Kitchen & Coffee

Air fryers

7 kinds worth knowing, 9 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of air fryers — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

An air fryer suits almost anyone who cooks on weeknights: a parent feeding a busy household, a couple who want quicker dinners, or a new homeowner still filling the kitchen. The ones that get used every day are simple to load, easy to clean and small enough to stay out on the counter. Before you buy, think about how many people the person cooks for and how much counter space they have. A single basket works well for one or two people. A dual basket air fryer lets someone cook a main and a side at the same time. If they already have a lot of stainless appliances, a stainless steel air fryer will match the rest of the kitchen.

Kind 1 of 7

What makes a good air fryer

A good air fryer heats evenly, is quick to clean and has controls that make sense the first time you use them. For most gifts, a basket model with clear presets and a readable display is the safest choice. Before buying, check that the basket fits the recipient's usual portions, that the parts that come out go in the dishwasher, and that the machine fits under their upper cabinets. A glass or windowed model lets them check the food without stopping the cook, which new users tend to like.

  • Representative generic glass air-fryer system preparing a small meal

    Curated pickOver $100

    Ninja CRISPi

    Air-fries dinner in a glass dish they can watch, serve, and store in.

  • Representative photo-style image of classic basket air fryer — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Air fryer basket

    An excellent choice for those new to air frying, this traditional drawer-style model is straightforward to operate and clean.

  • Representative photo-style image of compact countertop air fryer — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Compact air fryer

    This smaller appliance is ideal for individuals or couples living in apartments or with limited kitchen space, offering convenient healthy cooking.

  • Representative photo-style image of digital display air fryer — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Digital display air fryer

    Featuring precise temperature and time controls, this air fryer offers easy-to-use preset programs for various dishes.

  • Representative photo-style image of air fryer with viewing window — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Air fryer with viewing window

    This design allows users to monitor cooking progress without opening the basket, preserving heat and ensuring consistent results.

Kind 2 of 7

Stainless steel for a matching kitchen

A stainless steel air fryer has a steel exterior, and some models use steel inside too. It suits someone whose kettle, toaster or range is already stainless, since it looks right sitting out on the counter. Before buying, check what the basket and tray are made of, because the outside and inside often differ. Also check how the finish handles fingerprints and whether the parts that come out are dishwasher safe. Steel models are often larger and heavier, so measure the counter space first.

Kind 3 of 7

Two baskets, two foods at once

A dual basket air fryer has two separate drawers side by side, each with its own controls. It's a good fit for someone who cooks a protein and a vegetable together, or who feeds people with different tastes. Check that each basket is big enough to be useful on its own, since two small drawers can hold less than one large basket. Look for a setting that finishes both sides at the same time. The unit is wide, so make sure the counter has room for it.

Kind 4 of 7

Dual zone cooking with separate settings

Dual zone air fryers let you set a different time and temperature for each side, so fries and chicken can cook together without one overcooking. Some have two drawers and others have one large basket with a removable divider, which gives more flexibility for big items. This suits a home cook who likes getting a whole meal done in one appliance. Before you buy, check whether the divider comes out, how easy the controls are to read, and whether both zones can be synced to finish together.

  • Representative photo-style image of dual zone air fryer — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    Dual zone air fryer

    This innovative appliance allows for cooking two different foods at separate temperatures and times simultaneously, perfect for meal prepping.

Kind 5 of 7

Family size capacity for bigger batches

A family size air fryer has a large basket that can hold a full batch of wings, a whole tray of vegetables or several portions at once, so nobody waits for a second round. It makes sense for parents cooking for three or more, or anyone who batch cooks. Before buying, check the usable cooking area and not just the stated volume, because a wide, flat basket crisps food better than a deep one. Also measure the counter and cupboard space, since these units take up real room.

  • Representative photo-style image of family size air fryer — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    Family size air fryer

    Perfect for larger households or those who frequently entertain, this appliance handles bigger batches of food with ease.

Kind 6 of 7

Choosing for a large household

For a big household, you're choosing between one very large basket, two baskets, or an oven-style unit with several racks. One large basket suits simple meals like a big batch of one food. Two zones suit families who want a main and a side ready at the same time. Racks suit people who already bake or roast a lot. Think about the meals they actually make, check how easy the largest parts are to wash, and make sure they fit in the sink.

Kind 7 of 7

Air fryer ovens that do more

A multi function air fryer oven looks like a small countertop oven and can air fry, bake, roast, toast and sometimes dehydrate or rotisserie. It suits someone who wants one appliance in place of a toaster oven and an air fryer, or a new homeowner setting up a kitchen. Before buying, check the interior height if a rotisserie is included, count how many racks and trays come with it, and confirm the door and crumb tray are easy to clean. These units take up plenty of counter space.

  • Representative photo-style image of multi-function air fryer oven — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    Multi function air fryer oven

    This versatile appliance combines air frying with baking, roasting, and toasting, making it a powerful addition to any kitchen.

  • Representative photo-style image of rotisserie capable air fryer — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    Air fryer with rotisserie

    Ideal for cooking whole chickens, roasts, or kebabs, this appliance brings versatile cooking options to the home chef.

How to choose air fryers as a gift

  • Match the capacity to how many people the recipient usually cooks for, not to the biggest model available.
  • Measure the counter depth and the height under the upper cabinets before choosing a larger or oven-style model.
  • Check that the baskets, trays and racks come out easily and fit in their sink or dishwasher.
  • Choose simple, readable controls for someone new to air frying, and save the many-preset models for keen cooks.
  • Find out whether they already own an air fryer, so you can upgrade the size or style rather than duplicate it.

Usually safe to skip

  • Very small single-serving models rarely get used by families and often end up in a cupboard after a few weeks.
  • Oven-style units for people with small kitchens, since they take over the counter and get put away.
  • Accessory bundles full of racks and moulds that don't fit the recipient's specific air fryer.

Questions people ask about air fryers

What size air fryer should I buy for a family of four?
Look for a large single basket or a dual zone model with good capacity in each side. That's enough room to cook a main and a side, or a full batch of one food, without needing a second round.
Is a dual basket air fryer worth it over a single basket?
It's worth it if the person often cooks two foods at once or has picky eaters to feed. If they mostly make one dish at a time, a single large basket gives more usable space and is easier to clean.
Is an air fryer oven better than a basket air fryer?
Neither is better for everyone. A basket model is quicker and simpler for crisping foods. An oven-style unit bakes, toasts and roasts on several racks, but it takes more counter space and has more parts to clean.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All air fryers picks

Show:AllSpecific productsGift ideasBudget:AnyUnder $15$15–$25$25–$50$50–$100Over $100

Showing 19 of 9

More in Kitchen & Coffee