7 Best New Air Fryers of 2026

Game-changing dual-basket design makes the Ninja DZ201 a standout in the mid-size air fryer category. With two independent 4-quart zones, each equipped with its own cyclonic fan and rapid heater, this model eliminates the dreaded back-to-back cooking of single-basket units. The Smart Finish technology is a true kitchen time-saver, syncing cook times so chicken wings and fries emerge perfectly crisp at the same moment—no guesswork, no cold food. For families or meal preppers juggling multiple dishes, this dual-zone independence solves a real pain point: dinner chaos.

In real-world testing, the 8-quart total capacity handled a full roast chicken and vegetables with room to spare—though the chicken required slight repositioning for even browning. The 6-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate) proved versatile: crispy Brussels sprouts, flaky salmon, and even dried fruit came out consistently well. The 105°F to 450°F range allows for delicate dehydration tasks, while the high heat delivers that sought-after crunch. However, the front-facing baskets take up significant counter depth, and the 32-inch cord may require extension in tighter kitchens.

Compared to the larger Ninja DZ401, the DZ201 offers nearly identical performance in a slightly more compact footprint—ideal for small to medium households. While the Cosori 6-qt delivers excellent value, it can’t match the simultaneous dual cooking that makes the DZ201 a multitasking powerhouse. It’s the best dual-basket mid-size air fryer for those who want restaurant-style efficiency at home—delivering more versatility and speed than single-basket rivals without the bulk of full-family models.

Rotisserie done right—the Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer brings restaurant-style rotation to the countertop with impressive ease. Its standout rotisserie function, complete with a stainless steel spit, forks, and lift tool, transforms whole chickens into juicy, evenly browned masterpieces with crispy skin and zero flare-ups. The EvenCrisp Technology ensures consistent browning across all functions, from perfectly caramelized roasted veggies to golden-brown fish fillets, using 95% less oil than deep frying. For home chefs craving charred, succulent meats without firing up the grill, this is a game-changer.

With 1500 watts of power and a spacious 10-quart cavity, this model handles six portions or a 5-lb chicken with ease. The large front window is a small but brilliant touch, letting you monitor progress without losing heat—ideal for delicate dishes like custards or meringues. The 7-in-1 functions (Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, Rotisserie) cover nearly every cooking need, and the one-touch smart programs simplify complex recipes. However, the interior racks can block airflow during air frying, leading to slightly uneven results when overcrowded.

Against the Ninja DZ401, the Instant Pot trades dual-zone flexibility for superior rotisserie performance and larger capacity. While the Nuwave Bravo XL offers more presets, it lacks the dedicated rotisserie hardware that makes this model shine. It’s the best rotisserie air fryer for families who love juicy, slow-roasted meats but want faster, healthier results—delivering more flavor and specialty function depth than general-purpose models at a competitive feature-to-price ratio.

Small but mighty—the Chefman 4QT Air Fryer is a countertop hero for singles, couples, or tiny kitchens. Its narrow, space-saving design fits where larger models can’t, yet still delivers 450°F Hi-Fry Technology for that final crisp-boost in the last two minutes—perfect for golden fries or crunchy chicken tenders. The shake notifications are a surprisingly useful feature, ensuring even browning without guesswork, while the touchscreen presets make it effortless to air fry, reheat, or dehydrate with one tap. For urban dwellers or dorm rooms, this is effortless, healthy cooking simplified.

Testing revealed it consistently crisped frozen nuggets, roasted veggies, and small salmon fillets in under 15 minutes. The 1500W motor provides strong convection, though it’s noisier than pricier models at high speed. The 4-quart basket comfortably serves 2–4 people, but larger meals require batch cooking—no surprise for its class. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket wipes clean easily, and the auto shutoff adds peace of mind. It struggles with larger cuts like whole chickens, but that’s not its purpose.

Compared to the Ninja Crispi, it lacks portability and glassware, but beats it on price and simplicity. Against the Cosori 6-qt, it’s less powerful and smaller, but ideal for those prioritizing footprint over capacity. It’s the best compact budget air fryer for those who want reliable performance without overspending or overstuffing their kitchen—offering more convenience and speed than basic models while staying wallet-friendly.

The ultimate all-in-one powerhouse—the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a full countertop oven replacement with 30QT capacity and 142 presets. Its 2025 Ultra-Fast Convection System delivers 35% crispier results and 2X more even cooking than standard models, thanks to top and bottom heating with adjustable ratios and fan speed. The professional-grade grill plate produces authentic char marks and smoky flavor, making it the only air fryer that truly replaces outdoor grilling—rain or shine. For those tired of cluttered kitchens, this is the Swiss Army knife of countertop cooking.

In real use, it cooked two 13-inch pizzas simultaneously with crispy crusts, roasted a 10-lb chicken evenly, and dehydrated fruit in record time. The smart digital thermometer is a game-changer, auto-adjusting cook time based on internal food temp for perfect doneness—no more dry chicken breasts. The 50–500°F range and 100-hour timer enable slow roasts or delicate proofing. However, its sheer size demands serious counter space, and the learning curve for presets can overwhelm beginners.

Next to the Instant Pot 10QT, it offers more functions, better evenness, and superior grilling, though it’s pricier and less portable. Against the Ninja DZ401, it beats dual baskets with true oven versatility. It’s the best overall air fryer for serious home cooks who want maximum flexibility, precision, and performance—delivering more features and gourmet results than any other model in its class.

Portable perfection—the Ninja Crispi redefines on-the-go cooking with its handheld PowerPod and glass containers. This 4-in-1 system (Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, Recrisp) lets you cook a 4-lb chicken in the 4-qt glass dish or a personal meal in the 6-cup container, then seal it with leak-proof lids and take it to work, the office, or a picnic. The CleanCrisp glassware is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, turning cooking, storing, and reheating into a seamless, single-container experience—a revolution for meal preppers and travelers.

Real-world tests showed crispy roasted potatoes and juicy chicken thighs in under 20 minutes, with no plastic aftertaste thanks to the nontoxic glass construction. The fixed heat-safe feet let you place it on any surface, while the nesting design saves cabinet space. The Crispi Container Adapter ensures compatibility across sizes. However, the glass containers are fragile, and the 6-cup size is too small for families. It also lacks preset programs, relying on manual controls.

Compared to the Chefman 4QT, it’s more versatile and portable, though less budget-friendly. Against the Nuwave Bravo, it trades capacity for mobility. It’s the best portable air fryer for digital nomads, RVers, or minimalists who want healthy, crispy meals without kitchen clutter—offering more convenience and container versatility than any plug-and-play model.

Built for big families—the Ninja DZ401 is the king of capacity and dual-zone power, with two 5-quart baskets that let you air fry wings and roast veggies simultaneously. Its IQ Boost technology intelligently distributes 1800W+ of power to cook a 6-lb whole chicken and side dish in record time, even without Smart Finish. The 10-quart total capacity handles 8 lbs of wings or a full Thanksgiving turkey breast, making it ideal for holiday meals or weekly batch cooking. For households tired of cooking in shifts, this is efficiency redefined.

In testing, both baskets delivered even, crispy results across meats, fries, and fish. The Smart Finish and Match Cook modes worked flawlessly—syncing cook times or duplicating settings for full-capacity meals. The 6-in-1 functions are robust, and the wide 105°F–450°F range supports everything from slow roasting to quick crisping. However, the unit is massive, requiring serious counter space, and the front baskets extend far, limiting placement near walls.

Versus the DZ201, it offers larger baskets and IQ Boost, but at a higher price and size. Against the Instant Pot 10QT, it wins on dual cooking but loses on rotisserie. It’s the best air fryer for large families, delivering more simultaneous cooking power and speed than any other dual-basket model—perfect for those who cook big and cook often.

Value that outperforms—the Cosori 6 Qt TurboBlaze packs premium features into an affordable package. Its TurboBlaze Technology drives a 3600 rpm fan for even, rapid cooking with 95% less oil, delivering crispy exteriors and juicy interiors on everything from frozen tater tots to marinated tofu. The 5-fan speed system and 90°F–450°F precision control ensure consistent results, while the quiet 53dB operation makes it one of the least disruptive air fryers on the market. For budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on quality, this is the smart choice.

In real use, it cooked a full family meal of chicken and veggies in 20 minutes, with no hot spots or dry edges. The square 6-qt basket maximizes space, fitting more than round baskets of similar capacity. The ceramic nonstick coating resists scratches and cleans easily. The customizable preheat and 30-recipe cookbook add usability. However, it lacks dual zones or rotisserie, limiting multitasking.

Compared to the Ninja DZ201, it’s cheaper but less versatile. Against the Chefman, it’s larger, quieter, and smarter. It’s the best value air fryer, offering more cooking precision, capacity, and quiet performance than rivals in its price range—ideal for those who want high-end results without the high-end cost.