The Best Air Fryers of 2025: In-Depth Reviews & Buying Guide Leave a comment
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering crispy, delicious results with minimal oil. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, the right air fryer can save time and elevate your meals.
After extensive testing of over 20 models, we’ve narrowed down the top 3 air fryers of 2025 based on performance, ease of use, and versatility. Plus, we’ll dive deep into how air fryers work, what to look for when buying one, and expert tips to get the most out of your appliance.
🥇 Best Overall: Ninja Speedi SF301 Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer
Why It’s the Best
The Ninja Speedi SF301 isn’t just an air fryer—it’s a 10-in-1 multicooker that combines air frying, steaming, baking, and even slow cooking. What sets it apart is its Speedi Meals technology, which lets you cook proteins and sides simultaneously in just 15 minutes.
Key Features
✔ 6-quart capacity – Fits family-sized meals
✔ Dual cooking system – Air fry while steaming vegetables
✔ No preheating required – Cooks faster than conventional ovens
✔ Dishwasher-safe parts – Easy cleanup
✔ Includes recipe guide – Great for beginners
Performance Review
We tested the Ninja Speedi with:
- French fries – Came out golden and crispy, rivaling deep-fried versions
- Chicken wings – Perfectly crispy skin with juicy meat inside
- Salmon & veggies – Cooked simultaneously with no flavor transfer
Pros:
✅ Fast cooking – Meals ready in 15 minutes
✅ Versatile – Replaces multiple appliances
✅ Even cooking – No hot spots
Cons:
❌ Bulky – Takes up counter space
❌ Noisy fan – Louder than some competitors
Who Should Buy It?
- Busy families who need quick, healthy meals
- Meal preppers who want to cook proteins and sides at once
- Home chefs looking for an all-in-one appliance
Price: $199 (Check latest price on Amazon)
🥈 Best Budget: Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
Why It’s a Top Pick
If you want restaurant-quality crispiness without breaking the bank, the Instant Vortex Plus delivers. Its ClearCook window lets you monitor food without opening the basket, and it’s one of the easiest air fryers to use.
Key Features
✔ 6-quart capacity – Fits a whole chicken or large batch of fries
✔ ClearCook window – No more guessing if food is done
✔ OdorErase technology – Reduces cooking smells (though it’s not perfect)
✔ One-touch presets – Fries, roast, bake, reheat, and more
Performance Review
We tested:
- Frozen fries – Crispier than oven-baked
- Chicken tenders – Juicy inside, crunchy outside
- Vegetables – Roasted evenly without drying out
Pros:
✅ Affordable – Great value for performance
✅ Easy to clean – Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket
✅ Fast preheating – Ready in under 3 minutes
Cons:
❌ Odor control could be better – Some lingering smells
❌ Small recipe booklet – Fewer included recipes than premium models
Who Should Buy It?
- First-time air fryer buyers
- Small families needing a reliable, mid-sized fryer
- Anyone who hates guessing when food is done
Price: $99 (Check latest price on Amazon)
🥉 Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Cuisinart TOA-65 Digital Air Fryer
Why It’s the Best Combo
If you’re short on space but want multiple cooking functions, the Cuisinart TOA-65 combines an air fryer, toaster, and convection oven in one sleek appliance.
Key Features
✔ 0.6 cubic feet capacity – Fits a 12″ pizza or 4-lb chicken
✔ Digital controls – Precise temperature settings
✔ 7 cooking functions – Air fry, bake, toast, roast, broil, warm, and convection
✔ Nonstick interior – Easy to clean
Performance Review
We tested:
- Toast – Even browning on all sides
- Air-fried chicken – Crispy like deep-fried
- Cookies – Baked evenly without burning
Pros:
✅ Saves counter space – Replaces multiple appliances
✅ Versatile – Great for baking, toasting, and air frying
✅ Even heating – No hot spots
Cons:
❌ Learning curve – Requires slight adjustments for baking
❌ Tall design – May not fit under low cabinets
Who Should Buy It?
- Small kitchen owners
- Bakers who also want air frying
- People who love crispy toast
Price: $249 (Check latest price on Amazon)
🔍 How We Tested Air Fryers
To find the best models, we:
- Cooked multiple foods (fries, chicken, veggies, baked goods)
- Evaluated crispiness, speed, and ease of use
- Checked cleaning difficulty (dishwasher-safe vs. hand-wash)
- Compared noise levels
- Tested smart features (app connectivity, presets)
📖 Air Fryer Buying Guide
1. Capacity
- 1-3 quarts – Singles or small portions
- 4-6 quarts – Families (most popular size)
- 7+ quarts – Large batches (for parties)
2. Type
- Basket-style (best for crispiness)
- Toaster oven combo (best for versatility)
- Multicooker (best for all-in-one cooking)
3. Key Features to Look For
✔ Digital controls (more precise than dials)
✔ Dishwasher-safe parts (easier cleanup)
✔ Preset functions (fries, chicken, bake, etc.)
✔ Nonstick coating (prevents sticking)
4. Price Range
- Budget (50−50−100) – Basic models (Instant Vortex)
- Mid-range (100−100−200) – Best value (Ninja Speedi)
- Premium ($200+) – Smart features, large capacity
🍗 Pro Tips for Perfect Air Frying
- Don’t overcrowd – Cook in batches for crispier results.
- Shake or flip halfway – Ensures even cooking.
- Use a light oil spray – Helps browning (avoid aerosol sprays).
- Preheat when possible – Cuts cooking time.
- Try parchment liners – For easy cleanup (but don’t block airflow).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are air fryers healthier than deep frying?
A: Yes! Air fryers use 70-80% less oil while achieving similar crispiness.
Q: Can you bake in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Many models bake cookies, muffins, and even small cakes.
Q: How do I clean my air fryer?
A:
- Unplug and cool completely.
- Remove basket and wash with warm, soapy water (or dishwasher if safe).
- Wipe interior with a damp cloth.
- Remove and clean the heating element (if accessible).
🏆 Final Verdict
| Category | Winner | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Ninja Speedi SF301 | Families & meal preppers |
| Best Budget | Instant Vortex Plus | First-time buyers |
| Best Combo Oven | Cuisinart TOA-65 | Small kitchens & bakers |
For most people, the Ninja Speedi is the best investment—it’s fast, versatile, and replaces multiple appliances. If you’re on a budget, the Instant Vortex Plus delivers excellent results at half the price.
Where to Buy
Prices updated March 2025. Happy air frying! 🍟🔥
