What Are the Best Air Fryers in 2025? Your Ultimate Guide to Crispy, Healthy Cooking
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, blending convenience, speed, and healthier meal options into one compact appliance. If you’re asking, “What are the best air fryers?” you’re likely seeking a device that delivers crispy fries, succulent chicken wings, and perfectly roasted veggies without the guilt of deep frying. In 2025, the market is brimming with options, from single-basket wonders to multi-functional marvels. This guide dives deep into the top air fryers available today, tailored to various needs—whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or chasing versatility. Let’s explore the standout models, their features, and why they deserve a spot on your countertop.
Why Air Fryers Are a Kitchen Must-Have
Before we unveil the best air fryers, let’s clarify why they’re worth your investment. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation—essentially a mini convection oven—to cook food with little to no oil. This means lower fat content, faster cooking times, and energy efficiency compared to traditional ovens. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, crisping frozen snacks, or preparing a full meal, these appliances excel in versatility. The question isn’t just “What are the best air fryers?” but also “Which one fits my lifestyle?” Let’s find out.
Top Picks for the Best Air Fryers in 2025
1. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 – Best Overall Air Fryer
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 tops the list for its balance of performance, ease of use, and affordability. With a 5-quart capacity, it’s compact yet spacious enough to handle up to 4 pounds of food—perfect for small families or meal preppers. Its four functions—air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate—offer flexibility, while the intuitive digital controls make operation a breeze.
In testing, this model crisped fries in under 15 minutes and delivered juicy, golden chicken breasts without preheating hassles. The square basket maximizes cooking space, ensuring even heat distribution. Priced competitively, it’s ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. If you’re after reliability without complexity, this is your go-to.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 5 quarts
- Functions: Air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate
- Pros: Compact design, fast cooking, budget-friendly
- Cons: Limited to one basket, no smart features
2. Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart – Best for Even Cooking
Instant Pot’s Vortex Plus stands out for its consistent results and user-friendly design. This 6-quart air fryer boasts a clear window on its basket, letting you monitor food without interrupting the cooking process. It offers six modes: air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, and dehydrate. A preheat function ensures optimal temperature, while a shake reminder helps achieve uniform crispiness.
From fluffy fries to tender salmon, this model excels at even browning. The wide, square basket enhances airflow, and cleanup is simple with dishwasher-safe parts. It’s a stellar choice for those prioritizing precision and visibility.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Functions: Air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate
- Pros: Clear basket window, even cooking, easy cleanup
- Cons: Tray can be tricky to remove
3. Ninja Foodi DualZone XL – Best for Families
For larger households, the Ninja Foodi DualZone XL is a game-changer. With two independent 5-quart baskets (10 quarts total), you can cook two different foods at separate temperatures and times, syncing them to finish together via the Smart Finish feature. Think crispy wings in one zone and roasted veggies in the other—dinner’s ready in under 30 minutes.
This powerhouse handles family-sized portions effortlessly, and its six functions—air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate—cover all bases. It’s bulkier than single-basket models, but the payoff is unmatched versatility and capacity.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 10 quarts (dual 5-quart baskets)
- Functions: Air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate
- Pros: Dual-zone cooking, large capacity, sync feature
- Cons: Takes up significant counter space
4. Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart – Best Value Air Fryer
The Cosori TurboBlaze proves you don’t need to splurge for quality. This 6-quart air fryer offers nine functions, including air fry, roast, grill, and even dough proofing, all at a wallet-friendly price. Its Turbo modes speed up cooking with a high-powered fan, making it a champ for frozen foods and quick meals.
The digital touchscreen is sleek and responsive, and the dishwasher-safe basket simplifies cleanup. While the button-operated drawer can feel clunky, the TurboBlaze delivers crispy, evenly cooked results that rival pricier models.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Functions: Air fry, roast, grill, bake, dehydrate, proof, more
- Pros: Affordable, versatile, fast cooking
- Cons: Drawer mechanism could be smoother
5. Ninja DoubleStack XL – Best Space-Saving Air Fryer
Short on counter space but need big capacity? The Ninja DoubleStack XL stacks two 5-quart baskets vertically, offering 10 quarts of cooking power in a slim footprint. Each drawer has two cooking levels, letting you prepare up to four foods at once—ideal for busy weeknights.
It syncs cooking times across zones and delivers solid crisping, though top-rack items may cook slightly unevenly. Dishwasher-safe parts make it practical, and its innovative design earns it a spot among the best air fryers for small kitchens.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 10 quarts (dual stacked baskets)
- Functions: Air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate
- Pros: Compact yet spacious, multi-level cooking
- Cons: Slight unevenness on top racks
6. Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven – Best Multifunctional Air Fryer
If you want an all-in-one appliance, the Instant Omni Plus combines air frying with toaster oven capabilities. This 10-quart beast air fries, bakes, broils, roasts, dehydrates, and even rotisseries a small chicken. Its large cooking surface accommodates wings in a single layer or a 12-inch pizza.
The transparent door and interior light let you watch progress, and it’s quieter than most basket-style fryers. Baking performance isn’t its forte, but for air frying and roasting, it’s a versatile champ.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 10 quarts
- Functions: Air fry, bake, broil, roast, dehydrate, rotisserie
- Pros: Multi-use, large capacity, quiet operation
- Cons: Weaker baking results
7. Dreo ChefMaker – Best Smart Air Fryer
Tech lovers, meet the Dreo ChefMaker. This 6-quart air fryer uses a built-in temperature probe and smart recipes to automate cooking. Select a dish via the display, insert the probe, and let it guide you to perfectly cooked steak or veggies. It also steams and air fries, adding variety to your meals.
While it’s pricier, the hands-off precision and consistent browning make it worth it for those who value innovation. The learning curve is minimal, thanks to its intuitive interface.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Functions: Air fry, steam, smart cooking
- Pros: Smart features, precise cooking, sleek design
- Cons: Higher price point
How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for You
With so many stellar options, picking the right air fryer depends on your needs. Here’s what to consider:
- Capacity: Solo cooks can stick to 2-6 quarts, while families may need 8-10 quarts or dual baskets.
- Functions: Basic air frying suits most, but extras like baking, grilling, or steaming add value.
- Size: Measure your counter space—compact models like the Ninja Pro save room, while larger ones like the Foodi DualZone need more.
- Budget: Quality air fryers start at $60-$80, with premium models hitting $200+.
- Ease of Use: Look for intuitive controls and easy-clean features like dishwasher-safe parts.
Beyond the Basics: What Makes These Air Fryers Stand Out?
The best air fryers in 2025 don’t just cook—they enhance your kitchen experience. Dual-zone technology (Ninja Foodi, DoubleStack) caters to multi-course meals, while smart features (Dreo ChefMaker) simplify precision cooking. Energy efficiency is a bonus—most models use less power than an oven, saving you money long-term. Plus, their ability to crisp without oil aligns with healthier eating trends, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Air Fryer
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give food space for air to circulate—crispiness depends on it.
- Shake or Flip: Midway through cooking, agitate the basket for even results.
- Experiment: Beyond fries, try veggies, proteins, or even desserts like air-fried donuts.
- Clean Regularly: A quick wipe-down keeps performance top-notch.
Final Thoughts: Which Air Fryer Is Your Perfect Match?
So, what are the best air fryers? The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 wins for its all-around excellence, while the Instant Vortex Plus shines for consistency. Families will love the Ninja Foodi DualZone XL, and budget shoppers can’t go wrong with the Cosori TurboBlaze. If space or innovation drives you, the Ninja DoubleStack XL or Dreo ChefMaker beckon.
Each model brings something unique—crisp textures, fast meals, and healthier cooking—to your table. Pick one that aligns with your cooking habits, and say hello to effortless, delicious dishes in 2025. Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Your perfect air fryer awaits.
