Best Air Fryers for 2025 — Quick Guide
Air fryers have surged in popularity as compact convection cookers that crisp food with circulating hot air. They’re not true frying, but they deliver crispy results with far less oil. Below is a concise guide to what they do, types, pros/cons, top picks and resources.
How an air fryer works
Air fryers combine a heating element and fan to circulate hot air rapidly, producing a crispy exterior. Most recipes use a light spray of oil. They often reach higher top temperatures than toaster ovens.
Types
- Convection oven-style: Larger, more versatile, better for roasts and multi-tray cooking, but require more counter space.
- Pod / basket-style: Compact, energy-efficient, often require shaking/turning food mid-cook; many parts are dishwasher-safe.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Less oil than deep-frying, energy-efficient, easy to clean, great for fries, wings, frozen snacks.
- Cons: Limited capacity, learning curve for timings, surface can brown before food is cooked through (use a meat thermometer for roasts/whole chickens).
Top picks (short summaries + Amazon search links)
- Instant Vortex Plus — Our current favorite: roomy, quick-heating, often includes a viewing window and useful presets. Amazon search: Instant Vortex Plus on Amazon
- Philips Premium Airfryer XXL — Large capacity and advanced controls; good for families. Amazon search: Philips Premium Airfryer XXL on Amazon
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 — Versatile multi-function unit with reliable performance. Amazon search: Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 on Amazon
- Ninja Double Stack XL — Two cooking compartments for simultaneous dishes; ideal for larger households. Amazon search: Ninja Double Stack XL on Amazon
Accessories & Cleaning
Useful extras: silicone-tipped tongs, silicon spatulas, perforated silicone mats, and a reusable oil mister. For cleaning, unplug and cool, hand-wash parts with warm soapy water (or use dishwasher if manufacturer-approved). Avoid metal scourers and harsh cleaners; use a baking-soda paste for stubborn grease.
Where to learn recipes
Start with your air fryer’s manual, then check recipe sites like BBC Good Food or Tom’s Guide for tested ideas. Search the web by adding “air fryer” to your favorite dish to find conversions.
How we test
We cook a range of foods—raw proteins, vegetables, frozen snacks—use preset programs, clean removable parts repeatedly, and note noise and exterior heat. Results vary by model based on heating speed and air distribution.
Further reading
Got a killer air fryer recipe or a model you want tested? Reply in the comments — we’ll try the most-requested model next.