Air Fryer Reviews: 8 Top-Rated Models Tested and Scored
We evaluated 8 of the most popular air fryers across 5 criteria: cooking performance, material safety, value, versatility, and ease of use. Each model gets a detailed breakdown with pros, cons, and who it is best for.
How We Evaluate Air Fryers
Every air fryer is scored on 5 weighted criteria. We combine data from published testing (Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping, TODAY), Amazon review analysis, and material safety research.
25%
Performance
Cooking quality, crispiness, evenness
20%
Safety
Material toxicity, PFAS, coating durability
20%
Value
Price vs features, long-term cost
20%
Versatility
Cooking modes, capacity, multi-use
15%
Ease
Setup, controls, cleaning, maintenance
Category Winners
Best Overall
TEVOLUX 4-in-1
Best material safety + dual-bowl versatility + cook-to-storage system
Best Value
Cosori TurboBlaze
Highest performance-per-dollar with ceramic coating
Best for Families
Ninja DualZone DZ201
Proven dual-basket design with 56,000+ positive reviews
Safest Material
TEVOLUX 4-in-1
100% glass -- zero PFAS, zero chemical leaching
Most Versatile
Instant Vortex Plus 10-QT
10-in-1 with rotisserie, dehydrate, and 10-QT capacity
Best Compact
Ninja Pro AF141
Wirecutter #1 pick, 5-QT in a small footprint
Detailed Reviews
TEVOLUX 4-in-1 Glass
Pros
- 100% glass - safest material available
- Dual bowls with storage lids
- Dishwasher safe, nothing sticks
- See food cook in real time
- 1500W with even heat distribution
Cons
- Lower max temp (360°F) than some competitors
- Newer brand, fewer reviews
- Higher price than budget models
- Glass bowls are heavier than plastic baskets
Best for: Health-conscious families, meal preppers, anyone who wants zero chemical exposure
$159.88
Cosori TurboBlaze 6-QT
Pros
- Best-in-class performance at sub-$100 price
- Ceramic coating (PFOA-free)
- 5 fan speeds for different cooking styles
- App with 130+ recipes
- Wirecutter runner-up
Cons
- Ceramic coating degrades over 1-2 years
- Still contains some nonstick chemicals
- Cookie baking scored lower in testing
- No viewing window
Best for: Budget-conscious cooks who want top performance without spending $150+
$89.99
Ninja DualZone DZ201
Pros
- Two independent baskets, cook two foods at once
- Smart Finish syncs both baskets
- 56,000+ reviews prove reliability
- 6-in-1 cooking functions
- Up to 450°F Max Crisp
Cons
- Nonstick coating (PFAS concerns)
- Large footprint (13.9" x 15.6")
- Each basket is only 4-QT
- Coating wears over time
Best for: Families who cook multiple dishes every night
$169.99
Ninja Pro AF141
Pros
- Wirecutter #1 pick
- Excellent crispiness
- Compact and simple
- Very easy to use
- Great price for Ninja quality
Cons
- Only 5-QT (small for families)
- Nonstick coating
- Only 4 functions
- No window or app
Best for: Singles or couples who want reliable, no-fuss air frying
$79.99
Instant Vortex Plus 10-QT
Pros
- 10-in-1 with rotisserie
- Massive 10-QT capacity
- Budget-friendly for the size
- Dehydrate function works well
Cons
- Uneven fry results in testing
- Large footprint
- Nonstick coated
- Shelf design takes getting used to
Best for: Large families or cooks who want maximum versatility in one appliance
$109.99
Philips 2000 Series
Pros
- Excellent baking results
- RapidAir for even cooking
- 13 cooking functions
- Viewing window
- Quiet operation (67dB)
Cons
- Smaller capacity (4.4-QT)
- Premium price for single basket
- Nonstick basket
- Fewer reviews than competitors
Best for: Bakers and precision cooks who value quiet operation
$94.15
Instant Vortex ClearCook
Pros
- ClearCook window is genuinely useful
- OdorErase filter reduces smells
- Good cookie baking results
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Requires preheating (adds time)
- Noticeable noise
- Standard nonstick coating
- Some batter melted through tray in testing
Best for: Cooks who want to see food without opening (and without glass bowl)
$89.99
Chefman Compact 6-QT
Pros
- Amazon Best Seller #1
- Extremely affordable
- Hi-Fry for extra crispiness
- Compact footprint
- 35,000+ reviews
Cons
- Only 4 presets
- Basic nonstick coating
- No window or app
- Coating durability concerns
Best for: First-time buyers on a tight budget who want solid basics
$49.99
Master Comparison Table
| Feature | TEVOLUX 4-in-1 GlassBest Pick | Cosori TurboBlaze 6-QT | Ninja DualZone DZ201 | Ninja Pro AF141 | Instant Vortex Plus 10-QT | Philips 2000 Series | Instant Vortex ClearCook | Chefman Compact 6-QT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Performance | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Material Safety | 10/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 5.5/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Value | 8/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Versatility | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 9.5/10 | 8/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Price | $159.88 | $89.99 | $169.99 | $79.99 | $109.99 | $94.15 | $89.99 | $49.99 |
Material Safety: The Differentiator
Material safety is where the biggest score gaps appear. 6 of 8 models use standard nonstick coatings (scoring 5/10), 1 uses ceramic (7/10), and 1 uses glass (10/10). This single criterion changes the overall ranking significantly.
If you remove material safety from the scoring, the Cosori TurboBlaze and Ninja DualZone would rank #1 and #2. With material safety included (which we believe is essential for a cooking appliance), the TEVOLUX glass system takes the top spot.
For the full science, read our air frying health guide.
TEVOLUX 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer
100% non-toxic glass bowls with dual-bowl cook-to-storage system
- +100% tempered glass bowls - PFAS-free, BPA-free, no Teflon
- +Dual bowl system (6.3QT + 4.4QT) with leak-proof storage lids
- +4-in-1: Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Reheat - 1500W power
- +Microwave, freezer & dishwasher safe glass
- +See-through cooking - monitor food without opening
Final Verdict
There is no single "best air fryer" for everyone. Your priority determines the right choice:
- Health & safety first: TEVOLUX 4-in-1 Glass ($159.88)
- Best performance per dollar: Cosori TurboBlaze ($89.99)
- Multi-dish family cooking: Ninja DualZone DZ201 ($169.99)
- Simple and reliable: Ninja Pro AF141 ($79.99)
- Maximum versatility: Instant Vortex Plus 10-QT ($109.99)