Key takeaways
- Best overall: Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 8-qt 2-Basket Air Fryer ($129 – $199).
- Best value: COSORI Pro LE Air Fryer 5-Qt ($69 – $99).
- Pick the size by household: about 3 to 4 liters for one or two people, 5 to 7 liters or a dual basket for families.
In this article
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Choosing air fryers in the US is easier when someone has already sorted the good from the overpriced. Below are the air fryers we would buy right now, the ones worth a second look and the ones we would skip, each with a typical price and the reason behind the call.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 8-qt 2-Basket Air Fryer ($129 – $199)
- Best value: COSORI Pro LE Air Fryer 5-Qt ($69 – $99)
Air fryers compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 8-qt 2-Basket Air Fryer | Buy | 9.1/10 | $129 – $199 |
| Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer with ClearCook | Buy | 8.6/10 | $89 – $129 |
| COSORI Pro LE Air Fryer 5-Qt | Buy | 8.4/10 | $69 – $99 |
| Ninja AF101 Air Fryer 4 Qt | Buy | 8.0/10 | $69 – $99 |
| Philips Premium Airfryer XXL HD9650/96 | Skip | 6.6/10 | $249 – $349 |
Our picks in detail
Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 8-qt 2-Basket Air Fryer
Families · Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.1/10 · Typical price: $129 – $199
Why we like it: Two baskets that finish at the same time.
Pros: Two independent 4-qt baskets · Smart Finish syncs both baskets · Dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates · Six functions including roast, bake and dehydrate
Cons: Wide footprint · Each basket is smaller than one big basket
Buy it if you cook for three or more and want a main and a side ready at the same moment.
Skip it if you have a small kitchen; it takes up a lot of counter space.
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer with ClearCook
Watching your food · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $89 – $129
Why we like it: See-through window and odor filter.
Pros: ClearCook window · OdorErase filters · Quiet operation
Cons: Window can get greasy · Square basket is not huge
Buy it if you want a single-basket air fryer with a window so you can check food without opening it.
Skip it if you cook two different foods at once often.
COSORI Pro LE Air Fryer 5-Qt
Budget · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.4/10 · Typical price: $69 – $99
Why we like it: Compact, quiet and well priced.
Pros: Compact footprint · Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket · Good results for the price
Cons: Smaller capacity · Fewer presets
Buy it if you want a reliable, compact air fryer for one or two people at a low price.
Skip it if you cook for a family of four or more.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer 4 Qt
Small kitchens · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.0/10 · Typical price: $69 – $99
Why we like it: Simple, proven basket fryer.
Pros: Easy controls · Wide temperature range for dehydrating · Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons: 4 qt is small for families · Plain design
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.
What to check before you buy
- Pick the size by household: about 3 to 4 liters for one or two people, 5 to 7 liters or a dual basket for families.
- Dual-zone models cook a main and a side at different settings and finish at the same time.
- Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets make cleaning quick.
What to skip
Common mistake: Buying an oversized model for a small kitchen; it may never leave the cupboard.
We would also skip these at their usual prices:
- Philips Premium Airfryer XXL HD9650/96 ($249 – $349) – Skip it if you want value; the Ninja DZ201 cooks more food in two zones for much less.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. A good single-basket air fryer costs little and cooks most family snacks well.
Compare more options
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best air fryers in the US?
Our top pick is Ninja Foodi DZ201 6-in-1 8-qt 2-Basket Air Fryer (typically $129 – $199). For the best value, choose COSORI Pro LE Air Fryer 5-Qt (typically $69 – $99).
What should I check before buying air fryers?
Pick the size by household: about 3 to 4 liters for one or two people, 5 to 7 liters or a dual basket for families. Dual-zone models cook a main and a side at different settings and finish at the same time.
When is the best time to buy air fryers in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying air fryers?
Buying an oversized model for a small kitchen; it may never leave the cupboard.