Air fryers have become the must-have kitchen appliance of the moment, and for good reason. They offer more versatility than you might expect, not just for reheating frozen food. From roasting to baking to making a delicious cheese toastie, air fryers can do it all.
We’ve tested some of the best air fryers on the market, including dial-controlled appliances, combination air fryers, dual-zone air fryers, smart air fryers, and air fryer ovens.
If you’re unfamiliar with air fryers, they are essentially mini convection ovens that can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes. While it may require some adjustment to your favorite recipes, many people have found the switch from a conventional oven to an air fryer to be worth it.
There are several reasons to consider investing in an air fryer. They cook faster than traditional ovens, are easier to clean, provide crispy results without excess oil, and are more cost-effective to operate. Additionally, depending on the model you choose, you can enjoy a range of cooking methods in a single appliance.
However, one downside is that air fryers can take up a significant amount of counter space, so it’s important to measure your available space before making a purchase.
Why you should trust us
Tech Advisor has been reviewing air fryers since 2021, testing various models from major and independent brands. Our hands-on approach allows us to compare and recommend the best-performing and most valuable air fryers. We test the air fryers in real-life scenarios, using them in place of traditional cooking appliances for several weeks to assess their performance.
If you’re specifically interested in Ninja appliances, check out our dedicated Ninja round-up. We also provide specific recommendations for air fryer ovens and air fryer toaster ovens.
If you’re still undecided about purchasing an air fryer, take a look at our article on whether you should buy one. For help choosing the right size and features, refer to our FAQs below the chart. Otherwise, continue reading to discover our top picks.
Best air fryer
1. Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer – Best air fryer
Pros
- Large cooking area for baking and roasts
- Flexible cooking options
- Even crispy results
- Sturdy and simple to use
Cons
- No shake alert
- No viewing window or option to open a single drawer to check on food
Price When Reviewed:
$149.99 (MSRP $179.99)
If you’re looking to replace your oven, the FlexDrawer is an excellent choice. It offers the unique feature of combining two 5.2-liter cooking spaces into a 10.4-liter ‘megazone’ for large roasts and baking full-size cakes.
Additionally, you can use the two cooking areas separately, similar to a dual-zone air fryer. The FlexDrawer includes all the expected functionalities, with match and sync functions for easy dual-drawer cooking.
The FlexDrawer offers seven cooking modes, including max crisp, air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and prove. It comes with a guide complete with recipes and a cooking chart, making it a great option for those new to air fryer cooking.
The controls and digital display are intuitive and easy to use, eliminating the need to constantly refer to the manual. Despite its powerful performance, some recipe adjustments may be necessary to achieve evenly cooked, crispy food.
Read our full Ninja Foodi FlexBasket review
FAQ
