July 11, 2025, 6:31 pm | Read time: 7 minutes

Crispy, low-fat, and quick: Air fryers promise guilt-free enjoyment. But which model is truly worth the money? Various air fryers were tested—with surprisingly clear results. Five devices stood out in particular.

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How does an air fryer actually work?

Despite the name, an air fryer is not a true fryer. Unlike traditional devices where food is submerged in hot oil, air fryers use hot circulating air–similar to a mini convection oven. The food is baked rather than fried, but with significantly less energy consumption.

Compared to a conventional convection oven, air fryers typically use less electricity, heat up faster, and are easier to clean. Compared to traditional fryers, they are also safer and healthier because they operate without hot fat. For many, this is the biggest advantage: no splattering fat, no oil smell–and still crispy results.

How the air fryer test was conducted: practical, realistic, and objective

The test focused on the question: How well do air fryers perform in real-world use–not just with fries, but also with vegetables, baked goods, and meat? Five standard dishes were prepared under controlled conditions:

• Frozen fries
• Broccoli
• Muffins
• Rolls
• Chicken drumsticks

Crispiness, browning, juiciness, and overall taste were evaluated. Digital thermometers were also used to measure temperature performance and stability. Noise level, power consumption, and heating times were measured as well. In addition to pure performance, ease of use, program selection, cleaning properties, and additional features such as app control, viewing windows, or shake signals were included in the evaluation.

The final score was based on four main categories:

• Taste (40 percent)
• Technology (20 percent)
• Operation (20 percent)
• Cleaning (20 percent)

1st Place: Panasonic NF-CC500 – the quietest with steam power

With an overall score of 1.5 (“good”), the Panasonic NF-CC500 confidently secured the victory in the air fryer test. The integrated steam injection function, which ensures particularly juicy results when preparing meat and fish, was particularly highlighted. The even heat distribution through two heating elements–top and bottom–also impressed in the test.

The air fryer also scores with an illuminated viewing window, allowing you to keep an eye on the cooking process at all times. Operation is via color-illuminated sensor buttons that respond intuitively.

In practical use, the Panasonic NF-CC500 proved to be extremely quiet, which is especially advantageous in open kitchens. The only criticism was the non-dishwasher-safe cooking basket–cleaning must be done by hand. There were also slight temperature fluctuations in the test.

For around 110 euros, Panasonic offers a well-balanced device with impressive performance, especially for delicate foods like fish and poultry.

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2nd Place: Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 6.5L – app control meets practicality

The smart all-rounder from Xiaomi takes second place in the air fryer test with a score of 1.8 (“good”). The intuitive app control, which allows not only adjusting cooking times and temperatures but also managing portions and recipe suggestions, was particularly highlighted. The app even recognizes the amount filled and automatically adjusts the cooking time.

The equipment includes twelve automatic programs that cover all common foods–from fries to cakes to yogurt. The preparation quality was consistently good to very good in the test, especially with crispy fries.

The OLED rotary knob with scroll menu looks modern but takes some getting used to at first–especially since the text display scrolls slowly. It was also noted negatively that the Xiaomi does not offer a viewing window or a shake reminder.

However, it scores with quiet operation, compact design, and a dishwasher-safe cooking basket. For around 95 euros, the Xiaomi offers a top price-performance ratio, especially for tech-savvy users.

3rd Place: Cosori Clear Blaze – control through viewing window

Also scoring 1.8 (“good”), the Cosori Clear Blaze ranks third. Its trademark: a large viewing window with interior lighting that allows control over the cooking process at any time–without opening the drawer.

In everyday use, the model scores with ten automatic programs, a reliable preheat function, and intuitive operation. In practice, it showed consistent results with good browning and texture for fries and other foods.

A warming function is not included, which is already standard in this price range for some competitors. For those who can do without it, the Cosori offers a strong device with a well-thought-out range of functions and high everyday utility for around 100 euros.

4th Place: Cosori Turbo Blaze – fast, hot, efficient

The Cosori Turbo Blaze scores 1.9 (“good”) and impresses in the test with its strong performance and practical features. With seven automatic programs, turbo mode, and a maximum temperature of up to 230 degrees Celsius, the model is particularly aimed at users who value fast and versatile preparation.

Thanks to variable fan speed, both fries and meat and vegetables are cooked quickly and evenly, according to the test report. Additionally, the device offers a preheat function and a warming function, which significantly increases practicality.

The only criticism: a shake signal is missing. However, the Turbo Blaze operates quietly, is energy-efficient, and is easy to clean, as the parts are dishwasher-safe.

With a capacity of six liters and a price of around 120 euros, it offers a strong overall package for those looking for a compact, fast, and versatile device.

5th Place: Haier HAF5TWA 011 – versatile and surprisingly quiet

With a score of 1.9 (“good”), the Haier HAF5TWA 011 takes fifth place in the air fryer test. The versatility of the device is particularly noteworthy: With 27 cooking modes–including programs for dehydrating, baking, and even yogurt preparation–this air fryer offers an exceptionally wide range of functions.

The model also features a viewing window, which makes monitoring during cooking easier. Cleaning was rated as very easy in the test. The Haier also performed well in preparation quality. It was particularly noted that the device operates quietly–a plus in everyday use.

Drawbacks include the nested menu of cooking modes, which can be somewhat confusing, and the sparse user manual. Nevertheless, the Haier HAF5TWA 011, with a current price of around 155 euros, is a well-equipped air fryer for those who want a lot of functionality in one device.

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Conclusion: Good air fryers don’t have to be expensive if you pay attention to the right things

The extensive air fryer test clearly shows: Air fryers are much more than just a fat-free alternative to traditional fryers. Whether for crispy fries, gentle vegetables, or even pastries–the best models in the test combine versatility, energy efficiency, and ease of use.

The Panasonic NF-CC500 impresses with steam technology and quiet performance, Xiaomi brings smart app features into play, Cosori shines twice–with visual control and turbo mode. And even affordable devices like the Nutribullet XXL Digital Air Fryer deliver good results for little money.

In addition to these five devices, numerous other air fryers from different manufacturers were examined. They also offer–depending on requirements and budget–interesting features. The comprehensive test evaluation by BILD provides a complete overview.