Welcome to our comprehensive guide on finding the best countertop air fryer for your kitchen! Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier and often faster alternative to traditional frying methods. These versatile appliances allow you to enjoy crispy, delicious meals with significantly less oil, making them a must-have for any modern home chef. Whether you’re looking to crisp up some fries, roast vegetables, or even bake a small cake, a good countertop air fryer can handle it all. We’ve meticulously reviewed some of the top models on the market, focusing on performance, features, capacity, and overall value, to help you make an informed decision and bring home the perfect kitchen companion.
Quick Product Comparison
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Our Top 5 Best Countertop Air Fryer Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 26QT Capacity with Digital Controls, Stainless Steel.
The Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven truly stands out as a top contender for the best countertop air fryer. Its generous 26QT capacity and elegant French door design make it a focal point in any kitchen, combining style with serious functionality. This appliance is more than just an air fryer; it’s a versatile multi-cooker designed to elevate a wide range of meals, from quick snacks to family-sized roasts.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Versatile 10-in-1 Functions: This appliance goes beyond air frying, offering capabilities for roasting, baking, broiling, toasting, dehydrating, and more.
- ✓ 26QT Large Capacity: Easily accommodates a whole chicken, multiple trays of snacks, or a family meal, perfect for entertaining or daily cooking.
- ✓ Digital Controls with Presets: Intuitive digital display and numerous one-touch presets simplify cooking a variety of dishes.
- ✓ French Door Design: Enhances kitchen aesthetics and makes loading and unloading food much easier.
- ✓ Dual-Speed Fan with 360° Air Circulation: Ensures even cooking and superior crisping results every time.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven for its exceptional versatility and impressive capacity. It’s an ideal choice for larger families or anyone who loves to cook and entertain, providing consistent, perfectly cooked food with ease. The digital controls and various cooking functions mean you can experiment with confidence, always achieving great results.
Best For
This air fryer is best for large families, avid home cooks, and those who frequently host gatherings, offering a powerful and stylish all-in-one cooking solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 26QT capacity handles big meals
- Highly versatile with multiple cooking functions
- Stylish French door design adds kitchen appeal
- Digital controls and presets for user-friendly operation
- Achieves excellent crisping and even cooking
Cons:
- Requires significant counter space
- Higher price point compared to smaller models
- Initial learning curve for all its various functions
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I absolutely adore this Emeril air fryer! The French doors are so convenient, and it fits so much food. Air-fried chicken comes out incredibly crispy, and I’ve even roasted a small turkey perfectly. It’s like having a second oven that cooks faster and healthier.” – Sarah L.
Customer Review: “This appliance has replaced several others on my counter. The digital controls are easy to use, and I love how quickly it preheats. My toast is always perfect, and I use it daily for everything from reheating leftovers to baking cookies. A fantastic all-in-one!” – Mark T.
2. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill and Convection Bake, Large Capacity, Stainless Steel.
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill and Convection Bake earns our Editor’s Choice for its incredible versatility and robust performance, making it a strong contender for the best countertop air fryer. This stainless steel powerhouse combines multiple cooking functions, including a unique grilling feature, all in one stylish and compact appliance. It’s designed to handle a wide array of cooking tasks, simplifying meal prep for any home.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Multi-Functionality with Grill: Offers air fry, toast, convection bake, and a dedicated grill function for added cooking options.
- ✓ Spacious Large Capacity: Large enough to toast 6 slices of bread, air fry 3 lbs of chicken wings, or bake a 12-inch pizza.
- ✓ 1800-Watt Power: Provides quick heating and efficient cooking for excellent results.
- ✓ Adjustable Controls: Features an adjustable temperature dial, 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff, and a precise toast shade selector.
- ✓ Durable Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures longevity and easy cleaning, complementing modern kitchen aesthetics.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this Cuisinart model for its exceptional versatility, especially the integrated grill function which is a rare find in air fryer toaster ovens. It performs admirably across all its settings, providing consistent and delicious results. This appliance is perfect for those who want a reliable, multi-functional kitchen tool from a trusted brand.
Best For
Ideal for home cooks who desire multiple cooking methods, including grilling, and appreciate a large capacity appliance from a reputable brand for daily family meals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique integrated grill function for diverse recipes
- Generous capacity for family-sized portions
- Reliable and consistent performance across all modes
- Durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
- Precise control dials for tailored cooking
Cons:
- Can be bulky on smaller countertops
- Grill function might require extra cleaning effort
- May be a higher initial investment
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This Cuisinart Air Fryer, toaster oven, with grill is amazing. It absolutely works great. We purchased this after finding out that some of the ones with plastic were putting toxic fumes into our food. It was easy to use and set up. We don’t need the giant toaster that we had because we can do it all in this unit.” – Verified Purchaser
Customer Review: “I spent more money than I wanted to replace my old worn out toaster oven but this thing does everything. Toasting, baking, air frying even frozen food. It works really great, simple operation, lots of racks, cleans up nice and all stainless inside and out.” – Happy Cooker
3. CHEFMAN Air Fryer Convection Oven featuring Rotisserie and Dehydrator, 10L Capacity, Black.
If you’re on a budget but still want a highly versatile and efficient appliance, the CHEFMAN Air Fryer Convection Oven is an excellent choice for the best countertop air fryer in its class. This 10L capacity model doesn’t just air fry; it also features a rotisserie and dehydrator, offering incredible value without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to expand their cooking repertoire affordably.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 5-in-1 Versatility: Functions as an air fryer, convection oven, rotisserie, dehydrator, and roaster.
- ✓ 10L Capacity: Sufficient for individuals, couples, or small families, fitting various dishes.
- ✓ Rapid Air Heating: Cooks food faster than traditional ovens, often eliminating the need for preheating.
- ✓ Healthier Cooking: Achieves crispy results using up to 98% less oil compared to traditional deep frying.
- ✓ Intuitive Digital Display: Easy-to-use controls and presets for straightforward operation.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the CHEFMAN Air Fryer Convection Oven because it provides impressive multi-functionality and efficiency at a very attractive price point. It’s a fantastic entry-level or budget-friendly option for anyone wanting to explore air frying, dehydrating, and even rotisserie cooking without a significant investment.
Best For
This air fryer is best for budget-conscious buyers, individuals, small families, or those new to air frying who want a versatile appliance with extra features like rotisserie and dehydrator.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money with multiple functions
- Includes unique rotisserie and dehydrator capabilities
- Quick cooking with no preheating required
- Promotes healthier eating with minimal oil
- Compact design for its feature set
Cons:
- 10L capacity might be small for larger families
- Accessories might need separate storage
- Might take a bit to master all the different functions
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I can’t believe how much this air fryer does for the price! The rotisserie chicken comes out perfect every time, and I’ve started dehydrating fruits for healthy snacks. It’s been a game-changer for my healthy eating goals. So easy to clean too!” – Alex K.
Customer Review: “For anyone looking for an affordable air fryer that does a lot, this is it. It heats up so fast, and everything I’ve cooked has been perfectly crispy. I love not having to use my big oven for smaller meals. It’s a great space and energy saver.” – Emily R.
4. Ninja Air Fry Countertop Oven featuring a Space-Saving Flip-Up Design and XL Capacity, Silver.
The Ninja Air Fry Countertop Oven is a game-changer for anyone with limited counter space, making it a strong contender for the best countertop air fryer when space is a premium. Its innovative flip-up design allows for vertical storage, freeing up valuable kitchen real estate when not in use. Beyond its smart design, this XL capacity oven offers 8-in-1 versatility, ensuring you can cook almost anything with precision and less fat.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Space-Saving Flip-Up Design: Stores vertically to reclaim over 50% of your counter space when flipped up.
- ✓ 8-in-1 Versatility: Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Bagel, Toast, Dehydrate, and Keep Warm functions.
- ✓ Digital Crisp Control Technology: Precision-controlled temperature, heat source, and airflow for ultimate cooking performance.
- ✓ XL Capacity: Fits a 13-inch pizza, up to 9 slices of toast, or 4 lbs of air-fried food.
- ✓ Up to 75% Less Fat: Enjoy your favorite fried foods with significantly reduced fat content.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Ninja Air Fry Countertop Oven especially for those with smaller kitchens or limited counter space. Its ingenious flip-up design is unmatched, and its 8-in-1 functionality delivers exceptional cooking results across the board. It’s an efficient, healthy, and incredibly practical appliance.
Best For
Perfect for small apartments, dorms, or kitchens where counter space is a major concern, and for individuals or small families desiring a versatile, compact, and powerful cooking tool.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique flip-up design saves significant counter space
- Highly versatile with 8 cooking functions
- Excellent crisping and even cooking results
- Promotes healthier cooking with less oil
- Quick preheating and cooking times
Cons:
- XL capacity might still be insufficient for very large families
- Can be a bit heavy to flip up consistently
- Cleaning inside crevices can be tricky
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer has completely transformed how I cook at home. With its 8‑in‑1 functionality 🍳, I can toast, bake, air fry, broil, and more — all in one compact appliance. The results are consistently delicious, whether I’m making crispy fries, roasting veggies, or baking cookies.” – Olivia M.
Customer Review: “Great air fryer. Works well and saves on time compared to oven. I love the flip-up feature, it really helps when you have limited counter space. Everything cooks evenly and fast.” – David P.
5. Nuwave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Convection Oven, 30-QT Capacity with Precise Temperature Controls, Stainless Steel.
The Nuwave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Convection Oven, with its impressive 30-QT capacity, is designed for those who need serious cooking power and precision, making it a strong contender for the best countertop air fryer for larger households. This stainless steel marvel boasts an integrated digital temperature probe and 112 built-in presets, offering unparalleled control and convenience for a wide range of culinary tasks. It’s an ideal choice for replacing or supplementing a full-sized oven.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 30-QT Capacity: Large enough to cook a full-size turkey or multiple dishes simultaneously.
- ✓ Integrated Digital Temperature Probe: Ensures food reaches perfect internal temperatures for precise cooking results.
- ✓ Precise Temperature Controls: Allows for adjustments on-the-fly and maintains consistent temperatures for perfect cooking.
- ✓ 112 Built-in Presets: Offers a vast array of pre-programmed cooking functions for various dishes.
- ✓ 4 Rack Positions: Provides flexibility for cooking different items and achieving optimal browning.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Nuwave Bravo for its exceptional capacity and advanced precision features. It’s a robust appliance perfect for large families or anyone who appreciates precise control over their cooking. The integrated temperature probe alone sets it apart, ensuring your meals are always cooked to perfection.
Best For
This air fryer is best for large families, serious home cooks, or anyone who frequently prepares big meals and desires an appliance with advanced features for precise, consistent results.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very large 30-QT capacity for substantial meals
- Integrated temperature probe guarantees perfect doneness
- Highly precise and adjustable temperature control
- Extensive number of built-in cooking presets
- Versatile with 4 flexible rack positions
Cons:
- Requires a significant amount of counter space
- Can be more expensive than smaller models
- Might have a steeper learning curve due to many features
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The Nuwave Bravo is truly a fantastic oven! The 30-quart capacity is perfect for my family of six, and the temperature probe is a game-changer for roasting meats. Everything comes out perfectly cooked and juicy. It’s become my go-to for almost every meal.” – Susan P.
Customer Review: “I hesitated because of the size, but this air fryer toaster oven is incredible. It handles large batches of fries, roasts chickens beautifully, and the ability to adjust settings mid-cook is so convenient. It heats up quickly and saves me from using my main oven often.” – Robert G.
Complete Buying Guide for Best Countertop Air Fryer
Essential Factors We Consider
When searching for the best countertop air fryer, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. We prioritize several key factors to ensure you make a choice that truly fits your lifestyle. First, capacity is crucial; consider your household size and typical meal portions. A solo diner might prefer a compact 2-4 quart model, while a family needs 6 quarts or more, or even a larger oven-style air fryer. Next, think about cooking functions. Many air fryers today are multi-functional, doubling as toaster ovens, dehydrators, rotisseries, or even grills. Decide which extra features would genuinely enhance your cooking experience. Digital versus manual controls also plays a role; digital offers precision and presets, while manual dials can be simpler for basic tasks. We also look at the appliance’s size and footprint – will it comfortably fit on your counter without monopolizing space? Lastly, ease of cleaning is paramount; removable, dishwasher-safe components are always a huge plus, as is the overall build quality and brand reputation for durability.
Budget Planning
Budget is a practical consideration for any kitchen appliance. The price range for the best countertop air fryer can vary significantly, from under $100 for basic models to over $300 for premium, multi-functional units. Entry-level air fryers are excellent for simple air frying tasks and offer a great starting point if you’re new to the technology. Mid-range options often include more presets, larger capacities, and additional functions like baking or roasting. High-end air fryer ovens typically combine a vast array of features, superior build quality, and advanced cooking technology, often replacing several other appliances. Consider how frequently you’ll use the air fryer and what features are non-negotiable for you. Investing a little more in a durable, versatile model can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for other single-purpose gadgets and ensuring consistent performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best countertop air fryer is an exciting step towards healthier, more convenient cooking. By considering capacity, desired functions, ease of use, and your budget, you can narrow down the options and find a model that perfectly complements your kitchen and culinary habits. Remember, the right air fryer isn’t just about frying; it’s about unlocking a world of fast, delicious, and often guilt-free meals. Don’t be afraid to read reviews, compare features, and imagine how each appliance will integrate into your daily routine. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes a countertop air fryer different from a regular oven?
A: A countertop air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air at high speeds, similar to a convection oven but typically in a more compact space and at a higher intensity. This results in faster cooking times and a much crispier exterior compared to a traditional oven, often with significantly less oil than deep frying.
Q: How do I choose the right size air fryer?
A: The right size depends on your household and cooking habits. For 1-2 people, a 2-4 quart model is usually sufficient. For 3-4 people, look for 5-8 quarts. For larger families or if you plan to cook whole chickens or bigger meals, an air fryer oven with 10 quarts or more (like a 26QT or 30QT model) would be more appropriate. Also, consider your available counter space.
Q: Are countertop air fryers healthy?
A: Yes, air frying is generally considered a healthier cooking method than traditional deep frying. Air fryers use hot air to achieve a crispy texture, requiring only a fraction of the oil (or no oil at all) compared to submerging food in hot oil. This drastically reduces the fat and calorie content of your meals.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a countertop air fryer?
A: It depends on the capacity of the air fryer. Smaller basket-style air fryers typically cannot fit a whole chicken. However, many larger air fryer toaster oven models (like those with 10L, 26QT, or 30QT capacity) are designed to accommodate a whole chicken, especially with rotisserie functions available in some models.
Q: How do I clean my countertop air fryer?
A: Cleaning varies by model, but most air fryers have removable parts (like baskets, trays, and racks) that are non-stick and often dishwasher-safe. For the main unit, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after it has cooled completely. Always refer to your appliance’s user manual for specific cleaning instructions.
There you have it – our top picks and a comprehensive guide to finding the best countertop air fryer for your home! Each model offers a unique set of features tailored to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize massive capacity, space-saving design, budget-friendliness, or advanced cooking functions, there’s a perfect air fryer waiting for you. Don’t wait to upgrade your kitchen and enjoy healthier, crispier meals with ease. Click on your favorite product links above to learn more and bring home your new culinary powerhouse today!
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I’m Emma J. Caldwell, the founder, lead writer, and home-cooking enthusiast behind KitchenGuideCo.com. With a background in culinary arts and over a decade of cooking experience in both professional and personal kitchens, I created this platform to demystify recipes, offer smart kitchen gadget reviews, and guide readers through meal prep with confidence and clarity.
