KitchenOctober 1, 202611 min read
Best Air Fryers of 2026: We Tested the Ninja Foodi DZ201, Cosori Pro LE and Ninja AF101
Air fryers are everywhere, but the differences between a $100 model and a $190 model are bigger than the marketing suggests. Here is what actually matters once the novelty wears off.
UH
UsefulHomeGuide Test TeamTested & written by our kitchen team · Updated October 1, 2026
An air fryer is basically a compact, fast convection oven. A heating element and a powerful fan circulate hot air around the food, which is how a handful of fries or a tray of wings ends up crisp with far less oil than deep-frying. That core idea is the same in every model — so why do some feel like a kitchen essential while others end up in a cupboard after a month?
In our experience it comes down to four things: how evenly food browns, how loud and heat-hungry the machine is, how easy the basket is to clean, and whether the capacity actually fits the way you cook. We built our test around those questions.
Quick verdict
- Best overallNinja Foodi DZ201 (8 qt, dual basket)
- Best valueCosori Pro LE (5 qt)
- Best for small kitchensNinja AF101 (4 qt)
At a glance
| Model | Capacity | Power | Our score | Approx. price |
|---|
| Ninja Foodi DZ201 | 8 qt (2 × 4 qt) | 1,690 W | 9.1 / 10 | $170–$200 |
| Cosori Pro LE | 5 qt | 1,700 W | 8.7 / 10 | $90–$120 |
| Ninja AF101 | 4 qt | 1,550 W | 8.3 / 10 | $80–$110 |
How we tested
Each air fryer was used over several weeks of normal home cooking. We ran the same set of foods through all three: frozen fries, frozen chicken nuggets, bone-in chicken wings, salmon fillets and fresh vegetables. We looked at browning evenness, crispness, preheat and cook time, noise, exterior heat and how much effort cleaning took.
Specifications such as capacity, wattage and number of presets come from the manufacturers. Everything else — crispness, noise, usability — is our hands-on assessment. Scores are weighted: 35% cooking performance, 20% ease of use, 20% cleaning, 15% capacity and flexibility, 10% value.
Our reviews
Best overallNinja Foodi DZ201 8-Quart Dual Zone
Approx. $170–$200
- 2 × 4 qt baskets
- 1,690 W
- 6 cooking functions
- Smart Finish & Match Cook
The DZ201 is the air fryer that changes how you plan dinner. Two independent baskets let you cook a protein in one and a side in the other — at different temperatures if you like — and the Smart Finish feature syncs the timers so both come out hot at the same moment. For a family of four, that alone removes most of the juggling that makes single-basket models frustrating.
Browning was consistently the best of the group, particularly on wings and fries, where the single-layer capacity of each basket helps. The trade-off is size: it is a large machine that needs a permanent place on the counter, and it draws a lot of power, so avoid running it on a circuit shared with other heavy appliances.
What we liked
- Two baskets cook two different foods at once
- Smart Finish syncs timers for a same-time finish
- Excellent, even browning
- Dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates
What we didn’t
- Large footprint and visually bulky
- Highest price of the three
- Fan is noticeable at high settings
Best valueCosori Pro LE 5-Quart
Approx. $90–$120
- 5 qt basket
- 1,700 W
- One-touch presets
- Compact square-ish footprint
If you only buy one air fryer and want it to cover most households, the Cosori Pro LE is where we would point most people. The 5-quart basket handles dinner for two to four people, the interface is straightforward, and it is noticeably quieter than the Ninja models at full tilt.
Cooking results are close to the more expensive DZ201 for single dishes: crisp, golden fries and nuggets, and juicy salmon. Where it falls behind is flexibility — one basket means cooking in batches when you are feeding a larger group, and the non-stick coating needs gentle hand-washing to keep it looking new.
What we liked
- Strong all-round performance for the price
- Quiet for its class
- Simple controls, quick to learn
- Fits most kitchens without dominating the counter
What we didn’t
- Single basket means batch cooking for big meals
- Coating needs gentle care
- Fewer advanced features than the Ninja
Best for small kitchensNinja AF101 4-Quart
Approx. $80–$110
- 4 qt basket
- 1,550 W
- 4 programs
- Up to 400°F
The AF101 has been a bestseller for good reason: it is compact, heats quickly and delivers the crisp finish people want from an air fryer without a complicated menu. For one or two people, or for anyone short on counter space, it is a sensible and affordable starting point.
The limitation is capacity. Four quarts is fine for a side of fries or a couple of chicken thighs, but you will be cooking in rounds for a family. It does the basics very well rather than trying to do everything.
What we liked
- Compact and easy to store
- Heats up fast and cooks evenly
- Straightforward four-program interface
- Good price
What we didn’t
- Small capacity for families
- Fewer presets than larger models
- Basket must be washed by hand for best coating life
What to look for when buying
- Match capacity to your household. One to two people: 4 qt. Two to four: 5–6 qt. Larger families or frequent entertaining: a dual-basket model.
- Think about the counter. Air fryers are bulky. Measure the space — including clearance above and behind the unit for hot-air venting.
- Check how the basket cleans. Dishwasher-safe baskets are a real convenience. Non-stick coatings last longer with soft sponges and no metal utensils.
- Preheat and shake. Most foods crisp best with a short preheat and a shake or flip halfway through. Do not overcrowd the basket.
Frequently asked questions
Are air fryers actually healthier?
They use far less oil than deep-frying, so foods typically contain less fat. They are not a health product by themselves — what you cook still matters most.
Can I use foil or parchment?
Perforated parchment liners made for air fryers are generally fine. Never let loose foil or paper block airflow or touch the heating element.
Why is my food not crisp?
The most common causes are overcrowding the basket, skipping the preheat, or food that is too wet. Pat food dry and cook in a single layer where possible.
The bottom line
Ninja Foodi DZ201 (8 qt, dual basket) is our top recommendation for most people — but the best choice depends on your space, your habits and your budget. Use the table above to match the product to your situation, and always check current pricing before buying, as deals change frequently.
