4 Best Simple Air Fryers of 2026

This powerhouse performer redefines what an affordable air fryer can do, blending 1700W rapid heating, a crystal-clear visible window, and 12 smart presets into one seamless experience. For home cooks tired of guesswork and messy cleanups, the Simple Deluxe delivers crispier results with 95% less oil, turning weeknight dinners into set-and-forget events. Its standout feature? The real-time cooking visibility—no more losing heat by opening the basket—making it a game-changer for precision frying.

In real-world use, the 6.34-quart basket handles family-sized portions with ease—perfect for four-piece chicken tenders or a full rack of ribs—while the compact footprint slips neatly onto countertops without dominating them. We tested it with frozen fries, fresh salmon, and even apple chips, and the consistent airflow delivered golden, even browning every time. That said, the fan can be loud at peak power, and delicate items like leafy vegetables tend to dry out on roast mode—manage expectations for ultra-fine cooking.

When stacked against other models, it strikes a sweet spot between the budget B0FSZC9HX2 and the smaller COSORI—offering more power and capacity than the mini, while adding the window feature missing in cheaper twins. It’s ideal for families or meal preppers who want versatility without complexity, and who value seeing their food cook. Packed with features and performance that outshines its price tag, it’s a stronger all-rounder than the nearly identical B0FSZVSPJL, despite a slight cost bump.

Don’t let the modest price fool you—this budget-savvy beast packs 1700W of rapid air technology and a full suite of 12 preset programs, making it one of the most capable entry-level air fryers on the market. It tackles everything from crispy wings to dehydrated banana chips with confidence, and the see-through window with internal light eliminates the guesswork that plagues cheaper models. For anyone seeking a no-fuss, high-value kitchen upgrade, this model delivers restaurant-quality crisp without the oil.

During testing, the 6.34-quart basket proved spacious enough for a whole chicken or four servings of fries—ideal for small families or batch cooking. The digital interface is intuitive, and presets like “Bake” and “Dehydrate” performed surprisingly well, though the lack of adjustable fan speed means delicate items can overcook if left unattended. It maintains heat efficiently, but the outer shell gets warm to the touch, so keep it away from kids or tight countertop corners.

Compared to the beige B0FSZC9HX2, it’s nearly identical—same wattage, capacity, and features—but misses out on a slight price-performance edge due to fewer color options and slightly bulkier branding. Still, it outperforms most sub-$45 fryers with its window and preset diversity, making it a smarter pick than basic basket models. It’s perfect for renters or budget-focused buyers who want full functionality without paying extra for aesthetics—a clear step up from minimalists like the COSORI 2.1 QT.

Meet the compact champion—a 900W mini marvel built for tight spaces and solo cooks who refuse to compromise on crisp. The COSORI 2.1 QT isn’t just small; it’s intelligently designed, with faster preheat times, a lightweight 4.87-lb body, and a Reheat function that resurrects stale pizza like magic. For dorm dwellers, RV adventurers, or seniors avoiding heavy appliances, this fryer is a game-changing blend of simplicity and smart tech, complete with 30 app-powered recipes to spark culinary creativity.

In practice, the 2.1-quart basket is perfect for two servings—ideal for snacks, reheating leftovers, or single-serve roasts—but quickly maxes out for families. We loved how it crisped up frozen tater tots in under 12 minutes and revived soggy chicken wings better than a toaster oven. Its low wattage means gentler cooking, but that also translates to longer cook times for dense foods like potatoes. And while it’s easy to lift and move, the small window limits visibility, making it harder to monitor progress without opening the lid.

Against the 6.34 QT Simple models, it’s no contest on capacity—but where it wins is space efficiency and user-friendliness. It’s lighter than a laptop, fits in a backpack, and uses up to 97% less oil, edging out competitors on health claims. It’s the best choice for singles, students, or second-home kitchens where counter space is gold. While it can’t match the power of 1700W models, it delivers precision and convenience that make it worth the trade-off—especially when you value portability over volume.

This is the gold standard of value air frying—a 1700W workhorse that combines 12 smart presets, a 6.34-quart family-sized basket, and a real-time viewing window at a price that feels like a steal. The advanced rapid air circulation ensures even browning across everything from mozzarella sticks to salmon fillets, while the built-in oven light lets you watch your food crisp without breaking temperature. For anyone who wants maximum versatility with minimal effort, this model nails the balance between performance, size, and simplicity.

We tested it across multiple meals—batch-cooked fries, roasted Brussels sprouts, and even homemade kale chips—and the consistent heat distribution delivered restaurant-quality results every time. The nonstick basket wipes clean easily, and being dishwasher-safe means no scrubbing after heavy use. That said, the fan noise is noticeable, and the control panel beeps loudly, which can be jarring in quiet kitchens—ideal to use during daytime hours.

Compared to the gray B0DQWJ1P23, it’s functionally identical but priced lower, making it the best overall pick for budget-conscious families. Against the COSORI mini, it’s a clear win for households needing larger capacity and higher power. It’s the most complete package in this lineup—offering more features than entry-level models, without the complexity of premium brands. If you want one appliance to replace frying, baking, and roasting, this is the smartest investment.