Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around ingredients, producing a crisp exterior similar to deep frying while using far less oil.
Many home cooks rely on air fryers for quick meals, reheating leftovers, roasting vegetables, and preparing snacks.
From compact basket air fryers to large countertop oven models, the best air fryers combine strong cooking performance with practical everyday use. One of the most versatile models we tested was the Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer, which offers oven-style capacity and multiple cooking modes. You can read our full hands-on review of the Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer.
BEST AIR FRYERS
These recommendations are built from a mix of firsthand use, trusted chef experience, and long-term performance patterns — not studio demos or sponsored lists. Check out our hands-on Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer.
RELATED COOKING GEAR
Explore the Best Cutting Boards for Home Chefs guides to learn more about cutting board materials, construction styles, and how proper care helps extend the life of your kitchen tools.
Why Trust OTRECO
✔ Chef-led evaluations ✔ Real-world cooking environments ✔ Hands-on testing where applicable
✔Clear disclosure when use is reported or research-driven
We don’t crown “winners” based on specs alone. Every recommendation here reflects how sharpening tools actually perform in real kitchens over time.
▪ Evaluated for performance
Gear evaluated through repeated, real-world use
▪ Recommendations
Recommendations based on long-term value, not hype
▪ pros & cons
Honest pros and cons based on actual results
▪ Independent Reviews
Honest strengths and honest flaws
▪ hands on testing
Hands-on testing in real kitchens and on the road
▪ Pro Kitchen, Home and Road tested
Reviews informed by professional cooking experience
▪ OTRECO Standards
Clear criteria for performance, durability, and usability
▪ OTRECO & Friends Tested
Experience-driven insights from working cooks
WHY AIR FRYERS ARE POPULAR
Air fryers have become popular because they allow cooks to prepare crispy meals quickly with minimal oil.
Common uses include:
• cooking fries and potatoes
• reheating leftovers
• roasting vegetables
• cooking chicken and seafood
• preparing quick weeknight meals
Many modern air fryers also offer roasting, baking, and dehydrating functions.
Explore Our Testing & Gear Resources
Sharpening is just one part of blade care. These resources explain how we test, maintain, and travel with knives in real-world cooking setups.