Whether you are looking to cook crispier fries, roast vegetables in half the time, or simply reduce the amount of oil in your cooking, an air fryer has probably crossed your mind. The market in 2026 is packed with options, but not all models are created equal.
After researching dozens of models and comparing expert reviews from Tom's Guide, RTINGS, and Consumer Reports, we narrowed it down to our two top picks — one from the brand that invented the air fryer, and one crowd favourite that consistently tops bestseller lists worldwide.
What to Look For in an Air Fryer
Before diving into our picks, here are the key factors to consider:
- Capacity: Solo or couple? A 3-4L model is fine. Family of four? Look for 6L or more
- Ease of cleaning: Dishwasher-safe baskets and non-stick coatings save a lot of effort
- Wattage: Higher wattage (1500W+) means faster preheating and crispier results
- Preset programs: More presets means less guesswork, especially for beginners
- Build quality: A well-built air fryer lasts years and maintains consistent performance
1. Philips Airfryer 2000 Series 4.2L — Best Overall Pick
Price: €87 | Rating: 4.7/5 | Capacity: 4.2L
The Philips Airfryer 2000 Series 4.2L is the perfect entry point into air frying — and our top overall pick. Philips essentially invented the modern air fryer, and this model shows why they are still the gold standard for anyone who wants reliable results without spending a fortune.
With 1500W of power and Philips' signature RapidAir technology, it circulates hot air evenly around your food for consistently crispy results. The digital touch screen makes it easy to select from 13 preset cooking programs, including fries, chicken, fish, and vegetables.
What really sets the Philips apart is the build quality. The basket feels solid, the non-stick coating is durable, and the overall design is compact enough to fit on any countertop. Philips has decades of experience in air fryer engineering, and it shows in every detail.
Why we like it:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio at just €87
- Philips' signature RapidAir technology for even cooking
- 13 cooking presets take the guesswork out
- Compact footprint fits smaller kitchens
- Dishwasher-safe basket for easy cleanup
- Trusted brand with the longest track record in air frying
Keep in mind: At 4.2L, it is best suited for 1-2 people. If you regularly cook for more, you may want a larger capacity model.
2. COSORI Air Fryer XL 4.7L — Best Value Pick
Price: ~€80 | Rating: 4.7/5 | Capacity: 4.7L
The COSORI Air Fryer XL 4.7L consistently ranks among the best-selling air fryers globally, and for good reason. It packs premium features into a budget-friendly package, making it our top value pick for 2026.
It comes with 9 preset cooking programs, a wide temperature range from 75°C to 230°C, and includes a recipe book with 100 recipes to get you started. The square basket design maximizes usable cooking space compared to round alternatives — you can fit more food in a single layer, which means crispier results.
What sets COSORI apart is how quiet it is compared to competitors — something reviewers at Tom's Guide and Consumer Reports have consistently praised. If you are placing your air fryer in an open kitchen or cooking while others are in the room, this is a real advantage.
The 4.7L capacity is slightly larger than the Philips, giving you a bit more room for bigger batches. Combined with its lower price point, the COSORI is hard to beat on pure value.
Why we like it:
- Exceptional value — premium features at a budget price
- Quiet operation, noticeably less noisy than competitors
- Square basket provides more usable space than round designs
- Wide temperature range (75-230°C) for versatile cooking
- 100 included recipes for inspiration
- Slightly larger 4.7L capacity
Keep in mind: No viewing window, so you will need to pull the basket out to check on your food.
Our Verdict
Both of these air fryers deliver excellent results at prices under €90, making them accessible to almost anyone.
Choose the Philips Airfryer 2000 Series if you value build quality, brand heritage, and a wide range of presets. Philips invented the air fryer, and their RapidAir technology is still among the best in the business.
Choose the COSORI Air Fryer XL if you want the best bang for your buck. It is slightly larger, quieter, and comes with 100 recipes — all at a lower price point.
No matter which model you choose, an air fryer is one of the most useful kitchen upgrades you can make in 2026. Faster cooking times, less oil, easier cleanup — once you start using one, you will wonder how you ever managed without it.
