Air fryers have solidified their place in modern kitchens, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy foods with minimal oil. These countertop convection ovens use powerful fans to circulate hot air, delivering fried-like textures without the grease. Drawing from rigorous testing and expert evaluations, this guide highlights the top air fryers of 2025, focusing on performance, ease of use, and versatility. Each model has been assessed for its ability to crisp foods evenly, maintain temperature accuracy, and simplify cleanup. Explore more about air fryer testing.
Best Overall: Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus excelled in every test we put it through, which lands it at the top of the pack as our favorite air fryer in our lineup. It fully delivers, cooking everything to near perfection, producing “delectably crunchy tater tots” and “mouth-watering” donuts, according to our food experts — all with minimal oil. Perhaps most impressively, it achieves an excellent texture and slight crispness when making sweet potato fries, which is no easy feat. This machine’s temperature accuracy is near perfect, ensuring you achieve the same results time after time. True to the Instant brand, this device is multifunctional — it can dehydrate, reheat, and do some basic baking. In addition to the top-tier cooking performance, we adore the Vortex Plus for both its easy cleanup and user-friendliness. Since it has a smooth tray rather than a fry basket, cleaning up is consistently quick and easy. That simplicity extends to the user interface. The dedicated preset buttons and intuitive control wheel are very simple and we never needed to refer to the user manual during setup.
Pros:
- Exceptional crisping for tater tots, donuts, and sweet potato fries
- Near-perfect temperature accuracy for consistent results
- Multifunctional: air fry, dehydrate, reheat, and bake
- Easy-to-clean smooth tray and dishwasher-safe parts
- Intuitive digital controls with preset buttons
Cons:
- Slightly slow to preheat compared to some competitors
- Lacks advanced smart features like WiFi connectivity
- 6-quart capacity may be small for larger families
Where to Buy: Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
Best Large-Capacity: Tabitha Brown for Target 8 Qt. Digital
When CR measured the Tabitha Brown for Target 8 Qt. Digital’s capacity, we found there’s actually just 7 quarts of usable space—but that’s still a generous size. This model offered excellent performance in our tests for ease of cleaning, indicating that it’s a cinch to clean the interior and exterior of the machine as well as its baskets. It performed excellently in our noise tests as well; controls are easy to use, and there’s a viewing window so you can take a peek at your food without letting heat escape. This model has specific settings to dehydrate, reheat, and keep food warm. In addition to being easy to use, this fryer also delivered strong performances in our noise and cleaning tests. Plus, its parts are dishwasher-safe.
Pros:
- Generous 7-quart usable capacity, ideal for families
- Top scores for ease of cleaning and quiet operation
- Viewing window to monitor food without opening
- Includes dehydrate, reheat, and keep-warm settings
- Dishwasher-safe parts simplify maintenance
Cons:
- Advertised 8-quart capacity is slightly overstated
- Bulkier footprint may not suit small kitchens
- Limited preset options compared to premium models
Where to Buy: Tabitha Brown for Target 8 Qt. Digital Air Fryer
Best Small: Cosori Lite CAF-LI211
College students, solo dwellers, or anybody who’s a tad tight on counter space—the Cosori Lite CAF-LI211 is for you. This measured 1.7-quart air fryer is packed with appealing features such as a dishwasher-safe basket, programmed settings, and a digital display. But with a footprint of just 9×10 inches, it comes in a small, 5-pound package (and at a fairly small price, too). What’s more, this model was a standout in our tests, receiving high marks for being easy to use and clean, and remaining at low volume while cooking. The Cosori Lite comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros:
- Compact 9×10-inch footprint, perfect for small spaces
- 1.7-quart capacity ideal for 1-2 servings
- Easy-to-use digital display with programmed settings
- Dishwasher-safe basket and quiet operation
- Two-year warranty for added reliability
Cons:
- Small capacity limits batch cooking
- Fewer cooking modes than larger models
- Not suited for families or entertaining
Where to Buy: Cosori Lite CAF-LI211 Air Fryer
Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Multifunctionality is quickly becoming the name of the game for countertop kitchen appliances, and the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is currently at the forefront of that trend. It effectively combines the abilities of an air fryer and a toaster oven. In terms of cooking functionality per square inch of counter storage space, it is one of the top kitchen appliances out there. The Smart Oven produced some of the best tater tots we made, though the sweet potato fries were lacking in crisp. We were slightly surprised to see that the chicken was “juicy, yet somewhat tough”, said Robinson. This could be because the Breville required a longer cooking time to reach the appropriate internal temperature. The Smart Oven took 35 minutes to cook the chicken, while the quick-crisping Instant Vortex Plus XL took just 22 minutes. Our tater tots came out nicely golden brown. One of our absolute favorite things, though, is the control panel. Discover its air fryer toaster oven performance.
Pros:
- Combines air frying, toasting, baking, and broiling
- Large capacity fits a 13-inch pizza or 14-pound turkey
- Produces crispy tater tots and even browning
- Intuitive control panel with clear settings
- Dual-speed convection fan for versatile cooking
Cons:
- Sweet potato fries lack desired crispness
- Longer cooking times for some foods (e.g., chicken)
- Large footprint requires significant counter space
Where to Buy: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Best Budget: Crux Marshmello 17499
The Crux Marshmello 17499 is one of the least expensive air fryers on this list. This 1,300-watt model earns very good scores for easy-to-use controls and cleaning, though just middling scores for noise. Unlike the analog model above, it comes with a digital display and has three presets that allow you to save your go-to cooking settings. There’s a one-year warranty, which is pretty typical for the air fryers in our ratings.
Pros:
- Affordable price point for budget-conscious buyers
- Easy-to-use digital display with three preset options
- Good performance in cleaning and control usability
- Compact design suitable for small households
- One-year warranty included
Cons:
- Middling noise levels during operation
- Limited 1.7-quart capacity for small portions only
- Fewer features compared to higher-end models
Where to Buy: Crux Marshmello 17499 Air Fryer
Best Ceramic Option: Dash Tasti-Crisp Ceramic DCAF26CM
For those who may be turned off by the thought of eating food from heated plastic, Dash Tasti-Crisp Ceramic DCAF26CM might be a good bet. Despite its lack of a nonstick Teflon coating, it aces our tests for ease of cleaning and earns top marks for noise. However, it receives a middling score for the usability of its controls, which looks at how clear and legible their markings are and how many steps it takes to set temperature and cooking modes and start cooking.
Pros:
- Ceramic coating avoids nonstick Teflon concerns
- Top marks for ease of cleaning and quiet operation
- Compact 1.7-quart design for small kitchens
- Simple analog controls for straightforward use
- Budget-friendly price point
Cons:
- Middling control usability due to less intuitive markings
- Small capacity limits cooking for multiple servings
- Lacks advanced features like digital presets
Where to Buy: Dash Tasti-Crisp Ceramic DCAF26CM Air Fryer
Best for Large Families: Frigidaire FRAFM100B
Frigidaire may not be the first name you’d think of when you’re considering buying an air fryer, but the Frigidaire FRAFM100B performed excellently in our ease of cleaning tests. It’s also pretty great when it comes to clarity of controls and ease of setting the desired time and temperature. Its performance in our noise tests was very good as well. And while it may have a capacity far short of its claimed 8 quarts, you can bake cakes and more, and reheat foods, making it more versatile than some other options here.
Pros:
- Excellent ease of cleaning and clear controls
- Quiet operation for a large-capacity model
- 6.3-quart measured capacity for family-sized meals
- Versatile: air fry, bake, and reheat functions
- Reliable performance across various foods
Cons:
- Actual capacity (6.3 quarts) less than advertised 8 quarts
- Bulkier design takes up more counter space
- Limited preset cooking options
Where to Buy: Frigidaire FRAFM100B Air Fryer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an air fryer, and how does it work?
An air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food, cooking it quickly and creating a crispy exterior with minimal oil. Essentially a small convection oven, it mimics deep frying but uses far less fat, making it a healthier option for fried foods.
What can I cook in an air fryer?
Air fryers are versatile, handling foods like French fries, chicken wings, vegetables, fish, and even baked goods such as cakes or muffins. Many models also support dehydrating, roasting, or reheating, making them suitable for a wide range of recipes.
Are air fryers healthier than deep fryers?
Yes, air fryers use little to no oil, significantly reducing the fat and calorie content of foods compared to deep frying. The hot air circulation achieves a crispy texture without the need for excess grease, promoting healthier cooking.
How do I clean an air fryer?
Most air fryers have removable baskets or trays that can be washed with warm soapy water or placed in the dishwasher (check the manual). Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth after cooling. Regular cleaning of the basket prevents oil buildup and maintains performance.
What size air fryer should I get?
Choose based on your household size. Small air fryers (1.7-3 quarts) suit 1-2 people or small kitchens. Medium models (4-6 quarts) work for 3-4 people, while large air fryers (6+ quarts) are best for families or entertaining. Always check measured capacity, as advertised sizes may differ.
Do air fryers need preheating?
Some models, like the Instant Vortex Plus, have a preheat function (3-5 minutes), but many air fryers cook quickly enough to skip preheating. Refer to your model’s manual, as preheating can improve results for certain foods like baked goods.
Can I use foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?
Yes, foil and parchment paper are safe if secured to avoid contact with the heating element, which could cause burning. Perforated parchment allows better airflow for crispier results. Avoid using them during preheating to prevent fire hazards.
How much counter space do air fryers require?
Most basket-style air fryers have a footprint of about 12-15 inches wide and deep, similar to a microwave. Larger models or air fryer toaster ovens may need more space (18+ inches). Measure your counter before buying to ensure a good fit.
Are air fryers energy-efficient?
Yes, air fryers use less energy than full-size ovens due to their smaller size and faster cooking times. They’re ideal for small meals, reducing energy costs compared to heating a large oven, especially for quick tasks like reheating or crisping.
What features should I look for in an air fryer?
Prioritize capacity, ease of cleaning, and intuitive controls (digital or analog). Look for versatile functions like dehydrating or baking, and consider extras like viewing windows or dishwasher-safe parts. Noise levels and temperature accuracy are also key for consistent results. Learn more about air fryer features.