Here's Exactly How To Find The Air Fryer That's Right For You

Not all air fryers are created equally. Here's how to find your perfect fit.

So, you're thinking of getting an air fryer. From one air fryer enthusiast to another, it's a great decision. But maybe you're not quite sure which product best fits your needs. Here's a quick explainer that compares seven great air fryers so you can find the right one for you.

1. Best for small kitchens: Cuisinart AFR-25 AirFryer

Andel V. via Amazon / Via amazon.com, Threeand1 via Amazon / Via amazon.com

This small and compact air fryer is ideal for anyone who lives in a small apartment or anyone who lacks counter/storage space. It's large enough to cook for one or two people at a time, but it won't be cumbersome, taking up excess room on your kitchen counter.

Promising review: "I love the size of this air fryer and the way it works. We don't have a lot of counter space and our kitchen was crowded by our toaster oven, but then I discovered that this little gem can also toast. We got rid of our toaster and just have this dual-purpose product. This cooks everything to perfection." —ALC

Get it from Amazon for $99.95.

2. Best for cooking multiple foods at once: Chefman 6.3-Quart Digital Air Fryer

Amazon Customer via Amazon / Via amazon.com, Amazon Customer via Amazon / Via amazon.com

What makes this Chefman air fryer so unique is that is contains double racks, so you can cook your main dish at the same time as your sides and save tons of time in the kitchen. The double racks also make this air fryer one of the more spacious options, ideal for anyone cooking for a family.

Promising review: "This is a must-have for a family! We were using a smaller air fryer, but this product changed my life. It holds so much food, and everything I've made is amazing. Grilled cheese comes out crispy and gooey, and chicken gets perfectly crispy. The frying basket is a bit hard to clean, but other than that, this air fryer is amazing." —Allie lemke

Get it from Amazon for $127.99.

3. Best splurge-worthy, multi-use appliance: Breville Convection and Air Fry Smart Oven.

Amazon / Via amazon.com

Breville makes some top-of-the-line kitchen products, and this smart oven, which also works as an air fryer and a dehydrator, is no exception. It will basically replace your toaster or convention oven. As an air fryer, it's unparalleled in terms of its size, making it ideal for anyone who cooks for a big family or entertains often for dinner. You can air fry a whole chicken or turkey or fit a baking sheet or five-quart dutch oven right inside the Breville.

Promising review: So far this product has been a worthy upgrade from my original Smart Oven that I had for about four years. I haven't tried the dehydrator function, but the air fry function worked flawlessly with french fries. Just be sure to spray the basket with cooking spray to avoid food from sticking. I also love that it can fit a standard 9 x 13 pan if I need to bake a casserole or cake for a group of people. It's a workhorse and it has essentially replaced my regular oven." —J. Paree

Get it from Amazon for $399.99.

4. Best budget air fryer: Dash Compact Electric Air Fryer

Arely8930 via Amazon / Via amazon.com, Shelley via Amazon / Via amazon.com

Maybe you're not totally set on buying an air fryer, but you're wanting to try one out. This Dash compact air fryer is an affordable starter option. It may not be the highest quality air fryer out there, but it certainly does a solid job of cooking your favorite foods like veggies, chicken, and fries until they're golden and crispy without any oil. Consider it a gateway air fryer that doesn't require a huge commitment.

Promising review: "So far I am loving my Compact Dash Digital Air Fryer. I needed something lightweight that wouldn't take up a lot of room, and this product met both requirements. It looks attractive on the counter, it's easy to use, and easy to clean. I have cooked frozen french fries, frozen beer-battered cod, and fresh pork chops. So far everything has turned out excellent and crispy but not dried out. I am eager to try chicken and a few other foods soon. I am single so this is the perfect size for me." —Mary Merry

Get it from Amazon for $69.99

5. Best for a small family: Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer 6-in-1

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This air fryer isn't huge, but it fits enough to cook for three-four people at once (think: three chicken thighs, a bag of Brussels sprouts, or four pieces of salmon). In addition to air frying, it also roasts, broils, bakes, reheats and dehydrates. And since it comes from the brains behind the Instant Pot, you know it's reliable. You can read our full review of the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer 6-in-1 here.

Promising review: "This air fryer is better than expected. It's large enough to feed a family of four. I thought I would have to scrub to clean it, but no way, it's non-stick. Just a little wipe with a sponge and it looks brand-new!" —Kandice W

Get it from Amazon for $119.99.

6. Best overall single-use air-fryer: Ninja Four-Quart Air Fryer

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If you want a single-use air fryer that gets the job done perfectly every time, look no further than the Ninja. It has a single basket that is perfect for making chicken wings, cooking vegetables, or heating up frozen food so that it's crisp and golden.

Promising review: "I was nervous about purchasing an air fryer after reading the mixed reviews on so many of them. I finally went with the Ninja (slightly more expensive than some of the other options), and I am so happy I did. The food it cooks is wonderful and it feels so much lighter than foods fried in oil. There are no complicated instructions and it is user-friendly. I haven't experienced any peeling of the nonstick coating, and it's very easy to clean as well." Kristen

Get it from Amazon for $90.19.

7. Best for a large family or the home cook who is always entertaining: Philips Airfryer XXL

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While it's most expensive than much of the competition, the Philips Airfryer is durable, high quality, and it makes cooking for a family of six a breeze. The basket holds up to three pounds of food and can even fit a whole chicken.

Promising review: I'm new to air frying, and this air fryer is a good size for families. It is easy to use and clean. The very first thing I made was panko-crusted onion rings. The air fryer itself was so easy to use and the onion rings came out delicious — crispy and not oily. I made Brussels sprouts the next day, which were crisped on the outside, and I am going to do breaded zucchini next. I am so excited about the possibilities with the air fryer. It's my new favorite kitchen appliance!" —Liz

Get it from Amazon for $299.95.