A rigorously evaluated appliance for dependable air frying. That’s the promise of the american test kitchen air fryer, and it’s one it largely delivers on. You get a machine built from their extensive testing, so you know it’s not just another trendy gadget. It’s designed to actually work well in your kitchen, not just look good on the counter.
We put it through it’s paces to see if it lives up to the hype. Can it really give you that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside result? Let’s dive into the details and find out if this is the air fryer that finally gets everything right.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best American Test Kitchen Air Fryer
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry,…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Gourmia French Door Air Fryer – 25 Qt Large…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic…
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9.2 |
Read Review |
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Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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Gourmia Air Fryer – 6 Qt Large Capacity, FryForce…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven,…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster…
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8.5 |
Read Review |
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Sweetcrispy 6QT Air Fryer with Window, Square Airfryer Oven…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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Gourmia Air Fryer – 14 Qt All-in-One Oven with…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 American Test Kitchen Air Fryer
Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141
The Ninja AF141 Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to simplify how you cook. It combines four functions in one compact unit: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. This means you can use it for a wide range of meals, from crispy snacks to roasted vegetables, even to making jerky or dried fruit. Its core Air Crisp Technology uses superheated air up to 400°F to surround your food, creating a hot, crispy texture with little to no oil needed compared to traditional deep frying.
With a 5-quart capacity, this air fryer is built for practicality. The nonstick basket and crisper plate can fit up to four pounds of french fries or five pounds of chicken wings, making it suitable for feeding a small family or preparing meals for gatherings. Despite its generous capacity, Ninja’s design is a space saver for your countertop, offering full functionality without taking up to much room. The unit operates on standard 120V power.
A key benefit is the ability to enjoy foods with less fat. Ninja states you can achieve up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods, a claim tested against deep-fried french fries. This allows for a more guilt-free approach to favorite foods like wings, fries, and other typically fried items. The appliance also excels at convenience, particularly with frozen foods. You can go from frozen to crispy in minutes, providing a quick solution for lunches, dinners, or unexpected cravings.
Gourmia French Door Air Fryer – 25 Qt Large Capacity Convection Oven, Fryfroce 360°, Digital Display with 17 Cooking Presets, Bake, Toast, Roast, Dehydrate, Fits 12” Pizza
Gourmia French Door Air Fryer – 25 Qt Large Capacity Convection Oven
This Gourmia French Door Air Fryer is designed to be a versatile countertop oven that can handle a wide variety of cooking tasks for you and your family. Its most noticable feature is the unique french door design. Instead of a single door that swings out, it has two doors that open from the center.
This makes it much easier to load and unload large items, like a full 12-inch pizza or a whole chicken, without having to maneuver around a hot door. The interior space is 25 quarts, which is substantial. You can fit six slices of toast on the rack or a full meal for several people all at once. When it comes to what it can do, this appliance is more than just an air fryer. It has 17 different cooking presets built right in to simplify the process.
Whether you want to bake cookies, roast vegetables, dehydrate fruits for snacks, or make crispy fries, theres a preset to get you started. The digital display is straightforward, letting you adjust the cooking time from 1 to 99 minutes and the temperature from 90 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for when you need precise control or want to use your own recipes. The core cooking technology is called FryForce 360. This is a 1700-watt convection system that circulates hot air rapidly around the food.
bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 3.3lb Capacity, Oatmilk
The Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer is designed for kitchens where counter space is precious. Its compact, sleek profile is built to tuck neatly onto a crowded counter, under a cabinet, or into a small apartment kitchen without sacrificing performance. It fits practically anywhere, giving you a full-featured appliance without the bulk.
This model saves significant space compared to older, boxier designs, so you can keep it out and ready to use every day.
At the heart of this air fryer is the EverGood ceramic nonstick coating. This is a key feature for both health and convenience. The coating is free from PFAS, PFOA, and other concerning materials, offering a safer cooking surface. Cleanup is remarkably straightforward—food releases easily, and the basket usually just needs a quick wipe or a simple rinse.
It takes the dread out of post-meal cleaning, which is a real win for busy weeknights.
Don’t let the slim exterior fool you; the interior basket has an XL capacity. It can handle up to 3.3 pounds of food, making it fully capable of preparing a meal for a family. You can cook a good-sized batch of french fries, several chicken breasts, or a whole salmon filet all in one go.
Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket – Black
The Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer is designed to make healthy, crispy meals a simple part of your routine. Its sleek, narrow build packs a full 6-quart capacity, perfect for serving 3 to 5 people, without taking over your entire counter. It fits neatly in cabinets too, which is a real bonus for smaller kitchens. Cooking is straightforward. The digital touchscreen lets you customize time and temperature precisely.
Or, you can use one of the four preset functions for a truly one-touch start. It heats up fast, so you can have a meal ready in minutes, not hours. The real standout is the 450°F Hi-Fry Technology. You activate it in the last two minutes of cooking to give foods like fries or chicken tenders that perfect, extra-crispy finish without needing a deep fryer. You’ll appreciate the focus on healthier eating.
This method uses little to no oil compared to traditional frying, so you can enjoy your favorite foods with less fat. The LED shake notification is a helpful feature—an audible alarm reminds you to give the basket a shake halfway through. This ensures everything cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides, which is key for great results. Clean-up is designed to be as easy as cooking. The nonstick basket and it’s rack are both dishwasher safe, so you can just pop them in after dinner.
Gourmia Air Fryer – 6 Qt Large Capacity, FryForce 360º, Digital Display with 12 Presets, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Dishwasher Safe Accessories, Black
The Gourmia Air Fryer – 6 Qt Large Capacity with FryForce 360° is designed for everyday cooking. It’s a versatile countertop appliance that aims to simplify how you prepare a wide variety of foods, from crispy snacks to full family meals. With a 6-quart capacity, this air fryer is well-suited for a household of three to four people. You can cook a main protein and sides together or make a large batch of appetizers for a gathering.
Its footprint is relatively compact for its capacity, measuring 14″ D x 11.5″ W x 13.5″ H, so it won’t dominate your kitchen counter. Despite it’s size, it uses 1500 watts of power for consistent cooking. A key feature is the FryForce 360° Technology. This system circulates hot air rapidly around the food from all angles. The goal is to achieve a crispy, golden exterior without needing to submerge food in oil.
You can enjoy favorites like french fries, chicken wings, or vegetable nuggets with a lighter touch. The temperature range is broad, from 90°F to 400°F, supporting everything from gentle dehydration to high-heat roasting. Operation is straightforward thanks to the digital display and 12 one-touch presets. Functions include Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate. These presets take the guesswork out of time and temperature settings for common dishes.
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ is a serious countertop appliance designed to replace several others in your kitchen. It combines the functions of an air fryer, convection oven, rotisserie, and dehydrator into a single, space-saving unit. This means you can air fry crispy fries, bake a small cake, roast a whole chicken on the rotisserie, or dehydrate fruits for snacks, all without switching devices.
The large 10-liter capacity is a key feature, making it practical for preparing family-sized meals or batch-cooking for the week ahead. You won’t need to cook in multiple small batches, which saves a significant amount of time.
Cooking with this appliance is notably faster than a traditional oven because it doesn’t require preheating. It uses rapid air technology to circulate hot air around your food, cooking it evenly and creating a crispy texture with far less oil.
In fact, you can achieve similar results to deep frying using up to 98% less oil, which is a straightforward way to make healthier versions of your favorite foods. The 17 one-touch presets on the capacitive touch screen take the guesswork out of cooking.
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 24 Cooking Functions and Digital Controls, 7 Accessories Included, Stainless Steel Finish, 26QT Capacity
The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is a major appliance designed to handle a huge range of your kitchen tasks. It combines an air fryer, toaster, and a full-capacity convection oven into one sleek stainless steel unit. With 24 cooking functions and digital controls, it’s built to simplify cooking for both everyday meals and entertaining.
Let’s start with its core function as a versatile air fryer and multi-cooker. This isn’t just for fries.
It uses a dual-speed fan to circulate 360-degree superheated air, which gives you that golden, crispy texture on foods like chicken wings, roasted veggies, or even reheated pizza. The 26-quart capacity is genuinely extra-large. You can fit a 6-pound chicken on the rotisserie spit, bake a 12-inch pizza, or prepare sides for 4 to 6 people without multiple batches. It really does elevate weeknight dinners and gathering with friends.
As a toaster, it’s thoughtfully designed.
You set the toast countdown timer, and the oven turns off automatically when it’s done—no more burnt toast. A red indicator light shows it’s toasting, and it turns blue when finished. Just remember to place the rack at the marked toast position for the best results. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
The design is both practical and stylish. The elegant french doors open with a single pull, saving counter space compared to a door that swings up.
Sweetcrispy 6QT Air Fryer with Window, Square Airfryer Oven 12-in-1 for Family, 400°F Rapid Air Crispy Technology, Roast Bake Dehydrate, Nonstick & Easy-Clean Basket
The Sweetcrispy 6QT Air Fryer with Window is designed to be a versatile and practical kitchen helper for your family. Its square 6.34-quart basket is a key feature, providing a more usable cooking space compared to some round models. This means you can fit more food in a single layer, which is essential for getting that even, crispy texture we all love. Whether your cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing snacks for a gathering, the large capacity handles it well.
You’ll appreciate the clear viewing window on the lid. It lets you check on your food’s progress without having to pull the basket out and interrupt the cooking cycle. This helps maintain a consistent temperature inside, leading to more predictable and perfectly cooked results everytime. No more guessing or multiple checks that can let heat escape. This air fryer goes beyond just frying.
It functions as a 12-in-1 appliance, allowing you to roast vegetables, bake small desserts, or even dehydrate fruits for healthy snacks. The 400°F rapid air circulation technology surrounds your food with intense heat for a crispy finish while using significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. It’s a straightforward way to make your favorite foods a bit healthier. Cleanup is often a concern with kitchen gadgets, but Sweetcrispy has made it simple.
Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket – Black
The Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer is designed to simplify your cooking routine. It’s a compact, 4-quart appliance perfect for smaller households or anyone with limited counter space. The sleek, narrow design packs in plenty of capacity for meals serving two to four people, but won’t dominate your kitchen. Its matte black finish is both stylish and practical, easy to keep clean with just a quick wipe.
Operating this air fryer is straightforward.
The digital touchscreen gives you full control to set the exact time and temperature you need. If you prefer simplicity, there are four one-touch presets to get you started on common foods right away. The 1500-watt power means it heats up fast, getting your meal ready in minutes with little to no oil. This method of cooking is a healthier alternative to deep frying, letting you enjoy crispy favorites with less fat.
A standout feature is the 450°F Hi-Fry Technology.
You can activate this during the last two minutes of cooking to add an extra layer of crispness to foods like fries or chicken tenders. For even cooking, the air fryer includes a helpful shake notification. An audible alarm reminds you to give the basket a shake halfway through, ensuring everything gets perfectly crispy on all sides without you having to constantly check.
Cleanup is designed to be as easy as the cooking.
Gourmia Air Fryer – 14 Qt All-in-One Oven with Rotisserie, Digital Display with 12 Presets, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Dishwasher Safe Accessories, Black
The Gourmia Air Fryer – 14 Qt All-in-One Oven is designed to be a central hub for your kitchen counter. It consolidates several appliances into one, saving you space and simplifying how you cook for a family. With its substantial 14-quart capacity, it can handle a large batch of french fries, a tray of roasted vegetables, or an entire rotisserie chicken all at once.
This makes it practical for preparing complete meals without multiple rounds of cooking.
Its operation is centered around a digital display with 12 one-touch presets. You can select functions for air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and even dehydrating. This takes the guesswork out of settings for common dishes. Just tap the preset for fries, chicken, or fish, and the oven adjusts the time and temperature for you.
The included rotisserie spit is a standout feature, allowing you to roast whole chickens or meats with that classic, evenly browned result.
The core cooking technology here is the FryForce 360° system. It works by circulating hot air intensely and rapidly around your food. This creates a crispy, golden exterior while cooking the inside thoroughly. The result is a texture similar to deep frying but achieved with significantly less oil, which many people prefer for their lifestyle.
American Test Kitchen Air Fryer Buying Guide
Our American Test Kitchen air fryer analysis highlights critical performance factors. Their rigorous testing goes beyond marketing claims to reveal what really matters for daily use. This guide breaks down their key findings to help you choose a model that fits your kitchen and your life.
Capacity vs. Counter Space
How much room do you really have? A large basket are great for families, but will you resent its permanent spot on your counter? Consider a compact model if you’re cooking for one or two. The best choice balances usable interior space with a footprint you can live with everyday.
Temperature Consistency
This is where cheap models fail. An air fryer must maintain a steady, accurate heat. If it fluctuates, your fries come out soggy and your chicken undercooked. Look for models with strong, reliable heating elements and good air circulation—this is non-negotiable for predictable results.
Ease of Cleaning
If it’s a pain to clean, you won’t use it. Fact. Removable baskets with non-stick coatings are essential. Check if the basket and pan are dishwasher safe. Some have annoying nooks that trap grease; a simple, smooth design saves you time and frustration after dinner.
Noise Level
These aren’t silent appliances. The fan is powerful, and it can be surprisingly loud. Think about when you’ll use it most. If you have an open-plan living space or make late-night snacks, a quieter model might be worth seeking out. You don’t want to drown out the TV every time you cook.
Pre-Set Functions
Are they helpful or just confusing? One-touch buttons for common foods can be great for beginners. But too many gimmicky settings just complicate the interface. The best ones offer a few intuitive presets and a reliable manual mode for when you know exactly what you want.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Test Kitchen Air Fryer
What makes an American Test Kitchen air fryer different?
American Test Kitchen is known for its rigorous testing. They don’t make teh appliances, but thay recommend specific models. Their picks are based on extensive performance tests for even cooking, ease of use, and durability. So you’re getting a vetted, top-performer.
Which specific model do they recommend?
Their top pick can change as new models are released. It’s best to check their website or latest publications for the current winner. They usually name a specific brand and model, explaining exactly why it beat the competition in their tests.
Is it worth the price?
Their recommended models aren’t always the cheapest. You’re paying for a machine that cooks reliably and lasts. If you use an air fryer often, investing in a well-tested model can save you from frustration and poor results. It’s about value over time.
What can I cook in it?
You can cook way more than just fries. Think roasted vegetables, chicken wings, reheated pizza, and even small cakes. It’s great for getting things crispy without needing a full oven, which also saves on energy.
How easy is it to clean?
Most recommended models have dishwasher-safe baskets or drawers. Non-stick coatings help alot, but always check the care instructions. A quick wipe after each use makes deep cleaning less of a chore.
Does it take up a lot of counter space?
Air fryers are fairly compact, but sizes vary. Compare the footprint to your available space. Remember, you need some clearance around the vents for safety and proper air flow. Some models have a more vertical design to save space.
Can it replace my toaster oven?
It can handle many similar tasks, like toasting bread or baking small items. However, if you toast bread daily, a dedicated toaster might be faster. An air fryer is more versatile overall, but consider your main uses.
Our Final Words
For achieving trusted, test-kitchen approved results with every meal, it really comes down to using a tool built for consistency. This appliance takes teh guesswork out of cooking. You get even heating and reliable timers. It makes your routine easier, from quick weeknight sides to full family dinners. The outcome is simply good food, prepared well, without the hassle of traditional methods.
In the end, choosing the right tool makes all the difference. The american test kitchen air fryer stands out because its recommendations are based on rigorous real-world testing. This means you can trust it to perform as promised. It helps you cook with confidence and enjoy more consistent results in your own kitchen. Give it a try and see how it fits into your daily life.