8 Best Metal Air Fryers of 2026

This French door air fryer is a game-changer for large households and weekend hosts who crave versatility without sacrificing performance. With a massive 26-quart capacity, it effortlessly handles a 6-pound whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, making it one of the few metal air fryers built for real family-scale cooking. The dual-speed fan system delivers 360º superheated air, ensuring golden, crispy results across roasting, baking, and air frying—no more soggy wings or unevenly toasted bread. If you’re tired of batch cooking or struggling with cramped baskets, this stainless steel countertop powerhouse solves those pain points with room to spare.

In real-world testing, the French door design shines—opening smoothly with one hand while the interior light lets you monitor cooking without losing heat. It handles roast dinners, frozen snacks, and even delicate baked goods with impressive consistency, though lighter items like kale chips can get tossed around by the strong airflow. The digital controls are intuitive, and the automatic shutoff for toasting prevents burnt results. However, due to its size, it’s not ideal for small kitchens or single users—it’s a dedicated appliance that demands counter space.

Compared to the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS, this model offers larger capacity and a more elegant French door design, but lacks a built-in grill. It’s best suited for those who prioritize family-sized meals and multi-functionality over compactness. While the Ninja Flip SP151 saves space with its flip-up design, the Emeril Lagasse model outperforms in sheer volume and roasting capability. For serious home cooks wanting one appliance that does it all, this air fryer toaster oven combo delivers unmatched scale and style.

The Cosori TurboBlaze is a precision-engineered beast that redefines what even cooking means in a compact metal air fryer. Its 3600 rpm fan and 5-speed airflow system work in tandem with a wide 90°F–450°F range to deliver perfectly crisp exteriors and juicy interiors, whether you’re air frying chicken thighs or dehydrating fruit. The ceramic nonstick coating isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it resists scratching, heats evenly, and makes cleanup a dishwasher-safe breeze. If you’ve ever dealt with spotty fries or dry salmon, this model is engineered to eliminate those frustrations.

During testing, the square basket design proved a major advantage—maximizing space and allowing food to lie flat, which promotes uniform crisping without overcrowding. Frozen tater tots came out golden and crunchy in 15 minutes, while roasted broccoli retained its texture without burning. The TurboBlaze technology operates under 53dB, making it one of the quietest high-performance air fryers we’ve tested—ideal for open-plan kitchens. That said, the 6-quart size can be a stretch for families of five or more, and the digital interface, while sleek, can be sensitive to touch.

Against the Ninja AF141, the Cosori offers superior temperature control and quieter operation, though the Ninja wins on simplicity for beginners. It’s the ideal pick for health-conscious cooks who value consistent results and easy maintenance. When compared to the Chefman TurboFry, the Cosori delivers better heat distribution and more cooking presets, justifying its slightly higher cost with noticeably better performance and long-term durability.

The Ninja AF141 is a no-nonsense workhorse built for real family life, where speed, capacity, and reliability trump flashy features. With a 5-quart basket that fits 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of wings, it’s perfectly sized for busy households that want crispy, low-fat meals without the wait. The 400℉ max temperature and Air Crisp technology deliver deep-fry texture using little to no oil—tested to reduce fat by up to 75% versus traditional frying. If your current air fryer leaves you with soggy results or forces multiple batches, this model fixes both issues with powerful, focused airflow.

In practice, the frozen-to-crispy performance is outstanding—frozen chicken nuggets achieve a restaurant-quality crunch in under 12 minutes. The nonstick basket and crisper plate clean up easily, often needing just a wipe or quick dishwasher cycle. It handles reheating pizza better than most toaster ovens, reviving crust without drying it out. However, the lack of a dehydrate timer means you’ll need to monitor longer runs manually, and the fan noise is noticeable, though not excessive. It’s a compact powerhouse that prioritizes function over finesse.

Compared to the Chefman TurboFry, the Ninja offers better fat reduction and more reliable results, despite a similar price. Against the Cosori 6 Qt, it’s slightly less precise in temperature control but more durable in build. It’s the ideal middle-ground air fryer for families who want consistent, fast meals without complexity. For those seeking dependable performance over bells and whistles, the Ninja AF141 delivers real-world value with zero learning curve.

The Ninja Flip SP151 is a revolution in space-saving design, engineered for kitchens where counter real estate is precious. Its flip-up mechanism allows it to tuck neatly against the backsplash, cutting its footprint by 50% when not in use—perfect for apartments, dorms, or galley kitchens. Yet, don’t mistake compactness for compromise: it boasts 1800 watts of power, 8-in-1 functionality, and infrared heating elements that deliver edge-to-edge cooking and 50% faster results than a conventional oven. If you’ve ever struggled with cold corners or uneven browning, this model’s OvenCrisp technology eliminates those issues with rapid, targeted airflow.

Testing revealed it can air fry 4 lbs of wings, bake a 12-inch pizza, and toast six slices with impressive consistency. The wire rack and sheet pan allow for multi-level cooking, and the removable crumb tray makes cleanup simple. However, the flip-up hinge requires clearance behind the unit, so placement matters—don’t push it flush against the wall. Also, the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food in low light. It’s a smart engineering win, but not for every kitchen layout.

Compared to the Emeril Lagasse 26QT, it sacrifices capacity for dramatic space savings, while outperforming the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake in power and versatility. It’s the best choice for small-space dwellers who still want full-family functionality. When stacked against the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS, it matches most cooking functions while offering a more innovative design—making it a top-tier pick for those who value form and function equally.

The BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake is a compact powerhouse that proves big performance doesn’t require a bulky design. With a 4-slice toast capacity and room for a 9-inch pizza, it’s ideal for small families, dorm rooms, or secondary kitchens where space is tight. Its EvenToast technology ensures no hot spots, delivering golden, uniform results every time—no more half-burnt, half-raw toast. The 5-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm) covers daily essentials without overwhelming users, making it one of the most approachable metal air fryer ovens on the market.

In real use, it air fries frozen fries to crisp perfection in 15 minutes and bakes small casseroles evenly thanks to convection airflow. The 30-minute timer is simple and effective, though not as precise as digital models with minute-by-minute control. The mesh air fry tray elevates food for better circulation, and all accessories are easy to clean. However, it struggles with larger proteins—a whole chicken won’t fit—and the lower wattage means longer cook times than high-end models. It’s a no-frills solution for minimalists.

Against the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS, it’s smaller and less powerful but far more space-efficient and affordable. Compared to the Ninja Flip, it lacks dehydrate and reheat functions but wins on simplicity and price. It’s the best compact toaster oven for those who want basic air frying and baking without clutter. For budget-conscious buyers needing reliable small-batch cooking, this model offers essential performance in a sleek, space-saving package.

The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS stands as the best overall metal air fryer for those who want professional-grade versatility without compromise. With 1800 watts of power and AirAdvantage technology, it delivers fast, crispy results across 8 cooking functions, including a full grill setting—a rarity in this category. The stainless steel interior is not only durable but also easy to wipe clean, while the ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle lets you sear steaks or grill veggies with authentic char marks. If you’ve ever wished your air fryer could grill, bake, and air fry with equal skill, this model answers that need.

In performance testing, it air fried chicken wings to deep-fry crispness in 20 minutes, grilled salmon with perfect sear lines, and toasted six slices evenly using its toast shade selector. The 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff adds safety and precision, and the wide temperature range (Warm to 450°F) supports delicate tasks like proofing dough. However, the learning curve is steeper than simpler models, and the digital dial interface feels outdated next to full-touch panels. It’s a premium appliance that rewards patience.

Versus the Emeril Lagasse model, it offers better heat control and grilling capability, though slightly less capacity. Compared to the Ninja Flip, it lacks the space-saving flip design but wins in build quality and grilling performance. It’s the ideal choice for serious home cooks who want one appliance to replace multiple tools. When balanced against price and features, it delivers exceptional value through unmatched functionality and durability.

The Ninja Foodi DualZone DZ201 is a kitchen game-changer thanks to its revolutionary dual-basket design, allowing you to cook two foods, two ways, at once—no more compromising between crispy fries and juicy chicken. Each 4-quart basket has its own heating zone, cyclonic fan, and controls, enabling independent or synchronized cooking. With Smart Finish technology, both baskets can be programmed to end at the same time, even if starters differ—perfect for busy families or meal preppers. If you’ve ever juggled multiple appliances or waited hours to cook sides and mains, this 8-quart powerhouse eliminates that hassle.

Real-world use confirms its brilliance: frozen fries in one basket, marinated tofu in the other, both emerge perfectly crisp and flavor-sealed without taste transfer. The 6-in-1 functions (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, Air Broil) add serious versatility, and the wide 105°F–450°F range supports everything from dehydrating jerky to searing steaks. However, the twin baskets mean more parts to clean, and the control panel can feel overwhelming at first. It’s a high-output appliance best suited for frequent cooks.

Against the single-basket Ninja AF141, it offers double the flexibility at a modest price increase. Compared to the Cosori 6 Qt, it provides larger total capacity and true dual cooking—a feature no other model matches. It’s the best dual basket system for meal efficiency and customization. For those who value time-saving innovation and cooking freedom, the Ninja Foodi DZ201 delivers unparalleled performance in a family-focused package.

The Chefman TurboFry XL is the best budget-friendly metal air fryer that refuses to compromise on core performance. With an 8-quart capacity, it’s built to feed 4–6 people, making it a rare large-capacity model under $70. The 1700-watt heating system and 200°F–400°F range deliver fast, even cooking, while the LED shake reminder ensures uniform crispiness—a small feature that makes a big difference in texture. If you’re tired of overcooked edges and soggy centers, this digital air fryer helps you achieve restaurant-quality results without the price tag.

In testing, it air fried chicken tenders to golden perfection in 18 minutes and roasted a full tray of vegetables without crowding. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and tray make cleanup effortless, and the automatic shutoff adds safety for forgetful cooks. However, the plastic exterior feels less premium than stainless steel models, and the fan noise is louder than mid-range competitors. It’s not the quietest or sleekest, but it gets the job done.

Against the Ninja AF141, it offers larger capacity at a lower price, though with less refined controls. Compared to the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake, it has greater volume and more presets, making it better for families. It’s the top value pick for those who want big meals on a small budget. When performance, size, and price are weighed, the Chefman TurboFry delivers exceptional bang for the buck with solid reliability and ease of use.