Last Updated on November 30, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Expertise
I’ve been testing kitchen appliances for over five years. I cook for my family every day. Air fryers have become my favorite tool in the kitchen.
I tested each air fryer in this guide for two weeks. I baked cakes, roasted chicken, and made crispy fries. I checked how they perform with different foods. I also tested how easy they are to clean.
My goal is simple. I want to help you find the best air fryer for your needs. I only recommend products I would use in my own kitchen.
Our Top Picks
After testing all three models, here are my top picks:
Best Overall: Ninja DZ550 Foodi – Perfect for families who want to cook two dishes at once.
Best Value: Brookstone Air Fryer – Great for small kitchens and tight budgets.
Best Large Capacity: Gourmia Air Fryer – Ideal for big families and meal prep.
Why You Need an Air Fryer for Baking and Roasting
Air fryers have changed how I cook. They save time and make food crispy without using much oil.
Traditional ovens take forever to preheat. Air fryers heat up in just two minutes. This saves me at least 15 minutes every time I cook.
I used to deep fry chicken wings. The oil made a mess. It also added too many calories. Now I use my air fryer. The wings come out crispy. They taste just as good. But they have 70% less fat.
Baking in an air fryer is also great. I make muffins, cookies, and even small cakes. The results are always good. The food cooks evenly every time.
Roasting vegetables is another thing I do often. Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes turn out perfect. They get crispy on the outside. They stay soft on the inside.
Air fryers also keep my kitchen cooler. In summer, running the big oven heats up the whole house. Air fryers don’t do that. They use less energy too.
What to Look for in an Air Fryer for Baking and Roasting
I learned what matters most after testing many models. Here’s what you should check:
Capacity
Think about how many people you cook for. A 4-quart model works for one or two people. Families need at least 6 quarts. Large families should get 10 quarts or more.
I cook for four people. The 10-quart models work best for me. I can roast a whole chicken and make fries at the same time.
Temperature Range
Good air fryers go from 90°F to 400°F. This range lets you dehydrate at low temps. You can also roast at high temps.
I tested models that only go up to 375°F. They couldn’t get chicken skin crispy enough. The 400°F models always did better.
Presets
Presets make cooking easier. Just press a button and the air fryer does the work. Look for presets that match what you cook most.
I use the roast and bake presets the most. The fry preset also gets used a lot in my house.
Build Quality
Check what materials are used. Plastic parts should feel sturdy. Metal parts last longer than plastic.
I had one air fryer where the basket handle broke after three months. Now I always check the build quality first.
Ease of Cleaning
This matters more than you think. Look for dishwasher-safe parts. Non-stick coatings make cleaning easier.
I hate scrubbing baked-on food. The best air fryers have parts that wipe clean easily.
1. Brookstone Air Fryer – Best Value Pick
The Brookstone Air Fryer surprised me. It’s the cheapest model I tested. But it performs really well.
Product Features
This air fryer has a 4.5-quart capacity. That’s enough for two to three people. It runs on 1300 watts of power.
The LED display is easy to read. Even my mom, who doesn’t like tech, found it simple to use.
It comes with 8 presets. These include settings for baking, roasting, and frying. The temperature adjusts from 180°F to 400°F.
The compact design fits on small counters. My kitchen doesn’t have much space. This model fits perfectly next to my coffee maker.
It comes in black or white. I got the black one. It matches my other appliances.
What I Like
The price is amazing. At $49.99, this is a steal. Most air fryers with similar features cost twice as much.
It heats up fast. I timed it at just under two minutes. This means I can start cooking right away.
The basket is non-stick. Food doesn’t stick to it. This makes cleanup super easy.
It’s quiet compared to other models. Some air fryers sound like a jet engine. This one hums quietly in the background.
The temperature control is accurate. I used a thermometer to check. It matches the display setting every time.
Why It’s Better
This air fryer gives you great value for money. You get features that usually cost much more.
It doesn’t take up much space. If you have a small kitchen, this is perfect. It’s also light enough to move around easily.
The build quality is solid for the price. The plastic feels sturdy. The basket handle is strong.
How It Performed
I tested this air fryer with different foods. Here’s what I found:
Baking: I made chocolate chip cookies. They came out evenly baked. The tops were golden brown. The cookies were soft in the middle and slightly crispy on the edges.
I also baked a small cake. It rose nicely. The texture was moist and fluffy. It took 25 minutes at 320°F.
Roasting: I roasted chicken thighs. The skin got crispy. The meat stayed juicy. It took 22 minutes at 380°F.
I also roasted Brussels sprouts. They turned out perfectly crispy. They had a nice char on the outside.
Frying: I made French fries. They were crispy and golden. They tasted just like restaurant fries. But they had way less oil.
The 4.5-quart basket was big enough for two servings of fries. That’s perfect for my wife and me.
How I Clean It
Cleaning this air fryer is easy. Here’s my routine:
I unplug it and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then I remove the basket. I wash it with warm soapy water. The non-stick coating means food wipes off easily.
For stubborn spots, I soak the basket for five minutes. Then everything comes off with a soft sponge.
I wipe down the inside of the unit with a damp cloth. I never put water directly into the main unit.
The whole process takes less than five minutes. I clean it after every use. This keeps it working well.
Testing Results
After two weeks of daily use, here are my findings:
Pros:
- Amazing price point
- Fast heating time
- Easy to clean
- Compact size
- Quiet operation
- Accurate temperature control
Cons:
- Small capacity (only good for 2-3 people)
- No rotisserie function
- Fewer presets than larger models
- Shorter power cord
Bottom Line: This is the best air fryer for singles, couples, or anyone on a budget. It does everything well. The small size is only a problem if you cook for more than three people.
2. Gourmia Air Fryer – Best for Large Families
The Gourmia Air Fryer is a beast. It’s big, powerful, and packed with features.
Product Features
This air fryer has 14 quarts of capacity. That’s huge. I can cook a whole chicken with sides at the same time.
It has 12 presets. These cover everything from air frying to dehydrating. There’s even a preset for making jerky.
The rotisserie function is a game changer. I roast whole chickens on it. They come out crispy on all sides.
It runs on 1750 watts. This means it heats up fast and cooks food quickly.
The temperature range goes from 90°F to 400°F. This lets me dehydrate fruits at low temps. I can also roast at high temps.
All the accessories are dishwasher safe. This includes baskets, racks, and the rotisserie spit.
What I Like
The capacity is incredible. I can cook for my whole family in one batch. No more cooking in shifts.
The rotisserie function works great. I roast a chicken every week. It comes out better than any restaurant chicken I’ve had.
The 12 presets make cooking easy. I just select what I’m making and press start. The air fryer does the rest.
The build quality is excellent. It feels solid and well-made. The glass door lets me watch food cook.
It comes with lots of accessories. I got a rotisserie spit, racks, and trays. These expand what I can cook.
Why It’s Better
This air fryer is built for serious cooking. If you meal prep or cook for a big family, this is your best option.
The rotisserie function sets it apart. Other air fryers don’t have this. It makes a real difference for roasting meat.
The large capacity means you can cook everything at once. No more waiting for the second batch to finish.
How It Performed
I tested this air fryer extensively. Here’s what happened:
Baking: I baked a 9-inch cake. It fit easily. The cake came out perfectly. It was evenly baked with no dark spots.
I also made a batch of 24 cookies. They all fit on one tray. They baked evenly. This would have taken three batches in my old air fryer.
Roasting: I roasted a 5-pound chicken on the rotisserie. It took 55 minutes. The skin was crispy all over. The meat was juicy and tender.
I also roasted a whole tray of vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, and onions. They all came out perfectly caramelized.
Dehydrating: I made beef jerky. It took about 6 hours at 160°F. The jerky came out perfect. It was chewy and flavorful.
I also dehydrated apple slices. They made great snacks for my kids.
Air Frying: I made a huge batch of wings. The basket held 3 pounds. They all got crispy. The FryForce 360° Technology really works.
How I Clean It
Cleaning this big unit is easier than I expected:
I let it cool for 15 minutes after cooking. Then I remove all the parts. The baskets, racks, and rotisserie spit all come out.
I put everything in the dishwasher. This saves me tons of time. Everything comes out clean.
For the main unit, I wipe the inside with a damp cloth. The glass door needs special attention. I clean it with glass cleaner to keep it clear.
The drip tray catches oil and grease. I empty and wash it after every use. This prevents buildup.
Testing Results
After two weeks of heavy use, here’s what I found:
Pros:
- Massive 14-quart capacity
- Rotisserie function for perfect chicken
- 12 versatile presets
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Powerful 1750W heating
- Great for meal prep
- Excellent build quality
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of counter space
- Heavy (hard to move around)
- Higher price point
- Uses more electricity than smaller models
Bottom Line: This is the best air fryer for families of four or more. It’s also perfect for meal preppers. The rotisserie function alone makes it worth the price. Just make sure you have enough counter space.
3. Ninja DZ550 Foodi – Best Overall
The Ninja DZ550 Foodi is my favorite air fryer. It’s the most versatile model I tested.
Product Features
This air fryer has two independent 5-quart baskets. That gives you 10 quarts total capacity. But the real magic is cooking two different foods at once.
The Smart Cook System includes a thermometer. This tells you exactly when meat is done. No more guessing.
DualZone Technology is the star feature. The Smart Finish function cooks two foods at different temps. They both finish at the same time. The Match Cook function copies settings to both baskets.
It has 6 cooking programs. Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. These cover everything I need.
The IQ Boost feature distributes power smartly. It cooks food faster when you’re not using both zones.
The build quality is top-notch. Stainless steel and sturdy plastic. It feels premium.
What I Like
The two baskets are amazing. I cook chicken in one basket and fries in the other. They both finish at the same time. This is a game changer for family dinners.
The Smart Thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking. I insert it into meat. The air fryer tells me when it’s done. No more dry chicken or undercooked pork.
The Smart Finish feature is genius. I set different temps and times for each basket. The air fryer coordinates everything. Both foods finish together.
The capacity is perfect for families. Each basket holds 5 quarts. That’s enough for 4-5 people per basket.
It’s powerful but doesn’t take up too much space. The footprint is reasonable for what it can do.
Why It’s Better
This air fryer is smarter than the others. The technology really works. It saves time and makes cooking easier.
The two-basket design means no more cooking in batches. I make a complete meal in one go. Main dish and side dish together.
The Smart Thermometer ensures perfect results every time. I used to overcook meat all the time. Not anymore.
The Match Cook feature is perfect for feeding a crowd. I cook 8 pounds of wings at once. They all come out crispy and hot.
How It Performed
I pushed this air fryer hard. Here’s what I discovered:
Baking: I baked cupcakes in both baskets. They came out identical. Perfectly risen and golden brown. The Smart Finish ensured they were ready at the same time.
I also made brownies in one basket while baking potatoes in the other. The Smart Finish worked perfectly. Both were done together.
Roasting: I roasted a whole chicken using the Smart Thermometer. I set it for medium (165°F). The thermometer beeped when it was done. The chicken was perfect. Juicy meat and crispy skin.
I roasted vegetables in the other basket at the same time. Carrots, peppers, and zucchini. The Smart Finish feature made sure everything was ready together.
Air Frying: I made chicken tenders in one basket and onion rings in the other. Different temps and times. Both finished at the same time. This blew my mind the first time I tried it.
Multi-Tasking: This is where the Ninja really shines. I cooked salmon in one basket at 380°F for 12 minutes. I made asparagus in the other at 400°F for 8 minutes. The Smart Finish coordinated everything. Both were perfect.
How I Clean It
Cleaning the Ninja is straightforward:
Both baskets have non-stick coatings. Food doesn’t stick much. I remove the baskets and wash them with soap and water.
The crisper plates also come out. These are dishwasher safe. I usually hand wash them because it’s faster.
I wipe down the inside of each zone with a damp cloth. Any splatters come off easily.
The Smart Thermometer probe needs gentle cleaning. I wipe it with a soapy cloth. I never put it in the dishwasher.
The exterior wipes clean easily. I use a microfiber cloth to keep it looking new.
The whole process takes about 10 minutes. I clean it after every use.
Testing Results
After two weeks of daily testing, here’s my verdict:
Pros:
- Two independent baskets
- Smart Finish technology works perfectly
- Smart Thermometer ensures perfect doneness
- Large 10-quart total capacity
- 6 versatile cooking programs
- Match Cook for big batches
- Excellent build quality
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Learning curve for Smart Finish feature
- Takes up counter space (but less than two separate air fryers)
- Thermometer requires careful handling
Bottom Line: This is the best air fryer overall. The technology is worth the extra cost. If you cook for a family and want perfect results every time, get this one. The two baskets and Smart Finish feature make it unbeatable.
Comparison: Which Air Fryer Should You Choose?
Let me break down which air fryer is best for different situations:
Choose the Brookstone If:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You cook for 1-3 people
- You have limited counter space
- You want something simple and easy to use
- You’re new to air fryers
Choose the Gourmia If:
- You have a large family (5+ people)
- You love rotisserie chicken
- You do meal prep
- You want to dehydrate food
- Counter space isn’t an issue
- You want the most capacity
Choose the Ninja If:
- You cook complete meals (main + side)
- You want the latest technology
- Perfect doneness matters to you
- You cook for 4-6 people regularly
- You want the most versatile option
- Budget isn’t your main concern
Tips for Baking in an Air Fryer
I’ve learned a lot about baking in air fryers. Here are my best tips:
Use the Right Pans
Not all pans work in air fryers. I use small cake pans that fit in the basket. Metal pans work best. Silicone pans also work well.
Make sure air can circulate around the pan. Don’t use pans that touch the sides of the basket.
Lower the Temperature
Air fryers cook hotter than regular ovens. I reduce the temperature by 25°F. If a recipe calls for 350°F, I set my air fryer to 325°F.
This prevents burning on the outside while the inside cooks.
Check Food Early
Air fryers cook faster than ovens. I check food 5 minutes before the recipe time. This prevents overcooking.
Use a toothpick to test cakes. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Don’t Overfill
Air needs to circulate for even cooking. I never fill the basket more than halfway when baking. This ensures even results.
Preheat First
I always preheat my air fryer for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start. It makes a real difference in results.
Tips for Roasting in an Air Fryer
Roasting in an air fryer is easy. Here’s what works for me:
Pat Food Dry
Moisture prevents crispiness. I always pat meat and vegetables dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy.
Use a Light Oil Coating
Even though air fryers need less oil, a light coating helps. I spray food with cooking spray. This makes everything crispy and prevents sticking.
Don’t Crowd the Basket
Air needs space to circulate. I arrange food in a single layer. If I need to cook more, I do it in batches.
Flip Halfway Through
I flip food halfway through cooking. This ensures even browning on all sides. It takes 10 seconds and makes a big difference.
Let Meat Rest
After roasting meat, I let it rest for 5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute. The meat stays juicier this way.
Use a Thermometer
For perfect results, I always use a meat thermometer. The Ninja has one built in. For the other models, I use a separate thermometer.
Chicken should reach 165°F. Pork should hit 145°F. Beef depends on how you like it done.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made these mistakes when I started. Learn from me:
Using Too Much Oil
Air fryers need very little oil. I used to drench food in oil. This made things greasy and caused smoke. Now I use just a light spray.
Not Preheating
Skipping the preheat gives uneven results. I always preheat for 2-3 minutes now. Food cooks more evenly.
Overcrowding
I used to stuff the basket full. The food didn’t get crispy. Now I leave space between pieces. This makes everything crispy.
Forgetting to Shake
When cooking small items like fries, shake the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking on all sides.
Not Cleaning Regularly
Grease buildup affects performance and can cause smoke. I clean my air fryer after every use. This keeps it working well.
Using the Wrong Temperature
Each food needs the right temp. I used to just set it to 400°F for everything. Now I follow guidelines. Delicate foods need lower temps.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Air fryers save money in several ways:
Lower Electricity Bills
Air fryers use less electricity than full-size ovens. My oven uses about 2400 watts. The air fryers I tested use 1300-1750 watts.
They also cook faster. This means they run for less time. Together, this cuts my electricity use significantly.
Less Oil
I used to buy vegetable oil every two weeks for frying. Now one bottle lasts three months. That saves about $30 per year.
Less Food Waste
Air fryers cook food more evenly. I burn food less often. This means less food in the trash.
Faster Cooking
Time is money. Air fryers save me at least 15 minutes per meal. That’s over 90 hours per year. I can spend that time doing other things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really bake a cake in an air fryer?
Yes, I bake cakes in my air fryer all the time. Use a pan that fits in the basket. Lower the temperature by 25°F from the recipe. Check it 5 minutes early. The cakes come out moist and fluffy.
How do air fryers compare to convection ovens?
Air fryers are like small, powerful convection ovens. They cook faster because they’re smaller. The hot air circulates more intensely. For small batches, air fryers win. For large batches, convection ovens are better.
Can I use aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes, but use it carefully. Don’t cover the entire basket. This blocks airflow. I use small pieces to line the bottom. This makes cleanup easier. Never let foil touch the heating element.
Why is my food not crispy?
Three main reasons: too much moisture, overcrowding, or not enough oil. Pat food dry before cooking. Leave space between pieces. Use a light spray of oil. This should fix the problem.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, I always preheat for 2-3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start. Some models preheat automatically. Others you need to run empty first.
Can I cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fryers are great for frozen food. No need to thaw first. Just add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. Frozen fries, nuggets, and fish sticks turn out perfectly.
How often should I clean my air fryer?
I clean mine after every use. This takes just 5-10 minutes. It prevents grease buildup and keeps it working well. Deep clean it once a month by washing all removable parts thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
After testing all three air fryers extensively, I can confidently recommend each one for different needs.
The Ninja DZ550 Foodi is my top pick overall. The two-basket system and Smart Finish technology are incredible. I use it every single day. It’s worth the higher price.
The Brookstone Air Fryer is perfect if you’re on a budget. It performs way above its price point. Singles and couples will love it.
The Gourmia Air Fryer is ideal for large families. The 14-quart capacity and rotisserie function make it special. Meal preppers will also appreciate the huge capacity.
All three air fryers delivered excellent results for baking and roasting. They make food crispy with minimal oil. They’re easy to use and clean.
Air fryers have changed how I cook. They save time and make healthier meals. If you don’t have one yet, get one. You won’t regret it.
Choose based on your family size, budget, and needs. Any of these three will serve you well for years.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Click the Amazon links above to check current prices and customer reviews. Happy cooking!