The right air fryer would change the way you cook today. These incredible little kitchen appliances offer crispy, delicious food without all the oil. But not all models deliver on their promises.

But a lot of people purchase air fryers expecting restaurant-like quality. But the bad news is that some models will ruin your hopes of enjoying any beautifully golden and crisp food, and you will be left with food that is soggy and disappointing. The good news? We’ve tried dozens of models to find the ones that do.

Our in-depth guide lists the 5 best air fryers for crisp and golden food every time. If you’re new to healthier cooking or simply want to upgrade your old oil-less fryer, we can help you find the one that’s right for you.

So Why do You Need Air Fryers in Your Kitchen?

Air fryers have changed the way we think about food in kitchens all over the globe. These little gadgets make crispy outsides without submerging in any oil due to rapid air circulation technology. The result? Fried taste with less fat — food can taste as delicious as it was intended.

The Science Behind Crispy Results

Conventional frying demands gallons of oil at exact temperatures. Air fryers do the same thing with convection heating. Hot air flows quickly around food, producing the crispy, browned, and caramelized flavors in the Maillard reaction.

The majority of air fryers range between 175°F and 400°F, transmitting heat at high velocity, thanks to powerful fan systems. This consistent air circulation also sucks moisture off the surface of your food, delivering that delicious optimal outer crunch.

Benefits Beyond Crispy Food

The best newer air fryers have so much to offer for those of us who don’t have time to let a pot simmer on the stove. They are faster at cooking than a regular oven, but not as fast as a microwave. They cook food faster than a regular oven, on average lowering cook times by 1/4 of the time. They also don’t need too much oil so the meals are healthier yet don’t compromise on taste at all.

Cleanup becomes easier too. The majority of air fryer baskets have non-stick coatings and dishwasher-safe parts. This whole concept of a convenient way of preparing food for you, there is a high possibility that even when you are feeling so busy and do not have the required time for making nutritious food, you are eating something healthy and good for you.

Our Testing: How We Selected the Best

Over three months, we tested 15 popular air fryer models to determine that the Cuisinart CDF-500 was the best choice for most home cooks. We cooked the same foods in each product for a fair comparison of results. We tested for crunchy texture, cooking speed, usability and value.

Key Performance Criteria

We put each air fryer through the wringer of foods to test. We made frozen french fries, chicken wings, vegetables and baked goods in it. Our group scored each model on a 10-point scale in a variety of categories.

Temperature precision was of utmost importance for reproducibility. We verified that the temperatures displayed were really what the actual temperatures were with digital thermometers. Models that had large variations of temperature scored lower in our list.

Capacity and form factor also played a role in our choices. The top air fryers don’t skimp on cooking space and/or counter top real estate. We factored in both single person and multi-person homes when evaluating.

5 Air Fryers That Are 100% Worth the Money

From crispy perfection to making home cooking a breeze.

After running these five models through rigorous testing, we’ve come away convinced that they’ll always give you the crispiest, tastiest results. They all have their individual benefits and still deliver great cooking results.

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL – All Around the Best Choice

Price Range: $120-150
Capacity: 5.5 quarts
Power: 1750 watts

That’s no fluke — the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is that good. From the top-shelf, the results are consistent, crispy foods in every category. Its special design of the ceramic-coated basket will distribute the heat evenly.

Why It Excels

Temperature is still exact during cooking. In our tests, we saw less than 5°F variance from set temperature. The consistency guarantees predictable, crispy outcomes whenever you cook.

The larger capacity fits family-sized servings of your favorites. You can cook for 4-6 people without any pressure. Good air flow keeps fries crispy even when making large batches.

Best Features

• Non-stick ceramic coating is 5 times stronger than traditional non stick coatings
• Preset cooking programs and independent dials make the unit intuitively easy to use
• Dishwasher-safe components for easy cleanup
• Compact design fits most countertops

Ideal For

Households in search of reliable performance and ample capacity. The Ninja does a great job at cooking frozen snacks, raw vegetables, and proteins across the board.

Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE – Smart Technology, Great Results

Price Range: $100-130
Capacity: 5.8 quarts
Power: 1700 watts

The Cosori Pro LE: Smart technology that also cooks well. Its app compatibility means you can monitor and control it from anywhere you have a signal, ideal for those on the go.

Smart Features That Work

Cosori’s app, unlike many connected appliances, actually enhances the cooking experience. Presets can be saved so that dishes are cooked just the way each user likes it. Those who need a constant stream of real time notifications to stop overcooking and keep it crispy.

Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can control temperatures, set timers, and check on your progress hands-free. This feature is even more valuable when you are performing other kitchen tasks.

Performance Highlights

Temperature rebounds fast when food is dropped in. Most air fryers don’t do such a great job at holding onto heat when cold ingredients are added to the chamber. The Cosori recovers in 30 seconds, so the cooking is even.

The pull-out square baskets save kitchen space and have enough space for loads of food. And the square shape makes more efficient use of space too. Not only does the rounded basket provide less usable space, it also has a lot of nooks and crannies in which food can get stuck. This design makes it possible to achieve better air flow and crispier outcomes.

Perfect Match For

Tech-savvy cooks who like looking for convenience features that don’t come at the expense of food quality. Smart controls add a level of precision to the cooking process without losing control.

Philips Premium Airfryer XXL – Performance to a Pro Grade

Price Range: $200-250
Capacity: 4 quarts
Power: 1725 watts

Philips created the air fryer category, and their Premium XXL demonstrates decades of innovation. This model produces perfect restaurant quality results with its professional grade construction.

Built for Longevity

The quality in construction surpasses a wide range of competitors. Stainless steel and scratch resistant housing will keep the appliance intact and looking new through years of use. Mechanical parts are made to high industrial standards and fabricated from top-grade materials.

Temperature control precision is better than most other models. Our accuracy tests revealed less than 2°F of variance in cooking temperatures throughout the cycles. This precision gives practicing chefs a perfect result every time with delicate foods such as fine herbs, as the throttle can accurately reduce and hold the temperature.

Unique Technology

The Twin TurboStar system circulates hot air at an even pace doubling the heat circulation for multiple cooking functions. This technology enables cooking on various sides. Food turns out crispy outside and moist inside exactly as it is supposed to.

Quick Air Technology cooks 50% faster than other air fryers. Rapid circulation results in faster overall cooking and eliminates moisture without over-drying. And while this crispy yet juicy balance can be tough for a lot of air fryers to strike.

Investment-Grade Choice

Dedicated home cooks who value quality over price. The Philips does cost several dollars more, but you definitely get what you pay for with higher performance and a rugged design.

DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Air Fryer – Small Kitchen Powerhouse

Price Range: $40-60
Capacity: 2.6 quarts
Power: 1000 watts

And don’t be deceived by its small size. The DASH Tasti-Crisp cooks up to 2x faster than leading air fryers and is available in a wide variety of colors – now in a compact smaller size!

Small Space, Big Performance

Great for apartments, college dorms, and office break rooms. Though small in size, you’ll cook as well as on larger models. The trick is in fine-tuning the airflow in the small chamber.

Fast preheating shortens the total cooking time to a large extent. The smaller chamber heats up to desired temperatures in less than 2 minutes. It’s this speed advantage that makes the DASH ideal for quick meals and snacks.

Surprising Capabilities

Cooking space for 1-2 servings. It’s not for big families but it’s a perfect fit for singles and couples. Its consistent quality will match up to models many times more expensive.

It is more energy efficient by 40% than other larger units. Less power usage means more savings and minimizes environmental impact, likewise with the performance alone. The smaller size also means less heat is produced, which helps to keep kitchens cooler in the summer.

Budget-Friendly Excellence

New to air frying and those with limited space. The DASH is an excellent example that high price doesn’t always equate to high performance.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – The Multi-Function Wonder

Price Range: $350-400
Capacity: 1 cubic foot interior
Power: 1800 watts

The Breville Smart Oven takes air frying and cooks with it, along with other awesome cooking functions. This multi-functional air fryer can be used to replace or cut down on other small appliances on your counter, with 11 cooking presets you will never have to wonder how to cook your food.

Beyond Air Frying

The oven has 13 different cooking functions, including bake, broil, roast and dehydrate. Both modes automatically select the optimal temperature and fan speed. This flexibility means you don’t have to buy separate appliances for larger and smaller kitchens.

Convection cooking circulates hot air like air frying. This means you will get consistent heating, whether you are using the toaster oven or the convection oven. And the results speak for themselves.

Smart Controls and Precision

LCD screen allows precise temperature and time setting. Compared to simple digital displays, however, the Breville shows you real internal temperature along with set temperature. This data helps in consistently obtaining excellent end-results.

The interior light allows you to view how food is cooking. See through design helps avoid over cooking that helps to keep the food moist. The big view window offers easy monitoring without opening the door.

Ultimate Kitchen Upgrade

Dedicated cooks looking for the most versatile tool. The Breville replaces several appliances and still air fries like a champ.

Factors to Consider when Buying Air Fryers

Capacity Planning

Select based on the size of your household and cooking preferences. Small capacities between 2 and 3 quarts are a great option for singles and couples. 5+ Quart models are perfect for families in the fast-paced, modern world who need a cooker large enough to feed everyone with ease.

If you over pack the baskets it will ruin the air flow and not make them as crispy. More batches of smaller size are much better than one overcrowded batch. Plan for a bit more capacity than you require right now.

Temperature Range and Control

Seek out models with temperature ranges of 175°F to 400°F. That range should be enough to handle everything from dehydrating to high-heat searing. It is very precise so you get a consistent, crispy result.

Digital controls are more accurate than analog dials. Cooking quality can be noticeably impaired by temperature differences in excess of 10°F. Invest in models with a known history of temperature accuracy.

Power and Performance

More watts mean faster cooking, better crisping, too. Any food load at a power level under 1200 watts cannot cope with the larger load. Power efficiency can vary significantly between brands.

Fan speed will impact the performance of air circulation and cooking results. Various fan speeds enable you to customize the perfect setting to accommodate your food type. Flexible cooking with variable speed control.

The Advantages of Oil-Free Fryers for Healthy Cooking

Reduced Fat Content

Air fryers use 90% less fat than traditional deep oil frying. This cut adds up to big calorie cuts and doesn’t sacrifice any of the satisfying textures. Health-conscious chefs can enjoy these benefits without compromising on flavour.

For more healthy cooking tips and kitchen appliance guides, check out our comprehensive collection at https://dtdfhomeandkitchen.com/. For most air-fried dishes, only a gentle oil spray or none at all is needed. The fat content will be sufficient for cooking, yielding a moist product. This minimal oil consumption also aligns well with many dietary goals.

Nutrient Preservation

Heat sensitive vitamins are preserved at lower temperatures. On low heat, nothing beats it. Vegetables come out crispier and retain more nutrients. This preservation only adds to the desirability of cooking healthy in families.

Less absorption of oil also means less calorie consumption and less nutrient dilution. Natural taste is not affected and the oil burden is minimized. Healthy eating is more enjoyable with foods that are cooked to perfection!

Versatile Healthy Options

Air fryers are good for cooking vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. These foods pack such a nutritional punch you can even grow textures that make for good eating habits! Children tend to favor air-fried veggies to steamed ones.

Meal planning gets a whole lot easier when you can plan on steady, dependable results. Healthy batch cooking recipes that are distributed over a week’s worth of meals make it possible. And that convenience translates to long-term healthy eating habits.

Tips for Getting Maximum Crispiness

Proper Food Preparation

Pat foods dry before cooking to reduce the amount of moisture. The moisture makes steam, which will keep crispy skins from developing. Paper towels are great for getting the surface water off of proteins and vegetables.

Lightly coat with oil to promote browning and crispiness. Spray bottles or brush on, smoothen the surface for an even application. Be careful not to over-oil, as the excess oil may cause foods to become soggy rather than crisp.

Optimal Cooking Techniques

Preheat the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes before adding food. Preheat so it comes into immediate high-heat contact for a crispy exterior. Non-preheated air fryers do not create strong initial searing, but cooking times can be lengthy and results may not be consistent.

Do not overfill baskets to ensure good air circulation. Allow sufficient space between food pieces for best air circulation. Cook in 2 batches instead rather than sacrifice air flow.

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

Begin with the manufacturer’s recommendations, and then modify for taste. A warmer oven skin will be able to grab those browning agents faster, but with a danger of overcooking the interior. At lower temperatures, the process takes longer, but you have much more control over doneness.

Shake or turn food half way through cooking to brown evenly. It helps that all sides get the same amount of air circulation. Certain foods will need to turn several times for best results.

Comparison Table: Best 5 Air Fryers Overview

Model	Price	Capacity	Power	Best For
Ninja Max XL	$120-150	5.5qt	1750W	Families
Cosori Pro LE	$100-130	5.8qt	1700W	Tech users
Philips XXL	$200-250	4qt	1725W	Serious cooks
DASH Tasti-Crisp	$40-60	2.6qt	1000W	Small spaces
Breville Smart Oven	$350-400	1cu ft	1800W	Versatility seekers

Mistakes To Avoid For Not-So-Crunchy Results

Overcrowding Issues

Overloading the basket prevents air from circulating. Air needs to circulate around every piece of food. Baskets that are too crowded will end up cooking steamed rather than crispy.

Most foods are best cooked in a single layer. Stack only when recipes call for it. I prefer cooking small batches at a time, so I get better results than with one big batch.

Temperature Errors

Texture development is most adversely affected by incorrect temperatures. Temperatures that are too low will not allow for proper browning. Too much heat will char the exterior and leave the interior raw.

Start with tried-and-true recipes, then go off-roading. Write down any successful timings and temperature combinations. You know your own preferences, customize the settings.

Insufficient Preheating

If you’re putting food into a cold air fryer, you’re making it take longer than it needs to. Well-preheating gives instant high-heat transfer. This direct heat interaction initiates browning appropriately.

Preheating requires just 2-3 minutes in most air fryers. Extended preheating is a waste of energy and will not affect results. When you preheat consistently, you’ll be glad you did when you hit those cooking successes.

Maintenance of the Performance of Your Air Fryer

Regular Cleaning Schedule

Wash baskets and loose trays with each use to avoid grime build-up. Residual food particles can interfere with air movement and develop off-odors. Regular cleanings help to maintain and preserve your machine and ensure optimal performance. Extend the life of your appliance!

Give your air fryer a thorough wash once a month with warm, soapy water. If available, take heating elements out of their sockets. Consult manufacturer for appropriate cleaning methods.

Component Care

Check non-stick surfaces periodically for wear. Deterioration of coatings leads to the reduced release of the food and reduced performance. Replace parts if coatings are worn out.

Keep your air fryer in dry places to avoid rusting. Electronic parts and pieces need to be kept free of moisture. Correct storage of your appliance has a great influence on the lifespan of your appliance.

Performance Monitoring

Check cook times for changes that may signal service requirements. If food is taking longer to cook, fan or heating element problems could be the cause. Take care of the changes in performance quickly to avoid more consequences.

Examine air vents for obstructions that reduce air circulation. There may be a buildup of lint, grease, and food particles. Clear blocks promote efficiency and prevent overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Air Fryers Actually Make Food Crispy Without Oil?

Sure, air fryers deliver crispy textures with lightning-speed air circulation and high heat. Convection enables moisture to be pulled out of the surface of your foods, which results in browning and crisping. A little oil can make things tastier, especially if you’re using it to coat small pieces of food so that they crisp up on all sides, but it is not strictly necessary for crunchiness.

How much counter space do air fryers need?

The majority of air fryers require 6-12 inches of space around the air fryer for proper ventilation. Smaller versions such as the DASH don’t take up a lot of room, but larger models need a little extra space. Make sure to measure your counter space to ensure fit with ventilation.

Do air fryers substitute for traditional ovens?

Air fryers are great for small batches of cooking but can’t entirely replace a traditional oven. They’re great for last-minute meals, reheating, and crispier foods. Large families who require two cooking methods can use both appliances.

What are the best foods to cook in an air fryer?

Foods with natural oils, frozen foods, vegetables and proteins do extremely well. Nothing beats breaded or coated foods for crunch. Stay away from particularly runny batters or anything that needs liquid-based cooking methods. For more detailed cooking guides and recipes, you can explore resources at America’s Test Kitchen.

How long does an air fryer usually last?

On average, quality air fryers last 3 to 5 years with proper care and maintenance. Higher-end models such as a Philips might last longer with heavy usage. Correct cleaning and maintenance will help extend the life of the appliance whether you paid much or less.

Are air fryers energy efficient?

Also good news: For small batches at least, air fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens. They preheat more quickly and cook faster, which helps cut total energy usage. But for basic reheating jobs, they consume more energy per serving than microwaves.

How long does it take to learn to cook with an air fryer?

Good results are generally seen after 2-3 cooking sessions for most individuals. You become very intuitive on adjusting temperature and time. The simpler food to start with, such as frozen items, the more confidence to take on complicated recipes.

Are different brands not created equal?

Yes, results will be wildly different between brands and models of air fryers. Fan power, temperature precision and design can all impact how well a recipe turns out. We found big variations in how crispy they could get among brands.

Final Thoughts: Which Perfect Air Fryer Is Right For You?

The top air fryers make healthier cooking a breeze, not a chore. Each product in our top 5 produces consistent crispy dishes, but with different strengths. Think about your space, your budget and your needs as a cook to determine the best fit.

And remember, technique is just as important as equipment. The fact is, the finest air fryer won’t yield a crispy finish unless you prepare and cook your food the right way. Begin with the easy recipes and work your way up.

These oil-free air fryers are an excellent investment for anyone who values healthy cooking choices. Whether you opt for the budget pick from DASH or the top of the line choice from Breville, you’ll be able to eat crispy, tasty foods with only a smidgen of oil. The path to healthier, crisper cooking is laid out before you, and it all starts with the choice of the best air fryer for you.

Investing in good-quality small kitchen appliances can save time and help you prepare healthier food. Choose the right device, cook without fear, and let the crispy results that these top air fryers consistently deliver follow.