The air fryer has solidified its place as a cornerstone in the modern American kitchen, moving far beyond a trendy gadget to a genuine cooking workhorse. In 2025, the market is saturated with options—from compact units for singles to massive dual-basket cookers for family feasts. The key challenge for consumers is discerning which model truly delivers on the promise of guilt-free, crispy food with minimal fuss and maximum efficiency.
As experienced Kitchen Gadget Reviewers, we cut through the marketing noise to bring you a comprehensive, hands-on review of the seven best air fryers currently dominating the US market. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge needed to invest in an appliance that will truly elevate your everyday cooking, focusing on performance, durability, design, and overall value. This is the definitive guide to the air fryer landscape in 2025.
Our Methodology: Vetting the Crispy Contenders
We put the top seven contenders through rigorous, real-world testing. Each air fryer was evaluated on three key metrics:
- Crisping Performance: Testing with fresh-cut fries, frozen mozzarella sticks, and chicken wings to assess evenness and texture.
- Speed & Efficiency: Measuring preheat time and total cook time compared to a conventional oven.
- Usability & Cleanup: Evaluating the interface, handling of the basket, and ease of cleaning the non-stick surfaces.
Our final list represents a mix of sizes and styles to suit every consumer need, from the budget-conscious beginner to the avid home chef.
Our Top Picks – Top 7 Air Fryers of 2025
| Model Name | Best For | Capacity (Quart) | Key Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer | Families/Batch Cooking | 8 (Dual Basket) | Smart Finish Sync | Check Price |
| Instant Pot Vortex Plus ClearCook | Overall Home Cook | 6 (Single Basket) | Viewing Window + Odor Filter | Check Price |
| Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro | Enthusiast/Versatility | Oven (9×13 pan) | 13-in-1 Element iQ | Check Price |
| Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer | Quiet Operation/Speed | 6 (Single Basket) | 5-Speed Fan, Low Noise | Check Price |
| Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer (AF101) | Value/Single-Serve | 4 (Single Basket) | Consistent Crisping, Compact | Check Price |
| Instant Pot Duo Crisp (Ultimate Lid) | Space-Saving Multi-Cooker | 6.5 (Multi-Cooker) | 13-in-1, Single Ultimate Lid | Check Price |
| Dash Compact Air Fryer | Budget/Dorm Room | 2 (Single Basket) | Ultra-Compact, Low Price | Check Price |
1. Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer (8-Quart)
The Ninja Foodi DualZone is a game-changer for batch cooking, designed specifically for the busy family or the host who needs two items ready simultaneously. It single-handedly solves the classic air fryer problem: juggling cook times for the main dish and the side. It stands out in the market by prioritizing capacity and smart synchronization.
Design and Build Quality
This model features a robust, mostly matte-black plastic and stainless steel exterior. Its defining feature is the DualZone Technology—two independent, 4-quart cooking baskets. While it has a large countertop footprint (width-wise), the dual-basket design is a functional triumph. The baskets and crisper plates are heavy-duty, and the digital display is clear, large, and intuitive. It feels built to withstand daily, heavy use, a significant nod to durability.
Key Features and Specifications
- Capacity: 8-Quarts Total (Two 4-Quart Baskets).
- Wattage: Approximately 1690W.
- Key Functions: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate.
- Standout Tech:
- Smart Finish: Synchronizes different cooking programs in each zone to finish at the exact same time.
- Match Cook: Duplicates the settings from Zone 1 to Zone 2 with a single button press.
Real-life Usage Experience
The DualZone shines during meal prep. We tested frozen French fries in one basket and chicken wings in the other.
- Crispiness: Both batches achieved an exceptional level of crispness, rivaling most single-basket models. The separate heating elements and strong fan circulation prevented any flavor or temperature transfer.
- Cooking Time: The unit heats up incredibly fast—within one minute—shaving precious minutes off overall cooking time. Using Smart Finish was effortless; we input the longer cook time first, then the shorter, and both were done simultaneously.
- Ease of Cleaning: The non-stick coating is excellent. Both baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher safe, making cleanup for a large meal surprisingly simple.
- Disadvantages: It takes up considerable counter space. Furthermore, the 4-quart baskets can be restrictive if you want to cook a very large, single item (like a small whole chicken).
Value and Price
Positioned in the premium price bracket (typically $180-$220), the Ninja DualZone is priced higher than single-basket competitors but offers unparalleled convenience and capacity for multi-dish meals. Its closest competitor is the Instant Vortex Plus Dual, but the Ninja’s Smart Finish feature provides a technological edge that justifies the investment for family cooks.
Pros:
- Simultaneous, synchronized cooking of two different foods.
- Excellent, fast crisping performance.
- Durable build quality and easy, dishwasher-safe cleanup.
- Simple, intuitive digital controls.
Cons:
- Large footprint on the kitchen counter.
- Higher price point.
The Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer is our top recommendation for families of four or more, or anyone who regularly cooks a main and a side dish at once. It’s a high-performance appliance that eliminates meal-timing stress. It’s worth the premium price for the sheer time and convenience it saves.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
2. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-Quart ClearCook Air Fryer
Instant Pot, the brand that revolutionized pressure cooking, brings its design philosophy to air frying with the Vortex Plus. This 6-quart model is aimed at the everyday home cook who values function, a moderate footprint, and a crucial feature often missing: a viewing window.
Design and Build Quality
The Vortex Plus is a sleek, black basket-style air fryer with a clean digital touchscreen interface. What truly sets the design apart is the ClearCook window on the drawer, paired with an internal light. This allows users to monitor cooking progress without pulling the basket out and interrupting the heating cycle. The build is solid, utilizing high-quality plastics and a stainless-steel knob for easy time/temperature adjustments.
Key Features and Specifications
- Capacity: 6-Quarts (Single Basket).
- Wattage: Approximately 1700W.
- Key Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate.
- Standout Tech:
- ClearCook Window and Internal Light: Check on food without opening the drawer.
- OdorErase Charcoal Filter: Designed to reduce lingering cooking smells.
- Shake Reminder: Audible alerts to prompt even cooking.
Real-life Usage Experience
The Vortex Plus delivered excellent, consistent results across the board.
- Crispiness: It produced beautifully crispy frozen snacks and evenly cooked roasts. The air circulation is highly efficient, though food should be laid in a single layer for best results, as with most basket fryers.
- Cooking Time: Preheats rapidly (about 2 minutes) and holds its temperature accurately. The shake reminder is perfectly timed. The clear window is a genuine asset, reducing the temptation to open the drawer repeatedly, which saves cook time and energy.
- Ease of Cleaning: The basket and crisper plate are non-stick and easy to hand-wash. The OdorErase filter worked noticeably well on fish and heavily spiced foods, a feature city dwellers with open-plan kitchens will particularly appreciate.
- Disadvantages: The overall footprint is slightly larger than some other 6-quart models. The touchscreen, while sleek, can occasionally be less responsive than physical buttons.
Value and Price
Priced in the mid-range ($120-$150), the Instant Pot Vortex Plus offers superb features for its price. The addition of the viewing window and the OdorErase filter provides substantial added value over similarly sized, standard-basket air fryers, making it an excellent investment for its functionality and ease of use.
Pros:
- ClearCook window allows monitoring without heat loss.
- OdorErase filter effectively minimizes kitchen smells.
- Consistent and fast cooking performance.
- Versatile 6-in-1 functions.
Cons:
- Touchscreen can be slightly finicky.
- Mid-size footprint may be challenging for smaller kitchens.
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-Quart ClearCook is our pick for the Best Overall Mid-Size Air Fryer for the average home cook. It’s powerful, smart, and the viewing window is a revolutionary feature that becomes instantly indispensable.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
3. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is an oven-style powerhouse designed for the serious cook who demands versatility. This appliance isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a full-fledged countertop convection oven, toaster, and dehydrator, intended to replace multiple kitchen tools. Its intended audience is the home chef with ample counter space and a need for multi-functional capacity.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetically, the Breville is a stunner. Its brushed stainless steel casing and solid, heavy-duty construction give it a professional, high-end feel. It features a simple-to-read, backlit LCD screen and tactile, weighted control knobs, eschewing the trend of all-touch interfaces for superior control. The internal cooking cavity is generous, accommodating a 9″ x 13″ baking pan and offering multiple rack positions. The unit feels exceptionally durable and built to last.
Key Features and Specifications
- Capacity: 0.8 cubic feet / Large Toaster Oven Style (Fits a 9×13 pan).
- Wattage: High-powered 1800W.
- Key Functions: 13 Smart Cooking Functions, including Toast, Bagel, Broil, Bake, Roast, Warm, Pizza, Proof, Air Fry, Reheat, Cookies, Slow Cook, and Dehydrate.
- Standout Tech:
- Element iQ System: Five independent quartz heating elements automatically move the power where it’s needed most for precise and even cooking.
- Two-Speed Convection Fan: Allows for standard convection cooking or a dedicated “Super Convection” (Air Fry) mode for maximum crisping.
Real-life Usage Experience
The Air Fryer Pro is a versatile marvel.
- Crispiness: The “Super Convection” mode rivals the crisping of top basket-style fryers, excelling with large batches of fries, vegetable chips, and full sheets of bacon. However, due to its size, a shake/flip is still necessary for even browning.
- Performance: It toasts bread better than any standard toaster oven we tested. In “Roast” mode, a 5-lb chicken came out perfectly browned and juicy. The sheer flexibility to bake a tray of cookies, slow-cook a stew, and then air-fry wings is its primary advantage.
- Disadvantages: It has a massive footprint and a high price. The air fry basket is a perforated tray that can be more tedious to clean than a simple basket drawer.
Value and Price
As the most expensive unit on this list (typically $350-$400), the Breville represents a premium kitchen investment. Its value lies in its ability to effectively replace a dedicated air fryer, toaster, and even a full-sized oven for small-to-medium cooking tasks. For consumers seeking ultimate versatility and exceptional performance across multiple functions, the price is justified.
Pros:
- Incredible versatility with 13 functions.
- Superior build quality and aesthetic appeal.
- Patented Element iQ ensures precise and even cooking.
- Large capacity for roasting and baking.
Cons:
- High price point.
- Very large counter footprint.
- Air fry basket cleanup can be challenging.
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is recommended for the enthusiastic home chef with a large kitchen who wants a powerful, multi-functional appliance capable of handling virtually any small-batch cooking task, often replacing the need to fire up the main oven.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
4. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer (6-Quart)
The Cosori TurboBlaze is an impressive mid-sized basket air fryer that focuses on speed and sound. It is geared towards efficiency-minded consumers and those who are sensitive to the high noise levels typical of high-powered air fryers.
Design and Build Quality
A sleek, modern appliance with a vertical orientation that saves on counter space. It features an all-digital, LED display on the top surface. The design is clean and minimalist. The build quality is excellent for its price point; the materials feel solid, and the non-stick basket and crisper plate are durable.
Key Features and Specifications
- Capacity: 6-Quart (Single Basket, square for better space utilization).
- Wattage: 1725W.
- Key Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, Proof, Warm, Frozen.
- Standout Tech:
- DC Motor and 5-Speed Fan: Allows for adjustable fan speeds and a significantly quieter operation than competitors.
- TurboBlaze Technology: Claims faster heat delivery for quicker cooking.
Real-life Usage Experience
The TurboBlaze truly lived up to its name in terms of efficiency.
- Cooking Speed: It was consistently one of the fastest basket models we tested, heating up to maximum temperature about 20% faster than older 6-quart models. This speed translated into crispy chicken tenders and golden-brown fries in record time.
- Noise Level: The adjustable fan speeds are a brilliant innovation. On the lowest setting (for dehydrating or proofing), it was nearly silent. Even on the highest air-fry setting, it was notably quieter than the Ninja models, hovering around 55dB (compared to 60-65dB for competitors).
- Disadvantages: The top-mounted control panel can be awkward to read for shorter users or if placed under cabinets. While the crisping is fast, the adjustable fan speeds require a slight learning curve to optimize for different foods.
Value and Price
Priced competitively in the mid-range ($100-$130), the TurboBlaze offers exceptional performance and a unique feature—quiet operation—that justifies its cost. It provides a superior experience compared to most budget-tier air fryers without crossing into the premium price territory.
Pros:
- Extremely fast cooking thanks to TurboBlaze technology.
- Significantly quieter operation with 5-speed fan.
- Square basket design maximizes usable space.
- Excellent digital controls and presets.
Cons:
- Control panel placement can be inconvenient.
- Initial learning curve for fan speed optimization.
The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer is the Best Quiet Air Fryer and our recommendation for couples or small families who want a high-performance, fast appliance but prioritize a peaceful kitchen environment.
Overall Rating: ★★★★ (4/5 stars)
5. Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer (AF101)
The Ninja AF101 is the original compact champion. It is designed for the individual, the couple, or the person with limited counter space who needs an efficient, no-nonsense air fryer for quick meals and sides. It’s built on a foundation of proven reliability and straightforward performance.
Design and Build Quality
A classic, compact basket-style air fryer. It has a round design, a digital control panel on the top, and a sturdy handle. The build is durable, with a reliable non-stick coating on the ceramic-coated basket and crisper plate. It takes up minimal counter space and is light enough to move and store easily.
Key Features and Specifications
- Capacity: 4-Quart (Single Basket, round).
- Wattage: 1550W.
- Key Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate.
- Standout Tech:
- Wide Temperature Range: Goes down to 105°F for dehydration and up to 400°F for crisping.
- Simple Digital Interface: Easy to use without complex sub-menus.
Real-life Usage Experience
The AF101’s performance is legendary for a reason.
- Crispiness: It produces incredibly crisp results, on par with its larger siblings. The smaller internal chamber means the hot air circulates extremely quickly, leading to ultra-crispy finishes on frozen foods and vegetables.
- Reheat Function: The reheat function is a standout, transforming day-old pizza and leftovers into near-original quality, avoiding the soggy results of a microwave.
- Disadvantages: The 4-quart round basket is a limiting factor for family meals, often requiring batch cooking. The round shape is less efficient than a square basket for maximizing food surface area. It also lacks advanced features like a viewing window or smart app connectivity.
Value and Price
Often available under $100, the Ninja AF101 offers the Best Value in a compact air fryer. Its high-performance crisping and durability for this price point are unmatched, making it a budget-friendly option without sacrificing core quality.
Pros:
- Excellent, fast crisping performance.
- Compact, small footprint for tight spaces.
- Best-in-class Reheat function for leftovers.
- Budget-friendly price point.
Cons:
- Limited 4-quart capacity for larger meals.
- Round basket shape is less space-efficient than square.
- Lacks advanced features (window, sync, smart features).
The Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer (AF101) is our firm recommendation for students, singles, or couples seeking the most reliable, compact, and high-performing air fryer under the triple-digit price mark.
Overall Rating: ★★★★ (4/5 stars)
6. Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid (6.5-Quart)
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a multi-cooker designed for the home cook who has limited storage space but wants both an electric pressure cooker and an air fryer. Its primary innovation is the Ultimate Lid, which addresses the previous model’s clumsy two-lid system. It’s the ultimate space-saver.
Design and Build Quality
This appliance is inherently bulky due to its multi-cooker nature. However, the design is a massive improvement over past models. The Ultimate Lid houses both the pressure cooking and air frying elements and is permanently attached, eliminating the need to store a second bulky lid. The inner stainless steel cooking pot is durable and easy to clean, and the air fry basket insert is robust.
Key Features and Specifications
- Capacity: 6.5-Quart (Inner Pot).
- Wattage: Approximately 1500W for the air fryer.
- Key Functions: 13-in-1 functions: Pressure Cook, Air Fry, Slow Cook, Steam, Sauté, Sous Vide, Bake, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, Yogurt, Keep Warm, and Proofing.
- Standout Tech:
- Ultimate Lid: Combines the air frying and pressure cooking functions into one lid for easy transition.
- Large LCD Display: Simple, guided cooking programs.
Real-life Usage Experience
This unit is perfect for the “crispy finish.”
- Air Frying: It crisps up previously pressure-cooked foods (like chicken wings or pork shoulder) beautifully. The crisping on frozen foods is commendable, though slightly less powerful than dedicated air fryers like the Ninja DualZone.
- Versatility: The ability to pressure cook to speed up cooking and then air fry to achieve crispness is a significant advantage. This one unit truly replaces several appliances.
- Disadvantages: Because of the deep pot, the food sits farther from the heating element than in a standard basket fryer, requiring more vigorous shaking for even results. It takes up significant counter and vertical space.
Value and Price
Falling into the high-mid range ($150-$200), the Duo Crisp’s value is exceptional for those who need both a pressure cooker and an air fryer. If you were to buy both appliances separately, you would spend more money and lose valuable storage space. It is the best choice for maximizing kitchen utility.
Pros:
- Ultimate 13-in-1 multi-functionality.
- Space-saving, eliminating two separate appliances.
- The Ultimate Lid is a huge convenience upgrade.
- Ideal for finishing moist, pressure-cooked meals with a crisp exterior.
Cons:
- Bulky and tall.
- Air frying performance is slightly below dedicated units.
- Cleanup of the deep inner pot can be more involved.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid is the Best Multi-Function Appliance and our choice for the apartment-dweller or minimalist cook who must get the most utility out of a single kitchen gadget.
Overall Rating: ★★★★ (4/5 stars)
7. Dash Compact Air Fryer (2-Quart)
The Dash Compact is a small, analog air fryer designed for simplicity and ultra-portability. It targets the dorm-room resident, the single individual, or anyone with a truly minimalist kitchen who only needs to cook small sides or snacks.
Design and Build Quality
It’s an adorable, colorful, and lightweight appliance. The design is as basic as it gets, featuring two simple analog dials: one for temperature and one for time. The exterior is molded plastic, and while it doesn’t feel premium, it is adequate for its intended use. Its extremely small footprint is its biggest design advantage.
Key Features and Specifications
- Capacity: 2-Quart (Single Basket).
- Wattage: 1200W.
- Key Functions: Air Fry, with basic time and temperature control.
- Standout Tech:
- Air-Crisp Technology: Standard air-circulating fan.
- Auto Shut-off: Safety feature prevents overcooking.
Real-life Usage Experience
Testing was focused on small, single-serving items.
- Crispiness: It performs surprisingly well for a budget, compact unit, providing a good crisp on small batches of fries, onion rings, and two chicken thighs. However, the lower wattage means cooking times are generally longer—about 20% longer than the 4-quart Ninja.
- Usability: The analog dial is simple for beginners, but it lacks the precision of digital controls, making it difficult to set the exact temperature (e.g., 385°F).
- Disadvantages: The 2-quart capacity is genuinely tiny; it’s strictly for single servings. Batch cooking is mandatory for more than one person. The lower wattage also means it can struggle with large, dense items.
Value and Price
As the most affordable model on our list (often under $60), the Dash Compact delivers unbeatable value for its size and target audience. It is an excellent Best Budget Pick for occasional use or for those living in limited spaces.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable and an excellent budget choice.
- Minimalist design and tiny footprint.
- Simple, analog controls for beginners.
- Ideal for single servings and small snacks.
Cons:
- Very small capacity; only suitable for one person.
- Lower wattage leads to longer cooking times.
- Lack of digital precision in temperature setting.
The Dash Compact Air Fryer is our recommendation for the dorm room, small apartment, or budget-conscious shopper who needs a reliable, entry-level appliance for basic air frying.
Overall Rating: ★★★ (3/5 stars)
Final Verdict and Buying Guide
The air fryer market in 2025 is more sophisticated and segmented than ever. The choice is no longer about which one is “best” but which one is best for your lifestyle and space.
- If you cook for a family or need speed and convenience: Invest in the Ninja Foodi DualZone. The synchronization feature will fundamentally change how you prepare multi-item meals.
- If you are the average home cook needing a reliable, well-sized appliance: The Instant Pot Vortex Plus ClearCook is the ultimate balance of price, performance, and convenience, thanks to the indispensable viewing window.
- If you want one gadget to rule them all: The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is worth the counter space and the investment, as it will replace your toaster, your small oven, and your air fryer with a single, high-performance appliance.
Whichever model you choose, the current generation of air fryers offers significant upgrades in speed, capacity, and smart features, making it an excellent time to invest or upgrade. The promise of crispy, healthier food is more accessible and reliable than ever before.