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.
Why Air Fryers Are a Game-Changer for Home Cooking
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying while delivering crispy, delicious results. By circulating hot air around food, air fryers achieve that golden, crunchy texture with little to no oil. Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious eater, or someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, an air fryer can make your meals quicker, tastier, and easier to prepare. From perfectly cooked fries to juicy chicken wings, the versatility of air fryers makes them a must-have kitchen appliance in
The Best Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer
Air fryers shine when it comes to certain foods, delivering restaurant-quality results at home. Here’s a rundown of the six best things to cook in an air fryer, based on ease, flavor, and texture.
French Fries
Nothing beats the crispy exterior and fluffy interior of air fryer French fries. Whether you’re using store-bought frozen fries or cutting your own potatoes, air fryers cook them evenly with minimal oil. Toss your fries in a light coating of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and cook at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The result? Perfectly golden fries that rival any fast-food chain. For inspiration, check out The Kitchn’s guide to air fryer fries for tips on getting that extra crunch.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser, and air fryers make them a breeze to prepare. The high heat ensures crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy. Season your wings with your favorite rub or marinade, then cook at 380°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. You can toss them in buffalo sauce or keep them dry for a healthier option. The air fryer’s ability to render fat means you get all the flavor without the greasy mess of traditional frying.
Vegetables
Air fryers are a game-changer for roasting vegetables. From zucchini and broccoli to Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, the air fryer caramelizes veggies, giving them a crisp, slightly charred edge. Toss your vegetables in a bit of oil, salt, and spices, then cook at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. The result is a side dish that’s both nutritious and packed with flavor. For more ideas, Bon Appétit’s air fryer vegetable recipes offer creative ways to elevate your veggie game.
Salmon
Air fryer salmon is a revelation for seafood lovers. The appliance locks in moisture while creating a slightly crispy exterior, making it perfect for fillets. Season your salmon with a simple mix of olive oil, lemon, and herbs, then cook at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness. This method is quick, mess-free, and delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
Chicken Nuggets
Whether you’re making homemade nuggets or cooking frozen ones, air fryers are ideal for achieving that perfect crispy coating. Homemade nuggets can be prepared by coating chicken pieces in breadcrumbs or panko, then air frying at 400°F for 8-12 minutes. Frozen nuggets cook even faster, usually in 10 minutes or less. Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy texture without the excess oil.
Donuts
Surprisingly, air fryers are fantastic for making donuts. Using a simple dough (or even canned biscuit dough for a quick hack), you can create fluffy, golden donuts in minutes. Roll the dough into circles, cut out the centers, and air fry at 350°F for 4-6 minutes. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a glaze for a sweet treat that feels indulgent but skips the deep-fryer guilt. Delish’s air fryer donut recipe is a great starting point for beginners.
Top Air Fryer Recommendations for 2025
Choosing the right air fryer can make all the difference in your cooking experience. Below are three top-rated models that excel in performance, ease of use, and versatility, complete with real user reviews from Amazon.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
The Ninja AF101 is a compact yet powerful air fryer with a 4-quart capacity, perfect for small families or solo cooks. It offers four cooking functions: air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. Its temperature range of 105°F to 400°F makes it versatile for everything from fries to dehydrated fruit. Users rave about its ease of use and consistent results.
User Review: “This air fryer is a game changer! It cooks food evenly and is super easy to clean. I’ve made everything from wings to veggies, and it’s perfect every time.” – Amazon Customer
COSORI Air Fryer Max XL
The COSORI Max XL boasts a capacity, ideal for larger families. With 11 preset cooking functions and a sleek digital touchscreen, it’s user-friendly and versatile. Its square basket design maximizes cooking space, and the non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze. This model is a favorite for its reliability and stylish design.
User Review: “I love how spacious this air fryer is! It’s perfect for cooking for my family of four. The presets are so convenient, and the food comes out crispy and delicious.” – Amazon Customer
Buy the COSORI Air Fryer Max XL on Amazon
Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1
The Instant Vortex Plus is a 6-quart air fryer with six cooking modes, including broil and bake. Its stainless steel finish and clear window add a premium feel, while the odor-erase filter keeps your kitchen smelling fresh. It’s a great choice for those who want advanced features and a larger capacity.
User Review: “This air fryer is fantastic! The window lets me check on food without opening the basket, and it cooks everything perfectly. Highly recommend!” – Amazon Customer
Buy the Instant Vortex Plus 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:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer in 2025
With so many air fryers on the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences.
Capacity
Air fryer sizes range from 2 quarts to over 10 quarts. For singles or couples, a 2-4 quart model like the Ninja AF101 is sufficient. Families of four or more should opt for a 5-6 quart model, such as the COSORI Max XL or Instant Vortex Plus. Larger models (8+ quarts) are great for big gatherings but take up more counter space.
Cooking Functions
Basic air fryers focus solely on air frying, but many modern models offer additional functions like roasting, baking, dehydrating, or broiling. If you plan to use your air fryer for a variety of dishes, look for multi-function models like the Instant Vortex Plus. Presets for specific foods (e.g., fries, chicken, or fish) can also simplify cooking.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for air fryers with non-stick baskets or dishwasher-safe components to make cleanup easier. Models like the COSORI Max XL are designed with removable, easy-to-clean parts, which is a big plus for busy households.
Size and Storage
Consider your kitchen counter space. Compact models are easier to store, while larger ones may need a permanent spot. Measure your available space before purchasing to ensure a good fit.
Price and Value
Air fryers range from $50 to $200+. Budget models can still deliver great results, but premium models often include extras like digital controls, larger capacities, or additional cooking modes. Set a budget and prioritize features that matter most to you.
Wattage
Higher wattage (1500W or more) typically means faster cooking and better browning. However, check your kitchen’s electrical setup to ensure compatibility, especially for larger models.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Air Fryer
To maximize your air fryer’s potential, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave space for air to circulate to ensure even cooking.
- Shake or Flip Food: Most recipes benefit from shaking the basket or flipping food halfway through for uniform crispiness.
- Use a Light Oil Spray: A small amount of oil enhances browning and texture, especially for vegetables or homemade fries.
- Preheat When Needed: Some recipes, like salmon or steaks, benefit from preheating the air fryer for a few minutes.
- Experiment with Accessories: Many air fryers come with accessories like racks or skewers, which can expand your cooking options.
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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.