Best Air Fryers According to Consumer Reports

Air fryers have taken kitchens by storm, offering a healthier, faster way to cook our favorite crispy and delicious meals. But with so many models on the market, how do you choose the one that’s just right for you? That’s where Consumer Reports come in—a trusted resource for helping you make informed, confident purchasing decisions.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about air fryers, share insights from Consumer Reports’ top-rated picks, and offer helpful tips based on real user experiences.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting your air-frying adventure, this blog is designed to make your buying decision easier.

A Quick Introduction to Air Fryers

Invented in 2010, air fryers have quickly revolutionized the way people cook. They use hot air circulation to mimic the crispiness of deep frying—without the excessive oil. This makes them an excellent option for healthier cooking while still packing all the flavor you love.

The technology works through a high-powered fan that circulates hot air around your food, crisping the outside while leaving the inside tender and juicy. Air fryers are incredibly versatile, capable of cooking everything from french fries and chicken wings to vegetables and even desserts.

But with countless models showcasing various features, finding your perfect match can feel overwhelming. That’s where the next section comes in!

Why Consumer Reports Matter

Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit organization that rigorously tests and reviews thousands of products each year. Their evaluations are unbiased and backed by scientific testing, ensuring that the products they recommend truly deliver on their promises.

When it comes to air fryers, Consumer Reports examines factors such as performance, ease of use, durability, and energy efficiency. This helps you narrow down your options and provides the peace of mind that you’re investing in a high-quality appliance.

By trusting their insights, you can sidestep flashy marketing claims and focus on what really matters—value, reliability, and performance.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer

Before exploring the best air fryers recommended by Consumer Reports, it’s important to understand the criteria they use to assess each model. Ask yourself these questions to identify your priorities:

1. Capacity

• Do you typically cook for one, a family, or larger gatherings?
• Small air fryers (2-4 quarts) are great for individuals or couples. Families may require larger models (5-8 quarts) to prepare meals in fewer batches.

2. Wattage

• Wattage influences both cooking times and energy efficiency. Most air fryers range between 1,200 and 1,800 watts, though higher-wattage models often cook food faster.

3. Ease of Use

• Seek out models with intuitive controls, preset cooking programs, and easy-to-read displays. Accessories like dishwasher-safe baskets can also save you time on cleanup.

4. Cooking Features

• Modern air fryers often include additional features like roasting, dehydrating, or baking. Consider these options if you’re planning to use the appliance for multiple cooking styles.

5. Budget

• Smaller, simpler air fryers typically cost $50-$100, while larger models with advanced features can go up to $300. Decide what functionality is non-negotiable for you.

Top Air Fryers According to Consumer Reports

Let’s now dig into the best air fryer models, as highlighted by Consumer Reports’ thorough testing.

1. Ninja Air Fryer Max XL (AF161)

• Capacity: 5.5 quarts
• Highlights: Excellent at evenly crisping food, dishwasher-safe parts, multiple presets for easy cooking.
• Pros: Quick heat-up time, intuitive controls, durable design.
• Cons: Slightly bulkier than other models—may require extra counter space.

2. Cosori Pro LE 5-Quart Air Fryer

• Capacity: 5 quarts
• Highlights: Compact design, one-touch control panel, budget-friendly price.
• Pros: Great for small kitchens, cooks food evenly, relatively quiet.
• Cons: Fewer advanced features compared to higher-priced models.

3. Phillips Premium Airfryer XXL (HD9650)

• Capacity: 7 quarts
• Highlights: Ideal for larger families, patented fat removal technology, sleek design.
• Pros: Large cooking capacity, excellent for health-conscious cooking.
• Cons: Pricier than most options on the list.

4. Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer

• Capacity: 6 quarts
• Highlights: Includes bake, roast, dehydrate, and reheat functions alongside air frying.
• Pros: Multifunctional, great build quality, mid-range pricing.
• Cons: Learning curve for first-time users due to multiple modes.

5. Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer

• Capacity: Suitable for cooking larger items like pizzas or roasting entire chickens.
• Highlights: Combines air frying with convection baking and broiling.
• Pros: Dual functionality as a toaster oven and air fryer.
• Cons: Takes up significant counter space.

Best Air Fryers at Walmart

When shopping for air fryers, Walmart offers a variety of top-rated options suitable for different cooking needs and budgets. Here are some of the best air fryers available at Walmart:

1. Ninja Foodi 8-Quart 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer

• Features: This combination appliance serves as both a pressure cooker and air fryer, offering versatility with settings for steaming, sautéing, slow cooking, and more.
• Advantages: Its large capacity is perfect for family meals, and it provides tender, crispy results with its tender crisp technology.
• Considerations: As a multi-functional unit, it’s on the pricier side but offers excellent value with its diverse functionality.

2. Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer XL

• Features: This model has a 5-quart capacity, adjustable temperature control, and a 60-minute timer for precise cooking.
• Advantages: The dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup a breeze, and its compact design saves counter space.
• Considerations: While it lacks some advanced presets, it performs reliably for basic air frying tasks.

3. Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer

• Features: With a 6-quart capacity, this air fryer boasts multiple functions including baking, roasting, and reheating.
• Advantages: Its four built-in smart programs simplify cooking, and the EvenCrisp technology ensures consistent crispiness.
• Considerations: New users might require a bit of practice to navigate its various modes effectively.

4. Farberware 3.2 Quart Classic Air Fryer

• Features: Ideal for small households, this compact air fryer features a simple, user-friendly interface with an adjustable temperature control.
• Advantages: Budget-friendly and efficient, it’s perfect for those new to air frying.
• Considerations: Best for smaller meals; larger families may find the capacity limiting.

5. PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer Pro Plus 10 Quart

• Features: This model offers a sizable cooking capacity along with 10 pre-programmed settings for various dishes.
• Advantages: Its spacious design accommodates big batches, and the rotating mesh basket ensures even cooking.
• Considerations: The larger size requires ample space, making it more suited for those with generous kitchen counter areas.

Each of these models brings unique features to the table, catering to different cooking styles and preferences, making Walmart a great place to find the perfect air fryer for your needs.

FAQs About Air Fryers

Q1. Are air fryers healthier than traditional frying?

Yes! Air fryers require little to no oil, drastically reducing calorie and fat content in your meals.

Q2. Do air fryers take longer to cook than deep fryers?

It depends. While air fryers preheat quickly, achieving the same “fried” texture may take slightly longer. However, they’re still quicker than ovens in many cases.

Q3. Can you bake in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Many models allow you to bake cakes, muffins, and even bread—making them versatile kitchen tools.

Q4. Are they easy to clean?

Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, though you should always check the product manual for care instructions.

Make the Right Choice for Your Kitchen

Here’s a table summarizing the specifications of some top air fryer models to help you make an informed decision:

Each model has unique characteristics suited for different cooking needs, kitchen sizes, and budgets. Consider capacity, functions, and price to choose the right air fryer for your kitchen.

Air fryers are game-changers for anyone looking to cook delicious meals quickly and healthily. Based on Consumer Reports and user reviews, the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL, Cosori Pro LE, and Phillips Premium Airfryer XXL stand out as top performers in their respective categories.

If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen, we highly recommend starting with one of these trusted models. Compare your options, consider your needs, and start exploring the endless possibilities air fryers have to offer!