8 Best Hot Air Fryers of 2026

The Instant Pot Vortex Plus grabs attention with its game-changing ClearCook window, a feature that transforms the guessing game of air frying into a visual experience. No more opening the basket and losing heat—this model lets you monitor your food in real time, ensuring golden fries or perfectly seared chicken without temperature drops. Backed by EvenCrisp technology and 1700 watts of power, it delivers 95% less oil than deep frying while consistently achieving a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it a standout for health-conscious home cooks who refuse to compromise on texture.

In real-world testing, the 6-quart capacity handles up to six servings, ideal for small families or meal preppers tackling batches of wings, roasted veggies, or frozen snacks. The intuitive touchscreen with six presets—air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate—makes it easy to jump into cooking without fiddling with settings. The dishwasher-safe basket and tray simplify cleanup, though the lack of a shake reminder can lead to uneven crispiness if you forget to manually rotate food halfway through. While it doesn’t match the dual-basket versatility of some competitors, it excels in simplicity and transparency—literally.

Compared to the Ninja DZ201, this model trades multi-zone cooking for a more streamlined, single-basket experience with superior visibility. It’s ideal for users who prioritize ease of use, consistent results, and the ability to watch food cook without interrupting the process. For those upgrading from a basic air fryer or seeking a reliable, mid-sized option with smart safety features like auto-off and overheat protection, the Vortex Plus delivers more innovation per watt than the budget Chefman models, making it a strong contender in the 6-quart category.

The Ninja DZ201 Foodi redefines family cooking with its revolutionary DualZone technology, packing two independent 4-quart baskets into one 8-quart unit—perfect for cooking two dishes at once without flavor transfer. Whether you’re air frying chicken in one basket and roasting broccoli in the other, or using Smart Finish to sync cook times, this air fryer eliminates the bottleneck of back-to-back meals. With a wide 105°F to 450°F temperature range and cyclonic fans in each zone, it handles everything from dehydrating herbs to crisping up frozen nuggets with precision.

During testing, the separate heating zones proved invaluable for busy households—think salmon and sweet potatoes finishing simultaneously, or reheating pizza in one basket while air broiling steak in the other. The Match Cook function copies settings across both zones, streamlining full-capacity cooking, while the XL 8-quart total capacity easily feeds four to six people. However, the 32-inch cord can feel short on crowded countertops, and the baskets, while dishwasher-safe, are bulky and require careful stacking. Still, the flexibility to cook different foods at different temps gives it a clear edge over single-basket models.

When stacked against the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, the Ninja wins on multitasking power and capacity, though it lacks a viewing window. It’s the best choice for families or meal preppers who need parallel cooking without sacrificing counter space. While pricier than entry-level models, it offers more functional value than the dual-basket Chefman 6QT, delivering professional-grade control in a home-friendly design—making it a top-tier pick for those who treat dinner like a production.

The Chefman 4QT Air Fryer is a budget-savvy powerhouse that punches above its price tag with Hi-Fry technology hitting 450°F, delivering a crisp exterior on fries and tenders that rivals more expensive models. Designed for small kitchens or singles, its sleek, narrow footprint maximizes countertop efficiency without sacrificing the 4-quart capacity needed for 2–4 servings. The touchscreen presets and audible shake notification make it beginner-friendly, while the 1500-watt output ensures fast, even cooking—ideal for whipping up quick lunches or reheating leftovers with a satisfying crunch.

In daily use, this compact fryer shines for small-batch cooking—perfect for a couple’s meal or solo snacking. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket cleans up effortlessly, and the auto shutoff adds peace of mind for forgetful users. However, the lack of a viewing window means you’ll need to open the basket to check progress, disrupting airflow and potentially extending cook time. While it handles frozen foods and proteins well, it struggles with larger cuts of meat or full family meals, and the plastic finish feels less premium than higher-end models.

Compared to the COSORI Pro 9-in-1, this Chefman model sacrifices advanced features like app integration and ceramic coating for affordability and simplicity. It’s the go-to for college students, dorm cooks, or budget-conscious buyers who want reliable performance without bells and whistles. While not as feature-rich as the Instant Pot or Ninja, it outperforms its price point and serves as a no-fuss entry into healthy, oil-free cooking—making it the smart pick when money matters most.

The COSORI Air Fryer Pro is a meat lover’s dream, engineered to lock in juices and deliver restaurant-grade sear on steaks, chicken, and bacon with its 450°F max heat and JuiceLock technology. Its 9-in-1 functions—including dedicated presets for steak, seafood, and bacon—make it a precision tool for protein-focused meals, while the 5-quart square basket offers ample room for family-sized portions without overcrowding. The 130+ app-based recipes with nutritional info cater to health trackers and low-carb dieters, turning this into a kitchen coach as much as a cooker.

Real-world testing confirms its superior performance on meats: ribeyes come out medium-rare with a crisp crust, and chicken thighs stay tender inside while achieving golden skin. The square basket design improves airflow and capacity over round models, reducing the need to batch cook. However, the app dependency for full recipe access may frustrate users who prefer standalone operation, and the lack of a viewing window means you’ll need to open the basket to monitor doneness. Still, it handles dehydrating and reheating with equal competence, making it a versatile all-rounder.

Pitted against the Chefman TurboFry, this COSORI model offers better meat results and smarter programming, though it falls short on total capacity. It’s ideal for health-focused carnivores or keto followers who want consistent, juicy outcomes without oil. While not as multitasking as the Ninja DualZone, it delivers more culinary precision than the basic Instant Pot Vortex, making it the top pick for those who prioritize flavor and nutrition in every bite.

The CHEFMAN 6QT Dual Basket Air Fryer brings dual-zone convenience at a mid-range price, offering two 3-quart independent baskets that let you cook different foods simultaneously—say, fries in one and chicken in the other—without cross-flavoring. The Sync Finish feature ensures both baskets complete cooking at the same time, a huge time-saver for balanced meals. With 1700 watts of power and a 200–450°F range, it crisps efficiently, while the large viewing windows on each side let you monitor progress without opening the baskets, preserving heat and texture.

In practice, this model excels for couples or small families who want parallel cooking without Ninja-level pricing. The touchscreen presets handle everything from frozen pizza to reheated leftovers, and the dishwasher-safe baskets make cleanup simple. However, each basket is smaller than ideal for full meals, often requiring batch cooking for four or more. The sync function isn’t as precise as Ninja’s Smart Finish, occasionally resulting in slight timing mismatches. Still, the slim, oven-style design fits neatly on counters, and the dual windows enhance usability over most budget models.

Compared to the Ninja DZ201, this Chefman offers similar dual-basket logic but with less power and capacity. It’s a smarter buy than the single-basket Chefman 4QT for multi-taskers, though it lacks the premium ceramic coating of the Cosori TurboBlaze. For those wanting dual-zone functionality without breaking the bank, it strikes a solid balance between cost and capability—making it the best value pick for budget-conscious multitaskers.

The bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer is a design-forward marvel built for tight spaces and style-savvy kitchens, with a slim profile that saves 50% more space than traditional models. Its EverGood ceramic nonstick coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE, appealing to eco-conscious users who want healthier, toxin-free cooking surfaces. The 6 presets and 1300-watt circular heating deliver consistent results for fries, roasts, and reheats, while the XL 3.3-lb basket handles decent portions despite the compact size—perfect for singles or couples.

In daily use, the slim design fits effortlessly in apartments, dorms, or RVs, and the soft matte finish resists fingerprints, maintaining a clean look. The audible 60-minute auto shutoff prevents overcooking, though the lack of a shake reminder can lead to uneven browning. It performs well on frozen foods and veggies but struggles with thick cuts of meat, requiring longer cook times. The digital controls are responsive, but the limited capacity makes it impractical for families.

Versus the Chefman 4QT, this bella model wins on aesthetics and coating safety, though it lacks advanced features like Hi-Fry tech. It’s ideal for urban dwellers or minimalists who value form and function in a small footprint. While not as powerful as the Cosori or Ninja, it outshines most compact fryers in design and cleanability—making it the top pick for those who want a sleek, space-saving air fryer that doesn’t sacrifice performance.

The Cosori TurboBlaze 6QT earns its title as best overall with a perfect blend of power, precision, and polish, powered by TurboBlaze technology spinning at 3600 rpm for ultra-crispy results in less time. Its 5-fan speed system and 90°F–450°F range ensure even cooking from delicate dehydrating to rapid air frying, while the premium ceramic-coated basket resists scratches and cleans with a wipe. Operating at under 53dB, it’s one of the quietest high-wattage fryers, making it ideal for open-plan homes or early-morning use.

Testing confirms its superior performance across all functions: fries are uniformly golden, roasted veggies caramelize evenly, and frozen meals heat through without drying out. The 6-quart square basket maximizes space and airflow, reducing the need to shake—though the digital shake reminder helps when needed. The customizable preheat function adds flexibility, letting you skip or adjust based on meal type. The only hiccup? The in-box recipe booklet is easy to miss, so check before trashing the packaging.

Stacked against the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, this Cosori model offers better airflow, quieter operation, and a more durable basket, though it lacks a viewing window. Compared to the Ninja DZ201, it beats on evenness and noise but loses on dual-basket versatility. It’s the ideal all-rounder for families, home chefs, and health-focused cooks who want one appliance that does it all—quietly, evenly, and cleanly. With best-in-class build and performance, it delivers more value than similarly priced rivals, making it the undisputed top pick overall.

The Chefman TurboFry XL 8-Qt is built for maximum capacity and family-sized meals, with an 8-quart basket that feeds 4–6 people—perfect for weeknight dinners when time and appetite collide. Its 1700-watt power and 200–400°F range deliver fast, crispy results on everything from whole chickens to frozen mozzarella sticks, while the LED shake reminder ensures even browning without guesswork. The stainless steel finish and one-touch presets give it a premium look and feel, and the automatic shutoff enhances safety during busy cooking sessions.

In real use, this model excels at batch cooking—roast a full rack of ribs or air fry a family-sized portion of fries without rotating. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts clean up easily, and the interior light (on some units) improves visibility, though no viewing window is a missed opportunity. It handles large proteins well but can struggle with airflow on densely packed loads, requiring mid-cycle shaking for best results. The stainless exterior resists smudges, but the bulky size demands significant counter space.

Compared to the Ninja DZ201, this Chefman offers similar capacity but only one basket, limiting multitasking. It’s better for volume than the COSORI 5QT, though less precise on temp control. It’s the go-to for large households or entertainers who need big batches fast. While not as smart as dual-zone models, it outperforms most single-basket fryers in size and power—making it the clear winner for those who cook big and cook often.