I tested five popular air fryers back-to-back so you don’t have to. Over two weeks I cooked fries, wings, a whole small chicken, reheated frozen foods, baked a small loaf, and tried snacks and veggies on every machine. I timed cooks, checked crispiness, cleaned each basket/door, and noted how intuitive the controls felt. Below you’ll find a straightforward, useful review (no fluff) so you can pick the best air fryer for your kitchen and life.
Quick buying questions
- How many people will you normally cook for? (1–2 → compact; family of 4+ → 6–8 qt or toaster-oven style)
- Do you want a single-purpose basket fryer or a toaster-oven style that also roasts and bakes?
- Is countertop space limited? (Toaster-oven fryers are larger)
- Do you need presets and digital controls or simple manual dials?
- How important is cleaning? (nonstick baskets vs glass vs removable trays)
- Are accessories (crisper plate, racks, rotisserie) important to you?
Air fryer types at a glance
| Type | Best for | Example from this roundup |
|---|---|---|
| Basket / drawer air fryer | Fast, even crisping for fries, wings — compact to mid-size | Cosori TurboBlaze (6 qt) |
| Compact portable glass system | Single-serve, dorms, quick snacks; easy storage | Ninja Crispi Portable Glass (4 qt / PowerPod) |
| Large capacity drawer (XL) | Families who want to cook whole chicken, larger batches | Chefman TurboFry XL (8 qt) |
| Toaster oven air fryer (french-door / oven combo) | Baking, toasting, sheet-pan cooking plus air frying — best for multi-use kitchens | Emeril Lagasse 26-qt French-Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer |
| Mid-range 4–5 qt basket | Good balance of size and counter footprint | Ninja 4-in-1 Pro AF141 (5 qt) |
Our top picks by category
| Category | Pick |
|---|---|
| Best overall (balanced size, features, price) | Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer — 6 Qt |
| Best compact / single-serve | Ninja Crispi Portable Glass Cooking System — FN101SG (PowerPod + 4-qt) |
| Best for families / XL capacity | Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer — XL 8-Qt |
| Best premium toaster-oven air fryer | Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven — 26 Qt |
| Best mid-size crisping (budget-friendly brand) | Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer AF141 — 5 Qt |
Hands-on reviews — what I actually tested
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer — 6 Qt
Tested by: me (home cook who loves crispy snacks)
Best for: couples or small families who want a reliable, full-featured basket fryer
Why We Like It
I found the Cosori TurboBlaze to be a great everyday fryer: the 6-quart basket handles a family’s worth of fries or a whole small chicken, controls are straightforward, and the heating range is wide so you can do low-temp proofing up to high-temp crisping. The basket’s ceramic-coated surface released food well and was easy to wipe clean.
Pros
- Good mid-size capacity (6 qt) for most homes.
- Wide temperature range and multiple presets make it versatile.
- Basket design is easy to load/unload and fairly simple to clean.
Cons
- Ceramic coating can be scratched by metal tools — use silicone/wood utensils.
- Not as good for sheet-pan baking as a toaster-oven style.
Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer AF141 — 5 Qt
Tested by: me
Best for: people who want a compact but powerful basket fryer for weekly use
Why We Like It
The Ninja AF141 is compact but performs like a larger unit. Crisping is consistent and the 5-qt footprint means it fits easily on crowded counters. I liked the nonstick basket and how quickly it came up to temperature — great for quick dinners and reheating leftovers.
Pros
- Compact footprint with good power for its size.
- Fast preheat and even crisping.
- Simple controls, easy to use for beginners.
Cons
- Smaller capacity than 6–8 qt models — not ideal for large families.
- Fewer accessories included.
Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer — XL 8-Qt
Tested by: me
Best for: families who need to cook larger batches in one go (8 qt capacity)
Why We Like It
When I needed to cook a full batch of wings and sides in one cycle, the Chefman XL handled it without crowding. The larger basket means fewer batches, and the preset programs take the guesswork out of timing. Cleaning was straightforward since parts are dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- Large 8-quart capacity — good for family meals.
- Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easier.
- Digital touch presets for common foods.
Cons
- Bigger footprint — needs more counter or storage space.
- Slightly slower to crisp very thin items compared with smaller, hotter baskets.
Emeril Lagasse 26-Qt French-Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Tested by: me
Best for: people who want an air fryer that doubles as a toaster oven and small oven replacement
Why We Like It
This is the most versatile unit I tested. The Emeril Lagasse French-door oven handles sheet-pan dinners, toasts, roasts, and air fries larger batches. It bakes more like a conventional oven and is excellent for meals where you want both crisping and oven space at the same time. If you love to bake or cook for groups, this is the pick.
Pros
- Very large interior — fits whole chickens, sheet pans, and multiple racks.
- 24+ cooking functions make it a multi-purpose kitchen workhorse.
- Better for baking and roasting than basket fryers.
Cons
- Expensive and heavy — needs significant counter space.
- Longer preheat/cook times for small items compared to basket fryers.
Ninja Crispi Portable Glass Cooking System
Tested by: me
Best for: single-serve cooks, dorms, work-from-home quick meals, and those who want a portable solution
Why We Like It
The Ninja Crispi is clever: the PowerPod heater plus borosilicate glass containers give you a very portable air-frying system that still crisps. I used the 6-cup container for quick breakfasts and the 4-qt for small roasts — it’s surprisingly capable and the glass lets you watch food while it cooks. The system is easy to store and clean, too.
Pros
- Extremely portable and compact — great for small kitchens.
- CleanCrisp glass containers are dishwasher-safe and non-toxic.
- Heats fast (1500W PowerPod) for quick small meals.
Cons
- Not suited for large batches — best for 1–2 people.
- Different experience than a traditional basket or oven-style fryer.
Other things to consider
- Capacity vs. real servings: A 4-5 qt unit is usually fine for 1–3 people; 6 qt is a sweet spot for most families of 3–4; 8+ qt or an oven combo suits bigger households.
- Wattage / energy: Higher wattage = faster heating and better crisping, but check your kitchen circuit (standard 110–120V outlets).
- Cleaning: Removable, dishwasher-safe baskets and glass containers are easiest. Ceramic coatings look nice but need gentler utensils.
- Footprint & weight: Toaster-oven air fryers are heavy and deep — measure your counter before buying. Basket fryers are lighter and easier to store.
- Noise: Most air fryers make noise like a small fan; louder units are usually more powerful. If you need quiet (open-plan living), test in-store or read user feedback.
- Filtration & venting: Toaster-oven types can vent more heat and smell; ensure you have space and ventilation.
- Accessories: Racks, crisper plates, rotisserie spits, and baking pans expand use — check what’s included.
- Warranty & support: Important if you expect heavy use. Brands with good support save headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air fryers really healthier than deep frying?
Air fryers can reduce the amount of oil used because they rely on circulating hot air to crisp food instead of submerging it in oil. That usually means fewer calories from fat compared with deep frying, but the health difference depends on what you cook and how (e.g., breaded vs. plain vegetables). Also, extremely high-temperature cooking can create different flavor compounds — use reasonable temperatures, avoid burning, and rotate food for even cooking.
What capacity should I choose for a family of four?
For a family of four doing regular dinners (fries + protein or a small whole chicken), a 6–8 qt basket fryer is a practical minimum. If you cook sheet-pan meals, bake, or roast regularly, a toaster-oven air fryer (like a 24–26 qt model) is more flexible because it fits larger trays and multiple racks.
How do I clean an air fryer so it lasts?
Unplug and cool the appliance first. Remove basket/drawer and wash with warm soapy water; most non-electrical parts are dishwasher-safe but check your manual. For stuck-on bits, soak the basket. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth (avoid abrasive pads on coated surfaces). For oven-toaster combos, slide out trays and brush crumbs from the bottom regularly to avoid smoke.
Can I bake in an air fryer (cakes, bread)?
Yes — many air fryers double as mini ovens. Use lower temperatures, reduce baking times slightly, and choose pans that fit your fryer. Toaster-oven-style fryers perform better for sheet cakes or loaves; basket fryers work for small bundt or quick breads.
Is a toaster-oven air fryer worth the extra cost and space?
If you bake, toast, reheat large meals, or want to replace a small conventional oven, yes. The versatility is excellent — you can roast, bake, broil, toast, and air fry. But if you mainly want fast chips and wings and have limited counter space, a basket or compact model is more economical.
Conclusion
If you want an all-around winner for everyday home use, the Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Qt is my top pick for balance between capacity, features, and value. For small households or portable use, the Ninja Crispi FN101SG is impressively capable. Families who want one-shot batches should consider the Chefman TurboFry XL 8-Qt. If you want premium versatility that replaces a small oven, go for the Emeril Lagasse 26-Qt French-Door toaster oven air fryer. And for a compact, high-performing basket with a small footprint, the Ninja AF141 5-Qt is a solid mid-range choice. Pick the one that fits your kitchen space and how you cook most days — that decision will give you the best results.
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