Best Air Fryers Tested Our Honest Performance Evaluation

If you're tired of greasy food but still crave that crispy goodness, air fryers are your kitchen's new best friend. We’ve tested the top models on the market to bring you real insights—no fluff, just honest performance evaluation backed by data.

Why Air Fryers Are Worth It

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food, giving you that fried texture with up to 85% less oil. According to a 2023 consumer report, over 42% of U.S. households now own an air fryer, and sales have grown by 15% year-over-year.

Our Top 5 Picks (2024)

We evaluated each model based on cooking performance, ease of use, noise level, cleanup, and value for money. Here’s how they stack up:

Performance Breakdown

The Ninja Foodi DualZone stands out with its dual-basket design—perfect for cooking two dishes at once without flavor transfer. It’s our pick for families or meal preppers.

Meanwhile, the Philips Premium HD9650 delivers the crispiest results thanks to its patented TurboStar technology. However, it comes at a premium price and has a smaller basket.

Budget buyers love the Instant Vortex Plus. At $99, it offers solid performance and a roomy 6L capacity, though it runs slightly louder and takes longer to cook.

Pro Tips for Better Results

• Preheat when possible – Just like an oven, preheating boosts crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket – Leave space for air circulation.
• Shake halfway through – Ensures even browning.
• Use a light oil spray – Enhances texture without adding fat.

Final Verdict

If you want the best overall experience, go with the Ninja Foodi DualZone. For golden-crisp fries and willing to splurge, the Philips HD9650 is unmatched. But if you’re after value, the Instant Vortex Plus gives you more bang for your buck.

No matter which you choose, switching to an air fryer means healthier meals without sacrificing flavor. And really, isn’t that what we all want?