Buying an air fryer is mostly a handful of decisions made in the right order. Get the style and size right and almost any decent model works. Get them wrong and no feature list will fix it. This guide walks through the decisions, with numbers from product listings we reviewed for our roundups.
We have not used these machines ourselves, so treat the figures as listing specs and confirm on the product page.
Step 1: Choose the Style
| Style | Good for | Trade-off | Read next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single basket | Most households, fries, wings, vegetables | One food at a time | Best air fryers |
| Dual basket | A main and a side together | Wider, heavier; each drawer is about half the total | Best dual-basket air fryers |
| Oven style or toaster oven combo | Racks, pans, toast and bake | The most counter space | Best air fryer toaster ovens |
| Rotisserie oven | Whole chickens and roasts | Tall and larger | Best air fryers with rotisserie |
Step 2: Choose the Size
| People | Rule-of-thumb capacity |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2 to 4 quarts |
| 2 | 4 to 5 quarts |
| 3 to 4 | 6 to 8 quarts, or a dual basket |
| 5 or more | 8 quarts and up, or an oven style |
Then check footprint and height. Two machines of 8 quarts can differ by almost 2 to 1 in floor area. Our size guide and our small and large roundups list real dimensions, including how many quarts each machine gives per square inch of counter.
Step 3: Check the Power
Listings range from about 900 watts (small mini models) to 1,800 watts (large ovens). A 15 amp, 120 volt circuit tops out around 1,800 watts and a 20 amp circuit around 2,400 watts, so do not run another high-wattage appliance on the same circuit. See our wattage guide for 20 models side by side.
Step 4: Choose the Coating
| Basket surface | What the listing usually says |
|---|---|
| Nonstick coating | Easy release; avoid metal tools and abrasive pads |
| Ceramic, PFAS-free | The maker says the coating is made without PFAS |
| Glass basket | No coating; heavier and breakable |
| Stainless interior | Durable; check the listing for what contacts food |
If a PFAS-free coating matters to you, see our ceramic-coated roundup. Read the exact wording in each listing, because it is a manufacturer claim.
Step 5: Decide on Extras
- Window: lets you check browning without opening the basket. See our window roundup. It is a convenience, not a performance feature.
- App control: a few models offer it. Useful only if you will use it.
- Presets: some models list 7 to 17 presets. Many cooks use two or three.
- Shake reminder: a prompt to toss food halfway.
- Dishwasher-safe parts: check the listing; some are hand wash only.
Step 6: Measure Your Kitchen
- Measure counter depth and width, with room behind for ventilation.
- Measure height to the underside of cabinets, including basket or door clearance.
- Check the outlet and circuit.
Common Buying Mistakes
- Choosing by quarts alone.
- Buying dual basket without checking the width.
- Buying an oven when you only want a snack machine.
- Ignoring wattage and the circuit.
- Skipping the care notes on coatings.
Quick Recommendations by Situation
- Dorm or studio: a compact 2 to 4 quart basket.
- Couple: a 4 to 6 quart basket.
- Family of four: a 6.5 to 8 quart basket or a dual basket.
- You also want to bake and toast: an air fryer toaster oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a preheat?
Some makers recommend it and some do not. Follow your manual.
Can I cook frozen food?
Many models list a frozen-food setting or temperature range suited to it.
Is an air fryer worth it?
If you cook small batches of crisp foods often, many people find it useful. If you rarely do, a toaster oven may be enough. See our comparison with toaster ovens.
How do I clean one?
See our cleaning guide, and follow your manual.
The Short Version
Choose style first, then size, then check the footprint, wattage and coating. Add extras only if you will use them. From there, our roundups give specific models with real dimensions.
