner items at once

• Design accommodates single-layer cooking

CONS

• Bulky

Type of Air Fryer

Basket style item

Dimensions

13.75 x 13 x 14 inches

Capacity

7 quarts

Functions

Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Grill, Bake, Reheat, and Keep Warm

We use the GoWISE USA 7-Quart Air Fryer the most because it is so huge for cooking in large quantities. In our tests, it produced air-fried, crunchy fries and juicy wings that we repeatedly nibbled on. Its oblong air fryer basket enables more frying in a single layer than round baskets, which is very advantageous for dehydration. Unlike other air fryers on the market, the GoWise air fryer includes three more stackable racks. You may air fry and dehydrate up to four layers at once with the stacking racks. If you want a splash of color on your kitchen counter, it's also available in red.

HOW DO WE TEST AIR FRYERS

In the Kitchen Appliances Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've tested more than 40 air fryers, including conventional basket-style air fryers, air fryer ovens, air fryer toaster ovens, and even a number of microwaves and multicookers. We frequently cook with them as well and have endless recipes for them.

We air-fried frozen and fresh french fries as well as chicken wings to test air fryers' functionality and usability. Cake and most other sweets benefit from an even distribution of gentle heat, but most air fryers don't have heating elements on the bottom in addition to the top (however fruit crumbles and air fryer donuts turn out fantastic!). For this reason, we don't test baked products like cake. We rate the food according to its level of crispiness, juiciness, and evenness, and we take into account specifics like how quickly it cooks, how useful the user guide is, and whether the machine is noisy. Additionally, we assess elements like the temperature range, the control panel, and whether the accessories are dishwasher-safe.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR THE BEST AIR FRYER FOR YOU

Size: How many people are you preparing food for simultaneously? For one to two people, a small size is ideal, while three or more people prefer a larger one.

Style: Foods that are easy to shake, such as fries and vegetables, and small quantities are suitable candidates for basket-style air fryers. While air fryer ovens are a little larger and can air fry food on numerous shelves, they also require greater supervision and frequent food rotations. In addition to air frying, air fryer toaster ovens can also be used for baking, roasting, and broiling.

Price: Stainless steel alternatives are generally more expensive than plastic options, while digital air fryers cost more than mechanical air fryers.

Toaster ovens, microwaves, pressure cookers, steamer cookers, and even full-sized ovens have begun to include an air fry option in their designs, so investing in a multifunctional appliance might be a good value (that takes up less space!). If you're in the market for another appliance.

IS AIR FRYERS WORTH IT?

If you like to prepare meals quickly with a little cleaning, air fryers are worthwhile. Sure, some are big and may feel like they are taking over your counter space, but the majority of people who use them quickly realize their advantages. They work particularly well for leftovers and premade frozen items like dumplings and french fries that would typically go mushy or rubbery in a microwave. We enjoy utilizing ours at the Kitchen Appliances Lab to prepare quick meals. All proteins, including chicken, pork chops, and fish, cook up rapidly and turn golden brown and juicy; vegetables get lovely blisters or caramelization. We especially prefer air-frying root veggies, such as tiny potatoes and sliced butternut squash and beets.

WHAT CANNOT BE PREPARED IN AN AIR FRYER?

Although air fryers are excellent for making food crispy, there are some situations in which you shouldn't use one.

• Even when heated in a heat-resistant container, liquids should not be cooked in an air fryer since they can easily spill and splatter. Additionally, you shouldn't use an air fryer for dishes like tempura that call for a wet batter since the coating doesn't cling quickly enough and can result in leaks, smoke, and failure to produce crispy food.

• In many cases, we wouldn't advise using an air fryer for baking: Because they only contain heating components on the top of the appliance rather than the top and bottom like a toaster oven or oven, the majority cannot truly bake. The size of your baked items is typically constrained by the basket or shelf design. However, air fryers work well for sweets that benefit from browning.

• Greasy meals shouldn't be cooked in an air fryer. Use a lower temperature when air frying oily foods to assist prevent splattering, which can cause grease to splash into the air and produce smoke.

• Lightweight foods like bread should be avoided as some air fryers with powerful fans may cause them to fly around.

HOW DO AIR FRYERS WORK?

Most air fryers combine a top heat source with a sizable fan to circulate the heated air. The inclusion of perforated trays, which help boost airflow, and a small-capacity design, which helps produce a high-heat environment, are other elements that contribute to the speed at which food cooks. We've discovered that the majority of foods cook best at high temperatures, like 400°F, for brief periods of time through testing, at-home use, and recipe development. Larger meals usually benefit from rotating for the most even cooking; little food items don't usually need to be tossed or flipped but can be for more even results.

HOW DO I CONVERT A REGULAR RECIPE TO AN AIR FRYER RECIPE?

It is more difficult to convert conventional recipes to air fryer recipes than it is to convert a standard recipe to a convection oven recipe, which typically calls for lowering the temperature by 25oF and monitoring it more frequently. Instead, remember that the majority of foods, unless they are thicker (such as chicken breasts, which take longer to cook and should be air fried at a lower temperature, like 370oF or 375oF to avoid drying it out), air fry best at 400oF), so you are typically just adjusting the timing.

The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that air fryers cook food quickly, so keep your user manual close by and refer to the recipes and cooking charts frequently. prior to learning the recipe.

ARE AIR FRYERS "HEALTHY"?

According to Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CDN, air frying uses substantially less oil than deep frying and pan frying, making it a healthier choice that nevertheless produces a crisp texture. However, the nutritional value of air fryers depends on the items you cook in them. Saturated and trans fats won't simply disappear from your meals.

Sassos advises using your air fryer as a way to increase the number of vegetables and lean proteins in your diet to reap the greatest health advantages from it. She particularly likes to air-fried frozen vegetables with it. When she first tried it, she "couldn't believe how easy it was," she adds.