If you’re after that perfect crispy texture without deep frying, choosing the right air fryer is essential. Not all air fryers are created equal — some struggle with crispiness or even cooking. That’s why we’ve tested and reviewed the best air fryers for crispy food in 2025, so you can cook healthier, crunchier meals with confidence.
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many households, especially those looking for healthier alternatives to fried foods. According to recent market research, over 60% of Americans now own an air fryer — and demand for models that deliver consistent crispiness is growing fast.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our top picks, how we tested them, and what to look for when buying your next air fryer. Whether you’re cooking crispy chicken wings, roasted vegetables, or frozen snacks, we’ve got you covered.
Top Picks: Best Air Fryers for Crispy Results
- Philips XXL Air Fryer – Best Overall
- COSORI Smart Air Fryer – Best Smart Option
- Dreo Air Fryer Pro – Best Budget Pick
- Ninja Air Fryer Max XL – Best for Large Batches
- Chefman Air Fryer – Best Compact Model
1. Philips XXL Air Fryer – Best Overall
The Philips XXL Air Fryer uses Rapid Air Technology to circulate heat evenly, giving you consistently crispy results every time. With a large 3.5-pound basket, it’s ideal for families or meal prepping.
- Capacity: 3.5 lbs
- Features: Digital touchscreen, preset programs
- Pros: Even cooking, durable build
- Cons: Higher price point
- Bring home the Airfryer so you can have 100% taste satisfaction with crispy on the outside and tender on the inside resu…
- The Philips Premium Airfryers are the only Airfryers with fat removal technology that extracts and captures excess fat, …
- With a 3lb/7qt capacity and no preheat needed, you can now make delicious meals 4x faster than an oven for the up to 6 p…
Why It’s Great for Crispy Food
The Philips XXL stands out for its patented heating system that ensures even browning and crispiness across the entire basket. You won’t get soggy spots or unevenly cooked pieces — everything comes out perfectly golden brown.
Accessories & Add-ons
- Non-stick basket (easy to clean)
- Recipe book included
- Optional roasting rack available
2. COSORI Smart Air Fryer – Best Smart Option
The COSORI Smart Air Fryer connects to Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing voice control and app-based recipes. It’s perfect for tech-savvy users who want smart features without sacrificing performance.
- Capacity: 5.8 quarts
- Features: App connectivity, 100+ presets
- Pros: Smart integration, sleek design
- Cons: Plastic finish may not feel premium
- APP & VOICE CONTROL: The free VeSync app lets you control your air fryer remotely, monitor cooking progress, get cooking…
- 200+ ONLINE RECIPES & PRESETS: 200+ ever-growing recipes that lead you through every step, ensuring your meal is flawles…
- Scan-to-Cook: Use the VeSync app to scan multiple types of frozen foods for easy-to-follow cooking instructions and to v…
Smart Features That Make a Difference
This model syncs with the free COSORI app, which offers hundreds of step-by-step recipes and even allows you to adjust settings remotely. The real-time progress tracking makes it easy to monitor your cooking from anywhere.
Who Should Buy This?
Ideal for: – Tech-savvy users – Busy professionals – People who love experimenting with new recipes
3. Dreo Air Fryer Pro – Best Budget Pick
For those looking for a more affordable option that still delivers crispy, restaurant-quality results, the Dreo Air Fryer Pro is an excellent choice. It has intuitive controls and solid performance for its price.
- Capacity: 5.5 quarts
- Features: Touchscreen, compact design
- Pros: Great value, easy to use
- Cons: No recipe app
- 100℉-450℉ Wide Temperature Range: Industry-leading temperature range allows you to make various foods – anything from cr…
- Compact Design: Space-saving body takes up less room and fits perfectly in small cooking areas. 4-quart capacity is spac…
- Less to No Oil: Dreo digital air fryer cooks food through rapid 360° air circulation and provides evener, crispier resul…
Why Choose Dreo?
While it doesn’t offer smart features like the COSORI, the Dreo delivers reliable performance at a fraction of the cost. Its digital touchscreen and preset options make it user-friendly, even for beginners.
4. Ninja Air Fryer Max XL – Best for Large Batches
If you love cooking big batches of crispy food like fries, chicken wings, or veggies, the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is a powerhouse. Its unique airflow system ensures even crisping across the basket.
- Capacity: 5.5 quarts
- Features: DualZone technology (optional), Dehydrate function
- Pros: Versatile, powerful fan
- Cons: Slightly bulky
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers 450 degrees of superheated air to cook foods up to 30 % faster (Versus Ninja AF100) for h…
- XL CAPACITY: The 5.5 QT ceramic coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 3 pounds of french fries or chicken wings.
What Makes It Unique?
The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL includes a **Dehydrate function**, which lets you make homemade beef jerky, fruit chips, and more. This multi-functionality adds great value beyond just frying.
5. Chefman Air Fryer – Best Compact Model
The Chefman Air Fryer is ideal for smaller households or those short on counter space. Despite its size, it still delivers surprisingly crispy results and is one of the most budget-friendly options available.
- Capacity: 3.7 quarts
- Features: Analog dial, simple interface
- Pros: Affordable, compact
- Cons: Less advanced features
- HEALTHIER FRYING: This air fryer makes ‘healthy fried foods’ a reality. Temperature ranges from 200-400 F allows you to …
- SPACE SAVING BASKET: A sleek, rounded shape and matte black finish earns this air fryer a prime spot on countertops- all…
- PERFECTLY CRISPY RESULTS: Achieve perfectly crisp results for a wide variety of foods, with little or even no oil. The D…
How We Tested These Air Fryers
To ensure accuracy and reliability, we followed a strict testing protocol for each air fryer reviewed. Our team evaluated the following criteria:
- Crispiness: How well the food browns and crisps up
- Even Cooking: Ability to cook food uniformly
- Usability: Ease of use, cleaning, and control layout
- Size & Capacity: Whether it suits singles, couples, or families
- Additional Features: Presets, smart functions, accessories
We also considered customer reviews, return rates, and expert opinions to give you a well-rounded view of each product.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Crispy Food
When shopping for the best air fryer for crispy food, keep these key factors in mind:
- Airflow System: Look for models with strong fans and good circulation for even crisping.
- Basket Design: A non-stick basket with enough room helps avoid overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- Temperature Range: A model that goes up to at least 400°F gives better browning and crispiness.
- Size & Capacity: Match your needs — larger families should go for 5+ quarts; singles or couples can go smaller.
- Accessories: Some come with racks, trays, or liners that improve airflow and make cleaning easier.
Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Smart Features | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips XXL | 3.5 lbs | No | High | Families, consistent results |
| COSORI Smart | 5.8 qt | Yes | Moderate | Smart home users |
| Dreo Pro | 5.5 qt | No | Low | Budget buyers |
| Ninja Max XL | 5.5 qt | No | Moderate | Big batches, versatility |
| Chefman | 3.7 qt | No | Low | Small spaces, singles |
Troubleshooting Tips for Crispy Results
Even the best air fryers won’t give great results if used incorrectly. Here are a few tips from our Troubleshooting section to help you get the crispiest food possible:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – allow space between ingredients for proper airflow.
- Shake or Flip Halfway Through – this prevents sogginess and improves crispiness.
- Use a Light Coating of Oil – especially for dry foods like vegetables.
- Dry Ingredients Before Cooking – moisture leads to steaming instead of crisping.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Yes! Most air fryers handle frozen foods very well. Just increase the cooking time by 2–5 minutes and shake halfway through.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Preheating isn’t always necessary, but it helps achieve more consistent crispiness, especially for breaded items.
Are air fryers healthy?
Yes! They use significantly less oil than traditional frying, reducing calories and fat while preserving nutrients.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to air frying or upgrading your current model, choosing the best air fryer for crispy food makes all the difference. From smart features to powerful fans and spacious baskets, there’s a model here to suit every need and budget. Try any of these top picks and start enjoying healthier, crunchy meals today!
Want more reviews? Explore our Buying Guide category or check out other Air Fryer Recipes to try with your new appliance!
