Skip to content
Compare products

Buying Guide Air Fryers

How to Choose an Air Fryer

Quick answer

Size it to your household, choose a dual basket if you cook mains and sides, measure your counter, and favor dishwasher-safe baskets. Skip expensive premium models.

By VerdictFox Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

We research products independently. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we earn money

Pick the right size

  • 4 to 5 qt: one or two people
    – 6 qt: three people
    – 8 qt or dual basket: families of four or more

Basket or oven style

Basket air fryers crisp food faster and are easier to shake. Oven-style models fit pizzas and multiple racks but take more space and clean less easily.

Features worth paying for

  • Dual baskets with sync finish
    – A window to check food
    – Dishwasher-safe parts
    – Wide temperature range for dehydrating

Placement and safety

Give the air fryer several inches of space behind and above for ventilation, and do not run it under low cabinets.

Our picks

See all our best air fryers for more options.

Frequently asked questions

Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?

They use about 1,400 to 1,700 watts, but cook faster than an oven, so they usually use less energy per meal.

Do I need to preheat an air fryer?

A three-minute preheat helps crisping, though many recipes work without it.

How do I clean an air fryer?

Wash the basket and plate after each use. Most are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing extends the nonstick life.

VerdictFox Editorial Team

Part of the VerdictFox research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

How to choose air fryers: the short version

Size it to your household, choose a dual basket if you cook mains and sides, measure your counter, and favor dishwasher-safe baskets. Skip expensive premium models. This air fryers buying guide explains the features that matter, the ones you can ignore, and which models we would buy or skip.

Our shortlist: the Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 8-qt 2-Basket Air Fryer ($129–$199) for families. the Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air ($89–$129) for watching your food. the COSORI Pro LE Air Fryer 5-Qt ($69–$99) for budget.

How much should you spend on air fryers? Budget models start around $69, while premium options reach $349. Spending more usually buys two baskets that finish at the same time and see-through window and odor filter, but it is only worth it if you will use those features.

Size by household: 4 to 5 qt for one or two people, 6 qt for three, 8 qt or dual basket for families. Dual baskets let you cook a main and a side at different settings. Dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates save time every week.

They use far less oil than deep frying, so foods like fries and wings have less fat. They cook like a small, fast convection oven. About 2 quarts per person is a good rule. Families of four should look at 6 to 8 quarts or a dual-basket model.

Air fryers are one of the most discounted items on Prime Day and Black Friday. Check that replacement baskets are sold separately, and register the warranty in case the nonstick coating wears early.

Across the air fryers we cover, typical prices run from $69 to $349. Prices on Amazon.com change often, so treat these as typical ranges and check the current price before you buy.

The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer 4 Qt typically costs $69–$99 and earns a Buy verdict. Buy it if you want a simple, dependable small air fryer from a well-known brand. Skip it if you want a window, an app or a big basket. Also worth a look is the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL HD9650/96, usually $249–$349, which is best for philips loyalists. Its standout feature is fat-removal tech and solid build; the main trade-off is expensive for an air fryer.

A few of the most-read verdicts on the site: Shoppers comparing massage guns often start with the Therabody Theragun Prime, which typically sells for $249–$299. Our top-rated choice among hair dryers is the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, valued for fast, quiet and gentle on hair. In water bottles, the Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel ($27–$35) currently leads our picks for most people. Shoppers comparing adjustable dumbbells often start with the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, which typically sells for $349–$449. Every pick links to Amazon.com, and prices shown are typical US ranges rather than live quotes.