5 Best Air Fryers for Crispy, Healthier Everyday Cooking
An air fryer can make everyday cooking a little easier when you want crispy fries, roasted vegetables, snacks or even baked treats without deep-frying. With different capacities, cooking modes and control systems available, choosing the right model depends largely on how much you cook and how much versatility you need.
From compact options for smaller households to larger air fryers designed for family meals, here are five models worth considering for different kitchen needs.
The Milton Rapid Digital Air Fryer is a practical choice for everyday cooking, particularly if you don't need an oversized appliance. Its 4.2-liter capacity and 1450W power make it suitable for preparing snacks, sides and moderate portions. The 360° high-speed air circulation is designed to help food cook evenly, while eight preset menus simplify common preparations.
Its touch controls and digital display make the appliance straightforward to operate. The automatic shut-off feature is also useful when you're multitasking in the kitchen, while the 1-year warranty provides some added reassurance for regular home use.
Pros
If counter space is a concern, the Nutricook Air Fryer Slim offers a 5-liter capacity in a relatively slim design. It runs at 1500W and uses a ceramic cooking coating marketed as free from PTFE, PFAS, PFOA and microplastics. A clear viewing window lets you check food as it cooks without constantly opening the basket.
The fryer comes with four preset programs and a lightweight basket, making it a fairly simple option for everyday meals. Its 2-year warranty is another advantage if you're looking for longer coverage.
Pros
The 4.7-liter COSORI Air Fryer sits comfortably between compact and family-sized models. With 1500W power and nine preset cooking programs, it gives you plenty of flexibility beyond basic air frying. Depending on what you're making, it can also be used for functions such as roasting, baking, reheating and broiling.
The digital touch panel keeps the controls easy to access, while the included cookbook with 30 recipes can be useful if you're still figuring out what to make in an air fryer. It's a good option for people who want one appliance that can handle a variety of everyday cooking tasks.
Pros
For families or anyone who wants considerably more cooking space, the Philips Air Fryer Oven offers a generous 7.2-liter capacity. Its large size makes it better suited to bigger portions, while the 16-in-1 functionality gives it a much wider role in the kitchen than simply air frying.
It can handle tasks including baking, grilling, fermenting and dehydrating. The full-view see-through window is another practical addition, allowing you to keep an eye on the food as it cooks. Its 360° cooking system is designed for even heat distribution across the food.
Pros
The Ninja Air Fryer MAX PRO is built for shoppers who want a larger basket without moving all the way up to an air-fryer oven. Its 6.2-liter capacity gives you more room for family-sized portions, while Max Crisp technology and variable airflow are designed to help achieve crispier results.
The appliance offers six functions, including air frying, roasting, baking and reheating. Its cooking surface is also described as chemical-free, while the 2-year warranty adds longer-term coverage compared with some basic models.
Pros
An air fryer doesn't make every food identical to deep-fried food, but it can be a convenient alternative for everyday cooking when you want a crisp texture without using a deep pan of oil.
If counter space is your main concern, the Nutricook Slim is worth considering because it combines a 5L capacity with a slimmer design.
For cooking versatility, the COSORI stands out with its nine cooking programs and multiple cooking functions.
If you regularly cook larger family portions, the Philips 7.2L Air Fryer Oven provides the most space and extensive functionality among these options.
And if your priority is crispier results with a larger basket, the Ninja MAX PRO offers a 6.2L capacity alongside its Max Crisp technology.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended to help readers make informed purchasing decisions and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any product or brand by Times Internet. Some links may be affiliate links, through which Time Internet may earn a commission if you make a qualifying purchase, at no extra cost to you.
From compact options for smaller households to larger air fryers designed for family meals, here are five models worth considering for different kitchen needs.
5 Best Air Fryers at a Glance
| Air Fryer | Capacity | Power | Key Feature |
| Milton Rapid Digital Air Fryer | 4.2L | 1450W | 8 preset menus |
| Nutricook Air Fryer Slim | 5L | 1500W | Ceramic-coated cooking surface |
| COSORI Air Fryer | 4.7L | 1500W | 9 cooking functions |
| Philips Air Fryer Oven | 7.2L | — | 16-in-1 cooking |
| Ninja Air Fryer MAX PRO | 6.2L | — | Max Crisp technology |
1. Milton Rapid Digital Air Fryer
The Milton Rapid Digital Air Fryer is a practical choice for everyday cooking, particularly if you don't need an oversized appliance. Its 4.2-liter capacity and 1450W power make it suitable for preparing snacks, sides and moderate portions. The 360° high-speed air circulation is designed to help food cook evenly, while eight preset menus simplify common preparations.
Its touch controls and digital display make the appliance straightforward to operate. The automatic shut-off feature is also useful when you're multitasking in the kitchen, while the 1-year warranty provides some added reassurance for regular home use.
Pros
- Preset programs make it easy for beginners to get started.
- Compact capacity works well for smaller kitchens and households.
- The basket may feel limiting when cooking for larger groups.
- A 1-year warranty is shorter than some competing options.
2. Nutricook Air Fryer Slim
If counter space is a concern, the Nutricook Air Fryer Slim offers a 5-liter capacity in a relatively slim design. It runs at 1500W and uses a ceramic cooking coating marketed as free from PTFE, PFAS, PFOA and microplastics. A clear viewing window lets you check food as it cooks without constantly opening the basket.
The fryer comes with four preset programs and a lightweight basket, making it a fairly simple option for everyday meals. Its 2-year warranty is another advantage if you're looking for longer coverage.
Pros
- See through window makes it easier to monitor food while cooking.
- Slim profile can be useful when countertop space is limited.
- Four presets offer less variety than several competing models.
- The minimalist design may appeal less to shoppers wanting extensive controls.
3. COSORI Air Fryer 5 QT
The 4.7-liter COSORI Air Fryer sits comfortably between compact and family-sized models. With 1500W power and nine preset cooking programs, it gives you plenty of flexibility beyond basic air frying. Depending on what you're making, it can also be used for functions such as roasting, baking, reheating and broiling.
The digital touch panel keeps the controls easy to access, while the included cookbook with 30 recipes can be useful if you're still figuring out what to make in an air fryer. It's a good option for people who want one appliance that can handle a variety of everyday cooking tasks.
Pros
- Broad cooking functionality makes it more versatile than a basic air fryer.
- Included recipes can help beginners explore different dishes.
- More cooking modes can mean a slightly longer learning curve.
- The 4.7L capacity may not be enough for large family portions.
4. Philips Air Fryer Oven
For families or anyone who wants considerably more cooking space, the Philips Air Fryer Oven offers a generous 7.2-liter capacity. Its large size makes it better suited to bigger portions, while the 16-in-1 functionality gives it a much wider role in the kitchen than simply air frying.
It can handle tasks including baking, grilling, fermenting and dehydrating. The full-view see-through window is another practical addition, allowing you to keep an eye on the food as it cooks. Its 360° cooking system is designed for even heat distribution across the food.
Pros
- Large capacity is useful when preparing food for several people.
- Wide range of cooking functions reduces the need for multiple appliances.
- Larger footprint requires more countertop or storage space.
- The extensive functionality may be unnecessary if you mainly air fry snacks.
5. Ninja Air Fryer MAX PRO
The Ninja Air Fryer MAX PRO is built for shoppers who want a larger basket without moving all the way up to an air-fryer oven. Its 6.2-liter capacity gives you more room for family-sized portions, while Max Crisp technology and variable airflow are designed to help achieve crispier results.
The appliance offers six functions, including air frying, roasting, baking and reheating. Its cooking surface is also described as chemical-free, while the 2-year warranty adds longer-term coverage compared with some basic models.
Pros
- Larger capacity is convenient for family meals.
- Max Crisp mode is particularly appealing for foods where texture matters.
- Takes up more space than compact air fryers.
- Its larger capacity may be excessive for one or two people.
How to Choose the Right Air Fryer
The best air fryer isn't necessarily the one with the largest capacity or the most cooking programs. Consider how you'll actually use it.Capacity
For one or two people, around 3–5L can be sufficient for everyday cooking. Larger households may benefit from a 6L-plus model, particularly if you want to cook bigger portions without working in multiple batches.Cooking Functions
If you mainly plan to make fries, nuggets and snacks, a straightforward air fryer may be enough. If you also want to bake, roast, grill, reheat or dehydrate food, look for a model with multiple cooking functions.Controls
Digital touch controls and preset programs can make cooking more convenient, especially for beginners. Traditional controls can be perfectly adequate if you prefer simple operation.Countertop Space
Measure your available space before buying. A larger air fryer may offer more cooking room but can take up a significant portion of your countertop.Cleaning
Look for removable baskets and cooking components that are easy to wash. This matters more than it might seem because regular cleaning helps make frequent air-fryer use less of a chore.Air Fryer vs Deep Frying
| Feature | Air Fryer | Deep Frying |
| Oil requirement | Little to no added oil for many foods | Requires a substantial amount of oil |
| Cooking method | Hot circulating air | Food is submerged in hot oil |
| Cleanup | Generally easier | Can be messier |
| Everyday convenience | Quick and relatively simple | More preparation and cleanup |
| Texture | Crisp exterior with less oil | Traditionally very crisp |
Which Air Fryer Should You Buy?
For smaller households, the Milton Rapid 4.2L offers a practical balance of size and functionality.If counter space is your main concern, the Nutricook Slim is worth considering because it combines a 5L capacity with a slimmer design.
For cooking versatility, the COSORI stands out with its nine cooking programs and multiple cooking functions.
If you regularly cook larger family portions, the Philips 7.2L Air Fryer Oven provides the most space and extensive functionality among these options.
And if your priority is crispier results with a larger basket, the Ninja MAX PRO offers a 6.2L capacity alongside its Max Crisp technology.
FAQs
Is an air fryer better than a deep fryer?
An air fryer can be a more convenient option for everyday cooking because it uses circulating hot air rather than requiring food to be submerged in oil. However, the final texture can differ from traditional deep frying.What capacity air fryer is best for a family?
A model around 6L or larger can be useful for families because it provides more room for larger portions and can reduce the need to cook in several batches.Can you cook more than fries in an air fryer?
Yes. Depending on the model, you can use an air fryer for foods such as vegetables, chicken, fish, snacks, baked items and reheated leftovers. Models with additional cooking modes offer even more flexibility.Is a 4L air fryer enough for two people?
A 4–5L model can work well for two people, especially when you're preparing moderate portions. If you frequently cook larger meals or want leftovers, a bigger capacity may be more convenient.What should I look for when buying an air fryer?
Pay attention to capacity, cooking functions, controls, countertop footprint, ease of cleaning and warranty. Your cooking habits matter more than simply choosing the model with the highest number of features.Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended to help readers make informed purchasing decisions and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any product or brand by Times Internet. Some links may be affiliate links, through which Time Internet may earn a commission if you make a qualifying purchase, at no extra cost to you.
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