5 Best Air Fryers with Stainless Steel Basket for 2026

Unlock effortless family-sized crisping with the Chefman TurboFry Touch 8-Qt. This model immediately stands out with its generous 8-quart capacity, perfect for tackling meals for 4-6 people, and its sleek stainless steel exterior adds a touch of modern elegance to any kitchen. The intuitive one-touch digital control panel simplifies cooking, offering dedicated presets that take the guesswork out of popular dishes like fries, chicken, and fish, directly addressing the pain point of complex air fryer interfaces. It’s designed to make healthier, crispy results a seamless part of your busy routine.

In terms of performance, the Chefman B08DKYBTPH delivers consistent results, utilizing 1700 watts of power within a 200-400°F temperature range. We found it capably handles large batches, making it ideal for everything from a big basket of wings to roasting vegetables. The LED shake reminder is a thoughtful addition, ensuring even browning and crispness without constant manual checking. While its large capacity is a major plus, remember its dimensions (not specified but typical for 8QT) mean it demands a significant amount of counter real estate.

Compared to smaller units like the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4QT, the Chefman 8QT offers double the cooking capacity, making it far better suited for larger households or entertaining. While the WHUTO 6QT provides more specific presets, the Chefman prioritizes sheer volume and straightforward digital operation. It positions itself as a high-capacity, easy-to-use option offering excellent value for families prioritizing size and digital convenience over multi-functionality found in oven-style units like the Emeril Lagasse 26QT.

For those battling limited counter space but craving versatility, the Cuisinart TOA-26 Compact Airfryer Toaster Oven presents a compelling multi-functional solution. This unit cleverly combines an air fryer with a toaster oven, convection bake, convection broil, pizza oven, and warming function, all wrapped in a premium stainless steel finish. Its primary appeal lies in its compact footprint and ability to perform multiple kitchen tasks, directly solving the problem of needing separate appliances. The robust 1800-watt motor ensures capable performance across its various modes.

Performance testing shows the Cuisinart TOA-26 excels as a versatile countertop oven. It boasts a wide temperature range from Warm up to 450°F, offering flexibility for various cooking methods beyond just air frying. While its air fry capacity is limited to about 2.5 pounds – noticeably smaller than dedicated large-basket models – it handles smaller batches of fries or wings effectively. Operating with adjustable dials for temperature and toast shade provides precise, tactile control, though some users might miss digital presets.

Positioned against dedicated basket air fryers like the Chefman 8QT or Yedi 6.8QT, the Cuisinart TOA-26 trades maximum air fry capacity for unmatched multi-functionality in a small package. It’s ideal for individuals or couples in smaller kitchens who need a competent toaster oven that also air fries, rather than a primary air fryer that might do other things. Compared to the much larger Emeril Lagasse 26QT oven, the Cuisinart offers a more compact size and lower capacity but retains core air fry and oven functions at a different price point.

From the trusted makers of the Instant Pot, the Vortex Plus 4QT Air Fryer is designed for efficiency and ease in smaller households. It packs 6-in-1 functionality – Air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake, and reheat – into a compact, countertop-friendly design with stylish stainless steel accents. This model is built to quickly deliver crispy results with minimal fuss, addressing the need for fast, healthy meals without requiring extensive kitchen space or complex operation. The one-touch smart programs add significant convenience.

Performance-wise, the Instant Pot B08R6KMBQT is a speed demon. It boasts fast preheating and a temperature range from 95 to 400°F, capable of handling everything from dehydrating snacks to roasting small portions. The 4-quart capacity is ideal for individuals or couples, comfortably fitting a 20-oz bag of fries or a box of chicken tenders. The easy-to-use touchscreen display clearly shows cooking stages, making operation straightforward even for novices. While its capacity is limited, it excels at quick, small-batch cooking.

In comparison to the Yedi Evolution 6.8QT or Chefman 8QT, the Instant Pot 4QT is significantly smaller, targeting a different user base focused on single servings or meals for two. It offers more functions than basic air fryers but lacks the oven versatility of the Cuisinart TOA-26. This model is perfect for singles, couples, or students in tight spaces who want a reliable air fryer from a known brand, providing a strong performance-to-size ratio at a competitive price point.

The Yedi Evolution Air Fryer is a feature-rich powerhouse designed to cater to families and health-conscious cooks. Its striking 360-degree stainless steel exterior gives it a premium, modern look that stands out on the counter. A key differentiator is the large 6.8-quart capacity paired with a PFOA/PTFE-free ceramic coated basket, appealing directly to users concerned about non-stick coatings. The inclusion of a large LCD screen and added dehydration functionality further enhances its appeal, tackling the desire for healthier cooking options and more control.

Testing the Yedi Evolution B08FBLZD8R reveals it’s more than just a standard air fryer. The ample 6.8-quart size easily accommodates meals for larger families, and the ceramic basket provides a non-toxic cooking surface that’s also easy to clean. The dehydration function expands its utility beyond basic crisping. While its dimensions (12″ L x 16.5″ W x 14.5″ H) mean it requires dedicated counter space, the deluxe accessory kit – including a pizza pan, skewers, and dehydrator racks – adds significant value and versatility, enabling a wide range of cooking experiments.

Compared to the WHUTO 6QT or Chefman 8QT, the Yedi 6.8QT offers a slightly different large-capacity option with its unique ceramic basket and extensive accessory package. While it focuses purely on air frying and dehydration (unlike multi-oven units like the Cuisinart TOA-26), its comprehensive kit and health-conscious basket material set it apart. It’s best suited for larger families or experimental cooks who value a non-toxic cooking surface and want a complete package for diverse air frying and dehydrating needs, offering more included value than many competitors.

Commanding attention with its impressive size and elegant French doors, the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is built for those who entertain or cook for a crowd. This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a multi-functional kitchen workhorse boasting a massive 26-quart capacity and 24 cooking presets, including air frying, roasting, baking, toasting, slow cooking, and more. The premium stainless steel finish and unique door design add a touch of professional-grade aesthetics, directly addressing the need for both high capacity and versatile cooking options.

In performance, the Emeril Lagasse B09B7SB46R lives up to its “Extra Large” designation. Its 26-quart oven-style cavity can handle significant volume, easily fitting a 6-lb chicken or a 12-inch pizza, making it ideal for large family meals or holiday cooking. The dual-speed fan and 360º superheated air circulation ensure effective air frying results within this large space. Digital controls and numerous presets simplify operation across its many functions. However, its sheer size demands a very large dedicated space on your counter.

Positioned against all other models in this list, the Emeril Lagasse 26QT offers significantly more capacity and cooking versatility than any dedicated basket air fryer like the Chefman 8QT or Yedi 6.8QT. While the Cuisinart TOA-26 is also a multi-oven, the Emeril is vastly larger and more feature-rich. This unit is the clear choice for large families, frequent entertainers, or those needing a robust second oven that also excels at air frying, providing unmatched capacity and function compared to smaller, basket-style units.