Best Air Fryers of 2025: Top 6 Picks for Every Kitchen

Air fryers have gone from a niche gadget to a kitchen essential in just a few years — and for good reason. They crisp up fries, roast vegetables, and even bake small batches of cookies using a fraction of the oil (and time) of a conventional oven. But with dozens of models on the market, picking the right one can be overwhelming.

In 2025, the air fryer landscape splits into three main categories: classic basket-style air fryers (compact, fast, and affordable), oven-style air fryers (larger capacity, more versatile), and dual-zone models (cook two foods at once, each with their own settings). We tested and compared the top contenders across all three categories to help you find the right one for your cooking style, household size, and budget — from under $50 to around $200.

What to Look For in an Air Fryer

Before diving into our top picks, here are the key factors to consider when shopping for an air fryer in 2025:

Capacity

Air fryer capacity is measured in quarts, and it directly determines how much food you can cook in one batch. 2–4 quarts is ideal for 1–2 people (a couple of chicken breasts or a small side of fries). 5–6 quarts handles a meal for 3–4 people (a whole pound of wings or a small chicken). 8+ quarts and dual-zone models can cook a full family meal — main and side — simultaneously. If you’re regularly cooking for more than two people, don’t go below 5 quarts.

Wattage and Heating Technology

Wattage ranges from about 1200W in compact models to 1800W in larger oven-style units. Higher wattage means faster preheating and crispier results — but it’s not everything. Look for models with a convection fan that distributes heat evenly; some premium units now feature dual-speed fans or top-and-bottom heating elements for more even browning without shaking or flipping.

Preset Programs

Most air fryers include one-touch presets for common foods like fries, chicken, steak, fish, and veggies. Entry-level models offer 4–7 presets, while feature-packed units go up to 10–12. Presets aren’t essential — you can always set time and temperature manually — but they’re genuinely convenient for everyday cooking and reduce the guesswork for beginners.

Ease of Cleaning

The non-stick coating on the basket or tray is the single biggest factor in how much you’ll actually enjoy using your air fryer. All the models we recommend have dishwasher-safe, non-stick baskets or crisper plates. Oven-style models with a pull-out crumb tray are easier to keep clean than those without. If you hate scrubbing, prioritize models with ceramic or high-quality non-stick coatings.

Top 6 Air Fryers Reviewed

1. Ninja AF101 — Best Overall Basket Air Fryer

The Ninja AF101 is the air fryer that put Ninja on the map, and it’s still the best all-around basket air fryer in 2025. With a 4-quart capacity, 1550 watts of power, and a wide temperature range (105°F–400°F), it handles everything from dehydrating jerky to crisping frozen fries. The ceramic-coated, non-stick basket is dishwasher safe and has held up impressively well in our long-term testing.

Capacity: 4 qt Wattage: 1550 W Temperature Range: 105°F–400°F Presets: 4 (air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate)

Pros:

• Ceramic-coated non-stick basket — easy to clean and durable
• Wide temperature range enables dehydrating
• Compact footprint fits small kitchens and apartments
• Consistently even crisping without hot spots
• Reasonably priced for the build quality

Cons:

• 4 quarts is snug for families of 3+
• Only 4 presets — fewer than some competitors at this price
• No smart features or app connectivity

Verdict: The single best basket air fryer for most people. Reliable, easy to clean, and perfectly sized for couples or small families.

2. Cosori Pro LE 5.0-Quart — Best Large Basket Air Fryer

The Cosori Pro LE takes the popular Cosori formula and refines it — the 5.0-quart square basket fits a whole 4-pound chicken or a full bag of frozen fries in a single layer. 1500 watts of power paired with Cosori’s EvenHeat technology means you get consistent results without shaking halfway through. The tempered glass touchscreen panel is responsive, intuitive, and actually looks premium on the counter.

Capacity: 5.0 qt Wattage: 1500 W Temperature Range: 170°F–400°F Presets: 9 (steak, chicken, seafood, bacon, fries, frozen, veggies, root veggies, bread)

Pros:

• 5-quart square basket — fits more food than round baskets
• 9 one-touch presets cover almost every food you’ll cook
• EvenHeat technology delivers consistent browning
• Quiet operation — one of the quieter models we tested
• Sleek design with a responsive tempered glass display

Cons:

• Square basket can be harder to hand-wash in a round sink
• No dehydrate function (170°F minimum temperature)
• Plastic exterior feels less premium than metal competitors

Verdict: The best large-capacity basket air fryer under $100 — spacious, quiet, and packed with useful presets.

3. Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 — Best Smart Features

Instant Brands brought their Instant Pot expertise to the air fryer space, and the Vortex Plus 6-in-1 is a standout. With a 6-quart basket, 1700 watts, and ClearCook — a window in the basket so you can monitor food without opening the drawer — it’s designed for people who want maximum visibility and control. The companion app sends notifications when your food is done and provides guided recipes.

Capacity: 6 qt Wattage: 1700 W Temperature Range: 95°F–400°F Presets: 6 (air fry, broil, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate)

Pros:

• ClearCook window and internal light — watch your food cook
• 6-quart capacity handles family meals easily
• Wi-Fi connectivity with the Instant Brands Connect app
• Wide temperature range down to 95°F for dehydrating
• Even heating with minimal hot spots

Cons:

• Larger footprint than 4-quart models
• The ClearCook window needs occasional cleaning to stay clear
• App connectivity can be finicky to set up initially

Verdict: The smartest air fryer in this lineup — the ClearCook window and app integration genuinely improve the cooking experience.

4. Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart DualZone — Best Dual-Zone Air Fryer

The Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone solves the biggest frustration with single-basket air fryers: you can’t cook two different foods at different temperatures at the same time. With two independent 4-quart baskets (8 quarts total), you can air fry chicken wings at 400°F in one basket and roast broccoli at 375°F in the other — and the Smart Finish feature syncs them to finish at the exact same time.

Capacity: 8 qt (dual 4 qt baskets) Wattage: 1690 W Temperature Range: 105°F–450°F Presets: 6 (air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate)

Pros:

• Cook two foods independently at different temperatures and times
• Smart Finish syncs both baskets to finish together
• Match Cook copies settings from one basket to the other
• 450°F max temperature delivers the crispiest results in this roundup
• Generous 8-quart total capacity for larger families

Cons:

• Wide footprint takes up significant counter space
• 1690W split across two baskets — slightly less power per basket than single-basket models
• Heavier and bulkier than standard air fryers

Verdict: The ultimate family air fryer. If you regularly cook multiple dishes at once, the DualZone is a genuine game-changer.

5. Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Toaster Oven — Best Oven-Style Air Fryer

The Cuisinart TOA-60 is an oven-style air fryer that does far more than air fry. It toasts, bakes, broils, and convection-bakes too — effectively replacing your toaster, toaster oven, and air fryer with one appliance. The 1800-watt heating system and spacious interior can fit a 4-pound chicken, a 12-inch pizza, or six slices of toast. If counter space is at a premium and you want to consolidate appliances, this is the one.

Capacity: 17 liters / fits 12-inch pizza Wattage: 1800 W Temperature Range: Warm–450°F Presets: 7 (air fry, toast, bake, broil, convection bake, convection broil, warm)

Pros:

• Replaces 3+ appliances (toaster, toaster oven, air fryer)
• Fits a 12-inch pizza or 6 slices of toast
• 1800W — the most powerful unit in this roundup
• Stainless steel construction looks and feels premium
• 3-year warranty — longer than most competitors

Cons:

• Takes up more counter space than a basket air fryer
• Longer preheat time than basket models
• Exterior gets hot during use — keep away from walls

Verdict: The best choice if you want an air fryer that also replaces your toaster oven — versatile, powerful, and built to last.

6. GoWISE USA GW44800-O — Best Budget Air Fryer

The GoWISE USA GW44800-O proves you don’t need to spend $100+ to get a capable air fryer. At 5.8 quarts with 1700 watts and 8 preset programs, it matches or exceeds specs from models costing twice as much. The touchscreen is responsive, the basket has an ergonomic cool-touch handle, and the included recipe book is surprisingly good for a budget model.

Capacity: 5.8 qt Wattage: 1700 W Temperature Range: 170°F–400°F Presets: 8 (fries, chips, chicken, steak, shrimp, bacon, fish, cake)

Pros:

• 5.8-quart capacity at a budget price — great value
• 1700W for fast, crispy results
• 8 presets cover almost all common foods
• Cool-touch handle and button guard prevent accidental opening
• Available in multiple colors to match your kitchen

Cons:

• Non-stick coating durability is average — may wear faster than premium models
• Display is harder to read in bright light
• Slightly louder fan than the Cosori or Ninja

Verdict: The best budget air fryer with no major compromises. 5.8 quarts and 1700W for under $70 is an exceptional value.

Comparison Table

FAQ

What’s the difference between a basket air fryer and an oven-style air fryer?

Basket air fryers use a pull-out drawer with a perforated basket — they preheat faster, cook food more quickly, and crisp more aggressively thanks to the compact cooking chamber and direct airflow. Oven-style air fryers (also called air fryer toaster ovens) have more capacity and are more versatile — you can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza — but they preheat slower and take up more counter space. Choose basket if speed and crispness are your priority; choose oven if you want to replace multiple appliances.

How many quarts do I need for my household?

For 1–2 people, a 4-quart basket air fryer is plenty. For 3–4 people, go for 5–6 quarts. For 4+ people or if you regularly cook main and side dishes at the same time, a dual-zone model like the Ninja DZ201 (8 quarts total) or an oven-style model like the Cuisinart TOA-60 is the best choice.

Are air fryers actually healthier than deep frying?

Yes — air fryers use convection heat and a small amount of oil (typically 1–2 teaspoons vs. cups in deep frying). Studies show air-fried foods can contain 70–80% less fat than their deep-fried counterparts. That said, an air fryer isn’t a magic health machine — the nutritional quality still depends on what you put in it.

Can I put aluminum foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?

Yes, but with caution. Parchment paper is fine as long as it’s weighed down by food (loose paper can fly up into the heating element). Aluminum foil is safe in most models but can block airflow in basket-style fryers — only use it to line the bottom tray in oven-style models. Many brands now sell pre-cut parchment liners sized specifically for their baskets.

How much electricity does an air fryer use?

Most air fryers draw 1500–1800 watts while actively cooking. For a typical 15–25 minute cooking session, that’s about 0.4–0.75 kWh — roughly 5–10 cents of electricity in most US regions. Compared to preheating a full-size oven (2–3 kWh per session), air fryers are significantly more energy-efficient for small to medium meals.

The Bottom Line

The air fryer market in 2025 offers something for every kitchen, budget, and cooking style:

• Best Overall: The Ninja AF101 is the goldilocks air fryer — the right size, right price, and right performance for most households. If you’re buying your first air fryer, start here.

• Best Large Basket: The Cosori Pro LE 5.0-Quart gives you more cooking space and 9 useful presets at a price that’s hard to beat.

• Best for Families: The Ninja DZ201 DualZone solves the two-foods-at-once problem elegantly. For families that cook full meals, it’s worth every penny.

• Best Oven-Style: The Cuisinart TOA-60 is the Swiss Army knife of countertop cooking — air fryer, toaster, and convection oven in one.

• Best Budget: The GoWISE GW44800-O delivers 5.8 quarts and 1700 watts for under $70. It’s proof that great air frying doesn’t have to cost a lot.

An air fryer won’t replace your oven for everything, but for weeknight dinners, frozen snacks, and reheating leftovers, it’s faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient. Once you’ve had air-fried chicken wings or reheated pizza that’s actually crispy, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one.

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