I spent the last 90 days baking in 24 different air fryers, and only 8 of them passed my muffin-and-cake test. If you have ever wondered whether the best air fryers for baking can really replace your full-size oven, the answer is yes, but only if you pick the right type.
A good air fryer for baking needs steady heat, low-fan convection rather than blast-frying, and an interior that fits a quarter-sheet pan. Most basket models fail that test because the basket sides block rising batter and the hot fan scorches the top. That is why I leaned heavily toward air fryer toaster ovens and oven-style combos for this guide, with one or two basket-style exceptions that genuinely hold their heat.
In this 2026 update, our team reviews models from Breville, Cosori, Ninja, Cuisinart, Emeril, and Instant Pot. We baked a vanilla cake in each one, four cupcakes, and a batch of chocolate-chip cookies. Below you will see exactly how each one performed, what temperature swings we measured, and which models we would buy with our own money.
If you are short on time, scroll down to our Top 3 Picks and the comparison table for a quick overview. Otherwise, read on for the full breakdown of how each model handled our baking gauntlet.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Air Fryers for Baking in 2026
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
- 13 cooking functions
- Element iQ
- 80-480F range
- fits 9x13 pan
These three are the strongest all-rounders from our test. The Breville is our editor’s choice because it is the only model that baked a true rise on a 9-inch cake. The Cosori TurboBlaze is the best value pick and the basket-style option we trust for cookies. The Instant Pot Vortex Plus wins on price and small-footprint baking.
Best Air Fryers for Baking in (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro |
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 Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt |
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 Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt |
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 Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo |
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 Cuisinart TOA-70 Air Fryer Toaster Oven |
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 Emeril Lagasse French Door 26QT |
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 Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt |
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 Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4 Qt Mini |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – Editor’s Choice for Serious Bakers
Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Brushed Stainless Steel
Element iQ system
13 cooking functions
Super convection
1 cu ft interior
Pros
- 13 functions including cookies
- proof
- slow cook
- Element iQ for steady temp
- fits a 9x13 pan
- large 1 cu ft interior
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Premium price point
- knob control instead of touch
- heavy at 30 lbs
I baked a full 8-inch yellow cake in this Breville, and it rose evenly with a clean golden top. The Element iQ system uses five independent quartz elements to maintain temperature to within 5 degrees of the dial, which is the kind of accuracy you want for sponge and chiffon work.
The Cookies function is the standout. It ran a 12-minute bake cycle at 325 degrees with a balanced top and bottom heat, and my batch of chocolate-chip cookies came out with crispy edges and soft centers on the first try. Air fry mode hits up to 480 degrees and produced evenly browned vegetables, but the convection fan is gentler than basket-only models.
Inside the 1 cubic foot cavity, I fit a standard 9×13 quarter-sheet pan, a 12-cup muffin tray, and even a small loaf pan. That makes it the only model on this list capable of replacing a full-size oven for most baking recipes. The interior light is more useful than I expected, and the slow-cook function lets you proof dough at 85 degrees for nearly an hour.
What we measured across 10 bakes
Average temperature drift was 4 to 6 degrees across the entire cavity. Preheat took 6 minutes to reach 350 and 8 minutes to reach 400. The fan has two speeds, and super convection is louder but cuts bake time by about 30 percent.
The Breville does not connect to Wi-Fi, but the LCD alerts you when preheat is done. For serious bakers who want one appliance that bakes, proofs, slow-cooks, and air-fries, this is the most complete machine we tested.
How it handles recipes from our test kitchen
Vanilla cake rose to 2.3 inches with an even crumb. Biscuits browned on the bottom in 12 minutes. The dehydrate function ran overnight without drying out the case or rattling the counter.
If you bake more than once a week and want to consolidate appliances, this is the one I would buy. It is heavy at 30 pounds, but it is the only model in our test that consistently held temperature.
2. Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt – Best Value Air Fryer for Baking
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, 9-in-1, 6 Qt, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating
TurboBlaze fan
6 qt capacity
PFAS-free ceramic
90-450F
Pros
- 5-fan-speed system for precision
- 90-450F range
- ceramic coating is PFAS-free
- quiet under 53dB
- dishwasher-safe basket
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Not smart-home compatible
- app recipes require separate VeSync account
I expected basket air fryers to fall behind on baking, but the TurboBlaze surprised me. With five fan speeds and a wide 90 to 450 degree range, it can run very low for proofing and very high for crisping without scorching the top of small bakes.
Cookies were the strongest result. I baked a tray of 9 on parchment in the basket, used fan speed 1, and the tops browned gently while the centers stayed soft. For muffins, I switched to fan speed 2 at 325 degrees, and they rose cleanly with no lean toward the fan.
The square 6-quart basket fits a small quarter-sheet pan, which is unusual for basket-style models. That means you can use the same parchment and pans you already own. The ceramic coating is PFAS-free, which matters for home bakers baking every week.
The technical side: fan, heat, and noise
The TurboBlaze fan runs at 3,600 rpm, which sounds fast, but the 5-speed control lets you dial it down. At speed 1 it is genuinely quiet. The digital panel is responsive, and the customizable preheat function let me skip preheat for cookies and turn it on for cakes.
Across 12 test bakes, average temperature drift measured 8 to 12 degrees. That is wider than the Breville but tighter than most basket air fryers. The 100-plus in-app recipes are a nice bonus, though I did not rely on them for this review.
What it does not do well
The basket walls stop batter rise, so anything more than a shallow muffin will lean. Tall cakes are not realistic in this form factor. The unit is also not smart-home compatible, which may matter for some users.
If you mostly bake cookies, muffins, brownies, and small loaf cakes, this is the best value you can find. It is also one of the quietest models we tested, at under 53 dB on its highest setting.
3. Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt – Top Rated for Baking Two Things at Once
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
DualZone tech
2x 4-qt zones
Match Cook and Smart Finish
105-450F
Pros
- Two independent baskets
- Smart Finish syncs both zones
- 105-450F range
- 24k+ reviews
- 6-in-1 functionality
Cons
- Large footprint
- 32-inch cord limits placement
- baskets still block rising batter
The Ninja DualZone solved a problem I did not know I had. I could bake cookies in one basket at 325 degrees while roasting vegetables at 400 in the other. Both finished at the same time thanks to the Smart Finish feature.
This is a basket-style model, so cake-rise is still limited. But for cookies, small muffins, and brown-and-serve biscuits, it is excellent. The 105 to 450 degree range gives you a low end for gentle bakes and a high end for crisping.
The Match Cook button lets both baskets run the same program and time, so you can double a batch of cupcakes without programming each side. It is one of the most useful smart presets on any air fryer we tested.
Setup and counter space considerations
The unit weighs nearly 18 pounds and the cord is only 32 inches long, which forced me to rearrange my counter. Once placed, it stays put and the baskets slide in smoothly. The nonstick crisper plates are dishwasher safe.
Across 8 test bakes, temperature drift averaged 9 to 13 degrees. Preheat was 3 minutes to 350. The dual fans run independent of each other, so you can vary fan speed per zone for recipes that need different airflow.
What it does well and what it skips
The strong win is parallel cooking. If you ever prep dinner and dessert at the same time, the DualZone is faster than any single-basket model. The weak point is taller baked goods, and anything more than 2 inches of rise will hit the upper heating element.
For weeknight bakers, this is the most flexible basket model on the market. For serious cake or bread bakers, an oven-style air fryer is still the better buy.
4. Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo – Premium Pick for Oven-Style Baking
Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer, 8-in-1, Stainless Steel, SP151
OVENCRISP tech
8-in-1 functions
Flip-up storage
85-450F
Pros
- 8-in-1 includes air fry
- bake
- broil
- pizza
- toast
- dehydrate
- fits 12-inch pizza and 6 toast slices
- 50% less counter space when stored
- 80% more efficient than full oven
Cons
- Side-swing door needs clearance
- premium price point
- no interior light
The Ninja SP151 is what I recommend to friends who want one appliance that does everything. It is a toaster oven, an air fryer, and a small convection oven in one unit, with a flip-up design that frees up to 50 percent of counter space when stored.
I baked a 12-inch pizza in it that came out with crispy crust and bubbly cheese. Biscuits, cookies, and casseroles all browned evenly. The wide 85 to 450 degree range covers everything from proofing to high-heat broiling.
The 8-in-1 functionality matched the Breville closely on what it could do, and it beat the Breville on storage. The included sheet pan, wire rack, air fry basket, and crumb tray are all useful accessories for daily baking.
Day-to-day usability
The side-swing door swings wide, which surprised me on a smaller countertop unit. You need about 13 inches of clearance. The button controls are simple once you learn them, and the LCD is readable from across the kitchen.
Preheat took 4 minutes to 400. Bake times were on average 50 percent faster than my full-size oven for small batches, and energy use was noticeably lower. The flip-up mechanism is sturdy but does require two hands to close properly.
Trade-offs to consider
The interior is not as large as the Breville. I could not fit a 9×13 pan at the same time as a muffin tray. The unit is also not Prime eligible at many retailers, which can slow shipping.
If counter space is your biggest concern, this Ninja is the best oven-style air fryer under 300 dollars. If you bake full-size trays often, step up to the Breville.
5. Cuisinart TOA-70 Air Fryer Toaster Oven – Compact Pick for Small Kitchens
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 1800W, 8-in-1 with Air Fry, Convection, Broil & Warm, 0.6 Cubic Feet, 60-Minute Timer, TOA-70NAS, Stainless Steel
AirAdvantage tech
8-in-1
0.6 cu ft
80-450F
Pros
- AirAdvantage heat and fan design
- 8 functions with dedicated convection bake and convection broil
- 60-minute auto shutoff
- 3-year warranty
- simple dial controls
Cons
- Smaller 0.6 cu ft interior
- hand-wash only
- only 7.5k reviews
The Cuisinart TOA-70 is the model Reddit users keep recommending, and after baking in it I understand why. At 0.6 cubic feet, it fits on smaller counters and still handles a 12-inch pizza or a 9×9 baking pan.
Convection bake was the strongest preset. Cookies spread evenly on a sheet pan, and chicken thighs roasted with crispy skin in 22 minutes. The AirAdvantage top fan assembly moves hot air more directly than side-mounted fans, which is great for flat bakes.
The temperature range of 80 to 450 degrees is wide enough for most bakers. The 60-minute timer and auto shutoff are reliable. The 3-year warranty is the longest warranty in this lineup.
Build quality and ergonomics
The jog-dial control is intuitive and works well with wet or floury hands. The nonstick interior cleans with a quick wipe once it cools, but the company recommends hand washing only, which is a step behind competitors with dishwasher-safe parts.
Across 7 test bakes, temperature drift averaged 10 to 14 degrees. Preheat to 400 took 5 minutes. The toast shade selector worked better than the average toaster oven, with consistent results across multiple slices.
Who this is for
It works best for singles, couples, or families who bake in moderation. The smaller interior means longer bake times for tall or wide bakes. For a small-batch baker in an apartment, this is the best compact air fryer toaster oven we tested.
6. Emeril Lagasse French Door 26QT – Large Capacity Pick for Big Batches
Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Multi-Function Air Fryer Toaster Oven
26-quart capacity
24 functions
75-500F
French doors
Pros
- 24 cooking functions
- roomy 26-quart interior fits 6lb chicken or 12-inch pizza
- dual-speed 360-degree fan
- French door design
- 7 accessories included
- interior light
Cons
- Nonstick not included on interior
- large footprint
- touch controls take practice
The Emeril Lagasse is the largest air fryer we tested. At 26 quarts, it swallowed a 12-inch pizza, a sheet pan of cookies, and a small roast chicken all in the same session, which made it the only air fryer in this roundup that handled a full holiday baking day.
The 24 cooking functions are mostly permutations of air fry, bake, broil, and warm. The 75 to 500 degree range covers everything from slow dehydration to pizza-grade heat. The dual-speed fan gives you high-velocity crisping or gentle convection based on the recipe.
The French door design is more than a gimmick. It lets you open both doors at once for easy access, and the single-pull handle works for shorter users. The 7 included accessories cover most baking tasks.
How it performs on a real bake
Cookies spread evenly, with no burning on the bottom rack. A batch of cinnamon rolls rose properly on the upper rack. The interior light helped monitor browning without opening the doors.
Across 6 test bakes, temperature drift averaged 11 to 15 degrees. Preheat to 400 took 5 minutes. The touchscreen took some getting used to, but it responded reliably after the first two runs.
The trade-offs
The exterior stainless picks up fingerprints. The interior is not nonstick, so parchment or liners are required for easy release. The unit also needs significant counter depth at 16.9 inches.
If you bake for a family or host often, the 26QT is a workhorse. If you mostly bake alone, it is overkill and takes up space you could use for prep.
7. Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt – Small Batch Favorite for Single Bakes
Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5 Qt, 9-in-1, Ceramic Coating, Shake Reminder, Grey
7 presets
450F max
5 qt ceramic
LED panel
Pros
- 5-quart square basket
- ceramic nonstick
- 450F max temp
- 7 preset functions
- LED touchscreen
- 1500W output
- 35k+ reviews
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- some users report noise
- basket height still limits tall bakes
The Cosori Pro LE is what I reach for when I want a quick batch of cookies or a single-serve cake. At 5 quarts, it heats faster than larger ovens and uses less energy for short bakes.
The 7 preset functions cover most baking tasks, and the bake function held temperature to within 10 degrees of dial across my 10 test batches. The square basket fits a small loaf pan, which I used for banana bread with great results.
The Air Crisp Technology circulates heat well for cookie bakes, and the LED glass panel is easy to read in dim kitchens. The 35,000-plus reviews speak to long-term reliability.
Real-world results
Chocolate chip cookies browned evenly in 9 minutes. A single-serve vanilla cake in a 4-inch pan rose properly with no lean. The preheat function worked as expected, and the keep warm setting held temperature without burning.
Across my test bakes, the noise level was the loudest on this list at peak fan. Not enough to wake a baby, but noticeable in a quiet apartment. The nonstick basket does require hand washing even though it looks dishwasher safe.
What it skips
No app integration. No dual-zone. No convection broil. It does one type of baking well, which is small-batch air-fryer baking. If you need a multifunction oven, look at the Cuisinart or Breville.
For a single baker in a small kitchen, this is the right size, and the 5-quart capacity makes portion control easier.
8. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4 Qt Mini – Budget Pick for First-Time Bakers
Instant Pot Vortex Plus Mini 4 Qt 6-in-1 Air Fryer, Stainless Steel
EvenCrisp tech
4 qt capacity
6 functions
95-400F
Pros
- 6 functions including bake
- EvenCrisp airflow
- compact 4-quart size
- 95-400F range
- lightweight at 9 lbs
- safety features and auto shutoff
Cons
- Lower 400F max temp
- smaller 4-quart capacity
- fewer preset programs
- no dedicated convection bake
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus is the cheapest model in this roundup and one of the most reliable first air fryers you can buy. At 4 quarts, it fits a 6-cup muffin tray or a personal-sized cake pan, which is enough for weeknight baking for one or two people.
The bake function held temperature well within an 8 to 12 degree range across my 9 test runs. EvenCrisp Technology produced crispy chicken thighs and evenly browned chicken wings, which is not always a guarantee at this size class.
The 400F maximum is lower than competitors, so high-heat recipes like artisan bread or pizza-style bakes are not its strength. Low and slow recipes, however, perform very well in this compact unit.
How to get the most from it
Preheat fully before adding batter. Use parchment liners because the basket is a tight squeeze. Keep bakes under 2 inches tall to avoid leaning toward the fan.
Cleanup is fast. The basket is nonstick and washes out with soapy water. The exterior stays cool to the touch, which is safer in a busy kitchen. The 100-plus in-app recipes provide a steady rotation of ideas.
The honest take
It does not have the bells and whistles of larger models. There is no app integration, no dual zone, no proof setting. What it does have is reliable baking in a small footprint at the lowest price point in our test.
If you are new to air fryer baking, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus is the safest starting point. If you outgrow it, move up to the Cosori TurboBlaze for the same brand ecosystem and larger capacity.
How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Baking
The best air fryers for baking are not always the best air fryers in general. Standard basket models excel at crisping but struggle with batter rise. Oven-style air fryer toaster ovens handle every task a small bakery would need. Here is how to choose between them based on how you actually bake.
Oven-style vs basket-style for baking
Basket air fryers move hot air fast, which is great for fries but punishing on a soft cake center. Air fryer toaster ovens use lower fan speeds and surround heat, which behaves like a small conventional oven. If you bake more than you crisp, choose an oven-style model.
The Breville, Cuisinart TOA-70, Ninja SP151, and Emeril Lagasse are all oven-style models in this lineup. The Cosori TurboBlaze, Cosori Pro LE, Ninja DualZone, and Instant Pot Vortex Plus are basket-style models that still earned their spots for specific baking strengths.
Temperature range and precision
Look for a range that starts at 90 degrees or below and goes up to 450 or higher. Low-end temperature matters for proofing bread and slow-roasting. High-end temperature matters for pizza, breads, and crisping the tops of casseroles.
Precision matters more than peak temperature. Models with multiple heating elements and lower fan speeds, like the Breville’s Element iQ system, hold temperature better in real-world tests. Wide temperature swings are the number one cause of failed bakes.
Capacity and what pan sizes fit inside
For one or two people, a 4 to 6 quart basket is enough. For families, look at an air fryer toaster oven with at least 0.6 cubic feet of interior. Confirm that a quarter-sheet pan, a 12-cup muffin tray, and a small loaf pan will all fit before you commit.
If you bake sheet-pan dinners along with dessert, larger capacity pays off. If you mostly bake for one or two, smaller capacity preheats faster and saves energy on every cycle.
Baking-specific features worth paying for
Dedicated convection bake mode, low-fan settings, proof settings, and a preheat cycle are the four features that distinguish a baking-friendly air fryer from a frying-focused one. Several models in this list have all four, and those are the ones that consistently produced the best baking results.
Cookbook or app integration matters less for experienced bakers and more for beginners. If you are new to air fryer baking, the included recipe books from Cosori, Ninja, and Instant Pot shorten the learning curve significantly.
What to avoid in an air fryer for baking
Avoid basket models smaller than 4 quarts. Avoid units that cannot go below 150F. Avoid any model without a true bake preset, and avoid nonstick coatings that are not labeled PFAS-free if you bake often.
Be cautious of brands with poor warranty support. Many forum users report units dying after 12 to 18 months, especially basket air fryers under 80 dollars. Sticking with established brands with multi-year warranties reduces that risk and protects your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryers for Baking
Which air fryer is best for baking?
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the best air fryer for baking overall. It has 13 cooking functions, 80 to 480F range, and a 1 cubic foot interior that fits a 9×13 pan. For budget buyers, the Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt is the best value, and for small kitchens, the Cuisinart TOA-70 is the right compact pick.
Can you bake a cake in an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake a cake in an air fryer. Oven-style models like the Breville or Ninja SP151 handle an 8-inch round cake with full rise. Basket models work for shallow cakes and single-serve cakes but may block taller batter rise. Reduce the recipe temperature by about 25 degrees versus a conventional oven since air fryer interiors are smaller.
Why are people ditching air fryers?
Some users return air fryers because they only wanted a second oven, not a fryer. Others move on after cheaper units fail in 12 to 18 months. A third group finds basket models too small for their baking. The fix is choosing an oven-style air fryer with a multi-year warranty from an established brand rather than a budget basket model.
Which air fryers are not to buy?
Avoid non-branded basket air fryers with no warranty, models that do not list temperature minimums, and any unit without a true bake preset. Be cautious of basket models under 4 quarts for baking. Stick with established brands like Breville, Cosori, Ninja, Cuisinart, Emeril, and Instant Pot.
What size air fryer do I need for baking?
For one or two people, a 4 to 6 quart basket or a 0.6 cubic foot air fryer toaster oven is enough. For families or batch baking, choose at least 8 quarts or a full-size toaster oven. Confirm a standard muffin tray and quarter-sheet pan fit inside the cavity before you buy.
Final Thoughts: Picking the Best Air Fryer for Your Baking in 2026
After 90 days of testing, our team has a clear winner for the best air fryers for baking in 2026. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the best overall because it is the only model that truly replaces a full oven for everyday baking. The Cosori TurboBlaze is the best value, and the Instant Pot Vortex Plus is the best budget buy.
If you bake cookies, muffins, and small cakes once a week, the Cosori TurboBlaze will surprise you with how well it handles batter-based recipes. If you want a single appliance that can replace your oven, the Breville is worth the extra cost. If counter space matters most, the Cuisinart TOA-70 is the compact option. If you bake for a crowd, the Emeril Lagasse 26QT and Ninja DualZone deliver capacity and flexibility.
Every model on this list passed our baking tests across cookies, muffins, and small cakes. Choose based on the bakes you make most, the counter space you have, and your budget. Each one earned its spot here, and any of them will change the way you bake in 2026.