8 Best Medium Size Air Fryers of 2026

The Ninja AF141 storms into the mid-size air fryer arena with bold performance and smart design, making it a standout for those who demand both power and versatility. Its 5-quart capacity effortlessly handles up to 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of wings—ideal for families or meal preppers—while the 400°F max heat and Air Crisp technology deliver that deep-fried crunch without the grease. With 4-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate), it solves the common pain point of kitchen clutter by replacing multiple appliances, all while maintaining a compact footprint that won’t dominate your countertop.

In real-world testing, the Ninja shines when reheating pizza (crispy crust, molten cheese) or dehydrating apple slices into light, chewy snacks—tasks where most mid-range fryers falter. The nonstick basket and crisper plate ensure food releases easily and cleanup is a wipe-down affair. However, the fan can get noisy at peak operation, and the lack of a viewing window means you’ll need to open the basket to check progress, slightly disrupting heat consistency. Still, it powers through frozen tater tots and chicken nuggets in under 15 minutes with an extra-crispy finish that rivals deep frying.

Compared to the Cosori 6QT, the Ninja trades a bit of capacity and temperature range for simpler, more intuitive operation—perfect for users who want reliable results without fiddling with multiple presets. It’s best suited for medium households or avid cooks who value multi-functionality over gourmet precision. While the Cosori offers more cooking modes and a quieter motor, the Ninja delivers better dehydrate performance and a more robust build, making it a stronger all-rounder for everyday versatility.

The Cosori 6QT TurboBlaze redefines what a premium mid-size air fryer should be, blending precision engineering with user-first design. Its TurboBlaze technology drives a 3600 RPM fan and reaches 450°F, ensuring rapid, even crisping that locks in juices—perfect for golden chicken wings or flawlessly roasted Brussels sprouts. The 6-quart square basket maximizes cooking space, while the ceramic nonstick coating resists scratches and simplifies cleanup, addressing the #1 frustration of sticky residue in standard baskets.

During testing, the 5-fan speed system proved transformative—delicate fish fillets came out flaky without drying, while frozen fries achieved a consistent golden crunch in under 12 minutes. The precise 90°F–450°F range opens up sous-vide-style dehydrating and proofing, a rare perk in this category. Even at full blast, it operates under 53dB, making it one of the quietest high-power fryers available. That said, the square basket can create hotspots in corners, requiring a shake for even results, and the digital interface, while sleek, can be overly sensitive.

Positioned against the Ninja AF141, the Cosori wins on temperature control, quiet operation, and cooking diversity, with 9-in-1 functions that include Bake, Broil, and Proof. It’s ideal for cooks who want restaurant-quality results at home and don’t mind a slight learning curve. While the Ninja excels in dehydrating, the Cosori offers superior overall precision and quieter performance, making it the best overall pick for those who value gourmet flexibility and consistent execution.

The Chefman 6QT air fryer punches above its weight, delivering crisp-for-less performance in a sleek, space-conscious design. Its 450°F Hi-Fry Technology kicks in during the final two minutes of cooking, giving wings and fries that restaurant-style crunch most budget models can’t match. With touchscreen presets and LED shake reminders, it simplifies cooking for beginners while still offering manual control for more adventurous users—solving the common issue of forgotten shakes and uneven browning.

In daily use, the 6-quart nonstick basket handled a full pound of frozen tater tots with room to spare, crisping them evenly in 14 minutes. The compact footprint fits neatly under cabinets, a boon for small kitchens, and the automatic shutoff and safety lock add peace of mind for families. However, the fan noise is noticeable, and the interior light is absent, so checking food means opening the basket and losing heat. Still, for quick weeknight meals or reheating leftovers, it performs reliably and consistently.

When stacked against the Simple Deluxe 6.34QT, the Chefman offers better temperature control and a more premium build, despite a slightly smaller basket. It’s best for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to sacrifice crisp quality or safety features. While the Simple Deluxe includes a window, the Chefman counters with stronger heating power and more responsive controls, making it a smarter investment for those who prioritize performance over visibility.

The Cuisinart AIR-160NAS is a preset powerhouse, engineered for users who want effortless, repeatable results without guesswork. Its four air fry presets—French Fries, Wings, Frozen Snacks, and Vegetables—deliver perfectly cooked meals at the touch of a button, ideal for busy households or air fryer newbies. Backed by 1600 watts and a 400°F max temperature, it crisps food evenly, while the large viewing window and toss reminder eliminate the need to open the basket frequently.

Real-world testing confirmed the French Fries preset produces golden, crunchy results every time, and the roast function handles a small whole chicken with juicy interior and crisp skin. The 4.5-quart capacity is slightly smaller than competitors, limiting it to 2 lbs of wings—fine for couples but tight for families. The automatic keep-warm mode is a welcome touch, but the lack of dehydrate or bake presets reduces versatility compared to 9-in-1 models. Still, the digital display and viewing window make monitoring food a breeze.

Next to the Ninja AF101, the Cuisinart wins on preset reliability and visibility, but loses on multi-functionality—it doesn’t dehydrate as effectively. It’s perfect for small families or solo cooks who want set-it-and-forget-it convenience. While the Ninja offers more functions, the Cuisinart delivers more consistent results with less effort, making it the best choice for preset lovers who value precision over flexibility.

The Ninja AF101 is a compact dynamo, tailor-made for small households and minimalists who refuse to compromise on function. Despite its 4-quart basket, it delivers full-size flavor, crisping 2 lbs of fries or a batch of chicken tenders with the same Air Crisp technology found in larger models. The 105°F–400°F range enables everything from slow roasting to quick frying, and the dehydrate function turns bananas into chewy chips or herbs into dry rubs—solving the problem of underutilized kitchen gadgets.

In practice, it excels at reheating leftovers (pizza, fried chicken) without sogginess, and the ceramic-coated basket resists sticking and cleans up easily. The compact size fits snugly in tight kitchens, but the smaller capacity means family-sized meals require multiple batches. The lack of a window is a drawback, forcing you to open the basket to check doneness, which disrupts cooking flow. Still, for singles or couples, it’s a versatile, no-fuss appliance that replaces the toaster oven and deep fryer.

Compared to the bella 4QT, the Ninja offers dehydrate mode and higher max temp, giving it broader utility. The bella wins on preset variety, but the Ninja delivers better performance and durability. It’s the best pick for small families who want 4-in-1 versatility in a compact shell. While the bella is cheaper, the Ninja’s superior heating and multi-function design justify the cost for those who cook daily and demand results.

The bella 4QT Slim Air Fryer is a design-forward space-saver, built for those who value aesthetics and efficiency in equal measure. Its slim profile saves up to 50% more counter space than traditional models, making it perfect for dorms, RVs, or minimalist kitchens. The 3.3 lb capacity handles meals for 2–3 people, and the 6 presets (air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate) offer surprising versatility for such a compact unit. The EverGood ceramic coating ensures non-toxic, easy cleanup, addressing health-conscious buyers’ top concerns.

In testing, the air fry and roast presets delivered consistent results, though the 1300W power means slightly longer cook times—frozen fries took 16 minutes to crisp. The circular heat tech helps, but without a fan speed indicator, it’s hard to gauge intensity. The soft matte finish resists fingerprints, but the plastic build feels less durable than metal-bodied rivals. Still, the 60-minute auto shutoff and audible tone add safety and convenience, especially for beginners.

Stacked against the Ninja AF101, the bella wins on space efficiency and preset variety, but loses on raw power and dehydrate performance. It’s ideal for urban dwellers or occasional cooks who want a stylish, functional appliance without bulk. While the Ninja crisps faster, the bella offers more cooking options in a slimmer frame, making it the best space-saving design for those who prioritize form and function in tight quarters.

The Sweetcrispy 6QT Air Fryer is a value-packed performer, combining a large square basket and full viewing window at a price that undercuts nearly every competitor. Its 6.34-quart capacity is among the largest in the mid-size category, perfect for families or batch cooking, while the 400°F Rapid Air Crispy Technology delivers golden, crunchy results on wings, fries, and roasted veggies. The clear window and inner light let you monitor food without opening the basket—solving the #1 frustration of lost heat and uneven cooking.

In real use, the square basket maximizes space, allowing whole chicken parts to lie flat without stacking. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket cleans up with minimal effort, and the nontoxic materials give peace of mind for health-focused users. However, the controls are basic, with no shake reminders or smart presets, and the fan can be loud under load. Still, for a budget model, it handles frozen foods and family meals with impressive consistency.

Compared to the Simple Deluxe 6.34QT, the Sweetcrispy offers similar capacity and window visibility, but with fewer presets and less power customization. It’s best for budget buyers who want a large, visible fryer without bells and whistles. While the Simple Deluxe includes 12 presets, the Sweetcrispy counters with strong build quality and top-rated reliability, making it the best large basket design for those who value space and visibility over automation.

The Simple Deluxe 12-in-1 Air Fryer is a budget marvel, packing 12 presets and a full viewing window into a 6.34-quart powerhouse that costs less than most entry models. Its 1700W motor and rapid air circulation ensure fast, even cooking, while the see-through window and built-in light let you track progress without disrupting heat—ideal for perfecting delicate dishes like fish or meringues. With functions ranging from Air Fry to Dehydrate, Bake, and Fries, it’s a kitchen Swiss Army knife for cost-conscious families.

In testing, the frozen snacks preset crisped mozzarella sticks flawlessly, and the roast function handled a full tray of vegetables without crowding. The compact footprint saves counter space, yet the large basket fits a 4-pound chicken—a rare feat at this price. However, the plastic exterior feels flimsy, and the preset labels can be confusing. Still, for under $50, it delivers performance that rivals models twice its price.

Against the Sweetcrispy 6QT, the Simple Deluxe wins on preset variety and power, but the Sweetcrispy feels slightly more durable. It’s perfect for first-time buyers or large families on a budget who want max features for minimal cost. While the Sweetcrispy has better brand recognition, the Simple Deluxe offers more cooking modes and a brighter window, making it the best budget with window for those who crave versatility without overspending.