The 5 ways air fryers models to buy1
Which air fryer is the best buy? It’s a question I asked myself not too long ago while scrolling through endless listings on my phone. I mean, they all promise crispy fries and faster cooking. But the more I looked, the more overwhelmed I felt. Some were under $100. Others looked like spaceship ovens. So I decided to break it down—honestly, casually, and with a real-world lens.
Below, I’ve compared five of the top air fryer brands: Ninja, Philips, Cosori, Instant, and Tefal. I’ll walk you through the pros, cons, weird quirks, and who each one is really meant for.

What Makes an Air Fryer a “Best Buy”?
Is Price the Only Thing That Matters?
Nope. Not even close. You can get a $70 air fryer that fries chicken wings like a champ—or drop $300 on one that looks cool but hogs your counter. “Best buy” is about value, not just price. It’s the mix of performance, durability, features, and ease of use. And maybe a little gut instinct.
Stuff to Actually Pay Attention To
- Basket size — Will it fit a meal for two? A family of four?
- Interface — Complicated menus? Or just tap and go?
- Cleaning — Nonstick that flakes is a no-go.
- Noise — Some of these things hum like jets.
- Extras — Smart controls, extra racks, bake/roast modes… some are worth it, some aren’t.
The 5 Brands We Compared
Brand | Size | Price | Standout Feature | Best For |
Ninja | 4–8 qt | $$–$$$ | DualZone tech | Busy cooks/families |
Philips | 3–7 qt | $$$ | Rapid Air Technology | Health-focused users |
Cosori | 5–6 qt | $$ | Smart app features | Everyday cooking |
Instant | 4–8 qt | $–$$ | Multi-function modes | Budget shoppers |
Tefal | 4–6 qt | $$ | Stirring paddle system | Set-it-forget-it fans |
1. Ninja Air Fryer – Powerful but Pricey?
First Impressions
Ninja feels solid out of the box. Like, no wiggle or rattle. Their DualZone models (with two separate baskets) are lifesavers if you’re juggling dinner for picky eaters. One side does fries, the other cooks salmon—done at the same time.
Pros
- Very fast and even cooking
- Dual baskets mean multitasking is easy
- Feels premium
Cons
- Bulky—takes serious space
- Pricier than most
- Some users report the coating on the baskets wears over time
Verdict
If you cook a lot and want flexibility, Ninja’s worth it. Not the cheapest, but super reliable.

2. Philips Air Fryer – Premium Feel, Premium Price
First Thoughts
Philips invented the air fryer, so there’s legacy here. The Rapid Air Technology sounds fancy—and while I couldn’t exactly prove it’s better, it does cook evenly and with less oil.
Pros
- Consistent, crispy results
- Compact models available
- Feels like a health-forward choice
Cons
- Expensive for the size
- Not the most intuitive controls on some models
Verdict
Feels high-end, like the Apple of air fryers. But you’re definitely paying for that name.

3. Cosori Air Fryer – Balanced and Beginner-Friendly
What Surprised Me
Cosori might be the sweet spot. It’s affordable but feels solid. Their app works better than I expected, with recipe guides and timers. Doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Pros
- Quiet and efficient
- Easy interface
- Smart models actually helpful
Cons
- App sometimes lags
- Basket is wide but not very tall—awkward for some foods
Verdict
Probably the best buy overall. It’s the one I’d recommend to friends who just want to plug it in and go.

4. Instant Vortex – Budget Hero or Basic?
First Impressions
Instant (yes, the same folks behind Instant Pot) make several air fryers. The Vortex models are cheap, no-nonsense machines. Nothing fancy here—but that’s kind of the point.
Pros
- Great price
- Does basic air frying really well
- Light and easy to store
Cons
- Limited presets
- Not as durable-feeling
Verdict
If money’s tight or you’re not a heavy fryer, this is a smart choice. It won’t wow you—but it’ll work.

5. Tefal ActiFry – Stirred, Not Shaken?
Wait, What’s the Paddle For?
The auto-stirring paddle is… different. You put in the food, hit start, and it slowly stirs while it cooks. For chili, curry, or saucy dishes, it’s great. For dry foods like fries? A little odd.
Pros
- Very hands-off
- Unique design
- Cooks wet foods better than most air fryers
Cons
- Takes up space
- Cleaning that paddle isn’t fun
Verdict
Niche machine. If you’re cooking saucy meals or stews often, it makes sense. Otherwise, maybe skip.

Side-by-Side Comparison Breakdown
Which One’s Fastest?
Ninja and Cosori win here. Philips comes close. Instant is slower but fine. Tefal… depends.
Which One’s Easiest to Clean?
Cosori and Instant have simple, dishwasher-safe parts. Tefal loses points for its paddle. Philips is okay, but nothing special.
Which One’s Best Built?
Philips and Ninja feel the most durable. Cosori’s not far behind.
Which One Feels Like a Deal?
Cosori hits the value sweet spot. Instant is cheap, but limited.
Final Thoughts – So, Which Air Fryer Is the Best Buy?
Let’s be real. There’s no one answer. It depends what kind of cook you are.
- If you’re price-conscious → Instant Vortex
- Want a reliable, all-around pick → Cosori
- Craving performance and premium build → Ninja
- Health-focused, brand-loyal → Philips
- Like to let machines do everything → Tefal
Personally? I’d go with Cosori. It feels like the right blend of value, simplicity, and smart features. Not perfect—but not trying to be either. And sometimes, that’s exactly what makes it work.
FAQs
Do more expensive air fryers last longer?
Sometimes. But a good mid-range model like Cosori or Ninja often outlasts a fancy unit if used properly.
Is the dual-basket design worth it?
If you multitask or cook big meals, yes. Otherwise, one big basket is fine.
Which air fryer is best for small kitchens?
Philips or Instant—compact and light.
What’s the easiest model to clean?
Instant and Cosori win here.
Can I cook frozen foods in all air fryers?
Absolutely. That’s kind of their thing.
Let me know in the comments—which one are you leaning toward? Or if you’ve tried one and loved (or hated) it, I’d love to hear your take.