Top 4 Air Fryers for 2024: Reviews and Buying Guide

Air fryers have surged in popularity in recent years, and my air fryer has quickly become one of the most useful appliances in my kitchen. The best air fryers are easy to use, fast, and a great way to prepare healthy, flavorful meals with less oil.

Some of my favorite recipes—like quick blackened salmon bites and crispy golden chicken tenders—are designed specifically for the air fryer. If you’re considering buying one, you’ll find air fryers that suit nearly every kitchen and cooking style, from compact single-person models to large toaster-oven hybrids that replace multiple appliances.

Below I’ve gathered my top recommendations based on years of hands-on cooking, recipe testing, and research into reviews from other cooking experts and everyday users. These picks focus on performance, ease of use, size options, and value.

Our Top Picks

1. What’s in My Kitchen: GoWISE USA 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – around $85
2. Best for Individuals: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer – around $90
3. Best Small Air Fryer: Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer – around $60
4. Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – around $400

Reviews of the Best Air Fryers

1. What’s in My Kitchen: GoWISE USA 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer

I’ve used this GoWISE model for three years and tested many recipes for my cookbooks in it. The basket design gives a bit more usable space than other units its size, and it includes a handy divider so you can cook two different items at once. The touchscreen controls are simple and modern, and the fryer heats and browns food quickly.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 7-quart
• Watts: 1,700
• Temperature Range: 180–400°F
• Settings: Air fry, bake, grill, roast

The Pros:

• Affordable
• Cooks food quickly and evenly
• Spacious basket with divider
• Multiple preset programs

The Cons:

• Loud beeping

This model consistently ranks well in independent tests and has strong user ratings for performance and value. It’s a reliable everyday air fryer that handles a wide range of recipes.

Best for Individuals: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

The Ninja AF101 is a popular mid-size option with a 4-quart basket—ideal for one or two people. It’s straightforward to use, with clear buttons for air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating. The basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. It’s a dependable choice if you want a compact but capable fryer.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 4-quart
• Watts: 1,550
• Temperature Range: 105–400°F
• Settings: Air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate

The Pros:

• Easy to operate
• Perfect size for small households
• Dishwasher-safe parts

The Cons:

• No designated preheat setting
• Smaller capacity for families

Best Small Air Fryer: Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 Mini

If counter space is limited, the Instant Pot Vortex mini is a compact, user-friendly option. The 2-quart basket is best for single servings and sides. It offers one-touch presets for wings, roasted vegetables, and more, and the non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 2-quart
• Watts: 1,300
• Temperature Range: 120–400°F
• Settings: Air fry, bake, reheat, roast

The Pros:

• Compact and affordable
• Customizable cooking programs
• Dishwasher-safe basket

The Cons:

• Lower wattage means slightly longer cook times
• Too small for multiple servings

Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

If you want an appliance that stays on the counter and replaces several others, a toaster-oven-style air fryer is ideal. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is pricier but extremely versatile, with many cooking functions and enough interior space to fit a 13-inch pizza or a 9×13 pan. It’s a solid choice for families and home cooks who want one appliance to do it all.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 1 cubic foot
• Watts: 1,800
• Temperature Range: 180–480°F
• Settings: Air fry, toast, broil, bake, roast, dehydrate, proof

The Pros:

• Highly versatile
• Large interior fits family-sized dishes
• Includes useful accessories

The Cons:

• Expensive
• Bulky, needs counter space

Also Great

Best Dual-Basket: Ninja Foodi 8-Quart DualZone

The Ninja Foodi DualZone essentially gives you two air fryers in one unit. With two independently controlled baskets and a Smart Finish setting that times them to end together, it’s perfect for families who want to cook different foods at once. It’s large, so plan for counter space or storage.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 8-quart (two 4-quart baskets)
• Watts: 1,690
• Temperature Range: 105–450°F
• Settings: Air fry, broil, roast, reheat, dehydrate, bake

Best Budget: DASH Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer

You don’t have to spend much to get a solid air fryer. The Dash Tasti-Crisp is simple, affordable, and effective for basic air frying tasks. It uses manual dials for time and temperature and is a great beginner option for those who want straightforward performance without extra bells and whistles.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 2.6-quart
• Watts: 1,000
• Temperature Range: Up to 400°F
• Settings: Air fry

Other Air Fryers to Consider

There are many other solid options on the market, including 6-quart and 6-in-1 models, toaster-oven hybrids from other brands, and touchscreen units in attractive finishes. When evaluating alternatives, consider features such as capacity, wattage, preset programs, and whether the basket and accessories are dishwasher safe.

Why You Can Trust Me

Hi, I’m Gina, creator and recipe developer of Skinnytaste. I write cookbooks and develop healthy, family-friendly recipes, including books focused on air fryer cooking. I’ve tested dozens of air fryer models while developing recipes and compared hands-on experience with expert reviews and user feedback to compile this list. My recommendations reflect appliances that perform well, are easy to use, and deliver consistent results.

Everything to Know Before Buying an Air Fryer

What to Consider Before Buying an Air Fryer

Power and Temperature: Look for a model with sufficient wattage—around 1,700 watts is ideal for fast, crispy results. A temperature range that reaches at least 400°F covers most recipes.

Capacity: A 2–4 quart unit suits one to two people; 6 quarts or more is better for families. Keep in mind larger units require more counter or storage space.

Versatility: Some models double as toaster ovens, dehydrators, or rotisseries. If you want one appliance to do many jobs, choose a multifunction model.

How Does an Air Fryer Work?

Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food—similar to a convection oven—producing a crispy exterior without deep frying in oil. That air circulation and high heat create the texture many people love, with less oil and mess.

Do You Need an Air Fryer?

An air fryer isn’t essential, but it’s a useful tool. Many air fryer recipes can be adapted for a conventional oven, though the air fryer often delivers quicker cooking and better crisping, especially for small batches and reheating.

Can You Put Foil in an Air Fryer?

Yes—foil can be used to catch drips or make cleanup easier, much like in an oven. Air fryer-specific parchment paper with perforations is also helpful to prevent sticking while maintaining airflow.

How Do You Clean an Air Fryer?

Most baskets have non-stick coatings and wash easily with soap and water. Clean shortly after use for best results. For stubborn messes, run the basket with a bit of warm, soapy water in the unit for a few minutes to loosen residue. Many models also offer dishwasher-safe components.

The Best Air Fryer Recipes

Air fryers can handle a wide range of dishes—fries, wings, hard-boiled eggs, bagels, cheesecake, salmon, breaded meats, and more. They’re especially good for quick proteins like salmon and for keeping breaded foods crispy without excess oil.

Some popular air fryer recipes to try include air fryer chicken tenders, air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer steak, air fryer baked potatoes, and blackened salmon bites.

Prices mentioned were accurate at the time of publication.