Our Essential Guide to Buying an Air Fryer

Air fryers have become a household staple for many people, thanks to their ability to replicate the crunchy taste of fried foods without all the unhealthy oil. (Here’s an in-depth explainer of how an air fryer works.)

But so many models are available today that it can be hard to choose one—do you want a no-frills model? An air fryer-toaster oven combo? One with presets for your favorite foods? Before you commit to buying an air fryer, use our buying guide to find the perfect model for your needs.

Consider the Capacity

The first thing you’ll want to think about is the size of your air fryer. Typically, these appliances have a capacity between two and six quarts, and because it’s key not to overcrowd the basket when cooking, you’ll want to think about how much food you plan to make in it.

If you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, you’ll probably want a larger air fryer, while one- or two-person households can get by with a smaller model. However, keep in mind that the larger the capacity, the larger the appliance and the more cupboard space it will take up.

Top-Rated Small Air Fryer: Bella 2.6-Quart Air Convection Fryer, $80

Top-Rated Large Air Fryer: Omorc 6-Quart Air Fryer, $100

Add on Presets for Popular Foods

Looking forward to making lots of french fries with your air fryer? Or maybe huge batches of wings for game day?

If you plan on cooking specific dishes (like these air fryable-foods) with your new appliance, you may want to look for a model with pre-programmed settings that will make the process easier. For instance, the Cosori air fryer has presets for 11 items from chicken and steak to vegetables and dessert.

Top-Rated Air Fryer with Presets: Cosori 5.8-Quart Air Fryer, $120

Check into Additional Features

Some air fryers have additional functionality that will make them a more versatile tool in the kitchen.

• Air fryer toaster ovens: One of the most popular combinations, these air fryers resemble a traditional toaster oven and can be used to bake, broil and toast foods, as well.
• Air fryer dehydrators: If you like dehydrated fruits or homemade beef jerky, an air fryer with dehydrating abilities might be a good option for you.
• Air fryer rotisserie cookers: Many people love the flavor of a moist rotisserie chicken, and an air fryer rotisserie cooker combo allows you to make this delicious dish at home.

Top-Rated Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Breville Convection and Air Fry Smart Oven Air, $400

Set a Budget

Finally, you’ll want to think about how much you have to spend on an air fryer. These appliances can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars, so it’s important to balance your budget with the features you want. Here’s our Test Kitchen’s pick for the best air fryer in terms of features, performance and price.

Our Best-Loved Air Fryer: Philips TurboStar Technology 2.75-Quart Air Fryer, $250

Not sure what to make? Here are our favorite air fryer recipes.

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Air Fryer Eggplant Fries

My kids love these air fryer fries—and I like that they're healthy. Coated with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and garlic salt, these eggplant fries are delicious and guilt-free. —Mary Murphy, Atwater, California

Get Recipe Not sure which air fryer is right for you? We compared the most popular brands in our Test Kitchen. This is the product we're proud to call our Best Loved Brand.

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

I live in Tennessee and absolutely love the famous Nashville hot chicken. In an attempt to make it easier to make, I thought I'd try air-fryer Nashville hot chicken. I'm so glad I did; this is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee

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Air Fryer Shrimp Po'Boys

My husband loves crispy coconut shrimp and po'boys, so I combined them with a spicy remoulade and voila! This air-fryer shrimp is a big hit with family and friends and is frequently requested. For catfish po'boys, substitute cornmeal for the coconut and add a few minutes to the cooking time. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

I took all of the components of a loaded baked potato—cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives—and turned it into my latest quick and easy dish. Every kid will love these air-fryer chicken tenders! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

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Cheesy Breakfast Egg Rolls

Whether you have to run out the door in the morning or take a few minutes to relax at the table, these breakfast egg rolls will hit the spot. The egg and sausage mixture can be made the night before so in the morning you roll, fry and go! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

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Air-Fryer Raspberry Balsamic Smoked Pork Chops

Air-fryer pork chops are so delicious and so easy to make. My husband loves them. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

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Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Turnovers

I adore the combo of pears, blue cheese and walnuts in a salad, so I turned them into this ham and cheese turnover recipe—and they were a hit. I added black forest ham to make it a meal in one. Just add a salad of field greens with a balsamic vinaigrette and you have a decadent (and healthy!) dinner. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Air-Fryer Southern-Style Chicken

I call this America’s best-loved air fryer chicken. The secret is in the breading, which makes the chicken super moist and flavorful, herby and golden brown. —Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee

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Air-Fryer Taquitos

I love these any occasion appetizers. Spice them up by adding sliced jalapenos, if desired. &mash; Mark Webber, Valdez, Alaska

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Air-Fryer Fish and Fries

Looking for easy air fryer recipes? Try these simple fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthier but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado

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Air-Fryer Pickles

Like deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

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Air Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls

These easy apple pie egg rolls can be prepared as needed, using egg roll wrappers as a vessel for the fruit rather than traditional pie crust. The air-fryer method of cooking results in a crispy, crunchy crust with a tender, juicy filling. Flavored cream cheese spread may be used instead of plain, depending on availability. —Sheila Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania

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Air-Fryer Garlic-Rosemary Brussels Sprouts

This is my go-to Thanksgiving side dish—healthy, easy and very quick to make. I usually season my turkey with fresh rosemary, then use leftover herbs for this standout. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

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Air-Fryer Wasabi Crab Cakes

With wasabi in both the crab cakes and the dipping sauce, this festive appetizer brings its own heat to the holiday party. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

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Sweet and Spicy Air-Fryer Meatballs

I am always on a quest for speedy, sweet and savory meatballs that pack a punch in the flavor. These are a snap to pull together and can be served over rice or buttered noodles.—Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska

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Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pineapple Pork

This air-fryer pork is a great dish to make on a weeknight, and it's special enough for company. The recipe starts with pork tenderloin, which is quick to cook and economical compared to many meats, and it tastes delicious. —Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia

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Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp and Apricot Sauce

Coconut and panko crumbs give this spicy air-fryer shrimp its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas

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Air-Fryer Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. The bourbon-soaked bacon adds a smoky, savory, bold taste to cinnamon rolls. The ginger and pecan topping makes for a crunchy, spicy finish. —Shannen Casey, Berkeley, California

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Air-Fryer Pepper Poppers

These creamy stuffed jalapenos have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York

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Air-Fryer Fiesta Chicken Fingers

Chicken fingers have long been a favorite of mine. Actually, almost any finger-shaped deep-fried goodie seldom escapes my reach. These air-fryer chicken fingers have taken a lot of the guilt out of my guilty pleasure. —Dianne DeGarmo-Carr, Alexander, Arkansas

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Air-Fryer Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

I am crazy about chocolate chips, and this chewy cookie has enough to satisfy me. My husband and kids love these cookies. This big batch is perfect for our family. —Diane Neth, Menno, South Dakota

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Air-Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Strips

I love the flavor profile of everything bagels, so I recreated it with traditional breaded chicken fingers. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

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Air Fryer Green Tomato BLT

I have used this "frying" method on eggplant slices for years and decided to try it on my green tomatoes. It worked! Now my family loves them in BLTs. —Jolene Martinelli, Derry, New Hampshire

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Spicy Air-Fryer Chicken Breasts

My family adores this chicken recipe. The coating keeps the chicken nice and moist, and with the taste enhanced by marinating, the result is delicious. —Stephanie Otten, Byron Center, Michigan

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Air-Fryer Reuben Calzones

I love a Reuben sandwich, so I tried the same classic filling in a pizza pocket instead of on rye bread. This hand-held dinner is a big-time winner at our house. —Nickie Frye, Evansville, IN

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Air-Fryer Herb and Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

Tired of the same old ground beef burgers? These quick air-fryer hamburgers, with their creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds.—Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

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Air-Fryer Lemon Slice Sugar Cookies

Here's a refreshing variation of my grandmother's sugar cookie recipe. Lemon pudding mix and icing add a subtle tartness that tingles your taste buds. —Melissa Turkington, Camano Island, Washington

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Air-Fryer Peppermint Lava Cakes

It never ceases to amaze to see warm chocolate pudding ooze out of the center of this tender chocolate cake. These cakes are a showstopper on a plate! Serve lava cakes with whipped cream or ice cream. —Carolyn Crotser, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Air-Fryer Quentin’s Peach-Bourbon Wings

My father and husband love bourbon flavor, so I add it to tangy wings air-fried in peach preserves. Stand back and watch these wings fly. —Christine Winston, Richmond, Virginia

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Air-Fryer Reuben Calzones

I love a Reuben sandwich, so I tried the same classic filling in a pizza pocket instead of on rye bread. This hand-held dinner is a big-time winner at our house. —Nickie Frye, Evansville, IN

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Air-Fryer Rosemary Sausage Meatballs

These air-fryer meatballs were created as hors d'oeuvres for a friend's wedding and became an instant hit and family treasure. Enjoy! —Steve Hansen, Redmond, Washington

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Air-Fryer Wasabi Crab Cakes

With wasabi in both the crab cakes and the dipping sauce, this festive appetizer brings its own heat to the holiday party. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

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Camryn Rabideau