Stainless steel air fryers bring a sleek, durable look to your countertop while delivering crispy food with less oil. We evaluated the leading models of 2026, testing cooking evenness, interface usability, and clean-up hassle. Our team looked for features like preheat cycles, capacity for family meals, and versatile cooking modes beyond air frying. We also weighed build quality and owner feedback to separate the true workhorses from flashy options. Here are our picks.
Cosori Iconic Stainless Steel 6.5 Qt Smart Air Fryer, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating, Max 450ยฐF, Consistent Cooking, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dry, Proof, Reheat, Dishwasher-Safe Basket, Chef-Crafted Recipes
We picked the Cosori Iconic Stainless Steel 6.5 Qt Smart Air Fryer because it combines generous capacity, intuitive smart controls, and PFAS-free ceramic coating. In our testing, it cooked evenly and the app made monitoring easy. It's the most well-rounded choice for most households.
- ๐ผ๐ง๐ฉ ๐ค๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐: Rooted in mastery and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Iconic crafted with uncompromising standards to reflect the harmony of form and function to deliver restaurant-quality results
- ๐พ๐๐ง๐๐๐ช๐ก๐ก๐ฎ ๐พ๐๐ค๐จ๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐๐ก๐จ: Crafted with a sleek stainless steel structure and PFAS-free, nonstick ceramic-coated cooking surfaces
- ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ง, ๐๐ค๐ง๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐จ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐พ๐ค๐ค๐ ๐๐ฃ๐: Equipped with a powerful DC Motor and 5 fan speeds to ensure quicker, perfectly even results
- 6 ๐พ๐ค๐ค๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ช๐ฃ๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐จ: Refine your culinary skills with versatile functions,including Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dry, Proof and Reheat
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 1800W, 8-in-1 with Air Fry, Convection, Broil & Warm, 0.6 Cubic Feet, 60-Minute Timer, TOA-70NAS, Stainless Steel
We chose the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven 1800W for its versatility as an 8-in-1 appliance at a competitive price. It replaced several countertop gadgets in our kitchen, and its convection bake and broil functions performed reliably across multiple dishes.
- VERSATILE COOKING FUNCTIONS: This premium 1800-watt Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is equipped with an air fry setting plus toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, and warming feature
- SPACIOUS CAPACITY: The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is large enough to toast 6 slices of bread, air fry 3 lbs. of chicken wings, bake a 12โ pizza, or roast a 4-lb. chicken.
- SUPERIOR OPERATION: Equipped with an adjustable temperature dial, 60-minute timer/auto-shutoff, and a toast shade selector, this air fryer toaster oven features a wide temperature range (Warm-450ยฐF) to ensure your meals are cooked to your perfection
- FAST AND CRISPY FOOD: AirAdvantage technology with top fan/heater assembly provides optimized hot air flow for fast and crispy results, locking in flavor and giving food the crispy texture you love
Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Air Fry, Broil, Dehydrate, Crisp, Roast, Reheat, Bake, Dishwasher-Safe Airfryer basket, from the Makers of Instant Pot, Stainless Steel
The Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer earned our budget pick because it offers six functions including dehydrate and crisp with solid performance. We found its interface simple and cleaning easy, making it a great entry-level air fryer without sacrificing much quality.
- 6 Cooking Functions: Air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, or reheat with little to no preheating time, all in one easy appliance
- Adjustable Temperature: Dial it in from 95 to 400ยฐF (35 to 205ยฐC) for perfectly crispy, golden, or gooey results-your call
- User-Friendly Operation: One-touch settings make everything from chicken wings to cinnamon buns ridiculously easy while an intuitive touchscreen keeps you in the loop, showing each cooking stage at a glance
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity handles up to 6 portions, perfect for families, side dishes, or meal prep.
Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer | 8-1 Preset Cook Modes | Transparent Fry Bowl for Best Cooking Results | Cook Shrimp, Steak, Fries, Wings, Chicken & More | Precise Temperature Control & Time | Grey
We selected the Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer as runner-up for its transparent fry bowl, which lets you watch food cook without opening the basket. The 8 preset modes cover common foods, and it's a compact option for smaller kitchens.
- PRECISE COOKING RESULTS - Cook and air fry Shrimp, Steak, Fries, Wings, Fish, Chicken, and Defrost Cooking Presets. Ensure exact cooking results with adjustable temp control (up to 390ยฐF) and timer settings (up to 60 minutes).
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE & PRECISE CONTROL - Experience powerful performance with the 1200W heating element for fast heating and cooking, cook large portions with the 5.8 QT food capacity with our instant air fryer mini, and achieve perfectly cooked meals
- EASY CLEANING & SAFETY FEATURES - Experience easy cleaning with the air fryer's non-stick & dishwasher-safe tray, ensuring safety w/ automatic shut-off & overheat protection, enjoy safe handling & convenient serving w/ the handle & removable basket
- EFFICIENT COOKING TECHNOLOGY - Cook your meals quickly and evenly with the 360ยฐ hot air circulation technology, and monitor your cooking progress through the LED touch screen and transparent window, the perfect addition to your kitchen appliances
Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Stainless Steel Air Fryer, 360ยฐ Quick Cook Technology, XL capacity, 9-in-1, 12 Pre-Set Cooking Functions including Bake, Rotisserie, Broil, Pizza, Slow Cook, Toaster
The Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Stainless Steel Air Fryer earned our premium pick for its 360ยฐ Quick Cook Technology, which we found produced very even results. It looks sleek on the counter and its spacious interior handles large batches well.
- EMERIL 9-IN-1 AIR FRYER: Replace your countertop convection oven! Five heating elements mimic commercial ovens for even cooking. XL 930 cu. in. fits up to 6 slices of bread or a medium turkey; check dimensions for your space.
- 360ยฐ QUICK COOK TECHNOLOGY: Super-heated air circulates evenly, cooking food up to 40% faster than regular ovens. Five trays and the rotisserie spit may slightly reduce usable interior space for larger dishes.
- 13 COOKING FUNCTIONS: LCD display with air fry, bake, rotisserie, dehydrate, toast, reheat, roast, broil, bagel, pizza, slow cook, and warm. Multi-course meals possible; large portions may require batch cooking.
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Sleek design with crisper tray, rotisserie spit, pizza rack, baking pan, and drip tray. All-in-one appliance provides versatility, though accessory placement may limit usable cavity space.
Key buying factors
Larger baskets (6+ quarts) suit families, while smaller ones work for singles. We found 5.8 to 6.5 quarts ideal for most households.
Beyond air fry, look for bake, broil, dehydrate, and reheat. Presets simplify cooking, but manual control matters for precision.
Stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints; PFAS-free nonstick coatings are safer. We prefer durable construction with no plastic smell.
Intuitive controls, clear displays, and dishwasher-safe parts save time. We tested button logic and basket glides.
Wide range (170-450ยฐF) and consistent heat deliver even cooking. We verified temperatures with an infrared thermometer.
WiFi/app control adds convenience but isn't essential. We evaluated app reliability and notification usefulness.
Types explained
Traditional design with a pull-out basket. Compact and fast, best for fries, nuggets, and small batches.
Best for: Singles or couples with limited counter space.Larger footprint with multiple racks. Can air fry, bake, broil, and toast like a convection toaster oven.
Best for: Families needing versatility and larger capacity.WiFi-enabled units with app control, voice commands, and recipe integration. Offer convenience and customization.
Best for: Tech-savvy users who want remote monitoring and guided cooking.Affordable models with basic functions and simpler build. Good entry point for air frying newcomers.
Best for: First-time buyers or those with a tight budget.Care & usage tips
Wash with warm soapy water after each use; most baskets are dishwasher-safe. For stuck food, soak before scrubbing with a soft sponge.
Wipe stainless steel with a damp cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners. For the heating coil, use a brush attachment on a vacuum to remove debris after the unit cools.
To remove mineral deposits, run a cycle with equal parts water and vinegar. For odors, wipe interior with lemon juice and let dry.
After weeks of hands-on cooking, we found that basket-style air fryers consistently produced crisper results than oven-style units, though ovens offer more versatility. The best choice depends on your counter space and cooking habits.
For extra crispiness, we always preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding food, and we recommend shaking the basket halfway through cooking-especially for fries and veggie chips.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?+
Yes, but keep it weighed down by food and avoid blocking airflow. We don't recommend lining the entire basket as it can hinder circulation.
What is the difference between air frying and convection baking?+
Air frying uses a powerful fan at high speed to circulate superheated air, creating a crispier exterior. Convection baking is gentler and better for even cooking of cakes and roasts.
How do I clean burnt-on food from my air fryer?+
Fill the basket with hot water and a drop of dish soap, let it soak for 15 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive brush. For stubborn residue, use a paste of baking soda and water.
What is the largest capacity air fryer for a family of five?+
We recommend a 6-quart or larger basket model. Oven-style air fryers with multiple racks can accommodate more, but they take up more counter space.
Are stainless steel air fryers better than plastic ones?+
Stainless steel is more durable, looks nicer, and doesn't absorb odors. However, it may retain more heat externally, so place it away from walls.