What is the Best Air Fryer to Buy Consumer Reports Recommends
Choosing the right air fryer can feel overwhelming with so many brands and models on the market. If you’re searching for the best air fryer to buy based on Consumer Reports and real user experiences, you want more than just sales hype—you need honest insights and clear comparisons. Whether you want crispy fries, juicy chicken, or quick weeknight meals, the right air fryer can change how you cook. But which one should you trust? Here’s a deep dive into what matters, the top-rated options, and how to pick the perfect appliance for your kitchen.
Why Air Fryers Are So Popular
Air fryers are everywhere for good reasons. They use hot air and a small amount of oil to make food crispy, similar to deep-frying but with much less fat. This means you can enjoy favorites like fries and nuggets with fewer calories. Most people love air fryers because they:
- Cook faster than ovens or stovetops
- Make cleaning up easy
- Offer healthier meals with great taste
- Are simple to use, even for beginners
A few years ago, air fryers were new and expensive. Now, they fit every budget and kitchen size. But not every model is the same. Some cook unevenly, some are hard to clean, and some break quickly. That’s why reading expert reviews and real test results matters.
What Matters Most When Choosing An Air Fryer
Before you buy, focus on what truly affects your cooking experience. Based on Consumer Reports and hands-on testing, here are the key factors:
- Cooking performance: How evenly does the air fryer cook food? Are fries crispy and chicken moist?
- Capacity: How much food can you cook at once? For families, a larger basket is better.
- Ease of use: Are the controls clear and simple? Is the basket easy to remove?
- Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe parts save time. Non-stick baskets help, too.
- Durability: Will the air fryer last through daily use?
- Noise: Some models are quieter than others, which can matter in small spaces.
- Extra features: Preset programs, shake reminders, or a viewing window can make cooking easier.
People often miss two important things:
- Shape matters: Square baskets usually fit more food than round ones, even at the same quart size.
- Accessory quality: Cheap racks or trays can bend or rust, making them hard to use over time.
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Top 7 Air Fryers Rated Best By Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports tests air fryers for real-world cooking, ease of cleaning, and durability. Here are the models that stand out, with short reviews for each.
1. Cosori Pro Le Air Fryer
The Cosori Pro LE is a favorite for its balance of price, performance, and features. With a 5-quart capacity and 9 cooking functions, it’s large enough for families but fits on most counters. Testers found it cooked fries and chicken wings evenly, with minimal shaking needed. The digital controls are clear, and the basket is dishwasher-safe. One clever detail: the shake reminder alerts you to flip food for best results.
2. Ninja Foodi Dualzone Air Fryer
The Ninja Foodi DualZone has two separate baskets, so you can cook two foods at once—like chicken in one, veggies in the other. Each zone has independent controls, letting you set different times and temperatures. It’s a top pick for families or anyone who likes variety. Consumer Reports praised its strong, even heat and easy-to-clean design. The only downside is its larger footprint, so check your counter space.
3. Philips Premium Airfryer Xxl
If you want a premium machine, the Philips Premium XXL stands out. It has a 7-quart basket and can roast a whole chicken. Philips’ design circulates air very evenly, so fries and meat come out crisp and tender every time. It’s also one of the quietest models tested. The price is higher than many, but you get excellent build quality and long-term reliability.
4. Instant Vortex Plus 6-quart Air Fryer
Instant, known for the Instant Pot, also makes a great air fryer. The Vortex Plus has 6 quarts of space and a sleek touchscreen. Consumer Reports found it heats up quickly and cooks evenly, with little smell or smoke. The basket’s non-stick coating makes cleanup easy, but avoid metal utensils to keep it scratch-free. It also has smart programs for roasting, broiling, and reheating.
5. Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer
This model isn’t just an air fryer—it’s also a toaster oven. The Cuisinart Convection Air Fryer lets you bake, broil, toast, and air fry in one machine. It fits more food than most basket-style fryers and is great for pizza, fish, and even cookies. The stainless steel design looks good on the counter, but it takes up more space than upright air fryers.
6. Gowise Usa 5.8-quart Air Fryer
For those on a budget, the GoWISE 5.8-Quart gets high marks for value. It has 8 presets, a large basket, and simple buttons. Consumer Reports noted that it cooks chicken and fries well, though some users find the basket coating wears over time. The price is low, but it includes a recipe book and a one-year warranty.
7. Dash Compact Air Fryer
If you have a small kitchen or just cook for one, the Dash Compact is a smart choice. It holds about 2 quarts, enough for snacks or a meal for one person. It’s very easy to use, with a dial for time and temperature. While not as powerful as bigger models, it cooks fries and frozen foods well. Plus, it comes in bright colors to match any kitchen.
Side-by-side Air Fryer Comparison
To make your decision easier, here’s a comparison of the top-rated models based on key features.
| Model | Capacity | Best For | Dishwasher Safe | Extra Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori Pro LE | 5 qt | Families | Yes | Shake reminder |
| Ninja DualZone | 8 qt (2 x 4 qt) | Multiple foods | Yes | Dual baskets |
| Philips XXL | 7 qt | Large meals | Yes | Quiet operation |
| Instant Vortex Plus | 6 qt | All-around use | Yes | Touchscreen |
| Cuisinart Toaster Oven | 0.6 cu ft | Versatility | No (trays only) | Bake, toast, broil |
| GoWISE 5.8 qt | 5.8 qt | Budget buyers | Yes | Recipe book |
| Dash Compact | 2 qt | Small spaces | Yes | Color options |
Credit: www.consumerreports.org
How To Choose The Best Air Fryer For You
With so many features, it’s easy to get lost. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to find the best air fryer for your needs:
- Decide on capacity. For families, 5 quarts or more is best. For singles or couples, a 2-4 quart model is enough.
- Check your kitchen space. Measure your counter and storage area. Some air fryers are tall, others are wide.
- Choose basket or oven style. Basket models are faster for fries and snacks. Oven styles are better for pizzas or baking.
- Look for easy cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe baskets save time.
- Compare controls. Digital screens are easier for precise cooking, but dials are simpler for basic use.
- Consider extra functions. Presets, dual baskets, or viewing windows can be very useful.
One more tip: read recent owner reviews, not just marketing claims. Sometimes models change quality from year to year. For the latest, unbiased test results, check the official Consumer Reports Air Fryer Buying Guide.
Air Fryer Performance: Cooking Tests
How do these air fryers actually perform in real kitchens? Consumer Reports and kitchen experts test for:
- French fries: Even browning, crispness, no soggy spots
- Chicken wings: Juiciness inside, crisp outside
- Vegetables: Cooked through, not dried out
- Noise: Low to medium, so it won’t disturb your kitchen
Here’s a quick look at performance scores for the top models:
| Model | Fries (1-10) | Chicken (1-10) | Veggies (1-10) | Noise (1-10, lower better) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori Pro LE | 9 | 8 | 8 | 3 |
| Ninja DualZone | 8 | 9 | 8 | 4 |
| Philips XXL | 10 | 10 | 9 | 2 |
| Instant Vortex Plus | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| GoWISE 5.8 qt | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
Credit: www.consumerreports.org
Common Mistakes When Buying An Air Fryer
Many shoppers regret their first air fryer purchase because of a few avoidable mistakes:
- Buying too small: A 2-quart air fryer only makes snacks, not full meals.
- Ignoring basket shape: Round baskets waste space compared to square ones.
- Skipping warranty: Cheap brands often break, and not all have good support.
- Choosing by price alone: The cheapest models may have poor non-stick coating or weak heating.
Always check the return policy and warranty before you buy. Try to buy from brands with reliable customer service.
Real User Tips For Air Fryer Success
Air fryers are simple, but a few tricks help you get the best results:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to flow around the food to crisp it evenly.
- Shake or flip food halfway through cooking for perfect browning.
- Spray a little oil on homemade fries or chicken for extra crispness.
- Clean the basket after each use—grease can build up fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Air Fryer Should I Buy?
For one or two people, a 2-4 quart air fryer is enough for snacks and small meals. For families, choose 5 quarts or larger. Remember, the listed quart size can be misleading—a square basket holds more than a round one of the same size.
Are Air Fryers Healthier Than Deep Fryers?
Yes, air fryers use much less oil than deep fryers. You get similar crispiness but with far fewer calories and less fat. However, the healthiest cooking still uses fresh ingredients and little processed food.
Can I Cook Raw Meat In An Air Fryer?
Absolutely. You can cook raw chicken, beef, fish, or pork in most air fryers. Use a meat thermometer to check the center reaches a safe temperature (like 165°F for chicken). Air fryers cook meat faster than ovens in most cases.
What Foods Should I Avoid Putting In An Air Fryer?
Avoid foods with wet batters (like tempura), as they can drip and make a mess. Also, cheese alone melts and sticks. Frozen breaded foods, root vegetables, and meats work best.
How Do I Keep My Air Fryer From Smoking?
Smoke usually comes from grease buildup or cooking fatty foods at high heat. Clean the basket and tray after each use, and try adding a little water under the basket if cooking bacon or fatty meats.
Air fryers are a smart investment for fast, healthy meals. With these tips and real-world ratings, you can confidently pick the best air fryer for your kitchen—and enjoy crispy, tasty food every time.
