Air fryers have become a popular kitchen tool for cooking food quickly with less oil. They work by circulating hot air around the food, which can create a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside tender. Many people use air fryers to make healthier versions of fried foods without deep frying in oil.
When it comes to cooking chicken, air fryers can deliver crispy skin and juicy meat with much less mess. However, not all air fryers are the same. The best air fryer for crispy chicken needs the right combination of heat distribution, cooking speed, and basket size to ensure even, crunchy results.
Key factors to consider when choosing an air fryer include the temperature range it can reach, how evenly it cooks, and the size of the cooking basket. A dishwasher-safe basket and easy-to-use controls add to convenience. We spent time testing several air fryers to find the ones that deliver the best crispy chicken every time.
Top 3 Best Air Fryers: Comparison
We tested the Ninja AF101, Cosori CP158-AF, and Instant Vortex Plus. Each air fryer is good for making crispy chicken but has different features and sizes.
The Ninja AF101 cooks quickly and evenly. It has a 4-quart capacity, which is enough for small families. We liked its easy-to-use controls and dishwasher-safe basket.
| Model | Capacity | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 | 4 quarts | Simple controls | $$ |
| Cosori CP158-AF | 5.8 quarts | 11 presets, large size | $$$ |
| Instant Vortex Plus | 6 quarts | 7-in-1 functions | $$$ |
The Cosori CP158-AF is bigger with 5.8 quarts. It offers 11 preset cooking modes, including a setting for chicken. The square basket fits more food, but it costs a bit more.
The Instant Vortex Plus has the largest basket at 6 quarts and seven cooking options. It can air fry, roast, bake, and more. We found it helpful for cooking different dishes with one machine.
All three models produce crispy chicken well. We chose based on how much food you want to cook and which features are most useful for your kitchen.
Best Air Fryers for Crispy Chicken
We have tested many air fryers to find the best ones for making crispy chicken. Our list includes models that cook evenly and give chicken a great crunch without using much oil. These air fryers are easy to use and clean, making them perfect for any kitchen.
Ninja Crispi Portable Air Fryer
We recommend this air fryer for anyone who wants quick and easy crispy chicken without a bulky appliance.
Pros
- Cooks chicken fast with even crispiness
- Two glass containers for small or large batches
- Easy to clean and store, dishwasher safe
Cons
- Smaller capacity than full-size air fryers
- Portable design may feel less stable
- Higher price than basic models
Using the Ninja Crispi felt like having a full air fryer in a compact size. We could make a single chicken breast quickly or cook a whole small chicken with the larger container. The crisp came out well, just like fried but lighter and less messy.
The glass containers are a nice change from metal or plastic. They didn’t hold smells or stains and cleaned quickly in the dishwasher. We also liked that the containers are safe for cooking, storing, and reheating without worrying about chemicals.
Some might miss having a traditional large air fryer for bigger meals. Also, the portable style means it’s easy to move but not as steady on a countertop. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you want crispy chicken fast and don’t need to feed a big group.
Ninja Pro XL Air Fryer
This air fryer delivers consistently crispy chicken with little oil, making it a strong choice for family meals and meal prep.
Pros
- Gets food very crispy using high heat
- Large capacity fits up to 9 lbs of wings
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Takes up counter space despite compact design
- Has a learning curve to get perfect timing
- Basket size might not suit very large families
We liked how fast the Ninja Pro XL heats up and how well it crisps chicken skin. The Max Crisp technology really helps get that golden crunch without drowning food in oil.
Cooking for a group is easier with this model. The big basket fits a full chicken or a big batch of wings. We found it handy for quick snacks or full meals. The six cooking functions add some versatility too.
Cleaning is less of a chore thanks to the nonstick basket and crisper plate. We just toss them in the dishwasher and save time. Overall, it stood up well in everyday use and gave us great texture and flavor.
Louisiana Fish Fry Air Fryer Chicken Coating Mix
This air fryer coating mix is a solid choice for anyone wanting flavorful, crispy chicken with less oil and minimal effort.
Pros
- Easy to use and coats chicken evenly
- Delivers a nice crunchy texture
- Offers authentic Cajun flavor
Cons
- Crispy texture can vary depending on the air fryer model
- Limited to specific seasoning style
- Coating might not be as crunchy as deep frying for some tastes
We found this coating mix simple to work with. The pre-mixed seasoning saved us time and the flavor reminded us of real southern cooking. It definitely added a good crunch without the mess of traditional frying.
Although the crispiness depends on how you cook it, we liked that it used less oil and still tasted great. The Cajun spices gave the chicken a nice kick that made meals more interesting.
If you want reliable flavor and a coating that won’t fall off, this mix does the job. Using it for wings or sandwiches made for quick, tasty meals.
Chefman TurboX Air Fryer
This air fryer works well for crispy chicken and offers useful features that make cooking easy and quick.
Pros
- Makes chicken crispy with little oil
- Four cooking modes in one device
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Airflow can be uneven sometimes
- Controls reset when opening the door
- Made of thin materials that feel less sturdy
We appreciated how fast the TurboX cooks compared to our old oven. Crispy chicken wings came out golden and tasty without needing much oil, which was a big plus. The shake alert was helpful to remind us to toss the chicken halfway through.
The touchscreen controls were simple to use once we got the hang of them. However, it’s annoying that every time you open the air fryer, you have to reset the time and temperature. The 5-quart basket fit enough food for our small family, which made serving easier.
Cleaning was very straightforward. The nonstick basket and racks slide out smoothly and fit well inside our dishwasher. Though the materials felt a bit light, the overall design looks good on the counter and is quiet while cooking.
NutriChef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer
We recommend this air fryer if you want a clear view of your food while cooking and need a reliable, easy-to-clean appliance for crispy chicken.
Pros
- Transparent glass bowl lets us watch the food as it cooks
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts and no sticky surfaces
- Large enough to cook family-size portions without crowding
Cons
- The touch screen is a bit tricky to open without a handle
- Takes up moderate counter space—needs planning for smaller kitchens
- The heating element can be noisy during operation
Using the NutriChef air fryer has been a great way to get crispy chicken without the extra oil. Its 5.8 quart size fits well for meals with the family, and the glass bowl means we never have to guess if our chicken is cooked just right.
One of the best parts is how easy it cleans. After making wings or fries, the removable basket slides out easily, and the glass surface wipes clean quickly or can go into the dishwasher. We also appreciate the presets that make cooking straightforward, especially for different kinds of food.
We did find the lack of a handle on the basket a little inconvenient at first, but with care, it’s manageable. Overall, this model offers precise temperature control and even cooking, making it a solid choice for anyone who wants crispy chicken with less hassle.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro delivers reliably crispy chicken with fast heating and easy cleanup, making it a top choice for everyday use.
Pros
- Cooks chicken evenly and crisply with high heat
- Large enough to fit family-size portions
- Basket and crisper plate clean quickly with nonstick coating
Cons
- Takes up a fair amount of counter space
- Controls may feel basic compared to touchscreens
- Limited to 5-quart capacity for bigger meals
We found the Ninja Air Fryer Pro heats up quickly and keeps a steady 400°F, which is perfect for getting chicken skin crispy without drying out the meat. The Air Crisp Technology surrounds food with hot air well, so you don’t need much oil to enjoy that fried crunch.
Its 5-quart basket holds about 4 pounds of wings or nuggets, which worked well for our small family dinners. The size is practical, but if you want to cook large batches at once, this might feel a bit tight. Loading and removing the basket is simple thanks to the smooth, nonstick finish.
Cleanup was easier than expected. The crisper plate and basket release food without scraping, saving time on washing. Controls are straightforward with push buttons, but not as modern as some models with full touchscreens.
Overall, this air fryer balances speed, capacity, and ease well. It’s great if you want crisp, tasty chicken regularly without fuss. For those looking for something compact or very high-tech, this might not be the perfect fit.
Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Oven
This air fryer toaster oven combines size and versatility, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting crispy chicken with a side of convenience.
Pros
- Large capacity fits a whole chicken easily
- Crispiness is consistent thanks to 360° air circulation
- Multiple cooking modes for different meal types
Cons
- Takes up a lot of counter space
- Heavier and bulkier than typical air fryers
- Learning curve to use all features well
We found the large 26-quart size great for families or dinner parties. It fit a full chicken without crowding, which really helps with even crisping. Using the French door made loading and checking food easy without losing heat.
The digital controls worked well and the presets take a lot of guesswork out. Air frying gave chicken a nice crispy skin without extra oil. We also liked the extra accessories like the rotisserie spit to add cooking options.
However, the unit’s large footprint means it isn’t ideal for small kitchens. It is quite heavy, so moving it around can be a hassle. We also noticed a slight learning curve to mastering the many cooking modes and settings.
Overall, the Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Oven performs reliably and makes crispy chicken without fuss, if your kitchen can handle the size.
Buying Guide
When we choose an air fryer for crispy chicken, we look at a few key features. The first is capacity. We want a size that fits our needs, whether for one or several people. Too small means cooking in batches, and too big can waste space.
Next, we consider wattage and power. Higher wattage usually means faster cooking and better crispiness. We should check if our kitchen outlets can handle the air fryer’s power needs.
Temperature range is important. We want a model that can reach at least 400°F to get crispy skin on chicken. Some air fryers also offer presets that make cooking easier.
Easy cleaning is a must. We look for non-stick baskets and parts that are dishwasher safe. This saves time and effort after cooking.
Controls can be manual or digital. Digital controls let us set time and temperature clearly. Manual dials might be simpler but less precise.
| Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2-6 quarts | Fits different family sizes |
| Wattage | 1400+ watts | Faster, even cooking |
| Temperature | Up to 400°F or higher | Achieves crispy texture |
| Cleaning | Non-stick, dishwasher safe | Easy to clean |
| Controls | Digital or manual | Easy to set and adjust |
By focusing on these features, we can pick an air fryer that makes crispy chicken reliably.
Where to Buy – Best Amazon Deals
We found that Amazon offers some of the best deals on air fryers for crispy chicken. The site regularly updates its prices and has a wide selection to fit different budgets and needs.
Here are some of the popular air fryer brands we recommend checking out on Amazon:
| Brand | Price Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja | $80 – $200 | Even cooking, easy cleanup |
| Instant Pot | $70 – $180 | Multi-use, great for beginners |
| Cosori | $90 – $150 | Large basket, good for families |
Amazon also offers customer reviews, which help us see how well the air fryer works for crispy chicken in real kitchens. We suggest reading those before making a choice.
Keep an eye on Amazon Deals, especially during sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday. Prices can drop significantly, helping us get the best value.
Finally, many products include free shipping and easy returns. This makes buying from Amazon a safe and convenient option for trying out different air fryers.
FAQS
What size air fryer do we recommend for crispy chicken?
A 4 to 6-quart air fryer works well for most families. It offers enough space to cook several pieces at once without crowding.
Can we use frozen chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen chicken can be cooked in an air fryer. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes and check the temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Do we need to use oil in an air fryer?
A small amount of oil helps make the chicken crispy. Usually, one or two teaspoons sprayed or brushed on the chicken is enough.
How do we get the chicken extra crispy?
Pat the chicken dry before cooking and avoid overcrowding the basket. Flipping the chicken halfway through also helps even crisping.
Is an air fryer healthier than deep frying chicken?
Air frying uses much less oil than deep frying. This reduces calories and fat, making it a healthier option.
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Use a light oil coat | Helps crisp without excess fat |
| Don’t overcrowd | Air circulates better for crisp |
| Flip halfway | Cooks evenly and crisps both sides |
We find these tips improve crispiness without adding extra fat or complexity.
Conclusion
Choosing the best air fryer for crispy chicken depends on what features matter most to us. Size, cooking power, and ease of use are key factors. We want an air fryer that cooks evenly and keeps our chicken juicy inside and crispy outside.
We found that models with a good temperature range and strong airflow perform best. A non-stick basket helps with easy cleaning. Some air fryers come with presets for chicken, which can save time.
Here is a quick look at what we think is important:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | Controls crispiness and doneness |
| Basket Size | Fits the amount of chicken we cook |
| Easy Cleaning | Saves effort after cooking |
| Preset Options | Convenience for quick meals |
We recommend focusing on these features to get the best results. Air frying chicken can be healthy and tasty if done right. Our experience shows that picking the right air fryer makes a big difference in how crispy the chicken turns out.
We encourage trying different models to see what fits our kitchen and needs best. With the right air fryer, making crispy chicken at home becomes much easier and more reliable.
