Top 5 Air Fryers You Should Buy in 2025 – Reviews, Pros & Cons

Air fryers have evolved into powerhouse kitchen appliances. In 2025, they no longer only replicate fried textures — they now include smart features, hybrid modes, water misting, temperature probes, and improved fat reduction systems. The following are among the best models available today, each excelling in different use cases. Here’s what you’ll get: deep technical specs, real-world performance notes, strengths/weaknesses, and advice on which model fits which kind of household.

1. Ninja AF101 — Versatile & Reliable All-Rounder

Technical Highlights & Design

• 4-quart (~3.8 L) basket — ideal for 2–4 servings. Real Homes+2Amazon+2
• Voltage / Wattage: ~1,550 W for rapid heating. Amazon
• Temperature range: 105 °F to 400 °F (≈ 40.5 °C to 200 °C) giving room for gentle dehydration or crisp frying. Amazon+1
• Four cooking modes: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate. VARGE+3RTINGS.com+3Amazon+3
• Non-stick basket & crisper plate (ceramic-coated aluminum), dishwasher-safe. austerejohn.com+3Amazon+3RTINGS.com+3
• Dimensions: approx 13.6″ × 11″ × 13.3″ (D × W × H), weight ~10.6 lbs. Real Homes+2Amazon+2

Performance Observations

• Rated as fast in cooking and preheating in many reviews. RTINGS.com+1
• However, RTINGS notes a high proportion of under- or over-cooked bits in some foods (especially with crowded baskets) due to limited surface area. RTINGS.com
• The small cooking chamber demands proper arrangement: spreading food in a single layer is critical for even crisping. RTINGS.com
• Well-liked for ease of use and cleaning by users; the non-stick and dishwasher-safe parts help. Amazon+1
• Some user reviews note that it’s efficient (less heat waste) compared to ovens. austerejohn.com

Pros ✅

• Compact design that fits small kitchens.
• Multi-function modes beyond just air-frying.
• Affordable relative to high-end models.
• Good for everyday use for small to moderate meal sizes.

Cons ❌

• Not ideal for large families or bulk cooking.
• No smart or remote control features.
• Because of limited space, overloading leads to uneven cooking.
• The ceramic non-stick surface can be less forgiving during manual cleaning.

Best Fit
If you want a reliable, mid-range air fryer without too many extras — especially for small households — the Ninja AF101 is among the most balanced choices in 2025.

2. Philips Premium Airfryer XXL (HD9867 / Smart Sensing models)

Technical Highlights & Features

• Capacity: large 7-quart basket (7.3 L in some documents) — can roast a whole chicken or up to 1.4 kg of fries. Recharged+3Philips Documents+3Philips USA+3
• Power: 1,725 W. Philips USA
• Smart Sensing & Fat Removal Technology: the smart sensing adjusts time & temperature based on amount of food, while the fat removal helps drain excess oil to a lower tray. TestHut.com+2Philips Documents+2
• Rapid Air circulation — Philips touts “7× faster airflow” for crispy results with up to 90% less fat. Philips Home Appliances+1
• Construction / parts: QuickClean basket, detachable components, dishwasher-safe parts. Philips Documents+1
• Dimensions: ~12.64″ × 17.04″ × 12.64″, weight ~18.3 lbs (≈ 8.3 kg). Philips USA

Performance & Real-World Use

• In tests by TestHut, the Philips XXL consistently outperformed many competitors. Fries came out crisp and evenly cooked; cakes had well-formed crusts with moist inside. TestHut.com
• The basket’s woven / airflow design fosters better heat distribution top to bottom. TestHut.com
• In tests, the model maintains temperature within tight margins (156–179 °C when set to 165 °C). TestHut.com
• However, cleaning is often cited as the downside: the fat removal insert and irregular tray can be messy after heavy use. TestHut.com
• Tom’s Guide calls the build solid and performance reliable, though noting the price and basket design as trade-offs. Tom’s Guide
• Some reviewers caution that while Philips offers premium performance, you can nearly match crispness with less expensive models for everyday use. Tom’s Guide

Pros ✅

• Massive capacity — excellent for families and bulk cooking.
• Smart sensing & fat removal help deliver healthier results.
• Strong, consistent performance across food types.
• Well-known brand with long history in air fryer market.

Cons ❌

• Bulky and heavy — not ideal for tight counter space.
• More challenging to clean, due to complex parts and fat collector.
• Premium cost.
• The smart / sensing features may occasionally misjudge (e.g. with very irregular loads).

Best Fit
This is a top choice for those who cook frequently for groups, batch meals, or want the assurance of premium engineering and advanced health features.

3. Instant Vortex Plus

Technical Highlights & Specs

• Comes in multiple capacities — 6-quart, 10-quart (oven style) models. Good Housekeeping+3Instant Pot+3Pressure Cooking Today™+3
• 7 cooking functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Rotisserie in oven variant. instantpotcooking.com+3Instant Pot+3Renee Nicole’s Kitchen+3
• Dimensions (for 6-quart model): ~15.5″ × 11.8″ × 13″, ~13 lbs. Pressure Cooking Today™
• Power: ~1,700 W (120V, 60 Hz) per manual. Pressure Cooking Today™
• Other features:
  • Odor filter (replaceable) to reduce cooking smells. Business Insider+1
  • Window / ClearCook designs in some variants allowing visibility of cooking without opening. Instant Pot+1
  • Fast preheat / minimal preheating in many use cases. Good Housekeeping+1

Performance & Reports

• TechGearLab commends its ease of use and temperature accuracy, though notes a slight plasticky aftertaste in some cases. GearLab
• RTINGS says it preheats and cooks very quickly, and offers a large surface area for 6 qt models. RTINGS.com
• Business Insider highlights the odor filter as a helpful feature: when burning bacon or strong-smelling foods, the filter lessened odors. Business Insider
• In user forums, many praise the rectangular basket and window as practical extras. Reddit
• Some criticism: the air-fried results, in certain tests, are “mediocre” compared to the best dedicated fryers. RTINGS.com
• Good Housekeeping calls it a “great value” for its range of features, large capacity and reliable performance. Good Housekeeping

Pros ✅

• Highly versatile — replaces multiple appliances.
• Large capacity options for families.
• Useful extras like odor filter and viewing window.
• Fast in heating and cooking, with reliable temperature control.

Best Fit
If you want an all-purpose kitchen appliance that can roast, bake, dehydrate and more — not just air fry — the Vortex Plus is a strong contender.

4. Dreo ChefMaker Pro / Combi Fryer

Technical & Feature Highlights

• Capacity: around 6 quarts / 6 L. Homes and Gardens+2Yahoo+2
• Unique tech:
  • Water misting (atomization) during cooking to maintain juiciness. RTINGS.com+1
  • Built-in temperature probe (Chef Mode / Probe Mode) for internal doneness-based cooking. RTINGS.com+2Top Ten Reviews+2
  • Three cooking modes: Chef Mode (automated), Classic / presets, and Probe / manual. Top Ten Reviews+3Amazon+3Homes and Gardens+3
• Smart app / connectivity for remote control and recipe guidance. Top Ten Reviews+1
• Hybrid design: serves as both air fryer and countertop convection oven. Top Ten Reviews+1
• Build / aesthetics: glass / mirrored external surfaces, modern form factor. Homes and Gardens+1

Performance & Observations

• Rtings: notes that it tends to run hot and overshoot in some modes, so users may need to downshift temperature for best results. RTINGS.com
• However, Dreo’s Chef Mode, using the probe and misting, allows for precision roasting: achieving crisp exteriors while maintaining internal moisture. Top Ten Reviews
• TopTenReviews praises its hybrid functionality — combining air frying, roasting, baking — and the water spray to avoid dryness. Top Ten Reviews
• In real-world reviews, some users on Reddit highlight that it’s “super easy” to use, with dishwasher-safe parts, and that Chef Mode simplifies cooking. Reddit
• Homes & Gardens remarks on its aesthetic appeal: mirrored finish, transparent basket — stylish on modern countertops. Homes and Gardens
• Some critics note limited fan speed variability in non-air-fry modes, which reduces performance when using baking or toast modes. RTINGS.com

Pros ✅

• Most technologically advanced among the list: misting + probe features are unique.
• Excellent for precise cooking of meats/fish.
• Hybrid (oven + air fryer) means fewer appliances required.
• Stylish design that stands out in modern kitchens.
• Smart app and recipe integration for guided cooking.

Cons ❌

• High price point.
• Reliance on app and firmware; connectivity issues may affect performance.
• Some modes require understanding and adjustment (overshoot, fan speeds).
• More features = more maintenance (cleaning sprays, probes, parts).

Best Fit
For users who enjoy smart cooking, roast precision, and want a device that does more than basic frying — this is among the most future-forward options.

5. Cosori Pro LE

Spec & Feature Overview

While I couldn’t retrieve full certified specs in recent searches, the Cosori Pro line is generally known for:

• Moderate capacity: ~5 quarts — good for small families.
• Multiple preset cooking modes (meat, vegetables, fries, fish, etc.).
• Sleek, compact design suitable for countertop kitchens.
• Balanced performance and reliability.

Because the exact variant may differ (Cosori publishes many models), it would be wise to check your unit’s wattage, dimensions, and available modes before finalizing.

What Users & Communities Say

• In Reddit threads, Cosori models often get positive mentions for ease of use, reliability, and value. Reddit
• Many see Cosori as offering “close-to-premium” performance at lower cost — especially for people who don’t need huge capacity or smart gadgets.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Strength: balanced feature set, good price-to-performance.
• Weakness: not as technologically advanced as Dreo or premium models; limited capacity vs large families.

If you choose Cosori Pro LE, consider supplementing your article with specific model specs (wattage, dimensions) from the version you’ll promote.

🏆 Final Verdict – Which Air Fryer Should You Buy?

Choosing the best air fryer in 2025 depends on your needs and budget:

• 🥇 Best Overall (All-rounder): Ninja AF101
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for Families: Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
• 💲 Best Budget Option: Cosori Pro LE
• 🍳 Best Multi-Function: Instant Vortex Plus Oven
• 📱 Best Smart Technology: Dreo ChefMaker Pro

No matter which one you pick, each of these air fryers will make your cooking healthier, faster, and more enjoyable