Air fryers have moved well past the novelty phase. In 2027 they are everyday countertop appliances that replace toasters, small ovens, and sometimes the deep fryer. The market has split into very different philosophies. Some brands chase raw capacity and oven-style versatility. Others focus on healthier materials like glass and ceramic. A few simply aim to deliver crisp results at a price almost anyone can afford. That variety makes shopping harder than it should be.
To help, we ranked five popular models from five down to number one. We compared capacity, power, temperature range, included accessories, cleanup, and overall value. Whether you cook for one or feed a crowd, want non-toxic cooking surfaces, or want a rotisserie spinning your Sunday chicken, there is a pick below for you. Here is the countdown, starting with a stylish glass newcomer and ending with our top choice.
5.
Ninja Crispi Pro Glass Air Fryer
Ninja’s Crispi Pro takes the most unconventional route on this list by swapping the usual metal basket for glass. The containers are designed with PFAS-free and PTFE-free food-contact surfaces, and they are dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe, so a dish can go from prep to cooking to the fridge without being transferred. The retail listing describes a 6-in-1 unit with 1800 watts of power, a 6-quart glass container, a smaller 2.5-quart container, a removable modular base, two crisper plates, and two storage lids.
Because the glass is transparent, you can watch food brown without opening anything, which takes much of the guesswork out of timing. It measures roughly 11 by 11.8 by 12.2 inches and weighs about 11.4 pounds, so it fits most counters. The trade-offs are price and format. It lists for about $300, well above basket-style rivals, and glass is heavier than metal. Still, if you want an air fryer that doubles as storage and you’d rather avoid coated baskets, this is the most interesting design of the year. It lands in fifth place only because the premium cost is hard to justify for everyone.
4.
Emeril Lagasse 26QT Air Fryer
This is less an air fryer than a full countertop oven with air-frying built in. It delivers 1700 watts through a stainless steel body with touch controls, and it offers 24 digital presets and a dual-speed 360-degree air circulation system. The French-door design opens like a wall oven, which makes loading a full tray much easier than wrestling with a basket.
Capacity is the headline. The 26-quart interior serves four to six people and can rotisserie a 6-pound chicken or bake a 12-inch pizza. The temperature range runs from 75 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, covering everything from dehydrating to hard roasting. Seven accessories are included, so you can start cooking right away.
Not everything is perfect. It weighs over 26 pounds, so it needs permanent counter space. Buyer reviews mention the rotisserie as the feature drawing the most complaints, though the same reviews praise its performance as a toaster oven, convection oven, and air fryer. For large families who want to retire a second oven, it’s a strong value, but small kitchens should look elsewhere.
3.
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer
Cosori’s TurboBlaze is the quiet, precise option for people who want a traditional basket with smarter engineering. It is the brand’s first air fryer built around a DC motor, which enables five different fan speeds. It runs at 1,725 watts, holds 6 quarts, serves three to five people, and spans 90 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
That low-end range matters. Dough proofing and gentle dehydrating are possible alongside high-heat crisping, and the timer stretches from one minute up to 24 hours. The cooking functions include air fry, roast, bake, broil, dry, frozen, proof, reheat, and keep warm.
Cleanup is easy. The basket uses a ceramic nonstick coating and is listed as dishwasher safe, and one buyer found it noticeably quieter than their older Cosori. A two-year limited warranty adds peace of mind, which is longer than several competitors offer. The main limitation is the single basket. You cannot cook two foods at different settings, and 6 quarts is modest next to the oven-style models above. For everyday cooking in a compact footprint, it is hard to fault.
2.
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer
If you want rotisserie, dehydrating, and baking in one appliance without spending much, the CHEFMAN is the sweet spot. It offers a 10-liter capacity, 1700 watts, a capacitive touch screen, and 17 presets covering frying, roasting, dehydrating, and baking. The package includes three air flow racks, a stainless steel rotisserie spit with a retrieval tool, and a drip tray.
Visibility and safety are well handled. There is an interior light, a large viewing window, and dishwasher-safe parts, and auto shutoff is included. The oven-style layout makes it easy to slide in trays of fries, wings, or dried fruit. It measures about 11.8 by 12.2 by 14.6 inches and weighs 14.2 pounds, a modest footprint for this much capacity.
Price is the real draw. Deal trackers have recorded it at about $80, a sharp discount from its higher list price. The manufacturer backs it with a one-year limited warranty, shorter than Cosori’s, and the interface is simpler than premium rivals. Even so, for budget-conscious families who want a true multi-cooker, it delivers outstanding versatility per dollar.
1.
Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp
Our top pick is the one that does the core job best. The AF181 is a 6-in-1 model with a 6.5-quart capacity and MaxCrisp technology, which surrounds food with superheated air for crispy results and can handle up to 9 pounds of wings using little to no oil. It reaches up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so frozen foods finish crisp rather than soggy.
Cleanup is simple. The nonstick basket and crisper plate are both dishwasher safe. Despite the generous capacity, the design stays compact: it measures about 14.9 by 11.3 by 12 inches and weighs roughly 11.4 pounds. A 20-recipe book is included, which helps beginners start right away.
The reputation backs it up. Best Buy customers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across nearly 500 reviews, and 96 percent of reviewers would recommend it. Ninja lists it at about $170, with frequent discounts. It has no rotisserie or dual zones, but the strong crisping, easy cleaning, and sensible size make it the best all-around air fryer for most households.
Conclusion
The best air fryer depends on how you cook. The Ninja Air Fryer XL earns first place by pairing excellent crisping with easy cleanup and a manageable footprint. The CHEFMAN is a close second for shoppers who want rotisserie and dehydrating at a budget price. The Cosori TurboBlaze suits anyone who values quiet operation, wide temperature control, and a longer warranty. The Emeril Lagasse 26QT is the pick for big families who want to replace a second oven. The Ninja Crispi Pro is the most innovative, offering glass cooking and built-in storage at a premium.
Prices and bundles change often, so check current listings before buying. Whichever model you choose, you will cook with far less oil than traditional frying, and you will likely reach for it every day.