Finding the perfect air fryer can be a game-changer for achieving that ideal crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside chip. With so many models available, each boasting different technologies and capacities, the choice can feel overwhelming. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten excellent air fryers, evaluated for their performance, features, and ability to deliver consistently perfect results for you and your family.
Whether you need a compact model for quick snacks or a large-capacity powerhouse for family meals, there is an option here for you. We have considered key factors like cooking technology, ease of use, versatility, and special features to help you find the best air fryer to make your ideal chips and so much more.
Our Selection of Top-Rated Air Fryers
- DASH Deluxe Electric Air Fryer + Oven Cooker
- Philips TurboStar Technology Airfryer with Cookbook
- Big Boss 16Qt Extra Large Glass Air Fryer Non Toxic
- COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer 5.8QT
- Ninja Air Fryer 4 QT Capacity
- Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer
- Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
- Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven
- Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer
- Gourmia 6 Quart Digital Air Fryer
DASH Deluxe Electric Air Fryer + Oven Cooker
This 6-quart air fryer from DASH is designed for families and those who entertain. Its large capacity basket can handle substantial batches of chips, wings, or appetizers, making meal preparation efficient. The appliance uses Aircrisp technology to reduce fat by 70-80% compared to traditional frying, offering a healthier alternative without compromising on a crispy texture.
Operation is straightforward with simple temperature and timer controls, guaranteeing consistent results. Features like an auto-shut-off and a non-stick fry basket add convenience and safety. The included recipe guide helps users get started with a variety of dishes right away.
Philips TurboStar Technology Airfryer
Philips is a pioneer in air fryer technology, and this model features their unique TurboStar system. This technology creates a continuous swirl of hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking and crispiness while draining excess fat. Its compact design takes up less counter space while still offering a 1.8-pound capacity.
An advantage of this model is the lack of a preheating requirement, allowing you to start cooking almost immediately. The analog interface provides a simple, dial-based control scheme for users who prefer a more tactile experience over digital screens.
Big Boss 16Qt Extra Large Glass Air Fryer Non Toxic
For those needing maximum capacity, the Big Boss 16-quart air fryer is a standout choice. Its family-sized design features three stainless steel racks, allowing you to cook multiple items simultaneously. The 360° convection heat delivers a fried texture with little to no oil, and the dual-bowl design helps keep food away from excess fat.
This appliance functions as a versatile 4-in-1 cooker for air frying, baking, roasting, and grilling. It is also constructed without Teflon or forever chemicals, offering a non-toxic cooking surface for health-conscious users. The glass construction allows you to monitor food as it cooks.
COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer 5.8QT
The COSORI air fryer combines smart features with versatile performance. Its AdaptIQ technology uses rapid 360° air circulation to heat food quickly and evenly, which is ideal for achieving a consistent crisp on chips. The 5.8-quart square basket maximizes interior space and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
With 12 preset cooking functions, it can handle everything from toast and bake to specific settings for steak, seafood, and frozen foods. A notable feature is the ability to customize and save your own cooking preferences, including a personal shake reminder, via the companion app which includes over 100 recipes.
Ninja Air Fryer 4 QT Capacity
This compact Ninja model is a powerful and efficient option for smaller households. It uses up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods to create crispy chips and other favorites. The 4-quart ceramic-coated basket is family-sized, capable of fitting up to two pounds of fries.
Its 4-in-1 functionality allows you to air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. A wide temperature range from 105°F to 400°F provides flexibility for everything from gently dehydrating fruits to quickly crisping frozen foods. All parts are dishwasher safe, and it includes a recipe book to inspire your cooking.
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer
From the makers of the popular Instant Pot, this 6-quart air fryer offers trusted performance in a new category. It provides six cooking functions: air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat, with little to no preheating time required. The adjustable temperature control offers precise results.
User-friendly operation is a highlight, with one-touch smart programs and an intuitive touchscreen that displays each cooking stage. The clear interface makes it simple to prepare a wide range of meals, supported by access to over 100 recipes through the companion app.
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
This premium Philips model is built for larger families, with a substantial 7-quart capacity that can cook for up to six people. Its standout feature is the patented fat removal technology, which actively extracts and captures excess fat from food during cooking, promising results with up to 90% less fat.
It requires no preheating and cooks meals up to four times faster than a conventional oven. The digital interface includes five cooking presets and a keep-warm mode. For easy maintenance, all removable parts are dishwasher safe, and the basket has a non-stick coating for quick cleaning.
Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven
This versatile appliance from Ninja combines the functions of an air fryer and a countertop oven. Its Digital Crisp Control Technology manages temperature, heat source, and airflow for optimal cooking performance across eight functions, including Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, and Dehydrate.
The flip-up design saves valuable counter space when not in use. When air frying, it can use up to 75% less fat than deep frying. The XL capacity accommodates a 9-inch pizza or six slices of toast, making it a highly flexible appliance for a wide array of cooking tasks.
Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer
Chefman’s compact air fryer is designed for efficiency and space-saving. Its sleek, narrow profile houses a 4-quart capacity, ideal for serving two to four people. The digital touchscreen offers four preset functions for one-touch cooking, along with fully customizable time and temperature settings.
A key feature is the 450°F Hi-Fry Technology, which boosts the heat during the final two minutes of cooking to add an extra-crispy finish to chips, chicken tenders, and other foods. This focus on achieving the perfect crunch makes it a strong contender for chip enthusiasts with limited kitchen space.
Gourmia 6 Quart Digital Air Fryer
Gourmia’s 6-quart digital air fryer offers a balance of capacity and modern features. The digital interface provides precise control over cooking time and temperature, which is essential for repeatable, perfect results. Its six-quart basket is well-suited for family meals or preparing snacks for a group.
This model uses rapid air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly, creating a crispy exterior with minimal oil. The design typically includes dishwasher-safe components for straightforward cleanup, making it a practical and user-friendly addition to any kitchen.
What to Look For in the Best Air Fryers for Perfect Chips
I’ve tested a lot of air fryers, and getting that perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside chip is a science. It’s not just about grabbing any model off the shelf. To find one of the best air fryers for perfect chips, you need to think about a few key things. Let me walk you through what I always check for.
First up is capacity and basket shape. If you’re cooking for a family, you’ll want at least a 4-quart basket. But here’s my pro-tip: a square or rectangular basket often beats a round one for chips. It gives you more flat surface area to lay them out in a single layer. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness—it steams the food instead of frying it. So, a good, spacious basket where you can spread things out is non-negotiable for that perfect golden result.
Next, consider the heating element and fan power. More wattage usually means faster heating and better circulation, which equals crispier food. I look for models with at least 1500 watts. Also, check if the heating element is at the top with a fan right above it. This design creates that powerful, rapid air flow that mimics deep frying. Some models even have extra heating elements around the sides for more even cooking, which is a huge bonus to avoid those half-raw, half-burnt chips.
Finally, don’t overlook the controls and ease of cleaning. A simple dial with a timer and temperature knob is often quicker and more intuitive than a digital touchscreen, but digital can offer more precision. For chips, you want to be able to easily set it to around 200°C. For cleaning, a non-stick basket that’s dishwasher safe is a lifesaver. Trust me, you’ll use it more if cleanup is a breeze. A removable pan under the basket to catch crumbs and grease is also a feature I always look for—it makes dealing with oily potato starch much simpler.
FAQ
Why don’t my chips get crispy in the air fryer?
This is the most common issue, and I’ve been there. It usually comes down to three things: overcrowding the basket, not using enough oil, or not patting the potatoes dry. Even in an air fryer, a tiny bit of oil is crucial for that golden crisp. Toss your raw chips in just a tablespoon of oil. Also, soaking or rinsing your cut potatoes to remove excess starch, then drying them thoroughly with a kitchen towel makes a world of difference. Water is the enemy of crisp!
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for chips?
I always do. Just like with a traditional oven, preheating for 3-5 minutes ensures the cooking environment is instantly hot when you add the food. This gives the chips a better initial sear and helps prevent them from getting soggy. It’s a small step that consistently leads to better results for me.
What type of potato is best for air fryer chips?
For the classic chip, I go for a floury potato like a Russet or Maris Piper. They have a higher starch content and lower moisture, which gives you that fluffy interior. Waxy potatoes hold their shape better but can sometimes turn out a bit rubbery. For the best air fryers for perfect chips, starting with the right spud is half the battle.
How do I stop the chips from sticking to the basket?
Even with non-stick baskets, a light coating of oil on the chips themselves is your best defense. You can also give the basket a very light spray with oil before adding the food. Avoid using aerosol sprays with lecithin, as they can damage the non-stick coating over time. A refillable oil mister with your chosen oil is a safer and more economical option.
Can I cook frozen chips in an air fryer?
Absolutely, and it’s one of my favorite uses for it. They often come out crispier than in a conventional oven because the hot air circulates all around them. No need to defrost—just cook them straight from frozen. You might need to shake the basket once or twice during cooking to ensure they brown evenly.
Is it worth getting a dual-basket air fryer for cooking chips?
If you frequently cook multiple items or for a larger family, a dual-basket model can be a game-changer. You can cook a big batch of chips in both baskets at once, or cook chips in one and something like fish or chicken in the other. Look for one with a “sync cook” function that lets you control both baskets with one set of settings for convenience.