8 Best Stainless Steel Air Fryers of 2026

This 6-quart powerhouse delivers restaurant-quality crispiness without the grease, making it a standout in the crowded air fryer arena. With 1800 watts of heating muscle and temperature control up to 450°F, it sears food fast while locking in moisture—perfect for achieving that golden crunch on fries, wings, or even roasted vegetables. The intuitive touch screen and toss reminder ensure even browning, solving the common pain point of unevenly cooked meals in smaller baskets. Its dual-handle basket design makes it one of the most user-friendly models when handling hot food, especially compared to flimsier competitors.

In real-world testing, this air fryer excels at batch cooking—easily handling 2 lbs of fries or a full 4-lb chicken with consistent results across the basket. The large viewing window lets you monitor progress without losing heat, and the automatic keep-warm function is a game-changer for busy households juggling multiple dishes. However, the unit is relatively deep, so it demands more counter space than compact models like the Instant Pot Vortex. While it doesn’t offer smart connectivity or dehydrating functions, its dedicated air fry presets (French fries, wings, veggies) make one-touch cooking genuinely effortless.

Compared to the Instant Pot 10QT, which leans into versatility and family-sized loads, the Cuisinart AIR-200NAS focuses on precision and performance in a mid-size format. It’s ideal for couples or small families who want fast, crispy results without complexity—offering better heat control and build quality than budget models, but without the smart features of pricier combos. For those prioritizing basket ergonomics and consistent air frying over multifunctionality, this model strikes the right balance between simplicity and high-end execution.

Step into the world of family-sized air frying with the Instant Pot 10QT, a true multitasking titan that redefines what countertop cooking can do. Boasting 7 functions—including rotisserie and dehydrate—this unit replaces multiple appliances, making it a hero for meal preppers and home chefs who crave variety without clutter. The standout EvenCrisp Technology delivers uniform browning with 95% less oil, turning frozen nuggets into golden delights and transforming whole chickens into juicy, crispy-skinned masterpieces. Its large front window allows real-time monitoring, eliminating the guesswork that plagues many air fryers.

During testing, the 10-quart capacity shined—roasting a full tray of vegetables alongside chicken thighs with no crowding, and the rotisserie function produced fall-off-the-bone results rivaling traditional ovens. The non-stick trays and drip pan slide out effortlessly, making cleanup a breeze after even greasy wing nights. However, the fan can be noisy at peak performance, and the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to judge doneness in low light. While it heats quickly, it doesn’t quite match the raw speed of basket-style models when air frying small portions.

When stacked against the Cuisinart AIR-200NAS, this Instant Pot trades some peak crispiness for unmatched versatility and capacity. It’s the better pick for families of four or more, or anyone wanting dehydrate and rotisserie options in one appliance. Though it lacks the high-wattage punch of some rivals, its broad functionality and app-supported recipes make it a smarter long-term investment for diverse cooking needs—offering more features and flexibility at a lower price point than many combo ovens.

Meet the undisputed champion of capacity and style—the Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer isn’t just an appliance, it’s a kitchen centerpiece built for entertainers and big eaters. With a massive 26-quart interior, it effortlessly handles a 12-inch pizza, 6-lb chicken on rotisserie, or 6 slices of toast—all with 360º superheated air circulation powered by a dual-speed fan that crisps evenly from edge to center. The elegant French doors open smoothly with a single pull, and the interior light makes monitoring meals feel like watching a show in your own mini oven theater.

In practical use, this unit dominates when cooking for crowds—air frying a full batch of wings, roasting root vegetables, or baking cookies with minimal hot spots. The digital controls are responsive, and the automatic toast shutoff prevents burning, a small but meaningful detail many overlook. That said, its sheer size demands serious counter real estate, and the learning curve for optimal rack placement can lead to undercooked spots if not adjusted. While it doesn’t offer smart features or app integration, its build quality and airflow design deliver performance that rivals high-end wall ovens.

Compared to the COSORI Smart 12-in-1, which leans into connectivity, the Emeril model wins on raw cooking volume and aesthetic appeal, making it the better choice for hosts and large families who prioritize space and presentation over tech. It doesn’t connect to Alexa, but its stainless steel finish and French door design offer a premium feel that few competitors match. For those seeking the most spacious, powerful air fryer toaster combo with no compromises on capacity, this is the one that delivers the most bang—literally, when the fan kicks in.

For families that demand maximum versatility in a single appliance, the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS is a culinary powerhouse that blends grilling, air frying, and baking into one sleek stainless steel package. With 1800 watts and AirAdvantage technology, it delivers blazing-fast heat circulation that crisps wings, grills sandwiches, and roasts a whole chicken with impressive consistency. The reversible ceramic grill/griddle is a game-changer—offering both sear marks and non-stick convenience—while the 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff ensures safety during longer cooks.

Real-world testing revealed it handles large meals with ease: a 12-inch pizza browns evenly, 3 lbs of wings come out uniformly crispy, and grilled cheese emerges with perfect char in under 5 minutes. The spacious interior accommodates tall dishes, unlike many compact air fryers, and the easy-clean stainless steel interior resists stains and odors. However, the grill element can overpower delicate foods, and the digital controls lack preset customization, requiring manual input each time. While it heats quickly, preheating is still needed for optimal results, unlike some “no preheat” rivals.

Stacked against the Ninja SP101, this Cuisinart model offers more cooking functions and a superior grill, but sacrifices space-saving convenience. The Ninja flips up; this one stays put. Yet for large families or those who grill often, the TOA-70NAS is worth the counter commitment. It outperforms in multifunctional cooking depth and build quality, offering a more robust experience than budget combos—making it a top pick for households that want one appliance to rule them all, even if it means sacrificing a little real estate.

The Ninja SP101 is a space-saving marvel that punches far above its weight, combining 8-in-1 functionality with a revolutionary flip-up design that redefines countertop efficiency. With 1800 watts and precision-controlled airflow, it cooks up to 60% faster than a conventional oven, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or reheating leftovers without sogginess. The digital crisp control technology fine-tunes heat and airflow, delivering perfectly air-fried fries or golden toast with minimal effort—no guesswork, just results.

In daily use, the 45% larger cooking area shines—fitting a 13-inch pizza or 9 slices of toast without crowding—while the toast darkness selector ensures bagels and bread come out exactly how you like them. The flip-up design is a game-changer for small kitchens, allowing vertical storage against the backsplash and reclaiming precious counter space. However, the interior height is limited (~3 inches), making it unsuitable for tall casseroles or layered dishes. And while it dehydrates well, it can’t match the rotisserie performance of larger models.

Compared to the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS, the Ninja trades some cooking depth for unmatched space efficiency. It doesn’t have a grill, but it delivers faster cooking and smarter storage—making it the better pick for apartments, dorms, or compact kitchens. For those who value speed, space, and simplicity, the SP101 outperforms bulkier rivals, offering more innovation per square inch than nearly any other model in the lineup.

Don’t let the price tag fool you—the Chefman TurboFry® 8-Qt is a budget beast that delivers crispy, oil-free meals with surprising precision. With 1700 watts and a 200–400°F range, it handles everything from delicate fish to hearty chicken thighs, while the LED shake reminder ensures even browning—eliminating the guesswork that plagues cheaper models. The 8-quart basket comfortably feeds 4–6 people, making it a top pick for families on a tight budget who still want healthy, fast meals without sacrificing portion size.

In real-world tests, it cooks frozen fries and nuggets to golden perfection in under 15 minutes, and the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup a one-minute affair. The sleek stainless steel design looks more expensive than it is, and the automatic shutoff and pause-on-open safety add peace of mind. However, the temperature control lacks the responsiveness of premium models, and the fan noise is noticeable during high-heat cycles. It also lacks presets beyond the basics, so you’ll need to manually set time and temp for most dishes.

When compared to the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, the Chefman offers more capacity and lower cost, but fewer smart features and less even airflow. It’s not as compact, but it’s a better value for larger households who want family-sized meals without spending $150+. For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize size and simplicity over bells and whistles, this air fryer delivers exceptional performance for the price, outcooking several pricier rivals in basic tasks.

The COSORI 26QT Smart Air Fryer is the tech-savvy cook’s dream, blending 12 cooking functions with seamless smart integration via the VeSync app and Alexa/Google Assistant compatibility. With 6 heating elements and a 2-speed fan, it delivers rapid, even cooking—air frying wings in 18 minutes or baking a cake with professional-level consistency. The large capacity handles 6 slices, a 12-inch pizza, or a 5-lb chicken, making it a strong competitor to the Emeril model, but with a digital edge.

In testing, the app-guided recipes were a revelation—walking users through settings, times, and tips, turning novices into confident cooks. The removable crumb tray and non-stick tray made cleanup effortless, and the stainless steel build felt durable and modern. However, Wi-Fi dependency means losing smart features during outages, and the learning curve for app pairing can frustrate less tech-inclined users. The fan is loud on high, and like others, it demands significant counter space.

Compared to the Emeril Lagasse model, the COSORI trades French door elegance for smarter functionality, making it the better pick for tech-forward households who want guided cooking and automation. It doesn’t have rotisserie, but it offers more cooking programs and app support than any other model. For those who want a connected kitchen experience without sacrificing capacity, this air fryer delivers the most intelligent cooking ecosystem in the lineup—balancing size, smarts, and performance in one powerful package.

Perfect for dorm rooms, tiny kitchens, or singles, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4QT is a compact dynamo that proves big flavor doesn’t need big space. With adjustable temps from 95–400°F, it handles everything from dehydrating herbs to air frying chicken tenders, making it one of the most versatile mini fryers on the market. The EvenCrisp Technology ensures golden results with 95% less oil, while the intuitive touchscreen and one-touch presets make cooking foolproof—even for beginners.

In real use, it excels at small-batch cooking: reheating pizza without sogginess, crisping up frozen taquitos, or baking a single-serving dessert. The non-stick basket cleans in seconds, and the auto-shutoff and overheat protection make it safe for shared spaces. However, the 4-quart capacity fills quickly, making it impractical for families, and the fan noise is disproportionately loud for its size. It also lacks a viewing window, so you must open the lid to check food—losing heat in the process.

Versus the Chefman 8-Qt, this model is half the size but far more efficient for one or two people. It doesn’t compete on capacity, but it wins on portability and ease of use, making it the ideal starter air fryer. For students, bachelors, or anyone with limited kitchen real estate, the Vortex Plus delivers maximum convenience in a minimalist footprint—offering more functionality per inch than almost any other small appliance.