We compared 19 air fryers. These 5 are the ones worth counter space

Cosori's square basket fits more food on one layer than a round basket of similar capacity, which means crispier results without crowding. The 5.8-quart size suits two to four people. Owners consistently praise its even cooking and the straightforward controls, which include presets but do not force you to use them. The basket and crisper plate are nonstick and dishwasher safe. It is fairly large on the counter, and the basket can feel heavy when full. For most households, it hits the right mix of size, simplicity and price.

The AF101 is one of the most popular air fryers ever sold, and it earns that by doing the basics well. The 4-quart ceramic-coated basket is right for one or two people, and the footprint is small enough for apartment counters. It has four functions, including a low-temperature dehydrate mode, and the basket and crisper plate go in the dishwasher. Owners report even browning and simple controls. The smaller basket means cooking in batches for families, and it lacks a window or app. For a first air fryer or a small kitchen, it is hard to beat. Read our full review.

The DualZone's big idea is two separate baskets, each with its own heat source. You can air fry chicken in one and roast vegetables in the other, and Ninja's Smart Finish feature times them so both are done together. Families say it ends the problem of the first batch going cold while the second cooks. Each basket is about the size of the AF101's, so neither fits a whole chicken. It is also wide and needs real counter space. If you regularly cook two things at once, owners say it changes how dinner gets made.

Pulling the basket to check on fries lets heat escape and adds time. The Vortex Plus with ClearCook has a window and light, so you can watch food brown. Instant also includes an odor-reducing filter, which owners in small apartments appreciate. The 6-quart basket handles meals for three or four, and the controls are simple. Reviewers note the window can get greasy and needs regular wiping to stay useful. It is a strong choice for anyone who tends to overcook or undercook by guessing, and for households that want one basket big enough for a family dinner.

If you want one appliance for toast, pizza, roasts and air frying, a countertop oven makes sense. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a long-time favorite among reviewers for even heating and solid build quality. It fits a large pan of wings or a small chicken and offers many cooking modes. Air frying in an oven is a bit less crisp than in a basket, and the unit is big and expensive. If you have the space and budget, owners say it often replaces the main oven on weeknights.