The best air fryers include the Ninja Air Fryer Pro for everyday cooking, the COSORI TurboBlaze for versatility, and the Ninja Foodi DZ201 for dual-basket meals. The right choice depends on capacity, cooking functions, basket design, countertop space, and your budget.
Which Air Fryer Is Best for Your Needs?
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt is the best overall choice for everyday cooking, while the COSORI TurboBlaze 6 Qt is better for shoppers who want more cooking functions.
- Best Overall: Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt — $89.99 — 4.7/5
- Best for Versatility: COSORI TurboBlaze 6 Qt — $89.99 — 4.8/5
- Best Dual-Basket: Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Qt — $159.94 — 4.8/5
- Best Flexible Capacity: Ninja Foodi 7 Qt MegaZone — $159.99 — 4.7/5
- Best Compact: Ninja Air Fryer 4 Qt — $89.99 — 4.7/5
- Best Large Capacity: Ninja Air Fryer XL 6.5 Qt — $119.99 — 4.7/5
Prices and Amazon ratings can change over time.
How Do These Best Air Fryers Compare?
The best model depends on whether you prioritize simplicity, versatility, dual-basket cooking, flexible capacity, compact size, or larger portions.
| Product | Best For | Amazon | Price | Rating | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Air Fryer Pro AF141 | Best Overall | Check Price | $89.99 | 4.7/5 | 5 Qt, 4-in-1 cooking |
| COSORI TurboBlaze | Best for Versatility | Check Price | $89.99 | 4.8/5 | 6 Qt, 9-in-1 cooking |
| Ninja DZ201 Foodi | Best Dual-Basket | Check Price | $159.94 | 4.8/5 | 8 Qt, two independent baskets |
| Ninja Foodi MegaZone DZ071 | Best Flexible Capacity | Check Price | $159.99 | 4.7/5 | 7 Qt, dual-zone or MegaZone |
| Ninja Air Fryer AF101 | Best Compact | Check Price | $89.99 | 4.7/5 | 4 Qt, compact design |
| Ninja Air Fryer XL AF181 | Best Large Capacity | Check Price | $119.99 | 4.7/5 | 6.5 Qt, 450°F MaxCrisp |
What Is the Best Air Fryer Overall?
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt is the best overall choice for everyday air frying. It combines a practical capacity with four useful cooking functions and a straightforward basket-style design.
If you are also wondering how air frying works before choosing a model, see our guide on how air fryers work for a closer explanation of the cooking process.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt
BEST OVERALL
Best For: Everyday cooking, small families, and shoppers who want a simple 5-quart air fryer.
NINJA
Ninja Air Fryer Pro, 5 Qt, 4-in-1, Grey, AF141
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt is the article's best overall pick for everyday air frying. Its 5-quart capacity and four cooking functions provide a straightforward setup for common meals without unnecessary complexity.
Who Should Buy It
It is best for everyday cooks, small families, and shoppers who want a conventional 5-quart basket-style air fryer. It also suits buyers who mainly need air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating.
Why We Pick It
It earned the Best Overall badge because it combines practical capacity, useful everyday functions, dishwasher-safe basket components, and a relatively simple design. Its 1,750-watt power and 400°F maximum temperature support the core cooking tasks covered by the article.
Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 5-quart capacity | provides practical cooking space for everyday meals |
| 4-in-1 cooking | supports Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate |
| 1,750 watts | provides the power level specified for the model |
| 400°F maximum temperature | supports common high-heat air-frying tasks |
| dishwasher-safe basket | makes cleanup easier |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Practical 5-quart capacity | ✕ Less versatile than models with more cooking functions |
| ✓ Simple four-function design | ✕ 400°F maximum is lower than some 450°F models |
| ✓ Dishwasher-safe basket | ✕ Larger households may need more capacity |
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro focuses on the cooking functions most households use regularly.
The supplied product information lists Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate functions. It also lists 1,750 watts, a 400°F maximum temperature, and a 5-quart capacity.
The basket is dishwasher-safe, which can make cleanup easier after regular use.
Choose this model if you want a conventional air fryer without paying for functions you may rarely use.
What Is the Best Air Fryer for Versatility?
The COSORI TurboBlaze is the best choice in this roundup for shoppers who want more cooking functions. Its 6-quart capacity and nine cooking functions provide more flexibility than simpler four-function models.
COSORI TurboBlaze Air Fryer
BEST FOR VERSATILITY
Best For: Families and cooks who want multiple cooking modes and a broad temperature range.
COSORI
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, 9-in-1, 6 Qt, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating
The COSORI TurboBlaze 6 Qt is the article's pick for shoppers who want more cooking functions and a broader temperature range. Its nine cooking modes, five fan speeds, and 90°F-to-450°F temperature range give it more flexibility than the simpler four-function models.
Who Should Buy It
It is best for families and cooks who want an air fryer that can handle more than basic air frying. It is also a good fit for shoppers who value multiple cooking modes and precise temperature control.
Why We Pick It
It earned the Best for Versatility badge because it combines a 6-quart capacity with nine cooking functions and a broad temperature range. The supplied product information also identifies its PFAS-free ceramic coating as a key feature.
Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 6-quart capacity | provides more cooking space for family-sized portions |
| 9-in-1 cooking | supports Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, and Keep Warm |
| 90°F-to-450°F temperature range | provides flexibility for different cooking methods |
| 5 fan speeds | gives users more control over airflow |
| PFAS-free ceramic coating | provides the supplied coating characteristic for shoppers considering cooking-surface materials |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Versatile nine-function design | ✕ More functions can add complexity |
| ✓ 6-quart capacity | ✕ Larger than compact 4-quart models |
| ✓ Wide 90°F-to-450°F temperature range | ✕ May be more appliance than basic air-fryer users need |
The COSORI TurboBlaze combines a 6-quart capacity with nine cooking functions.
The supplied information lists Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, and Keep Warm.
The listed temperature range is 90°F to 450°F. The appliance also uses five fan speeds and has a PFAS-free ceramic coating according to the supplied product information.
This combination makes the TurboBlaze useful for shoppers who want more than basic air frying.
The main trade-off is that additional functions can make the appliance more complex than a basic air fryer.
Are Air Fryers a Healthy Choice?
Air frying can reduce the need for added oil compared with traditional deep frying, but the overall healthfulness still depends on the foods and cooking methods used.
An air fryer is not automatically a healthy-food appliance. Food choices, portion sizes, ingredients, and cooking temperatures still matter.
For a deeper discussion of potential health, safety, and cooking concerns, read our guide to whether air fryers are bad for you.
What Is the Best Dual-Basket Air Fryer?
The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Qt is the best choice here for cooking two foods with different settings. Its two independent baskets allow each side to operate separately.
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Qt DualZone
BEST FOR DUAL-BASKET COOKING
Best For: Families that cook two foods at different temperatures or cooking times.
NINJA
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Qt is the article's best dual-basket choice for cooking two foods with different settings. Its two independent baskets, Smart Finish, and Match Cook features make it particularly useful for coordinated family meals.
Who Should Buy It
It is best for families and households that regularly cook two foods at different temperatures or cooking times. It is less compelling for shoppers who usually prepare one food at a time and want a smaller countertop appliance.
Why We Pick It
It earned the Best Dual-Basket badge because its two independent cooking zones directly address the need to prepare different foods simultaneously. Smart Finish helps coordinate cooking times, while Match Cook can copy settings across the two zones.
Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 8-quart capacity | provides substantial cooking space for family meals |
| Two independent baskets | allows different foods to cook separately |
| Smart Finish | coordinates cooking times so foods can finish together |
| Match Cook | copies settings across the cooking zones |
| 6-in-1 cooking | supports Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Bake |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Two independent cooking zones | ✕ Larger countertop footprint |
| ✓ Smart Finish and Match Cook features | ✕ More space required than a single-basket model |
| ✓ Large 8-quart capacity | ✕ Dual-basket design may be unnecessary for single-food cooking |
The Ninja DZ201 uses two independent 4-quart cooking baskets within its 8-quart design.
The supplied information lists six cooking functions, including Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Bake.
Smart Finish is designed to coordinate cooking times so foods can finish together. Match Cook can copy settings across the two cooking zones.
This setup is particularly useful for meals that combine foods with different cooking requirements.
The main drawback is the larger countertop footprint compared with a compact single-basket model.
What Is the Best Air Fryer for Flexible Capacity?
The Ninja Foodi MegaZone is the best option when you want to switch between two cooking zones and one larger cooking area.
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer 7 Qt MegaZone
BEST FOR FLEXIBLE CAPACITY
Best For: Families that want either two smaller cooking zones or one larger cooking area.
NINJA
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, 7 Qt MegaZone, 6-in-1, Black, DZ071
The Ninja Foodi 7 Qt MegaZone is the article's flexible-capacity pick because its removable divider lets users switch between two smaller cooking zones and one larger cooking area. That design gives families more control over how they use the available cooking space.
Who Should Buy It
It is best for families that sometimes need two cooking zones but also prepare larger foods in one continuous area. It suits shoppers who want more flexibility than a fixed dual-basket air fryer provides.
Why We Pick It
It earned the Best Flexible Capacity badge because the divider can create two 3.5-quart baskets or one 7-quart MegaZone. This makes it useful for both two-food meals and larger single-zone cooking.
Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 7-quart capacity | provides substantial space for family meals |
| Removable divider | changes the cooking area between dual-zone and single-zone use |
| Two 3.5-quart baskets | allows two separate foods to cook simultaneously |
| MegaZone configuration | provides one continuous 7-quart cooking area |
| 6-in-1 cooking | provides multiple cooking functions for everyday meals |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Flexible dual-zone or single-zone configuration | ✕ Larger countertop footprint |
| ✓ Large 7-quart capacity | ✕ More complex than a basic single-basket model |
| ✓ Useful for both separate and larger meals | ✕ Divider configuration may not suit every cooking task |
The Ninja Foodi MegaZone uses a removable divider to change how the cooking space is configured.
The supplied product information lists two 3.5-quart baskets when the divider is installed. Removing the divider creates one 7-quart MegaZone.
This design gives the appliance more flexibility than a conventional fixed dual-basket model.
It is a strong choice for shoppers who sometimes cook two foods separately but also prepare larger foods in one continuous cooking area.
What Is the Best Small Air Fryer?
The Ninja Air Fryer 4 Qt is the best compact choice in this roundup. Its smaller capacity suits individuals and smaller households that have limited countertop space.
Ninja Air Fryer 4 Qt AF101
BEST FOR SMALL HOUSEHOLDS
Best For: One or two people who want a compact air fryer for everyday meals.
NINJA
Ninja Air Fryer, 4 Qt Capacity, 4-in-1 Crisp, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate, Dishwasher Safe Parts, 105°F-400°F, 1550 Watt, Grey, AF101
The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 4 Qt is the article's compact pick for smaller households and kitchens with limited countertop space. Its four cooking functions cover the main tasks expected from a straightforward everyday air fryer.
Who Should Buy It
It is best for one or two people who want a smaller air fryer for everyday meals. It is also suitable for shoppers who prioritize countertop space over maximum capacity.
Why We Pick It
It earned the Best Compact badge because its 4-quart capacity takes a more space-conscious approach while still offering Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate functions. Its 105°F-to-400°F temperature range also supports both lower-temperature and high-heat cooking tasks.
Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 4-quart capacity | keeps the cooking footprint smaller |
| 4-in-1 cooking | supports Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate |
| 105°F-to-400°F temperature range | provides flexibility from lower-temperature cooking to high-heat air frying |
| 1,550 watts | provides the specified power level |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | simplifies cleanup |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Compact 4-quart design | ✕ Limited capacity for larger families |
| ✓ Useful four-function setup | ✕ Lower capacity than the 5- and 6.5-quart models |
| ✓ Wide temperature range | ✕ Less suitable for large batch cooking |
The Ninja AF101 provides a 4-quart cooking capacity and four cooking functions.
The supplied information lists Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate functions. It also lists a 105°F to 400°F temperature range and 1,550 watts of power.
The smaller footprint is useful when kitchen space is limited.
However, the 4-quart capacity can become restrictive when preparing larger family portions.
Choose it when compact size matters more than maximum cooking capacity.
What Is the Best Large Air Fryer?
The Ninja Air Fryer XL 6.5 Qt is the best large-capacity basket air fryer in this selection. Its larger basket provides more room for bigger portions.
Ninja Air Fryer XL 6.5 Qt AF181
BEST FOR LARGE CAPACITY
Best For: Families and cooks who regularly prepare larger portions.
NINJA
Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp, 6.5 Qt, 6-in-1, Grey, AF181
The Ninja Air Fryer XL AF181 is the article's large-capacity basket air fryer pick for families and cooks who prepare bigger portions. Its 6.5-quart capacity, six cooking functions, and 450°F MaxCrisp setting provide more room and high-heat flexibility than smaller models.
Who Should Buy It
It is best for families and cooks who regularly prepare larger portions or want to reduce the need for multiple cooking batches. It is less suitable for kitchens where countertop and storage space are limited.
Why We Pick It
It earned the Best Large Capacity badge because its 6.5-quart basket provides more cooking space while its six functions cover Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The supplied Amazon listing also states that it can fit up to 9 pounds of wings.
Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 6.5-quart capacity | provides more room for larger portions |
| MaxCrisp technology | provides a dedicated high-heat crisping function |
| 6-in-1 cooking | supports Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate |
| 450°F maximum temperature | provides high-heat cooking flexibility |
| Large basket | helps reduce the need for multiple batches |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Large 6.5-quart capacity | ✕ Requires more countertop space |
| ✓ 450°F maximum temperature | ✕ Larger than compact models |
| ✓ Six useful cooking functions | ✕ May be excessive for smaller households |
The Ninja AF181 provides a 6.5-quart capacity and six cooking functions.
The supplied product information lists Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. It also lists a 450°F maximum temperature.
The Amazon listing shown in the supplied product information also states that the model can fit up to 9 pounds of wings.
The larger capacity can reduce the need for multiple cooking batches.
However, a larger air fryer takes more countertop and storage space than a 4- or 5-quart model.
How Should You Choose an Air Fryer?
Choose an air fryer based on capacity, basket configuration, cooking functions, countertop space, cleaning, and your normal cooking habits.
What Air Fryer Size Should You Buy?
A 4- or 5-quart air fryer is suitable for smaller households, while 6 quarts or more is better for larger portions.
Capacity is only part of the decision. Basket shape and usable cooking space can also affect how much food fits comfortably.
Is a Dual-Basket Air Fryer Worth It?
A dual-basket air fryer is worth considering if you regularly cook two foods at different temperatures or times.
The Ninja DZ201 is designed specifically around two independent cooking zones.
If most meals involve one food, a standard single-basket model can be simpler and more compact.
Do You Need Multiple Cooking Functions?
Multiple cooking functions are useful when you plan to use them regularly.
The COSORI TurboBlaze provides nine cooking functions, while the Ninja Air Fryer Pro provides four.
For shoppers who mainly air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate, the simpler Ninja design may provide everything needed.
What Temperature Range Should an Air Fryer Have?
The ideal temperature range depends on the foods and cooking methods you plan to use.
The selected models range from lower-temperature dehydration settings to maximum temperatures of 400°F or 450°F.
A wider range can provide more flexibility, but maximum temperature alone should not determine your purchase.
How Important Is Countertop Space?
Countertop space is important because larger-capacity and dual-basket air fryers can require substantially more room.
Measure the available space before buying, especially if you plan to keep the appliance permanently on the counter.
How Do You Get Better Results From an Air Fryer?
Better air-fryer results start with avoiding overcrowding and following the appropriate cooking temperature and time.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket.
- Arrange food so air can circulate around it.
- Shake or turn food when the recipe calls for it.
- Check smaller portions before the full cooking time ends.
- Use the appropriate cooking function for the food.
- Clean the basket and cooking components regularly.
Cooking times can vary between air fryers, food quantities, and recipes, so use the manufacturer’s instructions as the starting point.
How Do Air Fryers Work?
Air fryers cook food by circulating heated air around it inside a compact cooking chamber.
The heating element supplies the heat while the fan moves hot air around the food. Basket design, airflow, food quantity, and temperature settings all influence the final result.
If you want a more detailed explanation of the technology, cooking process, and airflow, read our guide on how air fryers work.
Are Air Fryers Worth Buying?
Air fryers are worth considering if you want convenient countertop cooking for smaller meals, crisping, roasting, reheating, and similar tasks.
They can be particularly convenient when you do not want to heat a full-size oven for a smaller portion.
However, the best value depends on your cooking habits. A large multifunction model may not be worthwhile if you only need basic air frying.
What Are the Main Air Fryer Buying Mistakes?
The most common mistake is choosing an air fryer based only on capacity or the number of advertised functions.
- Buying a capacity that is too small for the household.
- Buying a model that takes too much counter space.
- Paying for functions you rarely use.
- Choosing dual baskets without needing two cooking zones.
- Ignoring cleaning and basket design.
- Focusing only on price instead of overall usefulness.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Air Fryers
What is the best air fryer?
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt is the best overall choice in this roundup. It combines practical capacity with four useful everyday cooking functions.
What is the best air fryer for a family?
The COSORI TurboBlaze, Ninja AF181, Ninja DZ201, and Ninja MegaZone are strong family options. Larger capacities provide more room for bigger portions.
What is the best small air fryer?
The Ninja Air Fryer 4 Qt AF101 is the best compact choice in this selection. Its 4-quart capacity is better suited to smaller households.
What is the best dual-basket air fryer?
The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Qt is the best dual-basket choice here. Its two independent baskets can cook different foods using separate settings.
Is a 4-quart air fryer big enough?
A 4-quart air fryer can be enough for one or two people. Larger households may benefit from a 5-, 6-, or 8-quart model.
Is a 6-quart air fryer good for a family?
A 6-quart air fryer can be a practical size for family cooking. The COSORI TurboBlaze and Ninja AF181 provide more cooking space than compact models.
Are dual-basket air fryers better?
Dual-basket air fryers are better when you need to cook two foods separately. They are not necessarily better if you mainly cook one food at a time.
What temperature should an air fryer reach?
A 400°F maximum temperature is sufficient for many common air-frying tasks, while 450°F provides additional high-heat flexibility.
Are air fryers worth it?
An air fryer can be worth buying if you regularly want fast countertop cooking. Choose the capacity and functions that match your actual cooking habits.
What should I look for when buying an air fryer?
Focus on capacity, basket design, cooking functions, temperature range, countertop space, cleaning, and price.
Final Thought
The best air fryer is the one that fits your household size, cooking habits, available space, and budget.
- Best Overall: Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt — View Now at Amazon
- Best for Versatility: COSORI TurboBlaze 6 Qt — View Now at Amazon
- Best Dual-Basket: Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Qt — View Now at Amazon
- Best Flexible Capacity: Ninja Foodi MegaZone 7 Qt — View Now at Amazon
- Best Compact: Ninja Air Fryer 4 Qt — View Now at Amazon
- Best Large Capacity: Ninja Air Fryer XL 6.5 Qt — View Now at Amazon
Choose the model that matches your cooking needs, then prioritize the capacity and features you will use most often.