The Best Air Fryers for Every Kitchen and Cooking Style
If you’ve ever wondered whether an air fryer really earns its counter space, the answer is a resounding yes. From crisping up weeknight dinners to reheating leftovers that taste fresh again, these small but mighty appliances can replace multiple gadgets in one. Over the years, I’ve tested and gifted several models — each with its own personality and purpose. Whether you’re cooking for one, a family, or need double capacity for entertaining, here are some of my favorite air fryers worth considering.
Nuwave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Smart Oven
The Nuwave Bravo is more than an air fryer — it’s a countertop workhorse. With precise digital controls, adjustable top and bottom heating elements, and convection fan settings, it bakes, broils, dehydrates, and air fries with serious accuracy. You can even fine-tune the heating ratio for perfect pizza crusts or crispy chicken.
I keep this one on my counter and use it mostly as a toaster oven, but I’ve tried nearly all its functions. I love that it’s built from metal — no coatings or plastics to worry about. The air-fry feature performs beautifully, though cleanup takes a bit longer than smaller models.
What Customers Say: Reviews praise the Bravo’s versatility and how evenly it cooks everything from chicken to casseroles. Many love the roomy interior that fits a 13x9 dish, though a few note that the controls take some getting used to and the exterior gets quite warm.
Verdict: Ideal for home cooks who want precision, space, and versatility — once you learn the controls, it’s a powerhouse.
COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE
Compact, sleek, and surprisingly powerful, the COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE offers seven cooking modes and a 360° rapid-heat system that delivers golden, crispy results with up to 85% less oil. Thoughtful features like preheat, shake reminders, and a keep-warm setting make every meal foolproof.
This is the air fryer I reach for when I want a quick, easy cook-and-clean experience. I’ve made everything from kale chips to chicken wings, and it nails the texture every time.
What Customers Say: Users love its quiet operation, stylish design, and consistent results. Many highlight how evenly it crisps vegetables and meats, while others appreciate that it’s simple to use and clean. Some wish the basket were a touch larger — but agree it’s perfect for small kitchens or single servings.
Verdict: The ideal option for singles or small families who want restaurant-worthy crisp without the clutter.
Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer
The Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 takes countertop cooking to a new level with its sleek glass design and portable PowerPod base. Its 4-in-1 functionality lets you air fry, bake, re-crisp, and max-crisp, while the glass containers are dishwasher-safe and nest neatly for storage.
My sister owns this one and can’t stop raving about it. She loves that it’s compact, easy to clean, and doesn’t feel like typical air fryers with bulky baskets.
What Customers Say: Buyers appreciate how quickly it cooks — meals ready in about 15 minutes — and say it handles everything from chicken wings to baked potatoes flawlessly. The glass bowl is a standout feature, praised for being easy to clean and letting you see your food crisp to perfection.
Verdict: Great for small kitchens, apartments, or anyone who loves the look of glass and the convenience of fast, even cooking.
Ninja Air Fryer XL Dual Zone (10-Qt)
If you’re cooking for a family or like to entertain, the Ninja DualZone Air Fryer is a game changer. With two independent baskets, you can cook two foods at once — think wings on one side and fries on the other — and have them finish at the same time. Its six cooking functions cover everything from baking to dehydrating.
This is the air fryer I recommend for anyone feeding a crowd. It’s fast, powerful, and eliminates the back-to-back cooking problem.
What Customers Say: Reviewers consistently mention its high quality, speed, and ability to cook evenly. Many love the Smart Finish feature that times foods perfectly, while others note it’s easy to clean. Some mention the baskets could be larger for big families, but most agree it’s worth every penny.
Verdict: The perfect pick for families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-Qt XL Air Fryer (6-in-1)
From the trusted Instant Pot brand, the Vortex Plus 6-Qt delivers six cooking functions — air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat — with little to no preheating time. Its touchscreen controls make it simple to use, and cleanup is a breeze with the nonstick basket.
I bought this as a gift in 2021, and it’s still going strong. It’s been perfect for a family of four with two kids who love quick snacks.
What Customers Say: Users love its fast cooking time, crispy results, and easy operation. Many highlight how it replaces both the microwave and oven for daily use. Some report long-term reliability while others mention occasional functionality hiccups, but overall it earns high marks for performance and taste.
Verdict: A reliable, family-friendly choice that balances simplicity with power — perfect for everyday cooking.