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Choosing the right air fryer in 2026 can feel overwhelming. With dozens of models competing for counter space, we spent over 60 hours testing the most popular options to find the ones actually worth buying.
We evaluated each model on cooking performance, ease of use, build quality, noise level, and value for money. Below you will find our top 5 picks, followed by a quick comparison, detailed reviews, a buyer’s guide, and answers to common questions. For more about our process, visit our How We Test page.
Our Top 3 Picks at a Glance
Quick Comparison — All 5 Finalists
Detailed Reviews
1. Ninja Foodi DualZone DZ201 — Best Overall
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The original Air Fryer with 2 independent baskets, the XL air fryer lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the and a Match Cook button to easily copy settings across zones for full 8-qt capacity.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The baskets can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
- XL CAPACITY: The 8-quart air fryer capacity lets you fit mains and sides at the same time for making quick family meals, or up to 4 lbs. of French fries or chicken wings.
- SEPARATE HEATING ZONES: 2 independent 4-quart zones have their own cooking baskets, cyclonic fans, and rapid heaters.
Best Overall
The Ninja Foodi DualZone DZ201 stands out from the competition with its innovative dual-basket design. Two independent 4-quart zones let you cook completely different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. The Smart Finish feature synchronizes both baskets to finish at the same time, so your entire meal is ready together.
With six cooking programs (Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate), this is one of the most versatile air fryers on the market. In our testing, chicken wings came out perfectly crispy in 22 minutes, while frozen fries in the second basket were golden and crunchy at the same time.
Pros
- Two independent cooking zones for simultaneous meals
- Large 8-quart total capacity fits family-sized portions
- Smart Finish syncs both baskets to finish together
- Dishwasher-safe baskets and non-stick coating
- Six versatile cooking modes including dehydrate
Cons
- Requires significant counter space (14.4 x 11 x 10.5 in)
- Higher price than single-basket models
2. Philips Premium Airfryer XXL HD9650 — Premium Pick
- Bring home the Airfryer so you can have 100% taste satisfaction with crispy on the outside and tender on the inside results, using little to no added oil, with up to 90% less fat.
- The Philips Premium Airfryers are the only Airfryers with fat removal technology that extracts and captures excess fat, more fat than other air fryer competitors. Now you can fry your favorite foods with little or no added oil AND remove fat from food, too.
- With a 3lb/7qt capacity and no preheat needed, you can now make delicious meals 4x faster than an oven for the up to 6 people every day. All removable parts are dishwasher safe and our Airfryer's QuickClean basket has a non-stick coating for easy cleaning. An included 1-year warranty helps maintain peace of mind.
- Unleash the full potential of your Philips Airfryer to cook meals that are tastier and healthier by downloading the free Philips Kitchen app to discover hundreds of tasty recipes and explore features to strengthen your cooking skills and make homemade meals that you and your family love, every day.
Premium Pick
Philips pioneered air frying technology, and the Premium Airfryer XXL shows why they remain an industry leader. The patented Twin TurboStar technology creates a starfish-shaped air flow pattern that captures and removes fat from food, producing results that are noticeably healthier than competitors.
Build quality is noticeably superior: the stainless steel finish is elegant, the digital touchscreen is responsive, and the QuickClean basket with non-stick mesh has a removable bottom for effortless cleaning. At under 65 dB during operation, it is also the quietest model we tested.
Pros
- Patented Twin TurboStar for superior fat removal
- Exceptional build quality and premium materials
- Even heat distribution with no cold spots
- Companion app with hundreds of guided recipes
- Quiet operation at under 65 dB
Cons
- Premium price point starting at $349
- Smaller capacity than dual-basket competitors
3. COSORI Pro LE 5-Qt — Best Value
- 7-in-1 Cooking Modes: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Broil, Frozen, Reheat — versatile everyday cooking with COOKWELL air fryer design.
- 3 Thoughtful Reminders for Perfect Results: Shake reminder for even cooking, preheat for faster starts, and keep warm for perfectly timed meals.
- Effortless Cleanup: Includes 20 air fryer liners for easy disposal after cooking. Save time scrubbing!
- Healthier Crisp: Up to 85% Less Oil. 360° rapid heat circulation delivers crispy textures with minimal fat compared to traditional frying.
- Fast & Efficient Cooking: Industry-leading temperatures up to 450°F for 20% faster heating. Enjoy quick and delicious meals.
Best Value
The COSORI Pro LE brings Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone control to air frying without the premium price tag. Nine one-touch presets cover everything from frozen fries to steak, and the handy Shake Reminder alerts you to flip food halfway through cooking for even results.
With 10 cooking functions, a max temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and a generous 5-quart capacity, it handles most weeknight meals with ease. At around $80, this is the best value in our lineup — you get smart features that cost $200+ elsewhere.
Pros
- Wi-Fi app control with guided cooking recipes
- AirWhisper technology: under 55 dB noise
- 10 cooking functions including preheat and keep warm
- Includes 20 parchment liners in the box
- Excellent value at around $80
Cons
- App features require stable Wi-Fi connection
- 5-quart capacity may be tight for large families
4. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro — Best Oven-Style
- The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro with Element iQ System is a versatile countertop oven allowing you to roast, air fry and dehydrate; Super convection reduces cooking time by up to 30%; Choose from 13 cooking functions; Includes interior oven light
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: With 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer oven's power where and when it's needed to create a tailored cooking environment; Sensing and digital PID temperature control eliminate cold spots for precise cooking
- AIR FRY AND DEHYDRATE SETTINGS: Air fry family favorites like French fries; Higher temperatures combine with super convection (maximized air flow) for crispy golden, air-fried foods; Oven also dehydrates up to 4 trays at once of a wide range of foods
- SUPER CONVECTION TECHNOLOGY: Electric air fryer's 2 speed convection fan (super & regular) offers more cooking control; Super convection provides greater volume of hot air to ensure fast and even heat distribution for air frying, dehydration and roasting
- 13 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Versatile countertop oven and air fryer with 13 functions for your kitchen; Toast, Bagel, Broil, Bake, Roast, Warm, Pizza, Proof, Air Fry, Reheat, Cookies, Slow Cook, and Dehydrate; Like having a toaster, pizza oven and more in one
Best Oven-Style
The Breville BOV900BSS is not just an air fryer; it is a full countertop oven with 13 cooking functions including slow cook, dehydrate, proof, and air fry. The Element iQ system uses five quartz heating elements that adjust automatically based on what you are cooking, delivering precise temperature control across the massive 1.2 cubic foot interior.
Build quality is exceptional: brushed stainless steel exterior, interior light, slow-close door, and integrated cord storage show attention to detail. If you want one appliance that can replace your toaster, toaster oven, and air fryer, this is it.
Pros
- 13 cooking functions including dehydrate and slow cook
- Element iQ system for precise temperature control
- Massive 1.2 cu ft interior capacity
- Premium brushed stainless steel build
- Interior light and slow-close door
Cons
- Premium price at $399-$499
- Large footprint: 21.4 x 17.2 x 12.8 inches
5. Dash Tasti-Crisp 2.6Qt — Best Budget
- Air Fried Food Fast: The Dash Tasti-Crisp️ Air Fryer delivers delicious, crispy, air-fried food using AirCrisp️ technology and a nonstick-coated surface
- Recipe Guide Included: Broaden your culinary horizons with the included Recipe Guide and discover the versatile uses your Air Fryer can offer
- Cook with Confidence: The auto shut-off feature and adjustable Timer Dial keep your snacks and meals perfectly cooked and prevents overcooking every time
- Easy Cleanup: Enjoy breezy cleanup thanks to this durable Air Fryer's nonstick surface, which offers easy food release
- Happiness Is Homemade: Dash products invite families to gather together for the joy of cooking and eating at home
Best Budget
At under $60, the Dash Tasti-Crisp proves you do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy air-fried food. This compact 2.6-quart model is perfect for individuals, couples, or anyone with limited counter space. It heats up quickly and delivers surprisingly crispy results for its price point.
The non-stick basket is easy to clean, the auto shut-off feature prevents overcooking, and the cool-touch housing keeps the exterior safe. Available in multiple colors, it is as much a kitchen accessory as it is a cooking appliance.
Pros
- Ultra-affordable under $60
- Compact and lightweight, fits any kitchen
- Simple manual controls, no learning curve
- Auto shut-off for safety
- Available in multiple fun colors
Cons
- Very limited 2.6-quart capacity
- No digital display, presets, or timer readout
How to Choose an Air Fryer — Buyer’s Guide
Capacity: Match Your Household Size
A 2-3 quart model suits individuals and couples. Families of 3-4 should look at 5-6 quart models, while larger households will want 7+ quarts or a dual-basket design. Remember that air fryers work best when food is in a single layer, so bigger is usually better.
Basket vs. Oven Style
Basket-style air fryers are compact, heat quickly, and produce the crispiest results. Oven-style models offer more versatility (toast, bake, broil) but take up more space and may not crisp quite as well. Choose based on your kitchen size and how many functions you need.
Cooking Functions
Basic models air fry only, which is fine if that is all you need. Multi-function models add roasting, baking, dehydrating, and reheating. Consider which cooking methods you will actually use before paying extra for features that sit idle.
Ease of Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe baskets and removable components make a significant difference in daily use. If you plan to use your air fryer frequently, prioritize models with non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts. Oven-style models generally require more manual cleaning.
Noise Level
Air fryers use fans to circulate hot air, and some models are noticeably louder than others. If kitchen noise bothers you, look for models under 65 dB. The COSORI Pro LE and Philips XXL were the quietest in our testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air frying actually healthier than deep frying?
Yes. Air fryers use 70-80% less oil than traditional deep frying while producing similar texture and crunch. Studies show that air frying significantly reduces the formation of acrylamide compared to deep frying.
Can you put aluminum foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?
Yes, both are safe to use as long as they are weighed down by food to prevent them from flying into the heating element. Never preheat with loose foil or parchment inside. Perforated parchment liners designed for air fryers are the safest option.
How long do air fryers typically last?
Most air fryers last 3-5 years with regular use. Premium brands like Philips and Breville often last longer due to higher build quality. Proper cleaning and avoiding metal utensils on non-stick surfaces will extend lifespan.
What is the best temperature for air frying?
Most foods cook well between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Frozen items typically need 380-400 degrees, while fresh vegetables do best at 350-375 degrees. Always preheat for 3-5 minutes for the most consistent results.
Do I need to preheat an air fryer?
Preheating for 3-5 minutes improves cooking consistency and crispiness, especially for foods like frozen fries and chicken wings. Some models have a built-in preheat function. It is not strictly necessary, but it makes a noticeable difference in results.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing, the Ninja Foodi DualZone DZ201 earns our top recommendation for its innovative dual-basket design, versatile cooking modes, and excellent value. It is the best air fryer for most households.
For those willing to invest in premium quality, the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL delivers the best cooking results and build quality. Budget shoppers should go straight for the COSORI Pro LE at around $80 — it punches well above its price. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is unbeatable if you want one appliance to replace your toaster oven. And the Dash Tasti-Crisp remains the best entry point under $60.
No matter which model you choose, air frying is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your kitchen. For more details on how we evaluate products, check out our evaluation process.