Air fryers have gone from a trendy gadget to a staple on many kitchen counters, and the choice is now wide enough to be confusing. Some are tiny two-quart baskets for a single serving, while others are dual-basket machines built to cook an entire dinner at once.
In this guide to the best air fryers, we compare nine popular models by capacity, cooking functions, basket design and who each one suits. If you are also exploring other kitchen helpers, browse our small appliances guides, and read how we choose products on our review methodology page.
Top 3 Best Air Fryers at a Glance
Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt Air Fryer
- 6-quart basket
- 9-in-1 cooking functions
- PFAS-free ceramic coating
Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt (DZ201)
- 8-quart DualZone with two baskets
- 6-in-1 cooking functions
- Cook two foods at once
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt (AF141)
- 5-quart basket
- 4-in-1: air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate
- Straightforward single-basket design
Best Air Fryers in 2027
| # | Pick | Best For | Key Highlights | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt Air Fryer | All-round pick | 6 Qt, 9-in-1, PFAS-free ceramic coating | Check Price |
| 2 | Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt (DZ201) | Cooking two foods at once | 8 Qt DualZone, two baskets, 6-in-1 | Check Price |
| 3 | Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt (AF141) | First-time buyers | 5 Qt, 4-in-1, simple controls | Check Price |
| 4 | Chefman 6 Qt Compact Air Fryer | Value 6 quart | 6 Qt, Hi-Fry, touchscreen, 4 presets | Check Price |
| 5 | Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 Qt XL Air Fryer | Family-size single basket | 6 Qt XL, 6-in-1, stainless steel finish | Check Price |
| 6 | Chefman 6 Qt Dual Basket Digital Air Fryer | Low-cost dual basket | Dual 3 Qt baskets, touchscreen, Sync Finish | Check Price |
| 7 | Ninja Foodi DualZone XL 10 Qt (DZ401) | Large families | 10 Qt DualZone XL, two baskets, 6-in-1 | Check Price |
| 8 | Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer 2.6 Qt | Budget starter | 2.6 Qt, digital controls, compact | Check Price |
| 9 | Chefman Compact 3.5 Qt Air Fryer | Small kitchens | 3.5 Qt, slim, 450 F max, ceramic basket | Check Price |
1. Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt Air Fryer – Best Overall
Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt Air Fryer
- ✓ PFAS-free ceramic coating on the basket
- ✓ Nine cooking functions
- ✓ 6 quart size works for most households
- ✗ Single basket only
- ✗ Ceramic coatings still need gentle cleaning
It earns the top spot for pairing a family-friendly size with a long list of cooking functions. The Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt offers nine cooking functions and a PFAS-free ceramic coating on the basket, which matters to buyers who want to avoid traditional nonstick chemistry. It carries a 4.8 out of 5 Amazon rating at the time of writing.
Six quarts is a practical middle size: big enough for a family dinner side or a pound or two of wings, small enough for most counters. It is a strong all-round choice, especially if the coating material is part of your decision.
Best for: buyers who want a PFAS-free coating and strong all-round features. May not fit if: you want two baskets to cook two foods at once.
2. Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt (DZ201) – Best Dual Basket
Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt (DZ201)
- ✓ Two independent baskets cook two foods at once
- ✓ 8 quart total capacity suits families
- ✓ Six cooking functions
- ✗ Wide footprint needs counter space
- ✗ Costs more than single-basket models
It is the pick for anyone who wants to cook two things at once without running batches back to back. The Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt (DZ201) splits its capacity across two baskets, so you can cook a main and a side in the same run instead of waiting for one batch to finish. The 6-in-1 functions cover air frying, roasting, baking and reheating.
Owners of this model tend to rate it highly, and its Amazon rating of 4.8 out of 5 at the time of writing is among the best in this group. The price is the usual dual-basket premium and it needs a generous patch of counter, but for households that cook dinner in one go it is hard to beat.
Best for: busy households that want a main and a side finished together. May not fit if: counter space is tight or you only cook small portions.
3. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt (AF141) – Best Simple Single Basket
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt (AF141)
- ✓ 5 quart basket suits two to four people
- ✓ Simple four-function layout
- ✓ Ninja build quality at a mid-range size
- ✗ Fewer functions than 6-in-1 models
- ✗ Single basket
It keeps things simple, which is exactly what many first-time buyers need. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt (AF141) keeps things simple: one 5-quart basket and four functions covering air fry, roast, reheat and dehydrate. If you mainly want crisp fries, wings and reheated leftovers, that is plenty.
At 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon at the time of writing it is one of the better-rated single-basket models in this roundup. It lacks the extra functions of 6-in-1 and 9-in-1 machines, but the simpler control set makes it easy for first-time buyers.
Best for: first-time buyers who want a well-rated, no-fuss single basket. May not fit if: you need bake or broil functions.
4. Chefman 6 Qt Compact Air Fryer – Best Value 6 Quart
Chefman 6 Qt Compact Air Fryer
- ✓ Hi-Fry technology for extra crispness
- ✓ Touchscreen with four presets
- ✓ Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket
- ✗ Single basket
- ✗ Presets are limited to four
It brings a useful size and quick presets to the value end of the list. The Chefman 6 Qt Compact Air Fryer pairs a 6-quart basket with Hi-Fry technology, a high-heat mode aimed at extra crisp results, and a touchscreen with four presets. The nonstick basket is dishwasher safe.
At 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon at the time of writing, it is a well-reviewed value pick. The four presets cover the common foods, and the 6-quart size is generous for the price class. It is a single basket, so two-food cooking is not on the table.
Best for: value-minded families who want a 6 quart basket with easy presets. May not fit if: you want to cook two foods at once.
5. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 Qt XL Air Fryer – Best Stainless Finish
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 Qt XL Air Fryer
- ✓ 6 quart capacity handles family portions
- ✓ Six functions including roast, bake and dehydrate
- ✓ Stainless steel finish looks good on the counter
- ✗ Larger footprint than the 4 quart mini
- ✗ One basket only, so sides and mains cook separately
It adds a more polished finish and a larger basket to the familiar Instant Pot lineup. The Vortex Plus 6 Qt XL steps up from the mini with a larger basket that can take a full family-size batch of wings, vegetables or fries. It keeps the 6-in-1 feature set, so roasting, baking, reheating and dehydrating are all on the menu.
The stainless steel finish gives it a more polished look than plastic-bodied competitors, which matters if the appliance lives on the counter. It is a solid pick when you want one larger basket from a familiar brand without moving into dual-basket pricing.
Best for: families who want a larger single basket from a familiar brand. May not fit if: you want to cook two different foods at the same time.
6. Chefman 6 Qt Dual Basket Digital Air Fryer – Best Low-Cost Dual Basket
Chefman 6 Qt Dual Basket Digital Air Fryer
- ✓ Two independent 3 quart baskets
- ✓ Digital touchscreen with Smart Sync Finish
- ✓ Low price for a dual-basket machine
- ✗ Each basket is only 3 quarts
- ✗ Rated below the top Ninja dual-basket models
It is the way to try dual-basket cooking while keeping the price in check. The Chefman 6 Qt Dual Basket Digital Air Fryer gives you two independent three-quart baskets, a digital touchscreen, and Smart Sync Finish, which times both baskets so they finish together. Hi-Fry and auto shutoff are included.
At 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon at the time of writing it is not the top-rated dual-basket model, but it is one of the lowest-cost ways to get two baskets. For households that want to try dual-basket cooking without spending Ninja prices, it is a reasonable starting point.
Best for: buyers who want the lowest-cost route to a dual-basket air fryer. May not fit if: you want top-tier ratings and larger baskets.
7. Ninja Foodi DualZone XL 10 Qt (DZ401) – Best for Large Families
Ninja Foodi DualZone XL 10 Qt (DZ401)
- ✓ 10 quart total capacity for big families
- ✓ Two independent baskets
- ✓ Six cooking functions
- ✗ Big appliance that dominates a counter
- ✗ Overkill for one or two people
It is the largest dual-basket option here, suited to big households. The Ninja Foodi DualZone XL 10 Qt (DZ401) is the big-family version of the DualZone idea, with two large baskets and a combined 10 quarts of space. You can run two different foods side by side, which is what makes weeknight cooking faster.
It carries a 4.7 out of 5 Amazon rating at the time of writing. It is large and it is not low-priced, so it only makes sense if you regularly feed four or more or batch cook. For smaller households the 8-quart DualZone is the more sensible size.
Best for: large families and meal preppers who cook a lot at once. May not fit if: you cook for one or two or have limited counter space.
8. Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer 2.6 Qt – Best Budget Starter
Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer 2.6 Qt
- ✓ Low-cost entry into air frying
- ✓ Digital controls on a compact body
- ✓ Small footprint
- ✗ 2.6 quart capacity limits portions
- ✗ Basic feature set
It lowers the barrier to trying air frying at all. The Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer holds 2.6 quarts and uses digital controls, which makes it one of the most approachable ways to try air frying. It is small enough to tuck away and simple enough to use right out of the box.
With a 4.5 out of 5 Amazon rating at the time of writing, it has a solid reputation for its size. It will not feed a crowd and it is not packed with extra modes, but for a first air fryer on a tight budget it does the job.
Best for: budget buyers and first-timers cooking small portions. May not fit if: you need to cook family-size batches.
9. Chefman Compact 3.5 Qt Air Fryer – Best Slim Design
Chefman Compact 3.5 Qt Air Fryer
- ✓ Narrow footprint saves counter space
- ✓ Max temperature of 450 degrees F
- ✓ Dishwasher-safe nonstick ceramic basket
- ✗ 3.5 quart capacity limits batch size
- ✗ Four functions only
It solves the problem of a tight counter better than most. The Chefman Compact 3.5 Qt is designed for small kitchens, with a slim, narrow footprint and a 450 degree maximum temperature. Four functions cover air frying, baking, dehydrating and a frozen-food setting.
The nonstick ceramic basket is dishwasher safe, and the 4.5 out of 5 Amazon rating at the time of writing shows buyers are happy with it at this size. It will not suit big families, but it is one of the most space-efficient choices on this list.
Best for: small kitchens and one to two people. May not fit if: you want to cook large portions.
How We Compared These Air Fryers
We compared each air fryer using the product details listed on Amazon, focusing on basket capacity, the number of cooking functions, the basket material and any standout features such as dual baskets, presets or view windows. We did not rely on a single spec, because an air fryer that looks great on paper can still be awkward in daily use.
We also looked at the star rating shown on each listing at the time of writing as a rough signal of owner satisfaction, and we kept the shortlist varied so you can see small, large, single-basket and dual-basket options side by side. Read our review methodology for the full approach.
How to Choose the Best Air Fryer
The right air fryer is the one that fits your household, your counter and the way you actually cook. These are the factors worth thinking through before you pick a model from the list above.
Capacity and Basket Size
Capacity is the first number to check. A 2 to 3.5 quart basket suits one or two people, 4 to 5 quarts handles two to four, and 6 quarts or more is where family meals start to fit without cooking in rounds.
Remember that stated quarts is the volume of the basket, not a promise of how much food you can spread in a single crisp layer. Air frying works best when food is not piled up, so a basket that looks big enough on paper may still need two batches for a pound of wings.
Single Basket or Dual Basket
A single basket is simpler, smaller and usually lower priced. It is the right call if you mostly cook one food at a time, such as fries, chicken tenders or a tray of vegetables.
Dual-basket and stacked designs let you cook two foods at once and often include a sync feature so both finish together. They cost more and take more space, but they save real time when dinner is a protein plus a side.
Cooking Functions Beyond Air Frying
Many models list functions such as roast, bake, broil, reheat and dehydrate. These are largely variations in temperature and fan behavior, but they save you from guessing settings, and reheating leftovers in an air fryer is one of the most useful everyday tricks.
If you only plan to make fries and wings, a four-function model is plenty. If you want to replace a toaster oven for small bakes and roasts, look for more functions and a larger interior.
Basket Coating and Materials
Most baskets use a nonstick coating, and some brands now advertise PFAS-free ceramic coatings or glass cooking containers instead. Which you choose is a personal preference about materials rather than a performance rule.
Whatever the material, use non-metal utensils and avoid abrasive pads so the surface lasts. Check whether the basket is listed as dishwasher safe, since easy cleanup decides how often you will actually use the machine.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Wipe the basket and tray after each use, before grease bakes on. A dishwasher-safe basket makes this painless, but hand washing with a soft sponge also works well and tends to extend the life of any coating.
Do not forget the heating element and fan area. A quick wipe once in a while, once the unit is cool and unplugged, keeps smells down and helps the machine heat evenly.
How to Get Crispier Results From Any Air Fryer
Preheating for a couple of minutes, patting food dry and keeping it in a single layer are the three habits that matter most. Moisture and crowding are the usual reasons food turns out soft.
A light spray or brush of oil helps browning on vegetables and breaded foods, and shaking or flipping halfway evens out the cook. Most models make these steps easy, and a few even remind you.
What You Can Cook Besides Fries
Frozen snacks are the obvious starting point, but air fryers also handle chicken thighs, salmon, roasted vegetables, meatballs and even small baked goods. Anything you would roast on a sheet pan at high heat is a candidate.
Leftover pizza, fries and fried chicken reheat far better in an air fryer than in a microwave, which is often the feature owners end up using most.
Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make
The biggest mistake is buying too small. Many first-time owners find that a 2 quart model is a charming gadget but frustrating for real meals, and end up upgrading within months.
The second is ignoring counter space and storage. A large air fryer that lives in a cabinet is one you will not use, so be honest about where it will sit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size air fryer do I need?
For one or two people, a 2 to 4 quart model is usually enough. For a family of four, aim for 5 to 6 quarts or a dual-basket machine so you are not cooking in several rounds.
If you often cook for guests or batch prep, a 8 to 10 quart dual-basket or stacked model gives more flexibility.
Are dual-basket air fryers worth it?
They are worth it if you often cook two different foods for the same meal, because both can finish together. They are less compelling if you mostly cook small single-item portions.
Dual-basket models cost more and take more counter space, so weigh how often you would use the second basket before paying the premium.
Is a ceramic or glass air fryer better than a nonstick one?
It depends on your preferences. Ceramic and glass appeal to buyers who want to avoid traditional nonstick coatings, while standard nonstick baskets are lighter and widely used.
Performance in everyday cooking is similar across materials, so choose the one you feel most comfortable with and look after it according to the manufacturer instructions.
How do I clean an air fryer?
Let it cool, remove the basket and tray, and wash them with warm soapy water and a soft sponge, or place them in the dishwasher if the manual says they are dishwasher safe.
Wipe the inside of the unit with a damp cloth and keep the heating element clean. Doing this after each use stops grease from baking on.
Final Verdict
If you want one air fryer that suits most homes, the Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt is our best overall pick thanks to its balance of size, functions and coating. For cooking two foods at once, the Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt (DZ201) stands out, and the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt (AF141) is the simplest well-rated choice for first-time buyers.
If you are working with a smaller budget or tighter space, look at the Chefman 6 Qt Compact or the Dash Tasti-Crisp for a gentle introduction to air frying. Keep browsing our small appliances section for more guides, and see our review methodology to learn how we pick products.
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