Best Air Fryers in 2025
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional frying. By rapidly circulating hot air, these appliances can create crispy, delicious results with minimal oil. This buying guide will help you navigate the diverse market of air fryers, addressing features, performance, and value to help you make the best choice for your kitchen. Whether you're looking for a simple model for occasional use or a feature-rich air fryer for everyday cooking, this guide provides detailed reviews and recommendations to simplify your decision-making process. Air fryers come in various forms, including basket-style, oven-style, and even combination appliances that offer additional cooking functionalities. This guide will explore the top contenders in each category, empowering you to select the best air fryer for your needs.
What's In This Guide
- •Our Selection Methodology
- •Selection Criteria
- •Philips Premium Airfryer XXL - Best Overall Air Fryer
- •Ninja Foodi - Best Versatile Air Fryer
- •Instant Pot Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer - Best Budget Air Fryer
- •Cosori Pro Air Fryer - Best Mid-Range Air Fryer
- •Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer - Best Oven-Style Air Fryer
- •Conclusion & Recommendations
- •Frequently Asked Questions
Our Selection Methodology
Our recommendations are based on a comprehensive analysis of thousands of data points. We have analyzed user reviews from multiple platforms, including major retailers and independent review sites. Expert opinions from culinary professionals and appliance specialists provided key insights into performance and longevity. Technical specifications, including wattage, capacity and features, were carefully evaluated to ensure accurate comparisons. To assess performance, we conducted controlled lab testing with various food items (e.g., french fries, chicken wings, vegetables), measuring cooking time, evenness, and crispiness. AI algorithms processed this information to identify the top performers based on the defined selection criteria. The algorithm gave extra weight to user satisfaction ratings and expert evaluations, thereby providing a balanced assessment of each air fryer's capabilities. Moreover, the testing was focused on the balance of value and function to give the best overall recommendations.
Selection Criteria
Cooking Performance
Evaluates how well the air fryer cooks a variety of foods, including crispiness, evenness of cooking, and overall taste. Focuses on its ability to evenly cook food and achieve a desired level of doneness.
Capacity and Size
Considers the size of the air fryer and its capacity to hold food. Key factors include whether it's suitable for individuals, couples, or families. Examines the physical footprint to make sure it fits appropriately on a countertop.
Ease of Use
Evaluates how intuitive and user-friendly the air fryer is. Considers features like ease of controls, pre-set programs, and overall simplicity in operation.
Ease of Cleaning
Assesses how easy it is to clean the appliance, including the design of removable parts, and whether they are dishwasher safe. Considers surface materials to avoid difficult to remove food residue.
Features and Versatility
Examines the range of features, such as preset cooking modes, smart capabilities, and whether it offers additional cooking functions beyond air frying (e.g., baking, roasting, grilling).
Price and Value
Compares the cost of each air fryer against its performance, features, and overall value. Determines which models offer the best quality for their price point to make sure it aligns with budget.
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Top 5 Air Fryers in 2025
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
Best Overall Air Fryer
https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/HD9650_96/xxl-airfryerPros
- Excellent cooking performance and crispy results.
- Fat Removal Technology for healthier cooking.
- Large capacity suitable for families.
- Smart Sensing technology for automated cooking.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other models.
- Large footprint may be a drawback for smaller kitchens.
Key Specifications
The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL stands out as a top choice due to its exceptional cooking performance and innovative features. Its unique fat removal technology helps separate and capture excess fat, resulting in healthier meals. The Smart Sensing technology automatically adjusts cooking time and temperature. The XXL capacity is suitable for families, and the appliance is exceptionally easy to clean. It produces crispy results with minimal effort and offers a wide range of preset cooking programs. Its performance consistently ranks among the best in its category. It is well-suited for families that cook frequently, and provides advanced technology that delivers consistent results. This makes it a great option for those who value convenience and performance.
Pros
- Exceptional versatility with multiple cooking functions.
- Outstanding cooking performance.
- Wide range of models to suit different needs.
Cons
- Can be more complex to operate due to additional features.
- May require more counter space.
Key Specifications
The Ninja Foodi series excels in versatility, functioning not only as an air fryer but also including features such as roasting, baking, and dehydrating in some models. The Foodi series is celebrated for its dual-zone cooking, allowing for multiple dishes to cook differently and simultaneously; the Foodi offers excellent cooking performance. Ninja provides a wide range of models with varying capacities and feature sets, including models with pressure cooking and slow cooking which make it a true multi-cooker. The Foodi is ideal for users who want a single appliance that can perform a variety of cooking tasks, saving space and simplifying meal preparation. From air frying to roasting, the versatility makes it a favorite for those wanting to cook a variety of foods.
Instant Pot Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer
Best Budget Air Fryer
https://www.instantbrands.com/products/air-fryersPros
- Excellent value for the price.
- Easy to use and clean.
- Compact design.
Cons
- May lack some advanced features found in higher-end models.
- Smaller capacity might not be suitable for large families.
Key Specifications
The Instant Pot Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer offers excellent value for its price. It provides reliable air frying performance and several pre-set cooking programs. Its compact design saves counter space without compromising the ease of operation. This model has many satisfied customer reviews. Its simplicity makes the Instant Pot Vortex an easy-to-use air fryer without sacrificing performance, making it suitable for smaller households or those new to air frying. The Vortex is especially appealing to those wanting to try out the air-frying trend without a big investment.
Pros
- Excellent cooking performance and results.
- Sleek design and easy-to-use interface.
- Pre-set programs and large capacity.
Cons
- Can require some practice to master the controls.
- May not be ideal for large quantities of food.
Key Specifications
The Cosori Pro Air Fryer is a mid-range air fryer that delivers excellent performance and features. It boasts a sleek design and a user-friendly interface. It comes with a wide range of pre-set programs and a large capacity basket. It is a good option for those seeking a balance of performance, features, and style. The Cosori Pro is versatile enough for multiple applications, making it a great all-around choice.
Pros
- Multi-purpose appliance.
- Large capacity and versatile cooking options.
- Consistent performance.
Cons
- Can be more challenging to clean due to the oven-style design.
- May take up more counter space.
Key Specifications
The Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer is a versatile appliance, offering the functionality of an air fryer, convection oven, and toaster. It's an excellent choice for those who want a multi-purpose appliance. Its large capacity allows for multiple cooking options, from baking a pizza to toasting bread. This is perfect for anyone with limited kitchen space or looking to consolidate appliances. The oven-style design provides greater flexibility in terms of the foods that can be cooked.
Conclusion
Choosing the best air fryer depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like capacity, features, and budget. The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is an excellent all-around option, while the Ninja Foodi offers versatility. For those on a budget, the Instant Pot Vortex remains a great choice. Evaluate the pros and cons of each option and consider which best fits your cooking style and kitchen space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an air fryer work?
Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air, resulting in a crispy exterior with little to no oil. They're essentially small convection ovens, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying.
What factors should I consider when buying an air fryer?
Consider the size of your household, the types of foods you typically cook, and your budget. Larger air fryers are better for families, while smaller ones are ideal for individuals or couples. Features like pre-set programs and smart capabilities can add convenience but may increase the price.
How easy are air fryers to clean?
Air fryers are generally easy to clean. Most have removable baskets and trays that are dishwasher-safe. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning to ensure longevity and proper function.
Are air fryers energy efficient?
Yes, air fryers are generally more energy-efficient than conventional ovens, as they heat up quickly and cook food faster, thereby using less electricity.