Air fryers went from "gimmick appliance" to "legitimately useful kitchen tool" faster than almost anything else. They're not magic — they're basically powerful convection ovens in a compact form — but that description undersells how much they change the way you cook. Frozen foods come out actually crispy. Chicken thighs in 18 minutes. Reheated pizza that doesn't taste like cardboard. They earn their counter space, which is saying something.
The bad news: half the air fryers on the market are garbage. Here's how to pick the right one.
Best overall: Cosori Pro II 5.8qt
The Cosori Pro II is the air fryer that keeps showing up on "best of" lists because it actually deserves to be there. 12 presets that work, 5.8qt capacity (feeds a family), square basket that fits more food than round competitors, preheat function, and shake reminder. It consistently beats air fryers that cost $50 more. If you want one answer, this is it.
Best compact (for 1–2 people): Ninja AF101 4qt
If you're cooking for one or two people and counter space is tight, the Ninja AF101 is the pick. 4qt is enough for 2 servings of anything, it heats up in 3 minutes, and the wide temperature range (105–400°F) means it doubles as a dehydrator for jerky and dried fruit. Ninja's build quality is consistently better than generic competitors.
Best large-capacity: Instant Vortex Plus 6qt
The Instant Vortex Plus has a 6qt capacity with a window so you can watch your food — genuinely useful when you're learning cook times. It also doubles as a rotisserie and dehydrator. Instant (the Instant Pot brand) builds reliable appliances and this one is no exception.
What to skip
Avoid any air fryer under $40 — the heating elements are inconsistent, the baskets warp, and the temperature controls are unreliable. Also skip the very large "air fryer oven" combos unless you have significant counter space and cook for 6+ people regularly; they take much longer to preheat and the air frying performance is worse than a dedicated unit.
What people actually use air fryers for
- Frozen foods — fries, nuggets, mozzarella sticks. The thing it was built for. Genuinely better than an oven.
- Chicken thighs — 400°F, 18 minutes, crispy skin, juicy interior. Better than most oven results.
- Reheating — pizza, fries, fried foods. The microwave ruins these. The air fryer brings them back to life.
- Vegetables — broccoli, Brussels sprouts, zucchini. 375°F, 10–12 min. Caramelized edges, not steamed mush.
- Bacon — mess-free, no splatter, perfectly even.
Frequently asked questions
Is an air fryer worth it?
Yes, with the caveat that it works best for specific things: frozen foods, crispy proteins, reheating fried food, and roasted vegetables. If your household does these regularly, an air fryer earns its counter space fast.
What size air fryer do I need?
1–2 people: 4qt. 3–4 people: 5.8–6qt. 5+ people or meal prepping: 6qt or consider an air fryer oven. Err larger — a small basket forces multiple batches and food doesn't get as crispy when crowded.
Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?
For most things under 30 minutes, yes — and it's faster and more energy efficient. For larger roasts, baking, or anything that needs even low-and-slow heat, the oven is still better.
Do air fryers actually fry food?
No — they circulate hot air very rapidly. The result mimics frying better than baking does, but it's not the same as submerging food in oil. You get crispy exteriors without the oil, not deep-fried texture.