How to choose an air fryer, and our #1 pick
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Start with size
Capacity is the choice that matters most, because a basket that's too small forces you to cook in batches. Air fryer sizes are listed in quarts (or litres; 1 quart is about 0.95 litres).
| Household | Basket size | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 2–4 quarts | Sides, snacks, two chicken breasts |
| 3–5 people | 5–6 quarts | A family tray of fries, 1 kg of wings in two batches |
| 5+ people or batch cooking | 7+ quarts or dual basket | A main and a side at the same time |
Check the counter space too. Air fryers vent hot air out the back, so most manuals ask for 10–15 cm of clearance on all sides and nothing overhead.
Basket, dual basket, or oven style?
- Single basket: the simplest and usually the fastest, because the food sits close to the heater. Easy to shake.
- Dual basket: two independent drawers, so you can cook chicken and fries at different settings and have them finish together.
- Oven style: flat trays and often a window. Holds wider foods like pizza or toast, but needs trays swapped halfway and runs a little slower.
Features worth paying for
- A wide, flat basket floor. Floor area matters more than height, because food has to sit in one layer to crisp.
- Dishwasher-safe basket and plate. Cleanup is the reason many air fryers end up in a cupboard.
- A good temperature range. Low settings (around 40–90°C) allow dehydrating and proofing; a 200–230°C top end gives better browning.
- Clear controls you can read without your glasses, and a shake reminder.
Features that matter less: dozens of presets (most people use three), and app control, which is handy but not essential.
Our #1 pick: COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Quart
For most households of three to five, the COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Quart hits the right balance of size, speed and simplicity. Here's what it offers, according to Cosori's product listing:
| Capacity | 6 quarts, rated for 3–5 people |
| Functions | 9: air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, frozen, proof, reheat, keep warm |
| Temperature range | 90–450°F (30–230°C) |
| Fan | DC motor with 5 fan speeds; Cosori says it cooks up to 46% faster than its Pro Gen 2 model |
| Cleaning | Nonstick basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe |
| Timer range | 1 minute to 24 hours |
The independent testers at RTINGS.com rated it highly for air frying, and noted that its basket has a larger cooking surface than many other 6-quart models, which helps food crisp in one layer. Its controls sit on a sloped panel on top, which is easy to read from above.
Who should look elsewhere
- If you cook for one or two, a 4-quart model saves counter space.
- If you often cook a main and a side at once, a dual-basket model is more convenient.
- If you want to toast bread or cook a small pizza, choose an oven-style fryer.
Check the COSORI TurboBlaze on Amazon.com
In Canada? See it on Amazon.ca. Prices and availability change often.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications against the features that matter for everyday cooking: basket size, temperature range, ease of cleaning and controls. We also read independent lab-style reviews. We haven't been paid or sent free products for this page, and we'll update the pick if a better option comes along.
Common questions
Do bigger air fryers cook slower?
Not necessarily. Speed depends on fan power and how full the basket is. A big basket that's half full often cooks faster than a small one that's packed.
Are air fryers expensive to run?
Most draw about 1,500–1,800 watts while heating, similar to a kettle, but for short periods. For small meals they usually use less energy than heating a full oven.
Is a nonstick basket safe?
Follow the manual: avoid metal utensils and abrasive scrubbers, and don't preheat an empty basket for longer than the manual says. Many newer models use ceramic coatings.
Reviewed October 2026. Sources