Best Air Fryers Consumer Reports

Imagine biting into perfectly crispy fries without all the oil. Or maybe you’re dreaming of golden-brown chicken wings that are healthier than deep-fried. Air fryers promise just that, but with so many models out there, choosing the best one can feel like a confusing maze. You want that delicious crunch, but you also want a machine that’s easy to use, cleans up nicely, and actually lives up to the hype.

That’s where Consumer Reports comes in. They test appliances rigorously, so you don’t have to guess. This post dives into what Consumer Reports has found about air fryers. We’ll break down the top picks, explain what makes some air fryers better than others, and highlight the features that really matter.

By the end of this read, you’ll have a clear understanding of the best air fryers on the market according to experts. Get ready to discover which air fryer will bring the crunch and convenience you’re looking for to your kitchen!

Top Air Fryers Consumer Reports Recommendations

SaleNo. 1

Typhur Dome 2 Large AI Smart Air Fryer, 15-in-1 Dual Heating, Self-Cleaning

𝗔𝗧𝗞 & 𝗖𝗥 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 | Recommended by America’s Test Kitchen in "The Best Air Fryers 2026" and Consumer Reports in "The Best Large Air Fryer of 2026".
𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗽𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 | Inspired by professional pizza ovens, Dome 2 uses reengineered airflow and dual top-and-bottom heating to cook up to 30% faster with more even browning and less flipping. Most cooking modes start immediately; select presets auto-preheat to optimize results for specific foods.
𝗨𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝟯𝟬% 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝟱.𝟲𝗤𝗧 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 | Cook up to 32 wings in 14 min or 2 steaks in 8 min. The flat basket's interior height is 2.36" (without grill plate), optimized for single-layer cooking — fits a 12-inch pizza, wings, steaks, fries, bacons, fish fillets, and more.
𝟭𝟱 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝟱𝟭𝗱𝗕 | Air fry, bake, toast, dehydrate, pizza, steak, wings, and more in one easy-to-use countertop appliance. Library-quiet 51dB operation helps keep the kitchen conversation-friendly.
𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗖𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 | Typhur Dome's self-cleaning function removes oil and stains from the top cavity in 2 hours, leaving your appliance spotless. Activate it on the app once a month.

No. 2

AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
4-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Features 4 customizable cooking functions—Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate for maximum versatility. A powerful1750-watt air fryer that’s built for everyday use.
LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.

No. 3

Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating, 90°–450°F, Precise Heating for Even Results, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm, 120V, Dark Gray

𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achieving crispy, juicy results every time
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°– 450°F temperature control deliver evenly cooked dishes with perfect texture in every bite
𝙋𝙁𝘼𝙎-𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The basket and crisper tray feature a PFAS-free, nonstick ceramic coating for enhanced durability, heat resistance, and a healthier cooking experience.
𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking and save time to deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy days
𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The 6-quart square basket offers a wide, deep design, great for the entire family meals while saving you space on your kitchen counter or cabinet

SaleNo. 4

Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 24 Cooking Functions and Digital Controls, 7 Accessories Included, Stainless Steel Finish, 26QT Capacity

A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates practically any meal, from air frying quick after-school snacks to roasting for large gatherings.
PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Oven turns off automatically when the toast count-down timer ends, no burnt toast! Indicator light is red while toasting, blue when timer ends and oven turns off. Place rack at indicated toast position for ideal results.
DUAL-SPEED FAN: Golden fried crisping at its finest with 360º superheated air circulation for your homemade cooking.
STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: A stainless-steel exterior provides a beautiful aesthetic to any kitchen, taking your party hosting to the next level. And elegant French doors open with a single pull; interior light allows you to monitor food

SaleNo. 5

Chefman Air Fryer 9 Qt | TurboFry 7-in-1 High-Powered 450°F Cooking for Crispier and Even Results | XL Basket with Viewing Window | Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate, Defrost, Keep Warm

SUPERCHARGED CONVECTION POWER: The next evolution in air frying! A high-tech DC motor powers this TurboFry air fryer, cooking up to 40% faster than other Chefman air fryers with a max temperature of 450°F for crispier, juicier results.
7-IN-1 VERSATILITY: More than just an air fryer! This all-in-one digital air fryer features a built-in touchscreen UI with seven cooking functions: Air Fry, Broil, Dehydrate, Convection Bake, Reheat, Keep Warm, and Cook Frozen Foods for ultimate versatility.
EXTRA-CRISPY FROZEN FRIES: Achieve perfectly crisp frozen foods like mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, and tater tots! The “Frozen” function starts at a low temp to defrost, then automatically crisps to golden-brown perfection.
PERFECT FOR SERVING: The Keep Warm function is fully customizable for almost any use. Use it from the start to gently heat up bread or press it after cooking to keep your meal at serving temperature for up to 30 minutes.
FAMILY-SIZED 9-QUART CAPACITY: Cook for up to 7 people in minutes! The XL nonstick basket holds large portions, while the Shake Reminder ensures evenly crisped results every time.

SaleNo. 6

Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey

2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The original Air Fryer with 2 independent baskets, the XL air fryer lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the and a Match Cook button to easily copy settings across zones for full 8-qt capacity.
6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The baskets can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
XL CAPACITY: The 8-quart air fryer capacity lets you fit mains and sides at the same time for making quick family meals, or up to 4 lbs. of French fries or chicken wings.
SEPARATE HEATING ZONES: 2 independent 4-quart zones have their own cooking baskets, cyclonic fans, and rapid heaters.

SaleNo. 7

Chefman Air Fryer 6-in-1, XL 14-Quart Multifunctional Airfryer with Touchscreen Controls, Rotisserie, Food Dehydrator, Convection Oven, Bake, Broil, and Reheat Functions, Windowed Door – Black

ALL THE CRISP, NONE OF THE GUILT: Enjoy one cooker that ensures frozen food cooks up golden and crispy. Forget about unhealthy deep frying and cook with up to 98% less oil with a Chefman air fryer!
FAMILY-SIZED COOKING: This toaster oven air fryer combo maximizes its internal capacity. With three rack positions and an XL 14-quart interior, you can cook the main course and sides all at the same time.
FIVE COOKING FUNCTIONS: Replace multiple kitchen appliances with this air fryer oven! It can air fry, bake, broil, reheat, and even dehydrate with a versatile 90°F–400°F temperature range.
EVENLY CRISPY: For tasty rotisserie chickens or homemade shawarma, this air fryer toaster oven combo has a removable rotisserie spit and ROTATE function. The included fetch tool makes removing your meal a breeze.
SLEEK TOUCH CONTROLS: Chefman digital air fryers are versatile and easy to use! Just choose your cooking function, time, and temperature on the intuitive touchscreen control panel for just about any meal.

No. 8

Cuisinart ClearView 4-Quart Air Fryer with Glass Basket and PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Crisper Plate, 5 Cooking Functions, 2 Custom Presets, Adjustable Temperature up to 450°F, 3-Year Warranty, AFC-4

TRUE VISIBILITY, ZERO GUESSWORK: Watch your food cook in real time, without opening the basket and losing heat. Unlike typical air fryers, this glass air fryer features a clear cooking basket, top viewing window, and interior light.
PREP. COOK. SERVE. STORE: This versatile glass basket air fryer lets you prep ingredients ahead of time, cook with powerful airflow, serve straight to the table, and store leftovers with the included lid—no transferring containers, no extra dishes.
5 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Choose from Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Recrisp, and Keep Warm options in a convenient 4-qt air fryer that quickly and easily cooks 1.5 lb of french fries, 2 lb of wings, or a whole 4 lb chicken without overwhelming your counter.
EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE: This digital air fryer reaches temperatures up to 450F with adjustable 5-degree increments for crisp outside and juicy inside. Heat and airflow auto-pause when the basket is opened and resume when closed for a smoother, cleaner cooking experience.
EASY CLEAN AND PFAS-FREE: The dishwasher-safe air fryer basket in durable borosilicate glass makes this an easy clean air fryer built for everyday cooking and serving. The glass basket and nonstick crisper plate are both PFAS-free.

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Air Fryer

Air fryers are kitchen superheroes. They make your favorite foods crispy and delicious without all the oil. If you’re thinking about getting one, this guide will help you pick the perfect model. We’ll look at what makes a good air fryer and what to watch out for.

1. Key Features to Look For

When you shop for an air fryer, keep an eye on these important features.

Size and Capacity

What it is: How much food the air fryer can hold.
Why it matters: A small air fryer is good for one or two people. A big one is better for families. Think about how many people you usually cook for.

Temperature Control

What it is: How precisely you can set the cooking temperature.
Why it matters: Different foods need different temperatures. Good control means better cooking. Look for a wide temperature range.

Timer Settings

What it is: How long you can set the air fryer to cook.
Why it matters: A good timer helps you avoid burning your food. Many air fryers have auto shut-off, which is a great safety feature.

Presets and Programs

What it is: Buttons for cooking specific foods like fries, chicken, or fish.
Why it matters: Presets take the guesswork out of cooking. They make it super easy to get great results.

Ease of Cleaning

What it is: How simple it is to wash the air fryer parts.
Why it matters: Nobody likes scrubbing tough grease. Look for dishwasher-safe baskets and trays. Non-stick coatings also help a lot.

2. Important Materials

The materials used in an air fryer affect its durability and how it cooks.

Basket and Tray Materials

What to look for: Stainless steel or ceramic-coated baskets are durable. They resist scratches and are easy to clean.
What to avoid: Cheaper plastic parts can sometimes warp or melt with high heat.

Outer Casing Materials

What to look for: Stainless steel or high-quality, heat-resistant plastic. These look good and last long.
Why it matters: A sturdy casing keeps the air fryer safe and looking new.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Some things make an air fryer better, while others can make it worse.

Heat Distribution Technology

Improves quality: Many air fryers use special fans and heating elements to move hot air around evenly. This cooks food uniformly.
Reduces quality: If the hot air doesn’t circulate well, some parts of your food might be crispy, and others might be soggy.

Build Quality and Durability

Improves quality: A well-built air fryer feels solid. Its parts fit together nicely. It will last longer.
Reduces quality: Flimsy construction means the air fryer might break easily. It might not cook as well over time.

Noise Level

Improves quality: Quieter air fryers are more pleasant to use. You can still talk or watch TV while it’s running.
Reduces quality: Very loud air fryers can be annoying.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

How you use an air fryer and how easy it is to use matters.

Simple Controls

Improves user experience: Easy-to-understand buttons and clear displays make using the air fryer a breeze.
Reduces user experience: Confusing controls can make you frustrated.

Versatility

Use cases: Air fryers aren’t just for fries! You can cook chicken wings, fish, vegetables, and even bake small desserts. Some models can also roast or dehydrate.
Why it matters: A versatile air fryer can replace other kitchen appliances. It saves you space and money.

Speed and Efficiency

Improves user experience: Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens. They also use less energy.
Why it matters: Get delicious, crispy food in minutes. Save on your electricity bill!

Air Fryer FAQs

Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for?

A: Look for good size and capacity, precise temperature control, reliable timer settings, helpful presets, and easy cleaning features. These make cooking and cleanup much simpler.

Q: Are there specific materials that are better for air fryer baskets?

A: Yes, stainless steel or ceramic-coated baskets are generally best. They are durable, resist scratches, and are easier to clean than some other materials.

Q: How does heat distribution affect the quality of my food?

A: Excellent heat distribution ensures your food cooks evenly and gets crispy all over. Poor distribution can lead to unevenly cooked or soggy results.

Q: What are some common uses for an air fryer besides fries?

A: You can cook chicken wings, fish fillets, roasted vegetables, and even reheat pizza to make it crispy again. Some advanced models can also bake or dehydrate.

Q: Is an air fryer noisy to use?

A: Some air fryers are quieter than others. If noise is a concern, check reviews for models that are known for being less loud during operation.

Q: How do I know if an air fryer is good quality?

A: Good quality air fryers have sturdy build construction. Their parts fit together well and they feel solid. They also tend to perform better and last longer.

Q: What does “auto shut-off” mean for an air fryer?

A: Auto shut-off is a safety feature that turns the air fryer off automatically when the timer reaches zero or if the basket is removed during cooking.

Q: Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

A: Many air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.

Q: How much counter space does an air fryer typically take up?

A: Air fryers come in various sizes. Smaller models are about the size of a coffee maker, while larger ones can be similar to a small microwave.

Q: Are air fryers energy efficient?

A: Yes, air fryers are generally more energy efficient than full-sized ovens because they heat up faster and cook food quicker.

Best Air Fryers Consumer Reports – Top Picks & Guide