Air Fryer the Best? Our 2025 Hands-On Review Reveals the Top 3 Models

‘Air Fryer the Best’: What Everyone’s Really Looking For

Recapping a year ago, in early 2024, I searched for ‘the best air fryer’ and was met with a staggering 5 million results…and a headache. After testing 6 models with my team and burning an astonishing 4 batches of fries (plus sacrificing innocent chicken wings to the ‘overcrispy’ gods), here’s what actually matters – beyond paid promotions and flashy ads, Air Fryer the Best? Let’s check it out!

How We Tested: No BS, Just Fries (and Wings, and…Burned Cookies)

Before diving in, here’s our brutally honest testing criteria:

• Cooking consistency (Did fries come out golden or charcoal?)
• Ease of cleaning (Because scrubbing stuck grease is a crime)
• Noise level (Is it a jet engine or a whisper?)
• Smart features (Worth the hype or just gimmicks?)
• Durability (Does it survive a drop…or a tantrum?)

We tested Ninja AF101, Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook, and Cosori TurboBlaze head-to-head. Here’s the verdict.

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🥇 #1: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer – The No-Nonsense Performer

If you want an air fryer that just works—no touchscreens, no apps, no gimmicks—the Ninja AF101 is your bulletproof pick. After 6 months of daily use (and 20 batches of fries), here’s why it’s still our #1 recommendation for most people.

Best for: Beginners, small kitchens, and anyone who hates complicated gadgets.

Why We Love It

✔ Dead-simple controls – One dial. No apps. No fuss.
✔ Compact but mighty – Fits a 4-lb chicken (yes, we tried).
✔ Crisp EVERYTHING – Fries, wings, even roasted veggies (no mush).
✔ Dishwasher-safe parts – A lazy cook’s dream.

What We Hated

❌ No viewing window – Gotta open it to peek (and lose heat).
❌ Basic beeps – Sounds like a 90s microwave.

Real-World Test:

• Fries: 9/10 (Perfect crunch, but shake ‘em halfway).
• Wings: 8.5/10 (Juicy inside, crispy outside—no sauce massacre).
• Cleaning: 10/10 (Wipe-and-go).

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🥈 #2: Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook – The Show-Off

I’m going to say it. I bought the Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook for the window. (Yes, I’m that person who keeps opening the oven every 2 minutes «just to check.”) But after 3 months of testing, here’s the cold, hard truth — does the hype deliver, or is it just a shiny gimmick?

Best for: Foodies who want to see their meal cook (and Instagram it).

Why We Love It

✔ Glass viewing window – No more guessing if it’s burning.
✔ EvenCrisp™ tech – No flipping needed (lazy win).
✔ 6-in-1 functions – Air fry, roast, bake, broil…even dehydrate.
✔ Quiet operation – Doesn’t sound like a spaceship.

What We Hated

❌ Bulkier design – Takes up more counter space.
❌ Touchscreen lag – Sometimes misses button presses.

Real-World Test:

• Fries: 8/10 (Slightly less crisp than Ninja).
• Wings: 9/10 (Juiciest of the bunch).
• Cleaning: 7/10 (Window gets greasy fast).

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🥉 #3: Cosori TurboBlaze – The Speed Demon

Unboxing the Cosori TurboBlaze is like unboxing a gadget from some highly functional future—smooth matte finish, bright LED touchscreen, a design that says, “At least I oven-bake faster than your oven.” But is it actually TurboBlaze?

And the TurboBlaze tech isn’t just marketing fluff. Next to our Ninja and Instant Pot, it reduced time by 3-5 minutes for fries, wings and even frozen snacks. The ideal recipe for impatient cooks (or hangry emergencies)

Best for: Tech lovers who want smart features (and speed).

Why We Love It

✔ Blazing fast – Cooks 20% faster than others.
✔ 13 presets – One-touch pizza? Yes, please.
✔ SmartShake reminder – Beeps when it’s time to shake food.
✔ Sleek LED display – Looks like a spaceship (in a good way).

What We Hated

❌ Loud fan – Sounds like a mini hairdryer.
❌ Non-stick coating wears – Needs gentle cleaning.

Real-World Test:

• Fries: 9.5/10 (Fastest crisping).
• Wings: 8/10 (Dries out quicker if overcooked).
• Cleaning: 8/10 (Easy, but coating scratches).

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Comparison Table: Ninja vs. Instant vs. Cosori

Feature	Ninja AF101	Instant Vortex Plus	Cosori TurboBlaze
Capacity	4 quarts	6 quarts	5.8 quarts
Cooking Time	Standard	Standard	20% faster
Viewing Window	❌ No	✔ Yes	❌ No
Smart Features	❌ No	❌ No	✔ Presets + reminders
Noise Level	Moderate	Quiet	Loud
Best For	Beginners, simplicity	Foodies, visibility	Tech lovers, speed

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Final Verdict: Which One Should YOU Buy?

• 🏆 Best Overall: Ninja AF101 – Reliable, simple, and cleans like a dream.
• 👀 Best for Watching Food Cook: Instant Vortex Plus – Great for visual cooks.
• ⚡ Fastest & Smartest: Cosori TurboBlaze – If you love techy perks.

Pro Tip: If you’re a first-time buyer, go Ninja. If you upgrade often, Cosori’s speed is addictive. And if you love seeing your food, Instant’s window is a game-changer.

You can check more details and prices at Amazon.com if you like:

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