The Kitchen Bench
Air Fryers Buying Guide 2027
How to choose air fryers: the decisions that actually matter, the mistakes buyers make, and the checks that prevent a wrong purchase.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
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The decisions that matter
An air fryer is a compact convection oven that circulates very hot air around food so it crisps with far less oil than deep frying. Basket models suit everyday batches for one to four people; oven-style models suit larger trays and whole meals.
Basket size vs. batch size
A basket that looks generous on paper still cooks in a single layer. If you regularly cook for four, a larger basket or a second batch is the honest trade-off — crowding the basket steams food instead of crisping it.
Basket vs. oven-style
Baskets shake and pour easily and clean fast. Oven-style models hold trays and racks, so they suit whole chickens and sheet meals, but they take more counter space and more cleaning.
Controls and presets
Presets are a convenience, not a quality signal. A clear temperature and time control you can adjust mid-cook matters more than a dozen one-touch buttons you will never use.
Cleaning
A nonstick basket and a dishwasher-safe drawer turn a daily appliance into a habit. Check whether the basket coating is replaceable and how the heating element is reached for wiping.
Reveal the winner
Every guide hides its No. 1 pick until you tap — then the full comparison follows.
The suspense ends hereReveal the No. 1 pick →Tap to uncover the winner — then compare the rest below.
Air Fryers
COSORI Pro II CP358 AF
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Products to buy
Reviewed air fryers you can buy from this guide — each card links to its full review and to the retailer price check. Verify the variant, size and capacity for your exact model before ordering.
Air Fryers
Ninja AF101
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Air Fryers
Philips Airfryer Xl
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Air Fryers
Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer 8 Quart
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Air Fryers
COSORI TurboBlaze 6 Quart Air Fryer
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Air Fryers
Dash Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer 2.6 Quart
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Air Fryers
Gourmia GAF798 Digital Air Fryer 7 Quart
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Inside the air fryer
Illustrative exploded view — parts shown separated so you can see how it fits together. Not a photo of this exact product.
Guides for your situation
Buying for a specific situation? Each guide below is written for that use — same checks, tuned priorities, same products.
VIP pick — the winner is inside2027
Still deciding? Reveal the No. 1 pick.
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Best Air Fryers →Browse all reviews
Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements — every pick links to its full review.
The winner is insideWhat to verify before buying
Before you buy any air fryer
- ✓ Basket or tray capacity in litres or quarts, measured against your usual batch
- ✓ Whether the basket and drawer are dishwasher-safe
- ✓ Temperature range and whether it holds steady at low temperatures
- ✓ Counter footprint and cord length for your kitchen layout
Prices and availability change; check the retailer page before buying. Specifications on a retailer listing can differ from the manufacturer sheet — where they conflict, the manufacturer sheet wins, and this site flags the conflict rather than publishing one figure as fact.
Frequently asked questions
Is an air fryer healthier than deep frying?
It uses far less oil, so the finished food is usually lower in fat. It does not make breaded or processed food healthy on its own.
Can it replace an oven?
For small batches and weeknight cooking, yes. For large roasts, multiple trays or baking, a full oven still wins.
Do I need oil at all?
A light spray improves browning and texture, especially on potatoes and breaded food, but many foods cook well without it.