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.

air fryers in display
air fryers

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


The 5 Brands We Compared

BrandSizePriceStandout FeatureBest For
Ninja4–8 qt$$–$$$DualZone techBusy cooks/families
Philips3–7 qt$$$Rapid Air TechnologyHealth-focused users
Cosori5–6 qt$$Smart app featuresEveryday cooking
Instant4–8 qt$–$$Multi-function modesBudget shoppers
Tefal4–6 qt$$Stirring paddle systemSet-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

Cons

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

Cons

Verdict

Feels high-end, like the Apple of air fryers. But you’re definitely paying for that name.

a simple compact model W, a touchscreen and large capacity

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

Cons

Verdict

Probably the best buy overall. It’s the one I’d recommend to friends who just want to plug it in and go.

Tefal Actfry air fryer model
tefal

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

Cons

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.

The instant  Vortex  air fryer model
The instant Vortex air fryer model

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

Cons

Verdict

Niche machine. If you’re cooking saucy meals or stews often, it makes sense. Otherwise, maybe skip.

Tefal Actfry air fryer  model

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.

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.

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