ConsFirst / Air fryers
Air fryers: the downsides, first
We read owner complaints and expert test results for the most popular air fryers in the US, and put the downsides up front.
8 models compared27 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 air fryers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Cosori
Cosori TurboBlaze 6.0-Quart Air Fryer
$$Basket6 qtScore 3.9/5
2%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A roomy, quiet, well-liked all-rounder that crisps nearly as well as the Ninja Pro, but the coating type and the lack of replacement parts are worth checking.
Top complaints
- Coating and no replacement partsMentioned often
Wirecutter says Cosori disclosed a PTFE nonstick coating on the unit it tested and does not sell replacement baskets or trays. Current Amazon and Cosori listings advertise a PFAS-free ceramic coating, so check which version you are buying.
- Preheat step and no shake reminderMentioned often
Tom's Guide lists the need to preheat and the lack of a shake reminder as its only cons.
- Small food falls through; tray stays hotOccasional
Shop TODAY's testers found the tray slow to cool and small items slipping through it. Serious Eats called it fine but said its Instant pick was cheaper and crisped better.
What owners love
- Quiet
Shop TODAY calls it very quiet, and noise level is a positive aspect in Amazon's review summary.
- Roomy square basket, adjustable fan
Wirecutter says the 6 qt basket stays crisp at this size, and the five fan speeds help with baking and bone-in meat.
- Easy to clean, well rated
Ease of cleaning is the second most-mentioned positive on Amazon, and Tom's Guide notes the parts are dishwasher-safe.
Skip it if…- You want the absolute crispiest wings
- You need replaceable baskets
- You live with pet birds and avoid PTFE (check the current version's coating)
Good for- Families of 3-5
- Quiet kitchens
- Baking and cooking bone-in meat with adjustable fan speeds
Scores (tap for why)
- Crispiness4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter: almost as crisp as the Ninja Pro but a bit less so on wings. Serious Eats: its Instant pick out-crisped it. - Capacity4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter calls the square 6 qt basket roomy; Tom's Guide calls it generous and family-friendly. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter calls the touchscreen simple and responsive; Tom's Guide calls it intuitive but notes the preheat and missing shake reminder. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean (Tom's Guide); cleaning is a top positive on Amazon. - Quietness4.0
Why 4.0?
Very quiet per Shop TODAY and Amazon owners; Tom's Guide measured 68 dB at the highest fan and temperature setting. - Build & durability3.5
Why 3.5?
2-year warranty (longest among Wirecutter's picks), but no replacement parts sold.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up and the best for baking; slightly less crispy than the Ninja Pro (especially wings), with a PTFE coating on the tested unit and no replacement parts.
- Shop TODAY: Ranked #1 of 8 (4.71/5) for strong reviews and quiet running; cons are a slow-cooling tray and small foods falling through.
- Tom's Guide: Fast, family-sized and easy to clean; it needs a preheat and has no shake reminder.
#2
Ninja
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1, 5 Qt
$$Basket5 qtScore 3.8/5
3%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The crispiest, simplest basket fryer in Wirecutter's tests, but it is one of the loudest and runs hot, so delicate food needs watching.
Top complaints
- Loud fanVery common
Wirecutter rated it one of the loudest models it tested, with a constant deep whoosh; Tom's Guide measured 72 dB. Amazon's review summary calls noise feedback mixed, and Walmart 2-star reviewers compare it to a car engine.
- Runs hot / overshoots temperatureMentioned often
Wirecutter found that at a 400°F setting the inside reached 430°F before it settled down. Delicate foods like brussels sprouts can char unless you lower the time and temperature.
- Small basket, no shake reminder or preheatMentioned often
Tom's Guide lists the limited capacity and the lack of a preheat or turn-food reminder as its downsides. Some Walmart owners say they have to shake it constantly.
What owners love
- Crispiest results tested
Wirecutter's top pick: it made the least-soggy nuggets, the best fries and the crispest wings of the models it tested.
- Very simple physical buttons
Wirecutter's panel of testers found it the easiest interface to use. Amazon shoppers most often praise ease of use.
- Replacement parts available
Ninja sells replacement baskets and crisper trays, so you can swap out a scratched nonstick part instead of the whole unit.
Skip it if…- Noise bothers you
- You cook for a big family
- You want shake reminders or a preheat cycle
Good for- Crispy frozen foods and wings
- People who hate touchscreens
- Households of 1-3
Scores (tap for why)
- Crispiness5.0
Why 5.0?
Wirecutter: crispiest results of all the models it tested (fries, nuggets, wings). - Capacity3.0
Why 3.0?
The 5 qt basket is roomy enough for Wirecutter, but Tom's Guide lists limited capacity as a con. - Ease of use5.0
Why 5.0?
Wirecutter's testers found it the easiest interface; ease of use is the top Amazon praise. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
The drawer is dishwasher-safe (Tom's Guide), and ease of cleaning is a positive aspect in Amazon reviews. - Quietness2.0
Why 2.0?
One of the loudest in Wirecutter's test; Tom's Guide measured 72 dB. - Build & durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Replacement parts are sold, and Amazon shows no negative durability aspect. The warranty is only 1 year.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick for the crispiest food and the easiest controls; its flaws are that it overheats past the set temperature, is one of the loudest tested, and has only a 1-year warranty.
- Tom's Guide: Editor's Choice for small kitchens with fast, evenly crisp results; the cons are limited capacity, no preheat or turn reminder, and a high price for the size.
#3
Breville
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
$$$Oven-styleScore 3.6/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The expert favorite when you want one appliance that air-fries and does everything else a countertop oven does, but it is expensive, loud on super convection, and some owners report durability problems.
Top complaints
- Very expensiveVery common
Wirecutter calls it very expensive and says a cheaper Cuisinart gets similar results more slowly. Value for money is mixed on Amazon, with some owners saying it isn't worth the high price.
- Durability: shattered glass, failed elementsMentioned often
Durability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary (413 mentions), citing glass doors shattering and heating elements breaking.
- Uneven toast, hot exterior, loud fanMentioned often
Wirecutter, Serious Eats and Tom's Guide all found it toasts less evenly than the best options. Tom's Guide notes the exterior gets hot, and Wirecutter calls the super-convection fan loud.
What owners love
- Excellent air frying in an oven
Serious Eats calls it the best air fryer toaster oven, with golden fries and wings. Wirecutter says it is the only model that is both an excellent air fryer and an excellent toaster oven.
- Big and versatile
Thirteen cooking functions, and Breville says it fits a 14-lb turkey and most 9x13 pans. Amazon owners praise its versatility.
- Intuitive controls
Serious Eats found the bright display and knobs make switching settings intuitive.
Skip it if…- You only air-fry occasionally
- You have little counter space
- You want perfect toast
Good for- Replacing both a toaster oven and an air fryer
- Cooking for 4-6 or on a 9x13 pan
- Roasting and baking
Scores (tap for why)
- Crispiness4.5
Why 4.5?
Golden fries and wings (Serious Eats); an excellent air fryer (Wirecutter). Tom's Guide says it struggled a little with wings. - Capacity5.0
Why 5.0?
1 cu ft interior that fits a 14-lb turkey and 9x13 pans; Serious Eats says ovens like this hold about six portions. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Intuitive display and knobs (Serious Eats), though Serious Eats found oven-style units harder to use than basket fryers. - Easy cleaning2.5
Why 2.5?
Accessories aren't dishwasher-safe (Tom's Guide); Serious Eats found air fryer toaster ovens messier than basket fryers. - Quietness2.5
Why 2.5?
Wirecutter: the super-convection fan is loud, though quieter than a hair dryer. - Build & durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Premium stainless build and 2-year warranty, but durability is a negative aspect on Amazon (shattering glass, broken elements).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top air fryer toaster oven; the cons are the high price, a loud super-convection fan, and toast slightly less even than the runner-up.
- Serious Eats: Best air fryer toaster oven with golden fries and wings; it doesn't toast as well as a standalone toaster.
- Tom's Guide: Pricey but worth it for its versatility; the exterior gets hot and the accessories aren't dishwasher-safe (2021 review).
#4
Instant
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart ClearCook Air Fryer
$$Basket6 qtScore 3.6/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Experts love its wide basket, viewing window and easy dial, but many owners report a plastic smell and units or handles failing after about a year.
Top complaints
- Plastic or chemical smellVery common
Odor is the most-mentioned negative in Amazon's review summary, with owners saying food can smell and taste like plastic. Several 1-star Walmart reviews say the smell lingered even after repeated burn-in runs.
- Breaks after about a yearVery common
Amazon's summary says multiple customers report it breaking after a year of use. Walmart reviewers describe dead units just past the 1-year warranty, broken basket handles, and no replacement parts.
- Forced preheat and awkward handleMentioned often
Shop TODAY notes you must preheat and that some food drops through the tray. Serious Eats found the angled handle awkward to hold.
What owners love
- Excellent fries and wings
Serious Eats says the roomy basket cooked fries and wings exceptionally well.
- Window plus a dial
You can check food through the window, and a knob sets time and temperature in 5-degree steps.
- Easy and fast
Amazon shoppers praise its performance, ease of use and quick cooking times. Shop TODAY likes its shake reminder.
Skip it if…- You are sensitive to plastic smells
- You want something that lasts years with spare parts available
- You hate preheat cycles
Good for- Watching food cook without opening the drawer
- Families of 3-4
- Easy dial controls
Scores (tap for why)
- Crispiness4.5
Why 4.5?
Serious Eats: fries and wings cooked exceptionally well. Its non-window sibling was the overall winner. - Capacity4.0
Why 4.0?
Roomy 6 qt basket per Serious Eats. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
The dial and touchscreen are easy (Serious Eats), but the handle is angled and a preheat is required (Shop TODAY). - Easy cleaning3.0
Why 3.0?
Walmart owners say the tray insert is hard to keep clean as the coating wears. - Build & durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Durability is a negative aspect on Amazon (582 mentions), and Walmart owners report broken handles and no spare parts.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Best air fryer with a see-through window, cooking fries and wings exceptionally well; the only listed con is the awkwardly angled handle.
- Shop TODAY: Ranked #4 of 8 (4.25/5), with good toss reminders and the best cookies; it must preheat and some food drops through the tray.
#5
Typhur
Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer
$$$Basket5.6 qtScore 3.5/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A quiet, self-cleaning premium fryer with a huge flat surface that fits a 12-inch pizza, but its shallow drawer limits tall foods and Wirecutter found its results middling for the price.
Top complaints
- Shallow drawerVery common
Many low-star Walmart reviews say the pan is so shallow that chicken legs, thick steaks, big potatoes or even a bell pepper won't fit. Wirecutter also found the huge basket hard to hold with one hand.
- Price vs. resultsVery common
Wirecutter found it slow to reach max temperature, with middling results that didn't beat much cheaper models. Value for money is a mixed aspect on Amazon.
- Uneven cooking, app and self-clean gripesMentioned often
Some Walmart owners report uneven or undercooked food, app connection trouble, and self-clean needing Wi-Fi. A few also mention a warped basket base or a loosening handle.
What owners love
- Even cooking on a wide surface
Amazon shoppers say it cooks evenly top to bottom and fits a whole 12-inch pizza. Tech Advisor credits the dual heating elements.
- Quiet
Tech Advisor rates it at about 59-60 dB, roughly fridge-level, and quiet operation is a positive aspect on Amazon.
- Self-cleaning mode
Tech Advisor says a high-heat cycle burns off grease so the interior mostly just needs a wipe.
Skip it if…- You cook thick or tall foods (whole chicken, big potatoes)
- You have limited counter space
- You don't want to pay premium prices
Good for- Pizza, fries and other flat foods
- Quiet operation
- People who want a self-clean mode
Scores (tap for why)
- Crispiness3.0
Why 3.0?
Wirecutter: middling results. Amazon owners praise crispy wings; Walmart owners report uneven or undercooked food. - Capacity3.5
Why 3.5?
Very wide (fits a 12-inch pizza) but shallow, so tall foods don't fit. - Ease of use3.0
Why 3.0?
The basket is heavy and hard to hold one-handed (Wirecutter); owners report app pairing hassles (Walmart). - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
Self-clean cycle (Tech Advisor) and a positive cleaning aspect on Amazon, minus some owner complaints about the self-clean mode. - Quietness4.5
Why 4.5?
About 59-60 dB per Tech Advisor; quiet operation is an Amazon positive. - Build & durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Some Walmart owners report a warped basket base and a loosening handle within weeks or months.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: heavy and massive, it struggled to reach max temperature and produced middling results; the basket is hard to hold one-handed.
- Tech Advisor: Unusually well designed, with even results from dual heating; cons are the large footprint, a single cooking zone and a very high price.
#6
Ninja
Ninja Crispi Pro 6-in-1 Glass Air Fryer
$$$Basket6 qtScore 3.3/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A trendy glass, nonstick-free air fryer that crisps well and doubles as meal-prep storage, but it costs about twice as much as an equally good basket fryer and can cook unevenly in the big bowl.
Top complaints
- Uneven cooking in the large bowlVery common
Tom's Guide lists uneven cooking in the larger container as a con. Several low-star Walmart reviews say chicken and potatoes stayed underdone and food needs constant turning because heat comes only from the top.
- Expensive for what it doesVery common
Tom's Guide says you can get an equally good air fryer for half the price if you don't mind nonstick baskets. Value for money is a mixed aspect in Amazon's review summary.
- Fiddly to slide bowls onto the baseMentioned often
Serious Eats found the glass bowls fiddly to fit onto the base. Walmart reviewers say the bowls don't seat easily and the unit can slide on the counter when you pull a bowl out.
What owners love
- Crisp, golden results with no preheat
Serious Eats got crackly fries and golden wings with no preheat; crispiness is a positive aspect on Amazon.
- Glass bowls, PFAS-free
Tom's Guide calls it an attractive PFAS-free package that is ideal for meal prep.
- Simple dial controls, dishwasher-friendly
Serious Eats likes the few buttons and single dial; Amazon shoppers note intuitive controls and dishwasher-safe dishes.
Skip it if…- You're on a budget
- You often cook a whole chicken or deep loads
- You want the simplest drop-in basket
Good for- Avoiding nonstick coatings
- Meal prep (the glass bowls double as storage)
- Watching food through clear glass
Scores (tap for why)
- Crispiness3.5
Why 3.5?
Crisp in Serious Eats tests, but Tom's Guide and Walmart owners report uneven results in the large bowl. - Capacity3.5
Why 3.5?
Comes with 6 qt and 2.5 qt glass containers (Serious Eats); Amazon shoppers say the 6 qt bowl fits large cuts. - Ease of use3.0
Why 3.0?
Simple dial, but the bowls are fiddly to attach (Serious Eats) and the unit can slide when you remove a bowl (Walmart). - Easy cleaning4.5
Why 4.5?
Dishwasher-friendly glass with no nonstick coating to wear out; ease of cleaning is a positive aspect on Amazon. - Quietness2.5
Why 2.5?
Tom's Guide measured 72 dB, the same as the loud Ninja AF141. - Build & durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Tom's Guide says it looks and feels premium, but a few Walmart owners report the bowl not connecting or the unit no longer recognizing the basket.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Editor favorite that made crackly fries and wings with no preheat; the con is fiddly bowls that must be angled just right to slide in.
- Tom's Guide: 4-star meal-prep marvel, but expensive and uneven in the larger container; measured 72 dB.
#7
Ninja
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer with DualZone
$$$Dual basket8 qtScore 3.1/5
2%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)1-star only; the 2-star row was not shownOwners love cooking a main and a side at once, but expert testers found each 4 qt basket struggles to crisp a full load and the unit is big and heavy.
Top complaints
- Each basket is small and runs underpoweredVery common
Wirecutter found neither basket ran hot enough to crisp well. Serious Eats got raw fries from a full pound and says the baskets are only about 6.65 inches wide. Food Network notes each basket holds just 4 qt.
- Bulky, heavy, and can't fit a whole chickenMentioned often
Tom's Guide lists that it is large and heavy and can't fit a whole chicken. Walmart reviewers say the baskets fit only one chicken breast or piece of meat at a time.
- One zone failing, coating flakingOccasional
A few Walmart 1-star reviews describe one compartment losing airflow within weeks or months and the crisper grates chipping. Serious Eats also had a basket slide out when slightly tilted.
What owners love
- Two foods at once
Amazon shoppers most value cooking two different foods at the same time, and Food Network praises Smart Finish for timing both baskets to end together.
- Easy to use and clean
Ease of use and ease of cleaning are the top positive aspects on Amazon. Tom's Guide notes the baskets are dishwasher-safe and need no preheat.
- Very high owner satisfaction
It is rated 4.8 stars on Amazon from about 25,100 ratings, with only about 2% at 1 star.
Skip it if…- You want one large batch of crispy fries
- You have little counter space
- You need to fit a whole chicken
Good for- Cooking two foods at different settings
- Small portions of protein plus a side
- People who value convenience over max crispness
Scores (tap for why)
- Crispiness2.5
Why 2.5?
Wirecutter: neither basket gets hot enough. Serious Eats: raw fries at 1 lb. Tom's Guide: uneven scratch fries. - Capacity3.0
Why 3.0?
8 qt total, but split into two narrow 4 qt baskets; it can't fit a whole chicken. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Ease of use is the top Amazon positive, but Tom's Guide calls the programming somewhat complicated and Serious Eats had a basket slide out. - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
Dishwasher-safe baskets and a positive cleaning aspect on Amazon, though there are twice as many parts to wash. - Build & durability3.0
Why 3.0?
There is no negative durability aspect on Amazon, but Walmart has isolated reports of one zone failing and coating chipping.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: easier to use than Instant's two-basket model, but neither basket ran hot enough to crisp or cook food well.
- Food Network: Best dual-basket pick for cooking a full meal with Smart Finish; the con is that each basket holds only 4 qt.
- Tom's Guide: Best for cooking two things at once; large and heavy, can't fit a whole chicken, and uneven with from-scratch fries (2021 review).
#8
Dash
Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer, 2.6 Quart
$Basket2.6 qtScore 2.6/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A cheap, tiny fryer that owners like for one or two people, but testers found it cooks unevenly and owners often report the nonstick coating peeling.
Top complaints
- Nonstick coating peelsVery common
Amazon's review summary says multiple customers report the nonstick coating peeling off. Walmart 2-star reviews describe the tray or basket peeling within weeks.
- Uneven cooking, poor temperature controlVery common
Wirecutter found the Tasti-Crisp poor at holding a set temperature and among the most uneven it tested. Serious Eats says it cooked fries somewhat unevenly.
- Stops heating over timeMentioned often
Durability is the one negative aspect on Amazon. Walmart reviewers describe units that stopped heating or quit mid-cook after months of use.
What owners love
- Right size for 1-2
Amazon shoppers say it is perfect for one or two people and fits on a small counter.
- Easy to use and clean
Ease of use and ease of cleaning are positive aspects in Amazon's review summary.
- Cheap and works fine for small loads
Serious Eats says it mostly worked fine as a small backup option; Amazon owners consider it worth the price.
Skip it if…- You cook for a family
- You want even, reliable crisping
- You want a coating that lasts
Good for- 1-2 people
- Dorms and small kitchens
- Lowest upfront cost
Scores (tap for why)
- Crispiness2.5
Why 2.5?
Wirecutter: among the most uneven it tested. Serious Eats: somewhat uneven fries. - Capacity1.5
Why 1.5?
2.6 qt; owners describe it as a 1-2 person fryer. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Ease of use is a positive aspect on Amazon; there is no expert usability verdict. - Easy cleaning3.0
Why 3.0?
Easy to clean per Amazon owners, but the coating peels (Amazon, Walmart). Dash's page says the surface contains PTFE. - Build & durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Durability is a negative aspect on Amazon (coating peeling); Walmart owners report units that stopped heating.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not recommended: in an earlier round it did a poor job of holding temperature and cooked among the most unevenly of the group.
- Serious Eats: A fallback small option: it mostly worked fine but cooked fries somewhat unevenly.