Alright, so you’re thinking about getting an air fryer. It feels like everyone and their dog seems to have one, posting pictures of super crispy chicken wings and perfectly roasted veggies. And you’re sitting there with your regular oven wondering what you’re missing. Is it all just hype or is this a kitchen gadget that actually makes your life easier? The short answer is, it can be pretty great. It’s that magic box that sits on the counter promising perfectly crispy fries without you having to deep-fry anything in a giant vat of oil which is a mess.
Let’s get into what makes these things tick and which one might be the best air fryer for your home in 2025. Because not all air fryers are created equal, and the one your neighbor loves might not be the right fit for you at all. It really depends on what you cook, how many people you’re feeding, and how much counter space you’re willing to give up. We’re going to look at some of the good ones out there.
What’s the Big Deal with Air Fryers Anyway?
First off, an air fryer doesn’t really “fry” anything. That’s kind of the big secret. It’s basically a little oven that blasts super hot air around your food at a high speed. This is what makes the outside of your food get brown and crispy so fast. The main idea, generally, is that it cooks food quicker than a normal oven and gives you that crunchy texture without needing a ton of oil. This makes it a somewhat healthier way to get that fried food feeling.
There are two main types you will typically see. Basket style air fryers they are the most common. They have a removable basket you put the food in. Then there are the air fryer toaster oven combos. These look like a modern toaster oven and have trays instead of a basket, which gives you more space to spread food out. They also do other stuff like toasting and baking.
Top Picks for Best Air Fryer in 2025
Choosing the “best” is tough because everyone’s needs are different. But after looking at a bunch of them, some models just keep popping up for being reliable and doing a great job. These are some of the ones that are considered to be top contenders for home use this year.
The All-Around Champion
The Ninja Foodi DualZone is one that people really seem to like for a lot of reasons. It has two separate baskets. This is a big deal because you can cook two different things at once. Like, chicken in one basket and fries in the other. You can even set them to different temperatures and times, and there’s a button to make them finish at the same time. It’s pretty clever stuff. The capacity is good for a couple or a small family. It’s not just an air fryer either it can also roast, reheat, and dehydrate. Cleaning isn’t too bad, the baskets are usually non-stick and can go in the dishwasher.
Best for Big Families (or People Who Just Love Leftovers)
Then you have the bigger ones. If you’re cooking for four or more people, a small basket air fryer will just make you angry. The Cosori TurboBlaze 9-Quart is a serious machine. It’s got one giant basket, so you can fit a whole chicken in there or a massive amount of potatoes. It has a bunch of preset buttons for common foods, which is nice if you don’t want to guess the time and temp. The power on this thing is also pretty intense, so it cooks things very quickly. You have to be careful not to burn your food the first few times you use it. It’s a bit of a beast on the countertop, so make sure you have room for it.
The Budget-Friendly Option That Actually Works
Not everyone wants to drop a lot of money on another kitchen appliance. And that’s totally fine. The GoWISE USA 5.8-Quart is a great pick if you want a solid air fryer without a crazy price tag. It does what it’s supposed to do: it air fries food and does it well. The digital screen is easy to use, and it comes with a decent number of presets. It might not have the fancy dual-basket feature or the huge capacity of the others, but for everyday use for one or two people, it’s a solid choice that gets the job done.
Things to Think About Before You Buy
Before you click that “buy now” button, there are a few things to keep in your head. An air fryer is an investment in both money and counter space.
Capacity is a big deal. A 2-quart model is only good for one person. For a family of four, you want to look at something that is at least 6 quarts or more.
Basket or Oven Style? Baskets are great for shaking food like fries. Ovens are better for cooking on multiple racks and for foods you don’t want to toss around.
What else can it do? Some models just air fry. Others can bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and even proof bread. Think about if you’d actually use those other functions.
How easy is it to clean? This is a huge one. Look for non-stick baskets and parts that are dishwasher-safe. Some models have a lot of nooks and crannies that are a pain to scrub.
Is an Air Fryer Even Right for You?
Let’s be real for a second. An air fryer isn’t going to magically change your entire life. They are great for reheating pizza (way better than a microwave), making crispy frozen foods, and roasting vegetables quickly. But they are not perfect for everything. They take up a lot of space, like, a surprising amount of counter real estate. And if you have a really good convection oven already, an air fryer might not feel that different to you. Some things, like battered foods, can make a huge mess. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it’s only useful if it fits the jobs you need it for.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryers
What’s the best air fryer for a family of 4?
Normally something in the 6 to 8-quart range is a good bet for a family of four. This gives you enough room to cook a main dish or a large side without having to do multiple batches.
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes, you can, but you have to be smart about it. Don’t cover the bottom of the basket completely, because that will block the air from circulating. It’s best to put the foil under the food, and make sure it’s weighed down so it doesn’t fly around and hit the heating element.
Are air fryers hard to clean?
They can be. The basket and tray usually clean up easily, especially if they are non-stick and dishwasher safe. The inside of the machine itself can get greasy over time, and that part can be awkward to wipe down.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Most models recommend preheating for a few minutes. It helps your food cook more evenly and get crispier, just like with a regular oven. Some of the newer ones preheat super fast or have a preheat cycle built in.
What can you not cook in an air fryer?
You should normally avoid super wet batters, as they’ll just drip through the basket and make a mess. Large amounts of leafy greens like spinach can fly around. Also, things that need to be boiled or steamed obviously won’t work.
Key Takeaways
Air fryers are essentially small, powerful convection ovens that cook food fast with hot, circulating air.
The Ninja Foodi DualZone is great for cooking two different things at once for small families.
For larger families, a big-capacity model like the Cosori TurboBlaze 9-Quart is a better choice.
If you’re on a budget, the GoWISE USA models offer good performance for the price.
Think about size, functions, and how easy it is to clean before you decide which one to buy.
They are pretty neat for making crispy food and reheating leftovers, but they won’t replace your oven for every single meal.
