Best Air Fryers 2025: Find Your Ideal Model Now

Want crispy food without the deep fryer mess and guilt? That’s why air fryers are everywhere now. They work like super-powered mini ovens, blasting hot air around your food super fast. Result? Great crunch with way less oil – we’re talking up to 95% less! Think quick fries, perfect roasted veggies, reheated pizza that’s actually good, even baking or drying fruit. Super handy. But honestly, picking one can be overwhelming with all the choices. Big one for the family? Small one for just you? Need all the preset buttons, or happy with simple knobs? We cut through the noise and found the top 5 on Amazon for different needs and budgets. Let’s look at the COSORI TurboBlaze, Ninja AF101, Chefman XL TurboFry, CHEFMAN Mini, and Chefman 4QT Compact. Ready to find your countertop hero?

Top Picks

• COSORI TurboBlaze (6QT) at Amazon | See it
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• Ninja AF101 (4QT) at Amazon | See it
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• Chefman XL TurboFry (8QT) at Amazon | See it
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• CHEFMAN Mini (2QT) at Amazon | See it
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• Chefman 4QT Compact at Amazon | See it
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1. COSORI TurboBlaze (6QT)

See it on Amazon: Link

Why we like it: This one takes the top spot because it just does everything really well. It’s fast (thanks to TurboBlaze), cooks evenly, and holds a lot (6 quarts) without being huge. You can set the temp precisely from quite low (90°F for drying fruit or proofing bread) up to high heat. 13 preset buttons (Fries, Chicken, Bake, etc.) make it dead simple. Plus, the basket is square (fits more), non-stick, and dishwasher safe. Comes with good recipes too.

Things to know: The fan is loud when TurboBlaze is on. It is big, maybe too much for one person or a tiny kitchen. The outside can get warm during long, hot cooks.

What it’s really like: Think of it less as just a fryer and more as a powerful countertop oven. The TurboBlaze tech means it heats up fast and recovers heat quickly, so food cooks evenly and gets that perfect crisp without drying out. Wings? Great. Roasted veggies? Perfect. Cookies? Yep. Drying apple slices? Proofing dough? It handles those delicate jobs too. The screen is bright and clear, the presets take the guesswork out, and cleaning is easy. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for someone who cooks a lot and wants versatility.

The Specs:

• Size: 6 Quarts
• Heat Range: 90°F to 450°F
• What it Does: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Reheat, Proof (+13 Presets)
• Basket: Square, Non-stick, Dishwasher Safe
• Controls: Touchscreen

2. Ninja AF101 (4QT)

See it on Amazon: Link

Why we like it: This is the classic for good reason. It’s simple, reliable, and a great value. It nails the basics: makes food crispy with way less oil. Does the essentials (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate). The 4-quart size is a sweet spot for 2-4 people without hogging counter space. Two knobs (one for temp, one for time) make it super easy. It’s built tough and just works. Often a great price.

Things to know: It doesn’t have fancy features or precise low temps. The knobs give you a range, not exact degrees. The round basket means you might need to shake food for even cooking. You wash the basket by hand.

What it’s really like: If you want no-nonsense air frying, this is it. It heats fast and crisps up frozen fries, nuggets, and wings perfectly every time. Roasts veggies nicely, reheats pizza surprisingly well, and can handle dehydrating (though not as precisely as pricier models). The knobs are refreshingly straightforward. It feels solid and lasts. Perfect as a first air fryer or if you just want something simple that works well.

The Specs:

• Size: 4 Quarts
• Heat Range: Approx. 105°F to 400°F (Knob)
• What it Does: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
• Basket: Round, Non-stick, Hand Wash
• Controls: Knobs

3. Chefman XL TurboFry (8QT)

See it on Amazon: Link

Why we like it: Need to feed a crowd? This 8-quart beast is for you. Fits whole chickens, big racks of ribs, or piles of fries. Surprisingly, it has a touchscreen with 8 handy presets (Fries, Chicken, etc.). The “Turbo” implies good airflow for crispiness. Big plus: the basket is non-stick and dishwasher safe. Good power for the size, often at a better price than other XL models.

Things to know: It’s huge. Needs serious counter and storage space. Cooking small amounts isn’t its strength. While good, the “Turbo” might not feel faster than others like the COSORI in a side-by-side. Can be heavy when full.

What it’s really like: This solves the problem of cooking big batches. Roast a whole chicken (juicy inside, crispy skin), make fries for a party, or dehydrate large amounts of snacks. The touchscreen is fine, the presets are useful, and you can set custom temp/time. It circulates hot air well for its size. The dishwasher-safe basket is a lifesaver for cleanup. If you have the space and need the capacity, it’s a solid value.

The Specs:

• Size: 8 Quarts (Extra Large)
• Heat Range: 170°F to 400°F
• What it Does: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Reheat (+8 Presets)
• Basket: Non-stick, Dishwasher Safe
• Controls: Touchscreen

4. CHEFMAN Mini (2QT)

See it on Amazon: Link

Why we like it: The space-saving champ! Tiny footprint, perfect for singles, dorms, RVs, or as a snack sidekick. Despite its size, it has digital controls (set exact temp up to 400°F, timer) and even a shake reminder. Heats fast and crisps up small portions like a single serving of fries, nuggets, or a small chicken breast efficiently. Basket is non-stick and dishwasher safe. Very budget-friendly.

Things to know: It’s small (2 quarts). Forget big meals or large items. Cooking takes a bit longer per item than bigger fryers. You have to arrange food carefully. The display is tiny.

What it’s really like: This is the answer if counter space is tight or you only cook for one. It makes a great small batch of fries, crisps up a few tenders, roasts veggies for one, or reheats leftovers. The digital controls are a nice touch for a mini, giving you more precision than basic knobs. The shake reminder helps. It heats quickly and does its job well within its limits. The dishwasher-safe basket makes it super low-hassle. A fantastic little machine for minimal needs.

The Specs:

• Size: 2 Quarts (Mini)
• Heat Range: Up to 400°F
• What it Does: Primarily Air Fry, Reheat, Roast
• Basket: Non-stick, Dishwasher Safe
• Controls: Digital Buttons

5. Chefman 4QT Compact

See it on Amazon: Link

Why we like it: Hits a nice balance. Similar size to the Ninja (4 quarts), but with more features like the COSORI, often at a good price. Touchscreen is easy to use with 4 handy presets (Fries, Chicken, etc.). “Hi-Fry” tech aims for extra crisp. Basket is non-stick and dishwasher safe (big plus!). Feels more modern than the basic Ninja.

Things to know: “Hi-Fry” might not feel revolutionary. Only 4 presets (less than COSORI). The plastic exterior feels okay, not premium. Good, but maybe not quite as fast or even as the COSORI.

What it’s really like: A great mid-range option. The touchscreen is responsive and makes using presets or setting custom temps/times simple. It cooks well – gets fries crispy, wings golden, bacon perfect. The 4-quart basket is practical for 2-3 people, and the design is fairly compact. The dishwasher-safe basket removes a major cleaning headache. If you want digital ease, decent capacity, simple cleaning, and a fair price without needing the absolute top-end performance, this is a winner.

The Specs:

• Size: 4 Quarts
• Heat Range: 180°F to 400°F
• What it Does: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat (+4 Presets)
• Basket: Non-stick, Dishwasher Safe
• Controls: Touchscreen

Air Fryers: Why They’re Great & Picking Yours

Air fryers went from “huh?” to “must-have” because they deliver: that fried crunch and flavor with barely any oil. They work. The models above cover the best options for different people.

More Than Just Fries:

Don’t box it in! While fries are awesome, good air fryers like these are versatile mini ovens. The COSORI can dehydrate herbs, proof bread dough, bake cookies, roast veggies perfectly, reheat pizza well, and obviously air fry. The Ninja handles roasting, reheating, and basic dehydrating. The big Chefman XL is a roasting pro. Even the tiny Mini roasts veggies or reheats for one brilliantly. They can replace several gadgets, saving space and time.

How They Work (The Crispy Secret):

Think super-powered convection oven. A heating element gets things hot, and a strong fan blasts that heat around your food fast. This creates a yummy browned crust (the Maillard reaction) while cooking the inside evenly. The key difference from deep frying? Instead of drowning food in oil (adding tons of fat), you just need a tiny spritz, or sometimes none at all (like with wings). Result? Food with 70-95% less fat than deep-fried. Healthier wings, nuggets, fries. Plus less mess, no lingering fry smell, and usually faster than your big oven.

Which One Fits You?

It’s not about “best,” it’s about “best for you.”

1. The “Do It All” Cook: Go for the COSORI 6QT. You want speed, even cooking, tons of versatility (precise temps, proofing, dehydrating), and smart presets. Cook for family, like to experiment. Have some counter space.
2. The “Keep It Simple” Fan: The Ninja AF101 is your match. You want reliable air frying, no fuss, great value. Prefer knobs over screens. Mainly use it for frying, roasting, reheating for 1-3 people. Okay hand-washing the basket.
3. The “Feeding the Troops” Pro: You need the Chefman XL 8QT. Capacity is everything. Regularly cook for 4+, love batch cooking, make big roasts. Want digital presets and dishwasher cleaning. Counter space isn’t the main worry.
4. The “Tiny Kitchen / Solo Chef”: The CHEFMAN Mini 2QT shines. Your kitchen is small (dorm, apt, RV), you mostly cook for one, or want a dedicated snack maker. Appreciate digital controls and dishwasher-safe in a mini. Know its limits.
5. The “Feature Fan on a Budget”: The Chefman 4QT Compact balances well. You want a touchscreen, handy presets, dishwasher basket in a 4-quart size, at a good price. Like the idea of extra crisp (“Hi-Fry”), but top speed isn’t critical. Great for couples/small families.

Quick Tips for Better Results:

• Don’t Overstuff: Seriously, this is rule #1. Air needs room to move. Cook in batches if needed.
• Shake or Flip: Halfway through, give the basket a shake or flip bigger pieces like chicken breasts. Helps everything cook evenly.
• Go Easy on Oil: A light spray (use a high-heat oil mister) or quick brush is usually plenty. Too much can cause smoke.
• Preheat When It Helps: For extra crispy frozen stuff or a good sear, preheating for 2-5 minutes makes a difference. Many digital models do this automatically.
• Pat Food Dry: Especially meat – moisture fights crispiness.
• Try Accessories: See if yours works with racks (multi-level cooking), pans (baking), or skewers.
• Check the Manual & Play: Times can vary. Start with recipe/preset times and adjust based on how yours cooks.

Worth It? Absolutely.

An air fryer isn’t just a trend. It’s a genuinely useful kitchen tool. It makes healthier versions of fried favorites easy. Speeds up weeknights. Reheats leftovers brilliantly. Can even bake or dehydrate. Whether you choose the powerhouse COSORI, the simple Ninja, the huge Chefman XL, the space-saving Mini, or the balanced Chefman 4QT, you’ll likely use it constantly. Think about how you cook, your kitchen space, and what features matter most. You’ll find the perfect one to bring easy, crispy, healthier cooking home.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I have to use oil?
A: Not always! Foods with their own fat (like chicken wings or salmon) or frozen stuff pre-coated in oil often crisp up fine with little or no added oil. For drier things like plain veggies or tofu, a light spray or brush does help a lot with browning and crispiness. Bottom line: you use dramatically less than deep frying.

Q: What size should I get?
A: Think about who you’re feeding:

• 1-2 people / Small kitchen? Look at 2-3 quart models (like the Chefman Mini).
• 2-4 people / General use? 4-5 quarts is the sweet spot (like the Ninja AF101 or Chefman 4QT Compact).
• 4+ people / Big batches? You’ll need 6+ quarts (like the COSORI or Chefman XL). Also consider your counter space.

Q: Are they hard to clean?

A: Generally, no! The removable basket is key. Non-stick coating helps, and dishwasher-safe baskets (like on the COSORI and all Chefman models) make it super easy. Just wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Clean it soon after it cools for best results.

Q: Is air-fried food actually healthier?
A: Compared to deep-fried? Yes, significantly. Using 70-95% less oil means way less fat and calories, but you still get that great crispy texture. Compared to baking or steaming, you might use a tiny bit more oil sometimes, but the texture is better. It keeps nutrients about the same as other cooking. It’s a much healthier way to enjoy things like fries or wings.

Q: Should I preheat it?
A: Usually yes, especially for getting frozen foods super crispy or getting a good sear. It only takes 2-5 minutes. Many of the digital ones (like the COSORI or touchscreen Chefman models) preheat automatically with their presets. For just reheating something like pizza, you can probably skip it. Check your specific model’s manual.