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

Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, 9-in-1, 6 Qt, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating

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. 2

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. 3

Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Easy-View Window, Touch Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black

FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the digital touch screen display or use one of four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals. Perfect for serving 3-5 people.
450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking: ideal for extra-crispy chicken tenders and French fries.
STYLISH AND COMPACT: The sleek, narrow design of this air fryers maximizes its 6-quart capacity while minimizing its countertop footprint. Its compact size makes it a great space saver, fitting perfectly on your counter or in your cabinets.
HEALTHY COOKING: Enjoy delicious meals with little-to-no oil. This Chefman small air fryer lets you cook healthier, low-fat meals that still taste amazing.
EASY-VIEW WINDOW: Watch your food fry to your ideal finish. The integrated cooking window on the basket ensures that you can see just how crispy your food gets with only a fraction of the cooking oil.

SaleNo. 4

Ninja Air Fryer Pro, 5 Qt, 4-in-1, Grey, AF141

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.

SaleNo. 5

Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black

FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the digital touch screen display or use one of four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals. Perfect for serving 3-5 people
450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking: perfect for extra crispy chicken tenders and French fries.
STYLISH AND COMPACT: The sleek, narrow design of this air fryers maximizes its 6-quart capacity while minimizing its countertop footprint. Its compact size makes it a great space saver, fitting perfectly on your counter or in your cabinets
HEALTHY COOKING: Enjoy delicious meals with little-to-no oil. This Chefman large air fryer lets you cook healthier, low-fat meals that still taste amazing
LED SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Get notified with an audible alarm halfway through cooking, reminding you to shake your food for the crispiest results possible

SaleNo. 6

Chefman Compact Air Fryer 3.5 QT - Slim Design Fits Small Kitchens, 4-in-1 Air Fry, Bake, Dehydrate, Frozen, 450°F Max Temp, Narrow Footprint Saves Counter Space, Nonstick Ceramic, Dishwasher-Safe

CRISP YOU CAN COUNT ON: Enjoy delicious and extra-crispy meals in a fraction of the time; with a powerful 450°F max temperature, this compact air fryer cooks quicker than a traditional oven and lower-powered air fryers.
4-IN-1 COOKING: Choose from four versatile and useful functions on this small air fryer, including Air Fry, Bake, Dehydrate, and Frozen. This cooker works as an airfryer, dehydrator, oven, and more!
FRY YOUR FAVORITES: Our Frozen function is engineered for a golden-brown crunch on your freezer staples. This mini air fryer starts at a lower temperature to thaw, then raises the heat for a beautiful crisp on frozen fries, onion rings, and tater tots.
EASY TO USE: With intuitive touchscreen controls and a digital display, this TurboFry air fryer makes it simple to select your cooking function and customize your time and temperature.
YOUR COUNTERTOP COMPANION: With a counterspace-friendly narrow design and a 3.5-quart basket, you can cook for up to 4 people at once.

SaleNo. 7

OLIXIS Dual Air Fryers with 2 Baskets 9.5 Quarts Large Airfryer 10-in-1

9.5 QT Large Capacity with 2 Separate Baskets: Each 4.5L basket fits 1lb of fries, a whole chicken, or a 6-inch pizza. Cook main dishes and sides simultaneously—no more batch cooking. Doubles your output for family meals, parties, or meal prep
10-in-1 Presets: One-touch programs for Bake, Dehydrate, Defrost, Steak, Chicken, Shrimp, and more. Achieve crispy wings, juicy roasted meats, and healthy veggies with consistent results—no guesswork required. Perfect for daily home cooking
Smart Dual-Zone with Sync Functions: Match Cook copies time/temp settings across both baskets for large-batch cooking. Sync Finish lets two different foods with separate settings finish together—hot and ready. No waiting or cold dishes
Auto Shake Reminder: Built-in sensor alerts you with a beep and flashing light when it's time to shake. Promotes even heating and uniform browning for perfectly crispy textures every time. Less hands-on attention, more consistent results
Healthier Design & Non-Stick Coating: Stainless steel body ensures durable, even heat distribution. Ceramic-coated crisper plates require little to no oil—enjoy lower-fat meals than deep frying. Non-stick surface makes cleanup quick and easy

No. 8

Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer, 2.6 Quart, Red

Small Air Fryer, Big Crisp: This portable air fryer for 1-2 people fits right on your countertop without hogging space — perfect for apartments, dorms, RVs, and small kitchens where every inch counts
Set It Your Way: Adjustable temperature from 200°F to 400°F, a 0-60 minute timer, and 3 programmable presets let you save your go-to settings and start cooking with just one touch
Quick Heat-Up, Better Results: This 1000W air fryer preheats fast and uses AirCrisp Technology to cook with little to no oil — enjoy the crunch you love with less oil and less mess every time
Safe and Simple: Auto shut-off turns this basket style air fryer off when the timer runs out — just set your time and temperature on the Digital Display and walk away without worry
Easy Cleanup, Ready to Go: The removable nonstick Crisper Drawer and Tray are dishwasher safe — and with the included Recipe Guide, you'll be making crispy fries & cinnamon rolls in no time

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