Yes, an air fryer is worth it if you want healthier meals with less oil, faster cooking times, and easy cleanup. But it may not be for everyone. Below, we’ll cover the pros, cons, and share the best air fryers you can buy right now.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Does an Air Fryer Actually Do?
- Reasons Why It Might Be Worth It
- Reasons Why It Might NOT Be Worth It
- Who Should Buy It (and Who Shouldn’t)
- Best Air Fryer Picks in 2025 (Comparison & Reviews)
- Cost, Value & Alternatives
- Final Verdict
- FAQ Section
Introduction
You’re probably wondering if an air fryer is really worth it. Maybe you’ve seen the hype online, or your friends keep telling you how crispy their fries turn out without deep-frying.
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of owning an air fryer, compare it to other cooking appliances, and help you decide if it’s a smart buy for your kitchen. Plus, we’ll share our top air fryer picks for 2025 so you can find the right model for your needs.
What Does an Air Fryer Actually Do?
An air fryer cooks food using hot air circulation, similar to a convection oven but in a smaller, more powerful chamber. The result? Crispy, golden food with little to no added oil.
You can air fry, bake, roast, and even reheat leftovers — making it one of the most versatile kitchen gadgets today.
Reasons Why It Might Be Worth It
- Healthier cooking – uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying.
- Convenience – preheats faster and cooks quicker than an oven.
- Energy-saving – smaller chamber means less electricity compared to heating a large oven.
- Versatility – fries, chicken wings, veggies, baked goods, and even pizza.
- Easy cleanup – most baskets are dishwasher safe.
? If these sound like what you need, check out our best picks below.
Reasons Why It Might NOT Be Worth It
- Limited capacity – small models may not cook enough for big families.
- Counter space – bulky if you already own multiple kitchen appliances.
- Noise – fans can be louder than an oven.
- Learning curve – may take time to adjust cooking times and methods.
Who Should Buy It (and Who Shouldn’t)
✅ Ideal Buyers
- Singles, couples, or small families
- Health-conscious eaters who want less oil
- Busy people who want quick meals
- Anyone with limited kitchen time
❌ Not Recommended For
- Large families needing big meal portions
- People with no counter space
- Those who already use a convection oven daily
? If you’re in the first group, an air fryer will likely change the way you cook.
Best Air Fryer Picks in 2025
Here’s a quick comparison of the top models this year:
| Product | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Best For | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 | 4 qt, Dishwasher-safe parts | Compact, easy to use | Small for families | Singles & couples | |
| COSORI Pro II | 5.8 qt, 12 presets | Large capacity, modern design | Slightly bulky | Families | |
| Instant Vortex Plus | 6-in-1 functions, 6 qt | Very versatile, great crisp | Louder fan | All-round cooking | |
| Philips Premium XXL | 7 qt, Fat removal tech | High quality, durable | Expensive | Serious cooks | |
| Dash Compact Air Fryer | 2 qt, Lightweight | Budget-friendly, portable | Very small | Students & dorms |
Ninja AF101 (Best for Beginners)
If you’re new to air fryers, the Ninja AF101 is an excellent starter model. It’s compact, easy to use, and perfect for singles or couples. With a 4-quart capacity, you can make fries, chicken, and even desserts without taking up too much counter space.
Pros: Dishwasher-safe basket, simple controls, reliable performance.
Cons: Too small for family meals.
COSORI Pro II (Best for Families)
With a 5.8-quart basket and 12 cooking presets, the COSORI Pro II is designed for busy families. You can fit a whole chicken or large batch of fries easily. It’s one of the most popular models on Amazon for good reason.
Pros: Large capacity, modern touchscreen, recipes included.
Cons: Takes up more counter space.
Instant Vortex Plus (Most Versatile)
This air fryer goes beyond frying — it bakes, roasts, reheats, and even dehydrates. If you want one appliance to do it all, this is a solid pick.
Pros: Multiple functions, crisp results, 6-quart size.
Cons: Can be a bit noisy.
Philips Premium XXL (Best High-End Choice)
If budget isn’t an issue, Philips is known for premium air fryers. The XXL model has a 7-quart capacity and patented fat-removal technology, making it great for families and health-conscious users.
Pros: High build quality, durable, cooks evenly.
Cons: Expensive compared to others.
Dash Compact Air Fryer (Best for Students & Small Spaces)
This 2-quart air fryer is lightweight and budget-friendly. Perfect for dorms, RVs, or anyone cooking for one.
Pros: Affordable, portable, easy to store.
Cons: Very small capacity.
Cost, Value & Alternatives
Average Price Range: $60 – $200
- Budget models: $50–$80
- Mid-range: $100–$150
- Premium: $200+
Comparison Table
| Appliance | Healthier Cooking | Speed | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Fast | Medium | $60–$200 |
| Oven | ❌ Needs oil | ❌ Slower | Large | $200+ |
| Deep Fryer | ❌ Lots of oil | ✅ Fast | Medium | $40–$100 |
Final Verdict
Yes, an air fryer is worth it if you want healthier meals, quick cooking, and easy cleanup. But if you already have a convection oven or need to cook for large groups, it may not be essential.
FAQ Section
Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?
No, most air fryers are energy-efficient and use less power than a traditional oven.
Can an air fryer replace a microwave?
Not exactly. It’s better for crisping and cooking but slower for reheating liquids.
How long does an air fryer usually last?
With proper care, 2–4 years is common (depending on brand and usage).
Is an air fryer healthier than baking?
It can be, since it requires less oil and reduces fat content.
What size air fryer should I buy?
2–4 qt for singles/couples, 5–6 qt for families, 7 qt+ for large households.
Can you bake cakes or bread in an air fryer?
Yes, many models allow baking small cakes, muffins, and bread.
Are expensive air fryers really better?
Premium models like Philips offer durability and advanced features, but budget models still work well.
What foods cook best in an air fryer?
Fries, chicken wings, veggies, frozen snacks, and even fish.