Our picks for air fryers, based on published reviews, and whether to buy today or wait for a sale.
Updated October 18, 2026
buybynow verdict
Wait for Black Friday, unless the price is at or near its lowest price of the past 90 days
Air fryers are a staple of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, which run in late November. If you need one now, buy only if the price is at or near its lowest price of the past 90 days (check the price history on a tracker like camelcamelcamel or Keepa). Otherwise, set a price alert and wait a few weeks.
Next big saleLate November (Black Friday / Cyber Monday)
Our picks
Best overall
Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Qt Air Fryer (CAF-DC601-KUS)
A 6-quart basket that Cosori rates for 3 to 5 people, with a temperature range up to 450°F for extra crisping.
- 6 qt / 5.7 L capacity, 1,725 W (manufacturer specs)
- 90–450°F range and 5 fan speeds
- Single basket, so bigger meals cook in batches
Best for two foods at once
Ninja Foodi 8-Qt 4-in-1 DualZone (DZ100)
Two independent 4-quart baskets let you cook a main and a side at different settings and have them finish together.
- 8 qt total (2 × 4 qt), 105–400°F
- Air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate
- Wide footprint: About 15.6 in. across per Ninja
Best for small kitchens
Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer
A countertop oven that flips up against the backsplash for storage, and toasts and bakes as well as air fries.
- Flat tray fits sheet-pan meals
- Flips up to save counter space
- Less depth for tall foods than a basket
Best with a viewing window
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Qt with ClearCook
A window on the basket lets you check browning without pulling the drawer out.
- 6 qt basket with a viewing window
- Multiple cooking presets
- Check the current model's top temperature before buying
What to look for
Size2–4 qt suits one or two people, 5–6 qt suits most families, and 8 qt or dual baskets suit big batches.
Basket vs. oven styleBaskets are quick to clean and crisp fast. Oven styles hold more and can toast, but take more counter space.
CoatingMost baskets are nonstick. If you want to avoid it, look for stainless or ceramic-coated options and read the maker's specs.
FootprintMeasure under your cabinets first. Many 6–8 qt models are 12–16 in. deep.
What nobody tells you before you buy
The first-use smellA new air fryer often gives off a plastic or chemical smell the first time it heats up. Wash the basket, then run it empty for 10–15 minutes near an open window or under the range hood, as many manuals suggest.
It warms up the kitchenAn air fryer pushes a lot of hot air out of its vent, so a long cooking session can noticeably warm a small kitchen. Handy in winter, less so in summer.
Mind where the vent pointsKeep the exhaust vent facing away from painted walls and cabinets. Hot air blown at the same spot over time can discolor or damage paint, while a tile backsplash handles it better. Leave the clearance your manual lists around the unit, don't run it under low cabinets, and measure depth and height before you buy.
Capacity isn't what it sounds likeFood crisps only in a single layer, so a 6-qt basket holds less than you'd expect. Plan to cook in batches or pick a dual-basket model for families.
Preheat, then shakePreheat for a few minutes, as many recipes and manuals suggest, so food cooks through on time instead of coming out undercooked. Shake or flip food halfway for even browning.
A little oil, but skip aerosol sprayA light coat of oil on the food makes it crispier. Use an oil mister or brush rather than aerosol cooking spray: Cosori's manuals say not to use sprays with propellants because they can damage the basket's nonstick coating. Some baskets aren't nonstick, so follow your own manual.
Cleaning and utensilsUse silicone-tipped tongs, not metal, so you don't scratch the basket coating. Clean the basket and crisper plate after each use so grease doesn't bake on, with a soft sponge rather than an abrasive pad.
Ongoing costsMostly none. Optional parchment liners, and replacement baskets or crisper plates if the coating wears out.
When to buy: Price timing
Now – early NovemberOccasional dips. Buy only if the price is at or near its lowest price of the past 90 days.
Black Friday / Cyber MondayTypically the deepest discounts of the year.
JanuaryNew-year healthy-cooking promos.
Amazon Prime Day (usually July)Often the second-best window.
Timing reflects typical seasonal sale patterns, not a guarantee.
FAQ
Should I buy an air fryer before Black Friday?
Only if the price is at or near its lowest price of the past 90 days. Otherwise, waiting until late November usually pays off.
What size air fryer do I need?
For most families, 5–6 quarts. Choose dual baskets if you often cook two things at once.
Are dual-basket air fryers worth it?
Yes, if you regularly cook a main and a side. They cost more and take more counter width.
How do your verdicts work?
We compare today's price with its recent history and the upcoming sale calendar, then call it: Buy now, Good deal, or Wait.
How we picked
We did not test these products ourselves. Our picks are based on manufacturer specs and published reviews, including:
