Fans of air fryers vouch for their convenience and health benefits. However, it’s only been in recent years that we’ve seen the appliance in every shape, size, and combination. From large-capacity models to smart fryers that work with voice assistants, there is a model for every household size and need. Below, we’ve narrowed down the best air fryers you can get, with a little help from user reviews. And if you want to upgrade your kitchen, check out our reviews of the best microwave and toaster ovens as well.
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Best Air Fryer 2022 Comparison Chart
Best Air Fryer Oven
Combining a balance of attractive design, features, and affordable price, the Instant Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer is the best air fryer to get this 2022.
Although best known for their Instant Pots, Instant Brands carries an extensive catalog of kitchen appliances outside their beloved multicooker. Its Instant Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer is one of the best air fryers for the money. Users vouch for the performance of this model, with one reviewer exclaiming, “there isn’t anything you can’t cook in this thing.“
While that might come across as an exaggeration, there are plenty of recipes you can whip up with the Instant Vortex. The large-capacity fryer comes with 6 cooking functions, including bake and broil. If you want to cook fast, you can also set customizable programs for one-touch convenience. Meanwhile, a touchscreen display helps you keep an eye on every stage of cooking.
Part of the success of the Vortex can be attributed to EvenCrisp technology. Instant Brands shares that with EvenCrisp, the convection heating delivers thoroughly cooked meals with the tenderness of deep-frying. Of course, that comes with 95% less oil, too. The Vortex also comes with safety features, including auto-off and overheating protection.
Capacity: 6 qt. | Power: 1,700 watts | Dishwasher-safe Parts: Yes | Functions: 6
Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven features a compact and versatile design and boasts 8 cooking functions.
If you want a toaster oven with your air fryer, then the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven is the best to get. The sleek-looking appliance comes with 8 cooking functions, including toast for your favorite bread and leftover pizzas. The air fryer oven can also bake, broil, keep warm, and dehydrate. It even comes with a dedicated bagel preset.
Unlike most air fryers, Ninja’s air fry oven sports a wide but low profile similar to a large microwave oven. The resulting flat cooking surface creates a roomy interior. Ninja shares the 8-in-1 Air Fry Oven can accommodate a 13-inch pizza, 6 chicken breasts, or 9 slices of toast. Moreover, the generous food tray makes it easier to distribute ingredients for fast and even cooking.
However, the biggest draw of Ninja’s air fry oven is arguably its design. The appliance features a flip-away functionality so you can store it against your backsplash.
Capacity: 4 lb. | Power: 1,800 watts | Dishwasher-safe Parts: No | Functions: 8
Best Air Fryer Microwave Combo
The Panasonic HomeCHEF works as a microwave oven, air fryer, broiler, and convection oven.
The Panasonic HomeCHEF 4-in-1 Multi-Oven doesn’t have as many cooking functions as other air fryers. However, it’s this focused approach to what it can do that makes it a strong contender. The HomeCHEF works as a countertop microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection oven. While you can use each function alone, they can also be combined.
As an alternative oven, Panasonic’s 4-in-1 delivers convection baking up to 425°F. Meanwhile, its broiler function is ideal for browning, crisping, and even toasting. If you want an air fryer, the HomeCHEF is perfect for cooking food with no pre-heating required.
Of course, the microwave oven capabilities leave nothing to be desired. This 1,000-watt inverter microwave has dedicated settings for reheating, defrosting, and warming. All of these can also be controlled through a sophisticated-looking panel. As one user shares, “I like their 3-key system better, and it allows (for) a nice, sleek exterior design.“
Capacity: — | Power: 1,000 watts | Dishwasher-safe Parts: No | Functions: 4
Best Air Fryer for 2 People
The Ninja Air Fryer is the best model to get for any household of two.
For couples, the Ninja Air Fryer is one of the best models to get. Its 4-quart capacity is ideal for a small family but not too big that it’s a waste of countertop space for a household of two. The air fryer’s small and lightweight frame makes it easy to move around as well.
Using the air fryer is straightforward, with four preset cooking functions available, including dehydrate and roast. The appliance also has an adjustable temperature range of 105°F–400°F, perfect for quick and efficient cooking. Cleanup should also be a breeze, courtesy of its ceramic-coated non-stick crisper plate.
This combination of design and performance draws countless consumers to rate it highly. Users share they “love this air fryer, especially the ceramic coating and how fast it cooks” and that “it’s super easy to clean, and it cooks nearly everything fabulously.“
Capacity: 4 qt. | Power: 1,550 watts | Dishwasher-safe Parts: Yes | Functions: 4
Best Air Fryer for Family of 4
For heavy-duty cooking, the COSORI 7.0-Quart Smart Air Fryer Oven delivers.
Families will love the large-capacity COSORI 7.0-Quart Smart Air Fryer Oven. Designed with a simple and intuitive interface, the COSORI air fryer has a powerful 1,800-watt motor that can make meals for a household of four to six. Rapid heat circulation technology, on the other hand, ensures the meals are cooked fast and evenly.
Complementing the 7-quart unit’s roomy air fry basket are 2 presets and 12 functions. Users, for instance, can keep warm and pre-heat food using the COSORI air fryer. Meanwhile, Toast, Bake, Seafood, Chicken, and even a dedicated program for Fries are just some of the cooking functions you get with this air fryer.
If heavy-duty cooking is your thing, COSORI adds 7 accessories with the unit, including a broiler rack for dual-level cooking. The air fryer can also be controlled hands-free using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Away from the kitchen? The Smart Air Fryer Oven works with the free VeSync smartphone app, so you can remotely monitor your meal’s progress.
Capacity: 7 qt. | Power: 1,800 watts | Dishwasher-safe Parts: Yes | Functions: 14
Best Air Fryer Grill Combo
Ninja’s indoor grill uses similar technology to air frying, circulating hot air for fast and even grilling.
While air frying chicken or fries is great, nothing can beat the taste of grilling your favorite meat and carbs. Fortunately, you can get the convenience of air frying and the satisfaction of grilling in one appliance. The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill can sear beautiful grill marks on your steak, fish, or burgers using a similar technology found in air fryers.
Ninja calls this feature Cyclonic Grilling Technology, and it circulates 500F air around your food for surround searing. This means you don’t have to do any flipping. Since little to no oil is required, you can prep meals using 75% less fat as well. A review mentions it’s “definitely a 5-star product that has me eating healthier (and tastier).“
The Ninja Foodi comes with four grill settings, while the unit itself is equipped with 4 additional cooking functions. Aside from searing your favorite meats, you can also roast, bake, air crisp, and dehydrate. Yes, you can even defrost dinner using the unit. The best part is that the Indoor Grill has a smoke control system, allowing you to bring outdoor grill flavors to your countertop.
Capacity: 6 qt. | Power: 1,760 watts | Dishwasher-safe Parts: Yes | Functions: 5
Verdict
Ninja, Instant, Panasonic, and COSORI are just some of the best air fryer brands to consider.
From air fryers that flip for easy storage to large-capacity units that can feed a family, it’s hard to miss the value of these appliances.
Ninja is arguably the top brand when it comes to air fryers, with three of its units making it to our list. Its top-rated model is the original Ninja Air Fryer, ideal for couples and smaller households. On the other hand, its 5-in-1 Indoor Grill is perfect if you want the experience of outdoor grilling indoors while keeping it healthy, too.
For those who want more of a microwave oven than an air fryer, Panasonic’s HomeCHEF has ample cooking functions that please without overwhelming. However, the Instant Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer is our choice for the best overall. With a just-about-right 6-quart capacity and six cooking functions that cover the basics, it’s the unit that can make an air fryer convert out of anyone.
FAQs
Ninja is one of the top brands when it comes to air fryers. Its catalog of multi-functional air fryers includes toaster oven and indoor grill combinations. They also come in different shapes, sizes, and capacities.
For a household of four, a 5.8-quart air fryer is the best size to get. If you have older kids like teenagers or like to have guests over often, a 7-quart air fryer is better.
If you plan on cooking a whole chicken, you need to get an air fryer with at least a 6-quart capacity.
Air fryers are typically mistaken as flashy or unnecessary appliances. However, they’re actually a great investment if you like cooking at home. Most air fryers offer multiple cooking functions and can be an alternative for cooking healthier meals.