A 5‑qt to 6‑qt basket comfortably handles 2‑4 pounds of fries or chicken, which is enough for most family meals. If you often cook multiple dishes at once, an 8‑qt model with dual baskets gives you extra room without crowding. Smaller 4‑qt units can work, but you’ll need to batch‑cook more often.

Dual‑basket units, like the Ninja DZ201, let you cook two different foods simultaneously with separate temperature controls, saving time on busy evenings. Single‑basket models, such as the Ninja 4‑qt or Cosori 6‑qt, are simpler and usually cheaper, but require sequential cooking. For a family that wants to prepare a main and a side together, the dual‑basket option offers the best convenience.

Cosori’s TurboBlaze technology reaches up to 450 °F and uses a 3600 rpm fan for rapid crisping, while most Ninja models top out at 400 °F. Chefman’s Hi‑Fry technology also hits 450 °F, giving a quick finish for extra‑crispy foods. Higher temperature and fan speed generally mean shorter cook times, especially for frozen items.

Air fryers with 6‑ or 9‑in‑1 programs, like the Ninja DZ201 (6‑in‑1) and Cosori (9‑in‑1), let you air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and more without extra accessories. Simpler 4‑in‑1 units still cover the basics but lack dedicated settings for tasks like dehydrating fruit. Choose the number of functions based on how often you’ll use specialty modes.

Ceramic and nonstick coatings, found on Cosori, Bella, and some Ninja models, reduce food sticking and make dishwasher cleaning easier. They also avoid PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE, which appeals to health‑conscious shoppers. While coatings can wear over time, they generally prolong the appliance’s usability compared to bare metal baskets.

The 26‑qt Emeril Lagasse combo offers oven‑level capacity, ideal for large roasts or pizza, but it occupies significant countertop space and costs more than a standard air fryer. For everyday meals, a 5‑qt to 8‑qt air fryer provides sufficient volume with a smaller footprint. Consider the 26‑qt model only if you frequently cook large batches or need oven functions.

Smart Finish on the Ninja DualZone syncs two baskets so both dishes finish together, which is handy for coordinated meals. LED shake reminders, found on Chefman models, prompt you to tumble food for even crisping. These conveniences can improve results without extra effort, especially for beginners.

Slim designs like the Bella 4‑qt fit tight kitchens while still offering 3.3 lb capacity, whereas larger square baskets, such as Cosori’s 6‑qt, need more surface area but provide deeper cooking space. Measure your available counter width and compare it to each model’s dimensions before deciding. A compact unit with high wattage can deliver strong performance without sacrificing space.