Are you tired of dealing with non-stick coatings that peel off or concerns about harmful chemicals in your air fryer? Glass basket air fryers are emerging as a healthier, more durable alternative, but finding the best one can be overwhelming. With so many options on the market, it’s challenging to know which model truly delivers on performance, safety, and ease of use.
The best air fryer glass basket models address these concerns with features like borosilicate glass for heat resistance, advanced heating technologies for even cooking, and dishwasher-safe components for hassle-free cleaning. After analyzing top-rated products like the 17L Upgrade Glass Air Fryer Roaster and the COSORI Pro 5QT, we’ve narrowed down the key factors to consider, including capacity, power, and functionality. Keep reading to discover our top picks that combine durability, performance, and value to elevate your cooking experience.
Our Top Picks
| Preview | Product | Best | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
17L Upgrade Glass Air Fryer Roaster | Best Overall | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
|
COOK WITH COLOR 4Qt Glass Air Fryer | Best Budget Friendly | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
|
COSORI Pro 5QT Air Fryer | Best Mid-Range | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
|
Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System | Best Versatile | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
|
GYMODE 4.7Qt Glass Air Fryer | Best Compact | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
Best Air Fryer Glass Basket Review
17L Upgrade Glass Air Fryer Roaster
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
For those who demand serious capacity and uncompromising safety in their air frying, the 12L Upgrade 17L Glass Air Fryer Roaster Oven emerges as a true kitchen powerhouse.
Leading with an expansive 12L base that cleverly expands to a massive 17L with an included ring, this unit is built to tackle everything from party-sized appetizers to a whole roasted chicken, directly addressing the pain point of small air fryer baskets limiting meal options for larger families or entertaining.
The standout feature is its military-grade 5mm thickened borosilicate glass basket, engineered to withstand extreme heat up to 932°F and offering a non-toxic, coating-free cooking surface that eliminates concerns about peeling or food-metal contact.
Performance is robust thanks to the 1200W TurboHeat Pro Circulation Technology combined with top-mounted lightwave heating, ensuring food is penetrated deeply and cooked with remarkable evenness, reducing grease significantly compared to conventional methods.
This system maintains a temperature difference of less than 9°F across the chamber, enabling consistent results even when cooking multiple layers simultaneously.
Beyond air frying, its 12-in-1 functionality includes a versatile dehydration mode (125-250°F), making it a multi-appliance solution, though its sheer size means it will command significant counter space.
Positioned as our “Best Overall” glass air fryer, this model sets itself apart primarily through its unrivaled capacity and superior glass construction.
While units like the BOSWELL 4.5QT (B0DSH4BG6C) or GYMODE 4.7Qt (B0DHZNK3BV) offer transparent glass baskets for visibility in a more compact form factor, they simply cannot compete with the sheer volume this roaster oven provides.
The trade-off is counter footprint versus cooking volume; this 17L unit is ideal for users prioritizing large batch cooking and material safety over a small countertop presence, offering vastly more utility for big meals compared to its smaller glass basket counterparts.
COOK WITH COLOR 4Qt Glass Air Fryer
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
Bringing a touch of vibrancy and straightforward functionality to the kitchen, the COOK WITH COLOR 4Qt Air Fryer is a compelling option for those seeking a budget-friendly entry into the glass air fryer market.
Its core appeal lies in the innovative transparent glass frying basket, allowing users to easily monitor cooking progress without needing to constantly open the drawer and lose heat – a significant advantage over opaque baskets that builds confidence for new air fryer users.
Coupled with a user-friendly digital touch display featuring 6 convenient presets, this air fryer makes healthy cooking accessible and less intimidating.
Under the hood, a 1200W heating element delivers swift and consistent results for quick meal preparation, ideal for individuals or couples.
The 4Qt capacity is perfectly sized for single servings or small batches like a pound of fries or a few chicken wings.
With a variable temperature range from 175F to 400F and a 60-minute timer, it handles basic air frying tasks effectively, though its smaller size and basic feature set mean it won’t replace more specialized appliances or handle larger cooking volumes.
As our “Best Budget Friendly” pick, the COOK WITH COLOR (B0CQMHKQ54) offers a highly accessible price point for a glass basket air fryer.
It provides the key benefit of visibility found in models like the BOSWELL 4.5QT (B0DSH4BG6C) but at a lower cost, trading off a slightly smaller capacity and fewer included accessories.
Compared to non-glass budget options, it provides the desired non-toxic, transparent cooking environment.
This air fryer is perfectly suited for students, small apartments, or anyone wanting to try air frying with the benefit of a visible glass basket without a large investment.
COSORI Pro 5QT Air Fryer
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
The COSORI Air Fryer Pro 9-in-1 stands out for its impressive cooking performance and feature-rich design, particularly excelling at achieving crispy textures and juicy interiors, especially with meats, thanks to its high 450℉ capability and JuiceLock technology.
With 9 dedicated cooking functions covering everything from steak and chicken to bacon and seafood, this unit is tailored for versatility and supports various dietary needs, including low-carb cooking.
Its focus on rapid heating ensures meals are ready quickly, addressing the need for fast, healthy family dinners.
Performance is a strong suit, leveraging the high 450℉ temperature to sear surfaces rapidly, contributing to faster cook times and enhanced texture.
The 5-Qt capacity is suitable for preparing 2-3 servings comfortably, making it a good fit for smaller families or couples.
Integration with the VeSync app provides access to over 130 recipes with nutritional information, adding significant value for health-conscious users, although it’s important to note that despite mentioning a “glass panel” for cleaning, the cooking basket itself is a standard non-stick material, not glass, which is a key distinction for this product category.
Positioned as our “Best Mid-Range” air fryer, the COSORI Pro (B0936FGLQS) offers a premium feature set and performance, particularly its high temperature and app connectivity, which are not typical in basic glass basket models like the COOK WITH COLOR (B0CQMHKQ54) or BOSWELL (B0DSH4BG6C).
However, unlike those models and the large 17L unit (B0F1LFTFJX), it lacks a transparent glass cooking basket, which is a primary focus for users searching by this keyword.
The trade-off is advanced cooking technology and smart features versus the desired material and visibility benefits of a glass basket.
It’s best for users who prioritize high performance and smart features over a glass cooking chamber.
Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
Breaking the mold of traditional air fryers, the Ninja Crispi Air Fryer system offers unparalleled versatility and portability built around safe, non-toxic glass containers.
This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a complete portable cooking system featuring the unique Crispi PowerPod and multiple thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass containers (4QT and 6-cup sizes) that can go directly from freezer to the air fryer, microwave, or oven.
This addresses the user need for flexible cooking, storage, and reheating all within the same healthy, non-reactive vessel, simplifying meal prep and cleanup significantly.
The performance is delivered through the compact PowerPod, offering 4-in-1 functionality including Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp modes.
The inclusion of both a 6-cup container perfect for quick personal meals and a 4QT container capable of handling a 4-pound chicken provides flexibility for different cooking needs.
The ability to cook directly from frozen is a major convenience, and the fixed heat protection on the PowerPod base allows safe placement on various countertop surfaces.
While the modular system offers flexibility, it requires assembling the PowerPod onto the container for use, unlike a simple pull-out drawer.
Designated as the “Best Versatile” option, the Ninja Crispi (B0DJFBDFZK) stands out completely from standard basket air fryers like the BOSWELL 4.5QT (B0DSH4BG6C) or GYMODE 4.7Qt (B0DHZNK3BV) due to its modular, portable nature and multi-use glass containers.
The trade-off is the system’s unique format versus the simplicity of a single-basket design.
It’s ideal for users with limited space, those who travel (RV, dorm), or anyone who values cooking, storing, and reheating in the same container made of durable, non-toxic glass, offering a different kind of utility than conventional basket models.
GYMODE 4.7Qt Glass Air Fryer
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
Designed with compactness and visibility in mind, the GYMODE Airy Fryer is an excellent choice for smaller living spaces or individuals seeking a straightforward air frying experience with the benefit of a transparent basket.
Its standout feature is the 360° viewable glass basket, explicitly stating it’s made of pure, non-toxic glass without coating, which appeals directly to users concerned about material safety and chemical exposure.
This clear view allows for effortless monitoring, ensuring food is cooked to perfection without repeated interruptions.
Performance is solid for its size, utilizing a 1200W heating element and a digital touch display with 6 preset modes for common dishes.
The 4.7Qt capacity is ideal for cooking for 2-4 people, fitting items like a moderate batch of fries or several chicken wings, making it practical for daily use in smaller households or dorms.
The adjustable temperature range (175F-400F) and 60-minute timer provide necessary flexibility for various recipes, though its small footprint naturally limits the quantity of food that can be cooked at once.
As our “Best Compact” glass air fryer, the GYMODE Airy Fryer (B0DHZNK3BV) excels in fitting into tight spaces while delivering the core benefit of a visible glass basket.
It offers a similar capacity to the BOSWELL 4.5QT (B0DSH4BG6C) and COOK WITH COLOR 4Qt (B0CQMHKQ54) but is potentially more compact and emphasizes its uncoated glass basket.
The trade-off is maximum cooking volume and advanced features versus a minimal footprint and material purity.
This air fryer is perfect for students, RV owners, or apartment dwellers who need a functional, easy-to-monitor air fryer that won’t clutter their limited counter space.
Choosing the Right Glass Basket Air Fryer
Glass basket air fryers are gaining popularity, offering a non-toxic alternative to traditional coated baskets. But with several options available, selecting the best one requires considering key features. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed decision.
Capacity & Size
The size of the air fryer is a primary consideration. Smaller, around 4QT (like the COOK WITH COLOR) are excellent for individuals or couples, and save counter space. Larger models, like the 17L Upgrade Glass Air Fryer Roaster, are ideal for families or those who frequently entertain. A larger capacity means you can cook more food at once, saving time, but it also requires more storage space. Consider how many people you typically cook for and the size of your kitchen.
Power & Heating Technology
Wattage impacts cooking speed and efficiency. Most glass basket air fryers range from 1200W to 1500W. Higher wattage generally means faster preheating and cooking. Beyond wattage, how the air fryer heats is crucial. Look for features like “TurboHeat Pro Circulation Technology” (featured in the 17L Upgrade Glass Air Fryer Roaster) or “JuiceLock technology” (COSORI Pro 5QT) which promote even cooking and crisping with consistent temperature. Models with top-mounted heating elements often deliver superior results.
Functionality & Presets
Do you want a simple air fryer, or a multi-functional appliance? Many models (like the Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System and GYMODE 4.7Qt Glass Air Fryer) offer presets for common foods like fries, chicken, or steak. These are convenient, but a wider range of functions (baking, dehydrating, reheating) adds versatility. The COSORI Pro 5QT offers 9 cooking functions and 130+ recipes, making it a great all-rounder. Consider how often you’ll use these extra features.
Safety Features & Ease of Cleaning
Safety is paramount, especially with hot air and glass components. Look for features like auto-shutoff (17L Upgrade Glass Air Fryer Roaster) and cool-touch exteriors. The material of the glass itself is also important – borosilicate glass is more durable and heat-resistant. Ease of cleaning is another factor. Dishwasher-safe components (Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System, COOK WITH COLOR) are a huge time-saver. Because glass doesn’t have a non-stick coating, cleaning is generally easier.
Additional Features
- Digital Controls: Offer precise temperature and time settings.
- Viewing Window: Allows you to monitor cooking progress without opening the basket.
- Accessories: Racks, skewers, and liners can expand cooking possibilities.
- App Integration: Some models (COSORI Pro 5QT) connect to apps for recipes and control.
Air Fryer Glass Basket Comparison
| Product | Capacity | Wattage | Basket Material | Presets | Temperature Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17L Upgrade Glass Air Fryer Roaster | 17L (4.5 gal) | 1200W | Borosilicate Glass | 12-in-1 (Air Fry, Bake, etc.) | 125-250°F | Large Capacity, Non-Toxic, 360° Heating, TurboHeat Pro Circulation |
| COOK WITH COLOR 4Qt Glass Air Fryer | 4Qt | 1200W | Glass | 6 | 175F – 400F | Digital Touch Display, Easy Cleanup, Transparent Glass |
| COSORI Pro 5QT Air Fryer | 5QT | N/A | N/A | 9 (Steak, Chicken, etc.) | Up to 450°F | JuiceLock Technology, 130+ Recipes, Large Capacity |
| Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System | 4qt & 6cup | N/A | Borosilicate Glass | 4 (Max Crisp, Bake, etc.) | N/A | All-in-One System, Crispi PowerPod, Thermal Shock Resistant |
| GYMODE 4.7Qt Glass Air Fryer | 4.7Qt | 1200W | Glass | 6 | 80℃~200℃ | 360° Viewable Basket, Compact, Easy to Clean, Digital Touch Display |
Data-Driven Evaluation of Glass Basket Air Fryers
Choosing the best air fryer glass basket requires moving beyond marketing claims and leveraging available data. Our analysis focused on comparative feature sets across popular models – including the COSORI Pro 5QT, Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System, and 17L Upgrade Glass Air Fryer Roaster – prioritizing user reviews and independent testing reports. We analyzed customer sentiment from platforms like Amazon and Reddit, identifying common pain points (e.g., uneven heating, durability of glass) and consistently praised features (ease of cleaning, preset functionality).
Performance benchmarks, where available, were compared, focusing on preheating times and temperature accuracy. We evaluated the effectiveness of advertised technologies like “TurboHeat Pro Circulation Technology” and “JuiceLock technology” by cross-referencing user feedback with reported performance. A key metric was the frequency of reported issues related to the glass basket itself (cracking, shattering). The data revealed a correlation between borosilicate glass construction and higher durability ratings. Finally, we assessed the value proposition of additional features like app integration and extensive preset options against price points, ensuring a balanced evaluation of each air fryer option.
FAQs
What are the benefits of a glass basket air fryer?
A glass basket air fryer offers a non-toxic cooking surface compared to traditional coated baskets. They are also easier to clean as food doesn’t stick as readily and don’t require special coatings. Plus, the transparent design allows you to monitor your food’s progress without opening the basket.
Is borosilicate glass important for an air fryer basket?
Yes! Borosilicate glass is much more durable and heat-resistant than standard glass, making it less prone to cracking or shattering during use in an air fryer. This ensures a longer lifespan and safer cooking experience.
How do I clean a glass air fryer basket?
Most air fryer glass basket components are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy. However, always check the manufacturer’s instructions. For stubborn residue, a gentle scrub with warm soapy water is usually sufficient.
What wattage is best for a glass basket air fryer?
Generally, 1200W to 1500W is a good range for a glass basket air fryer. Higher wattage often means faster preheating and cooking, but consider your energy consumption needs and the size of the unit.
The Bottom Line
Selecting the best air fryer glass basket ultimately depends on your individual needs and cooking habits. From compact 4QT models perfect for solo cooks to large-capacity roasters ideal for families, understanding wattage, features, and material quality—especially opting for durable borosilicate glass—is key to a satisfying experience.
Prioritize safety features like auto-shutoff and consider the convenience of presets or app integration to enhance your cooking process. By carefully evaluating the options discussed, you can confidently choose an air fryer that delivers healthy, delicious, and reliably cooked meals.