How to Choose the Best Air Fryer
Without losing your appetite or your counter space, this blog is a quick assessment on high-quality air fryers.
10/17/20253 min read
If you’ve ever wondered whether air fryers are worth the hype, here’s your answer: yes — a thousand times yes.
They crisp, they roast, they reheat leftovers like a dream, and they do it all without turning your kitchen into a sauna.
But here’s the thing — not all air fryers are created equal. Choosing the right one can feel like speed dating at a kitchen appliance convention: everyone looks shiny, everyone promises great results, and you just want something that won’t let you down after a few weeks.
So let’s make it easy (and maybe a little fun). Here’s your ultimate guide to finding the air fryer that actually deserves a spot on your countertop.
🍗 1. Size Matters (and So Does Shape)
Before you even start looking at brands, think about how you cook.
Cooking for one or two? Go for a compact 4 quart air fryer.
→ Try the Ninja AF101 Mini Air Fryer — small, stylish, and ideal for reheating snacks or whipping up crispy veggies.Feeding a family (or just really love fries)? A 6 quart fryer is your sweet spot.
→ The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer is a crowd favorite — big enough for family dinners, but sleek enough not to hog space.Got a big crew or meal-prepping habit? Go big or go home with a 10 quart dual-basket model.
→ The Ninja DZ401 DualZone Air Fryer lets you cook two meals at once — because who says dinner can’t multitask?
💡 Pro tip: Always check counter space. You don’t want to realize your dream air fryer needs its own room addition.
🧑🍳 2. Basket vs. Oven Style — Which One’s for You?
This is the great air fryer divide: basket-style or oven-style.
Basket-style air fryers look like little pods of crispy happiness. They’re easy to use, clean fast, and perfect for daily meals.
Oven-style air fryers, on the other hand, come with trays, rotisserie options, and often double as mini ovens. They’re bulkier — but brilliant for versatility.
👉 If you love the simplicity of dump-and-go cooking, stick with basket models.
👉 If you want to roast a chicken, bake cookies, or toast garlic bread, an oven-style model like the Instant Omni Plus 10-in-1 Air Fryer Oven might just become your kitchen’s new MVP.
🔥 3. The Secret Ingredient: Wattage & Power
Here’s the science-y bit (don’t worry, it’s short):
The higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food cooks.
Most air fryers fall between 1,200–1,800 watts.
If your home outlets can handle it, aim for at least 1,500 watts for that golden, crispy perfection.
Translation: more power = less waiting = happier snacking.
🧽 4. Cleaning: Because Nobody Wants to Scrub Forever
You know what makes people stop using their air fryers? The cleanup.
Look for:
Removable, non-stick baskets
Dishwasher-safe trays
Easy-to-wipe interiors
Models like the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer nail this — even if you forget that last batch of fries overnight (we’ve all been there).
Bonus points if it has a removable crisper plate — those little holes are great for air circulation but can be a pain to clean otherwise.
🧈 5. Features That Actually Matter
It’s easy to get swept away by touchscreens and flashing lights, but here’s what really counts:
✅ Preset cooking programs: Great for convenience.
✅ Temperature range (90°F–400°F): The wider, the better.
✅ Preheat and reheat functions: Game-changers for leftovers.
✅ Pause or shake reminder: Keeps your fries evenly crispy.
Discover the Tastee Sensor Magic Air Fryer — 8-in-1, fast, and oil-light cooking made easy. Crispy meals, effortless cleanup, every time. It even syncs with your phone, where you can use apps, because of course it does.
🌱 6. Bonus Tip: Choose Energy-Efficient Models
Since air fryers already use less oil and energy than ovens, you’re halfway to being eco-friendly just by owning one.
But if you want to go the extra mile, look for models with auto shut-off and efficient watt usage. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.
🍩 7. The Taste Test (Our Favorite Models)
Model
Ninja DZ401 DualZone
Why we love it
8 qt
Capcity
COSORI Pro II
Affiliate link
5.8 qt
6 qt
Instant Vortex Plus
Cook two meals at once
Great presets, easy cleanup
Reliable, quiet, stylish
Philips Premium XXL
7 qt
Best for serious cooks
If you’re still not sure where to start, here are a few all-stars to check out:
(We may earn a small commission when you shop through these links — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for keeping the oven light on at RecipeBloom!)
🥳 Final Thoughts: Air Fryer Happiness Awaits
Choosing the right air fryer isn’t about chasing the fanciest model — it’s about finding the one that fits your kitchen, your meals, and your lifestyle.
Whether you’re crisping veggies, reviving yesterday’s pizza, or mastering that first batch of golden fries, the right air fryer can turn “What’s for dinner?” into “Oh wow, that was easy.”
So go ahead — make space on your counter, plug it in, and prepare to fall in love with cooking all over again.
After all, life’s too short for soggy fries. 😉
📬 Join the RecipeBloom Kitchen Club
Subscribe for more easy recipes, product picks, and cooking tips that keep your kitchen blooming with flavor — straight to your inbox (and always freshly baked).