Air fryers have become a kitchen staple — and for good reason. They cook faster than ovens, use less oil than deep fryers, and produce genuinely crispy results. But not all air fryers are created equal.
We evaluated 20+ models on cooking performance, capacity, ease of use, noise, and value. Here are the 5 best air fryers you can buy in 2026.
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#1 — Ninja Foodi DualZone XL
The Ninja Foodi DualZone XL is the ultimate air fryer for households that cook multiple dishes at once. Its two independent 4-quart baskets let you air fry chicken wings in one zone while roasting vegetables in the other — at completely different temperatures and times — with the Smart Finish feature syncing both to complete simultaneously. The 8-quart total capacity handles meals for up to 6 people with ease. Six cooking functions (Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate) make it genuinely versatile, and the wide temperature range of 105°F–450°F covers everything from gentle dehydrating to high-heat searing. Build quality is solid, the digital display is intuitive, and cleanup is straightforward with dishwasher-safe baskets.
Pros
- Dual independent 4-qt baskets (8 qt total)
- Smart Finish syncs both zones to finish together
- Wide temp range: 105°F–450°F
- 6 cooking functions
- Dishwasher-safe baskets
- Excellent for families of 4–6
Cons
- Large footprint — needs counter space
- Louder than single-basket models
- Premium price point
Best for: Families of 4–6, meal preppers, anyone who wants to cook two dishes simultaneously.
#2 — Ninja Air Fryer Pro
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is the sweet spot between performance and simplicity. Its 5-quart capacity comfortably feeds 3–4 people, and the wide temperature range of 105°F–400°F handles everything from dehydrating herbs to crisping frozen fries. The ceramic-coated, PTFE/PFOA-free basket is a standout feature for health-conscious cooks — it's non-stick without the chemical concerns of traditional coatings. Four cooking programs (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate) keep the interface clean and approachable. It heats up fast, cooks evenly, and the compact design fits most kitchen counters without dominating them. A great everyday workhorse.
Pros
- Ceramic-coated, PTFE/PFOA-free basket
- 5-qt capacity — ideal for 3–4 people
- Compact, counter-friendly footprint
- Fast, even cooking
- Simple 4-function interface
Cons
- Single basket — no dual-zone cooking
- No app or smart connectivity
- Fewer preset programs than competitors
Best for: Small families and couples who want reliable performance without complexity.
#3 — Cosori Pro Gen 2
The Cosori Pro Gen 2 remains one of the best value air fryers in 2026. The 5.8-quart square basket maximizes usable cooking space compared to round baskets of the same stated capacity — a practical advantage you'll notice every time you load it up. Twelve one-touch presets cover the most common cooking tasks, and the companion app unlocks over 100 guided recipes with step-by-step instructions. The shake reminder is a small but genuinely useful touch for foods that need turning. Cooking results are consistently excellent: crispy exteriors, moist interiors. At this price, it's hard to beat.
Pros
- Square basket maximizes usable space
- 12 one-touch presets
- App with 100+ guided recipes
- Shake reminder feature
- Quiet operation
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Cons
- Single basket only
- No dual-zone cooking
- App required for full recipe library
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, app users, and households of 2–4 who want great results without overspending.
#4 — Instant Vortex Plus
From the makers of the Instant Pot, the Vortex Plus brings multi-cooker versatility to the air fryer category. Seven built-in programs — Air Fry, Broil, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Rotisserie — make it one of the most functionally diverse options at this price. The 6-quart capacity is generous, and the EvenCrisp technology delivers consistent browning across the basket. The clear cooking window lets you monitor food without opening the drawer, which helps maintain temperature. The rotisserie function is a genuine differentiator: whole chickens come out with beautifully crispy skin. Setup and cleanup are both straightforward.
Pros
- 7 cooking functions including rotisserie
- 6-qt capacity fits a whole chicken
- Viewing window — monitor without opening
- EvenCrisp technology for consistent browning
- Strong brand support and warranty
Cons
- Bulkier than basic models
- Rotisserie accessories sold separately
- Interface can feel busy for new users
Best for: Home cooks who want maximum cooking versatility and love the rotisserie function.
#5 — Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
Philips invented the air fryer category, and their XXL model is still one of the most refined options available in 2026. The standout feature is Fat Removal Technology — a unique mesh insert that actively drains excess fat away from food during cooking, resulting in measurably healthier meals. The 3-lb / 7-quart capacity is among the largest in the single-basket category, and the twin TurboStar airflow system ensures even heat distribution throughout. Build quality is premium: the unit feels solid, the controls are precise, and the basket is easy to clean. It's expensive, but it earns its price with consistent, health-forward results.
Pros
- Fat Removal Technology for healthier cooking
- Large 3-lb / 7-qt capacity
- Twin TurboStar airflow — very even results
- Premium build quality and durability
- Quiet for its size
Cons
- Most expensive option on this list
- Round basket is less space-efficient
- No dual-zone or smart features
Best for: Health-focused cooks and those who want the most refined, premium single-basket experience.
Air Fryer Buying Guide
Capacity: 1–2 people: 2–3 qt. 3–4 people: 4–6 qt. Family of 5+: 6 qt or dual basket.
Basket shape: Square baskets fit more food than round ones of the same stated capacity. Always check the actual interior dimensions.
Temperature range: Look for 180°F–400°F minimum. Some models go up to 450°F for better searing.
Preheat time: Most air fryers need 3–5 minutes to preheat. Models with rapid preheat save time on weeknight cooking.
Who Should Buy Which
- Best for families (4–6 people): Ninja Foodi DualZone XL — dual baskets let you cook two dishes at once, finishing at the same time. No more cold sides.
- Best for couples and small households: Ninja Air Fryer Pro — compact, reliable, and dead simple to use. The ceramic basket is a bonus for health-conscious cooks.
- Best on a budget: Cosori Pro Gen 2 — the best dollar-for-dollar value on this list. App integration and a square basket make it punch above its price.
- Best for cooking variety: Instant Vortex Plus — if you want to air fry, bake, broil, and rotisserie from one machine, this is your pick.
- Best for health-focused cooking: Philips Premium Airfryer XXL — Fat Removal Technology is a genuine differentiator if reducing dietary fat is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air fryers actually healthier than deep frying?
Yes, significantly. Air fryers use circulating hot air to crisp food, requiring little to no oil — typically 70–80% less fat than traditional deep frying. The result is food with a similar texture but far fewer calories and less saturated fat. Models like the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL go further with active fat-removal technology.
What size air fryer do I need?
For 1–2 people, a 2–3 quart model is sufficient. For 3–4 people, aim for 4–6 quarts. Families of 5 or more should consider a 6+ quart model or a dual-basket option like the Ninja Foodi DualZone XL. When in doubt, go slightly larger — a fuller basket cooks less evenly than a properly loaded one.
Can I cook frozen food directly in an air fryer?
Absolutely — this is one of the air fryer's best use cases. Frozen fries, nuggets, fish fillets, and spring rolls all cook from frozen with excellent results. No thawing needed. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time and shake the basket halfway through for even crisping.
Do air fryers require preheating?
Most air fryers benefit from a 3–5 minute preheat, especially for foods where a crispy exterior matters (fries, chicken wings, breaded items). Some newer models like the Ninja Foodi DualZone XL preheat very quickly. For reheating leftovers or baking, preheating is less critical.
Are air fryer baskets dishwasher safe?
Most are, but always check the manufacturer's guidance. The baskets on all five models in this list are dishwasher safe. That said, hand washing with warm soapy water extends the life of non-stick coatings — especially on ceramic-coated baskets like the Ninja Air Fryer Pro.
What foods can't you cook in an air fryer?
Wet batters (like tempura or beer batter) don't work well — the batter drips before it sets. Very light foods like leafy greens can blow around and burn. Large roasts may not cook evenly in smaller models. Cheese on its own will melt through the basket. For everything else, air fryers are remarkably versatile.