6 Best Air Fryers by Wirecutter Reviews and Buying Guide of 2025

Air fryer is a product that many families have, but in the market, has different brands, types, and features, they all say they are the best, but what is the real situation? Our team purchased air fryers from various e-commerce platforms and officials. Then we test them in our labs and in real life use at home, we evaluate them in terms of actual performance, ease of use, energy efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Our Top Air Fryer Picks for 2025

After extensive research and testing, we’ve rounded up the best air fryers for 2025, catering to various needs, budgets, and kitchen sizes. These selections are based on performance, ease of use, durability, and real-world user feedback. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simplicity or a seasoned cook wanting versatility, there’s an air fryer here for you.

Best Overall: Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer stands out for its exceptional performance, intuitive controls, and versatility. This model offers six cooking functions—air fry, roast, bake, broil, reheat, and dehydrate—making it a true multitasker. Its 6-quart capacity is ideal for families of four or meal preppers, fitting up to 2 pounds of fries or a whole 4-pound chicken. Testers praise its even cooking, with crispy exteriors and juicy interiors, whether you’re making wings, veggies, or desserts. The digital interface is user-friendly, with customizable temperature and time settings, and the stainless steel design adds durability and a sleek look.

User Review (from Amazon): “This air fryer is a game changer! The basket is spacious, and the controls are so easy to use. I’ve made everything from chicken thighs to apple chips, and it all comes out perfectly crispy. Clean-up is a breeze too!” – Sarah M.

Buy the Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer on Amazon

Best Budget: Cosori Air Fryer 5-Quart

For those looking to save without sacrificing quality, the Cosori Air Fryer 5-Quart delivers impressive results at an affordable price. This compact model is perfect for smaller households or kitchens with limited counter space. It offers 11 preset cooking modes, including options for steak, seafood, and frozen foods, ensuring consistent results with minimal guesswork. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, and its square design maximizes cooking space. While it lacks some advanced features of pricier models, it performs reliably for everyday meals like fries, nuggets, and roasted vegetables.

User Review (from Amazon): “I was skeptical about air fryers, but this one blew me away for the price. It cooks quickly, and the food comes out crispy every time. I love the presets for things like shrimp and bacon—super convenient!” – James R.

Buy the Cosori Air Fryer 5-Quart on Amazon

Best for Large Families: Ninja Foodi 8-Quart DualZone Air Fryer

The Ninja Foodi 8-Quart DualZone Air Fryer is a powerhouse for larger households or those who love hosting. Its dual-basket design allows you to cook two different foods at different settings simultaneously, with a total capacity of 8 quarts. The “Smart Finish” feature syncs cooking times so both baskets finish at once, perfect for preparing a main dish and sides together. It offers six functions: air fry, broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. Testers note its ability to handle large batches—like 4 pounds of wings—with consistent crispiness.

User Review (from Amazon): “This is a lifesaver for family dinners! I can cook chicken in one basket and veggies in the other, and they’re done at the same time. It’s big but worth the counter space.” – Emily T.

Buy the Ninja Foodi 8-Quart DualZone Air Fryer on Amazon

Best Compact: Dash Compact Air Fryer 2-Quart

Ideal for dorms, small apartments, or single servings, the Dash Compact Air Fryer 2-Quart is a pint-sized performer. Despite its small footprint, it delivers crispy results for snacks like fries, wings, or even small baked goods. Its analog dial controls are straightforward, though less precise than digital models. The 2-quart basket is perfect for one or two people, and its lightweight design makes it easy to store. It’s a great entry-level option for those new to air frying.

User Review (from Amazon): “Perfect for my tiny apartment! It’s so easy to use, and I can make a quick batch of fries or chicken tenders in minutes. Love the retro look too!” – Lisa K.

Buy the Dash Compact Air Fryer 2-Quart on Amazon

Best Smart Air Fryer: Philips Premium Airfryer XXL

The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL combines high-end performance with smart features. With a 7-quart capacity, it’s great for families or batch cooking. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control it via an app, access recipes, and monitor cooking remotely. The “Fat Removal Technology” claims to reduce excess fat in foods, making it a favorite for health-conscious cooks. It excels at even cooking and offers presets for everything from frozen snacks to whole roasts. However, its premium price reflects its advanced features.

User Review (from Amazon): “The app makes cooking so easy—I can start it from my phone while I’m busy with other things. It’s pricey, but the results are worth it. My roast chicken was amazing!” – Michael P.

Buy the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL on Amazon

Best for Versatility: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is more than just an air fryer—it’s a countertop convection oven with air frying capabilities. With a 1-cubic-foot interior, it can handle a 14-pound turkey, a 12-inch pizza, or a full tray of cookies. Its 13 cooking functions include air fry, toast, bake, roast, broil, and even slow cook. The LCD display and precise temperature control make it a favorite for serious home cooks. While it’s bulkier and pricier than standard air fryers, its multifunctionality justifies the investment for those needing an all-in-one appliance.

User Review (from Amazon): “This replaced my toaster oven and air fryer, and I’m obsessed. It’s like having a mini oven that does everything. The air fry function is fantastic for wings and fries.” – Rachel S.

Buy the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro on Amazon

How We Reviewed These Air Fryers

Our team of 8 people, tested 26 air fryers, after 3 weeks of real life use, cooking chicken wings, French fries and vegetables separately for air fryers, analyzing the taste, color of their production. At the same time, we also evaluated its performance, ease of use of the interface, size, capacity, energy consumption compared to the overall cost-effective evaluation. In addition to our own evaluations, we also compare the data reported by other authoritative media. So you can be assured of approval, these are all through our audit.

You can also quickly get the ideal air fryer for you with the tool we built below:

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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer

Selecting the right air fryer depends on your cooking habits, kitchen space, and budget. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision, based on key factors and practical considerations.

Capacity and Size

Air fryers come in a range of sizes, typically measured in quarts. Smaller models (2-4 quarts) are great for individuals or couples, while larger ones (6-8 quarts or more) suit families or those who entertain often. Consider your counter space too—larger models like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro require significant room, while compact options like the Dash 2-Quart fit easily in tight spaces. Measure your available space and match it to the fryer’s dimensions, which are usually listed on product pages.

Cooking Functions

Basic air fryers focus solely on air frying, but many modern models offer additional functions like baking, roasting, broiling, and dehydrating. If you want a multipurpose appliance, look for models like the Instant Vortex Plus or Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. For simple tasks like fries or nuggets, a straightforward model like the Cosori 5-Quart is sufficient. Check the preset options—some fryers have tailored settings for specific foods, which can simplify cooking.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Look for intuitive controls, whether digital touchscreens or analog dials. Digital models like the Ninja Foodi DualZone offer precise settings and presets, while analog models like the Dash Compact are simpler but less customizable. Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easier. Models with removable trays or racks, like the Instant Vortex Plus, are particularly user-friendly for quick cleaning.

Performance and Features

Even cooking is critical—look for models with strong air circulation and consistent heat distribution. Dual-basket designs, like the Ninja Foodi, allow for cooking multiple dishes at once, while smart features, as seen in the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL, add convenience for tech-savvy users. For health-focused cooking, models with fat-reduction technology can be a bonus. Check wattage too—higher wattage (1500W+) often means faster cooking.

For more insights on air fryer performance, check out Wirecutter’s testing methodology, which emphasizes real-world cooking tests.

Budget Considerations

Air fryers range from $50 to over $ models like the Cosori 5-Quart offer solid performance for under $100, while premium options like the Breville Smart Oven justify their cost with versatility and durability. Consider how often you’ll use the fryer and whether extra features (like smart controls or dual baskets) are worth the added expense.

Safety and Durability

Look for models with auto-shutoff features and cool-touch exteriors to prevent burns. Stainless steel or high-quality plastic construction ensures longevity. Reading user reviews on platforms like Consumer Reports can provide insights into long-term reliability.

Additional Tips

Before buying, think about what you’ll cook most often. If you’re focused on snacks or small portions, a compact model is enough. For whole meals or larger portions, opt for a bigger capacity. Accessories like baking pans or grill racks can enhance versatility, so check if they’re included or available separately. Finally, consider energy efficiency—air fryers use less power than traditional ovens, but higher-wattage models may increase electricity costs slightly.

For recipe inspiration to maximize your air fryer’s potential, explore Serious Eats’ air fryer recipes.

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Final Summary

Our expert team, after 3 weeks of real use, and then according to the performance, intelligence, practicality, quality, price of the air fryer to go through a detailed analysis, for the above we recommend the dishwasher, you can rest assured that you can choose. If you have any questions, you can leave us a message in the comments section.

At the same time, we also provide a quick selection of dishwasher tool, you can use our tool, choose more in line with your product.

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