The 6 Best Air Fryers for Crispiness of 2026

The Chefman 6 QT Compact Air Fryer stands out for its dedicated approach to achieving that sought-after crunch, primarily through its innovative Hi-Fry Technology. This feature allows users to ramp up the heat to a significant 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking, specifically designed to impart an extra layer of crispiness to foods like chicken tenders and fries. Combined with LED shake notifications, which remind you to toss your food for even cooking, this air fryer is clearly engineered with crisp results in mind. The digital touchscreen controls offer four presets, making it straightforward to get started, though more experienced users might wish for greater preset variety.

Beyond its crisping capabilities, this model offers a practical 6-quart capacity, suitable for serving 3-5 people, making it a good fit for small families or couples. Its sleek, narrow design is a genuine space-saver on countertops or in cabinets, a boon for those with limited kitchen real estate. It promotes healthier cooking by requiring little to no oil, and cleanup is simplified by the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and rack. The automatic shutoff feature adds a layer of safety. While it performs well in delivering crispy textures, its feature set is more focused compared to some larger, multi-functional units. For those prioritizing a crisp finish in a compact form, the Hi-Fry technology gives it an edge over models that top out at lower temperatures.

The TOPZEE 2.1QT Small Air Fryer is tailored for individuals or couples, offering a compact solution for achieving crispy meals without occupying much space. Its 1000W power and air frying technology work to deliver crispy and moist results using significantly less oil. While it may not boast specialized high-heat finishing modes like some larger models, its ability to reach up to 400°F, coupled with a shake reminder, ensures that food is cooked evenly and can achieve a decent level of crispiness for its size. The unit features seven preset menus, which is quite generous for a mini air fryer, simplifying meal preparation for various common dishes.

This air fryer excels in convenience and ease of use, particularly for those new to air frying or with minimal kitchen space. The adjustable time and temperature settings provide flexibility beyond the presets, and the auto shut-off feature is a welcome safety addition. The non-stick, BPA-free basket is dishwasher safe, making cleanup remarkably straightforward. Its primary appeal is its small footprint and user-friendly operation for quick, healthier meals. Compared to the Chefman 6 QT Air Fryer, this model is more suited for smaller portions and offers a more budget-conscious entry into air frying, though it lacks the specialized high-temperature crisping feature.

The Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, with its XL 8-Qt capacity, is designed to cater to families of 4-6 people, making it a substantial appliance for larger meal preparations. While it offers a respectable temperature range of 200-400°F, its key to achieving crispiness lies in the even air circulation and the helpful LED Shake Reminder. This feature is crucial for larger batches, prompting users to toss food to ensure every piece is exposed to the hot air, leading to more uniformly crisped results. The unit includes presets for common items like fries, chicken, fish, and meat, simplifying the cooking process.

Constructed with stainless steel, this air fryer presents a sleek and durable appearance. The emphasis on “crispy & healthy” cooking with 98% less oil is a central theme. Cleaning is made convenient with a dishwasher-safe basket and tray, and an easy-to-wipe exterior. The intelligent shutoff feature, which pauses heating when the basket is opened and resumes upon closing, adds a layer of safety and convenience. While it capably produces crispy food, it doesn’t feature the ultra-high finishing temperatures seen in some specialized models. Its strength in crisping comes from consistent temperature and reminders for user intervention, offering a different path to crispiness than the COSORI TurboBlaze’s higher temperature and fan speed.

The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer is a multifaceted countertop appliance that goes far beyond basic air frying, offering a remarkable 24 cooking functions. Its prowess in achieving “golden fried crisping” stems from its 360º superheated air circulation powered by a dual-speed fan, ensuring that hot air envelops food effectively. This technology is designed to produce crispy textures across a variety of foods, from snacks to larger roasts. The expansive 26-quart capacity can handle substantial meals, including a 6-lb chicken or a 12″ pizza, making it ideal for large families or entertaining.

This unit’s versatility is a major selling point, with presets for everything from ribs and pizza to slow cooking and defrosting. The elegant French doors open with a single pull, and an interior light allows for easy monitoring of the cooking process. While it offers robust air frying capabilities that lead to good crispiness, its design as a multi-cooker means it’s a larger and more complex appliance than dedicated air fryers. The stainless steel exterior adds a premium touch to the kitchen. For those seeking ultimate crispiness, its 360° air circulation is effective, though it offers a different approach compared to the Midea Flexify’s specific “Cyclone Air Fryer” technology which also aims for rapid, even crisping in a similar form factor.

The Midea Flexify French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo is engineered for both capacity and performance, particularly when it comes to crisping. Its “Cyclone Air Fryer” technology, featuring VDE-certified heat evenness thanks to one convection fan and six heat tubes, promises 25% faster cooking and excellent crisp results with up to 90% less oil. The ability to reach temperatures up to 450°F is a significant advantage for achieving a superior crunch, and the system is designed to heat up quickly, often eliminating the need for preheating when air frying. This makes it a strong contender for those prioritizing crispiness in a larger, oven-style unit.

With a generous 26.4 QT capacity, this appliance can comfortably handle meals for a family, fitting a 12-inch pizza or up to 14 chicken wings. It offers 10 versatile functions, including air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate. The precise temperature and time controls, adjustable in small increments, allow for fine-tuning recipes. The elegant design with anti-scald double French doors and a large LED digital display enhances its kitchen appeal. While highly effective at crisping due to its specific airflow technology and high heat, it offers fewer presets than the Emeril Lagasse model, focusing more on core functionality and efficient performance.

The COSORI Air Fryer with TurboBlaze Technology is a standout performer when it comes to achieving exceptional crispiness. Its innovative system employs a powerful 3600 rpm fan and can reach temperatures up to 450°F, a combination specifically engineered to deliver “beyond-crispy, juicy perfection.” This focus on high-speed airflow and high heat directly addresses the desire for a superior crunch. The advanced airflow design and precise temperature control (ranging from 90°–450°F) further contribute to evenly cooked food with a perfectly balanced, crispy texture, making it a top choice for crisp enthusiasts.

This 6-quart model also boasts a “Pro Upgrade” with a unique 5-fan speed system, offering professional-grade versatility across its 9 cooking functions. Despite its powerful performance, it operates at a relatively quiet level (less than 53 dB). The unit is designed to save time with faster cooking and provides a spacious square basket for family meals. Cleanup is straightforward with dishwasher-safe parts. For those prioritizing the crispiest possible results from a basket-style air fryer, the COSORI’s TurboBlaze technology offers a distinct performance advantage, potentially outperforming the Chefman 6 QT’s Hi-Fry due to its combination of higher fan speed and sustained high temperature capability.