6 Best Air Fryers with Stainless Steel Basket 2025

The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL delivers big flavor in a compact footprint, making it a standout for families craving crispy, oil-free meals without the bulk of a full oven. With 1700 watts of power and EvenCrisp technology, this air fryer circulates heat with surgical precision, delivering that elusive golden crunch on everything from chicken wings to roasted Brussels sprouts—using up to 95% less oil than deep frying. The 6-quart stainless steel basket feels premium, resists warping, and cleans up effortlessly, solving the all-too-common pain point of sticky residue and flimsy coatings found in lower-end models.

In real-world testing, the Vortex Plus shines when multitasking—air frying fries while reheating pizza on the rack below, or dehydrating fruit for snacks with zero preheating. The adjustable temperature range (95–400°F) gives serious control, letting users gently dry herbs or sear proteins at max heat. The intuitive touchscreen displays cooking stages clearly, and the one-touch presets reduce guesswork. That said, the fan can get loud at peak operation, and the basket’s non-stick coating demands gentle handling with metal utensils to avoid scratching over time.

Compared to the smaller 4QT Vortex model, this XL version offers better value for families or meal preppers, trading minimal extra counter space for significantly more cooking capacity. While it lacks rotisserie or convection baking features found in combo units like the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS, it dominates in simplicity and consistency. For those prioritizing reliable performance, ease of use, and a durable stainless steel basket, this model outperforms its price tier—especially when stacked against budget units that cut corners on build quality.

Don’t let its size fool you—the Instant Pot 4QT Vortex Plus packs a punch for singles, couples, or dorm dwellers who want restaurant-quality crisp without cranking up the oven. This compact powerhouse shares the same EvenCrisp technology and 95–400°F temperature range as its bigger sibling, ensuring even browning and flaky textures across meals for one to four people. The stainless steel basket feels sturdy and resists scratches better than coated alternatives, while the one-touch digital presets make cooking foolproof—ideal for beginners or those short on time.

During daily use, the 4-quart capacity handled two chicken breasts or a full bag of frozen fries with room to spare, though larger families will quickly outgrow it. The rapid air circulation delivers crispy results faster than conventional ovens, and the no-preheat design means you’re cooking within seconds. However, the smaller basket requires more frequent shaking for even crisping, and the fan noise is surprisingly high for its size, which might bother noise-sensitive users in open-plan living spaces.

When compared to the 6QT Vortex, this model offers nearly identical performance in a space-saving design, making it a smarter pick for small households. It doesn’t match the versatility of the Chefman 10L or Cuisinart combo ovens, but it excels in core air frying tasks without overwhelming beginners with too many features. For those who want a no-fuss, stainless steel-basket air fryer that fits snugly on tight countertops, this model strikes the perfect balance—offering premium features at a mid-tier cost.

The Cuisinart AIR-200 is the gold standard for balanced performance and precision, earning its title as the best overall air fryer with a stainless steel basket that feels built to last. Boasting 1800 watts of power—the highest in this lineup—it reaches high heat faster and maintains it more consistently than most competitors, making it ideal for achieving that crackling skin on wings or perfectly seared roasts. The touchscreen with toss reminder is a game-changer, alerting you exactly when to shake the basket for even crisping, eliminating guesswork and undercooked spots.

In real-world testing, the 6-quart basket comfortably fit a 4-pound chicken or two full racks of ribs, outperforming similarly sized units in airflow and browning uniformity. The 5 presets (fries, wings, veggies, frozen snacks, leftovers) streamline routine cooking, while the large viewing window lets you monitor progress without losing heat. Unlike some models that struggle with dense foods, the Cuisinart’s high-velocity fan system ensures thorough circulation, though it can run louder than expected—and the exterior gets warm during extended use, requiring safe placement away from walls.

Versus the Instant Pot Vortex, this model offers higher wattage and smarter feedback, but lacks dehydrate and reheat modes. Compared to the Chefman 8QT, it’s less spacious but far more precise. For users who want professional-level control without stepping into combo appliance complexity, the AIR-200 delivers unmatched reliability. It doesn’t undercut on price like budget picks, but its build, performance, and smart features justify the investment.

The CHEFMAN 10L Air Fryer+ is a meal prep powerhouse, transforming the way large households cook with its rotisserie function, dehydrator mode, and massive 10-liter capacity—equivalent to a full-size oven. With 17 smart presets and rapid convection heating, it handles everything from slow-roasted chickens to jerky and baked casseroles, all without preheating. The stainless steel basket and included rotisserie spit make it one of the few models that can truly replace a traditional oven for family-sized meals, solving the pain point of batch cooking multiple trays.

In testing, the extra-large window and interior light made monitoring food effortless, and the three-tier rack system allowed us to air fry wings on one level while dehydrating banana chips above—simultaneously. The 98% oil reduction claim holds true, producing crispy results with minimal mess. However, the sheer size demands serious counter space, and the touchscreen can be overly sensitive, registering accidental taps. Also, while the rotisserie function is impressive, it requires careful balancing of the spit to avoid wobbling.

Pitted against the Instant Pot 6QT, this model offers far greater versatility and capacity, but at the cost of simplicity and footprint. It doesn’t match the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS’s toaster oven integration, but it surpasses it in rotisserie and dehydrate performance. For serious home chefs or big families who prioritize cooking flexibility and batch efficiency, this unit is a kitchen workhorse. While pricier than basic fryers, its feature density and stainless steel construction offer superior long-term value.

The Chefman TurboFry® 8-Qt is a budget-friendly titan, delivering family-sized meals with surprising finesse for under $70. Its 8-quart stainless steel basket accommodates up to six servings, making it perfect for weeknight dinners where speed and volume matter most. The LED shake reminder ensures even cooking, while the 200–400°F range and one-touch presets (fries, chicken, fish, meat) simplify daily use—especially for teens or busy parents juggling multiple tasks.

In practice, the 1700-watt heating system crisps food quickly, though it lags slightly behind the Cuisinart AIR-200 in browning consistency on dense cuts. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, but repeated high-heat use may degrade the coating faster than pure stainless steel models. On the plus side, the auto-shutoff and pause-on-open safety features add peace of mind, and the sleek design fits modern kitchens without dominating the counter.

Compared to the Instant Pot 6QT, it offers more capacity at a lower price, but with fewer cooking functions—no dehydrate or reheat modes. Against the Cuisinart combo oven, it lacks grilling or baking precision. Yet for those who want a large, no-frills air fryer with a stainless steel basket and smart alerts, this model punches above its weight. It doesn’t match premium builds, but its performance-to-price ratio makes it the clear budget champion.

The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS isn’t just an air fryer—it’s a full countertop oven replacement that combines air frying, grilling, convection baking, and toasting in one sleek stainless steel package. With 1800 watts and AirAdvantage technology, it delivers crispy, evenly browned results across all functions, from golden toast to grilled salmon and 12-inch pizzas. The included air fry basket, grill/griddle, and baking pan make it the most versatile option here, ideal for those tired of cluttering their kitchen with single-use appliances.

Real-world use proves its strength: you can air fry wings while toasting buns below, or convection bake a casserole and grill veggies simultaneously. The 60-minute timer and wide temp range (up to 450°F) offer pro-level control, and the stainless steel interior resists stains and simplifies wiping down. However, the learning curve is steeper, and the controls are more manual than touch-screen models, requiring closer attention. Also, while the basket is stainless steel, it’s smaller than standalone fryers, limiting batch size.

Stacked against the Chefman 10L, it trades raw capacity for greater cooking diversity and toaster functionality. Versus the Instant Pot models, it’s less intuitive but infinitely more capable. For users who want one appliance to replace five, this combo unit justifies its premium stance. While it costs more than dedicated air fryers, its multifunctional design and stainless steel build deliver unmatched long-term utility.