5 Best Outdoor Air Fryers of 2026

Unleash bold woodfire magic with the Ninja OG321, a compact powerhouse that redefines outdoor cooking. This 6-in-1 electric grill delivers authentic smoky flavor powered by real wood pellets, not just smoke chips or liquid smoke tricks. With 1760 watts of electric heat, it sears steaks like a propane beast while eliminating open flames—making it perfect for balconies, patios, and small-space living. It solves the urban griller’s biggest headache: how to get that restaurant-quality char and bark without gas lines or fire codes breathing down your neck.

In real-world testing, the OG321 shines across all functions—grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, air frying, and broiling—with consistent results. The 141-sq-in cooking surface handles up to 6 steaks or 30 hot dogs, while the crisper basket air fries 3 lbs of wings to golden perfection with a subtle smoke kiss. Using just ½ cup of Ninja Woodfire Pellets, smoke sessions hit peak flavor in under 20 minutes, impressively fast compared to traditional offset smokers. However, it struggles slightly with low-and-slow smokes beyond 4 hours due to pellet consumption and limited hopper size—best suited for weekend warriors, not competition BBQ marathoners.

Compared to the OG701, this model offers identical core performance but with a sleeker, more compact footprint—ideal for those tight on deck or balcony space. While it lacks a built-in thermometer (unlike the OG751), its weather-resistant design and included accessories make it a versatile all-rounder for couples or small families. It’s the go-to for anyone who wants pro-level outdoor flavor without the propane tank hassle, all while staying apartment-friendly. For compact design and multi-function mastery, it outshines rivals despite missing a few premium touches.

Grill smarter, not harder—the Ninja OG701 brings 7-in-1 functionality to budget-conscious outdoor chefs without skimping on flavor. This electric woodfire grill uses real hardwood pellets to deliver 100% authentic smoky taste, turning burgers, wings, and veggies into backyard showstoppers. With 1760 watts of flareup-free power, it matches the sear of full-size propane grills while being safe for balconies and apartments—a game-changer for city dwellers craving campfire-style meals. It solves the classic dilemma: how to smoke, air fry, and grill outdoors without gas, charcoal, or landlord drama.

Field tests confirm it handles crowd-sized meals with ease—6 steaks, 30 hot dogs, or 3 lbs of wings crisp up evenly thanks to its 141-sq-in nonstick grate and crisper basket. The ½ cup pellet smoke trick works like a charm, producing thick, aromatic smoke in minutes—no preheating a 50-pound smoker. Whether you’re roasting vegetables or dehydrating jerky, every function performs reliably, though the lack of a built-in thermometer means you’ll need a meat probe for precision. It’s weather-resistant, stores outdoors, and heats up fast—but don’t expect the spaciousness of larger models when feeding big groups.

Against the OG321, it trades one function (bake) for dehydrate mode, adding versatility for snack makers and jerky lovers. While both share the same power and footprint, the OG701 wins on value, packing dual pellet blends (Robust and All-Purpose) right in the box. It’s the best budget-friendly entry into real woodfire cooking, ideal for renters, starter grillers, or anyone who wants maximum flavor with minimal setup. If you want pro-level taste without the premium price, this model delivers more bang for the buck than any other in the lineup.

Built for the BBQ host who means business, the Ninja OG850 Pro XL dominates with 30% more cooking space than standard models, making it the ultimate weapon for large gatherings and weekend feasts. This 4-in-1 electric grill combines woodfire grilling, smoking, air frying, and baking in one rugged, weatherproof unit—perfect for tailgates, family cookouts, or holiday spreads. Its 180-sq-in cooking area fits 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, or a 10-lb brisket, turning it into a mini outdoor kitchen that keeps guests fed without constant batch cooking. For entertainers tired of juggling multiple appliances, this is the all-in-one solution they’ve been waiting for.

Performance testing reveals excellent heat distribution and flavor infusion, thanks to Ninja’s wood pellet system that delivers real smoke in under 15 minutes. The built-in smart thermometer is a standout—monitoring internal meat temp in real time and alerting you when it’s done, so you’re never stuck hovering over the grill. Air frying wings yields a crispy, smoky finish with less fat, while baking cornbread or roasting veggies works surprisingly well for an outdoor unit. That said, the larger size means it’s less portable than compact models—better suited for permanent deck or backyard placement than RV trips.

Compared to the OG701, this model sacrifices dehydrate and broil functions for expanded capacity and integrated tech. It’s not as nimble for small spaces, but for those who regularly cook for 6+ people, the XL grate and precision probe are worth the trade-off. It matches the OG751’s thermometer feature but offers more cooking real estate—a rare win in the outdoor electric grill world. If you want larger capacity and smart monitoring without sacrificing woodfire authenticity, this is the top pick for serious outdoor hosts.

Precision meets power in the Ninja OG751, a 7-in-1 outdoor grill that stands out with a built-in food thermometer—a rare feature that transforms guesswork into gourmet results. This electric woodfire grill delivers bold, smoky flavor using real hardwood pellets, letting you grill, smoke, air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, and broil with confidence. With 1760 watts of flareup-free heat, it sears steaks and crisps wings like a pro, all while being safe for patios and apartments. For grillers who hate overcooking salmon or drying out chicken, the real-time doneness alerts are a total game-changer.

In real-world use, the OG751 handles weeknight dinners to weekend feasts with ease. The 141-sq-in cooking surface is perfect for 6 steaks or 3 lbs of wings, and the crisper basket adds air fryer crunch with a smoky twist. Using just ½ cup of Ninja Woodfire Pellets, smoke sessions build rich flavor fast—ideal for time-crunched cooks. The included Robust and All-Purpose blends let you experiment with flavor profiles right out of the box. However, the cooking area doesn’t expand, so large families may still need to cook in batches—this isn’t a substitute for a full-size BBQ pit.

When stacked against the OG850, it trades cooking space for functionality, offering dehydrate and broil modes the XL model lacks. It’s the best choice for those who want maximum versatility and precision in a compact, weather-resistant build. While it doesn’t feed a crowd as easily as the Pro XL, it wins on smart features and cooking diversity. For tech-savvy grilling enthusiasts who value doneness alerts and multi-mode cooking, this model offers smarter control than any other in the Ninja lineup.

Revolutionize your holiday spread with the Charbroil The Big Easy, an infrared-powered outdoor air fryer that roasts a 16-lb turkey in under 2 hours—oil-free. This propane-fueled beast uses patented infrared technology to deliver even, radiant heat with zero flare-ups, turning large cuts of meat into juicy, golden-brown masterpieces. It’s the best overall outdoor air fryer for those who prioritize speed, safety, and simplicity over multi-functionality. If you’re tired of deep-frying disasters or oven-crowding during Thanksgiving, this is the stress-free alternative that delivers restaurant-quality results.

Field testing proves it excels at whole-bird roasting, pork shoulders, and large roasts—a 12-lb turkey came out perfectly cooked in 90 minutes, skin crisp and meat moist. The oil-less design eliminates fire hazards and messy disposal, making it one of the safest outdoor frying options available. It’s portable with sturdy handles, ideal for tailgating, camping, or backyard parties. However, it’s single-purpose by design—you can’t grill burgers or air fry wings. And while it heats fast, it lacks precise temp control, so delicate items like fish or veggies can dry out if unattended.

Against the Ninja models, it doesn’t offer woodfire flavor or multi-cook functions, but it outperforms in speed and capacity for large meats. It’s not electric, so it’s not balcony-friendly like Ninja units, but for backyard BBQ lovers and holiday hosts, it’s unmatched for roasting efficiency and value. With a rugged build and sub-$100 price point, it delivers pro-level performance at a fraction of the cost of multi-function grills. If you want one tool that roasts big, cooks fast, and cleans easy, this is the undisputed king of outdoor oil-less frying.