Introduction
Air fryers have completely changed the way we cook at home. They promise crispy fries, juicy chicken, and perfectly roasted vegetables with just a fraction of the oil you would normally need. But here is the catch: there are dozens of brands out there, and not all of them deliver the same results. So, what is the best air fryer brand? It is a question I hear constantly, and the honest answer is that it depends on what you value most: price, capacity, ease of use, or cooking performance. In this guide, I will break down the top-rated air fryer brands of 2024, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which one deserves a spot on your kitchen counter. By the end, you will know exactly which brand fits your cooking style and budget.
- Introduction
- What Is the Best Air Fryer Brand? A Quick Overview
- Top Air Fryer Brands Compared
- How to Choose the Right Air Fryer Brand
- Step-by-Step: How to Test an Air Fryer Before Buying
- Tips and Best Practices for Air Fryer Cooking
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is the Best Air Fryer Brand? A Quick Overview
If you want the short answer, here it is: the best air fryer brand in 2024 is Ninja for versatility, Cosori for value, and Philips for sheer cooking performance. But that is not the whole story. Each brand excels in different areas, and the right choice depends on your kitchen habits, family size, and budget. Ninja dominates with multi-functional models that can crisp, roast, bake, and even dehydrate. Cosori has become a fan favorite thanks to its user-friendly controls, consistent results, and affordable price point. Philips, the original inventor of air frying technology, still leads the pack in terms of even browning and crispy texture, but you pay a premium for that name. Instant Pot, Breville, and GoWISE USA also deserve honorable mentions for specific use cases. Let me walk you through each brand in detail so you can make an informed decision.
Top Air Fryer Brands Compared
Before I dive into each brand, let me give you a quick side-by-side comparison. This table summarizes the key differences among the most popular air fryer brands of 2024.
| Brand | Best For | Price Range | Capacity Options | Wattage | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja | Versatility | $80–$300 | 4–10 qt | 1500–1750W | Multi-cook functions, crisping lid, dehydrate mode |
| Cosori | Value and Ease of Use | $60–$150 | 3.7–6.4 qt | 1500–1700W | Pre-set programs, shake reminder, square basket |
| Instant Pot | Multi-Function Cooking | $50–$180 | 4–8 qt | 1500–1700W | Pressure cook + air fry combos, app connectivity |
| Philips | Crispy Results | $100–$300 | 2.6–7 qt | 1400–2000W | Fat removal technology, rapid air circulation, even browning |
| Breville | Precision Cooking | $200–$400 | 5–8 qt | 1800W | Element IQ, super convection, smart preset functions |
| GoWISE USA | Budget-Friendly Options | $40–$90 | 3.2–7 qt | 1500–1700W | LED touchscreen, 50+ presets, compact design |
Now, let me break down each brand individually.
Ninja
Ninja is arguably the most recognized name in the air fryer space, and for good reason. The brand has expanded its lineup to include everything from basic air fryers to the popular Ninja Foodi series, which combines air frying with pressure cooking, slow cooking, and even grilling. If you are asking “what is the best air fryer brand?” and you want one appliance that does it all, Ninja is the answer.
The Ninja Air Fryer line, such as the Ninja AF161 Max XL, offers a 5.5-quart capacity, which is perfect for a family of four. It heats up quickly, cooks evenly, and produces that golden crisp texture we all crave. The newer Ninja models include a built-in thermometer that lets you cook meat to the exact temperature without guessing. That is a game-changer for chicken breasts and steak.
One downside is that Ninja air fryers are not the cheapest. But the build quality, warranty, and consistent results justify the price for most buyers. The baskets are dishwasher safe, the controls are intuitive, and the flip-to-crisp function on some models adds real versatility. If you want a brand that you can trust to deliver every time, Ninja is a top contender.
Cosori
Cosori has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most recommended air fryer brands, and it is easy to see why. The brand focuses on user experience. Their control panels are clean and responsive, with clearly labeled buttons for air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. The pre-set programs take the guesswork out of cooking, and the shake reminder tells you when to flip your food for even results.
The Cosori Pro II, for example, comes in a 5.8-quart square basket that maximizes cooking space. Unlike round baskets, the square design lets you fit more food in a compact footprint. The 1700-watt heating element gets hot quickly and maintains a steady temperature throughout the cooking cycle. Crispy fries, roasted vegetables, and even reheated pizza come out tasting fresh.
Cosori also offers the TurboBlaze model in 2024, which features faster air circulation and even crispier results. The price is reasonable, usually landing between $80 and $130 depending on the model. If you are looking for a reliable air fryer that won’t break the bank, Cosori is one of the best answers to “what is the best air fryer brand?” for most households.
Instant Pot
Instant Pot is a household name for pressure cookers, but the brand has also made a strong entrance into the air fryer market. Their air fryer lids and duo-crisp models allow you to pressure cook and air fry in the same appliance, which saves valuable counter space. If you already own an Instant Pot, the air fryer lid attachment is an affordable way to add crisping capability without buying a second machine.
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-quart model is a standout. It has a clear viewing window so you can monitor your food without opening the basket, which helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature. The Vortex series also includes a rotisserie function on some models, giving you another reason to choose this brand. The controls are digital and easy to navigate, with nine-in-one cooking functions that cover everything from baking to broiling.
One thing to note is that Instant Pot air fryers are not as focused on pure air frying performance as Ninja or Philips. They are multi-cookers first and air fryers second. So, if you want the crispiest possible results, you might want a dedicated air fryer. But if you are short on space and want one appliance that does many jobs well, Instant Pot is an excellent pick.
Philips
Philips invented the air fryer, and the company has spent years perfecting the technology. Their newest models use Rapid Air Technology with a patented starfish design on the bottom of the basket, which ensures that hot air circulates evenly around every piece of food. The result is consistently crispy food with less oil, and this is what makes Philips stand out from the competition.
The Philips Airfryer XXL is a popular choice for larger families. It has a 7-quart capacity and a 2000-watt heating element, which means it cooks fast and evenly. It also has a fat reduction technology that removes excess fat from meats, making your meals healthier without sacrificing flavor. The digital touchscreen offers multiple presets, and the Keep Warm function is handy for busy households.
The main downside is the price. Philips air fryers are among the most expensive on the market, and some budget-conscious buyers may find it hard to justify the cost. But if you value cooking performance and are willing to pay for it, Philips remains one of the best answers to “what is the best air fryer brand?” in terms of pure crisping power.
Breville
Breville is known for making high-end kitchen appliances, and their air fryers are no exception. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a countertop convection oven that also air fries, and it does so with incredible precision. It uses Element IQ technology to distribute heat intelligently, so your food cooks evenly whether you are air frying a batch of wings or baking a casserole.
The Super Convection feature circulates hot air at high speed, which gives you that crispy exterior without drying out the inside. The built-in food thermometer lets you set a target internal temperature for meats, and the oven automatically switches to keep warm when it reaches that point. This is the kind of precision that home cooks and amateur chefs appreciate.
Breville air fryers are not cheap, and they are bulky compared to basket-style models. But the capacity, durability, and performance make them a great investment for serious cooks. If you want a versatile appliance that can replace both your toaster oven and your air fryer, Breville is the brand to beat.
GoWISE USA
GoWISE USA is a budget-friendly brand that still offers a surprising amount of features. If you are new to air frying and do not want to spend a fortune, GoWISE is a solid starting point. Their air fryers come in a range of sizes, from compact 3.2-quart models for singles to larger 7-quart models for families.
One of the standout features of GoWISE USA air fryers is the sheer number of presets. Some models include up to 50 one-touch cooking programs, making it easy to cook anything from french fries to steak with the push of a button. The LED touchscreen is responsive, and the non-stick basket is easy to clean.
The tradeoff is that GoWISE air fryers do not always produce the same level of crispiness as higher-end brands. The heating element is adequate, but not as powerful as what you get from Ninja or Philips. Still, for the price, GoWISE USA offers an incredible value. If your budget is under $70, this is the brand to consider when asking what is the best air fryer brand for beginners.
How to Choose the Right Air Fryer Brand
Now that we have compared the major brands, let me help you narrow down your options. Choosing the right air fryer brand comes down to a few key factors that you should consider before making a purchase.
Capacity is the first thing to think about. If you are cooking for one or two people, a 3-to-4-quart air fryer is plenty. If you have a family of four or more, look for a 5.5-quart or larger model. Remember that the quoted capacity is the total volume, so the actual usable cooking space is less because the basket is not filled to the brim.
Wattage matters more than most people realize. A higher wattage means faster heating and better crisping. Look for at least 1500 watts. Models with 1700 watts or more will give you the best results. If you choose a lower-wattage air fryer, expect longer cooking times and less consistent browning.
Ease of cleaning is another critical factor. Non-stick baskets are standard, but check whether the basket and tray are dishwasher safe. A removable basket with a handle makes it easier to shake food during cooking. Some models have a baking pan or rack that slides out separately, which adds convenience but also adds more parts to clean.
Controls and presets can make a big difference in your daily experience. If you want simplicity, look for physical dials and buttons. If you want precision, look for digital touchscreens with preset programs for common foods. Some brands, like Cosori and Instant Pot, offer app connectivity and voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant. That is a nice bonus but not essential.
Budget is always a consideration. You can find decent air fryers for under $50, but they will not perform as well as mid-range models from Cosori or Ninja. The sweet spot is usually between $80 and $150. If you have more to spend, premium models from Philips and Breville offer the best cooking performance and build quality.
Step-by-Step: How to Test an Air Fryer Before Buying
You might be wondering how to tell if an air fryer is worth the money before you commit. While you cannot cook in a display model at the store, you can still evaluate a few things by looking at the design and specs. Here is a simple step-by-step process to test an air fryer before buying, whether you are in a physical store or reading specs online.
Step 1: Check the Basket Size and Shape
Open the basket if possible and look at the cooking surface. Is it round or square? Square baskets give you more usable space because they fit more food in a compact area. Also, check the depth. A shallow basket is easier to shake, but a deeper basket holds larger items like a whole chicken or a casserole dish.
Step 2: Examine the Heating Element
Look for the heating coil. It should be visible at the top of the air fryer. The larger the heating element, the more surface area it covers, which means more even cooking. Also, check the fan placement. A well-designed air fryer has a fan directly above the heating element to push hot air downward and around the food.
Step 3: Test the Basket Release and Handle
If the display model allows you to pull out the basket, try the handle. Does it feel sturdy? Does the basket slide out smoothly? Does the safety release require too much force? You want a basket that is easy to insert and remove, especially when you are holding hot food with oven mitts.
Step 4: Inspect the Non-Stick Coating
Run your finger over the non-stick surface. Is it smooth? Are there any rough spots or bubbles? Poor non-stick coating will peel and flake over time, which is both annoying and a health concern. Look for a brand that uses a durable coating, like the ceramic coating on some Cosori models or the PFOA-free coating on Ninja baskets.
Step 5: Check the Temperature Range
The best air fryers offer a temperature range from about 170°F to 400°F. This allows you to dehydrate fruits at low temperatures and sear meats at high temperatures. If the lowest setting is above 200°F, you will not be able to dehydrate or reheat food gently. Look for a wide temperature range to maximize versatility.
Step 6: Read the Warranty
A good air fryer should come with at least a one-year warranty. Some brands, like Cosori and Ninja, offer a two-year warranty on certain models. This gives you peace of mind and is a sign that the manufacturer stands behind its product.
Tips and Best Practices for Air Fryer Cooking
Once you have picked the best air fryer brand for your needs, you want to get the most out of it. Here are some tried-and-true tips and best practices that will elevate your air frying game.
Do not overcrowd the basket. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If you pile everything in, the air cannot reach every surface, and you end up with unevenly cooked food. Cook in batches if necessary. It is better to wait a few extra minutes than to eat soggy results.
Shake or flip halfway through. Most foods benefit from a shake or flip at the halfway mark. This ensures even browning on all sides. Many air fryers, including Cosori, have a built-in reminder that beeps when it is time to shake. Use that feature if your model has it.
Preheat your air fryer. Some models do not require preheating, but a quick 3-to-5-minute preheat at the cooking temperature will help your food crisp up faster and more evenly. If you skip the preheat, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Use a light coating of oil. You do not need much oil, but a light spray or brush of oil helps the food brown and crisp. Use an oil sprayer or a brush to apply a thin, even layer. Olive oil, avocado oil, and canola oil all work well. Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays with lecithin, as they can damage the non-stick coating over time.
Pat food dry before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. If you are air frying chicken wings, frozen fries, or vegetables, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding oil and seasoning. This removes excess moisture and allows the hot air to crisp the surface instead of steaming it.
Adjust cooking times and temperatures. Every air fryer is slightly different