Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances of the last decade, and for good reason. They cook food faster than a conventional oven, use significantly less oil than deep frying, and most models are straightforward to clean. The catch is that with dozens of options at every price point, choosing the right one takes some work.
The honest answer is that most air fryers cook similarly. The differences that actually matter are basket size (which determines how much food you can cook at once), build quality (which determines how long it lasts), and ease of cleaning (which determines whether you actually use it). Price is not always a reliable guide to quality in this category.
What to look for in an air fryer
- Basket capacity: 2-3 quarts for one or two people, 4-5 quarts for a family of three or four, 6+ quarts for larger households or batch cooking. See the Ninja AF101 vs COSORI Pro II comparison for how a 4-quart and 6-quart model actually compare in practice.
- Wattage: 1,500-1,800W is standard. Higher wattage means faster pre-heating but not necessarily better cooking results.
- Ease of cleaning: Dishwasher-safe baskets save meaningful time. Check before buying.
- Controls: Digital controls are more precise; dial controls are simpler and more durable.
- Preset programmes: Useful for beginners, largely irrelevant once you learn your machine.
My top air fryer picks
- Best cheap air fryer — top picks under $100
- Best air fryer for a family of 4
- Best air fryer pressure cooker combo
Air fryer reviews
- Best cheap air fryer 2026: reviews & buying guide
- Best air fryer for a family of 4
- Best air fryer pressure cooker
- Best air fryer for frozen food
- Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 pressure cooker and air fryer review
Air fryer guides
- Air fryer guide: what to cook and how to use it
- Are air fryers healthy? What the research says
- Air fryers vs deep fryers: which is better?
- Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Not sure which air fryer is right for you? Start with the best cheap air fryer guide if budget is the main constraint, the family air fryer guide if you need to cook for four or more people, or the best air fryers buying guide for a full comparison of the top-rated models.
Comparing two specific 6-quart air fryers? See the Instant Vortex Plus vs COSORI Pro comparison.
Glenn is the founder of Kitchenware Compare and has spent years researching, testing, and reviewing kitchen appliances, cookware, and gadgets. A lifelong home cook raised in a family that treated every meal as an occasion, Glenn started this site to cut through the noise of conflicting product reviews and give readers honest, practical guidance. When he is not testing the latest air fryer or digging into the specs of a new espresso machine, he can usually be found experimenting with new recipes or hunting for the perfect cast iron skillet at a flea market.