Want that golden, crunchy outside without drying the inside? The right air fryer makes a bigger difference than most people think—especially with frozen foods, wings, and veggies.
Below are five standout picks that focus on strong airflow, high heat, and even cooking for consistently crispy results.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, the site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Picks at a Glance (Who Each One Fits Best)
- Best overall crisp + everyday ease: COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Qt
- Best “air fryer oven” for big batches: Mondial 12.7-Qt Air Fryer Oven
- Best for families / 2 foods at once: COSORI Dual Basket 9-Qt
- Best premium “set it and trust it” cooking: Typhur Sync 8-Qt + Wireless Thermometer
- Best budget-friendly with viewing window: Beelicious 5.8-Qt
1) COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Qt (9-in-1) Air Fryer
Product overview (what it is)
This COSORI model is built for people who want fast, even crisping without babysitting. The TurboBlaze-style design focuses on strong airflow, and the 450°F max temp is a big deal if crispness is your #1 goal.
Standout features
- High max heat (up to 450°F) for better browning
- 6-qt “sweet spot” capacity for 1–3 people (or sides for 4)
- Multi-cook modes (air fry, roast, bake, reheat, keep warm, etc.)
- Ceramic-style coating (often easier to wipe than basic nonstick)
Pros
- Excellent for frozen foods (fries, nuggets, snacks) when you want real crunch
- Strong all-around performance for wings/veggies without weird “soft spots”
- Good balance of size + capacity for most kitchens
Cons
- 6 qt is solid, but not ideal for huge family batches
- Like most basket air fryers, you’ll still get best results by shaking/turning mid-cook
Honest take (crispy results)
If you want one air fryer that does “everything well,” this is the most practical pick on this list. The higher heat ceiling helps you finish foods with that snappy outside, especially with breaded items. For everyday cooking, it’s hard to beat the crisp-to-effort ratio.
2) Mondial 12.7-Qt Air Fryer Oven (1800W)
Product overview (what it is)
This is more of an air fryer oven than a classic basket style—bigger interior, racks, and room to cook more food at once. Great for families or anyone who hates cooking in multiple batches.
Standout features
- Large 12.7-qt capacity (excellent for meal prep / family cooking)
- Oven-style form factor with more cooking levels
- Touchscreen controls + auto shut-off
- Better for foods you want to lay flatter (wings, toast-style items, bigger batches)
Pros
- Great if you cook for 3–6 people or host often
- Can handle larger foods without cramming (which kills crispiness)
- More versatile for “oven-like” cooking (multiple layers/racks)
Cons
- Oven-style air fryers often need more attention to flipping/rotating trays
- Takes more counter space
- Crispiness can vary by rack position (top vs bottom) if you overload it
Honest take (crispy results)
If you’re sick of doing two or three batches, this style is the fix. Crisp results are absolutely possible—especially if you avoid overcrowding and rotate trays once. The trade-off is that it’s not as “set it and forget it” as a strong basket fryer.
3) COSORI Dual Basket 9-Qt Air Fryer (10-in-1, SyncCook)
Product overview (what it is)
Dual baskets are a game-changer for real life: cook chicken in one side, fries in the other, and time them to finish together. COSORI’s dual-basket design focuses on convenience without giving up crisping power.
Standout features
- Two baskets for different foods (or different doneness)
- Sync-style functions so both sides finish together
- Dishwasher-safe baskets (huge plus for frequent use)
- Great capacity for families without going full “air fryer oven”
Pros
- Best option here for weeknight dinners with multiple items
- Lets you keep foods crisp (no stacking soggy fries under chicken)
- Easier portion control: one basket for protein, one for sides
Cons
- Bigger footprint than a single basket
- If you only cook for one person, it can feel like “more machine than you need”
Honest take (crispy results)
Crispiness is great—but what really wins is the no-soggy-compromise workflow. When foods sit together, steam ruins the crunch. Dual baskets solve that. For families, this is often the “most used” air fryer style because it fits how people actually cook.
4) Typhur Sync 8-Qt Air Fryer + Built-In Wireless Meat Thermometer
Product overview (what it is)
This one is aimed at people who want premium features—especially the built-in wireless thermometer. It’s designed to help you nail doneness (especially chicken, steak, pork) without cutting food open and losing juices.
Standout features
- Wireless meat thermometer included
- 8-qt size is great for larger portions
- High-heat performance (listed up to 450°F max)
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleanup
Pros
- Great for proteins where “crispy outside + juicy inside” matters most
- Thermometer reduces guesswork (less under/overcooking)
- Solid capacity without going huge oven-style
Cons
- Typically higher priced than standard basket models
- If you rarely cook meat, the thermometer perk may be overkill
Honest take (crispy results)
If you care about crisp skin on chicken and you want perfect doneness without stress, this is a strong choice. The thermometer is the headline feature—it’s the difference between “looks crispy” and “actually cooked perfectly.”
5) Beelicious 5.8-Qt Air Fryer with View Window
Product overview (what it is)
This is the practical pick if you want solid performance, helpful presets, and a view window so you can check browning without constantly pulling the basket out.
Standout features
- View window (underrated for crisping timing)
- 5.8-qt capacity (good for 1–3 people)
- Multiple presets and reminder features (like shake reminders)
- Compact footprint for smaller counters
Pros
- Great value for everyday foods
- Window helps you stop cooking at the exact right crisp level
- Compact and generally simple to use
Cons
- 5.8 qt can feel small for big families
- Budget models can be a little louder and less refined in airflow
Honest take (crispy results)
This is a good “first air fryer” if you want crunchy food without spending premium money. The window is genuinely useful because crispiness is timing—and timing is easier when you can see what’s happening.
Side-by-Side Comparison (What to Buy for Your Kitchen)
If you want the best overall crispiness (and easy daily use)
Pick #1: COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Qt
It’s the cleanest balance of heat, airflow, and convenience for most households.
If you cook for a family and want less juggling
Pick #3: COSORI Dual Basket 9-Qt
Two baskets = fewer compromises and fewer soggy sides.
If you want the biggest capacity for one-and-done batches
Pick #2: Mondial 12.7-Qt Air Fryer Oven
Best when you want an oven-style setup for bigger loads.
If you want premium “cook it right every time” help
Pick #4: Typhur Sync 8-Qt + Thermometer
Perfect for proteins and anyone who hates guessing doneness.
If you want a budget-friendly air fryer that’s still practical
Pick #5: Beelicious 5.8-Qt with Window
Great value, and the window helps you nail the crisp level.
My “Best Overall” Recommendation
If you’re buying one air fryer mainly for crispy results, the safest pick is:
✅ Best Overall: COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Qt (9-in-1)
It hits the sweet spot for high heat + strong airflow + everyday usability, and it doesn’t require a learning curve to get consistently crunchy results.
Quick Tips to Get Crispier Results (No Matter What You Buy)
- Don’t overcrowd. Crisp needs airflow. If food is stacked, it steams.
- Light oil beats no oil. A quick spray helps browning dramatically.
- Preheat when it matters. Especially for frozen fries, breaded foods, and wings.
- Shake/flip once. One mid-cook shake fixes 80% of “uneven crisp” complaints.
FAQ
Are air fryers actually healthier?
They can be—mainly because you typically use less oil than deep frying. But crispiness still often benefits from a light spray of oil.
Basket vs air fryer oven: which gets crispier?
Basket-style models usually crisp faster and more evenly for small-to-medium batches. Oven-style wins for capacity, but may need tray rotation for even browning.
What size should I get?
- 1–2 people: ~5–6 qt
- 3–4 people: 6–9 qt (or dual basket)
- 5+ people / meal prep: 10+ qt oven style
Leave a Reply