Air Fryer Buying Guide 2026

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances — and for good reason. They deliver crispy, golden results with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, and they’re versatile enough to roast, bake, and reheat.

But with dozens of models on the market ranging from $40 to $300+, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide will help you understand what matters and find the best air fryer for your specific needs.

What We Tested

In 2026, our team tested 8 air fryers side by side in real home kitchen conditions. We cooked over 60 batches of frozen fries, roasted vegetables, baked chicken wings, and reheated leftovers — all to measure evenness, speed, crispness, and ease of use.

For the full comparison with scores and detailed findings, read our Best Air Fryer 2026 review.

Types of Air Fryers

Basket Air Fryers

The most common type. Food goes in a pull-out basket with a perforated tray. Best for: singles, couples, and small families.

Pros: Compact footprint, easy to shake mid-cook, generally more affordable. Cons: Limited capacity for larger batches, basket can be awkward to clean.

Oven-Style Air Fryers

Looks like a countertop oven with racks and a larger cooking chamber. Best for: families of 4+ and meal preppers.

Pros: Larger capacity, can cook multiple foods at once, often functions as a toaster oven too. Cons: Takes up more counter space, longer preheat time, less even air distribution in some models.

Double-Basket Air Fryers

Two independent baskets that let you cook two different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. Best for: busy households cooking different items.

Pros: Cook main and side simultaneously, sync-finish feature, large total capacity. Cons: Expensive, bulky, each basket is smaller individually.

What to Look For

Capacity

• 2-4 quarts: Good for 1-2 people (fits 1 lb of fries)
• 5-6 quarts: Good for 2-4 people (fits a small chicken)
• 7-10 quarts: Good for 4+ people or whole chickens

Don’t overbuy capacity — a larger air fryer takes longer to preheat and uses more counter space. Most households are well served by a 5-6 quart model.

Wattage

Higher wattage means faster cooking and better crisping. Look for:

• 1500-1700W: Standard for most air fryers — good performance
• 1700-1800W: Excellent for large capacity models — faster preheat and recovery

Temperature Range

Most air fryers range from 170°F to 400°F. Some premium models go as low as 90°F for dehydrating. For general air frying, 300-400°F is the sweet spot.

Ease of Cleaning

This is the #1 complaint among air fryer owners. Look for:

• Nonstick basket — makes cleanup significantly easier
• Dishwasher-safe parts — basket and tray should be dishwasher safe
• Removable tray — allows you to wash the basket more easily

Noise Level

Air fryers range from whisper-quiet (45 dB) to noticeably loud (65 dB). If you’re sensitive to noise or cooking while others sleep, check our individual reviews for noise measurements.

Common Questions

Do I need an air fryer if I already have a convection oven?

Not necessarily. A convection oven can do similar work, but an air fryer heats up faster and circulates air more aggressively, giving you crispier results in less time. If you often want crispy food quickly and don’t want to preheat a full oven, an air fryer is worth it.

Can I cook frozen food in an air fryer?

Yes — this is one of the best uses for an air fryer. Frozen fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and even frozen vegetables come out noticeably better than in a conventional oven. No need to thaw. Cook times are typically 20-30% shorter than oven instructions.

Is air-fried food actually healthier?

Air frying uses 70-80% less oil than traditional deep frying while delivering similar texture and taste. However, the health benefit depends on what you’re cooking — air fried vegetables are healthier, but air fried processed foods are still processed foods.

How long do air fryers last?

A well-made air fryer should last 3-5 years with regular use. The heating element and fan are the most common failure points. Higher-end models with metal construction tend to outlast budget models with plastic housings.

Our Top Picks

After testing 8 models in 2026, here are our recommendations:

For complete details, scores, and side-by-side comparison data, read our full Best Air Fryer 2026 review.

Bottom Line

The best air fryer for you depends on your household size, counter space, and cooking habits. For most people, a 5-6 quart basket-style air fryer in the $80-150 range delivers the best balance of performance, capacity, and value.

If you’re still unsure, read our full comparison review — we break down exactly how each model performed across 20+ tests including french fry evenness, chicken wing crispness, and energy efficiency.