Finding the right air fryer can revolutionize your approach to healthy cooking. These versatile countertop appliances use rapid air circulation to create crispy, satisfying textures with a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a large family, there’s a model designed to fit your lifestyle and culinary needs.
From simple basket-style fryers to sophisticated multi-function ovens, the options are vast. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best air fryers available, focusing on their unique features, capacities, and the specific benefits they offer for creating healthier meals every day.
The Best Air Fryers for Your Kitchen
- Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer
- Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- Ninja Flip Toaster Oven&Air Fryer, 8-in-1 Functionality
- COSORI Smart 12-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
- Ninja DZ550 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer
- Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill, 1800W 8-1 Air Fryer
- Midea Flexify French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo
- Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer
- Ninja Air Fryer 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity
- Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer
Ideal for large families, the Chefman 12-Quart Air Fryer Oven provides ample space to prepare meals for a crowd. Its 6-in-1 functionality allows you to air fry, bake, dehydrate, and even use the rotisserie feature for a whole chicken with minimal added fat. The digital touchscreen with 12 presets makes operation straightforward for a variety of dishes.
This model is designed for convenience, featuring dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup. The large capacity and versatile cooking options make it a powerful centerpiece for any kitchen focused on healthy, efficient cooking.
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer is a premium, multi-functional appliance with 24 cooking functions. Its 26-quart capacity and dual-speed fan system ensure even, golden crisping for everything from snacks to large roasts. The unique French door design offers easy access to the spacious interior.
This oven includes an intelligent toast function that automatically shuts off when done, preventing burnt toast. With seven accessories included, it provides exceptional value and versatility for those who appreciate high-performance kitchen tools.
Ninja Flip Toaster Oven and Air Fryer
For kitchens with limited counter space, the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven is a game-changer. Its unique design allows it to flip up and away, taking up 50% less space when not in use. Despite its compact storage, it offers 8-in-1 functionality, including air frying, baking, and dehydrating.
Ninja’s OvenCrisp Technology uses infrared heating and rapid air circulation for even cooking from edge to edge. This model is a perfect blend of space-saving innovation and powerful cooking performance.
COSORI Smart 12-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
The COSORI Smart 12-in-1 Oven is a highly versatile countertop solution. With 12 preset functions, it can handle air frying, baking, toasting, and more. Its 26-quart capacity is perfect for a 12-inch pizza or a 5-pound whole chicken, making it suitable for family meals.
This oven features six heating elements and a two-speed fan for rapid heat circulation, cooking food evenly in less time. It also comes with 75 built-in recipes, providing ample inspiration for healthy and creative cooking.
Ninja DZ550 Foodi 10 Quart DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer
The Ninja Foodi DualZone Smart XL is ideal for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously. Its two independent 5-quart baskets allow you to prepare two different foods in two different ways at the same time. The Smart Cook System includes an integrated thermometer to achieve your preferred level of doneness automatically.
With DualZone Technology, you can use the Smart Finish feature to have both foods ready at the same time, or use Match Cook to copy settings across both zones. This eliminates the need for back-to-back cooking and simplifies meal preparation.
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill
Cuisinart brings its renowned quality to this 8-in-1 air fryer toaster oven. It includes an air fry setting alongside traditional functions like bake, convection bake, broil, and a unique grill option. The 1800-watt power ensures efficient and quick cooking.
This model boasts a spacious interior that can toast six slices of bread, air fry three pounds of wings, or bake a 12-inch pizza. With an adjustable temperature dial and a 60-minute timer, it offers precise control for consistent results.
Midea Flexify French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo
The Midea Flexify features a cyclone air frying system that promises cooking 25% faster while using 90% less oil than traditional fryers. Its six heat tubes and convection fan provide even heating, often eliminating the need for preheating.
With 10 versatile functions, including slow cook and dehydrate, this 26.4-quart oven is a true all-in-one appliance. The French door design saves space and offers easy access to the large cavity, which can fit a 12-inch pizza or 14 chicken wings.
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer
The original Ninja DualZone air fryer features two independent baskets, allowing you to cook two different foods at the same time. This 8-quart model provides the same flexibility as its larger sibling in a more compact size.
It utilizes DualZone Technology with Smart Finish and Match Cook features for synchronized cooking. With 6-in-1 functionality and dishwasher-safe baskets, it combines convenience with the power to prepare complete meals efficiently.
Ninja Air Fryer 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity
This Ninja Air Fryer uses Max Crisp Technology to deliver superheated air up to 450°F for faster, crispier results with little to no oil. It’s tested to use up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods, making it a cornerstone for healthy cooking.
The 6.5-quart capacity is generous, holding up to five pounds of fries or nine pounds of wings. Its 6-in-1 functionality covers air frying, roasting, baking, reheating, and dehydrating, making it a highly capable and straightforward appliance.
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus is a popular and user-friendly air fryer known for its reliability. Its 6-quart capacity is well-suited for small to medium-sized families. The unit features simple controls and preset cooking programs for various foods.
Even without a dedicated image, the Vortex Plus maintains a strong reputation for delivering crispy results with minimal oil. It’s a solid, no-fuss choice for anyone seeking an effective and easy-to-use air fryer for everyday healthy cooking.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Healthy Cooking
I know how overwhelming it can be to pick the right air fryer. The market is flooded with options, and they all seem to promise the same thing: crispy food with a fraction of the oil. But not all air fryers are created equal, especially when your goal is consistent, healthy cooking. After testing and researching many models, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect one for your kitchen and your lifestyle.
First, consider the capacity. This is probably the most important decision. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a compact 2 to 3-quart model will be efficient and save counter space. For a family of three or four, you’ll want to look at a 5 to 6-quart air fryer. This size can handle a decent batch of fries or a good amount of chicken wings. For larger families or if you love meal prepping, an oven-style air fryer with 8 quarts or more might be your best bet. These often have multiple racks, letting you cook different foods at the same time.
Next, think about the controls. You’ll find two main types: digital and analog. Digital touchscreens offer precision. You can set the temperature and time to the exact degree and minute, which I find great for following new recipes. They also often come with pre-programmed settings for things like fries, chicken, and fish. Analog models use dials for time and temperature. They are incredibly straightforward and often a bit cheaper. If you prefer a no-fuss, turn-the-dial approach, this might be the way to go.
Features can really make a difference in your daily use. Look for an air fryer that is simple to clean. A non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket is a huge time-saver. Some models even have dishwasher-safe parts, which is a major plus. Another feature I appreciate is a “shake” reminder. This is a light or beeper that tells you when to shake the basket for even cooking. While not essential, it’s a helpful nudge. Also, consider the noise level. Air fryers have a powerful fan, so they aren’t silent, but some are noticeably quieter than others.
Finally, don’t forget about the physical footprint. Air fryers need space not just on your counter, but also around them for proper ventilation. Measure your available space before you buy. An air fryer that’s too big will become a nuisance, and one that’s too small won’t be useful. By focusing on capacity, controls, key features, and size, you can confidently choose one of the 10 best air fryers for healthy cooking that will suit your needs perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an air fryer actually healthier than a regular oven?
This is a common question, and the answer is a bit nuanced. An air fryer isn’t magically healthier than an oven in terms of the food itself; a vegetable is still a vegetable. The main health benefit comes from the method of cooking. To get food crispy, an air fryer uses rapidly circulating hot air, which requires significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. You can achieve a similar crispy texture with just a spoonful of oil or even none at all. Compared to a conventional oven, an air fryer often cooks food faster and can sometimes create a crispier result without needing to use as much oil as you might on a baking sheet. So, for creating “fried”-style foods with less fat, it’s a fantastic tool.
What can’t I cook in an air fryer?
While air fryers are versatile, there are a few things I avoid putting in mine. Wet batters, like what you’d use for traditional deep-fried fish or onion rings, are a bad idea. The powerful fan will blow the liquid batter around, creating a huge mess inside the appliance and ruining your food. Also, be careful with foods that have loose cheese, like a cheese-topped sandwich. The cheese can melt and drip through the basket before it has a chance to crisp up. Popcorn kernels generally don’t work well either, as they can’t pop effectively in the circulating air. And always avoid placing plain parchment paper without a weight, as the fan can blow it up into the heating element.
How do I prevent my food from drying out?
It’s true that the constant hot air can dry out some foods if you’re not careful. My best tip is to not overcook. Air fryers work fast, so it’s important to check your food a few minutes before the timer goes off. Using a light coating of oil can also help. It creates a barrier that locks in moisture while still allowing the outside to get crispy. For foods like chicken breasts or pork chops, marinating them beforehand or brining them can add a lot of moisture that stays during the cooking process. A little bit of oil spray goes a long way in keeping things juicy.
Are air fryers difficult to clean?
In my experience, they are one of the easier kitchen appliances to clean, but it depends on the model. The key is to clean it soon after use, once it has cooled down. Most baskets and trays are non-stick and dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze. For stubborn, stuck-on grease or food, I let the basket soak in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes, and it usually wipes clean. The main body just needs a wipe with a damp cloth. The effort is minimal compared to cleaning a greasy splatter from pan-frying or dealing with a vat of used oil from a deep fryer.
Is it worth getting a multi-function air fryer?
If you have a small kitchen or are trying to minimize appliances, a multi-function air fryer can be a great investment. These models often work as a toaster oven, convection oven, and air fryer all in one. They are fantastic for roasting vegetables, reheating pizza, baking small batches of cookies, and of course, air frying. However, if your primary goal is to find one of the 10 best air fryers for healthy cooking that excels specifically at air frying with speed and efficiency, a dedicated basket-style air fryer might perform that single task better and often preheats faster.