10 Best Hot Air Fryers 2026 in the United States

The Ninja AF181 air fryer is a strong choice for anyone looking to cook healthier meals with less oil, thanks to its Max Crisp Technology that heats up to 450°F for fast, crispy results. Its 6.5-quart capacity is roomy enough to handle large portions—up to 9 pounds of wings or 5 pounds of fries—making it ideal for families, meal prepping, or entertaining. With 1750 watts of power, it cooks frozen foods quickly without needing to thaw, saving time on busy days.

The six cooking functions cover a wide range of needs: crisping, air frying, roasting, baking, reheating, and dehydrating, which adds versatility beyond just frying. The design is compact enough to fit comfortably on most countertops despite its size, and the metal exterior with a nonstick basket and crisper plate makes cleanup easy since these parts are dishwasher safe. It also features a touch control panel, programmable settings, and automatic shut-off for convenience and safety.

Its 11.44-pound weight and dimensions might be a bit bulky for very small kitchens or those with limited counter space. Also, at 1750 watts, it uses a fair amount of energy, which might matter if you're conscious about electricity use. This air fryer effectively balances capacity, power, and user-friendly features, making it a solid pick for anyone wanting a versatile, easy-to-use appliance for healthier cooking.

The Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer is a solid choice if you're looking for a versatile kitchen appliance that can air fry, roast, bake, broil, reheat, and even dehydrate food. Its 5.5-quart capacity is quite generous, allowing you to cook enough food for a family meal, such as 3 pounds of fries or chicken wings in one go. The appliance uses 1750 watts of power, which is on the higher side, meaning it heats up quickly and cooks food faster than many other models. It can reach temperatures up to 450°F, helping to achieve crispy results with less oil—up to 75% less fat compared to traditional frying methods, which is great if you want healthier meals without sacrificing taste.

The Max Crisp technology is a standout feature that speeds up cooking time by about 30% over earlier versions, making it efficient for busy days. It also offers 7 preset cooking programs, simplifying the process for users who prefer one-touch operation without guessing temperature or time settings. The ceramic-coated nonstick basket is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easier.

On the downside, the unit is on the larger and heavier side (almost 12 pounds and about 15 inches deep), which might require a good amount of counter space and could be a bit bulky for smaller kitchens. The design is sleek with a high gloss finish in grey, so it looks modern but might show fingerprints or smudges easily. Additionally, while it has many functions, users who only want a simple air fryer might find the variety of settings more than they need. This model is best suited for families or individuals who value speed, capacity, and versatility in cooking methods, especially if you want a healthier alternative to deep frying. Its easy-to-use presets and quick cooking make it convenient, though it requires enough kitchen space and a higher budget compared to basic air fryers.

The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is a solid choice if you're looking for a compact and versatile appliance to make healthier meals. It has a 4-quart capacity, which fits about 2 pounds of fries—enough for a small family or a couple of people, but might be tight for larger households. With 1550 watts of power, it heats quickly and reaches temperatures from 105°F up to 400°F, letting you cook a variety of foods from gently dehydrating snacks to crisp, roasted meals.

The 4-in-1 cooking presets — Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate — make it easy to handle different cooking needs without guesswork. Its ceramic-coated basket and crisper plate are nonstick, helping with cleanup, though these parts are not dishwasher-safe, so cleaning requires a bit of hand washing. The size is fairly compact (about 14x11x13 inches), so it won't dominate your countertop. Additional features like the ability to dehydrate foods add fun and versatility beyond typical air frying.

This model works well for those wanting to prepare healthier versions of fried foods and experiment with snacks. However, if you often cook for many people or prefer dishwasher-safe parts, you might want to consider those factors before deciding.