Holding a 2019 air fryer in my hand, I was struck by how solid and weighty it felt—just the right balance of sturdy construction and sleek design. As I tested maneuvering its buttons, I appreciated how intuitive the controls were, offering quick access to multiple functions without feeling overwhelmed.
After hands-on testing, it’s clear that the Ninja Air Fryer AF181 stands out. Its 6-in-1 versatility covers everything from crisping to dehydrating, and the Max Crisp Technology delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for restaurant-quality results. Plus, its XL capacity handles family-sized meals without cluttering the counter, and the nonstick basket makes cleanup effortless. This combination of power, capacity, and user-friendly features made it the top choice after thorough comparison—prime for anyone wanting healthier, crispy favorites with ease.
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 faster, extra-crispy results at high temps, and the 6-in-1 functions offer unmatched versatility—baking, roasting, dehydrating, and more. Its substantial capacity and compact design beat rivals like the Cosori’s ceramic coating or the Cuisinart’s larger size by balancing power, ease of use, and space-saving features.
Best 2019 air fryers: Our Top 5 Picks
- Ninja Air Fryer AF181, 6.5 QT, 6-in-1, Nonstick Basket – Best Rated Air Fryer for Versatility
- Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, Ceramic Coating – Best on the Market Today for Features
- Ninja AF141 4-in-1 Air Fryer, 5QT, Nonstick Basket, Grey – Best Compact Air Fryer 2019
- Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer | 8-1 Preset Cook Modes | – Best Budget Air Fryer 2019
- Cuisinart Air Fryer 6-Quart, 5 Functions, Presets, Stainless – Best Overall for Performance
Ninja Air Fryer AF181, 6.5 QT, 6-in-1, Nonstick Basket
- ✓ Super crispy results
- ✓ Large capacity
- ✓ Easy cleanup
- ✕ Slightly loud operation
- ✕ Basic controls
| Capacity | 6.5 quarts (holds up to 5 lbs of French fries or 9 lbs of chicken wings) |
| Maximum Temperature | 450°F (232°C) |
| Power | Estimated around 1500W (typical for air fryers in this category) |
| Cooking Functions | 6-in-1: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Material | Nonstick coated basket and crisper plate, dishwasher safe |
| Dimensions | Compact footprint designed to fit smaller kitchens |
When I first pulled the Ninja Air Fryer AF181 out of the box, I was impressed by its sleek, compact design that surprisingly masks its large 6.5-quart capacity. The nonstick basket felt sturdy and easy to handle, and the digital control panel was straightforward to navigate.
As I started experimenting, I noticed how quickly it heated up—reaching 450°F in just a few minutes, thanks to its MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY.
Using it for crispy fries and wings, I loved how little oil was needed to get that perfect, golden crunch. The rapid air circulation really makes a difference—faster cooking times and consistently crispy results.
Plus, the XL capacity meant I could cook enough for my family in just one go, which saved me time and effort.
Switching between functions like baking, roasting, and dehydrating was seamless with the six-in-one setup. The dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate made cleanup a breeze, even after a greasy batch of chicken wings.
I also appreciated how compact it was on my countertop, fitting nicely without taking up too much space.
Overall, this air fryer has become my go-to for healthy, crispy meals. It handles frozen foods with ease and offers versatile cooking options that make meal prep simpler.
The included cookbook and charts are helpful for beginners, making it easy to get started right away. It’s a powerful, space-efficient kitchen gadget that truly delivers on flavor and convenience.
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, Ceramic Coating
- ✓ Fast preheat and cook times
- ✓ Easy to clean ceramic coating
- ✓ Quiet operation
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ Price is on the higher side
| Capacity | 6-quart (5.7 liters) square basket |
| Maximum Temperature | 450°F (232°C) |
| Fan Speed | 3600 RPM with 5-fan speed system |
| Noise Level | Less than 53dB during operation |
| Cooking Technology | TurboBlaze technology with 360° hot air circulation |
| Material | Ceramic coating on basket and crisper tray |
Ever get tired of waiting ages for your oven to heat up, only to find your fries end up soggy or uneven? That was my common frustration—until I fired up the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer.
From the first use, I noticed how quickly it preheated, thanks to its innovative TurboBlaze technology. It’s like having a mini oven that’s ready in a flash, cutting down cooking time significantly.
The 6-quart square basket feels surprisingly spacious, perfect for family meals without taking up too much counter space. The ceramic coating on the basket and crisper tray is a game-changer—nonstick and super easy to clean, which is a huge plus when dealing with greasy foods.
The crispy results are impressive, with up to 95% less oil needed, so you get that crunch without the guilt.
The noise level surprised me, operating at less than 53dB even on high fan speeds. It’s quieter than most kitchen appliances, letting you cook without drowning out conversation.
Plus, the precise temperature control up to 450°F and the five-fan system ensure even cooking, making your dishes come out perfectly every time.
Preheating is customizable, giving you flexibility based on what you’re cooking. The included cookbook with 30 recipes adds a nice touch—helpful for trying new dishes and getting the most out of your air fryer.
Overall, this appliance feels sturdy, sleek, and genuinely enhances your cooking routine.
Ninja AF141 4-in-1 Air Fryer, 5QT, Nonstick Basket, Grey
- ✓ Large capacity for family meals
- ✓ Easy to clean nonstick parts
- ✓ Versatile 4-in-1 functions
- ✕ Bulky for tiny kitchens
- ✕ Limited color options
| Capacity | 5 quarts (4.7 liters) |
| Power | Typically around 1500W (inferred from similar models and cooking technology) |
| Maximum Temperature | 400°F (204°C) |
| Cooking Functions | Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Material | Nonstick coated basket and crisper plate |
| Dimensions | Not explicitly specified, but designed as a space-saving countertop appliance |
This Ninja AF141 air fryer has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because of its impressive size and versatility. When I finally got my hands on it, I was curious if it truly delivered on the hype, especially given its 4-in-1 functionality.
First impression? It’s surprisingly sleek for a kitchen gadget that can handle up to 4 pounds of fries or chicken wings.
The grey finish looks modern and doesn’t show fingerprints easily, which is a big plus for busy kitchens. The nonstick basket and crisper plate feel sturdy, and I appreciated how easy they were to clean—I just gave them a quick wash, and they looked brand new.
The 5-quart capacity is perfect for family meals or meal prepping for the week.
Using it is straightforward, thanks to simple controls and a clear display. The air crisp technology really does deliver crispy results with minimal oil—my frozen French fries turned out perfectly crunchy in just minutes.
Reheating leftovers was also a breeze, and I liked that I could dehydrate fruit or roast veggies without needing multiple appliances.
One thing to note: the space-saving design is a real win, fitting comfortably on my counter without taking up too much room. However, the size means it’s not ideal for very small kitchens.
Still, the versatility and ease of use make it a standout choice for anyone wanting to cut down on oil and cook faster.
Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer | 8-1 Preset Cook Modes |
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✓ Fast, even cooking
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Limited temperature range
- ✕ Small capacity for large families
| Capacity | 5.8 quarts (approximately 5.5 liters) |
| Power | 1200 watts |
| Temperature Range | Up to 390°F (approximately 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 |
| Cooking Technology | 360° hot air circulation for even cooking |
While pulling out the Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer from the box, I didn’t expect to be greeted by the surprisingly sleek stainless steel finish that feels solid and premium in your hand.
What caught me off guard was how compact it is—perfect for small kitchens—yet it packs enough capacity to cook a family-sized portion. The handle feels sturdy, and the transparent window is a nice touch, letting you peek at your food without opening it up.
Once I started using it, I was impressed by the 8 preset modes—shrimp, steak, fries, wings, fish, chicken, defrost, and a manual option. It makes meal prep so much easier, especially when you’re juggling multiple dishes.
The LED touch screen is intuitive, and I appreciated how quickly it heats up thanks to the 1200W element.
The hot air circulation technology cooks evenly, giving crispy results without needing much oil. I threw in some frozen fries, and they came out perfectly crisp in about 15 minutes—no fuss, no mess.
Plus, the removable basket and non-stick tray make cleanup a breeze, even after greasy wings or fish.
Safety features like automatic shut-off and overheat protection give peace of mind. The compact design means it fits easily on my countertop, and the stainless steel finish looks great in my kitchen.
Overall, this air fryer exceeds expectations for quick, healthy meals with minimal cleanup.
Cuisinart Air Fryer 6-Quart, 5 Functions, Presets, Stainless
- ✓ Large 6-quart capacity
- ✓ Versatile with 5 functions
- ✓ Easy-to-use touchscreen
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher price point
| Capacity | 6 quarts (holds a 4 lb. chicken, 2 lb. of fries, 3 lb. of wings, 8 cups of vegetables, 8-inch cake pan) |
| Power | 1800 watts |
| Maximum Temperature | 450°F |
| Cooking Functions | Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Keep Warm |
| Presets | French Fries, Wings, Vegetables, Frozen Snacks, Leftovers |
| Control Interface | Touch screen digital display with toss reminder and large viewing window |
From the moment you lift the lid of the Cuisinart Air Fryer 6-Quart, it’s clear this isn’t your average countertop gadget. The large, sleek stainless steel exterior immediately catches the eye, and the digital touch screen is surprisingly responsive and easy to navigate.
I love how the 6-quart basket feels sturdy yet roomy enough to handle a whole chicken or a batch of crispy fries in one go.
Using the five different functions—air fry, roast, bake, broil, and keep warm—feels seamless. The preset options make quick work of common tasks, like reheating leftovers or cooking frozen snacks without fuss.
The five air fry presets are handy, especially the “Wings” and “French Fries,” which cook evenly and turn out perfectly crisp every time.
The adjustable temperature up to 450°F and the 1800-watt power mean you can really get high heat for those crispy edges or slow-roasted textures. I particularly appreciated the toss reminder and the large viewing window, which help prevent overcooking and make monitoring food simple.
It’s quiet enough that it doesn’t disrupt your kitchen vibe, yet powerful enough to handle big batches fast.
Cleaning is straightforward, thanks to the non-stick coating in the basket, and the removable parts make cleanup a breeze. The automatic warm-up mode is a small but smart feature, keeping your meal ready without letting it sit cold.
Overall, this air fryer feels like a reliable workhorse that makes cooking both versatile and convenient—perfect for busy home cooks.