We tested dozens of air fryers to find the best options for every budget and kitchen. Below are our top six picks for 2026, with honest pros and cons for each. Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support AirFry Pro and allows us to keep creating free recipes and guides.
#1 Best Overall~$90 · 5.8 qt
Cosori Pro II Air Fryer
The Cosori Pro II consistently delivers crispy, evenly cooked results across everything from frozen fries to chicken wings. Its intuitive touchscreen, shake reminder, and compact footprint make it ideal for everyday use. It earned our top spot for its unbeatable combination of performance, features, and price.
Pros
- +Even cooking with minimal shaking needed
- +9 one-touch presets with shake reminder
- +Dishwasher-safe square basket maximizes space
Cons
- –No window to check food mid-cook
- –Can be loud at higher fan speeds
#2 Best Value~$70 · 5.5 qt
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
Ninja's Max XL punches well above its price point with Max Crisp technology that reaches 450 degrees for restaurant-quality results. The generous 5.5-quart basket handles family-sized portions without crowding. If you want great performance without breaking the bank, this is the one to get.
Pros
- +Max Crisp mode reaches 450°F for extra crunch
- +Large capacity at a budget-friendly price
- +Simple dial controls are beginner-friendly
Cons
- –Bulkier footprint than similarly sized models
#3 Most Versatile~$110 · 6 qt
Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1
The Vortex Plus goes beyond air frying with six cooking functions including broil, roast, reheat, bake, and dehydrate. Its clear-view window lets you monitor food without opening the basket. A great pick if you want one appliance that can replace several.
Pros
- +6 built-in cooking programs
- +Clear-view cooking window
- +EvenCrisp technology for consistent results
- +Odor-reducing filter
Cons
- –Slightly higher price than single-function models
- –Touchscreen can be finicky with wet hands
#4 Best Large Capacity~$250 · 3 lb / 7 qt
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
The Philips XXL is the original air fryer brand's flagship, with a massive 7-quart capacity that can cook a whole chicken or feed a large family in one batch. Its fat-removal technology captures excess grease, and the rapid air circulation produces consistently excellent results.
Pros
- +Huge capacity fits a whole chicken
- +Fat-removal technology for healthier cooking
- +Excellent build quality and durability
- +QuickClean basket with non-stick mesh
Cons
- –Premium price tag
- –Takes up significant counter space
#5 Best for Small Spaces~$50 · 2.1 qt
COSORI Mini Air Fryer
Perfect for dorms, RVs, or cooking for one or two, the Cosori Mini packs full-sized performance into a tiny package. Despite its compact size, it crisps food beautifully and heats up in under two minutes. An unbeatable option when counter space is at a premium.
Pros
- +Ultra-compact design fits anywhere
- +Heats up in under 2 minutes
- +Surprisingly even cooking for its size
Cons
- –Too small for families or batch cooking
- –Fewer presets than full-sized models
#6 Best Splurge~$400 · Countertop oven
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
More than an air fryer, the Breville Smart Oven is a 13-function countertop powerhouse that can replace your toaster, oven, dehydrator, and air fryer. Element IQ technology adjusts heat across five elements for precise cooking. If you have the budget and counter space, this is the ultimate kitchen upgrade.
Pros
- +13 cooking functions in one appliance
- +Element IQ for precise heat distribution
- +Large interior fits a 14-inch pizza
- +Premium build with brushed stainless steel
Cons
- –Significant investment at ~$400
- –Large footprint requires dedicated counter space
How We Chose
We evaluated air fryers based on five key criteria: cooking performance (evenness, crispiness, speed), ease of use (controls, presets, cleanup), build quality, capacity, and value for money. We tested each model with our most popular recipes — frozen fries, chicken wings, salmon, and vegetables — to see how they handle real-world cooking.
Our picks span a range of budgets from $50 to $400 so there is an option for every kitchen. We update this list regularly as new models are released and prices change.
