If you are planning to buy an air fryer in 2026, there are a lot of options available. Some are cheap and simple, while others come with dual baskets, smart controls and multiple cooking modes.
But the most expensive air fryer is not always the best one.
I looked at current 2026 testing and reviews, and these are 5 air fryers I would consider buying, depending on what you need.
1. Cosori Iconic Stainless Steel 6.5Q — Best Overall
If you want one air fryer that does almost everything well, Cosori Iconic Stainless Steel 6.5Q is probably the safest choice.
It has a 6.5-quart capacity, which is enough for normal family cooking. The biggest advantage is its consistent cooking performance. In 2026 testing by The Guardian, it performed especially well for chicken nuggets, vegetables, salmon and fries, and was rated the best overall air fryer in their testing.
It also comes with different cooking modes including air fry, roast, bake, proof, reheat and dehydrate.
Why I like it
- Good size for family use
- Very consistent cooking
- Good crispiness
- Multiple cooking modes
- Easy to clean
- Good choice for everyday use
The problem
The main issue is the price. It is more expensive than many basic air fryers.
Best for: People who want a premium air fryer and don’t want to compromise too much.
2. Philips 3000 Series 7.6Q — Best for Budget
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Philips 3000 Series 7.6Q is worth considering.
It gives you a large cooking capacity without moving into the premium price range. The Guardian listed it as its best budget air fryer for 2026.
This is the type of air fryer I would recommend to someone who mainly wants to cook fries, chicken, vegetables and other everyday foods without paying for too many extra features.
Why I like it
- Large 7.6-quart capacity
- Good for families
- More affordable than premium models
- Simple to use
- Good everyday option
The problem
You don’t get the same premium experience and versatility as some more expensive models.
Best for: Families and people who want a large air fryer without spending too much.
3. COSORI TurboBlaze — Best for Fast Cooking
The COSORI TurboBlaze is one of my favorite choices if speed and versatility are important.
It has a 6-quart capacity and uses a high-speed fan system with multiple fan-speed settings. It can be used for air frying, roasting, baking, reheating, dehydrating and even proofing dough.
RTINGS found that it cooks quickly and produces good-quality crispy food. Its large cooking surface is also useful because you can spread food out instead of stacking everything together.
Why I like it
- Fast cooking
- Good crispy results
- Large cooking surface
- Multiple cooking functions
- Good for around four people
- More versatile than a basic air fryer
The problem
Temperature stability is not its strongest point, so it may not be the best choice if you want extremely precise temperature control.
Best for: People who want fast cooking and more control over different types of food.
4. Typhur Sync — Best for Meat
If you cook a lot of chicken, steak, meat or other protein, Typhur Sync is an interesting option.
The big advantage is that it is designed with meat cooking in mind, and The Guardian selected it as its best air fryer for meat in 2026 testing.
This is not the air fryer I would recommend to everyone because you are paying for features that may not matter if you only make fries and nuggets.
But for someone who regularly cooks meat, it becomes much more interesting.
Why I like it
- Excellent option for meat
- More advanced cooking features
- Good choice for people who cook different types of protein
- Suitable for people who want more control
The Problem
It is more expensive than simple air fryers.
Best for: Meat lovers and people who want a more advanced cooking experience.
5. Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass Air Fryer — Best for Small Kitchens
Not everyone needs a huge air fryer.
If you live alone, have a small kitchen or simply want something convenient, the Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass Air Fryer is worth looking at.
The Guardian included it as its choice for casual cooks in 2026. It has four cooking functions and uses glass cooking containers rather than the traditional large drawer design.
Why I like it
- Compact design
- Good for small kitchens
- Easy for casual cooking
- Glass cooking containers
- Good for smaller portions
The problem
It isn’t the best option if you regularly cook large meals for a family.
Best for: Students, couples, single users and people with limited kitchen space.
Which Air Fryer Should You Buy?
| Model | Capacity | Best For | Price |
| Cosori Iconic | 6.5 QT | Overall | See Price |
| Philips 3000 | 7.6 QT | Budget | See Price |
| Cosori TurboBlaze | 6 QT | Fast Cooking | See Price |
| Typhur Sync | 8 QT | Meat | See Price |
| Ninja Crispi | 4 QT | Small Kitchens | See Price |
My choice
If I had to buy only one, I would go with the Cosori Iconic 6.5Q.
It gives a good balance of cooking performance, capacity, versatility and ease of use. The 2026 testing from The Guardian also supports it as a strong overall choice.
But if budget is the main concern, I would look at the Philips 3000 Series.
And if you want something faster and more versatile, the COSORI TurboBlaze is a very good alternative. RTINGS specifically found it fast, capable of producing good crispy food, and useful for more than just air frying.
Also Read: 5 Best Fujifilm Cameras to Buy
Final thought
Don’t buy an air fryer just because it has the biggest capacity or the most cooking modes.
Think about how many people you cook for, what food you normally make, how much space you have, and your budget.
For most people, a good 5–7 quart air fryer is already enough. You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get good results.
