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The best air fryers

The best air fryers deliver fried food with a fraction of the calories

After a rigorous selection process, we identified Instant Pot Vortex 6-in-1 Air Fryer as the top choice for many. We also added other air fryers with unique features that may suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a handy air fryer for quick, single servings or one that is big enough to feed an army, we’ve got you covered. Keep on reading our list to know our favorite air fryers.

Instant Pot Vortex 6-in-1 Air Fryer

Best Overall

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If you want to experience restaurant-grade meals in the comfort of your own home, then the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer has got you covered. The four-quart Instant Vortex Plus is a modern twist on the classic family restaurant kitchen setup, combining the utility of an oven, pot, and dehydrator into one compact appliance.

It uses EvenCrisp technology to ensure perfectly cooked meals with even temperature circulation and distribution inside. Unlike regular ovens or oil fryers, you won’t have to worry about the kitchen nightmares that come with cleaning up grease residue at all.

Why we love it:

  • Comes with six main functions, all with accessible buttons, designed to cut out 95% of oil to enjoy healthy meals
  • Features single-click options for effortless cooking or heating
  • Built-in safety mechanism to safeguard your home from overheating-related fire
  • Trouble-free temperature adjustment based on your cooking needs

Why we don’t: 

  • Non-ceramic interior for safety considerations

Something to consider:

  • Since it features smart programs, understanding its technical aspects will help you use it smoothly.

Chefman TurboFry Airfryer

Best Value

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Are you looking for a decent-sized air fryer without making a significant dent in your wallet? This gadget might be for you. The Chefman TurboFry Airfryer affordably delivers effective air frying. This device air fries foods well, and it accommodates two quarts, a perfect size for single or personal serving.

The basket is removable and easy to clean, and the user-friendly dials for time and temperature prove that you can cook quickly with simple turns. Now you can try air frying without spending an arm and a leg.

Why we love it:

  • Heat insulated casing to prevent burning skin
  • Can be used directly without preheating for a quick meal and to save time
  • Both basket and tray are removable so that you can clean them in the dishwasher

Why we don’t: 

  • The coating of the basket peels off after extended use

Something to consider:

  • Emits plastic odor, which you can prevent by thoroughly washing the basket before use.

COSORI Air Fryer

Best Large

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One of the most annoying things about air fryers is that they tend to perform much better when cooking small portions than when cooking large batches of ingredients. The COSORI air fryer has a square-shaped non-stick basket, which is large enough to fit enough french fries for your family in one swoop.

This air fryer is smart too, and it includes an app with 100 different recipes to get you started. You can control the air fryer using the app or even voice-control the air fryer using Alexa. You can see how much time your food has left without going in the kitchen, and you can schedule cooking times in advance.

Why we love it:

  • Can be controlled using your voice for stress-free cooking
  • The basket is dishwasher-safe to make cleanup easier
  • With indicator to remind you to shake the food in the basket

Why we don’t:

  • Requires internet connection to access other functions

Something to consider:

  • The digital makeup can render the keypads hard to use.

Cuisinart Airfryer Toaster Oven

Best Looking

Not a fan of digital displays and touchscreens? Cuisinart’s air fryer toaster oven is a simple option for those who can’t stand digital displays, touchscreens, and other modern shenanigans. This air fryer keeps it old school in the best way and is perfect for those who prefer manual controls and a traditional vibe.

The controls are easy to use, and the seven preset functions make this a versatile addition to your kitchen counter space. Whether you’re frying some chicken, roasting a turkey, or cooking up some asparagus, the Cuisinart Airfryer Toaster Oven has you covered in one convenient package.

Why we love it:

  • Also functions as an oven toaster to save space for tiny homes
  • Features a thermostat that you can adjust according to the frying requirements
  • With toast-shade selector, so you will be confident that you will not burn your food

Why we don’t:

  • Plastic knobs that crack in extended use

Something to consider:

  • When setting the temperature and time, keep in mind the built-in thermostat to avoid overcooking.

Dash Air Fryer

Easiest to Use

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Sometimes you don’t need all the extra features but one that is easy to use. The Dash Air Fryer offers just that, as all you have to do is to load its two-quart basket, set temperature and timer, and voila, your food is crisp and ready.

It takes a lot faster than your typical oven and uses little to no oil as a fryer. It also boasts of an auto shut-off function that prevents food from being overcooked and cool-touch exterior, so you don’t get burned.

Why we love it:

  • Simple controls for quick and direct use
  • The basket has increased surface area that will make food crispier
  • Compact design that is perfect for urban and minimalist living

Why we don’t:

  • The basket requires manual washing for a thorough clean up

Something to consider:

  • The numbers and scale marks of the dial can rub off through extended use.

How does an air fryer work?

An air fryer cooks your food with electric heat circulated by powerful fans, and that hot air helps get the surface of the food dry and crispy while keeping the inside fluffy and moist. Many air fryers have some pretty neat additional functions as well, like dehydrating or convection features.

Are air fryers really worth it?

An air fryer can keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle as you can use it for cooking faster than a regular oven. It is also energy efficient, thanks to its small size and quick cooking time. You’ll also eventually save more money and protect the environment.

Are air-fried foods healthy?

Air frying is healthier than oil frying by many standards. It reportedly reduces 70% to 80% of calories and lowers the fat content of your food. It can also eliminate harmful chemicals released when frying in oil, such as the cancer-causing acrylamide from potatoes and other starchy foods.

About the author:

Rusty Davis has been a tech lover for as long as he can remember. From the early days of gaming consoles to the introduction of the smartphone, portable computers, and more, he’s always wanted to get his hands on the latest and greatest. He has years upon years of experience reviewing and testing everything from phone cases to smartwatches, the latest phones and tablets to gaming computers, and even desks. If it’s a piece of tech or tech-adjacent, he’s interested in how it works and who it works best for. He’s now here sharing all of his knowledge with you to help you make the best decision for yourself.

Why you should trust us:

The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs. The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.

Rusty Davis
Rusty Davis has been a tech lover for as long as he can remember. From the early days of gaming consoles to the introduction…