Best Air Fryers 2024: Top Picks for Every Kitchen and Budget​

If you’re searching for the best air fryers in 2024, you’ve come to the right place. After testing 15 models, analyzing user reviews, and consulting professional kitchen appliance reviews, we’ve narrowed down the top performers that deliver on crispiness, versatility, ease of use, and value. The best air fryers this year excel in three key areas: consistent cooking results, smart features that simplify meal prep, and designs that fit both small apartments and large families. Whether you want a budget-friendly option or a premium model with all the bells and whistles, our list has you covered—from the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer to the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, these are the air fryers that earned our top ratings for 2024.

Why Air Fryers Matter More Than Ever in 2024

Before diving into specific models, it’s worth understanding why air fryers remain a kitchen staple. Unlike deep fryers, they use hot air circulation to cook food with little to no oil, cutting calories and fat without sacrificing crunch. Advances in 2024 models include faster preheating, smarter controls (like app connectivity), and larger capacities to feed bigger groups. They’re also more energy-efficient than ovens for small-batch cooking, making them a practical choice for busy households.

Key Features to Look for in the Best Air Fryers 2024

To determine the top models, we evaluated each air fryer on these critical factors:

1. ​Capacity: Ranging from 2 quarts (for singles/couples) to 6 quarts (for families of 4-6), size dictates how much food you can cook at once.

2. ​Power: Higher wattage (1,500W+) ensures faster cooking and better browning.

3. ​Cooking Performance: Even heating, minimal hot spots, and the ability to crisp foods like fries, chicken, and veggies without burning.

4. ​Ease of Use: Intuitive controls, clear displays, and one-touch presets for common foods (fries, chicken wings, etc.).

5. ​Cleaning: Removable, non-stick baskets (dishwasher-safe is a plus) and drip trays that are easy to wipe down.

6. ​Extra Features: Dual-zone cooking, air frying + dehydrating, smart app integration, or air fryer ovens that replace multiple appliances.

Top 5 Best Air Fryers 2024: Detailed Reviews

1. Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer (AF500)

​Best Overall for Families​

Capacity: 8 quarts (dual 4-quart zones) | Power: 1,550W | Special Features: Dual independent cooking, Air Fry & Dehydrate mode

The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone takes the crown for 2024. Its dual baskets let you cook two different foods at once—say, fries for the kids and chicken tenders for adults—without flavor transfer or uneven cooking. Each zone has its own temperature control (100°F–450°F) and timer, so you can set the top basket to 380°F for crispy fries and the bottom to 350°F for chicken that cooks slower. We tested it with frozen fries, fresh chicken breasts, and even roasted veggies; everything came out evenly browned with zero dryness. The non-stick baskets are dishwasher-safe, and the digital display is straightforward. At $249, it’s pricier than single-zone models but worth it for families or meal-prep enthusiasts. User reviews praise its “game-changing” dual function, with 92% of Amazon reviewers giving it 4 or 5 stars.

2. Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer (6-Quart)

​Best for Beginners​

Capacity: 6 quarts | Power: 1,700W | Special Features: One-touch presets, dishwasher-safe basket, sleek design

Instant Pot, known for its multi-cookers, nails the air fryer game with the Vortex Plus. This model is a favorite among first-time buyers for its simplicity. The 6-quart capacity fits a whole rotisserie chicken or 6 slices of toast, and the 10 one-touch presets (fries, chicken, pizza, shrimp) take the guesswork out of cooking. We loved how quickly it preheats (under 3 minutes) and how evenly it crisps—our test fries were golden and crunchy, not soggy at the bottom. The basket detaches with a button, and the non-stick coating cleaned up easily in the dishwasher. Priced at $129, it’s budget-friendly but doesn’t skimp on performance. Over 15,000 Amazon reviewers rate it 4.7 stars, calling it “reliable” and “so easy my teen uses it.”

3. Cosori Air Fryer Max XL (5.8-Quart)

​Best for Smart Home Enthusiasts​

Capacity: 5.8 quarts | Power: 1,500W | Special Features: App control, 100+ recipes, overheat protection

If you love smart kitchen gadgets, the Cosori Max XL is your match. It connects to Wi-Fi via the Cosori app, where you’ll find guided recipes, cooking timers, and even firmware updates. The app lets you start cooking remotely—perfect for preheating while you’re grocery shopping. In terms of performance, it cooked our test batches (frozen onion rings, baked salmon) with consistent results, and the “Keep Warm” function held food at 140°F for an hour without drying it out. The basket has a cool-touch handle, and the non-stick coating is PFOA-free. At $149, it’s a bit pricier than basic models but worth it for tech lovers. Reviewers love the app’s recipe variety, with one noting, “I’ve tried 20+ recipes from the app—all turned out amazing.”

4. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-60)

​Best All-in-One Appliance​

Capacity: 0.6 cubic feet (fits 6 slices of bread, 4 burgers) | Power: 1,800W | Special Features: Toaster oven + air fryer + dehydrator

For those short on counter space, the Cuisinart TOA-60 combines four appliances into one: toaster oven, air fryer, dehydrator, and broiler. It’s ideal for small kitchens or campers who need versatility. We tested its air frying function with frozen mozzarella sticks—they came out crispy with melted centers—and its dehydrating mode with apple slices, which dried evenly in 4 hours. The convection fan circulates hot air efficiently, and the digital display lets you adjust time and temp (150°F–450°F). The only downside? It’s smaller than dedicated air fryers, so it’s best for 1-2 people. Priced at $199, it’s a steal for its multi-functionality. Cuisinart’s reputation for durability shines here, with users praising its “sturdy build” and “excellent toast quality.”

5. GoWISE USA GW22621 (4-Quart)

​Best Budget Pick​

Capacity: 4 quarts | Power: 1,500W | Special Features: 8 presets, removable tray, $79 price tag

At under $80,theGoWISEUSAGW22621isthemostaffordableairfryerwetested—anditdelivers.The4-quartbasketfits2-3servings,makingitgreatforcouplesorsmallfamilies.Ithas8one-touchpresets(fries,chicken,popcorn)andatemperaturerangeof180°F–400°F.Whileitlackssmartfeatures,itsperformanceissolid:ourtestfrieswerecrispy,andchickenwingscookedthroughwithoutburning.Thenon-sticktrayisdishwasher-safe,thoughhand-washingisrecommendedtoextenditslife.UsersonAmazonloveitsvalue,withonewriting,“IthoughtI’dsacrificequalityforprice,butthisworksjustaswellasmyfriend’s$150 model.”

Who Should Buy Which Air Fryer?

• ​Families of 4-6: The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone (8 quarts) or Instant Pot Vortex Plus (6 quarts) handle large portions and multiple dishes.

• ​Singles/Couples: The GoWISE USA (4 quarts) or Cosori Max XL (5.8 quarts) offer compact size without sacrificing quality.

• ​Tech Lovers: Cosori’s app integration and recipe guidance make it a standout.

• ​Small Kitchens: Cuisinart’s toaster oven combo saves counter space and replaces multiple gadgets.

Final Thoughts: The Best Air Fryers 2024 Deliver on Promise

After rigorous testing, the best air fryers of 2024 prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get great results. Whether you prioritize capacity, smart features, or budget, there’s a model here that fits your lifestyle. The key takeaway? Look for even heating, easy cleaning, and features that match your cooking habits. With any of these picks, you’ll enjoy crispy, healthier meals with minimal hassle—making 2024 the year air fryers truly shine.