Air fryers have become a kitchen essential, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, delicious foods with minimal oil. In 2024, air fryers continue to evolve, providing advanced features, increased capacity, and more versatile cooking options. Whether you’re a busy professional seeking quick meal solution or a home cook looking to expand your culinary repertoire, there’s an air fryer to meet your needs. The top models this year include the Ninja 4- or 6-quart air fryer, Cosori Lite 4-quart air fryer, Instant Pot Duo Crisp, and Breville Smart Oven Air, each offering unique benefits.
Best Air Fryers
Ninja 4- or 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Ninja 4- or 6-quart air fryer is a versatile and powerful kitchen appliance. It features a digital control panel with preset cooking modes, making it easy to fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. The larger 6-quart model is perfect for families, while the 4-quart option suits smaller households.
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes for flexibility.
- Easy-to-use digital control panel.
- Multiple cooking functions including dehydrating.
- Non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket for easy cleaning.
- Fast preheat and cooking times.
Cons
- Takes up counter space due to size.
- The exterior can get hot during use.
- Preset temperatures may require manual adjustment.
- No transparent window to monitor food.
- Limited color options.
Cosori Lite 4-Quart Air Fryer
The Cosori Lite 4-quart air fryer is compact and ideal for small kitchens or individuals. It offers a user-friendly touch screen with 11 preset functions, allowing for easy cooking of various dishes. The non-stick basket ensures easy cleanup.
Pros
- Compact and space-saving design.
- User-friendly touch screen with presets.
- Non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket.
- Fast and even cooking performance.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Smaller capacity may not suit larger families.
- Limited manual temperature and time adjustments.
- No additional cooking functions like roasting or dehydrating.
- Can be noisy during operation.
- Basket coating may wear over time.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp combines air frying with pressure cooking, offering a versatile cooking experience. With a 6-quart capacity, it can air fry, pressure cook, bake, roast, and more. Its dual-lid design allows for easy switching between cooking modes.
Pros
- Dual functionality: air frying and pressure cooking.
- Large 6-quart capacity.
- Multiple cooking functions, including baking and roasting.
- Easy-to-use control panel with presets.
- Durable and sturdy construction.
Cons
- Takes up significant counter space.
- Higher price point than standalone air fryers.
- Heavier and bulkier due to dual-lid design.
- Can be complex for beginners.
- Longer preheat times for some functions.
Breville Smart Oven Air
The Breville Smart Oven Air is a high-end air fryer and convection oven. It offers a spacious interior with multiple rack positions, making it ideal for cooking large meals. The oven includes 13 cooking functions, such as air frying, toasting, baking, and broiling.
Pros
- Large capacity with multiple rack positions.
- Versatile with 13 cooking functions.
- High-quality, durable construction.
- Includes accessories like air fry basket and pizza pan.
- Precise temperature control.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other air fryers.
- Large footprint on the counter.
- Complex control panel may require a learning curve.
- Can be noisy, especially during air frying.
- Exterior can become hot during use.
The best air fryers offer a blend of convenience, versatility, and efficiency. The Ninja air fryer stands out for its multiple sizes and cooking functions, making it a family-friendly option. The Cosori Lite is perfect for smaller kitchens and those seeking simplicity. For multi-functionality, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp provides both air frying and pressure-cooking capabilities. The Breville Smart Oven Air offers a premium experience with its large capacity and extensive cooking functions. Each of these air fryers caters to different needs and preferences, making them top choices for a healthier cooking lifestyle.