Air Fryer: The One Cooking Appliance to Rule Them All – Best All-Around Picks in 2025

We’ve tested many kitchen appliances, and air fryers have quickly become one of our favorites. Their biggest advantage is the reduced need for cooking oil and just as impressive is their versatility. You can think of them as sitting somewhere between an oven and a deep fryer, offering the benefits of both in a compact design.

Air fryers are known for using little to no oil, heating up quickly, saving counter space, and handling a wide range of tasks. Beyond frying, they can bake, roast, grill, dehydrate, and reheat with ease.

If you’re considering buying (or gifting) an air fryer, the key things to look for are: capacity, features, price, and the ease of cleaning. In everyday use, it often comes down to how simple it is to set the time and temperature, and how much food you can fit in it.

Instant Pot Vortex 6QT XL Air Fryer

This air fryer has a classic design and a generous capacity that can fit a whole 3.5 lb (~1.5 kg) chicken. It covers all the essential functions you’d expect: crisping, roasting, baking, and reheating, making it a reliable choice for everyday meals. If you’re looking for a straightforward, no-frills air fryer that handles family-sized portions, this one fits the bill.

Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System

The Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 isn’t your typical air fryer as it combines style with smart design. Instead of the usual bulky basket, it comes with two glass containers: a 4-quart and a 6-cup size. You can cook directly in them, store leftovers, and even eat right out of the container. This makes it especially handy if you want to prepare meals for work or school without extra dishes.

Both containers are compatible with the cooking base, so you’re essentially getting two air fryers in one compact system. For anyone who values convenience and versatility, the Ninja Crispi makes a strong case as more than just another air fryer.

Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo

In terms of functionality, this is one of the most versatile air fryers you can buy. With its extra-large capacity, it can handle rotisserie cooking, bake pies, and of course, perform traditional air frying. Technically, it’s closer to a countertop oven than a standard air fryer, but since Emeril Lagasse calls it an air fryer, we’ll let it slide.

A standout feature is its ability to reach 260 °C (~500 °F), making it ideal for pizza, flatbreads, and even searing steaks. Unlike most air fryers, it has both top and bottom heating elements, which makes a big difference for even baking and achieving crispy crusts.

The only real drawback is that it isn’t dishwasher-safe. Understandable, since this unit is essentially a full oven with air-frying technology. For anyone who wants maximum versatility in one appliance, it’s a strong pick.

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4QT Air Fryer

The smallest and most affordable option on this list, this model is a great entry point if you’re just getting into air frying. It’s essentially the compact version of the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT, offering the same reliable performance in a smaller package. Perfect for students in dorms, boarding houses, or anyone with limited kitchen space, it delivers all the essentials without taking up much room, or much of your budget.

Other points to note

*Dollar per capacity refers to the price for each liter of cooking space. A lower value means a better deal.

While air fryers borrow many advantages from other kitchen appliances, their main limitation is the smaller cooking space compared to a traditional oven. However, that same compact size, along with their portability and versatility, makes them a favorite in many kitchens. For us, the convenience, speed, and healthier cooking options more than outweigh the drawbacks, making the air fryer a worthwhile addition to almost any home. It’s also relatively easier to clean and most of the time dishwasher safe.

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