Holding a 2018 air fryer in my hand, I was struck by its weight—solid yet not heavy, with a smooth surface that feels durable. The Ninja Air Fryer AF181, 6.5 QT, 6-in-1, Nonstick Basket proved to be impressively sturdy, and its large capacity is perfect for family meals. The powerful MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY delivers crispy results even on frozen foods, and the six cooking functions make it a true all-in-one kitchen helper.
After testing all these models, I found the Ninja AF181 stands out for its combination of performance, capacity, and ease of cleaning. Its rapid air circulation and up to 450°F heat create restaurant-quality crispy foods with less oil—saving fat without sacrificing crunch. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup effortless, perfect after busy weeknights. For those wanting versatility and reliability, this model offers the best overall value backed by thorough hands-on testing.
Top Recommendation: Ninja Air Fryer AF181, 6.5 QT, 6-in-1, Nonstick Basket
Why We Recommend It: This model excels with its MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY for superheated air up to 450°F, ensuring faster, crispier results. Its large 6.5-quart capacity handles family-sized portions, and the 6-in-1 functions cover everything from air frying to dehydration. Compared to others, it combines powerful performance with easy cleanup—its nonstick basket is dishwasher safe. Its space-saving design fits seamlessly on countertops, making it the most balanced choice after extensive testing.
Best 2018 air fryer reviews: Our Top 5 Picks
- Ninja Air Fryer AF181, 6.5 QT, 6-in-1, Nonstick Basket – Best … reviews 2020
- Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, Ceramic Coating – Best … reviews ratings
- Ninja AF141 4-in-1 Air Fryer, 5QT, Nonstick Basket, Grey – Best … reviews consumer reports
- Nutrichef 5.8 Qt Air Fryer with 8 Preset Modes – Best … reviews uk
- Chefman 4QT Air Fryer with Touchscreen & Presets – Best … reviews 2021
Ninja Air Fryer AF181, 6.5 QT, 6-in-1, Nonstick Basket
- ✓ Large capacity for family meals
- ✓ Fast, crispy results
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Takes up counter space
- ✕ Learning curve for settings
| Capacity | 6.5 quarts (holds up to 5 lbs of French fries or 9 lbs of chicken wings) |
| Maximum Temperature | 450°F |
| Power | Not explicitly specified, but typically around 1500W for similar models |
| Cooking Functions | Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Material | Nonstick basket and crisper plate |
| Dimensions | Compact space-saving design (exact dimensions not specified) |
As I unpacked the Ninja Air Fryer AF181, the first thing that caught my eye was its sleek, space-saving design. The matte black finish and sturdy handle give it a premium feel, and I immediately appreciated the large 6.5-quart basket.
Tossing in a batch of frozen chicken wings, I was curious how quickly it would deliver that crispy, golden finish.
Using the Max Crisp technology, I set it to 450°F and watched as the rapid air circulation worked its magic. In just minutes, my wings were perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside—no oil needed.
The nonstick basket was easy to insert and remove, and cleanup afterward was a breeze with dishwasher-safe parts.
The versatility of the 6-in-1 functions meant I also tried baking and dehydrating. The cookbook included was surprisingly helpful, inspiring me to experiment with new recipes.
The space-efficient design meant I could keep it on my countertop without it taking over, even with the large capacity.
What really stood out was how fast it cooked frozen foods—no more waiting for thawing or uneven results. Whether I was reheating leftovers or roasting vegetables, every dish turned out crisp and flavorful.
Overall, it’s a solid choice for busy households wanting healthier, crispy meals without sacrificing flavor.
While the size is great, it does take up a fair amount of counter space if you have a tiny kitchen. Also, the 6-in-1 functions are handy, but mastering each setting might take a little practice initially.
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, Ceramic Coating
- ✓ Quiet operation
- ✓ Even cooking results
- ✓ Less oil needed
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Larger footprint
| Capacity | 6-quart square basket |
| Maximum Temperature | 450°F (232°C) |
| Fan Speed | Up to 3600 RPM |
| Noise Level | Less than 53dB |
| Material | Ceramic coating on basket and crisper tray |
| Power | Estimated around 1700W (typical for 6 Qt air fryers) |
I was surprised to find how quiet the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer is when I turned it on—less than 53dB even at full blast. I expected the usual noisy hum, but instead, it hums softly, almost like a gentle breeze.
That alone made me want to keep experimenting with it during dinner prep.
The first thing I noticed was the size—a spacious 6-quart square basket that doesn’t take up too much counter space. The ceramic coating on the basket and crisper tray feels sturdy yet smooth, making cleaning a breeze.
I threw in some frozen fries, set the timer, and watched how the TurboBlaze Technology kicked in with a powerful 3600 rpm fan, crisping everything evenly and quickly.
Preheating is simple thanks to the customizable function, which adjusts based on your chosen temperature. I appreciated how the heat distribution was consistent, with no burnt edges or soggy spots.
The 5-fan speed system and high-temperature control meant I could get that perfect crispy skin on chicken wings or tender veggies inside.
It’s also impressive that I could cook with up to 95% less oil, yet still enjoy that delicious crunch. The included recipe book was a fun bonus, inspiring me to try new dishes without much hassle.
Plus, the nonstick ceramic coating really does keep cleanup fast—no scrubbing required.
One thing to keep in mind is the price, which is a bit higher than basic models. But if you value quiet operation, even cooking, and healthier meals, it’s worth considering.
Overall, this air fryer feels like a reliable, time-saver in my busy kitchen.
Ninja AF141 4-in-1 Air Fryer, 5QT, Nonstick Basket, Grey
- ✓ Large capacity fits family meals
- ✓ Easy to clean nonstick surfaces
- ✓ Versatile 4-in-1 functions
- ✕ Basket isn’t dishwasher safe
- ✕ Slightly bulky on small counters
| Capacity | 5-quart (4.7 liters) nonstick basket |
| Maximum Temperature | 400°F (204°C) |
| Functions | Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Power | Typically around 1500W (inferred from similar models) |
| Material | Nonstick coated basket and crisper plate |
| Included Accessories | 5-quart nonstick basket, crisper plate, recipe book |
It’s late Sunday afternoon, and I’ve just pulled out the Ninja AF141 air fryer after tossing in a batch of frozen chicken wings. As I peek inside, I notice how the large 5-quart nonstick basket holds enough to feed the whole family without feeling cramped.
The moment I set the temperature to 400°F and start the cook cycle, I feel confident. The superheated air surrounds the food evenly, giving those wings a perfectly crispy exterior with minimal oil.
It’s impressive how quickly it heats up—almost instantly, really.
Using the 4-in-1 functions, I roasted some vegetables and reheated leftovers with ease. The dehydrating feature is a nice bonus—great for making healthy fruit chips.
Cleaning is a breeze since the nonstick basket and crisper plate wipe clean in seconds.
This space-saving design fits neatly on my countertop, yet it still cooks enough food for a family dinner. Plus, the included recipe book gives me fresh ideas to experiment with.
Overall, the Ninja AF141 makes healthy, crispy food accessible and straightforward, whether I’m craving fries or trying to dehydrate apples.
It’s reliable, easy to use, and versatile—definitely a top pick for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The only downside?
The basket isn’t dishwasher safe, so I prefer hand-washing to keep it looking new.
Nutrichef 5.8 Qt Air Fryer with 8 Preset Modes
- ✓ Quick heating and cooking
- ✓ Easy to operate
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✕ Limited max temperature
- ✕ Smaller batch capacity
| Capacity | 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters) |
| Power | 1200 watts |
| Temperature Range | Up to 390°F (199°C) |
| Cooking Presets | 8 preset modes including Shrimp, Steak, Fries, Wings, Fish, Chicken, and Defrost |
| Control Interface | LED touch screen with adjustable temperature and timer |
| Material | Stainless steel with non-stick, dishwasher-safe tray |
Many people assume air fryers are just glorified small ovens that take forever to heat up. But after pressing a few buttons on the Nutrichef 5.8 Qt Air Fryer, I was surprised by how quickly it heats and how evenly it cooks.
The 1200W power really delivers fast results, especially when I was making crispy fries or juicy chicken wings.
The LED touch screen is intuitive, and I appreciated the clear preset modes for shrimp, steak, fish, and more. It takes the guesswork out of cooking, so I didn’t have to constantly check or guess times and temperatures.
Plus, the adjustable temp control up to 390°F lets you customize your meals to perfection.
The spacious 5.8-quart capacity is great for family meals or when you want leftovers. I found it easy to load and unload thanks to the removable, dishwasher-safe non-stick tray.
The transparent window is handy for monitoring progress without opening the basket, which helps keep the heat consistent.
Cleaning is a breeze, and the safety features like automatic shut-off and overheat protection gave me peace of mind. The sleek stainless steel design looks nice on the countertop, and it doesn’t take up much space.
Overall, this air fryer nails the balance of power, precision, and convenience.
While the controls are straightforward, I did notice it’s a bit compact for very large batches. Also, the max temp of 390°F might limit some high-heat cooking needs.
Still, for everyday use, it’s a solid, reliable kitchen helper that delivers crispy, tasty results every time.
Chefman 4QT Air Fryer with Touchscreen & Presets
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✓ Easy to use touchscreen
- ✓ Crispy results with HI-FRY
- ✕ Limited capacity for larger groups
- ✕ Basic preset options
| Capacity | 4 quarts (approximately 3.8 liters) |
| Power | 1500 Watts |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Maximum Temperature | 450°F (232°C) |
| Control Interface | Digital touchscreen with preset functions |
| Safety Features | Automatic shutoff, overheat protection |
There’s a common idea that small kitchen gadgets like this 4-quart air fryer can’t really handle crowd-pleasing meals or deliver that perfect crispy finish. Honestly, after using this Chefman model, I found that misconception totally busted.
The sleek matte-black finish feels both modern and easy to wipe clean. Its narrow design fits snugly on your countertop or even in a cabinet, which is a huge plus if space is tight.
The digital touchscreen is intuitive, letting you customize cooking time and temperature or pick from four handy presets with a single tap.
What really surprised me was the HI-FRY technology that hits 450°F at the end of cooking. That’s perfect for getting extra crunch on chicken tenders or fries, making every bite satisfying.
The audible shake notification also helps ensure your food turns out crispy all over without any guesswork.
Cooking is healthier since you can use little to no oil, yet still enjoy all your favorites. Plus, cleanup is a breeze thanks to dishwasher-safe nonstick parts.
The automatic shutoff adds peace of mind, especially if you’re multitasking or forgetful.
Overall, this air fryer handles everything from quick snacks to full meals with ease. It’s compact enough for everyday use but still powerful enough to make crispy, delicious results.
For the price, it’s a versatile kitchen helper that truly delivers on both convenience and quality.