Consider the number of people you usually cook for and the typical portion sizes. A 4‑5 qt model, like the Ninja 4‑in‑1, works well for 2‑4 people, while a 6‑5 qt or larger unit, such as the Ninja Pro XL or Cuisinart 6‑qt, handles bigger families or batch cooking. Larger baskets also accommodate whole chickens or multiple frozen items without overcrowding.

Air Crisp (found in Ninja’s 4‑in‑1 and 5‑in‑1 models) uses 400 °F superheated air for standard frying with up to 75 % less fat. Max Crisp, featured in the Ninja Pro XL, pushes temperatures to 450 °F for faster, extra‑crispy results on thicker foods. Chefman’s TurboX employs X‑shaped airflow to circulate air evenly, delivering a crisp finish without needing pre‑heat.

Multi‑function models (4‑in‑1, 5‑in‑1, or 6‑in‑1) let you bake, roast, dehydrate, and reheat, reducing the need for separate appliances and saving countertop space. If you frequently prepare a variety of dishes—like dehydrated snacks or baked desserts—the added versatility adds real value. For users who only air‑fry, a simpler 2‑function unit may be more cost‑effective.

The Cosori TurboBlaze 6‑qt and the COSORI Air Fryer Pro 5‑qt both reach up to 450 °F, allowing high‑heat searing of steaks and quick crisping of frozen foods. Ninja’s Max Crisp also hits 450 °F, while most other models top out at 400 °F. Higher temperature capability expands recipe options, especially for meat lovers.

A non‑stick or ceramic coating, like Cosori’s premium ceramic basket, reduces food sticking and makes cleanup easier, often allowing dishwasher‑safe parts. It also improves heat distribution, which can lead to more even cooking. If you plan to cook sticky sauces or want minimal maintenance, a coated basket is a worthwhile feature.

Power ratings vary from about 1200 W (NutriChef 5.8 qt) to 1800 W (Cuisinart 6‑qt). Larger capacity units typically have higher wattage to maintain temperature across a bigger volume, but the difference in energy use is modest for typical home cooking sessions. Look for models with automatic shut‑off and overheat protection to optimize efficiency.

The Ninja Pro XL 6.5 qt offers a generous basket, Max Crisp technology, and six cooking functions at a competitive price, making it ideal for families. The Cuisinart 6‑qt also delivers strong performance with five presets and a large viewing window, though it’s slightly pricier. Both provide ample capacity and versatile features without the premium cost of higher‑end brands.

Digital touchscreens with preset buttons, like Chefman TurboFry Touch and Ninja’s models, simplify cooking by selecting common foods with one tap. Shake reminders and automatic timers help achieve even crispness without guesswork. Models that combine a clear display with preset programs reduce the learning curve and improve cooking consistency.