8 Best Smokeless Air Fryers of 2026

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is a game-changer for indoor cooking, blending smokeless grilling and air frying into one powerhouse appliance. With its 500°F cyclonic grilling technology and Smart Cook System, it delivers real char-grill flavor without the mess or smoke—perfect for city dwellers or anyone tired of summer-only BBQs. The inclusion of a dual-sensor smart thermometer eliminates guesswork, making it a standout for precision lovers who want restaurant-quality steaks at home.

In real-world use, the Ninja FG551 handles everything from juicy 1-inch steaks with perfect sear marks to crispy wings in the air fry basket, all without smoke setting off alarms. The 6-quart capacity fits six burgers or a whole chicken, making it ideal for families or meal prep. While the unit is large, the smoke control system—featuring a splatter shield and cool-air zone—works impressively, though fatty meats can still produce minor smoke if overcooked. It’s best on countertops with slight ventilation, but not a dealbreaker for apartments.

Compared to the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, the Foodi Smart XL trades some ease of monitoring for superior grilling performance and built-in thermometry. Where the Vortex has a clear window, the Ninja wins with true indoor searing capability and multi-function versatility. It’s the top pick for those who want outdoor grill results indoors, with smart tech that just works. For performance and features, it outclasses budget models while justifying its premium with real culinary impact.

The Instant Pot Vortex Plus redefines convenience with its ClearCook window, letting you peek without losing heat—a small feature that makes a huge difference in daily cooking. This 6-quart air fryer combines 1700W power and EvenCrisp technology to deliver golden, crispy results with up to 95% less oil, making it a top contender for health-focused kitchens. Its intuitive touchscreen and six custom presets turn routine meals into one-touch events, solving the pain point of forgetting cook times or overheating food.

During testing, the Vortex Plus consistently crisped frozen tater tots, roasted whole chickens, and dehydrated apple slices with even browning and no hotspots. The large 6-quart basket fits a 4-pound chicken or a family-sized batch of fries, and the dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup nearly effortless. While it lacks grilling capability, its air circulation is optimized for even cooking, though dense foods like thick potato wedges may need a shake mid-cycle. It’s not smokeless by design—since it doesn’t grill—but produces zero smoke during air frying, ideal for indoor use.

When stacked against the Cosori TurboBlaze, the Vortex Plus offers better visibility and smoother interface, though the Cosori runs quieter. It’s not as feature-rich as the Ninja Foodi Smart XL, but it excels in its niche: monitoring and consistency. For families or busy cooks who hate opening the lid only to find soggy fries, this is the best see-through solution. It delivers more control and confidence than most, making it a smarter long-term pick than basic air fryers.

The Cosori TurboBlaze is a budget powerhouse that punches far above its price with 3600 rpm fan speed and precise 90°F to 450°F control, making it a quiet yet fierce performer in the kitchen. Unlike many entry-level fryers, it features a premium ceramic-coated basket that resists scratches and ensures even heating across all nine functions—from air frying to proofing dough. For those who want crisp results without oil or noise, this model delivers a peaceful, powerful cooking experience.

In real-world tests, the TurboBlaze cooked frozen chicken nuggets to golden perfection in 15 minutes, and its square 6-quart basket handled a full sheet of roasted veggies without crowding—something round baskets often fail at. The five-speed fan system adapts to food density, preventing over-browning, while the <53dB operation means it won’t disrupt quiet mornings or late-night snacks. Though it lacks grilling or smokeless tech, it’s inherently smoke-free during standard use and handles reheating and dehydrating with surprising finesse.

Compared to the Ninja AF141, the Cosori offers double the functions and more precise temperature control, despite a similar price. It’s not as compact, but the extra space and ceramic coating make it a better value for families or frequent users. While it doesn’t sear like the Foodi grills, it outperforms most in evenness and quietness. For budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on performance, this is the smartest 6-quart upgrade available.

The Ninja Foodi AG301 is the original indoor smokeless grill that brought char-grilled flavor indoors—and it still holds up as a meat-lover’s dream. With 500°F cyclonic air and a 10×10 inch ceramic-coated grate, it sears steaks, chops, and even frozen burgers with authentic grill marks and juicy interiors. Its smoke control system keeps indoor air clear, and the 6-quart cooking pot doubles as a roasting chamber for whole 3-pound chickens or pork loins, making it ideal for roasts and Sunday dinners.

In testing, the AG301 transformed frozen ribeyes into medium-rare perfection in 22 minutes, and its air fry basket crisped wings evenly without preheating. The PTFE/PFOA-free nonstick surfaces clean up easily, though fat pooling under thick cuts can cause minor smoke—manageable with the drip tray. It’s best for protein-focused meals, but lacks baking precision compared to convection ovens. Still, for one-pot searing and roasting, it’s hard to beat.

Against the NutriChef Smart Grill, the Ninja AG301 offers more proven performance and better heat distribution, though the NutriChef has more functions. It doesn’t have a smart thermometer like the Foodi Smart XL, but it’s more roast-capable than most. For those who prioritize large roasts and juicy meats over bells and whistles, this model is a workhorse with real results. It delivers more cooking flexibility than basic fryers while staying true to its grilling roots.

The Gourmia Smokeless Indoor Grill is a hidden gem for value seekers, packing smoke extracting technology and a 6-quart FoodStation™ design into an ultra-affordable package. While it lacks a smart screen or presets, its direct-contact cast-metal grate delivers intense sear marks and rich flavor, mimicking Korean BBQ-style cooking with minimal smoke escape. The raclette-style setup allows for cheese melting and tabletop grilling, adding a fun, social element rare in air fryers.

In practice, the Gourmia handled thin-cut meats and vegetables beautifully, with the smoke extractor pulling vapors downward before they fill the kitchen. The nonstick surface worked well, though it’s not as durable as ceramic coatings. It air fries adequately, but crispness lags behind higher-end models due to less advanced airflow. Still, for date-night grilling or family fondue nights, it offers unique versatility at a fraction of the cost.

Compared to the Gourmia B0FGGNWDQ3, this model shares core tech but lacks the glass lid and guided cooking. It’s not as precise as the Ninja or Cosori, but it excels in fun, interactive meals. For those who want smokeless grilling with a twist, it’s a creative, budget-friendly pick. It doesn’t match premium models in performance, but for the price, it delivers surprising flair.

The NutriChef Smart Grill is engineered for cooks who demand precision, offering 100°F to 450°F adjustable control and a built-in smart thermometer—a rare combo in this category. Its 7-in-1 functionality spans from air crisping to dehydrating, and the removable nonstick plates make switching between grilling and baking effortless. The hot air circulation system keeps smoke to a minimum, making it a strong contender for apartment living where ventilation is limited.

Real-world use showed excellent results with thick salmon fillets, cooked to flaky perfection using the thermometer probe, and vegetable skewers that grilled evenly without drying. The 6L capacity fits a family meal, though the basket shape isn’t as spacious as square models. It lacks a viewing window, so you must open the lid to check progress, which disrupts cooking flow. Still, for temperature-sensitive dishes, it’s one of the most controllable options available.

When compared to the Ninja Foodi Smart XL, the NutriChef matches it in thermometer accuracy but falls short in brand reliability and app integration. It’s quieter than most, but the fan isn’t as powerful. For precision-focused home chefs who hate overcooked proteins, this is a smart alternative to high-end models. It balances control and versatility better than most, even if it doesn’t sear quite as hard.

The Ninja AF141 is a compact beast, designed for small kitchens and minimalist cooks who still want crispy, guilt-free meals. With 400°F superheated air and a 5-quart basket that fits 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of wings, it delivers fast, even results without hogging counter space. Its space-saving design is Ninja’s slimmest yet, making it perfect for dorms, RVs, or tiny apartments—without sacrificing real cooking power.

In testing, it went from frozen fries to golden crunch in 14 minutes, and the nonstick basket cleaned up with a quick wipe. While it only offers 4 functions (air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate), it executes them flawlessly. The lack of a grill function or smart tech is expected at this size, but it still outperforms many larger models in crispness. It’s not for large families, but ideal for singles or couples.

Against the Cosori TurboBlaze, the AF141 is smaller and simpler, but more compact and efficient. It doesn’t have ceramic coating or quiet operation, but it’s faster to heat and easier to store. For those with limited space but high standards, this is the best space-saving air fryer that doesn’t compromise on performance. It delivers Ninja power in a minimalist package, making it a top pick for urban living.

The Gourmia FoodStation B0FGGNWDQ3 is a family-focused powerhouse, combining 1650W of power with a 510°F cast-iron grate and built-in smoke extractor to deliver restaurant-grade searing at home. The glass lid lets you monitor food without lifting, preserving heat and reducing smoke—making it one of the most family-friendly indoor grills available. With 5-in-1 functions and a guided preheat system, it simplifies cooking for beginners and busy parents alike.

In real use, it seared thick ribeyes with deep char marks, roasted whole chickens, and air fried frozen mozzarella sticks with minimal oil. The 6-quart basket and removable dishwasher-safe plates make cleanup a breeze after large meals. The guided turn reminders helped prevent overcooking, though the interface is basic. It’s not as quiet as the Cosori, but the cast-iron grate retains heat better than nonstick, boosting flavor.

Compared to the Gourmia B09CB8ZDQ9, this model adds glass lid and guided cooking, making it more user-friendly and precise. It doesn’t have raclette features, but it’s better for everyday family meals. For households that cook large, varied meals regularly, this is the most practical smokeless grill under $150. It balances power, capacity, and ease of use better than most in its class.