A data-driven kitchen appliance designed by experts. That promise is what makes the american test kitchen air fryer so intriguing. It’s not just another countertop gadget. It’s built on years of rigorous testing and recipe development. You get a tool crafted to actually perform, not just promise.
So, does it live up to the hype? We put it through its paces to see if this expert-backed design is worth the investment for your home kitchen. Let’s dive into how it cooks, cleans, and fits into your daily routine.
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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9.6 |
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bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic…
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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bella 6 Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™…
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9.2 |
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CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven,…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for…
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8.8 |
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Gourmia Air Fryer – 6 Qt Large Capacity, FryForce…
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8.6 |
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Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for…
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8.4 |
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Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 1800W, 8-in-1 with Air…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
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CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving…
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7.8 |
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 countertop appliance designed to simplify how you cook. It uses superheated air to create crispy, satisfying results with significantly less oil than traditional frying. This 4-in-1 unit functions as an air fryer, a roaster, a reheating station, and even a dehydrator, making it a practical tool for a wide range of kitchen tasks.
At the heart of its performance is the Air Crisp Technology.
It circulates air up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit around your food, ensuring a thorough and crispy cook. You can achieve a texture similar to deep-frying but with up to 75% less fat according to Ninja’s testing against hand-cut fries. This approach lets you enjoy foods like french fries or chicken wings with less guilt.
It’s also exceptionally efficient with frozen foods, turning them from frozen to crispy in a matter of minutes without needing to thaw.
The capacity is generous for most households. The 5-quart nonstick basket can fit up to four pounds of french fries or five pounds of chicken wings. This makes it suitable for preparing a meal for a family or having friends over. Despite this large capacity, the design is streamlined to save valuable countertop space.
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 real kitchens where counter space is precious. Its sleek, compact profile is built to tuck neatly onto a crowded counter, under a cabinet, or in a small apartment kitchen. It saves significant space compared to bulkier models, so you don’t have to sacrifice appliance for functionality.
The modern design, with its soft matte finish and subtle fluting, actually looks good sitting out, blending style with everyday practicality.
This isn’t just a smaller fryer, though. It packs a 3.3lb capacity XL basket inside that slim frame. That means you can prepare a full meal for a family—a batch of fries, several chicken breasts, or a good portion of roasted veggies—all in one go. It streamlines dinner time, letting you cook larger portions efficiently without multiple rounds.
The 1300-watt power and circular heat technology are key for getting that crispy, golden texture on food quickly and evenly, from frozen snacks to fresh ingredients.
Controling it is straightforward. The digital interface gives you adjustable temperature for precision, plus six handy preset buttons: Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
bella 6 Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 5lb Capacity, Oatmilk
The Bella 6 Qt Slim Air Fryer is designed for kitchens where counter space is precious. Its unique Fits-anywhere™ profile is significantly slimmer than traditional air fryers, tucking neatly under cabinets or into tight corners without sacrificing capacity. This means you get a full 6-quart, 5-pound cooking ability in a footprint that saves up to half the space of bulkier models.
It’s a practical solution for cooking larger meals in smaller homes.
At the heart of this appliance is the EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating. This coating is free from PFAS, PFOA, and other materials of concern, promoting a healthier cooking surface that’s also incredibly easy to clean. Food releases smoothly, and any residue wipes away with minimal effort.
You can focus on enjoying your meal instead of scrubbing afterwards, which makes it a reliable tool for everyday use.
Operating the Bella Slim Air Fryer is straightforward. The digital interface gives you full control with an adjustable temperature dial and six one-touch presets: Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Reheat, and Dehydrate. Whether your making crispy fries, roasting vegetables, or even drying herbs, the appropriate setting is just a button press away.
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, family-sized unit. This means you can bake, roast, dehydrate snacks, or air fry crispy favorites all without switching devices, saving you both counter space and the hassle of storing multiple gadgets.
One of it’s key advantages is speed and convenience.
Unlike a traditional oven, there’s no lengthy preheat time needed. The rapid air heating system gets to work immediately, cooking food evenly and quickly for a crispy finish. It promotes a healthier approach to your favorite meals by using up to 98% less oil than deep frying, so you can enjoy the texture you love with less guilt. Operation is straightforward, thanks to a capacitive touch screen with 17 preset cooking options.
Whether you’re making roasted vegetables, jerky, or a whole chicken, you can select the appropriate preset and let the appliance handle the time and temperature, taking the guesswork out of cooking.
The extra-large 10-liter capacity is a standout feature, ideal for preparing meals for a family or doing batch cooking for the week ahead. You can fit a whole chicken on the included rotisserie spit or fill the three provided air flow racks with ingredients for dehydration.
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. It combines a surprisingly large capacity with a space-saving design, so you can cook for 3 to 5 people without it taking over your entire counter. The sleek matte black finish looks good in any kitchen. Cooking is straightforward. The digital touchscreen gives you full control over time and temperature, or you can use one of the four handy presets for a one-touch start.
It heats up fast, circulating hot air to cook food evenly and quickly. You’ll get a notification halfway through, a reminder to shake the basket for that all-over crispiness we all love. The real standout is the Hi-Fry Technology. With a tap, it boosts the heat to 450°F for the last two minutes of cooking. This final blast is what gives foods like french fries or chicken tenders that perfect, extra-crunchy finish without needing a lot of oil. This is where the air fryer really shines.
It uses rapid air circulation to cook, meaning you can achieve textures similar to deep-frying but with just a little oil or sometimes none at all. It’s a practical way to prepare healthier versions of your favorite meals that still taste great. The whole family can enjoy those crispy textures with less guilt. Clean-up is often the worst part of cooking, but here it’s simple. The non-stick 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 model is designed for everyday cooking. It aims to simplify how you prepare a wide variety of foods. This unit focuses on consistent results and straightforward operation to fit into your routine. With its 6-quart capacity, this air fryer handles meals for three to four people comfortably. You can cook a full batch of chicken wings, a large portion of vegetables, or enough fries for a family snack.
The size is substantial for cooking but remains relatively compact on your counter, measuring 14 inches deep by 11.5 inches wide. It uses 1500 watts of power for efficient heating, with a temperature range from 90°F to 400°F for everything from dehydrating to roasting. A key feature is the FryForce 360° Technology. This system circulates hot air rapidly around the food from all directions. The goal is to achieve a crispy, golden exterior without needing much oil, if any.
It’s suited for foods like frozen nuggets, homemade potato wedges, or even breaded fish fillets. The results aim for a texture similar to frying but with a lighter approach. Operation is centered around a digital display with 12 one-touch presets. You can select functions for air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating. Each preset sets the time and temperature for you, which can help take the guesswork out of cooking different items.
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 for straightforward, healthier cooking without taking over your kitchen. Its sleek, narrow build packs a full 4-quart capacity, perfect for meals serving two to four people, but it tucks away easily when your not using it. You get restaurant-style crispness at home with a lot less oil, making it a practical tool for everyday favorites.
Operating it is simple.
The digital touchscreen gives you full control over time and temperature, or you can use one of four handy presets for a one-touch start. A unique feature is the 450°F Hi-Fry Technology. You can activate it in the last two minutes of cooking to give foods like chicken tenders or fries an extra-crispy, golden finish that’s usually hard to achieve without deep frying.
It pays attention to the details so you don’t have to.
An audible alarm reminds you to shake the basket halfway through cooking, which is key for even crispiness on all sides. When your done, cleanup is designed to be effortless. The nonstick basket and it’s rack are both dishwasher safe, and the matte black exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth.
Safety and durability are built in. The air fryer has an automatic shutoff that activates when cooking is complete or if the basket is removed.
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 designed to be a central hub for your kitchen counter. It consolidates multiple appliances into one powerful unit, offering 24 distinct cooking functions to handle virtually any task you throw at it. Whether your needing to quickly air fry some fries, bake a batch of cookies, or roast vegetables for a side dish, this combo aims to simplify your routine. Its core strength is incredible versatility.
The unit functions as a true multi-cooker, capable of air frying, toasting, baking, roasting, broiling, and even acting as a dehydrator. The 26-quart capacity is a standout feature, providing a generous usable cooking space. This means you can comfortably prepare meals for four to six people, fitting a 12-inch pizza or rotisserie a six-pound chicken with ease.
The elegant French doors open smoothly with a single pull, saving space and adding a sleek look, and the interior light lets you check on your food without losing heat. For air frying, the dual-speed fan ensures 360-degree superheated air circulation for that crispy, golden finish on your favorite foods without the oil. Toasting is made foolproof with an automatic shut-off that prevents burning; a red light indicates its toasting and turns blue when its done.
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 1800W, 8-in-1 with Air Fry, Convection, Broil & Warm, 0.6 Cubic Feet, 60-Minute Timer, TOA-70NAS, Stainless Steel
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven TOA-70NAS is designed to be a central hub for your kitchen counter. It consolidates several appliances into one sleek stainless steel unit, offering eight distinct cooking functions. With 1800 watts of power, it handles everything from morning toast to a full family dinner with consistent results. Its versatility is a major highlight.
You get an air fry setting, convection bake, standard bake, convection broil, standard broil, a grill function, and a keep-warm feature. This means you can move from air-frying crispy fries, to baking cookies, to broiling salmon without needing multiple pans or appliances. The AirAdvantage technology is key here—it uses a top fan and heater to circulate hot air intensely. This gives you that desirable crispy texture on foods without submerging them in oil, and it cooks things quickly and evenly.
The interior space is generous at 0.6 cubic feet. You can fit six slices of bread for toasting, a 12-inch pizza, or even roast a four-pound chicken. The capacity to air fry three pounds of chicken wings at once is perfect for game day or family gatherings. It’s substantial enough for meal prep but compact enough not to dominate your counter. Operating it is straightforward. An adjustable temperature dial offers a wide range from Warm up to 450°F.
CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black
The CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is designed for anyone who wants a simpler, healthier way to cook without taking up a ton of space. If your kitchen counter is already crowded or you’re just cooking for one or two people, this compact appliance aims to fit right into your routine.
Its main appeal is how it streamlines cooking. The digital touchscreen lets you set the exact time and temperature you need, up to 400°F.
A big benefit is speed—it can cook food up to three times faster than a conventional oven, which is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or easy snacks. You don’t have to wait forever for a preheat either, it gets going quickly. Halfway through the cycle, a handy shake reminder beeps to let you know it’s time to give the basket a shake. This little step helps ensure everything gets cooked evenly and comes out nice and crispy.
Healthier meals are a core feature here.
The air frying method circulates hot air to cook and crisp food, using little to no oil compared to traditional deep frying. You can enjoy favorites like fries, chicken wings, or roasted veggies with significantly less fat. It’s a straightforward way to make a positive change in your cooking habits.
Space is a major consideration. The square-shaped 2-quart basket makes smart use of its capacity inside a narrow body. It has a small footprint that won’t dominate your countertop.
American Test Kitchen Air Fryer Buying Guide
An American Test Kitchen air fryer pick is backed by rigorous evaluation. That means you can trust it to perform. But what makes a great air fryer for your home? Let’s look at teh key factors to consider so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen and cooking style.
Capacity and Footprint
How much are you cooking for? A compact 3-quart model is fine for one or two people, but a family will need 5 quarts or more. Remember, a larger basket means you can cook a full meal at once. However, bigger units take up more precious counter space. Measure your area before you buy to avoid suprise.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
You’ll use this appliance often, so it shouldn’t be a hassle. Look for intuitive digital controls or simple dials. The basket is crucial—a non-stick coating is a must, and dishwasher-safe parts are a huge time-saver. Can you easily shake the basket mid-cook? If it’s a pain to clean, you’ll probably stop using it.
Performance and Versatility
Power matters. A higher wattage (typically 1500W or more) means faster preheating and crispier results. But it’s not just for fries. Check if the model includes useful presets or a wide temperature range for roasting vegetables, reheating pizza, or even baking. Some even come with accessories for baking or grilling, adding more value.
Noise and Ventilation
Air fryers have a fan, and it can be loud. If you have an open-plan kitchen or cook while others are nearby, this is worth thinking about. Also, consider where the hot air vents. You need a few inches of clearance on the back and top to prevent damage to cabinets or walls, and to keep your kitchen comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Test Kitchen Air Fryer
What is teh American Test Kitchen air fryer?
It’s an air fryer recommended by the experts at America’s Test Kitchen. They test many brands to find the ones that perform best. Their recommendation is based on thorough cooking tests, not just features.
Which specific model do thay recommend?
As of their latest testing, their top pick is the Cosori Pro LE Air Fryer. They found it cooked food evenly and was easy to use. But their recommendation can change with new tests, so it’s good to check their website for the most current winner.
Why should I trust this recommendation?
America’s Test Kitchen is known for its rigorous testing. They cook the same food in many models, comparing results for crispiness, speed, and ease of cleaning. They’re not paid by brands for their picks, which helps you get an unbiased opinion.
What size is the recommended air fryer?
The Cosori model they liked holds about 5 quarts. This is a good size for most families. It can cook food for 2-4 people in one batch, like a pound of french fries or several chicken breasts.
Is it good for more than just frying?
Yes! An air fryer is like a small, powerful convection oven. You can use it to roast vegetables, bake small desserts, reheat leftovers, and even cook frozen foods. The recommended model comes with useful preset functions for these tasks.
How easy is it to clean?
The basket and drawer are non-stick and dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup simple. Wiping down the inside of the machine is also straightforward. Keeping it clean helps it work better and last longer.
Where can I buy the recommended model?
You can find it at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. Prices can vary, so it’s worth checking a few stores. Sometimes you can find sales, especially around holidays.
Are there any common complaints?
Some users note it takes up counter space, which is true for most air fryers. A few wish the basket was slightly bigger for large families. But overall, most people find it’s performance is very consistent, which is what matters most.
Last Thoughts Before You Buy
For results backed by rigorous testing and approval, you can trust the process. This approach takes the guesswork out of shopping. It means you’re getting a tool that’s been put through its paces. You’ll know it performs well, cooks evenly, and is built to last. That confidence is worth a lot when you’re making a decision.
In the end, your choice comes down to what you value most. If you want a machine that’s been thoroughly vetted for consistent, reliable performance, the american test kitchen air fryer recommendations are a fantastic place to start. They point you toward models that simply work well, so you can focus on making great food without any fuss. It’s a smart way to bring one into your home.