Picture golden-brown chicken wings sizzling in a basket while you’re scrolling through your phone—no spattering oil, no smoke detector going off. We’ve tested the top air fryers heading into 2026, and the results might change how you think about weeknight dinners. From compact 4-quart models that fit tight counters to massive 26-quart ovens that can handle a whole chicken, we’ll show you which ones actually deliver on their promises.
| Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Oven |  | Most Versatile | Capacity: 26 quarts | Wattage: 1700 watts | Max Temperature: 500°F | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie 10L |  | Best Value | Capacity: 10 quarts | Wattage: 1700 watts | Max Temperature: 400°F (200°C) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-70NAS) |  | Best Overall | Capacity: 0.6 cubic feet | Wattage: 1800 watts | Max Temperature: 450°F | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8Qt DualZone Air Fryer |  | Best Dual-Zone | Capacity: 8 quarts (dual 4-qt baskets) | Wattage: 1690 watts | Max Temperature: 450°F | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Gourmia 4 Quart Digital Air Fryer (GAF486) |  | Budget-Friendly Pick | Capacity: 4 quarts | Wattage: 1300 watts | Max Temperature: 400°F (200°C) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Grill (FG551) |  | Best Indoor Grill | Capacity: 4 qt crisper basket | Wattage: 1760 watts | Max Temperature: 500°F | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Ninja 4-in-1 Air Fryer 5QT (AF141) |  | Editor’s Choice | Capacity: 5 quarts | Wattage: 1750 watts | Max Temperature: 400°F | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Chefman 6 QT Air Fryer with Touchscreen |  | Most Compact | Capacity: 6 quarts | Wattage: 1700 watts | Max Temperature: 450°F | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 6-Quart Air Fryer with Viewing Window |  | Best Viewing Window | Capacity: 6.34 quarts | Wattage: 800 watts | Max Temperature: 400°F | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL 6.5QT (AF182AMZ) |  | Best XL Capacity | Capacity: 6.5 quarts | Wattage: 1750 watts | Max Temperature: 450°F | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Oven
The Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Oven works best for families who need to cook larger portions without heating up a full-size oven. Its 26-quart capacity fits a whole chicken, a 12-inch pizza, or enough cookies for everyone. The French doors make it easy to check your food, and the interior light helps you monitor progress without opening them. We like that it replaces multiple appliances with 24 cooking presets. The digital touchscreen keeps things simple. It heats up to 500°F and uses 360° air circulation to cook food evenly. The package includes seven accessories.
- Capacity:26 quarts
- Wattage:1700 watts
- Max Temperature:500°F
- Cooking Functions:24 presets (air fry, bake, broil, dehydrate, roast, slow cook, more)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts:7 premium accessories included
- Weight:26.3 pounds
- Additional Feature:French door design
- Additional Feature:24 one-touch presets
- Additional Feature:Interior light included
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie 10L
Large families and meal prep enthusiasts will find this Chefman air fryer particularly useful. The 10-liter capacity handles sizeable portions, and you get 17 preset cooking options through the touch screen. We appreciate that it doesn’t need preheating and uses 98% less oil than traditional fryers.
The rotisserie function and three airflow racks add versatility. You can monitor your food through the large window while interior lights show cooking progress. The unit includes a stainless steel rotisserie spit, retrieval tool, and drip tray. All removable parts go in the dishwasher. It reaches 400°F and runs on 1700 watts.
- Capacity:10 quarts
- Wattage:1700 watts
- Max Temperature:400°F (200°C)
- Cooking Functions:17 presets (fry, roast, dehydrate, bake, rotisserie)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts:Yes (dishwasher-safe parts, removable drip tray)
- Weight:14.2 pounds (6.44 kg)
- Additional Feature:Large easy-view window
- Additional Feature:17 touch screen presets
- Additional Feature:Rotisserie spit included
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-70NAS)
Cuisinart’s TOA-70NAS offers eight cooking functions in a single countertop appliance, making it ideal for anyone who wants versatility without buying separate gadgets. You can air fry, toast, bake, broil, grill, and warm food using knob-based controls. The unit fits a 12-inch pizza, six slices of toast, or a four-pound chicken. It includes an air fry basket, baking pan, oven rack, and a reversible grill-griddle plate. The interior light helps you monitor cooking progress. With 1800 watts of power and AirAdvantage technology, it delivers fast, crispy results through optimized airflow from the top heating assembly.
- Capacity:0.6 cubic feet
- Wattage:1800 watts
- Max Temperature:450°F
- Cooking Functions:8-in-1 (air fry, toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, warm)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts:Accessories dishwasher-safe (oven rack, baking pan, air fry basket, grill/griddle)
- Weight:23.1 pounds
- Additional Feature:Reversible grill/griddle plate
- Additional Feature:Toast shade selector
- Additional Feature:AirAdvantage top fan
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8Qt DualZone Air Fryer
Busy families who need to cook multiple dishes at once will appreciate what the Ninja DZ201 Foodi brings to the table. This air fryer has two separate 4-quart baskets that work independently. You can cook chicken in one basket and fries in the other. The Smart Finish feature makes both foods finish at the same time, so nothing gets cold while you wait. It handles six cooking functions: air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. The temperature range goes from 105°F to 450°F. Both baskets are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup simple.
- Capacity:8 quarts (dual 4-qt baskets)
- Wattage:1690 watts
- Max Temperature:450°F
- Cooking Functions:6-in-1 (air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts:Yes (baskets and crisper plates)
- Weight:17.9 pounds
- Additional Feature:Two independent baskets
- Additional Feature:Smart Finish technology
- Additional Feature:Match Cook function
Gourmia 4 Quart Digital Air Fryer (GAF486)
The Gourmia GAF486 works best for solo cooks or couples who want basic air frying without spending much counter space. At just 12.5 inches deep, it fits easily on most countertops. You get 12 preset cooking functions and can air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and reheat with temperatures from 90°F to 400°F.
The 4-quart basket handles about two servings at once. We like that the basket and crisper tray go straight into the dishwasher for easy cleanup. FryForce 360° technology circulates hot air around your food for even cooking. At 1300 watts, it heats quickly and cooks efficiently without using much power.
- Capacity:4 quarts
- Wattage:1300 watts
- Max Temperature:400°F (200°C)
- Cooking Functions:12 presets (air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, reheat, plus others)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts:Yes (nonstick basket and crisper tray)
- Weight:7.8 pounds
- Additional Feature:FryForce 360° Technology
- Additional Feature:Compact 4-quart footprint
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel accents
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Grill (FG551)
Grilling enthusiasts who want restaurant-quality char marks without heading outdoors will find their match in the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Grill. This model hits 500°F and uses cyclonic air to create authentic grill flavor while staying virtually smokeless. We’re impressed by the Smart Cook System, which uses a thermometer and four protein presets with nine doneness levels to prevent overcooked or undercooked meals. The XL grill grate fits six steaks or 24 hot dogs at once. Beyond grilling, you can air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate. The 4-quart crisper basket uses 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
- Capacity:4 qt crisper basket
- Wattage:1760 watts
- Max Temperature:500°F
- Cooking Functions:6-in-1 (grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts:Yes (dishwasher-safe parts)
- Weight:22.4 pounds
- Additional Feature:500°F cyclonic grilling
- Additional Feature:Smart Cook thermometer
- Additional Feature:Smokeless grilling technology
Ninja 4-in-1 Air Fryer 5QT (AF141)
Families looking for versatile countertop cooking without sacrificing space will appreciate what the Ninja AF141 brings to the kitchen. This 5-quart air fryer handles four cooking modes: air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. It fits up to 4 pounds of fries or 5 pounds of wings, which feeds most households without hogging counter space.
The Air Crisp Technology uses superheated air at temperatures up to 400°F to create crispy textures with up to 75% less fat than deep frying. The nonstick basket and crisper plate go in the dishwasher. You’ll get a 20-recipe book to start experimenting right away.
- Capacity:5 quarts
- Wattage:1750 watts
- Max Temperature:400°F
- Cooking Functions:4-in-1 (air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts:Yes (nonstick basket and crisper plate)
- Weight:10.34 pounds
- Additional Feature:Air Crisp Technology
- Additional Feature:20 chef-inspired recipes
- Additional Feature:Space-saving compact design
Chefman 6 QT Air Fryer with Touchscreen
Compact kitchens and solo cooks will appreciate how this air fryer manages to fit six quarts of capacity into a surprisingly narrow design. The Chefman RJ38-6T-BLACK won’t hog your counter space but still feeds three to five people comfortably.
We’re impressed by the Hi-Fry feature that cranks the temperature to 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking. This gives you that extra-crispy finish without adding oil. Four preset touchscreen controls make operation simple, and the LED shake reminder tells you when to toss your food mid-cook.
The nonstick basket and rack go straight into the dishwasher. Automatic shutoff keeps things safe.
- Capacity:6 quarts
- Wattage:1700 watts
- Max Temperature:450°F
- Cooking Functions:4 presets (includes Hi-Fry technology)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts:Yes (nonstick basket and rack)
- Weight:10.1 pounds
- Additional Feature:Hi-Fry 450°F finish
- Additional Feature:LED shake notification
- Additional Feature:Slim matte-black design
6-Quart Air Fryer with Viewing Window
When you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing large batches of food, the SUNVIVIPRO 6-Quart Air Fryer with Viewing Window gives you the space you need without sacrificing counter real estate. The square basket design holds more than round models, and the viewing window lets you check your food without opening the lid and losing heat.
This model handles 12 different cooking methods, from air frying to dehydrating. It reaches 400°F and circulates hot air evenly for crispy results. The stainless steel interior is food-grade and non-toxic. We like that the basket and accessories go right in the dishwasher for easy cleanup after cooking.
- Capacity:6.34 quarts
- Wattage:800 watts
- Max Temperature:400°F
- Cooking Functions:12-in-1 (frying, roasting, baking, steaming, dehydrating, more)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts:Yes (non-stick basket, removable accessories)
- Weight:12.1 pounds
- Additional Feature:Viewing window feature
- Additional Feature:Square basket design
- Additional Feature:Premium stainless steel
Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL 6.5QT (AF182AMZ)
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL AF182AMZ works best for households that cook for 4-6 people regularly. Its 6.5-quart basket fits 9 pounds of wings or 5 pounds of fries in one batch. We like the Max Crisp Technology that pushes air up to 450°F for faster cooking times. You get seven functions: Max Crisp, Air Broil, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The nonstick basket and crisper plate go in the dishwasher. This model uses 75% less fat than deep frying. It measures 14.92″ deep by 11.3″ wide by 12″ high and weighs about 11.4 pounds.
- Capacity:6.5 quarts
- Wattage:1750 watts
- Max Temperature:450°F
- Cooking Functions:7-in-1 (max crisp, air broil, air fry, air roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts:Yes (nonstick basket and crisper plate)
- Weight:11.4 pounds
- Additional Feature:Max Crisp Technology
- Additional Feature:450°F superheated air
- Additional Feature:Extra-large 6.5-qt capacity
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer
We’ve looked at specific models, but how do you pick the right air fryer for your kitchen? The choice comes down to five main factors: how much food you need to cook at once, what cooking modes you’ll actually use, the temperature settings and wattage, whether you prefer touchscreens or manual dials, and how easy it is to clean. Let’s break down each one so you can make a smart purchase.
Capacity and Serving Size
Before you settle on a specific model, capacity deserves your attention because it directly affects how many people you can feed in one cooking cycle. We typically see capacity measured in quarts or liters. Mid-size units around 4–6 quarts work well for small households, handling about four to six servings per batch. If you’re cooking for more people, look at larger models—some reach 10 liters or even 26 quarts.
These bigger units can fit a 12-inch pizza or a whole chicken, which matters when you’re preparing complete meals. If you cook family dinners with multiple sides, a higher capacity lets you roast or bake everything together instead of running separate batches. That saves time and keeps food hot when you’re ready to serve.
Cooking Functions and Versatility
Cooking functions determine what you can actually make with your air fryer, so check the modes each model offers before you buy. Look for models with air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and grill settings. More cooking modes mean you can prepare different types of meals without switching appliances.
Presets make things easier. Models with 10 to 24 one-touch settings let you cook common foods without guessing times and temperatures. Some air fryers include rotisserie, convection baking, or dual-zone cooking for even more options.
Temperature range matters too. A range from around 75°F to 450°F or higher gives you control for gentle warming and high-heat crisping. Features like rapid air circulation and top/bottom heating help guarantee consistent results across all cooking functions.
Temperature Range and Power
Temperature range and wattage work together to control how well your air fryer cooks. Most countertop models start around 75°F and reach 400–500°F. This range lets you handle both gentle warming and high-heat crisping.
Power typically runs from 1300 to 1800 watts. We see many units at 1700W because that wattage heats faster and browns food better. Higher wattage means quicker preheating and steadier temps when you’re cooking at maximum heat.
Some air fryers max out at 450°F, which helps with finishing touches and faster cooking times. Others stop at 400°F. That difference matters when you want extra browning or need to cook quickly.
Temperature controls come as digital displays or manual knobs. Digital versions let you set precise temps. Knobs work fine but offer less accuracy within the available range.
Digital Controls vs Knobs
How you adjust heat and time changes your daily experience with any air fryer.
Digital controls give you precise temperature and time settings. You’ll find one-touch presets and automatic shut-off features. The digital display shows exact numbers, making it easy to program multiple steps. If you cook recipes that need specific temperatures, digital works well.
Knobs offer manual, gradual adjustment. They’re simpler for basic toasting or baking. You just turn and go. Some models make knobs more durable and easier to repair locally. But they don’t have the accuracy of digital presets.
Consider your cooking style. Do you want quick presets and precision? Choose digital. Prefer straightforward, tactile control? Go with knobs. Both work, just differently.
Cleaning and Maintenance Ease
Keeping your air fryer clean matters more than most people realize when choosing a model. We recommend looking for dishwasher-safe parts like baskets, crisper plates, and trays. These features cut your cleanup time considerably.
Nonstick coatings make a real difference too. Food residue won’t stick to your baskets and pans, which means less scrubbing later. We also suggest checking for removable drip trays and interiors you can reach easily.
The interior design matters. Smooth surfaces clean faster than textured ones. Some models include interior lights that help you spot leftover food before washing.
Look for units with minimal crevices where grease can hide. The fewer tight spaces, the less time you’ll spend with a brush. Dishwasher-safe accessories save you the most effort overall.
Included Accessories and Tools
Most air fryers come with at least a few basic accessories right out of the box. We’ve found that many models include baking pans, air fry baskets, racks, drip trays, and crisper plates. Some units arrive with multi-piece accessory kits—you might get a 7-piece premium set or three air flow racks.
If you’re interested in rotisserie cooking, many air fryers support this feature and include a rotisserie spit with a retrieval tool. Most accessories are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup much easier. You’ll typically get baskets, racks, and crisper plates that can go straight into the dishwasher.
We also appreciate when manufacturers include recipe books or cooking charts. These guides help you understand what your air fryer can do and how to use it properly.
Countertop Space and Dimensions
Before you buy an air fryer, you’ll want to measure your counter space carefully. Most models need 12–17 inches of depth, 11–16 inches of width, and 11–15 inches of height. Depth matters most since you’ll need room behind the unit for cords and ventilation. We recommend leaving at least 12–14 inches to prevent overheating.
Width depends on the model’s capacity and door style. Units with dual doors need extra side clearance to open fully. Some doors swing wide, so check how much horizontal space you’ll need to access the inside. Interior lighting helps, but only if you can open the door completely.
Weight ranges from 7.8 to 26.3 pounds. Heavier models need sturdy counters and won’t move around easily when you’re adjusting settings.
Safety Features and Certifications
Why does safety matter so much when choosing an air fryer? We’re talking about a high-heat appliance that sits on your counter, and you want it to work reliably without causing problems.
Look for automatic shut-off features. When the timer ends, the unit stops cooking. This prevents overcooking and reduces fire risk.
Check for cETL approval or similar certifications. These marks mean the appliance meets electrical and safety standards.
Built-in temperature control helps too. Programmable timers let you set cooking times accurately, so food won’t overheat.
Indicator lights tell you when the appliance is on or when cooking finishes. Some models include alarms that alert you about door issues or incorrect rack positions. These simple features help you use your air fryer safely.