The best air fryer for a family of four
We cooked more than 30 kilos of fries, chicken thighs and vegetables in 14 air fryers. The Aerolux Duo XL is big enough for a family and cooks the most evenly.
Thomas Walker
Ryan Mitchell, editor-in-chief
September 18, 2026
4 weeks · 14 models
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In this guide
Our picks at a glance
Aerolux Duo XL
Two 4.5-liter baskets that finish at the same time, with the most even cooking result.
Read the full review
Crispa 4
For one or two people, this small air fryer cooks just as crispy as models twice the price.
Read the full review
Aerolux Pro Dual
Has a built-in meat thermometer and a viewing window.
Read the full reviewPrices checked September 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Prices may change.
Why you can trust us
Thomas Walker worked six years as a chef and has tested kitchen appliances since 2020. For this guide we tested 14 models over 4 weeks in our test house. We bought most models ourselves; loaned units were returned after testing. Manufacturers don’t see our conclusions before publication.
Who is this for?
An air fryer is handy when you want a quick meal without preheating the oven. For a family of four you need at least 5 liters of capacity, or two baskets.
How we tested
In each air fryer we cooked the same portions of frozen fries, fresh fries and chicken thighs. We measured core temperature, rated browning and tracked power use per cooking round.
Test setup in our test house in Columbus. Photo: BrasQ
Our full test methodTest results compared
| Model | Rank | Test score | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerolux Duo XL | Our pick | 9.0 | $149 |
| Crispa 4 | Budget pick | 8.1 | $69 |
| Aerolux Pro Dual | Upgrade | 9.2 | $229 |
Test score based on our fixed weighting scheme. Price from: lowest price on September 30, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does an air fryer use?
In our test, a round of fries used 0.3 kWh on average, about half of an electric oven.
Can I use parchment paper in an air fryer?
Yes, as long as the food holds the paper in place. Loose paper can blow against the heating element.
- Test protocol for air fryers, BrasQ (2026)
- Manufacturer specifications and manuals
- Prices and availability checked.
- First version published after testing 14 models.
Thomas spent six years as a line cook in restaurants in Chicago and New York. Since 2020 he has tested kitchen appliances for BrasQ, from air fryers to coffee makers. He holds an SCA certificate in barista skills.
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