At the end of a busy day, I throw salmon, veggies and diced potatoes straight into my air fryer with a light spritz of oil. The machine heats up instantly and circulates hot air to crisp the food. I have a healthy meal on the table in 15 minutes.
If you're looking for the best air fryer, I imagine you want the same: quick meals, reduced oil, minimal clean up, and tasty results. But with so many options and brands on the market, how do you choose?
As a trained cook and Homes & Gardens' kitchen appliance expert, I’m in charge of air fryer reviews, and I've tested the best air fryers in my kitchen to see how they work for real home cooks. I also interviewed air fryer chefs, collated years of testing notes from our trusted product testers, and read 2,000+ customer reviews to consolidate my rankings.
I'll get straight to the point: I've selected the Ninja Air Fryer Pro as the best air fryer overall for 2025, with the Instant Vortex as my runner-up and the large Typhur Dome 2 as my upgrade pick. I've rounded up the rest into a longer list of budget picks, mini models, and multifunctional machines – and I've also linked some early Memorial Day deals, too.
The hot list
Hot off the press, here's a trio of the best air fryers on the market. You'll find in-depth air fryer reviews that detail all the pros and cons further down the page.
Capacity: 5 quarts
Effective and no-fuss. The Ninja Pro is perfect for most people. It makes crispy, air-fried food without breaking the bank.
Capacity: 6 quarts
This was a favorite for years, but the Ninja Pro now wins for faster cooking times and user-friendliness. The Instant still makes excellent French fries, though. We love the viewing window and odor neutralizer.
Capacity: 5.6 quarts
The Typhur Dome is wide, spacious and ideal for families. It can air fry, grill, toast and bake 12-inch pizzas and entire meals for five people. It is extortionate but incredible.
Early Memorial day deals
Other air fryers I really liked
I really rated these air fryers, but they didn't fit into my top trio. If you have more specific needs, you might find these air fryer reviews helpful. There's more guidance on how to choose the right model for you further down the page.
Capacity: 4 quarts
This is the most basic model on our list, but it made the best roast asparagus we've ever tested. It's cheap and petite. A solid choice for single professionals or students.
Capacity: Two 5-quart baskets
It's tall, slender, and you can stack up to four different ingredients. It's very fast, and the narrow baskets are dishwasher-safe for a quick clean up.
Capacity: 6.3 quarts and 3.2 quarts baskets
This unique dual-drawer design gives you both small and large compartments, which are practical for everyday cooking. The sleek touchscreen is a breeze to use.
Capacity: Around 13 quarts
This air fryer could replace every appliance in your kitchen. It can toast, bake, roast, steam, proof, cook rice or pasta, slow cook, sous vide... and more. It's pretty big though.
Capacity: 6 quarts
The Dreo offers special 'Chef Modes', so you can cook the juiciest steaks and seafood at the touch of a button. If you're only looking to make fries and nuggets, it might be too pricey.
I didn't rate glass air fryers, until the Ninja Crispi came along. It's PFAS-free, fast, lightweight, and portable. But expensive and small, so it won't suit everyone.
Best air fryer reviews 2025
Best air fryer overall
Who would it suit? Pretty much everyone. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is the best air fryer I’ve ever tested. It’s well designed, easy to use, and delivers crispy, delicious results quickly. The spacious 5-quart version can handle up to 4 lbs of food (perfect for couples or small families), but if you have more mouths to feed, Ninja also makes an XL 6-quart version (which comes with extra functions for baking and crisping).
What we liked: This air fryer is very well priced for what it offers. It’s cute and compact (not much taller than my kettle), so it won’t hog counter space, but inside, there's plenty of space. I loved the large digital timer, which is clear enough to read from across the kitchen. Even better, it's a non-toxic air fryer with a ceramic-coated non-stick crisper plate. That's a huge win for health-conscious cooks like me, ensuring safe cooking and effortless cleaning.
Now, the real test: the food. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro passed with flying colors, turning out perfectly golden, crispy fries, and juicy, well-cooked chicken in record time. The food residue rinses right off with hot, soapy water, and the plate is even dishwasher-safe (though I always recommend gentle hand-washing to keep the lining intact).
What we didn't like: Not much, to be honest. The beeping 'I'm ready!' noise is quite piercing. It doesn’t have any fancy features, like the grilling, steaming or toasting. It is not as versatile as the Typhur Dome 2 or Ninja Combi, for example – but for everyday air frying, it’s an absolute steal.
Read my full Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 review for more details.
Runner up
Who would it suit? The Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer is a great option for those who live in open-plan homes where cooking smells can linger. It's also ideal for beginners, with thoughtful features like shake reminders and the illuminated ClearCook window to help you keep an eye on your food.
What we liked: This air fryer stands out for its OdorErase technology, which isn't a gimmick – it actually works. Our expert tester, Millie, says 'Even when cooking bacon, the air remained surprisingly neutral, with only a slight scent detected when roasting vegetables.' The cooking performance was solid too, producing crispy fries, bacon, and vegetables. At 6 quarts, it's very generously sized.
We like the sleek, sloped control panel and central dial for time and temperature adjustment. The notification sounds are pleasant and well-timed, alerting you when the unit is ready, when it’s time to shake, and when cooking is complete. All-in-all, it is beginner
What we didn’t like: There were a few minor drawbacks. We noticed a visible puff of steam escaping from the back when cooking veg, which may limit placement options. We also found that the glossy control panel picks up greasy fingerprints quickly, which detracts from the sleek look. Finally, cooking times were a bit longer than other models we tested – for example, fries took about 18 minutes to reach crispness.
Read more in Millie's full Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer review
Upgrade pick
Who would it suit? This is a great choice for families or anyone who wants to cook a full, balanced meal in the air fryer with zero fuss. If you’re the kind of cook who loves tossing together a protein, some roast potatoes, and a rainbow of veggies on a tray and having it all done in 15 minutes – crispy, evenly cooked, and hassle-free – this air fryer is made for you. It doesn't even need to preheat.
What we liked: The futuristic, space-age design is certainly a conversation starter. I found the sleek touchscreen to be intuitive and simple to use, and the basket felt ergonomic. It uses PFAS-free ceramic non-stick, and it is technically dishwasher-safe, though I found the crisper plate much too large for my machine.
I've tested tons of air fryers, and the cooking performance on the Typhur really blew me away. It has 15 modes, including: Air Fry, Toast, Grill, Bake, Griddle, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, and Reheat. There's no preheating needed, and results are lightning fast and consistent. Thanks to the wide basket, everything has space to crisp evenly; there's even enough room to make a homemade pizza. If dual-drawer air fryers seem like a hassle to coordinate and clean, the Typhur Dome 2 will be your dream come true.
What we didn’t like: The oversized crisper plate is awkward to wash in a small sink. The unit is also fairly wide, so you need some counter space. However, I found that the low, sleek design keeps it from feeling too bulky or imposing. Finally, it’s undeniably very expensive. It is the priciest model I've ever tested, so I was predisposed to be critical. However, you’re getting a high-performance appliance that could easily replace an oven, toaster, pizza oven, and grill – and that's worth a lot.
Full review coming soon.
What are the pros and cons of an air fryer?
I love my air fryer; it is easily one of the most convenient additions to my kitchen. However, there are some things I wish I had known before I bought my air fryer. These are the pros and cons, as well as my expert advice on which appliance might suit you better.
Pros of Air Fryers:
- They cook very quickly: Skip the long preheat times – air fryers heat up almost instantly and cook your meals in a fraction of the time it takes a traditional oven.
- They are energy efficient: The benefit of everything cooking so quickly means that the costs of running an air fryer are often much lower than using a traditional oven.
- They can help you eat healthily:.When used correctly, air fryers make it easier to cook with less oil and to enjoy delicious whole foods without much effort. Think frozen veg, crispy chickpea snacks and quick salmon fillets for a lunch box. Studies have shown that air-fried foods cut calories by 70-80% as a result of using less fat and oil. What's more, the air frying process has been shown to reduce exposure to carcinogens that result from deep frying in oil.
- They can replace other appliances: Many modern, multifunctional air fryers can toast, roast, grill and bake – replacing the need for extra appliances, like toasters and even traditional ovens.
Cons of Air Fryers:
- You do need to use some oil: While it was touted for a while that an air fryer was an oil-free device, food is rather bland and dry without some kind of fat to aid the cooking process. When I spoke to 6 expert nutritionists for their healthy air frying tips, they recommended using a light spritz of avocado oil to help get that golden finish.
- Temperatures vary: Not all air fryers are created equally. Cooking times can vary depending on your specific model, the size of the food, and your personal preferences. Recipes can require a little bit of 'trial and error' until you get used to things.
- You need to check on / flip your food: Getting the best air-fried food is down to checking at least once or twice as it cooks. For fries and roasted vegetables, it's a good idea to shake the basket at these points to get that all-over golden finish.
- You need to clean it after cooking: While the removable parts are simple to scrub, the air fryer needs more TLC and regular cleaning than an oven, for example. Knowing how to clean an air fryer properly is vital; my favorite hack of using vinegar to shift baked-on grease on my air fryer has certainly saved me time and money in the past.
- They can take up space: If you live with a small kitchen as I do, then adding an air fryer to your space is something you will need to plan for. I was lucky enough to find space in my kitchen cabinet for the device when I was not using it, but the machine's sheer size means it is not an easy appliance to hide away.
What type of air fryer should I choose?
With so many designs and styles available, here's a handy guide to the different types of air fryers and which one is best for your needs.
Small air fryers range from 2-4 quarts.
This size will suit most individuals or couples, who want make fries or snacks without taking up much counter space. They are also easy to hide away in cupboards when not in use. We always recommend square-shaped basket air fryers, since they maximize on cooking space.
Large, single-basket air fryers range from 6 to 7 quarts.
This kind of air fryer is great for families, allowing you to cook bigger portions for around 4-5 people. They tend to come with more functions (like grilling or baking) and they naturally take up more countertop space.
Dual basket air fryers can contain up to 10 quarts.
If you want to make a full meal in the air fryer, you need two baskets. This design allows you to cook two different dishes at once and keep the flavors separate. This suits busy families, couples, or hungry individuals.
Capacity varies on multifunctional models – they come in all shapes and sizes.
If your kitchen is cluttered with multiple appliances, you could replace them with a combi fryer. From grills, toaster ovens and slow-cooker combos, there's a multi-functional air fryer for almost everything. A cost-effective and space-saving choice.
Countertop ovens are larger, ranging from 3.5 to 6 cubic feet.
With traditional oven doors rather than the basket design, these ovens can typically air fry, bake, roast, and steam. They're ideal for cooking large batches, like a whole chicken or multiple trays of fries. They're often more aesthetically pleasing, too.
Capacity varies on non-toxic air fryers.
Non-toxic air fryers are free from potentially harmful non-stick linings, using timeless materials like ceramic or stainless steel instead. If you're a health-conscious cook, head straight over to our guide to the best non-toxic air fryers.
How we test the best air fryers
Sausages in the Ninja double stack
To test the best air fryers on the market, we focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a team of trained cooks, product testers and appliance experts, we rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Having tested the market leaders, we’re familiar with the industry benchmarks.
Ease of use is key, so our tests evaluate the intuitiveness of controls, basket design, instruction booklet, and the accuracy of recipe presets. We also explore special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess versatility. While cooking, we make notes on capacity – essential for those looking for family-sized air fryers.
Since cleaning can be a hassle, we check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. We also examine materials for non-toxicity and durability. After testing, we scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.
Finally, when you're making a kitchen investment, price really matters, so we weigh up the features and performance to see if it offers good value for money. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you choose an air fryer that looks stylish in your kitchen, as well as being reliable, efficient, and a joy to use.
Meet the expert team
Lydia is our Kitchen Appliances Editor, leading reviews and testing on products like air fryers, stand mixers, juicers and frying pans. Lydia trained in cookery at Leiths School of Food & Wine and was previously Recipe Editor for Mindful Chef. She’s also worked for healthy food brands, like Deliciously Ella. Lydia is professionally trained, but she is obsessed with air fryers – she is testing three in her kitchen right now and constantly developing new air fryer recipes.
Millie used to be our Reviews Editor and she was leading the team when the air fryer craze first started around 2020. That means she's tested tons of models across the years; including tiny models and massive machines. Millie tested the Instant Vortex Plus and rated it five stars, which set the benchmark for all air fyers that followed.
Camryn Rabideau is a product reviewer who has been testing small kitchen appliances (as well as other home goods) for several years. She’s tested everything from toasters to oil infusion machines, and as an avid baker. Camryn tested the Ninja Crispi for this guide in her small homestead in beautiful Rhode Island.
FAQs
How do air fryers work?
Air fryers work like mini convection ovens, circulating hot air with a fan. You place your food on a 'crisper plate' which has tiny holes, allowing the hot air to reach the bottom and create an all-over crunch. The heating element sits close to the food and directly above it, which has a powerful, browning effect.
What can you cook in an air fryer?
Roasted vegetables, quick chicken wings, fast French fries. If you have a versatile air fryer, the options are nearly endless. One of my favorite air fryer recipes is speedy salmon fillets in a sticky teriyaki marinade. I serve them with microwave rice and air-fried broccoli. The meal is ready in under 15 minutes.
Do you need air fryer liners?
Air fryer liners not only provide a protective layer to your appliance, they catch residual cooking oil and crumbs to make cleaning much quicker. You don't necessarily need them, but I think they make my life easier.
In my quest to find the best air fryer liners, I tested the most common materials – silicone baskets, paper sheets, and perforated liners. It's worth reading to find the best option for the recipes you like to cook.
Is it true that air fryers can be toxic?
You may have seen some social media panic about the toxicity of air fryers. As a consumer journalist and product tester, I spoke to medical experts and wrote an article on 'Are air fryers toxic?'
I’ve been assured by medical experts, scientific papers, and air fryer companies that these appliances are considered safe, as long as they are used and maintained properly.
It is important to choose a reliable model made with safe materials and to maintain it well. If the non-stick is peeling or scratched, stop using it immediately – this can have major health risks.
The best air fryer in this guide (the Ninja Air Fryer Pro) and the upgrade pick (Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer) both use safer, ceramic-coated materials, which should bring you peace of mind. You can read more ceramic, stainless steel, and glass air fryer reviews in my guide to the best non-toxic air fryers.
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