Best Air Fryers According to Consumer Reports in 2025: Top Choices for Every Kitchen

What You'll Find in This Article

• Top-rated air fryers based on rigorous testing
• Quick comparison of features and performance
• Buying guide: what to look for in an air fryer
• FAQs about air fryer use and maintenance
• Special deals and best values

Quick Answer: The Best Air Fryers of 2025

Looking for the absolute best air fryer on the market? After analyzing extensive testing data, the Ninja DualZone XL takes our top spot for its exceptional versatility, cooking performance, and value. For budget-conscious shoppers, the Cosori Pro LE offers impressive performance at a more accessible price point. Keep reading for our complete breakdown and recommendations!

Why Air Fryers Have Become Kitchen Essentials

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying while delivering crispy, delicious results. These countertop appliances use circulating hot air to cook food with minimal oil, reducing fat content by up to 75% compared to conventional frying methods.

At Bargain Boxed, we've seen firsthand how air fryers have transformed from trendy gadgets to essential kitchen appliances. Their popularity continues to soar as more home cooks discover the convenience, versatility, and health benefits they provide.

Top Air Fryers Based on Consumer Reports Testing

1. Ninja DualZone XL Air Fryer

Capacity: 8 quarts Key Features:

• Dual independent cooking zones
• Smart Finish feature for synchronized cooking
• 6 versatile cooking programs
• Dishwasher-safe parts

The Ninja DualZone XL earns top marks for its innovative dual-basket design that allows you to cook two different foods simultaneously. Consumer Reports testing shows it delivers consistently crispy results with excellent temperature accuracy. We love how the Smart Finish feature coordinates cooking times so everything finishes at once—perfect for complete meal preparation.

2. Cosori Pro LE Air Fryer

Capacity: 5.8 quarts Key Features:

• 12 one-touch cooking functions
• Shake reminder function
• Preheat and keep warm functions
• Dishwasher-safe components

The Cosori Pro LE stands out for delivering premium performance at a mid-range price point. Testing reveals exceptional temperature consistency and cooking evenness. The shake reminder function helps ensure perfectly crispy results by prompting you when it's time to redistribute food for even cooking.

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

Capacity: 6 quarts Key Features:

• 6 built-in smart programs
• EvenCrisp technology for crispy, tender results
• Clear status display
• Minimal preheating time

The Instant Vortex Plus impresses with its rapid preheating and efficient cooking. Testing indicates it produces some of the most evenly cooked foods among all models tested. The intuitive interface makes operation straightforward even for air fryer beginners.

4. Philips Premium Airfryer XXL

Capacity: 7 quarts Key Features:

• Fat removal technology
• Digital display with 5 preset cooking programs
• Rapid air technology for even cooking
• Dishwasher-safe removable parts

The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL earns high marks for its unique fat removal technology that separates and captures excess fat. Consumer Reports testing confirms it produces exceptionally crispy exteriors while maintaining juicy interiors. Though higher priced than some competitors, its durability and performance justify the investment.

5. GoWISE USA 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer

Capacity: 5.8 quarts Key Features:

• 8 cooking presets
• Start/stop button for changing settings mid-cook
• Wide temperature range (180°F-400°F)
• Recipe book included

The GoWISE USA model offers impressive versatility at an affordable price point. Testing shows it provides reliable performance with good temperature accuracy. We particularly appreciate the ability to adjust settings during cooking without restarting the entire cycle.

Air Fryer Comparison: Key Features and Performance

Model	Capacity	Temperature Accuracy	Cooking Evenness	Noise Level	Ease of Cleaning	Price Range
Ninja DualZone XL	8 quarts	Excellent	Excellent	Moderate	Very Good	$$$
Cosori Pro LE	5.8 quarts	Very Good	Excellent	Low	Excellent	$$
Instant Vortex Plus	6 quarts	Excellent	Very Good	Low	Good	$$
Philips Premium XXL	7 quarts	Excellent	Excellent	Moderate	Very Good	$$$$
GoWISE USA 8-in-1	5.8 quarts	Good	Good	Low	Good	$

Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Air Fryer

Capacity

Consider how many people you'll typically cook for:

• Small (2-3 quarts): Ideal for 1-2 people
• Medium (3-5 quarts): Good for families of 3-4
• Large (6+ quarts): Best for larger families or entertaining

Cooking Functions

Many modern air fryers offer multiple cooking functions beyond air frying, including:

• Roasting
• Baking
• Grilling
• Dehydrating
• Reheating

Ease of Cleaning

Look for:

• Dishwasher-safe components
• Non-stick surfaces
• Removable parts for thorough cleaning

Controls and Programming

Consider whether you prefer:

• Digital controls with preset programs
• Simple manual dials for temperature and time
• Smart features with app connectivity

Footprint and Storage

Measure your counter space and storage area before purchasing. Some models have a smaller footprint but taller profile, while others are wider but shorter.

Air Fryer Maintenance and Longevity Tips

To maximize the lifespan of your air fryer:

1. Clean after each use to prevent buildup that can affect performance
2. Avoid metal utensils that might scratch non-stick surfaces
3. Allow proper ventilation during operation
4. Check and clean the heating element periodically
5. Don't overload the basket, as this restricts airflow and reduces effectiveness

Air fryers are designed for durability when properly maintained. Many models continue to perform excellently even beyond their warranty periods.

Getting the Most From Your Air Fryer: Pro Tips

• Always preheat for 3-5 minutes before adding food
• Spray or toss food with a small amount of oil for optimal crispiness
• Shake or flip food halfway through cooking for even results
• Leave space between food items to allow air circulation
• Use parchment paper liners for easier cleanup with sticky or drippy foods
• Experiment with different temperatures and times to find your perfect settings

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryers

How do air fryers compare to conventional ovens?

Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens due to their smaller size and powerful air circulation. They typically use less energy and don't heat up your kitchen as much. For most smaller meals and snacks, an air fryer is more efficient.

Are air-fried foods actually healthier?

Yes! Air-fried foods contain up to 75% less fat than traditionally fried foods while maintaining similar taste and texture. Using an air fryer eliminates the need for excessive oil while achieving crispy, delicious results.

Can I cook frozen foods in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods like french fries, chicken wings, and mozzarella sticks. You rarely need to thaw before cooking, making them perfect for quick meals.

How long do air fryers typically last?

With proper care and maintenance, a quality air fryer should last 2-5 years or more. Higher-end models with better build quality generally have longer lifespans.

Do I need to clean my air fryer after every use?

We recommend cleaning the basket and tray after each use to prevent food residue buildup. However, a more thorough cleaning of all components can be done weekly for regular users.

Why Shop at Bargain Boxed for Kitchen Appliances

At Bargain Boxed, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality kitchen appliances at unbeatable prices. Our direct-to-consumer model allows us to pass significant savings on to you. We maintain lower costs by operating efficiently and eliminating unnecessary expenses—that's why we can offer such competitive pricing without memberships or subscription fees.

Our constantly rotating inventory means we're always featuring new deals on premium kitchen appliances. While we can't list specific availability of air fryers at any given time due to our dynamic inventory model, we encourage you to check our website frequently for the best deals on quality air fryers and other kitchen essentials.

The Bottom Line: Best Air Fryer Recommendations for 2025

Best Overall: The Ninja DualZone XL provides unmatched versatility and performance, making it our top recommendation for most households.

Best Value: The Cosori Pro LE offers nearly premium performance at a mid-range price point, representing exceptional value.

Best Budget Option: The GoWISE USA 8-in-1 provides solid performance and features at an entry-level price.

Best for Large Families: The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL's generous capacity and excellent performance make it ideal for cooking larger quantities.

Best for Small Spaces: The Instant Vortex Plus delivers excellent results with a reasonably compact footprint.

Air fryers have transformed from trendy gadgets to kitchen essentials, and with good reason. They offer a healthier cooking method, incredible convenience, and versatile functionality that complements modern lifestyles. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a family, there's an air fryer on our list that will meet your needs perfectly.

Remember to consider your specific requirements regarding capacity, features, and budget when making your selection. With the right air fryer, you'll enjoy faster cooking times, healthier meals, and delicious results for years to come.