Types of Air Fryers

Different air fryer designs offer unique features that address a range of kitchen needs and meal sizes.

Choosing the right style affects how much food can be cooked at once, the types of dishes prepared, and overall convenience.

Basket Air Fryers

Basket air fryers are the most common style found in home kitchens.

They feature a pull-out basket where food is placed, and hot air circulates rapidly for even cooking.

Typically, these models are compact, making them a space-saving option for countertops in small to medium kitchens.

A basket air fryer excels at preparing single-layer foods like fries, chicken tenders, fish sticks, and roasted vegetables.

The basket design allows excess fat to drip away, contributing to healthier results with less oil.

Most units feature straightforward controls—usually dial or digital—and some include preset cooking programs for popular foods.

Cleaning tends to be simple thanks to nonstick, dishwasher-safe baskets.

However, the single-layer cooking space can limit batch size, making these best suited for individuals or small families.

For those who want fast results with little fuss, basket air fryers offer reliable, crisp results with minimal cleanup.

Oven-Style Air Fryers

Oven-style air fryers resemble miniature convection ovens, typically offering more cooking space and versatility.

They feature multiple racks or shelves, allowing several trays of food to cook simultaneously.

This design suits families or those who prepare meals in larger quantities.

Many oven air fryers come with a variety of accessories such as trays, rotisserie spits, or baking pans, expanding the range of possible recipes—from crispy chicken wings to baked goods.

Cooking racks allow different foods to cook at once and often have adjustable heights for flexibility.

A glass door provides visibility so users can monitor progress without opening the unit.

Oven-style models usually include advanced controls and more preset programs, but their larger size takes up additional counter space.

Some units can function as a toaster oven, dehydrator, or broiler as well, giving them multipurpose kitchen appeal.

For those who want the convenience of air frying with the options of roasting and baking, oven-style air fryers are a strong choice.

Dual-Basket Air Fryers

A dual-basket air fryer features two separate baskets, enabling users to cook two different foods at the same time with independent temperature and timer controls.

This type is ideal for families or meal preppers who want to prepare main dishes and sides together without mixing flavors or interrupting the cooking process.

Dual-basket designs commonly offer a large overall capacity, split between the two sections.

Many models include features like “sync finish” or “match cook,” letting either basket finish cooking at the same time even if they start separately.

This ensures meal components are hot and ready together.

Cleaning is relatively straightforward, with both baskets and crisper plates typically being dishwasher safe.

For busy households seeking time-saving or efficient meal prep, dual-basket air fryers deliver a flexible and practical solution.

Popular brands like Ninja offer models that consistently perform well in expert testing and consumer reviews, according to Food & Wine’s air fryer guide.

Top Air Fryers in 2025

With a range of innovative technologies and standout features, air fryers in 2025 cater to every kitchen and budget.

Leading brands offer models focused on efficient cooking, durability, size options, and consistent results.

Best Overall Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer is frequently recommended for its balance of performance, price, and user-friendly interface.

Known for even cooking and quick preheat times, it is versatile enough for fries, proteins, and baked goods.

The 6-quart size suits most families while remaining compact enough to fit on typical countertops.

Customers praise its easy-to-clean basket and intuitive digital controls.

Key features include multiple preset options, a powerful 1700-watt heating element, and a clear display panel.

In side-by-side tests, its crisping function outperformed many competitors, yielding excellent texture with minimal oil usage.

This makes it a strong choice for health-conscious cooks.

Best Budget Air Fryer

Those seeking value without sacrificing results often turn to the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer.

This model delivers reliable air frying with a smaller footprint and simple controls.

With a 5-quart capacity and energy-efficient performance, it is ideal for smaller households or kitchens with limited space.

Despite a lower price tag, it provides essential functions like adjustable temperature, timer settings, and dishwasher-safe accessories.

The Cosori air fryer is known for quiet operation and a lightweight design, making it easy to move or store.

It achieves crisp, evenly cooked food, earning it a place among affordable models that do not compromise on taste or convenience.

Best Premium Air Fryer

For cooks who prioritize advanced features and more versatility, the Breville Smart Oven Air is a leading option. This high-end appliance offers a spacious interior that can handle family-size meals or multiple dishes at once.

It combines air frying, toasting, roasting, baking, and dehydrating, effectively replacing several kitchen gadgets. The Breville features a powerful convection system, digital presets, and Element IQ technology for precise heat control.

Stainless steel construction and a large LCD make it both durable and easy to use. It appeals to those looking for an air fryer that delivers professional-level results and seamless multitasking in the kitchen.