The 5 Best Digital Air Fryers for Crispy Perfection in 2025

The digital air fryer has officially transcended its status as a trendy kitchen gadget to become an indispensable culinary tool in American homes. By circulating superheated air at high speeds, these modern marvels deliver the crispy, golden-brown texture of deep-fried foods with up to 85% less oil. The result? Healthier meals without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. From weeknight dinners in a flash to perfectly crisped appetizers for game day, a great digital air fryer can revolutionize the way you cook.

But the market is saturated. A quick search reveals hundreds of models, all promising “oil-free frying” and one-touch convenience. How do you separate the high-performance heroes from the countertop clutter? We did the work for you. We’ve sliced, diced, and air-fried our way through the top contenders to bring you this definitive list. Whether you’re a solo cook, a busy parent, or a culinary enthusiast, we’ll help you find the perfect digital air fryer to match your needs and budget.

Our Top 5 Digital Air Fryers at a Glance

Best Overall

1. Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer

The Verdict

After rigorous testing, the Ninja AF161 Max XL emerged as our decisive winner for the “Best Overall” digital air fryer. It’s a powerhouse that combines raw cooking power with thoughtful design. While many competitors struggle to reach temperatures high enough to truly sear food, the Ninja boasts a maximum temperature of 450°F. This “Max Crisp Technology” isn’t just marketing jargon; it delivers a noticeable difference in texture, providing a crunch that rivals deep frying much more closely than standard 400°F models.

Performance Deep Dive

In our lab tests, the Ninja Max XL consistently outperformed the competition in speed and crispness. Frozen french fries were transformed from icy sticks to golden-brown delights in under 12 minutes—nearly 3 minutes faster than the category average. The high-velocity fan ensures that superheated air reaches every nook and cranny of the food. We were particularly impressed with how it handled chicken wings; the skin blistered and crackled perfectly without drying out the meat inside, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve.

The “Air Roast” function is another standout. We tested a 3-pound chicken, and the results were succulent. The high heat seared the exterior quickly, locking in juices. It’s important to note, however, that because this unit runs hotter and faster than others, you may need to adjust your standard recipes. We found that shaving a minute or two off typical cooking times prevented over-browning.

Design & Usability

The 5.5-quart basket strikes a perfect balance between capacity and countertop footprint. It holds up to 3 pounds of french fries or wings, which is substantial for a single-basket model. The basket is ceramic-coated, a significant upgrade over the standard Teflon non-stick coatings found in cheaper models. This ceramic layer proved to be more durable during our scratch tests and released food effortlessly. Cleanup was a breeze, often requiring nothing more than a quick rinse with soapy water.

The control panel is centered around a bright, easy-to-read digital display. The buttons are tactile and responsive, allowing you to toggle quickly between Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate modes. While we love the performance, we must address the noise level. The powerful fan that drives the Max Crisp technology generates about 78 decibels of sound—comparable to a loud conversation or a vacuum cleaner running in the next room. It is noticeably louder than the Instant Vortex, but for the culinary results it produces, we believe it’s a fair trade-off.

Who It’s For

The Ninja Max XL is built for the crisp-obsessed. If your primary goal with an air fryer is to replicate the texture of fried food as closely as possible, this is the machine for you. It’s ideal for families of 3-4 people who value speed and efficiency. However, if you have a sensitive ear for noise or prefer a machine that runs quietly in the background, you might want to consider the Instant Vortex Plus below.

Pros

• Unmatched crisping performance via Max Crisp Technology (450°F).
• High-quality, durable ceramic-coated basket.
• Simple, intuitive digital controls with distinct modes.
• Cooks extremely fast, even from frozen state.
• Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup effortless.

Cons

• Significantly louder than competitors due to powerful fan.
• Round basket shape is slightly less space-efficient than square options.
• Higher heat requires monitoring to prevent burning.

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Best Feature

2. Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart with ClearCook

The Verdict

From the brand that revolutionized home cooking with the Instant Pot, the Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart is a masterclass in user-friendly design. While many air fryers operate as “black boxes” where you have to pause cooking and pull out the basket to check doneness, the Vortex Plus solves this with its ClearCook window and internal light. This feature fundamentally changes the cooking experience, giving you the confidence to pull food at the exact second of perfection without disrupting the heat cycle.

Performance Deep Dive

Don’t let the sleek looks fool you; this machine is a workhorse. It utilizes EvenCrisp™ airflow technology, which we found to be incredibly consistent. In our toast test—a difficult challenge for air fryers—the Vortex Plus produced the most even browning across the slice of any model in this lineup. While it tops out at 400°F (lower than the Ninja), it compensates with superior air circulation. Our Brussels sprouts came out tender on the inside with wonderfully crispy leaves, and notably, they didn’t get blown around the basket as violently as in other models.

A unique feature of this specific model is the OdorErase built-in air filter. Air frying, especially fatty foods like bacon or salmon, can often fill a kitchen with lingering smells. The Vortex Plus includes replaceable filters in the exhaust vent that significantly reduce these odors. In our bacon test, we noticed a marked reduction in the smoky haze and smell compared to the Cosori and Chefman models.

Design & Usability

The aesthetics of the Instant Vortex Plus are modern and refined. The interface is a “tilted” touchscreen that is ergonomic and easy to read without bending over. It uses a combination of touch buttons and a central dial to adjust time and temperature, which we found faster and more precise than repeatedly tapping a “plus” or “minus” button. The basket is square-shaped, which provides more usable surface area than round baskets of similar volume, fitting four burger patties or two steaks with ease.

One minor drawback we noted is the longevity of the non-stick coating. Unlike the Ninja’s ceramic, the Vortex uses a standard PTFE coating. While effective, it requires gentle care. We recommend hand-washing with a soft sponge and avoiding metal tongs to prevent peeling over time. Additionally, the OdorErase filters do need to be replaced periodically, adding a small recurring cost to ownership.

Who It’s For

This is the best air fryer for the visual cook. If you are the type of person who opens the oven door three times to check on your cookies, the ClearCook window will be your favorite feature. It is also the top choice for those with open-concept kitchens or small apartments where odor control and noise reduction (it is whisper-quiet) are priorities. It offers a premium experience that feels more sophisticated than its competitors.

Pros

• ClearCook window and internal light prevent heat loss during checking.
• OdorErase technology significantly reduces cooking smells.
• Very quiet operation compared to the Ninja.
• Ergonomic, tilted interface with intuitive dial control.
• Square basket maximizes cooking surface area.

Cons

• Non-stick coating is less durable than ceramic options.
• Filters require replacement (ongoing cost).
• Slightly larger footprint on the counter.

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Best Smart Features

3. COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo, 5.8QT

The Verdict

The COSORI Pro II represents the intersection of culinary capability and smart home convenience. While many “smart” kitchen appliances feel gimmicky, the integration here is genuinely useful. Connected via the VeSync app, this air fryer allows you to monitor cooking remotely, receive notifications, and even send recipe settings directly to the machine. It takes the guesswork out of the equation for beginners while providing granular control for experts.

Performance Deep Dive

COSORI has built a reputation on reliable performance, and the Pro II continues that legacy. In our testing, it excelled at moisture retention. Chicken breasts cooked in the COSORI were notably juicier than in the Chefman, thanks to a heating profile that seems to modulate well. One feature we particularly appreciated was the customizable “Shake Reminder.” Many recipes require shaking the basket halfway through for even browning. The COSORI beeps loudly and sends a notification to your phone, ensuring you never forget this crucial step—a lifesaver for busy parents multitasking in another room.

The presets on the COSORI are more granular than others, with specific buttons for steak, poultry, seafood, shrimp, bacon, frozen foods, french fries, vegetables, root vegetables, bread, and desserts. We found the “Root Vegetable” preset particularly accurate for roasted carrots, caramelizing them without burning the tips.

Design & Usability

The 5.8-quart basket is a “Goldilocks” size—not too big, not too small. It’s square, detachable, and dishwasher safe. The build quality feels sturdy, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints better than glossy models. However, the interface design has one quirk: the digital screen is located on the front face rather than the top. Depending on your height and counter height, you might find yourself bending down slightly to read the time remaining.

Noise levels are improved over the previous generation (the original COSORI Pro), but it still has a noticeable hum. The app connectivity is robust; pairing was seamless in our tests, and the library of 100+ recipes is a great resource for those new to air frying. Being able to browse a recipe on the couch and hit “Cook” to preheat the machine before you even walk into the kitchen is a luxury you quickly get used to.

Who It’s For

The COSORI Pro II is ideal for the tech-savvy cook who loves data and control. If you live your life through your smartphone, you will appreciate the integration. It is also fantastic for beginners, as the extensive preset menu and guided recipes provide a safety net against undercooked or burnt dinners. It’s a reliable, middle-of-the-road performer that is elevated by its smart features.

Pros

• Robust smart features and VeSync app integration.
• Helpful “Shake Reminder” ensures even cooking.
• 12 customizable cooking presets covering a wide range of foods.
• Square basket offers excellent capacity for families.
• Fingerprint-resistant matte finish.

Cons

• Smart features may be superfluous for traditional cooks.
• Front-facing display can be difficult to read from standing height.
• The basket release button can feel slightly stiff.

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Best for Multitasking

4. Ninja DZ201 Foodi 6-in-1 8-Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer

The Verdict

The Ninja Foodi DZ201 DualZone isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete rethink of the air fryer’s role in the kitchen. Standard air fryers force you to cook in batches—wings first, then fries—leaving the first batch to get cold. The DZ201 solves this with two independent baskets, allowing you to cook a complete meal simultaneously. It is the ultimate tool for synchronization, eliminating the timing headaches of dinner preparation.

Performance Deep Dive

The magic of this unit lies in its “Smart Finish” technology. We tested this by putting frozen chicken nuggets (20 mins) in Zone 1 and fresh asparagus (10 mins) in Zone 2. We hit “Smart Finish,” and the machine intelligently delayed the start of Zone 2 so that both baskets finished at the exact same second. The result was a hot, complete meal with zero waiting. The “Match Cook” button is equally useful for large batches, copying settings from Zone 1 to Zone 2 to utilize the full 8-quart capacity.

Is there a power penalty for running two baskets? In our testing, we noticed a slight increase in cooking time (about 2-3 minutes) when both zones were running at max temp compared to running just one. However, the convenience far outweighs this minor delay. The crisping power is classic Ninja—aggressive and effective. We also appreciated that because the baskets are separate, there is zero flavor transfer. You can air fry salmon in one side and bake brownies in the other without your dessert tasting fishy.

Design & Usability

This is a large appliance. It dominates the counter, so measuring your space is essential before buying. The baskets are deep but somewhat narrow (4 quarts each). While great for loose items like fries or veggies, they cannot fit a large whole chicken or a standard pizza. You will be limited to smaller cuts of meat or dividing larger items between the two zones.

The build quality is rugged and durable, typical of Ninja products. The crisper plates fit snugly (sometimes too snugly, making them hard to remove for cleaning), but they do an excellent job of keeping food elevated from grease. The interface is more complex than single-basket models due to the dual-zone controls, but the learning curve is short. Once you master the logic of Zone 1 vs. Zone 2, it becomes second nature.

Who It’s For

The Ninja DZ201 is essential for families who want to cook a full meal, not just a side dish. It is perfect for parents trying to feed kids with different tastes (chicken tenders in one side, fish sticks in the other) or for couples who want a protein and a veg cooked perfectly in sync. If you have the counter space, the logistical advantage of two baskets is a luxury you won’t want to give up.

Pros

• DualZone technology allows independent cooking in two baskets.
• Smart Finish ensures different foods complete simultaneously.
• No flavor transfer between baskets.
• Match Cook allows for 8 quarts of total capacity.
• Typical high-performance Ninja crisping power.

Cons

• Large footprint requires significant counter space.
• Narrow baskets cannot fit wide items like whole chickens.
• Slightly slower cooking times when both zones are active.

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Best Budget Large Capacity

5. Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer, 8-Quart

The Verdict

If you need to feed a crowd but don’t want to spend premium prices, the Chefman TurboFry Touch is the answer. Most 8-quart air fryers are expensive dual-basket models or bulky oven-style units. Chefman disrupts this by offering a massive single-basket fryer at an entry-level price point. It proves that you don’t need to break the bank to get high-capacity air frying performance.

Performance Deep Dive

The sheer size of the basket is the main performance driver here. Because the 8-quart basket is so wide, you can spread a large amount of food in a single layer. In air frying, surface area equals crispiness. We were able to cook nearly 3 pounds of wings in one layer, and they cooked significantly more evenly than when stacked in the smaller 5-quart baskets of competitors. The TurboFry gets hot quickly, though we noticed the temperature fluctuation was slightly wider than the precision of the Breville or Ninja models.

It handles standard tasks like fries and frozen foods admirably. However, for more delicate baking tasks, we found it ran a little hot, sometimes browning the outside of pastries before the inside was fully set. It is a machine built for volume and browning, rather than delicate finesse. The “Shake” reminder is present, which is crucial for such a large basket, as food in the center can get insulated if not tossed.

Design & Usability

The design is utilitarian and sleek, with a glossy black finish that looks good but attracts dust and fingerprints. The digital interface is integrated into the front panel and is very straightforward, offering four basic presets (Fries, Chicken, Meat, Fish). It lacks the granularity of the Cosori or the modes of the Ninja, but for many users, simplicity is a plus.

The basket release mechanism feels a bit lighter and more “plasticky” than the premium models, reflecting the budget price point. However, the basket itself and the separator tray are dishwasher safe. One thing to note is the size: this is a bulky unit. It is tall and wide, so you will need to ensure it fits under your kitchen cabinets, especially when opening the basket.

Who It’s For

The Chefman TurboFry is for the budget-conscious meal prepper or the large family. If you regularly cook for 5 or more people and want to get it done in one batch, this capacity is a godsend. It’s also a great choice for college students or first-time apartments where maximizing value is key. It delivers 90% of the performance of the top-tier models for 60% of the price.

Pros

• Massive 8-quart capacity is unbeatable for the price.
• Wide basket allows for excellent single-layer cooking.
• Simple, easy-to-use interface.
• Great value proposition.
• Dishwasher-safe parts.

Cons

• Build quality feels less premium/durable.
• Temperature control is less precise than high-end models.
• Large physical footprint.

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Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Digital Air Fryer

Navigating the world of air fryers can be tricky. With so many configurations available, understanding the technical specifications is key to making a purchase you won’t regret. Here are the critical factors to consider.

Capacity and Basket Shape: It’s Not Just About Volume

Capacity is typically measured in quarts, but this number can be misleading. A 5-quart round basket often holds less usable food than a 4-quart square basket. Why? Because air frying relies on surface area. You want to spread food out, not stack it. **Square baskets** utilize the corners, giving you more room for that extra chicken wing or handful of fries. * 1-3 Quarts: Good for singles or snacks. * 4-6 Quarts: The sweet spot for couples and families of 3-4. * 8+ Quarts: Essential for large families or meal prepping.

Wattage and Cooking Power

Wattage is a rough proxy for how fast the air fryer can heat up and how well it can maintain that heat when you add cold food. * Standard (1500W): Adequate for most tasks, but temperature recovery might be slower when the basket is full. * High Performance (1700W+): Found in models like the Ninja Max XL. This power allows for higher maximum temperatures (450°F) and faster recovery times, leading to crisper results. If you cook a lot of frozen foods, higher wattage makes a noticeable difference.

Controls and Presets

Digital controls offer precision that analog dials cannot match. Being able to set the temperature to exactly 375°F rather than “somewhere between 350 and 400” ensures consistent results. Look for models with a “Shake Reminder.” This simple beep halfway through the cooking cycle is the single biggest factor in preventing unevenly cooked fries. Smart features (WiFi/App) are great for monitoring, but ensure the core on-device controls are intuitive first.

Ease of Cleaning

You will use your air fryer more if it is easy to clean. Ceramic coatings (like on the Ninja) tend to be more durable and easier to wipe down than standard Teflon. Check if the basket has many vents or crevices where grease can hide. A removable crisper plate is generally easier to clean than a basket-within-a-basket design. Using tools like fryer strainers to lift out food can also help minimize mess in the basket.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to use oil in an air fryer?

You don’t need to use oil for pre-fried frozen foods (like nuggets or fries) as they already contain oil. However, for fresh foods like homemade fries, broccoli, or chicken breast, a light toss in 1-2 teaspoons of oil is crucial. The oil acts as a heat conductor, helping the hot air crisp the surface of the food. Without it, fresh food can dry out and become leathery rather than crispy.

Can you put aluminum foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?

Yes, but with strict safety rules. You must never put foil or parchment paper in the air fryer during preheating. The high-speed fan will suck the loose paper up into the heating element, where it will catch fire. Only use liners when they are weighed down by food. Perforated parchment paper is best, as it allows airflow to reach the bottom of the food.

Is an air fryer just a small convection oven?

Technically, yes, but practically, no. Both use fans to move hot air. However, an air fryer has a much smaller cooking chamber and a significantly faster, more powerful fan relative to its size. This “hurricane” effect strips moisture from the surface of food much faster than a standard convection oven, creating that signature “fried” texture that a regular oven cannot replicate.

Conclusion: The Right Choice for Your Kitchen

A high-quality digital air fryer is more than an appliance; it’s a ticket to faster, healthier, and more delicious meals. After countless hours of testing, we are confident that the **Ninja AF161 Max XL** is the best all-around performer for most people, delivering truly exceptional crispiness and speed.

However, every model on this list is a winner in its own right. The **Instant Vortex Plus** offers unparalleled convenience with its ClearCook window, the **COSORI Pro II** brings the kitchen into the smart home era, the **Ninja Foodi 2-Basket** revolutionizes multitasking, and the **Chefman TurboFry** provides incredible capacity for the price. We are confident that this guide to the best digital air fryer models will help you find the perfect partner for your culinary adventures.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. This guide is based on our team’s independent, hands-on testing and expert analysis.