The Best Air Fryer in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing, Using, and Loving Your Kitchen Appliance
If you’re searching for the best air fryer to transform your cooking routine—whether you want crispy fries with less oil, quick weeknight meals, or a versatile tool to replace multiple gadgets—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. After testing dozens of models, analyzing user reviews, and consulting culinary experts, we’ve identified the top air fryers across categories (small households, large families, budget buyers, and tech enthusiasts) and broken down the critical factors that make one stand out from the rest. The short answer? The bestair fryer depends on your needs, but our top picks—including the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer, Instant Pot Vortex Plus, and Cosori Air Fryer Max XL—consistently deliver on performance, durability, and user satisfaction. Let’s dive deeper.
Why Air Fryers Have Taken Over Kitchens (And Why You Need One)
Before we get to the best models, it’s worth understanding why air fryers have become a staple. Unlike deep fryers, which submerge food in hot oil, air fryers circulate superheated air (up to 450°F/232°C) around food using a powerful fan and heating element. This process, called “convection baking,” creates a crispy, golden exterior with up to 80% less oil than traditional frying. Beyond fries, they bake, roast, dehydrate, and even grill—making them a multitasker that saves time, counter space, and calories. Studies show air-fried foods retain flavor and texture comparable to deep-fried options, but with significantly lower fat content—a win for health-conscious home cooks.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Air Fryer for You
Not all air fryers are created equal. To find your perfect match, prioritize these five factors:
1. Capacity: Match It to Your Household Size
Air fryer capacity is measured in quarts (qt) or liters (L). Smaller units (2–4 qt) work for singles, couples, or small families; larger models (5–6+ qt) handle bigger batches or whole chickens. Overcrowding the basket is the #1 mistake beginners make—food steams instead of crisps—so size matters. For example, a 5.8-qt model can cook 4–6 chicken wings or a 4-lb chicken, while a 3-qt unit is better for 2–3 servings of fries.
2. Power: Wattage Dictates Speed and Evenness
Most air fryers range from 1,200–1,800 watts. Higher wattage (1,500+ watts) heats faster and maintains consistent temperatures, crucial for crispy results. Cheaper models (under 1,300 watts) may struggle with larger cuts of meat or require longer preheating. Note: Some “smart” air fryers adjust power dynamically, but base wattage remains a solid indicator.
3. Features: Do You Need Presets, Smart Tech, or Dual Zones?
Basic air fryers have manual temperature and time controls. Premium models add presets (e.g., “fries,” “chicken,” “dehydrator”), touchscreen interfaces, or app connectivity (for remote control via Alexa/Google Home). Dual-zone air fryers (like the Ninja Foodi) let you cook two foods at different temps/times simultaneously—game-changing for families with varied tastes.
4. Ease of Cleaning: Non-Stick Coatings and Dishwasher-Safe Parts
Air fryer baskets and trays often have non-stick coatings (PTFE or ceramic). Look for PFOA-free options for safety. Removable, dishwasher-safe parts save time—just avoid steel wool, as it scratches coatings. Some models have dishwasher-safe baskets; others require hand-washing.
5. Noise and Design: Will It Fit Your Kitchen?
Air fryers aren’t silent—their fans can reach 50–60 decibels (similar to a conversation). Larger models tend to be louder. As for design, consider counter space: most are 10–15 inches wide, but some (like the Cosori Max XL) are taller. Wall-mountable options exist but are rarer.
The Best Air Fryers of 2024: Top Picks by Category
1. Best Overall: Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer (6 Qt)
Why It Stands Out: With two independent 3-qt baskets, this dual-zone model lets you cook two different foods at once—one at 380°F for fries, another at 400°F for chicken wings. It includes 8 preset functions (from “frozen veggies” to “dehydrate”), a 180-second “quick heat” mode, and a “keep warm” function. The non-stick baskets are dishwasher-safe, and the digital display is intuitive.
User Love: Families rave about avoiding cross-contamination (no more mixing flavors!) and saving time on meal prep. One reviewer noted, “I cooked Thanksgiving turkey breast and stuffing rolls simultaneously—perfection on both.”
Best For: Households of 4+ or anyone who cooks multiple dishes at once.
2. Best Small Capacity: Instant Pot Vortex Plus (4 Qt)
Why It Stands Out: Compact yet powerful (1,500 watts), this 4-qt model fits 2–3 servings and doubles as a mini oven. It has 6 presets (including “cake” and “fish”), a shake reminder (to toss food halfway), and a see-through window to monitor progress. The basket detaches for easy cleaning, and it’s lightweight enough to store in a cabinet.
User Love: Renters and small-space dwellers praise its minimal footprint. One user wrote, “I live in a studio, and this replaces my air fryer andtoaster oven. The cake setting even bakes muffins!”
Best For: Singles, couples, or small families needing a space-saving option.
3. Best Multi-Functional: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (1 cubic foot)
Why It Stands Out: More than an air fryer, this countertop oven combines convection, air frying, dehydrating, and slow cooking. With 10 functions (including “bread proofing” and “roast”), it uses Element IQ technology to distribute heat evenly. The glass door has a built-in light, and the stainless steel design looks premium.
User Love: Serious home cooks love its versatility. A food blogger tested it: “It air-fries shrimp as crisp as my standalone air fryer, then slow-cooks a pork shoulder without missing a beat.”
Best For: Those wanting an all-in-one appliance (ideal for kitchens with limited counter space).
4. Best Budget Pick: Cosori Air Fryer Lite (3.7 Qt)
Why It Stands Out: At under $80, this 3.7-qt model punches above its price. It has 8 presets, a 60-minute timer, and a non-stick basket. While it lacks dual zones or smart features, it delivers consistent results for basic cooking (fries, chicken tenders, frozen snacks).
User Love: Budget-conscious buyers appreciate its reliability. One Amazon reviewer with 1,200+ purchases wrote, “For the price, this is unbeatable. My teens use it daily for snacks—no complaints.”
Best For: First-time buyers or those prioritizing affordability.
5. Best High-End: Philips Premium Airfryer XXL (7 Qt)
Why It Stands Out: A pioneer in air frying, Philips’ XXL model uses “Rapid Air Technology” for extra-crispy results. With a 7-qt capacity, it cooks a whole 5-lb chicken or 12-inch pizza. The “Starfish” basket design circulates air from all sides, eliminating cold spots. It also has a “healthier” mode that reduces oil absorption by 20%.
User Love: Foodies and frequent entertainers swear by it. A chef tested it against competitors: “The Philips renders fat better—wings come out juicy inside, crispy outside, every time.”
Best For: Discerning cooks willing to invest in top-tier performance.
How to Use Your Air Fryer Like a Pro (And Avoid Common Mistakes)
Even the best air fryer underperforms if misused. Follow these tips for crispy, delicious results:
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Preheat for 3–5 Minutes: Most models benefit from preheating (set to 375°F/190°C). Skipping this leads to soggy bottoms.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between pieces so air circulates. Work in batches if needed.
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Pat Food Dry: Moisture prevents crisping. Towel-dry chicken, veggies, or fish before adding to the basket.
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Use Oil Sparingly: Lightly coat with olive or avocado oil (1–2 tsp per serving) for extra crispness. Too much oil makes food steam.
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Shake or Flip Midway: For even cooking, toss fries, veggies, or wings halfway through.
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Adjust Time for Frozen Foods: Most frozen snacks (fries, nuggets) need 10–15 minutes—check the package, but start with less time to avoid burning.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer: Simple Steps to Extend Its Life
A dirty air fryer cooks unevenly and smells bad. Here’s how to clean it safely:
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Unplug and Cool: Wait 30 minutes after cooking to avoid burns.
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Remove Basket/Tray: Wash in warm, soapy water (dishwasher-safe models go on the top rack).
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Wipe the Interior: Use a damp sponge with mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers—they damage non-stick coatings.
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Clean the Heating Element: If accessible (some models have removable covers), gently brush away crumbs.
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Dry Thoroughly: Let parts air-dry or towel-dry before reassembling.
FAQs: Answering Your Top Air Fryer Questions
Q: Are air fryers actually healthy?
A: Yes—compared to deep frying, they use 70–80% less oil. However, air-fried food still contains calories and carbs; balance with veggies and lean proteins.
Q: Can I use parchment paper or foil?
A: Most manufacturers allow perforated parchment paper (to let air circulate) but not foil, which blocks airflow. Check your model’s manual first.
Q: Why is my food soggy?
A: Overcrowding, underheating, or skipping preheating. Ensure proper spacing and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Q: Do I need to season my air fryer?
A: No—non-stick coatings don’t require seasoning. Avoid cooking sprays with propellants, as they can damage the surface.
Final Thoughts: The Best Air Fryer Is the One That Fits YourLife
Choosing the best air fryer boils down to your household size, cooking habits, and budget. For families needing versatility, the Ninja Dual Zone or Breville Smart Oven are unmatched. Singles or small households will love the Instant Pot Vortex Plus or Cosori Lite. No matter which you pick, following proper usage and cleaning tips ensures years of crispy, satisfying meals.
Air fryers aren’t just a trend—they’re a kitchen revolution. With the right model, you’ll never miss deep frying again.