6 Best XL Air Fryers to Buy in 2026

For those prioritizing uncompromising crispiness in a countertop-friendly footprint, the Ninja AF161 Max XL stands out. Its Max Crisp Technology is a genuine game-changer, blasting food with 450 degrees of superheated air to achieve results up to 30% faster than previous models. This isn’t just air frying; it’s achieving that deep-fried texture with significantly less fat, tackling the primary user pain point of wanting healthier versions of their fried favorites.

Handling real-world cooking, the Ninja AF161 utilizes its 5.5 QT ceramic-coated nonstick basket, ample enough for about 3 pounds of fries or wings. The 7-in-1 functionality covers essential tasks like air frying, roasting, baking, and even dehydrating, making it a versatile kitchen companion. While it excels at crisping smaller batches, larger families might find its capacity requires cooking in multiple rounds compared to bigger dual-basket units.

Positioned as a powerful single-basket unit, this Ninja model focuses on speed and texture quality. Unlike the larger, dual-basket Ninja DZ401, it doesn’t offer simultaneous cooking of different items, but its singular focus means exceptional results for its primary function. It’s ideal for individuals or smaller households where crispy perfection is paramount and space is a consideration, offering potent performance in a more traditional air fryer form factor.

Breaking the mold for large-capacity air frying, the Ninja SL401 DoubleStack XL introduces a revolutionary space-saving design that tackles the common problem of XL appliances dominating countertop real estate. This unit stacks two independently controlled baskets vertically, allowing you to cook double the food in a footprint that’s a remarkable 40% slimmer than traditional side-by-side dual-basket models. It’s a genuine innovation for feeding up to 8 people without sacrificing valuable kitchen space.

In terms of performance, the SL401 excels at handling large volumes thanks to its 10 QT total capacity, capable of cooking two 5-lb chickens simultaneously. The DoubleStack technology with included meal racks ensures superheated air reaches food on both levels within each basket for all-around crisping. Features like Smart Finish and Match Cook streamline meal prep, letting you cook different foods that finish together or easily double a recipe across both zones. Its stacked design, however, means accessing the bottom basket requires removing the top.

Compared to the side-by-side Ninja DZ401, the SL401 prioritizes vertical space efficiency while offering the same 10 QT dual-zone functionality. It’s purpose-built for large families or entertaining where maximizing countertop space is crucial. This Ninja unit delivers massive capacity and dual-zone flexibility with a unique design trade-off that optimizes vertical rather than horizontal space.

Offering a compelling blend of functionality and value, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL is a versatile workhorse designed for quick, easy meals. Its 6-in-1 functionality covers air frying, broiling, roasting, dehydrating, baking, and reheating, making it far more than just a fryer. The EvenCrisp Technology is a standout feature, driving airflow from top to bottom to ensure a perfect golden finish and consistently crispy, tender results with minimal effort.

Performance is robust for a unit in its class, featuring fast preheating that gets you from frozen to golden in minutes across a 95°F to 400°F temperature range. The 6 QT capacity is well-suited for 4-6 servings, making it an excellent choice for mid-sized families or couples. While it may not have the sheer cooking power or specialized crisping tech of the Ninja AF161, its broad functionality and compact design make it highly adaptable for various cooking tasks beyond just air frying.

Positioned as a mid-range XL option, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus offers exceptional value and versatility compared to single-function units. It provides more cooking modes than the Ninja AF161 and is more countertop-friendly than the larger 10 QT Ninja models. Ideal for users seeking a multi-functional appliance that handles a variety of cooking methods efficiently and includes helpful features like one-touch smart programs and an app for recipes.

Tackling the age-old kitchen challenge of timing multiple dishes, the Ninja DZ401 Foodi DualZone XL is an absolute powerhouse for family meals. Its defining feature is the XL 10-quart capacity split across two independent 5-quart baskets, each with its own heating elements and fans. This DualZone Technology is revolutionary, allowing you to cook two different foods, two different ways, simultaneously, completely eliminating the need for back-to-back cooking.

In real-world use, the DZ401 shines with its Smart Finish and Match Cook features, simplifying complex meal planning. Need chicken wings and fries ready at the same time? Smart Finish handles the timing. Cooking a large batch of the same item? Match Cook syncs both zones for the full 10-quart capacity, easily accommodating up to 8 lbs of wings or a whole chicken and a side. The IQ Boost further optimizes power for faster cooking, showcasing its engineered efficiency.

Compared to single-basket XL models like the Ninja AF161 or Instant Pot Vortex Plus, the Ninja DZ401 offers unmatched versatility and capacity for larger households. While it occupies more horizontal space than the stacked Ninja SL401, its side-by-side baskets provide easy access to both zones. This Ninja model is the ultimate solution for busy families who need to prepare complete, multi-component meals quickly and efficiently, offering dual-zone cooking perfection.

Stepping beyond the traditional air fryer, the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro is a feature-rich countertop oven designed for maximum versatility and capacity. Its sheer size, a massive 30 QT, immediately sets it apart, capable of accommodating two 13-inch pizzas or a 10-lb chicken. The 2025 Ultra-Fast Convection System is engineered for performance, promising 3X faster cooking and 35% crispier results with twice the uniformity compared to other convection systems.

Performance is where this unit truly shines, offering a wide temperature range (50-500°F) and 142 presets covering everything from air frying and roasting to grilling and dehydrating. The included professional grill plate delivers authentic char-grilled flavor indoors, a unique capability among XL air fryers. Its Smart Digital Thermometer takes guesswork out of cooking proteins, ensuring perfect doneness, while the ability to customize top/bottom heating ratios offers unprecedented control for tasks like baking pizza.

Positioned as the ultimate multi-functional XL appliance, the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro is less a direct competitor to basket air fryers and more a replacement for your main oven. While significantly larger than even the 10 QT Ninja models, its 30 QT capacity and extensive features like the grill and smart probe offer a different level of cooking capability. It’s the ideal choice for serious home cooks or larger families seeking a do-it-all countertop solution that delivers superior results across a vast range of cooking methods.

For shoppers focused on maximizing capacity on a tighter budget, the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer Pro offers a simple, straightforward solution. As a 10-quart XL unit, it provides ample space suitable for preparing larger batches of food, addressing the core need of feeding a family or cooking for guests without requiring multiple rounds. While specific technical features are limited in its description, the Vortex Air Fryer designation typically implies a powerful fan system aimed at circulating hot air for crisping.

In practice, this refurbished PowerXL model provides the essential function of XL air frying at a more accessible price point. Its 10-quart capacity is comparable to larger Ninja models like the DZ401 or SL401, allowing users to cook significant quantities like large batches of fries or chicken pieces. However, without detailed feature lists, it’s difficult to assess specific performance metrics like preheating speed, temperature accuracy, or the range of cooking functions beyond basic air frying compared to more feature-rich units.

Compared directly to the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT, this PowerXL offers significantly more capacity (10 QT vs 6 QT) at a similar value proposition, albeit as a refurbished unit. While it lacks the multi-functionality and smart features of the Instant Pot or the dual-zone capabilities of the Ninja 10 QT models, its focus is clearly on providing large-capacity air frying without the premium price tag. It’s best suited for budget-conscious buyers whose primary need is sheer volume capacity for air frying.