Air fryers are multipurpose kitchen tools that can cut down on the amount of time and effort it takes to create a delicious meal. They are also healthier than using a traditional deep fryer. With sizes ranging from 2 quarts to over 30 quarts, you can use them to prepare a personal portion or cook a meal for the whole family.
Finding the right one can be a little tricky with all the different designs and sizes available. You want to make sure what you buy has the features you need. We have simplified the process for you by providing a list of the best air fryers for individuals, couples, and families.
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The Top 15 Air Fryers
You will find everything from personal to extra large capacity in this list of the top 15 air fryers on the market today. No matter what style you prefer, you will find one to fill your cooking needs.
CHEFMAN Turbofry 2 Quart Air Fryer
This personal 2-quart air fryer comes in two styles. Both are sleek black and silver with digital heat and time controls. With this machine, your deep-fried recipes will require 80% less oil. If you are looking to start living a healthier lifestyle, this product is perfect for cutting down your caloric intake. You can fry, bake, or roast with this convenient device. The space-saving design allows you to cook for up to two people or significant portion sizes for one person. We believe this is the best air fryer for a single person with plenty of room for sides to cook with the main course.
PROS:
- Dishwasher safe basket
- The timer has an auto shut off feature
- Compact and easy to store when not in use
CONS:
- If you do not prepare the machine for cooking by following the manufacturer guidelines, then there may be a lingering strong metallic or plastic smell
GOWISE USA Ming’s Mark GW22621 Electric Air Fryer
This sleek black egg-shaped machine holds up to 3.7 quarts. It has a circular digital control panel with heat and temperature controls. You can make juicy foods with a crispy outer layer using one of the seven auto-cooking buttons, including chips, meat, chicken, steak, shrimp, and fish. There is an alarm light indicator to show you when your food is complete, which gives you the extra time to do other prep work in the kitchen while everything cooks. The basket can be detached to make it easier to plate your the fried food.
PROS:
- The temperature can be controlled between 170 to 400
- Automatically returns to standby mode after 30 minutes
- Pan and basket are non-stick, making it easier to clean
- Includes recipe book
CONS:
- There is a time limit of 1 to 30 minutes
MOOSOO Large Air Fryer Oven
The 30-quart MOOSOO air fryer can handle most large foods, including a 12-inch pizza or 7-pound chicken. You can use this device to air fry, toast, bake, broil, or as a rotisserie. There are large clear-view French doors and a lit interior so you can watch the progress of your cooking. There are dial controls for temperature, oven baking, and time on the right-hand side and auto-cook options along the top. The air fryer component can heat the interior air to 360℉. With the oven heat option, you can control the temperature between 0℉ and 395℉. You can use 85% less oil compared to deep fry recipe requirements. We believe this is the best air fryer for a large family. Although no components are dishwasher safe, you can easily clean it with a damp cloth once the entire machine is cooled.
PROS:
- 1600W of power for high intensity, even cooking
- Highly customizable dial controls
- Three different rack levels
CONS:
- None of the accessories or pieces are dishwasher safe
KALORIK Digital Maxx Air Fryer Oven
This beautiful stainless steel 26-quart air fryer has double doors and interior lighting so you can monitor your meal. There is a digital readout and a combination of digital and dial controls for temperature, time, and auto-cook options. The temperature controls are capable of going up to 500 for faster cook times. This is the best air fryer for a family of 4 people with its ability to accommodate whole chickens, large pizzas, and other full-sized items.
PROS:
- It comes with nine accessories: air frying basket, air rack, bacon tray, baking pan, crumb tray, rack handle, rotisserie handle, rotisserie spit, and steak tray
- The manufacturer claims it cooks up to 50% faster than other air fryers
- Kalorik has nine decades of history designing and selling quality kitchen appliances, and their products come with a 1-year standard warranty
- 21 cooking presets available on the LED display
CONS:
- Components are not dishwasher safe
- If you do not prepare the machine for cooking by following the manufacturer guidelines, then there may be a lingering strong metallic or plastic smell
ICONITES 10-In-1 Air Fryer Oven
You get a lot of bang for your buck with this 20-quart 10-in-1 air fryer oven. With a temperature range of between 180℉ to 400℉, you can cook a wide variety of foods. The controls are all built into a bright LED touchscreen panel with ten auto-cook presets, temperature, and time controls. You can prepare almost any meal for your family using this amazing multipurpose machine.
PROS:
- This machine allows you to air fry, bake, grill, roast, toast, dehydrate, and rotisserie cook
- 1800W of power
- Includes 14 accessories: rotisserie skewer, fry net basket, rotating basket, drip tray, fetch rack, chicken fork, 5-piece dehydrating racks, two oven mitts
- Some parts are dishwasher safe, and the drip tray is removable for an easier cleanup
CONS:
- No exhaustive users manual comes with the fryer, so you will need to check the manufacturer site for additional instructions and details
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer
The 10.6-quart Chefman air fryer has a compact and attractive rounded square shape that allows it to take up less countertop space. The manufacturer claims that you can cook the same mouthwatering fried foods with 98% less oil than standard deep fryers. The drip tray is removable, and some of the parts can be put in a dishwasher, making cleanup a breeze. The controls are on a large LED touchscreen panel. This is a beautiful black machine that will fit in with any modern kitchen.
PROS:
- You can also use this air fryer as a rotisserie spit, oven, and dehydrator
- 14 auto-cook preset options on the digital display along with temperature and time controls
- Timer alert
- 1-Year assurance provided by Chefman
CONS:
- If you do not follow the manufacturer guidelines and ensure that you are using an outlet compatible with the power requirements of the air fryer (120 Volts/1700 Watts), then the machine may have a shorter lifespan or malfunction
GOWISE USA 8-IN-1 Digital Air Fryer
This air fryer comes in 5, 5.8, and 8-quart sizes. It is a compact oblong shape with a black outer casing that would fit in with any kitchen. There is an LED touchscreen with temperature, time, and preset controls. This machine allows you to fry, bake, grill, or roast your favorite foods at temperatures between 180℉ to 400℉ for up to 30 minutes. The non-stick pan and detachable basket make it easier to clean up after each use. These make excellent gifts with their multipurpose features and easy-to-use design.
PROS:
- Built-in alarm functions for 5, 10, and 15-minute intervals
- Cool-touch handle so you can shake food while it cooks
- Includes a book of 50 recipes designed specifically for the GoWISE machine
- 30-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty
CONS:
- If you are not careful, the black protective surface can be removed from the basket, which can lead the metal underneath to rust without proper care and maintenance
COMFEE Digital Air Fryer
The COMFEE device is the best air fryer for two people. It has a capacity of 5.8 quarts which is enough space for the main course and sides for two servings. If you want to do a lot of dehydrating then, this is the machine for you because it can stay at temperatures of 90 to 200 for 24 hours and, when cooking, can maintain a temperature range of 170 to 400 for up to an hour. You can serve up to five people with this air fryer so your family and friends can enjoy a delicious crispy meal.
PROS:
- Includes 110 recipes designed to be used in the COMFEE air fryer
- Non-stick detachable basket
- BPA & PFOA Free
- Shake reminders and other programmable alert options
- 8 preset options
- 1-Year manufacturer warranty
CONS:
- Check carefully to ensure your outlet has the proper power capabilities to handle the requirements of the machine (1700 watts); otherwise, it may take longer to cook or fail to work properly
NUWAVE BRIO Large Capacity Air Fryer
This large-capacity 15.5-quart Brio works as both an air fryer and a grill. With 100 programmable presets and an owner’s manual with NuWave approved recipes, you can serve up a new dish every night for your family. There is an automatic shut-off function when your food is ready to prevent overcooking if you are distracted. A digital temperature probe ensures that your food is cooked to perfection every time.
PROS:
- Includes: non-stick grill plate, three cooking racks, drip tray, integrated temperature probe, and rotisserie kit
- 1-Year limited warranty
- 1800 watts of power
- All removable pieces can be put in a dishwasher for quicker cleanup
CONS:
- Check carefully to ensure your outlet has the proper power capabilities to handle the requirements of the machine (1800 watts); otherwise, it may take longer to cook
IRUNTEK Mini Compact Air Fryer
The iRUNTEK mini is a compact shape that comes in three colors: blue, black, and red. This is a minimalist design of air fryer with only a single control option for time, and the rest of the process is automatic. This 1.3-quart machine is excellent for a single person or couple looking to add a few healthily fried foods to their diet. Mini air fryers are ideal for people who travel a lot, regularly go camping or anyone who might be moving and want to have an easy way to heat food without using the oven. These are great little machines that give you the crispy treats you want at an affordable price.
PROS:
- Safety features include protection against overheating and an auto shut-off function
- Cool-touch handle and housing
- PFOA and PTFE free
- Dishwasher safe basket
CONS:
- If you do not prepare the machine for cooking by following the manufacturer guidelines, then there may be a lingering strong metallic or plastic smell
NUWAVE BRIO Digital Air Fryer
We previously listed one of NuWave Brio’s large-capacity air fryers, but this smaller model is also worth looking into if you want something for a smaller group. At 6-quarts it can cook food for a couple. Surprise your significant other with their favorite piping hot fried food using one of the 6 preset cooking functions. The machine and cooking capacity size makes this perfect for dorm rooms or smaller apartments where it will not take up much storage or counter space.
PROS:
- Basket divider so you can prepare more than one type of food at a time
- 1500 watts of cooking power
- Includes non-stick baking pan and cooking rack
CONS:
- There is a small metal clip that keeps the basket from sliding around. If you do not use this clip, there is a possibility the hot basket will slide out of the casing
INSTANT POT Vortex Plus Multi-Use Air Fryer
This 10-quart large air fryer is a 7-in-1 multipurpose cooking machine that you can use to fry, bake, roast, toast, broil, dehydrate, and rotisserie. Specialized EvenCrisp technology ensures that with specific settings, the inside of your food stays juicy while the outside crisps for a perfect fried meal. The large size and the fact that both trays can be used at once means you can cook multiple courses simultaneously, cutting down on overall prep time. You can feed a whole family with this large air fryer.
PROS:
- The drip pan, cooking trays, rotisserie basket, rotisserie spit, and forks can all be cleaned in the dishwasher
- There are programmable options and 14 control features, including some for time and temperature
- Very little to no preheat time required for most presets
CONS:
- Follow the manufacturer guidelines for preparing your machine for use; otherwise, you may find that it does not work properly
COSORI Air Fryer Max XL
The COSORI 2.3-quart personal air fryer has dial controls for temperature and time. You can use this convenient machine for frying, baking, grilling, and roasting for up to two people. This is another great product for college students or people who want to have an easily transported air fryer.
PROS:
- Auto shut-off safety feature
- Non-Stick fry basket that can be cleaned in the dishwasher or by hand
- 1-Year limited warranty
CONS:
- Make sure your kitchen outlet is designed to handle the power output requirements (120V/60Hz)
- If you do not prepare the machine for cooking by following the manufacturer guidelines, then there may be a lingering strong metallic or plastic smell
NINJA AF101 Air Fryer
Ninja is a trusted brand in kitchen appliances, and their attractive gray and black 4-quart air fryer is high quality. There is a multi-layer rack, and the basket can be removed for easy cleaning. This is an excellent air fryer for couples, and you can use it to prepare multiple courses for your meal. The fryer has four cooking functions that you can control using the digital touchscreen.
PROS:
- Capable of frying, roasting, reheating, or dehydrating
- All accessories are dishwasher safe
- Time and temperature controls
CONS:
- The manufacturer recommends preheating the device for 3 minutes before cooking, which is a slower preheat time than most other devices
- If you do not prepare the machine for cooking by following the manufacturer guidelines, then there may be a lingering strong metallic or plastic smell
GEEK CHEF Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This large air fryer looks like a professional commercial product and has many attractive features that allow you to fry, roast, bake, broil, or reheat food. With a shiny silver stainless steel outer casing, it will fit in with any modern kitchen. It comes in a couple of sizes, including 11, 19, and 24-quarts. Seven smart modes allow you to cook everyday foods like steak, chicken, pizza, and vegetables with a simple press of a button. The precise dial controls give you complete control over function, temperature, and time so that you can prepare tasty meals effortlessly.
PROS:
- Triple cooking power and infrared heat
- Turbo air and a 360rotating system
- There are four accessories, including a baking pan, fryer basket, oven rack, and drip tray
CONS:
- There are not a wide variety of add-ons you can buy for this device, such as additional racks
What Is An Air Fryer And Why Do You Need One
Air fryers are countertop convection ovens. They can cook food in a way that simulates deep frying without using oil. This makes the food prepared in them healthier with fewer calories. The browned appearance and crispy fried texture are created by high-speed hot air circulating over and around the food to cook it.
Anyone looking to make healthier lifestyle choices for themselves and their family would benefit from having an air fryer. It makes the process of frying food quick and efficient. Most air fryers come with digital presetting options that make it effortless to create an endless variety of delicious meals. You will save time, energy and eat fewer calories by using one of these convenient machines.
The Different Types Of Air Fryers
While each manufacturer has its own designs and features, there are a few standard types of air friends, including multipurpose, personal, and large capacity or commercial air fryers.
Multipurpose Air Fryers
We all love saving money. A multipurpose Air fryer can help you do that by providing additional features capable of doing more than simply air frying your favorite dishes. Some of the most common multipurpose air fryers include the following.
- Pressure cooker
- Broiler
- Grill
- Dehydrator
- Slow cooker
The fantastic thing about air fryers is that even when they have many added features, the prices are still incredibly affordable. Most are the same price as a quality slow cooker. These are often large capacity, although some smaller-sized air fryers come with multipurpose capabilities.
Personal Sized Air Fryers
Most personal air fryers are between 1 and 3 quarts in size, while couples can use air fryers as small as 4 quarts to successfully cook two total servings of their favorite food. These machines are usually more straightforward and mainly come with a single basket.
Large Capacity Air Fryers
Large capacity or commercial air fryers are made to accommodate large things like entire pizzas, whole birds for rotisserie cooking, or loaves of bread for toasting. These are the air fryers that will have the most components and features.
5 Benefits Of Using An Air Fryers
There are a variety of benefits to using an air fryer instead of a standard deep fryer or other cooking options. Below are the top five advantages of using an air fryer in your kitchen.
- Frying food using air instead of oil can cut down up to 70% of the calories contained in the completed meal. Most air fryers require little or no oil, and fat that would otherwise be incorporated into the food is drained away during the cooking process.
- They are cheaper to run because they use less energy than a conventional oven. The energy is also used more efficiently, and there is less area that needs heating which means the machine runs for a shorter period.
- Cook times are much faster in an air fryer, with some recipes being up to 25% faster than other cooking methods. Some of your favorite foods can be ready to eat in a portion of the time, leaving you with more flexibility and enough extra time to spend with your family.
- Air fryers can be used for a large number of recipes for all kinds of cultures and styles. Foodies and families will enjoy the potential variety that this machine will bring into their diet.
- There are safety risks that come with using a standard deep-fried. The large quantity of heated oil can lead to possible injury that you do not have to worry about when using an air fryer. They are also safer than some other devices that they can replace, including grills and pressure cookers.
5 Things To Look For In An Air Fryer
To get the right air fryer, you need to look at what features and design components will work best for your kitchen and cooking style. A few universal things to look for in an air fryer include the following.
- TEMPERATURE CONTROLS: you want to have detailed temperature controls to ensure your food is cooked thoroughly.
- AUTO SHUT OFF AND SAFETY FEATURES: safety features are essential when you are using devices that operate at extremely high temperatures. One common safety feature you want to have in your air fryer is an auto shut-off function which can be controlled by time or temperature.
- TIMERS AND ALERTS: you want to know when your food is ready to cook and finished, so having an air fryer with timer controls and preheat alerts can be incredibly helpful.
- WATTAGE AND OUTLETS: you need to make sure that the product you buy will be compatible with your kitchen outlets. So check the maximum wattage your outlets can support before you start shopping around for an air fryer. This will save you time and frustration.
- CAPACITY: you want to make certain that your favorite fried dishes will actually fit inside the fryer. If you want to fry a whole chicken, then a one-quart air fryer will not be big enough.
Conclusion
Crispy deep-fried foods are popular for their taste and texture, but there are a lot of health considerations to take into account when you are cooking with that much oil. An easy way to cut out any concerns is by using an air fryer where heated air replaces the oil.
We personally like saving money, so when we find high-quality multipurpose kitchen devices, they usually get higher priority than single-purpose machines. Our favorite air fryer capable of personalized or large meal cooking is the NuWave Brio Large Capacity Air Fryer which also acts as a quality grill. It comes with a ton of features, including 100 possible presets and seven accessory items to bring your cooking up to another level.
If you do not need something quite that big, we also really enjoy the 3.7-quart GoWISE USA Ming’s Mark GW22621 Electric Air Fryer because it has an attractive appearance and easy-to-use touchscreen controls. You and a few of your friends can enjoy a quick and tasty mix of fried foods using this air fryer.
Air fryers are straightforward to use and are a perfect addition to any kitchen, regardless of experience with frying food. Most have preset options that make it easy to create those fried meals you have been craving with a press of a button. Now you have all the information you need to choose the perfect product for your lifestyle and cooking needs.
