Buying an air fryer can be a worthy kitchen investment, but with so many to choose from, which one will work best for you? I might be able to help. I’ve crisped, roasted, and fried my way through a bunch of air fryers, and I've found a few that I like most. Here are my top air fryer picks of 2025.
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My Top Air Fryer Picks of 2025
Table of Contents
My Top Picks
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Overall Best Air Fryer Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster OvenWhile I’ve been a basket-style air fryer user for years, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven completely changed my mind. The convection heating is as effective as the best of them, it’s easy to use, and blessedly quiet (which is more than I can say for any other air fryer, ever).
Unlike others, this toaster oven-style air fryer steers clear of the digital control panel and opts for more classic twisting dials. I like the analog feel and easy operation it offers with a simple turn of the knob. The oven-style door is also a boon for anyone that enjoys baking in an air fryer, or cooking two trays of nibbles at once.
It’s a rather large air fryer, so this may not be a great fit for smaller kitchens. However, if you do have the space available, this is the best air fryer for both small and large households. Read here for my full review.
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Best small air fryer: The Ninja Crispi Ninja Crispi Air Fryer, Microwave, Freezer & Dishwasher Safe, Non Toxic Glass Portable Cooking System, 4 QT & 6 Cup Glass Containers with Storage Lids, Easy Meals, Air Fry, Bake, & More Grey, FN101GYYou shouldn’t have to choose between preserving the last bit of your kitchen counter space or having an air fryer. The Ninja Crispi gives you the opportunity to have the best of both. This petite air fryer is unlike any other that I’ve tested specifically because it comes apart. That’s right: The convection housing PowerPod can separate from the cooking basket completely. This makes the Crispi easy to disassemble and store in a low cabinet or closet. Even assembled, the unit is still smaller than the average basket model air fryer.
The full Ninja Crispi cooking system includes two cooking vessels (a large and small size), and those can actually double as regular food storage containers (albeit with feet and handles) even when the convection heating PowerPod is not in use. This air fryer is perfect for home cooks who like to stow their appliances when they’re not in use, or folks who want an air fryer they can pack up and bring to the office or a friend’s house. Read here for my full review.
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Best basket-style air fryer Instant Pot Vortex 6QT XL 4-in-1 Air FryerAs I mentioned, tossing foods into an air fryer basket has been my preferred method for some time. The Instant Vortex 6-quart has been my favorite one with its simple design, easy operation, and overall efficient cooking. This is a no-frills air fryer that anyone can enjoy, even if they’ve never tried an air fryer before.
One of my favorite attributes of this one is its size and weight. The Instant Vortex manages to provide a large basket without making the entire unit too big. The balanced weight of the engine makes the unit easily portable, which is nice if you don’t plan on giving it a permanent home on the countertop. Read here for my full review.
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Best for multi-recipe cooking Ninja SL401 DoubleStack XL 2-Basket Air FryerThe biggest drawback to many air fryers (even oven-style ones with two trays) is that you can only cook one type of food because there is only one cooking zone. You can’t put a cookie that bakes at 350°F in the same basket as a croissant that needs convection at 400°F.
But, with the Ninja DoubleStack, you can. This air fryer has two baskets, each with its own fan and heating element. The control panel on the side allows you to operate each cooking zone independently. So if you’re hosting Thanksgiving, saddle up. You can roast sweet potatoes in one basket and zap green beans in the other. This air fryer is designed to take up more vertical space rather than a wide footprint, so it works well for cooking lots of different items in a small kitchen. Read here for my full review.
For a versatile cooking appliance that’ll no doubt make your time in the kitchen a bit easier, any of these air fryers is well worth the price.
Allie Chanthorn Reinmann
Food Editor
Allie has been Lifehacker’s Food Writer since 2021. She worked as a pastry chef for over a decade in New York City, honing her skills at places like Balthazar, Bien Cuit, The Chocolate Room, Billy’s Bakery, and Whole Foods.
