If you love the bold flavors of Indian cooking but want a healthier twist, an air fryer might just become your new kitchen bestie. From crispy samosas to perfectly roasted paneer, the right air fryer can handle it all—without the oil overload. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the one that truly delivers? We’ve tested, cooked, and tasted our way through the top contenders to find the best air fryer for Indian meals. Let’s find your perfect match.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for turboblaze power: Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt
- Best for max crisp xl: Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp
- Best for dualzone duo cook: Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets
- Best for transparent cooking view: Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer | 8-1 Preset Cook Modes | Transparent Fry Bowl for Best Cooking Results | Cook Shrimp
- Best for french door roast: Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
- Best for compact crisp pro: Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry
- Best for glass crispi system: Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System
- Best for family size rotisserie: Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer
- Best for borosilicate crisp: Ninja | Air Fryer | Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Cooking System | 4QT & 6 Cup Glass Containers
- Best for beginner fry guide: The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners: Healthy and Super-Easy Everyday Air Fryer Recipes. (Basic Air Fryer Meals)
Product Comparison: Best Air Fryer For Indian Cooking
TurboBlaze Power
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, Premium Ceramic Coating, 90°–450°F, Precise Heating for Even Results, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm, 120V, Dark Gray
COSORI
- 𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achieving crispy, juicy results every time
- 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°– 450°F temperature control deliver evenly cooked dishes with perfect texture in every bite
- 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The basket and crisper tray feature a premium ceramic coating that is nonstick, durable, and heat-resistant to improve your cooking experience
- 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking and save time to deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy days
- 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The 6-quart square basket offers a wide, deep design, great for the entire family meals while saving you space on your kitchen counter or cabinet
- 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Enjoy a quieter and more peaceful kitchen environment with TurboBlaze operating at less than 53dB even on the highest fan speed
- 95% 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙊𝙞𝙡: Enjoy the same crispy fries as traditional deep frying with up to 95% less oil*. Enjoy all your favorite fried foods without the guilt. *Fat content analyzed by SGS lab
- 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧-𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙚: The nonstick, ceramic coated cooking basket and crisper plate make cleaning a breeze. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying delicious meals
- 𝘾𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: Enjoy flexibility with the Preheat function, which adjusts time based on temperature. Easily choose to preheat for optimal results, or skip it as the default setting for a hassle-free experience
- 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙡 & 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙚 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠: Enjoy our 30-recipe cookbook with pictures and cooking charts created by in-house chefs and registered dietitians, all packed within our in-box envelope. Check before discarding the box so you don't miss these helpful resources
Max Crisp XL
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
Ninja
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results using little to no oil—perfect for fries, wings, and more. Achieve that golden crunch with rapid air circulation.
- Guilt-Free, Healthy Fried Foods: Enjoy the indulgence of fried food with up to 75% less fat compared to traditional deep frying. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries for proven healthier results.
- XL Capacity Air Fryer: The 6.5-quart nonstick basket and crisper plate hold up to 5 lbs. of French fries or 9 lbs. of chicken wings ideal for family meals, game day, and meal prepping.
- Cooks Frozen Foods Fast: Go from frozen to crispy in minutes with powerful Max Crisp settings no need to thaw. Get a restaurant-style finish straight from the freezer.
- 6-in-1 Cooking Functions: Includes Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate a complete countertop solution for healthier, oil-free meals.
- Space-Saving Design: The compact footprint of the Ninja AF181 fits seamlessly on your countertop without sacrificing its generous capacity ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Easy to Clean: Both the air fryer basket and crisper plate are nonstick and dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup after every meal.
- What’s Included: The Ninja AF181 Air Fryer, 6.5-qt. nonstick basket, crisper plate, a 20-recipe chef-created cookbook, and detailed cooking charts to get you started.
DualZone Duo Cook
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
Ninja
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The original Air Fryer with 2 independent baskets, the XL air fryer lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the and a Match Cook button to easily copy settings across zones for full 8-qt capacity.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The baskets can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
- XL CAPACITY: The 8-quart air fryer capacity lets you fit mains and sides at the same time for making quick family meals, or up to 4 lbs. of French fries or chicken wings.
- SEPARATE HEATING ZONES: 2 independent 4-quart zones have their own cooking baskets, cyclonic fans, and rapid heaters.
- EASY CLEANING: Easy-to-clean baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates.
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F to 450°F allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: DualZone Air Fryer, (2) 4 Quart Baskets, (2) Nonstick Crisper Plates, 15 Recipes, Additional Meal Options & Cooking Charts.
- Cord Length: 32"
Transparent Cooking View
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
NutriChef
- 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 390°F) 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 360° hot air circulation technology, and monitor your cooking progress through the LED touch screen and transparent window, the perfect addition to your kitchen appliances
- COMPACT DESIGN & EASY STORAGE - The sleek and compact design of our small air fryer allows you to save countertop space, ideal for small kitchens with limited space. This stainless steel air fryer ensures long-lasting performance
French Door Roast
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 24 Cooking Functions and Digital Controls, 7 Accessories Included, Stainless Steel Finish, 26QT Capacity
Emeril Lagasse
- A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates practically any meal, from air frying quick after-school snacks to roasting for large gatherings.
- PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Oven turns off automatically when the toast countown timer ends - no burnt toast! Indicator light is red while toasting, blue when timer ends and oven turns off. Place rack at indicated toast position for ideal results.
- DUAL-SPEED FAN: Golden fried crisping at it's finest with 360º superheated air circulation for your homemade cooking.
- 26-QUART CAPACITY: This Extra-large 26-quart capacity countertop toaster is suitable for preparing food for 4–6 people with capacity to rotisserie a 6-lb chicken, bake a 12” pizza.
- STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: A stainless steel exterior provides a beautiful asthetic to any kitchen, taking your party hosting to the next level. And Elegant French doors open with a single pull – interior light allows you to monitor food.
Compact Crisp Pro
Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141
Ninja
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
- SPACE SAVER: Ninja’s latest air fryer design allows you to save even more space on your countertop without compromising capacity.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The basket and crisper plate are both nonstick for easy cleaning.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Air Fryer, 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate, chef-inspired 20 recipe book and cooking charts.
Glass Crispi System
Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System, 1500W, 4QT & 6-Cup TempWare Glass Containers with Storage Lids, Microwave, Freezer & Dishwasher Safe, Cyberspace Gray, FN101GY
Ninja
- ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM: Includes the Ninja Crispi PowerPod, 4-qt and 6-cup CleanCrisp glass containers, and 2 storage lids
- CRISPI POWERPOD: The power of a full-sized air fryer now in the palm of your hand
- SMALL & LARGE BATCH CONTAINERS: 6-cup container cooks a personal sized meal in 7 mins while the 4 QT fits a 4-LB chicken and veggies
- NONTOXIC CONTAINERS: CleanCrisp glassware is designed for nontoxic cooking and storing
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, & Recrisp
- FIXED HEAT PROTECTION: Permanently fixed heat-safe feet so you can safely set it on granite, laminate, quartz, butcher block, and marble
- LEAK-PROOF LIDS: Snap-lock lids ensure your meal won’t spill on the go
- EASY STORAGE: Ninja’s Crispi PowerPod and CleanCrisp glassware nests together for mess-free storage in your cabinets
- CRISPI CONTAINER ADAPTER: Includes an adapter so the Crispi PowerPod can be used on the larger container
- EASY TO CLEAN: Containers, crisper plates, adapter and lids are dishwasher safe
Family Size Rotisserie
Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer, Touchscreen, and 12 Presets - Family Size Countertop Convection Oven, Dishwasher-Safe Parts
Chefman
- 6-IN-1 AIR FRYER: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, roast or reheat to crispy perfection in one convenient appliance.
- ROTISSERIE CHICKEN COOKER: The stainless-steel rotisserie oven spit ensures crispy air-fried skin with a fraction of the added fat.
- FAMILY-SIZED MEALS: Our large capacity 12-qt air fryers has a spacious cooking interior to make delicious meals for large groups quickly!
- LOW-TO-HIGH HEAT RANGE: This all-in-one convection oven offers a wide temperature range from 95-450°F with rapid air heating elements. The new Hi-Fry option is the smart way to add a crisp finish when you crave that extra crunch.
- 12 COOKING PRESETS: Anyone can cook perfect meals in minutes with 12 preset options and an easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen.
- MONITOR YOUR MEAL: The interior lights and extra - large air fryer oven window allows you to check your food’s cooking progress.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Includes three cooking racks, stainless-steel rotisserie oven spit and forks, a rotisserie retrieval tool, and a drip tray.
- EASY CLEAN-UP: The removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts keep clean-up fast and simple.
- RESOURCES: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman.
Borosilicate Crisp
Ninja | Air Fryer | Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Cooking System | 4QT & 6 Cup Glass Containers, Crisper Plates & Storage Lids Included | Microwave, Freezer & Dishwasher Safe | Cherry Crush | FN101DR
Ninja
- ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM: Includes the Ninja Crispi PowerPod, 4-QT and 6-cup CleanCrisp glass containers, a container adapter, 2 storage lids, and 2 crisper plates
- CRISPI POWERPOD: The power of a full-sized air fryer now in the palm of your hand* *Based on wattage compared to Ninja AF100
- SMALL & LARGE BATCH CONTAINERS: 6 cup container cooks a personal sized meal in 7 mins while the 4 QT fits a 4-LB chicken and veggies
- THERMAL SHOCK RESISTANT: Borosilicate glassware can go from frozen to crispy in minutes
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, & Recrisp
- FIXED HEAT PROTECTION: Permanently fixed heat-safe feet so you can safely set it on granite, laminate, quartz, butcher block, marble, and more
- LEAK-PROOF LIDS: Snap-lock lids ensure your meal won’t spill on the go
- EASY STORAGE: Ninja’s Crispi PowerPod and CleanCrisp glassware nests together for mess-free storage in your cabinets
- CRISPI CONTAINER ADAPTER: Includes an adapter so the Crispi PowerPod can be used on the larger container
- EASY TO CLEAN: Containers, crisper plates, adapter and lids are dishwasher safe
Beginner Fry Guide
The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners: Healthy and Super-Easy Everyday Air Fryer Recipes. (Basic Air Fryer Meals)
Independently published
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What capacity should I choose for cooking Indian family meals?
Indian households often prepare several dishes at once, so a 6‑quart or larger basket is ideal for feeding 4‑6 people. Models like the Cosori 9‑in‑1 (6 qt) and Ninja Foodi DualZone (8 qt) give you enough room for roti dough, large batches of fries, or a whole tandoori chicken. If you have limited counter space, a 5‑qt unit can still handle most recipes but may require batch cooking.
How does TurboBlaze technology compare to Max Crisp for achieving crisp Indian snacks?
TurboBlaze (Cosori) uses a 3600 rpm fan and reaches up to 450 °F, delivering fast, even browning that works well for samosas and pakoras. Max Crisp (Ninja) also hits 450 °F and focuses on super‑heated air for extra crunch, which is great for papad and fried onions. Both achieve similar crispness, but TurboBlaze’s multi‑speed fan offers finer control for delicate items.
Are dual‑basket air fryers useful for cooking separate Indian dishes simultaneously?
Yes, a dual‑basket unit like the Ninja Foodi 8‑qt DualZone lets you fry pakoras in one basket while roasting vegetables in the other, saving time and avoiding flavor transfer. The independent heating zones also allow you to set different temperatures and times for each dish. This is especially handy for multi‑course meals where timing is critical.
What temperature range do I need for common Indian recipes such as tandoori and bhuna?
Tandoori dishes typically require high heat, around 400‑450 °F, to mimic a traditional clay oven’s sear. Bhuna or slow‑roasted curries benefit from lower temperatures, around 300‑350 °F, to develop flavor without burning. Choose an air fryer that offers precise temperature control across this spectrum, like the Cosori with a 90‑450 °F range.
Is a ceramic non‑stick coating important for cooking oily Indian foods?
A ceramic coating provides a durable, heat‑resistant surface that reduces the need for extra oil and makes cleanup easier after cooking rich dishes like butter chicken or paneer tikka. It also prevents sticking of sticky batters used for bhajis and onion pakoras. Models such as the Cosori 9‑in‑1 highlight this feature as a key benefit.
Which air fryer offers the best value for a limited budget?
The NutriChef 5.8‑qt model balances price and functionality, offering 8 preset modes, a transparent bowl for monitoring, and a 1200 W heating element. While it lacks dual‑basket capability, it covers the essential air‑fry, roast, and dehydrate functions needed for most Indian recipes at a lower cost than premium models.
Do any air fryers include preset programs specifically for Indian cooking?
None of the listed models advertise Indian‑specific presets, but many include versatile programs like “Air Fry,” “Roast,” and “Dehydrate” that can be adapted for samosas, kebabs, or papad. The Ninja Pro XL’s 6‑in‑1 functions and the Chefman 12‑qt’s 12 presets give enough flexibility to save custom settings for frequent Indian dishes.
How important are cleaning and safety features when cooking heavily spiced Indian foods?
Easy‑to‑remove, dishwasher‑safe baskets and automatic shut‑off protect against the buildup of oil and strong spices that can cause smoke. Models like the NutriChef and Ninja Crispi emphasize non‑stick trays and over‑heat protection, making post‑cooking cleanup quicker and safer for daily use.