The best air fryers make prepping dinner effortless by cooking with fast-moving hot air, delivering crispy chicken wings, salmon, and fries. At the Drexel Food Lab, we tested 10 models against a convection oven to find the top performers.
Why Air Fryers Beat Convection Ovens
Air circulates faster inside an air fryer, creating a crispier exterior. All 20 participants noticed a marked difference in browning and crunch for vegetables, frozen fries, chicken wings, and nuggets.
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Top Air Fryers of 2026
| Category | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Cosori Iconic Stainless Steel 6.5Q | $249 |
| Best budget | Philips 3000 Series 7.6Q | $190 |
| Best for meat | Typhur Sync | $159 |
| Best combo toaster oven | Our Place Wonder Oven Pro | $242.99 |
| Splurge pick | Typhur Dome 2 | $390 |
| Best for casual cooks | Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass | $159.99 |
| Quietest | Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill | $158.40 |
How We Tested
We used standardized recipes for fries, wings, and nuggets, measuring crispness, evenness, and taste. The Cosori Iconic produced the crispiest fries overall.
Key Takeaways
- Air fryers consistently outperform convection ovens for crispness.
- Cosori leads for all-around performance.
- Ninja Crispi is ideal for quick, casual meals.
- Our Place Wonder Oven Pro doubles as a toaster oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air fryers healthier than deep fryers?
Yes, air fryers use up to 80% less oil, reducing fat and calories while still delivering a crispy texture.
What is the best air fryer for a family of four?
The Cosori Iconic 6.5-quart model offers ample capacity and even cooking, making it ideal for families.
Can you bake in an air fryer?
Many air fryers, especially combination models like the Our Place Wonder Oven Pro, can bake, roast, and broil.
After rigorous lab testing, these air fryers stand out for their performance, value, and versatility. Choose the one that fits your kitchen and start enjoying perfectly crispy meals every day.
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