The Best Air Fryers: A Buyer’s Guide

Capacity: 3.2 Quarts

The Amazon Basics 3.2 Quart Compact Digital Air Fryer is the perfect starter appliance for those looking for a compact and simple air fryer. For the price, you still get 3 liters of capacity, making it well-sized for small to medium meals. It’s designed to stay on your countertop, with rubber, non-slip feet, and a detachable, non-stick air frying basket. It also has seven cooking pre-sets and an LED digital display, plus automatic shut-off, which are super handy features to have. While the power button's placement takes some getting used to and is not as durable as other options, the Amazon Basics Air Fryer is a great budget option. 

Features:

• LED digital display
• Spacious basket
• Automatic shut-off

Pros:

• Inexpensive 
• Easy to clean
• User-friendly

Cons:

• Not many functions
• Large footprint
• Can only serve 1-2 people

Capacity: 26 Quarts

This air fryer from COSORI is so much more than just an air fryer. It’s a 12-in-1, powerful kitchen appliance that will air fry, bake, toast, roast, and broil its way into your heart. When you consider that it’s an air fryer, toaster oven, slow cooker, and even dehydrator in one, the higher price point is definitely worth it. The unit has a 26-quart capacity, so it’s great for larger families since you can make full meals at once. It fits two 12-inch pizzas, 6 slices of toast, or a 5lb chicken. You can basically make anything in it, from taquitos to fritters. It’s the Swiss army knife of cooking and comes with a wire rack, food tray and fry basket. You can also download the VeSync app to access a huge database of recipes, so it’s easy to come up with exciting and healthy meal ideas each day. 

Features:

• 6 heating elements & a 2-speed fan 
• Connects to Alexa or Google Assistant 
• Made from food-grade stainless steel
• 12 functions in one appliance 

Pros:

• Extremely versatile 
• Large capacity 
• Heats up and cooks quickly 

Cons:

• On the pricey side
• Large physical footprint
• Multiple components, which take more time to clean

Capacity: 6 Quarts
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With a name like ECOWELL, you can assume that the product is going to be a good choice when it comes to responsible cooking. This air fryer has a decent capacity, at 6 quarts, but it’s still relatively compact, so it doesn’t take up too much counter space and is also easy to pack away. The air fryer preheats in as little as 5 minutes and has precise temperature control, so it always cooks things perfectly. It’s much more efficient at cooking foods from frozen than in the oven or toaster oven, and it even has 8 food presets, so you don’t need to try to guess the ideal time or temperature. This model is made from durable stainless steel, ensuring its longevity and reducing the need for frequent replacement (and more things to landfill). It’s also PFOA and BPA-free, meaning you aren’t exposing your family to any toxic chemicals through their food. 

Features:

• LED touchscreen display
• 8 food presets
• Non-stick and dishwasher-safe

Pros:

• Fits family dinners from 3-5 people
• Certified by ETL and FCC, which means it meets stringent safety standards.
• BPA and PFOA-free

Cons:

• The basket handle can get hot
• Not as many functions at the premium choice