Air fryers have transformed home cooking, delivering crispy, delicious results with far less oil than traditional frying. After rigorous testing and research, we’ve curated a guide to the best air fryers of 2025, spotlighting top models, their strengths and weaknesses, and a detailed buying guide. Whether you’re feeding a solo household or a large family, these air fryers offer reliability, ease of use, and excellent performance.
Best Overall: Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200/91
After testing dozens of air fryers over the years, we like the Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200/91, which crisps food quickly and costs less than $200. The Philips Airfryer L usually costs around $150, which is about as much as we think an air fryer should cost, considering their limited utility and the prominence of plastic and nonstick pieces that may require replacement. The basket is easy to remove and insert. You don’t have to push a button to remove the drawer, and the air fryer stays in place on the table when you remove or insert the basket, so you can do so with one hand. The Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L HD9252/91’s basket has two parts—the outer shell and the inner basket and handle—and it was one of the easiest to clean. The square basket is roomy.
Pros:
- Crisps food quickly and evenly
- Affordable at around $150
- Easy-to-remove basket with one-handed operation
- Simple to clean with a two-part basket design
- Compact footprint, ideal for small kitchens
Cons:
- Limited capacity for larger families
- Nonstick coating may wear over time
Best for Large Families: Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10-Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL
The Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10-Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL is our pick for the best air fryer for big families or anyone who wants to cook multiple foods at once. This 10-quart air fryer has two independent cooking zones, so you can prepare two different foods at different temperatures and have them finish at the same time, thanks to the Smart Finish feature. The Ninja DZ401 performed exceptionally in our tests, producing crispy, evenly cooked foods, from fries to chicken wings. It offers six cooking functions: air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. The large capacity makes it ideal for preparing meals for up to eight people.
Pros:
- Two independent 5-quart baskets for versatile cooking
- Smart Finish syncs cooking times
- Large 10-quart capacity
- Six cooking functions
- Easy-to-clean baskets
Cons:
- Takes up significant counter space
- Higher price point, around $200
Best Budget: Cosori Air Fryer 5-Quart
If you’re looking to spend less, the Cosori Air Fryer 5-Quart is a great value at around $100. This air fryer delivers excellent performance for the price, producing crispy fries and evenly cooked chicken wings in our tests. It has a sleek, compact design that fits well in small kitchens and a user-friendly digital interface with nine preset cooking functions. The square basket maximizes cooking space, and the nonstick coating makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a solid choice for small households or first-time air fryer users.
Pros:
- Affordable, typically under $100
- Compact and stylish design
- Nine preset cooking functions
- Easy to clean
- Consistent cooking performance
Cons:
- Smaller 5-quart capacity
- Louder fan than premium models
Buying Guide
Choosing the right air fryer depends on your cooking needs, kitchen space, and budget. Here are key factors to consider:
- Capacity: Air fryers range from 2 to 10 quarts. Smaller models (2-5 quarts) suit 1-2 people, while larger ones (6-10 quarts) are better for families. Consider how much food you’ll cook at once.
- Cooking Functions: Basic models focus on air frying, but many offer baking, roasting, dehydrating, or even broiling. Multi-function models add versatility.
- Ease of Use: Look for intuitive controls, preset programs, and easy-to-clean baskets. Digital displays are often more precise than manual dials.
- Size and Storage: Measure your counter space. Larger models like the Ninja DZ401 need more room, while compact options like the Cosori fit smaller kitchens.
- Price: Expect to spend $50-$250. Budget models work well for basic tasks, but premium models offer advanced features like dual baskets or smart syncing.
For more tips on air fryer maintenance, check out Epicurious’s guide to cleaning air fryers.
FAQs
Q: Are air fryers healthier than deep fryers?
Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, requiring little to no oil, which reduces fat and calories compared to deep frying. However, the healthiness depends on the ingredients and portion sizes.
Q: Can I cook frozen foods in an air fryer?
Yes, air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods like fries, nuggets, or wings. Most models have presets for frozen items, and cooking times are typically 10-20 minutes.
Q: How do I prevent food from sticking to the basket?
Use a light spray of cooking oil or line the basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers. Avoid overloading the basket to ensure proper air circulation.
Q: Do air fryers require preheating?
Some models recommend preheating for 3-5 minutes, while others, like the Philips 3000 Series, cook effectively without it. Check your model’s manual for guidance.
Q: Can I use aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes, but ensure it doesn’t block air vents or cover the entire basket, as this can restrict airflow and affect cooking performance.
For recipe inspiration, explore Bon Appétit’s air fryer recipes.
Final Thoughts
The Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200/91 stands out for its balance of performance, ease of use, and affordability, making it ideal for most households. For larger families, the Ninja DZ401 Foodi DualZone XL offers unmatched capacity and versatility, while the Cosori 5-Quart is a budget-friendly gem for smaller kitchens. Each model excels in its category, ensuring crispy, delicious results with minimal fuss. Pair your air fryer with proper care and creative recipes to elevate your cooking game in 2025.