Best Air Fryers of 2026
The best air fryers of 2026 for every kitchen: basket, dual-basket, glass and oven-style picks, plus how to choose the right size and features.
By PlusReviews Editorial TeamPublished 9 min read
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The best air fryer for most people in 2026 is the Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart. On paper it covers almost everything a household of three or four needs: a wide 90 to 450°F temperature range, a variable-speed fan, a basket that fits a full bag of frozen fries, and a footprint that still works on a crowded counter. Many reviewers report crisp results and easy cleanup, and it sits in the mid-range price tier rather than the premium one.
That said, “best” depends on how you cook. If you feed a family and want a main and a side ready at the same moment, a two-basket Ninja makes more sense. If you cook for one, a smaller budget model saves space and money. And if you want to replace your toaster oven too, a countertop oven-style air fryer is the better buy.
Below are seven picks, each chosen for a specific kind of kitchen, based on manufacturer specs, expert reviews and owner feedback. Prices change constantly, so we use price tiers instead of dollar amounts. For more appliance guides, browse our home and kitchen hub.
Our picks
#1: Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart Air Fryer
Best overallBest for: Households of three to four who want one air fryer that does everything well
The TurboBlaze is the one we would point most people to first. Cosori moved to a brushless DC fan with several speeds, which lets the machine run a strong airflow for fries and wings and a gentler one for baked goods that would otherwise dry out or blow around. The 450°F ceiling is higher than many competitors, which helps with a fast, crisp finish on chicken thighs and frozen snacks.
Many reviewers describe the results as crisp and the basket as easy to clean, though Reviewed noted that the lack of a shake reminder can lead to somewhat uneven cooking if you forget to toss food. The main thing you give up is a second zone: if you want a protein and vegetables done at the same moment, look at the Ninja DoubleStack below. Skip this one if you live alone and rarely cook more than a portion or two; a 4-quart model will do the job in less space.
- Capacity
- 6 qt
- Temperature range
- 90 to 450°F
- Power
- About 1,725 W
- Functions
- 9 (air fry, roast, bake, broil, dry and more)
- Basket coating
- Ceramic nonstick
Pros
- Wide 90 to 450°F range covers dehydrating through hard searing
- DC motor with multiple fan speeds for gentler baking or faster crisping
- Ceramic-coated basket that reviewers say is easy to wipe clean
- Square basket uses space more efficiently than round designs
Cons
- No shake reminder, so you need to remember to toss fries yourself
- Single basket means mains and sides cook in batches
#2: Ninja DoubleStack XL 10-Quart (SL401)
Best for familiesBest for: Families who cook a main and a side together but do not have room for a wide side-by-side unit
Dual-basket air fryers solve the biggest frustration with single-basket models: cooking a whole meal in shifts. The DoubleStack puts its two baskets on top of each other rather than side by side, so it fits on counters where a wide unit like the long-running Ninja Foodi DZ401 would be a squeeze. Smart Finish staggers the start times so both baskets finish together, and Match Cook copies one basket’s settings to the other when you are doubling a recipe.
The trade-off is height and depth of each drawer. Reviewers note it handles fries, nuggets, vegetables and chicken pieces well, but a whole chicken or a large roast is better suited to a single deep basket or an oven-style unit. If you rarely cook two things at once, the extra cost and cleanup are not worth it.
- Total capacity
- 10 qt (2 x 5 qt)
- Layout
- Stacked baskets
- Functions
- 6-in-1 (air fry, broil, bake, roast and more)
- Key features
- Smart Finish, Match Cook
Pros
- Two independent 5-quart baskets for two foods, two settings
- Stacked design is narrower than side-by-side dual-basket models
- Smart Finish syncs both baskets to end at the same time
- Included racks let you cook on two levels per basket
Cons
- Tall unit may not fit under low wall cabinets
- Each basket is shallower, so large whole items can be awkward
- More parts to wash than a single-basket model
#3: Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart with ClearCook
Best with a windowBest for: Cooks who like to check doneness without opening the basket
Pulling out the basket every few minutes to check food lets heat escape and adds time. The Vortex Plus with ClearCook gets around that with a window in the drawer, which is especially useful while you are still learning how long things take. The OdorErase filters are a small but welcome touch in open-plan apartments where the smell of fish or bacon lingers.
Expert reviewers have long rated it a strong value pick, with reliable crisping for everyday foods. Note that Instant also sells an older Vortex Plus 6-Quart without the window and filters, so check the listing title carefully before you buy.
- Capacity
- 6 qt
- Power
- About 1,700 W
- Functions
- Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate
- Extras
- ClearCook window, OdorErase filters
Pros
- Viewing window and internal light let you see food as it browns
- OdorErase filters help reduce cooking smells
- Straightforward touch controls and presets
- Widely available from major retailers
Cons
- Window can get greasy and needs regular cleaning
- Lower maximum temperature than the Cosori TurboBlaze
#4: Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer (AF101)
Best budgetBest for: One or two people, dorms and small kitchens
The AF101 has been a popular basic air fryer for years because it does the core job without fuss. Four quarts is enough for a couple of chicken breasts or a side of fries for two, and the unit is light and small enough to store in a cupboard when you need the counter back.
It is a budget pick, so do not expect fan-speed control, an app or a 450°F mode. If it is out of stock where you shop, Ninja’s newer Air Fryer Pro line covers similar ground with a bit more capacity. If you cook for three or more on a regular basis, spend a little more on a 6-quart model instead.
- Capacity
- 4 qt (about 2 lb of fries)
- Power
- About 1,550 W
- Max temperature
- About 400°F
- Functions
- Air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate
Pros
- Simple controls with no learning curve
- Compact footprint for small counters
- Ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate
- Long track record and easy to find replacement parts
Cons
- 4 quarts is tight for more than two servings
- Maximum temperature tops out around 400°F
- Stock varies by retailer as newer Ninja models arrive
#5: Typhur Dome 2
Best premiumBest for: Big-batch cooks who want a wide basket, quiet operation and app control
Most air fryers are tall and deep, which means food piles up and the bottom layer steams instead of crisps. The Dome 2 goes the other way: a wide, low basket that lets you spread food in a single layer, plus heating elements above and below. On paper that is the right design for wings, pizza and anything you want evenly browned without flipping.
Its self-cleaning cycle uses high heat to break down grease on the top of the cooking cavity, though you still wash the basket yourself. This is a lot of machine for a small kitchen, and the premium price only makes sense if you cook large single-layer batches often.
- Capacity
- About 5.6 qt (varies by listing)
- Power
- About 1,750 W
- Heating
- Top and bottom elements
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi app
- Pizza size
- Up to 12 in
Pros
- Very wide, shallow basket fits a 12-inch pizza or a single layer of wings
- Top and bottom heating elements for more even browning
- Self-clean cycle targets grease on the upper cavity
- Reviewers frequently note it runs quieter than typical air fryers
Cons
- Takes up a lot of counter space and will not fit most cupboards
- Self-clean cycle can produce smoke, so it needs good ventilation
- Premium price tier
#6: Ninja Crispi Portable Glass Air Fryer
Best glass designBest for: People who want to avoid nonstick baskets, and meal preppers
The Crispi is a different take on the air fryer. Instead of a drawer, a compact heating unit (the “pod”) sits on top of a glass container. You can prep food in the container, refrigerate it with a lid, then snap on the heating unit and cook. Because the container is glass, there is no nonstick coating in contact with your food, which is a real draw for people who prefer to avoid coated cookware.
The compromise is space and weight. Glass is heavier than an aluminum basket and the containers hold less than a full 6-quart drawer. It suits singles, couples and meal preppers more than families cooking big batches.
- Containers
- About 4 qt and 6 cups (US version)
- Power
- About 1,500 W (US)
- Functions
- Max Crisp, air fry, bake, recrisp (US version)
- Material
- Tempered glass containers
Pros
- Cooks in glass containers instead of a coated metal basket
- Containers double as storage with included lids
- Detachable heating unit makes cleanup and storage easy
- You can see food through the glass while it cooks
Cons
- Smaller usable capacity than a 6-quart basket
- Glass is heavier and can break if dropped
- Preset-driven controls, and specs differ between US and international versions
#7: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Best air fryer ovenBest for: Anyone who wants to replace a toaster oven and an air fryer with one appliance
If you have room for only one countertop cooking appliance, a convection oven with an air fry mode can make more sense than a basket. The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the benchmark here: experts consistently praise its build quality and even heat, and it handles toast, cookies, sheet-pan dinners and a roast chicken as well as air-fried snacks.
What you give up is speed and maximum crispness on small batches. A compact basket concentrates airflow more tightly, so fries come out crunchier faster. Buy this if versatility matters more than pure air frying performance.
- Capacity
- 1 cu ft
- Power
- About 1,800 W
- Functions
- 13
- Smart version
- Joule app model sold separately
Pros
- Large 1 cubic foot interior fits a 13-inch pizza or a small roast
- 13 cooking functions including toast, bake, roast, proof and slow cook
- Element IQ adjusts heating elements for each mode
- Interior light and clear LCD display
Cons
- Large and heavy, so it needs a permanent spot on the counter
- Air frying is less intense than in a compact basket model
- Premium price tier
How to choose an air fryer
Pick the right capacity
Capacity is the decision that matters most, and it is easy to get wrong. Manufacturers measure in quarts, but usable space depends on the basket’s shape. A wide, shallow basket lets you spread food in one layer, which is what produces crisp results. A tall, narrow basket of the same quart rating forces you to stack food.
- 2 to 4 quarts: one or two people, small kitchens, side dishes.
- 5 to 6 quarts: the sweet spot for three to four people.
- 8 to 10 quarts (dual basket): families, or anyone cooking a main and side together.
- Oven-style: large items, baking and toasting, or replacing a toaster oven.
Basket, dual-basket or oven?
Single-basket models are the simplest and usually the best at crisping, because air moves through a compact space. Dual-basket models trade some simplicity for the ability to cook two foods with different settings that finish together. Side-by-side designs are wide; stacked designs like the Ninja DoubleStack are taller but narrower. Air fryer ovens are the most versatile but the slowest to crisp and the hardest to find room for.
Temperature range and fan control
A maximum of 400°F is fine for most frozen foods and vegetables. A 450°F ceiling helps with a faster, harder sear on meat and a crisper finish on wings. At the other end, a low setting (around 100°F or below) is what you need for dehydrating fruit or proofing dough. Variable fan speed, offered on models like the Cosori TurboBlaze, helps with baked goods and lighter foods that can dry out or blow around under strong airflow.
Coatings and materials
Most baskets use a nonstick coating. Many brands have moved to ceramic-based coatings marketed as PFAS-free; check the current listing, as materials can change between production runs. If you prefer to avoid coated cooking surfaces entirely, glass-container designs such as the Ninja Crispi or a stainless oven-style unit are the main alternatives. Whatever you buy, avoid metal utensils and abrasive scrubbers, which shorten the life of any coating.
Noise, footprint and cleaning
Air fryers are fans with heaters, so they make noise. If your kitchen is open to the living area, look for reviews that mention noise. Measure the space under your wall cabinets before buying a tall unit, and leave a few inches of clearance around the back vent. For cleaning, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates save the most time; a window or self-clean feature is nice but adds parts to maintain.
Smart features: useful or not?
Wi-Fi apps can send a “shake now” alert or let you start a preheat from another room. Some people use these daily; many never open the app after the first week. Treat smart features as a bonus rather than a reason to pay a premium tier, unless a feature you actually need (like the Typhur’s app-based fan-speed control) depends on it. If you are building a connected kitchen, our guide on how to choose a smart home hub explains how appliances fit with Matter and other standards.
How we chose
We did not test these air fryers in a lab. This guide is research-based. We compared manufacturer specifications, read expert reviews from established publications that do run hands-on tests, and looked for patterns across owner feedback on major retailers, paying particular attention to recurring complaints about coatings, reliability and cleanup.
We then picked one model for each common kitchen situation rather than ranking seven near-identical baskets. Every product here was listed as available from major retailers as of late 2026, and we hedge specs that vary by region or production run. Read more about our process in our editorial policy. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; see our affiliate disclosure for details.
Final thoughts
For most households, the Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart is the safest buy: big enough for a family of four, flexible thanks to its wide temperature range and fan control, and priced in the mid-range. Families who cook full meals at once should step up to the Ninja DoubleStack XL, and anyone short on space or money will be well served by the Ninja AF101.
Check current price on the Cosori TurboBlaze at Amazon(opens in a new tab)Still kitting out your kitchen? See our picks for the best robot vacuums to handle the crumbs, and our coffee maker buying guide to round out your countertop.
Frequently asked questions
What size air fryer do I need?
For one or two people, 3 to 4 quarts is enough. Households of three to four are better served by 5 to 6 quarts, and families of five or more should look at 8 to 10 quart dual-basket models or an air fryer oven.
Is a dual-basket air fryer worth it?
It is worth it if you regularly cook a main and a side at the same time, because each basket runs its own time and temperature. If you mostly cook one thing at a time, a single large basket is cheaper, simpler and often crisps better.
Are air fryers healthier than deep frying?
Air frying usually needs far less oil than deep frying, so foods typically end up with less fat. It does not make processed foods healthy, but it is a lower-oil way to get a crisp finish.
Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?
Most basket models draw roughly 1,500 to 1,800 watts while heating, similar to a toaster oven. Because they preheat quickly and cook small batches fast, they often use less energy per meal than a full-size oven.
Basket air fryer or air fryer oven, which is better?
Basket models are smaller, faster and generally crisp food more evenly. Air fryer ovens take more counter space but can also toast, bake and roast larger items, so they suit people who want to replace a toaster or second oven.
Can I put foil or parchment in an air fryer?
Most manufacturers allow foil or perforated parchment as long as it is weighed down by food and does not block airflow or touch the heating element. Check your model's manual, since some brands advise against liners entirely.
Sources
The specifications, test results and documentation this guide draws on:
- COSORI TurboBlaze 6.0-Quart Air Fryer product page (Cosori) — 90 to 450°F range, 1,725 W, DC motor with 5 fan speeds, 9 functions
- Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer review (Reviewed) — hands-on review; notes wide basket and lack of a shake reminder
- Ninja DoubleStack air fryer review (Reviewed) — two 5-quart drawers, Smart Finish, Match Cook, removable racks, unit height
- Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer with ClearCook and OdorErase (Instant) — 6 qt, 1,700 W, six functions, ClearCook window, OdorErase filters
- Typhur Dome 2 air fryer review (Expert Reviews) — 1,750 W, fits a 12-inch pizza, top and bottom elements, self-clean, noise
- the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro BOV900 (Breville) — 1 cu ft interior, 13 functions, Element IQ, 13-inch pizza pan, interior light