The Absolute Best Air Fryer Coming in 2026

As we head into 2026, the air fryer market is hotter than ever — and what counts as “the best” has evolved. Today’s top models do far more than crisp fries: they balance power, versatility, ease, and smart features. (Fi Global Insights)

Here’s what makes an ideal air fryer in 2026 — and a look at the standout models grabbing the top spots right now.

🔍 What Makes an Air Fryer “Best” in 2026

• Smart, connected cooking. New-generation fryers increasingly include Wi-Fi or app connectivity, voice-assistant integration (e.g. through Alexa or Google), digital controls, and programmable cooking modes. That means you can start dinner from your phone — or even automate the whole process. (Yahoo Finance)

• Performance & even cooking. Top models use multi-element heating (top and bottom heat, multiple circulation paths), temperature sensors or “ThermoIQ”-type tech to ensure consistent results — no hot spots, no dry chicken, no soggy fries.

• Versatility beyond frying. The best air fryers double (or triple) as ovens, roasters, dehydrators, grill-style cookers or even mini-toaster ovens. Great if you want one appliance to do it all. (Consumer Reports)

• Size & flexibility. Dual-basket or large-capacity models make cooking for families or meal prepping easy. Smaller units are still useful for singles or couples who want a compact countertop solution. (RTINGS.com)

• Easy cleanup & maintenance. Dishwasher-safe baskets/trays, nonstick coatings, and intuitive controls help cut down on hassle after cooking. (Consumer Reports)

Given those criteria — plus what reviewers and home-chefs are praising in late 2025 — here are a handful of air fryers that already set the benchmark. Chances are, they’ll still be among the top contenders when 2026 rolls around (or spawn updated “2026” versions).

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🏆 Air Fryers That Set the Bar for 2026

Ninja Foodi 6‑in‑1 Smart 10‑qt XL 2‑Basket Air Fryer

Best overall large capacity

Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt

Smart value all‑rounder

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

Premium all‑in‑one oven

Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4‑in‑1

Compact budget pick

Ninja Crispi 4‑in‑1 Portable Glass Air Fryer

Portable single‑serve

Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer

High‑end performance

Cuisinart 1800W Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Toaster oven combo

Beautiful 3‑Quart Air Fryer with TurboCrisp Technology

Space‑saving small kitchen

Why these stand out

• Ninja Foodi 6‑in‑1 Smart 10‑qt XL 2‑Basket Air Fryer — A top-tier large-capacity model ideal for families and meal prep. Dual-basket “DualZone” design lets you cook two dishes with different settings and finish at the same time. Includes multiple cooking functions and smart cooking-system optimizations.

• Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt — Great mid-size option balancing price, smart connectivity, and cooking performance. “ThermoIQ” heating keeps food evenly cooked without shaking or preheating, and the companion app + voice control add modern convenience.

• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro — A premium countertop appliance that blurs the line between oven and air fryer. Excellent if you want one powerful stove-replacing device: air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, even toast or reheat — all with convection “Element iQ” technology to cut cooking time.

• Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4‑in‑1 — Balanced, user-friendly, and budget-friendly. Strong crisping performance at up to 400°F, solid for everyday frying and quick meals. Great if you want a simple, reliable air fryer without extra bells and whistles.

• Ninja Crispi 4‑in‑1 Portable Glass Air Fryer — Super-compact, portable and ideal for small kitchens or solo meals. Its modular glass container system also lets you store or serve food directly in the cooking container — handy if you value convenience and minimal cleanup.

• Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer — A higher-end, performance-focused model with dual heating elements and precise temperature control. Excellent for fast cooking — steaks, wings, pizzas — and if you care about speed and consistency.

• Cuisinart 1800W Air Fryer Toaster Oven — A good middle path between a toaster oven and air fryer: great if you want baking, broiling, toasting and air frying all in one appliance. Handy for kitchens where countertop space is at a premium.

• Beautiful 3‑Quart Air Fryer with TurboCrisp Technology — Best for minimal kitchens or those who cook for one or two. Very compact, yet still delivers solid crisping and basic air-frying functionality.

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🔮 What to Expect in 2026 & Beyond

• More “smart kitchen” integration. As digital air fryers gain market share, expect even more connectivity: smarter apps, better voice-control, maybe even automation tied into meal planning, scheduling, or integration with other smart kitchen gadgets. (Yahoo Finance)

• Greater multifunctionality. Already we see fryers doubling as ovens, toaster-ovens, dehydrators, even mini-roasters. That trend will likely escalate — maybe even full “smart cooking stations” that replace several appliances in one. (The Guardian)

• Efficiency + health + convenience balance. As people continue demanding healthier cooking without sacrificing taste or convenience, air fryers that deliver crisp, evenly cooked food with minimal oil and short cooking times will continue to dominate.

• Diverse size/form-factors. From ultracompact units for singles/apartments to XL dual-basket fryers for families, air fryers will continue catering to a wide range of kitchen types and cooking needs.

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💡 My Take — What “Best” Looks Like to Me

For most people in 2026, the “best” air fryer will be one you use every week. That means:

• It’s big enough to cook a family meal — not so big that you never pull it out.

• It’s easy to use and easy to clean — no assembly gymnastics.

• It does more than just “fry”: maybe roast a chicken, bake a dessert, or reheat leftovers evenly.

• Smart features are a bonus — but not at the cost of reliability or cooking quality.

If you asked me to pick a near-perfect all-arounder today, I’d go for the Ninja Foodi XL or the Cosori Dual Blaze: they blend practicality, flexibility, performance and smart-kitchen readiness without breaking the bank or hogging counter space. 

Also check out our review of The Paris Hilton Air Fryer This Thing Is Hot And Pink