The Best Air Fryers Tested: 2024 Buying Guide

Last updated on September 7th, 2024 at 03:38 pm

If you’ve been on the hunt for a kitchen gadget that can do it all—crispy fries, juicy chicken, and even baked goods—without the guilt (and mess) of deep frying, then an air fryer is probably already on your radar. And honestly, it should be.  

But with so many models out there, how do you know which one is actually worth your hard-earned cash? In this guide will show you the top air fryers of 2024 to help you choose wisely. Whether you’ve got a tiny kitchen and need something compact or need something big enough to cook for the whole family, the newest air fryers have a variety of options to fit just about any need. Get ready to discover the best air fryer for your kitchen!

How We Tested

When we set out to find the best air fryers, here’s what we looked at–overall performance, ease of use, cooking capacity, speed, and even how easy they are to clean.

How do we test? We put each model through its paces with a variety of cooking tests. From crispy chicken wings to perfectly roasted vegetables, we made sure each air fryer could handle different types of foods with ease.

We also tested for cooking speed, noise levels, and how evenly each fryer cooked the food. Finally, We took into account how easy each one was to clean because, let’s face it, no one likes scrubbing greasy air fryer baskets after a meal.

Our Top Picks

• Best large capacity air fryer: Typhur Dome Air Fryer
• Best Dual Basket: Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer
• Best Mid-Size: Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer
• Best Small Air Fryer: Instant Vortex Mini 2-Qt Mini Air Fryer
• Best Air Fryer with a Window: Cuisinart Basket Air Fryer

Best Large Capacity Air Fryer: Typhur Dome Air Fryer

Let’s start with the Typhur Dome Air Fryer, our pick for the best large capacity air fryer. You’ll like the modern design, and you’ll love how it cooks. This air fryer is sleek and dome-shaped, which helps with airflow. That means your food cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy. Inside, the Typhur dome air fryer has a powerful heating element plus a large fan. Together, they ensure that your meals are cooked perfectly with very little oil.

And, this air fryer’s large capacity is impressive. With enough space to cook up to 32 chicken wings, two steaks, 10 slices of bacon, or even a 12-inch pizza, it’s ideal for anyone who needs to feed a big family without cooking in shifts. No more juggling multiple batches or waiting around for the first round of food to finish before starting the next.

Plus, using this air fryer is simple to use. There’s a digital display that lets you easily choose various cooking settings. You can also change the temperature and time to get exactly what you need. 

Best Dual Basket: Ninja Foodi Dual-Zone Air Fryer

Now let’s talk about the Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer. It has a dual-basket design, so you can make two different foods at the same time! They can even cook at different temperatures and be set to cook for different amounts of time!

This dual-zone air fryer is ideal for multi-course dinners or family meals. The basket is huge too, with an eight-quart capacity. With Ninja’s DualZone Technology, you get even cooking every time and those nice crispy results we all love.

Best Mid-Size: Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer

If you’re looking for an air fryer that’s big enough to handle family meals but doesn’t take up too much counter space, the Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer is the perfect choice. This mid-size model strikes the ideal balance between capacity and compactness, making it a great choice for most households. It’s large enough to cook up to two pounds of fries or a four-pound chicken, yet compact enough to fit easily on your countertop.

The Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer is known for its reliable performance, delivering crispy, evenly cooked food every time. It features a wide temperature range, allowing you to air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate with ease. The simple, intuitive controls make it simple to set your desired cooking time and temperature, and the non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket ensures that cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a side dish for a larger meal, this air fryer gets the job done efficiently and with minimal fuss.

Best Small Air Fryer: Instant Vortex Mini 2-Quart Air Fryer

For those with limited space or fewer people to cook for, the Instant Vortex Mini 2-Qt Air Fryer is a standout choice. Despite its compact size, this air fryer packs a punch when it comes to cooking performance. It’s perfect for singles, couples, or anyone who wants to make a quick snack without heating up the oven. The two-quart capacity is just right for small batches of fries, chicken tenders, or roasted vegetables.

What’s great about the Instant Vortex Mini is how easy it is to use. It features simple one-touch controls with customizable programs for different types of food, so you can get the perfect cooking time without the guesswork. Its sleek, compact design makes it a terrific choice for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even an RV. And despite its small footprint, it delivers crispy, delicious results that rival larger air fryers.

Best Air Fryer with a Window: Cuisinart Basket Air Fryer

If you like to keep an eye on your food as it cooks, the Cuisinart Basket Air Fryer with a viewing window is an excellent option. This model combines the performance you expect from a Cuisinart appliance with the added convenience of a viewing window, allowing you to monitor your food without opening the basket and interrupting the cooking process.

The Cuisinart Basket Air Fryer has a reputation for consistent cooking results, producing evenly-cooked and crispy food with minimal oil. The viewing window is particularly useful when you’re cooking foods that require precise timing, like delicate pastries or perfectly-seared steaks. You can watch your food brown and crisp to perfection, ensuring you achieve the exact results you’re looking for.

Things to Know Before Buying an Air Fryer

When you’re shopping for an air fryer, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First up is the size. Think about how big your family is or if you often have friends over. If you often cook for a crowd, a larger air fryer might be just what you need! But if your kitchen is small or you’re cooking for just a couple of people, then a smaller model could be best for you.

Next, look at the air fryer’s features. You probably want adjustable temperature settings and a timer. Some models have preset programs for certain dishes, and this makes cooking super quick and easy. Also, check if the air fryer has a digital touchscreen, preheating options, and is easy to clean. Those are all things that will make it easier and more convenient to use.

Summary

Choosing the right air fryer for your kitchen doesn’t have to be confusing. You want to think about size, features, brand, and price, and then see how those match up with your specific cooking needs and budget.

The models we’ve talked about here are some of the best air fryers tested in 2024. Each one has smart features that will cater to specific cooking needs. Whether you want something high-tech, flexible, or a more budget-friendly option that’s simple to use, there’s definitely an air fryer out there for you.

Also read:
Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Tenders (Easy Recipe)
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe (Just 3 Ingredients)
How to Cook Frozen Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi

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