4 Best Air Fryers of 2026

The Cosori TurboBlaze isn’t just another air fryer—it’s a kitchen revolution packed into a sleek, dark gray shell. With its 3600 rpm fan speed, 450°F max temperature, and 5-fan speed system, this model delivers crispier results faster than most competitors, making it a standout for families craving deep-fried texture without the oil. The premium ceramic coating resists scratches and ensures food slides out effortlessly, addressing one of the biggest pain points: messy, stubborn residue after cooking.

In real-world testing, the 6-quart square basket shines—whether roasting a whole chicken, air frying a week’s batch of sweet potato fries, or dehydrating apple slices. The Even Heating System lives up to its promise, eliminating cold spots that plague cheaper models. It maintains a low noise profile under 53dB, even at max speed—ideal for open-concept homes. While it handles frozen foods with ease, the basket’s depth can make flipping larger items like chicken thighs slightly awkward without removing them.

Compared to the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, the Cosori offers smarter temperature control, quieter operation, and a more durable ceramic coating, making it the better investment for frequent cooks. It’s not just about air frying—it excels at baking, proofing dough, and keeping meals warm without drying them out. For those who want one appliance to replace multiple countertop gadgets, the Cosori TurboBlaze delivers more versatility, precision, and long-term durability than budget models.

The Instant Pot Vortex Plus brings big-brand reliability to the budget air fryer space, packing six core functions into a polished stainless steel body that looks far more expensive than it is. Its 1700W motor and EvenCrisp Technology deliver consistent browning across wings, fries, and even baked apples, making it a strong contender for those who want crispy results with 95% less oil. The one-touch presets eliminate guesswork—tap “Air Fry” and go—perfect for beginners overwhelmed by manual settings.

In practice, the 6-quart basket handles up to six servings, ideal for families or meal preppers. It heats rapidly, often requiring no preheating, and the intuitive touchscreen clearly displays time, temperature, and cooking stage. However, the nonstick coating isn’t as durable as ceramic-lined baskets, showing light scratching after repeated metal utensil use. While it handles frozen foods well, dehydrating takes longer than dedicated models, and the fan can be louder at high temps.

When stacked against the Cosori TurboBlaze, the Vortex Plus trades precision and quietness for simplicity and affordability. It lacks customizable preheat and app integration but wins on ease of use and immediate readiness. This is the go-to for first-time air fryer owners, college students, or small households who want reliable, oil-free cooking without complexity. It may not offer the culinary finesse of premium models, but it delivers solid performance where it counts.

The Ninja AF141 is a no-frills powerhouse built for small kitchens and smaller households that still demand big flavor. With 400°F superheated air and Air Crisp Technology, it delivers golden, crunchy exteriors on everything from frozen nuggets to homemade kale chips—using little to no oil. The 5-quart basket fits up to 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of wings, making it surprisingly roomy despite its compact footprint. Its space-saving design is a win for apartments or crowded countertops.

During testing, the frozen-to-crispy function stood out—frozen tater tots achieved deep-fried texture in under 15 minutes with zero preheat. The nonstick basket and crisper plate cleaned easily with a quick wipe, though sticky sauces required soaking. While it handles reheat and dehydrate tasks competently, it lacks the precision temperature control of higher-end models, leading to slight over-browning on delicate items like fish. The 4-in-1 functionality is sufficient but not expansive—ideal for users who prioritize core tasks over gourmet experimentation.

Against the COSORI Pro 9-in-1, the Ninja trades cooking programs and app connectivity for simplicity and durability. It doesn’t offer ceramic coating or nutritional tracking, but it’s more intuitive for older users or tech-averse cooks. This is the best pick for couples or small families who want fast, reliable results without navigating complex menus. It may not be the most advanced, but it’s one of the most dependable workhorses in its class.

The COSORI Air Fryer Pro 9-in-1 is the compact connoisseur’s choice—a precision tool that fits neatly on cramped countertops without sacrificing performance. Despite its 5-quart size, it handles 2–3 full servings with ease, thanks to its square basket design that maximizes usable space. With 450°F max heat and JuiceLock technology, it sears steaks and locks in moisture better than most full-sized models, making it a secret weapon for low-carb and keto dieters who crave restaurant-quality results.

In daily use, the one-wipe glass control panel stays clean and responsive, while the 130+ app-based recipes—complete with nutritional info—make meal planning effortless. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, and the ceramic coating resists chipping even after months of use. However, the lack of a rotating basket means you’ll need to manually shake foods like fries for even crispness. It’s not the fastest preheater, and the dehydrate function runs cooler than competitors, extending drying times.

Compared to the larger Cosori TurboBlaze, this model sacrifices capacity and fan speed for portability and countertop elegance. It’s the ideal match for urban dwellers, minimalist kitchens, or solo cooks who still want gourmet functionality. While it doesn’t offer the raw power of 6-quart models, it delivers chef-grade cooking in a compact form, with smarter programming and better app integration than most rivals.