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When the question is “what’s for dinner?” and you have 20 minutes, an air fryer is the answer. Choosing the best air fryer for your kitchen means crispy chicken, salmon and vegetables with a fraction of the oil and almost no preheating. It is like a small, very fast convection oven on your counter.
Basket or Oven-Style?
- Basket air fryers: compact and very fast. Great for wings, fries, nuggets and salmon fillets. You shake the basket halfway.
- Dual-basket air fryers: two drawers cook two foods at once – chicken in one, vegetables in the other – and finish at the same time.
- Oven-style air fryers: shelves and a door, like a mini oven. Hold more food, can toast and bake, and let you see the food cooking.
What Size Do You Need?
- 2–4 quarts: 1–2 people.
- 5–6 quarts: a family of 3–4 – the most popular size.
- 8 quarts or dual-basket: families of 4–6 or full meals in one go.
Features That Matter
- Wide, flat basket: food in one layer crisps better than a deep, narrow basket.
- Non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket for easy cleaning.
- Simple controls: temperature and time are all you really need; presets are a bonus.
- Window or light: handy for checking without opening.
Our Recommended Air Fryers
1. Dual-Basket Air Fryer (Ninja Foodi style)
Cook a main and a side at the same time, with a ‘sync’ function so both finish together. Perfect for complete weeknight dinners.
Why we like it:
- Two foods at once
- Large total capacity
- Finishes both baskets together
Keep in mind:
- Takes up more counter space
See dual-basket air fryers on Amazon →
2. 5–6 Quart Basket Air Fryer (Cosori or Instant Vortex style)
The all-round family size. Fast, compact and easy to clean – ideal for chicken thighs, salmon and roasted vegetables.
Why we like it:
- Great size for 3–4 people
- Fast and simple
- Good value
Keep in mind:
- Cook in batches for big families
See 5–6 quart air fryers on Amazon →
3. Air Fryer Toaster Oven
An oven-style air fryer that also toasts, bakes and broils. Can replace your toaster and save heating the big oven.
Why we like it:
- Very versatile
- Fits a small sheet pan or pizza
- See food while it cooks
Keep in mind:
- Slightly slower to crisp than a basket model
See air fryer toaster ovens on Amazon →
Easy Air Fryer Dinner Ideas
- Salmon fillets: 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes. See our guide to what temperature to cook salmon.
- Chicken thighs: 190°C (375°F) for 18–22 minutes, until 75°C (165°F) inside.
- Roasted vegetables: broccoli, peppers and potatoes in 12–15 minutes.
- Leftovers: reheat pizza and fries so they’re crisp again.
Not sure your chicken is done? A good instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an air fryer worth it?
For quick dinners, yes. It cooks faster than an oven, needs little oil and makes food crisp without deep frying.
What size air fryer do I need for a family of four?
A 5–6 quart basket model or a dual-basket air fryer is ideal for four people.
Can I put foil or parchment in an air fryer?
Yes, but keep it weighed down by food and don’t cover the whole basket, so air can circulate.
