Is Air Fryer Worth It
Yes, an air fryer is absolutely worth it for most people, but only if you snag a quality one that actually delivers on its promises.
1. Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven (SP101) — 4.8/5
This Ninja isn't just an air fryer; it's a whole countertop oven that flips up for storage. It's incredibly versatile and gets food perfectly crispy, though its flat, wide design isn't ideal for big, bulky roasts. We've found it heats up super fast, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners [2].
Pros
- Flips up for compact storage against the wall
- Fast preheat and cooking times
- Excellent crisping, great for wings and veggies
- Includes a sheet pan and wire rack, expands usability
Cons
- Cooking chamber is wide but shallow, not for whole chickens
- Can be a pain to clean if you don't use foil
- Initial plastic smell can be strong for the first few uses
Best for: Families or individuals who want an all-in-one counter appliance and are tight on space, especially small kitchens.
2. Cosori Pro II Air Fryer (CAF-LI401S) — 4.6/5
The Cosori Pro II is a fantastic basket-style air fryer that consistently delivers and won't break the bank. It's big enough for a family of four, but its smart features like shake reminders genuinely make cooking easier. We've seen this model consistently top 'best budget air fryer' lists for its performance [3].
Pros
- Large 5.8-quart capacity, good for families
- Preset functions work surprisingly well
- Non-stick basket is genuinely easy to clean
- Includes a ‘shake reminder’ function, super helpful for even cooking
Cons
- Takes up a fair bit of counter space
- Can be loud at higher fan speeds
- The app connectivity is a bit gimmicky and not essential
Best for: Most people looking for a reliable, no-frills basket air fryer that's big enough for daily family use.
3. Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer — 4.5/5
Instant Brands generally makes solid stuff, and their Vortex Plus is no exception. This one air fries, roasts, bakes, reheats, and dehydrates, giving you a lot of bang for your buck. It's a great 'middle ground' option if you want more than just air frying without going full oven like the Ninja [4].
Pros
- Clear digital display and intuitive controls
- Even cooking and crispy results
- Holds a good amount of food for its footprint
- Stainless steel interior is easy to wipe down
Cons
- Can emit a slightly plasticky smell when new
- Preset buttons aren't always spot-on, needs some manual adjustment
- The outer casing can get quite hot during operation
Best for: Anyone who wants reliability and several cooking functions in one appliance, without opting for a super premium model.
4. Philips Premium XXL Airfryer (HD9650/96) — 4.3/5
If you're serious about your air frying and have the budget, Philips is the OG – and their XXL model is still one of the best. It's pricey, yes, but the build quality and sheer cooking power are unmatched. It handles larger meals with ease and its 'fat removal' tech is a nice bonus [5].
Pros
- Excellent build quality, feels robust
- Superior cooking performance, very consistent results
- Large capacity, can fit a whole chicken or big batches
- Digital display and very precise temperature controls
Cons
- Seriously expensive compared to competitors
- Takes up a lot of counter space
- Some parts can be tricky to clean by hand due to their shape
Best for: Dedicated home cooks who want the absolute best performance, have the budget, and a hungry crowd to feed.
5. Chefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer — 4.2/5
For a budget-friendly option, the Chefman 6.3 Quart is surprisingly good. It’s got a decent capacity and a rotisserie function – yes, a rotisserie! – that actually works for small chickens. While it's not as robust as the Philips, it punches above its weight class for the price [6].
Pros
- Very affordable for its features
- Includes rotisserie accessories and function
- Large window to view cooking progress
- Good capacity for the price
Cons
- Build quality feels a bit cheaper
- Rotisserie function is mostly for very small birds
- Can be a bit noisier than higher-end models
Best for: First-time air fryer buyers or those on a tight budget who want to experiment with air frying and additional features like rotisserie.