Who doesn’t love the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken? That golden-brown crust, the juicy, tender meat inside – it’s pure comfort food. But let’s be real, traditional deep frying means a lot of oil, a lot of mess, and often, a lot of guilt. What if we told you there’s a better way to get that crispy, delicious fried chicken without all the fuss? Enter the air fryer!
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier, less messy alternative to deep frying. They use hot air circulation to create that coveted crispy texture with significantly less oil. But with so many models out there, how do you pick the best air fryer for fried chicken? Don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you! We’ve rounded up 10 top contenders that promise to deliver succulent, perfectly cooked chicken every time. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a crispy chicken haven!
1. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast TurboBlaze
The COSORI TurboBlaze is a fantastic choice if you’re serious about getting that perfect crisp on your fried chicken. Its innovative TurboBlaze Technology and powerful 3600 rpm fan speed push temperatures up to 450℉, ensuring your chicken reaches beyond-crispy, juicy perfection. It’s designed to deliver professional-grade results, making it easy to achieve consistently great meals. Plus, its 6-quart square basket is ideal for family-sized portions, making it a strong contender for the best air fryer for fried chicken in terms of crisping power and capacity.
Key Features:
– Innovative TurboBlaze Technology with 3600 rpm fan speed and up to 450℉ for superior crisping.
– Advanced airflow and precise temperature control for evenly cooked dishes.
– Unique 5-fan speed system and 90°–450°F temperature control.
– TurboBlaze Technology speeds up cooking time.
– 6-quart square basket for larger family meals.
– Operates at less than 53 dB for quiet performance.
– Up to 95% less oil than traditional deep frying.
– Dishwasher-safe nonstick cooking basket and accessories.
– Customizable Preheat function.
– Includes 30-recipe cookbook and cooking charts.
Pros:
– Exceptional crisping ability due to high fan speed and temperature.
– Large capacity suitable for whole chickens or big batches of pieces.
– Quiet operation makes for a more pleasant cooking experience.
– Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
– Versatile with wide temperature control and multiple fan speeds.
Cons:
– May be larger for smaller kitchens due to its 6-quart capacity.
– Higher price point than some basic models.
User Impressions: Customers rave about the COSORI TurboBlaze’s ability to cook food incredibly fast and evenly, consistently producing crispy and delicious results. Many appreciate its quiet operation and the spacious basket for family meals.
2. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
When you’re looking for a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can handle more than just fried chicken, the Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven steps up. With its extra-large 26-quart capacity, you can rotisserie a 6-lb chicken or air fry large batches of wings with ease. The elegant French doors and interior light allow you to monitor your food as it transforms into a crispy, golden-brown delight, providing that deep-fried taste you crave without the oil.
Key Features:
– Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo (25 presets).
– Automatic shut-off for perfect toast.
– 25 cooking presets including Roast, Chicken, Bake.
– Dual-speed fan with 360º superheated air circulation.
– Extra-large 26-quart capacity, fits a 6-lb chicken or 12” pizza.
– Stainless steel exterior and elegant French doors.
– Interior light to monitor cooking progress.
Pros:
– Huge capacity, perfect for large families or entertaining.
– Highly versatile with numerous cooking functions.
– Dual-speed fan ensures thorough and even cooking.
– Stylish design with French doors.
Cons:
– Large footprint on the countertop.
– May take longer to preheat due to its size.
– More of an oven replacement than a compact air fryer.
User Impressions: Users love the sheer versatility and large capacity of this Emeril Lagasse appliance, noting its ability to handle big meals and its wide range of cooking options. The French doors are a favorite feature for easy access and monitoring.
3. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a compact powerhouse that truly delivers on crispiness. Its Air Crisp Technology bathes food in 400℉ superheated air, ensuring your fried chicken is hot, crispy, and made with little to no oil. The 5-quart capacity is perfect for whipping up to 5 lbs of chicken wings, making it an excellent option for smaller families or quick meal prep. For consistent, guilt-free crispy chicken, this Ninja model is certainly one of the best air fryers for fried chicken enthusiasts.
Key Features:
– Air Crisp Technology with 400℉ superheated air.
– 5-QT nonstick basket fits up to 5 lbs of chicken wings.
– 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate.
– Up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying.
– Cooks frozen foods to crispy perfection in minutes.
– Space-saving design.
– Nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean.
– Includes 20 recipe book and cooking charts.
Pros:
– Excellent crisping performance.
– Ideal capacity for small to medium families.
– Quick cooking, especially for frozen items.
– Compact design saves countertop space.
– Easy to clean.
Cons:
– Less versatile than multi-function oven-style air fryers.
– No viewing window to check progress.
User Impressions: Customers consistently praise the Ninja Air Fryer Pro for its incredible ability to make food crispy and its ease of use. They often highlight how quickly it cooks and how simple it is to clean up afterward.
4. CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, 10L
If you’re looking for an air fryer that does it all, the CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer is a top contender. With its 10-liter capacity and rotisserie function, it can handle a whole roast chicken for that ultimate crispy skin, or large batches of individual pieces for your fried chicken cravings. This unit acts as a convection oven, using rapid air heating elements to cook food fast and evenly, making healthy cooking with 98% less oil a breeze.
Key Features:
– 10-Liter extra-large capacity, great for family-size meals.
– Versatile: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, roast.
– Rapid air heating elements for fast, even, and crispy cooking.
– Uses 98% less oil than traditional fryers.
– 17 preset options and easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen.
– Includes three air flow racks, rotisserie oven spit, and drip tray.
– Interior lights and extra-large air fryer oven window.
– Removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts for minimal clean-up.
Pros:
– Massive capacity, perfect for large families or entertaining.
– Highly versatile with rotisserie and multiple functions.
– Large viewing window and interior light for monitoring.
– Presets simplify cooking.
– Easy to clean.
Cons:
– Large size requires significant counter space.
– Can be louder than some basket-style air fryers.
User Impressions: Reviewers are often impressed by the Chefman’s generous capacity and its ability to handle large roasts and family-sized portions. The versatility and visible cooking progress through the window are frequently mentioned as highlights.
5. Ninja Foodi 10QT 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer
The Ninja Foodi DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer is a game-changer for those who need to cook multiple items simultaneously, a huge plus when making a full fried chicken meal with sides. Its DualZone Technology with two independent 5-quart baskets means you can air fry chicken in one basket and fries in the other, and have them both finish cooking at the same time using the Smart Finish feature. This means no more cold sides while your chicken finishes – just perfectly cooked components, making it incredibly efficient for family cooking and a strong contender for the best air fryer for fried chicken for busy households.
Key Features:
– DualZone Technology with 2 independent XL air fryer baskets.
– Smart Cook System with integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness.
– Smart Finish feature for synchronized cooking; Match Cook for full 10-qt capacity.
– IQ Boost optimally distributes power.
– 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate.
– XL 10-QT capacity (two 5-qt baskets).
– Faster cooking, up to 30% faster than a traditional oven.
– Nonstick cooking baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates.
– Includes Smart Thermometer, baskets, crisper plates & recipe guide.
Pros:
– Cook two different foods at different settings simultaneously.
– Smart thermometer ensures perfect results every time.
– Large combined capacity for big meals.
– Faster cooking compared to traditional ovens.
– Easy to clean.
Cons:
– Takes up more counter space than single-basket models.
– The smart features might be overkill for some users.
User Impressions: Users absolutely love the dual-zone functionality, especially the Smart Finish feature, which saves a lot of time and coordination in the kitchen. The integrated thermometer is also a frequently praised feature for its accuracy and convenience.
6. Chefman 4.5 Liter Deep Fryer w/Basket Strainer, XL Jumbo
Wait, a deep fryer in an air fryer list? This is an interesting twist! While technically a traditional deep fryer, we’ve included it here as an honorable mention for those who still crave that authentic deep-fried experience, but with Chefman’s focus on home convenience. If you truly want that restaurant-style, full-oil fried chicken with extra crispness and don’t mind the oil, this 4.5-liter capacity fryer makes large portions. It’s designed for mess-free operation with a draining basket and viewing window, proving that even deep frying can be made easier at home.
Key Features:
– 4.5-liter capacity, great for large portions of fried foods.
– Adjustable temperature control dial for precise frying.
– 1700-Watt heating element for quick and even frying.
– Frying basket clips to the side for easy oil draining.
– Lid with viewing window to monitor food.
– Magnetic breakaway cord for safety.
– Removable, dishwasher-safe basket for easy clean-up.
Pros:
– Delivers authentic deep-fried taste and texture.
– Large capacity for family-sized portions.
– Thoughtful design features for safety and convenience (viewing window, breakaway cord).
– Easy to clean for a deep fryer.
Cons:
– Uses traditional oil, so not “air frying” in the conventional sense.
– Requires handling hot oil.
– May still create lingering odors compared to air fryers.
User Impressions: Customers appreciate how quickly this fryer heats up and cooks, producing perfectly crispy results. The safety features, like the magnetic cord and viewing window, are often highlighted as useful.
7. Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, XL 8-Qt Family Size
The Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer is all about delivering crispy, healthy meals with minimal fuss. Its XL 8-quart capacity is perfect for family-sized portions of fried chicken, ensuring everyone gets their fill. With its one-touch presets and intuitive LED shake reminder, you’ll achieve even crispiness without constant monitoring. Plus, it uses 98% less oil, making your favorite “fried” foods a healthier choice. This is a very strong contender if you’re looking for the best air fryer for fried chicken with a large capacity and user-friendly features.
Key Features:
– XL 8-Quart family-sized capacity.
– Uses 98% less oil for healthier cooking.
– One-touch presets for fries, chicken, fish, and meat.
– LED Shake Reminder for even crispiness.
– Precise temperature range from 200-400°F.
– Dishwasher-safe basket and tray for effortless cleaning.
– Intelligent shutoff pauses heating when opened and auto-shuts off post-cooking.
– Sleek and spacious design.
Pros:
– Very large capacity suitable for big families.
– Excellent for healthier frying with minimal oil.
– User-friendly touch controls and presets.
– Shake reminder ensures perfectly even results.
– Easy to clean and safe to operate.
Cons:
– No viewing window.
– Some users might find the single basket less versatile than dual-basket models.
User Impressions: Users frequently praise this Chefman model for its large capacity and how easy it is to use, especially with the one-touch presets. The consistent crisping results and healthy cooking aspect are also big positives.
8. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer with Odor Erase
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer combines the trusted Instant Pot name with cutting-edge air frying technology. What sets this model apart, especially for fried chicken, is its EvenCrisp Technology, ensuring that signature crunch with 95% less oil. But the real game-changer is the built-in OdorErase air filters, which actively remove cooking odors – a huge bonus when frying anything, especially chicken! You can enjoy your delicious, crispy meals without your kitchen smelling like a fast-food joint.
Key Features:
– 6 Cooking Functions: Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate.
– EvenCrisp Technology for 95% less oil and perfect crunch.
– ClearCook window to monitor food without opening.
– Built-in OdorErase air filters remove cooking odors.
– 6 customizable presets for go-to recipes.
– 6-quart family-sized capacity (up to 6 portions).
– Dishwasher-safe cooking baskets and trays for quick cleanup.
– Built-in safety features: overheat protection, auto-off.
Pros:
– OdorErase feature is fantastic for odor control.
– ClearCook window allows for easy monitoring.
– EvenCrisp technology ensures excellent texture.
– Versatile with multiple cooking functions.
– Easy to clean and safe to use.
Cons:
– 6-quart might be on the smaller side for very large families.
– Odor filters may need eventual replacement (though long-lasting).
User Impressions: The OdorErase feature is consistently highlighted as a major benefit by users, making it a favorite for cooking strong-smelling foods like fish or, you guessed it, fried chicken. The ClearCook window and EvenCrisp results also receive high marks.
9. Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer, Extra Large Airfryer with 360° Heating
The Typhur Dome 2 is a premium air fryer that brings professional-grade performance to your home kitchen. Recommended by America’s Test Kitchen, its 360° Heating Technology, inspired by pizza ovens, uses dual heating elements (top and bottom) to cook food up to 30% faster and more evenly. This means your fried chicken will be done quicker and with a consistent, golden crunch. Its whisper-quiet operation and unique self-cleaning mode make it a luxurious, high-performance choice for the discerning home cook seeking the absolute best air fryer for fried chicken.
Key Features:
– 360° Heating Technology with dual top and bottom heating elements.
– #1 in Cooking Speed, up to 30% faster cooking (e.g., 32 chicken wings in 14 minutes).
– Whisper-Quiet Operation (55dB).
– 15-in-1 Multifunctional Cooking (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Grill, etc.).
– Unique Self-Cleaning Mode.
– Non-Stick Ceramic Basket coating (non-toxic).
– Extra-large capacity (fits 32 chicken wings).
Pros:
– Exceptionally fast and even cooking.
– Very quiet operation, a significant comfort factor.
– Self-cleaning mode is a unique and highly convenient feature.
– Multi-functional, replacing several appliances.
– High capacity for large batches.
Cons:
– Premium price point.
– Self-cleaning takes 2 hours.
User Impressions: Users are blown away by the Typhur Dome 2’s cooking speed and how quietly it operates. The self-cleaning function is a huge hit, making cleanup virtually effortless, and the consistent, fast results make it a joy to use.
10. CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven with Easy View Window
The CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven offers the best of both worlds: two independent cooking zones and a generous combined capacity. This means you can air fry different parts of your fried chicken (e.g., drumsticks in one, thighs in another) or cook a side dish simultaneously, with the convenient Sync Finish ensuring everything is ready at the same time. The large viewing windows are a fantastic touch, allowing you to watch your chicken develop that perfect golden-brown crisp without interrupting the cooking process.
Key Features:
– Dual Air Fryer with two 3-quart baskets (6-quart combined capacity).
– Versatile cooking options with dual zone technology.
– Sync Finish feature to ensure foods finish cooking together.
– Wide temperature range (200-450°F).
– Requires little to no oil for healthier frying.
– Large viewing windows to monitor cooking progress.
– Removable, non-stick coated, dishwasher-safe baskets for easy cleanup.
– Touchscreen presets for various foods.
– Sleek countertop design.
Pros:
– Dual baskets offer incredible cooking flexibility.
– Sync Finish feature is a huge time-saver.
– Viewing windows are excellent for monitoring.
– Healthy cooking with minimal oil.
– Easy to clean.
Cons:
– Requires more counter space than single-basket models.
– 3-quart individual baskets might be small for very large chicken pieces.
User Impressions: Customers love the convenience of cooking two different items at once and having them finish together. The viewing windows are a highly praised feature, allowing for perfect results without guesswork. Its ease of use and cleanup also receive high marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can an air fryer really make fried chicken as crispy as deep frying?
A1: Absolutely! While it won’t be exactly the same as submerged oil frying, modern air fryers use powerful circulating hot air to create an incredibly crispy, golden-brown crust that’s remarkably similar to traditional fried chicken, but with far less oil. Many people actually prefer the lighter, healthier result.
Q2: Do I need to use oil when making fried chicken in an air fryer?
A2: You don’t need to use a lot of oil like deep frying. A light spray of oil (like avocado or olive oil spray) on your breaded chicken or directly in the basket can help achieve that extra golden color and crispiness, but many recipes work well with little to no added oil.
Q3: What kind of breading is best for air fryer fried chicken?
A3: A traditional flour-based breading (often with a buttermilk or egg wash first) works wonderfully. For extra crispiness, consider adding a little cornstarch to your flour mixture or using Panko breadcrumbs, which tend to crisp up exceptionally well in an air fryer.
Q4: How long does it take to cook fried chicken in an air fryer?
A4: Cooking times vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and your air fryer model, but generally, bone-in chicken pieces (like thighs or drumsticks) take about 20-30 minutes at 375-400°F (190-200°C), while boneless chicken breasts might take 15-20 minutes. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q5: Should I preheat my air fryer before cooking chicken?
A5: Yes, preheating is highly recommended for best results. It ensures your air fryer is at the optimal temperature from the start, leading to more even cooking and a crispier exterior on your fried chicken. Most air fryers preheat in just 3-5 minutes.
Q6: Can I cook a whole chicken in an air fryer?
A6: Yes, many larger air fryer models (especially those with a rotisserie function or larger oven-style capacities) can accommodate a whole chicken, typically up to 4-6 pounds. Always check your specific air fryer’s capacity and instructions.
Q7: How do I prevent my air fryer fried chicken from drying out?
A7: To keep chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C). Brining the chicken beforehand or using a buttermilk soak can also help lock in moisture. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even air circulation, which prevents steaming and promotes crispness.
Finding the best air fryer for fried chicken truly depends on your specific needs – whether it’s capacity for family meals, advanced features for precise cooking, or simply a compact option for quick, crispy bites. Whichever model you choose from our list, you’re on your way to enjoying delicious, healthier fried chicken whenever the craving strikes! Happy air frying!