Best Air Fryers to Buy in 2023

How do you find a model that’s right for you among the hundreds of products available?

Not to worry!

I’ve put together this guide of best-rated air fryers to help you out.

What is the Best Air Fryer for 2023?

Which air fryer is the best for you depends on a couple of things such as how big is your family and the size of your budget.

To help make your choice easier, we take a look at products in four categories: best overall, best large capacity, best small, and best budget air fryers.

Here are the best air fryers for the 2023 season.

When it comes to kitchen appliances, Philips is a household name. The brand has been producing high-quality electronic kitchenware for decades and has taught us to expect nothing but the best with their creations.

All three of our top choices for 2023 are from this brand. Let’s take a closer look!

1. Philips HD9630/98 Avance XXL Twin TurboStar – Best Air Fryer 2023

The Philips HD9630/98 Avance offers a stellar combo of size, ease-of-use, looks and even cooking. It has one of the highest air fryer food capacities on the market today, which is important when cooking dinner for a large family or preparing treats for a party.

The large capacity, as well as the new more powerful, and oil-free TurboStar cooking technology, make it the best air fryer on the market in 2023.

Let’s see what else you can expect from this model.

Unit size and capacity

The XXL model has an impressive food basket capacity of 3 lb. or 4 qt. per round – the perfect family size! Four quarts is the equivalent of about two standard bags of frozen fries or a whole chicken. It is a great option if you want to get a lot of cooking done at once.

Controls

The controls feature a pair of dials. One regulates the timer that can be set up to 60 minutes, which is a whole 30 minutes more than most other models on the market. The second dial allows you to regulate the temperature. It is calibrated at 25-degree intervals.

Just pop your food in the basket, twist a couple of knobs and you have your crispy treats in no time! 

Preset cooking modes

One design flaw with this model is the lack of preset cooking modes. So if you are one of those home chefs who depend on automatic cooking settings, then you might be disappointed. However, you can regulate the temperature to achieve different cooking functions like grilling, baking, frying, and roasting.

Cooking technology

Philips’s HD9630/98 XXL air fryer uses hot air for cooking. This cuts across all Philips’ models that use the powerful TurboStar technology. In addition to efficient cooking, this mechanism will help you save time as you do not have to wait for the fryer to heat up.

Does it cook evenly?

You know that annoying moment when you take out your fries, and those in the middle are sad and soggy? This is one thing you do not have to worry about with the Avance XXL! The guaranteed even cooking is largely due to the basket’s capacity that allows food to be properly spread out.

Cooking time frame

The Avance is a great option if you want your food ready fast:

• For fries, 7 to 10 minutes should be enough depending on the temperature you set, the size of the fries and the amount of food you have.
• For a full chicken, about 15 to 20 minutes will get you that tender, juicy interior and crispy golden skin.

How much oil do you need?

The HD9630/98 is one of the healthiest frying alternatives out there and has been shown to reduce oil usage by up to 90%! You can actually cook with absolutely no oil, especially when preparing fatty foods like meats.

One of the features I love most about it is the unique oil extraction system. It removes excess fats and oils from food, further decreasing the fat content!

Final verdict

If you’re looking for a high-quality air fryer that can produce food for a large family, then Philips’ HD9630/98 should be your #1 choice in 2023. With a capacity of up to 4 qt, you can make anything from family-sized fries to an entire chicken.

It is also a model worth considering if you want your food done fast. The combination of a large food basket and the efficient TurboStar hot air system ensures that your food will be done sooner than you can say ‘hungry.’

2. Philips HD9641/96 Avance Digital TurboStar – Alternative #1

The HD9641/96 is one of the best-rated models from the brand’s TurboStar line. It comes with five preset modes and a couple of other unique features that make it a great alternative to our top pick.

It is also a very compact unit that is sure to fit no matter how spacious or crowded your countertop is.

Unit size and capacity

This air fryer’s food basket has a maximum capacity of 1.8 lb. or 2.75 qt, which is the equivalent of a packet of frozen fries. This is where it falls short compared to the Avance XXL model, and you may have to make a few rounds to feed a large group.

Controls

Like our other two top picks, this model features a simple dial controller which will make your life very easy. However, the HD9641/96 only has one dial to control all functions from the temperature and cooking modes to the timer. To manipulate the dial, just rotate it to the right section and click to set it.

There is a digital display screen that shows temperature, cooking time, and cooking mode. The display makes monitoring the cooking progress easy, especially if you are making recipe-sensitive meals.

Preset cooking modes

What truly sets this model apart from the other two Philips’ air fryers is that it has five preset cooking programs. These are based on commonly fried and roasted foods and include a mode for:

• Frozen fries
• Meat
• Drumsticks
• Fish

So if you don’t want to bother with recipes, just throw your raw food in, set it to the specific cooking mode and let the air fryer do the rest for you. It’s great for lazy chefs like me!

You can also customize your cooking mode for frying, roasting, baking, and grilling other foods by adjusting the temperature and monitoring time as per the recipe’s instructions.

The ‘Keep Warm’ mode is also unique to this model. It keeps the food warm and maintains the crispiness for up to 30 minutes after cooking.

Cooking technology

The HD9641/96 air fryer uses the same TurboStar hot air technology to cook the food as the two other Philips fryers. A heating unit is located above the food basket with fans swirling hot air towards the bottom of the cooker.

Does it cook evenly?

Another flaw you may have to deal with is the possibility of uneven cooking. This usually happens when the basket is overcrowded which is common when making fries.

Fortunately, there is a smart trick around this problem:

All you have to do is take the basket out and shake the contents to redistribute! It is inconvenient, but it does the job.

Cooking time frame

You don’t have to preheat the unit because of the hot air cooking mechanism is uses. It is generally a very fast system and will have your fries nice and crispy in about 10 minutes. However, it is notably slower than the Avance XXL when cooking the same amounts of the same type of food.

How much oil do you need?

The HD9641/96 model is a healthy option for frying food as it uses up to 75% less oil than other fryers. You only need about a teaspoon of oil to make an entire batch of fries. If you’re looking for something that can fry food with even less oil, go for the HD9630/98 model instead.

Final verdict

This is the perfect model for you if convenience and ease of use are your main priorities. It has a great user-friendly interface with a simple dial and an informative display. The multiple preset cooking modes make it a versatile kitchen tool, and you can’t underestimate the convenience of the ‘Keep Warm’ function.

3. Philips HD9621/99 Viva TurboStar – Alternative #2

The HD9621/99 is another good alternative to our main pick if you’re looking for something simple and more affordable. It uses the same cooking technology and has the same compact design but doesn’t quite match up to the two other Philips models.

That said, it is still a pretty decent product with good features that help it hold its own against the other two more popular options.

Unit size and capacity

It has the same food cart capacity as our second pick HD9641/96, accommodating up to 1.8 lb. or 2.75 qt. It’s great for smaller families, but it may not be sufficient when preparing meals for lots of people at a time.

Controls

The HD9621/99 has two dials for control. There is one for controlling the timer, which runs up to 30 minutes. The second dial is for regulating temperature, which is calibrated in 30-degree increments.

Unfortunately, it lacks the handy digital display of the HD9641/96 version.

Preset cooking modes

This model, just like our main pick doesn’t come with any preset cooking modes. However, it makes up for it through the wide temperature range that allows you to set your own cooking modes whether it is grilling, roasting, frying, or baking.

Cooking technology

The air fryer uses hot air generated by the TurboStar system to fry the food.

Does it cook evenly?

As with other similar-sized models, there is the possibility of uneven cooking with the HD9621/99. The good news is that the remove-and-shake trick also works here:

Just remove the basket mid-cooking, shake it for a little bit to redistribute the contents and pop it right back!

Cooking time frame

There is no fixed cooking time for different types of foods. It all really depends on what you are preparing and the temperature you are cooking your food at. It seems to take longer than our top pick to get things ready though.

How much oil do you need?

The HD9621/99 is still a healthy air fryer as you only need about one tablespoon or less to achieve that golden crispy goodness that makes fried food so good. Compared to other similar products, you’ll use about 75% less oil.

Final verdict

The best thing about the HD9621/99 model is its affordability compared to other high-end Philips air fryers. You still get all the basic features including compactness, effective cooking, and easy operation – all that at a lower price.

Of course, there are some things you have to give up like versatility and capacity, but if you’re looking for a simple yet high-quality air fryer for a small family, then this is a great option.

The three Philips air fryers may have made it to the top of our list, but there is a lot more out there. If the ones we reviewed didn’t seem quite right or were far out of your budget, here are five more amazing air fryer options for health-conscious fried food lovers like you.

4. GoWISE USA 8-in-1 Electric Air Fryer XL – Best Large-Capacity Air Fryer

This GoWISE USA air fryer is the best large-capacity model with multiple cooking functions for home chefs who appreciate versatility. It comes with 8 preset modes, can easily feed a family of four, and comes with lots of cooking accessories.

Unit size and capacity

This model has a capacity of 5.8 quarts, so it fits a little over two standard bags of frozen fries or an entire chicken and large steak cuts.

At 5.8 qt, it is perfect for larger families with more than four members.

Controls

The touch screen controls and the digital display are some of our favorite features. The display is easy to understand and use, and the unique ‘Start’ and ‘Stop’ buttons allow you to change modes and functions mid-cooking.

Keep in mind the timer is capped at 30 minutes, which may be inconvenient for meals that take longer to prepare.

Preset cooking modes

The GoWISE XL is also a versatile kitchen appliance with its eight preset modes:

• Fries/Chips
• Pork
• Chicken
• Steak
• Shrimp
• Fish

GoWISE takes things even further for pizza and cake lovers, giving you two automated settings for these culinary favorites.

Cooking technology

This model is a static air fryer that uses electronically generated heat to prepare the meals. The heating system is a lot more efficient than that of other models, including the BLACK+DECKER and ChefMan fryers reviewed below.

It doesn’t quite live up to the power and efficiency of Philips’ TurboStar technology though, and this affects everything in comparison including run time and even cooking.

Does it cook evenly?

One of the things that disappointed me with this model is that it doesn’t perform very well when it comes to cooking food evenly:

Despite having a powerful system and slits at the side of the basket, you still have to shake the contents to ensure uniformity. This can be a bit inconvenient especially if you are multitasking or simply not interested in babysitting your meal.

The model compensates for this with their ‘Shake Alarm’ function:

You can set it to different time intervals to remind you when you need to shake the contents of the basket.

Cooking time frame

The powerful electric heating system on this model is responsible for the very fast cooking. You will appreciate this speed when preparing things like fries and other veggies which should be done in less than 10 minutes.

How much oil do you need?

Another reason to celebrate the heating system on this model is how little oil it needs to fry food. In fact, you’ll be good to go with less than a tablespoon. Although still a healthy option, you need more oil than for our main pick Philips Avance XXL and the low budget ChefMan air fryers.

Final verdict

If you are looking for an air fryer that will offer you convenience in the form of multiple cooking options, then this is the model for you. Its great cooking system sets it apart from other similar products. It also looks way better and has more user-friendly controls. If these factors matter to you, then go with the GoWISE!

5. BLACK+DECKER HF110SBD Purify Air Fryer – Best Small Air Fryer

If you live alone and rarely entertain, you probably don’t need to have a high capacity fryer. The BLACK+DECKER HF110SBD is the best small air fryer and is a great meal-for-one option.

Here’s a closer look at this popular small model.

Unit size and capacity

The HF110SBD by BLACK+DECKER has a basket capacity of 2L.

What exactly does this translate to? After all, fries, nuggets and steak cuts, aren’t measured in liters, right?

Well, the HF110SBD can fit about eight standard cups of food, which should be more than enough for one-person serving recipes. If you are planning to cook for many people at once, you may have to put in a few extra rounds.

Controls

The HF110SBD has pretty basic dial controls, which is surprising for a brand as well-known as BLACK+DECKER. They give the unit an old school vibe that might take away from your kitchen’s aesthetic.

Despite all this, the dials are pretty easy to use. The timer dial runs up to 60 minutes, which is half an hour more than what you get from other similar fryers.

It also stands out with its light indicators, which let you know when your fryer is hot enough for the ingredients and when the food is ready. The indicator may look outdated, but it is undeniably convenient.

Preset cooking modes

If you are one of those people who live for automation then this model might not be your favorite:

It doesn’t come with any preset modes, so you have to go through recipe books or search online to find the right temperature and time settings.

Fortunately, BLACK+DECKER makes up for this deficit with a wide temperature range of 175 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that the temperature is calibrated with 50-degree intervals, which may prove to be tricky when setting exact temperatures. 

Cooking technology

This air fryer uses hot air to cook the food. It has a special Dual Convention Fan system that is comparable to the Philips TurboStar system, both in terms of functionality and efficiency. So, despite being small and seemingly old fashioned, this unit packs quite a punch!

Does it cook evenly?

You don’t have to worry about some fries looking pale and undercooked while others shine in their crispy golden glory. That’s because this BLACK+DECKER air fryer is one of the few appliances that cooks food evenly! This is largely due to the dual-fan system that facilitates uniform heat distribution.

Cooking time frame

One thing that the dual fan system fails at is speed. Unlike the TurboStar system, this unit needs to be preheated before using. This increases cooking time by about five minutes.

However, once the system is fired up and ready to go, it cooks really fast. For example, a batch of fries only takes 7 to 10 minutes to cook.

How much oil do you need?

When it comes to oil consumption, this model is not as impressive as the three Philips fryers, and the ChefMan reviewed below:

You will need a tablespoon of oil for fries and more for other foods like chicken. The BLACK+DECKER may be healthier than traditional deep fryers, but there are definitely healthier options out there.

Final verdict

If you don’t want to spend money and countertop space on a monstrosity you will never really fully use then settle for the BLACK+DECKER HF110SBD Purify Air Fryer. It is a compact and efficient model that is more than enough for one person’s fried food needs.

6. GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Dial Air Fryer – Best Cheap Air Fryer

This model might be cheap but do not underestimate its quality and performance. With its decent food capacity and efficient cooking mechanism, you’ll get full value for your money and then some.

Here is a review of the GoWISE USA 3.7 Qt. Dial Air Fryer.

Unit size and capacity

This GoWISE air fryer model can accommodate 3.7 quarts of food, which is the equivalent of about two standard bags of frozen fries.

Like our top pick Philips Avance XXL, the GoWISE is a family size air fryer suitable for cooking food for four people or more.

Controls

The GoWISE fryer uses a pair of dials to control the time and temperature. The timer runs for 30 minutes, which is the industry standard at this point. Only a few other models on this list have a 60-minute timer.

There is no display screen, which means you can’t monitor or control the process. The old-fashioned look doesn’t make it less effective for cooking food though.

Preset cooking modes

GoWISE doesn’t come with any preset modes, which means you need to set the temperature manually depending on the food you cook. The fryer comes with a recipe book for meals starring your favorite meats and veggies. You can use it to fry, grill, bake, roast, and sauté foods.

Cooking technology

The unit cooks food using a Rapid Hot Air Circulation system. It is not exactly as impressive as TurboStar on Philips air fryers or the Dual Convention Fan on the BLACK+DECKER. However, it is every bit as effective as you would expect a model in its price range to be.

Does it cook evenly?

Surprisingly for its price, this GoWISE model can cook food evenly! That’s because the food basket is large enough and the air circulation system distributes hot air all around the unit. Be careful not to overload the basket though.

Cooking time frame

This air fryer has one up over more expensive models – it doesn’t need a lot of time to heat up. However, there is nothing outstanding about its cooking time frame either. It takes about five minutes for light veggies like kale, 10-15 minutes for heavy veggies like potatoes, broccoli, and carrots, and more than 20 minutes for meats.

How much oil do you need?

It is also a bit of a disappointment in terms of oil consumption. This model uses more oil than other fryers, especially for chicken and fries. You may need more than a tablespoon of oil to get the same golden crispiness as you would with other models on this list. 

Final verdict

If you are looking for a large-capacity air fryer for cheap, then this is a great model to consider. You might have to sacrifice on aesthetics and convenience, but the functionality and effectiveness more than makeup for these deficits.

7. ChefMan TurboFry 3.6 Quart Air Fryer – Best Air Fryer Around $50

Another cheap model with a lot to offer is the ChefMan TurboFry 3.6 quart air fryer. Its simple compact design and low-fat cooking are just a few of the great perks you’ll get with this unit.

Here is more about this pennywise option.

Unit size and capacity

ChefMan’s TurboFry is a pretty small capacity air fryer with a 3.6-quart cooking basket. It’s about the same size as the GoWISE cheap option, allowing you to easily cook for two or three people at a time.

The cooking basket actually has more capacity than its preceder due to the new and unique flat basket design. It fits a large pack of frozen fries or half a chicken.

Controls

The air fryer comes with dual knob controls – one for setting the timer, the other for setting the temperature. It’s a pretty unique feature, resulting in a clean and modern design.

It also stands out with its automatic shut off function:

Once the 60-minute timer runs out, ChefMan automatically switches itself off and keeps the food warm until you are ready to serve.

Preset cooking modes

There are no preset cooking modes on this model. You are also limited in terms of what cooking methods you can apply. Although the unit supports frying, roasting, baking, and grilling, the user consensus is that frying and roasting work best with it. It doesn’t seem to be that good for baking or grilling.

Cooking technology

ChefMan’s TurboFry may be cheap, but it does not compromise on power. It uses Rapid Air Technology to heat and circulate hot air within the fryer for cooking. This may not be the most efficient system, but it is pretty impressive nonetheless.

Does it cook evenly?

Thanks to such a powerful cooking system, most foods cooked with the ChefMan air fryer come out evenly fried. The results are even better when you shake the basket every 5-10 minutes.

Cooking time frame

The TurboFry works incredibly quickly for such a small and cheap unit. It takes 10-15 minutes to cook most foods, although some things like thick meat cuts may take a bit longer. It works very well with frozen foods, though!

This ChefMan model is also great for heating up leftover foods or making a quick meal like a grilled cheese sandwich.

How much oil do you need?

It may take longer for some foods to get ready, but at least you know you are enjoying a healthy and low-fat treat! ChefMan uses up to 80% less fat than ordinary fryers with less than a teaspoon of oil being all you need (some people say they never use any oil with it at all).

This puts it in the healthy-option big leagues with models like Philips Avance XXL!

Final Verdict

If you want a healthy option that is easy to control and even easier on the pockets, then the ChefMan TurboFry is the model for you. It comes in a nice compact package, has dishwasher safe parts that make it easy to clean and it delivers deliciously crispy foods reasonably fast.

Things To Consider Before Buying An Air Fryer

Up until the invention of air fryers, crispy French fries and chicken wings fell under the ‘super unhealthy’ food category. But with the help of air fryers, you can now easily prepare your favorite fried meals in a convenient, low-fat, and therefore healthy way.

In our Air Fryer Buying Guide, we’ll take a look at all the factors you should consider before buying one.

But first, how do air fryers work?

Well,

Air fryers use heated air to fry food with little or absolutely no oil at all. Special heating elements within the device generate heat from electricity, which is then used to cook the food.

Often, these devices also tend to have a drying effect. This is what makes them unique from ordinary ovens. The process draws out moisture from the food while it cooks, which in turn allows the food to achieve the desired crispiness without the risk of ending up a hot soggy mess.

Some of the advantages of air frying include:

• Healthier cooking as it uses less oil.
• Fast cooking with minimum pre-heating time.
• Versatility in terms of recipes you can try.
• Amazing crunchy and crispy results.

And now, here are the things to consider when buying an air fryer.

Power consumption

The normal range for power consumption in most high-quality and high-efficiency air fryers is 800 to 2100 watts.

Higher power models are generally capable of more heat output and longer cooking time. That said, they are more expensive to operate in the long run due to their high energy consumption. 

Low power units, on the other hand, can only handle basic air fryer recipes with shorter cooking periods of not more than 30 minutes. They are more energy efficient but limiting in terms of application.

The best thing to do is to pick a unit whose power consumption falls in the middle of the range at about 1500 watts. They are powerful and versatile enough without compromising on efficiency.

Food capacity

How much food can that air fryer that you are interested in hold?

This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself if you plan on using the fryer to cook for many people:

• Those with plenty of space for food are without a doubt the best options as they can handle 4-5 quarts of food and above.

• Smaller units in terms of food capacities are a good choice if you are not cooking for many people. You could also go for these if you don’t mind running the cooker multiple times to prepare entire meals.

Unit size and dimensions

This refers to the external dimensions of the air fryer and will show how much space it will occupy when set up. If you are working with limited counter space in your kitchen, this is definitely something you want to take into consideration.

To be on the safe side, take measurements from spare countertop space and compare them to fryer sizes available.

Control panel and user interface features

Air fryers either come with dials, buttons, or touch screen control panels:

• Touch screens are very modern and classy and also very easy to use. However, some models have poorly designed touch-sensitive interfaces that might end up failing you with time.
• Buttons might be a little old school, but they tend to be more resilient and durable than touch screens.
• Dials are downright archaic, but they get the job done. So if you are not fussy about appearances, the often cheaper dial operated units are a great option.

Cooking timer

How long your unit’s timer runs directly affects what you can cook with your air fryer:

• Most offer a maximum of 30 minutes of continuous cooking time. This is appropriate for light recipes including things like French fries and chicken nuggets.

• If you plan to cook a lot of heavier meals including thick meat cuts, models that allow at least 60 minutes of cooking time are a better choice. Some can offer up to 90 minutes, which although more expensive, are definitely worth it.

Variety of cooking modes

Basic air fryers only allow you to control temperature and timing. High-end air fryers, however, offer a variety of options in terms of cooking modes. Once you have selected your mode, the device automatically sets the ideal cooking temperature and time. This is highly convenient and efficient and ensures better cooking results. 

Most average fryers will offer you frying and roasting options. High-end models include modes like dehydration, baking, steaming, and so much more.

Dynamic fryers also often come with a skewer grilling mode. Of course, the more variety the unit offer, the better value you get for your money!

Warranty

The length of the warranty is very important as it is a reflection of the model’s quality. Most decent air fryers come with a warranty of at least one year, although there are exceptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping It Up

Investing in the right air fryer will allow you to continue indulging in crispy and crunchy guilty pleasures without risking a negative impact on your health.

There are many different air fryer brands and models on the market, so it’s easy to become overwhelmed when trying to find one that’s right for you. Start by defining your budget and then narrow down the choice depending on the size of your family.

In this air fryer review guide, we looked at units in four different categories: best overall, best large capacity, best small, and best cheap air fryer. We hope these reviews help you find a model that fits you perfectly!

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments below.

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API