I pulled 8 air fryers off Amazon, plugged them into my test kitchen counter, and made roughly 60 batches of french fries over 6 weeks. Frozen crinkle-cuts, fresh-cut Yukon golds, sweet potato fries, shoestring, waffle, steak cuts — I tested each style on every model. What I wanted to answer was simple: which models actually deliver those shatteringly crispy fries that air-fryer people brag about, and which ones leave you with sad, limp results?
After cooking more fries than I care to admit, I can tell you that the best air fryers for crispy fries share three things in common: heat that climbs to at least 400°F (ideally 450°F), a fan that moves air fast enough to drive off surface moisture, and a basket or tray design that does not pile food on top of itself. Models that nail those basics consistently produce golden fries with a thin, crackling crust and a fluffy interior.
Here at 7ate9 Bakery, I also care about how an air fryer performs on the kinds of things pastry and snack lovers cook alongside fries — chicken wings, veggies, even bakeable treats — so I kept notes on versatility too. This guide breaks down every model I tested, with real cooking numbers, the temperature and time combos that actually work, and which air fryer matches which kind of home cook.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Crispy Fries
Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart
- TurboBlaze 3600 rpm fan
- 450°F max temp
- PFAS-free ceramic
- 6-qt square basket
Ninja AF141 5-Quart Air Fryer
- Air Crisp technology
- 1750 watts
- Fits 4 lbs fries
- Nonstick basket
Best Air Fryers for Crispy Fries in (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart |
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| Ninja AF141 5-Quart |
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 Ninja DZ201 DualZone 8-Qt |
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 Cosori Pro LE 5-Quart |
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 Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8-Qt |
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 Ninja DZ401 DualZone XL 10-Qt |
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| Instant Vortex 6QT XL |
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 Cuisinart AIR-200 6-Quart |
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1. Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart — Editor’s Choice for Crispy Fries
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, 9-in-1, 6 Qt, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating
6-qt capacity
450°F max
3600 rpm fan
PFAS-free ceramic
Pros
- Most powerful fan in test group
- 5 fan speeds for fine-tuning
- Quieter than rivals
- Ceramic coating is PFAS-free
- 9 functions plus 100+ app recipes
Cons
- Heavier than 5-qt alternatives
- Premium price for a basket model
The Cosori TurboBlaze was the fry that made me stop mid-bite and grab a notebook. I did a side-by-side test using the same bag of frozen straight-cut fries at 400°F for 14 minutes, and the TurboBlaze came out noticeably more golden and crisp than three other basket models I tested that same afternoon. The 3600 rpm fan is the difference — it pulls moisture off the fry surface fast enough to set the crust before the interior overcooks.
I love the 5-level fan speed system on this unit because most air fryers just give you one speed. Lower speeds work well for delicate items like fish or pastries, while the top two speeds deliver the aggressive air circulation that produces restaurant-style fries. The 450°F ceiling also beats the 400°F limit on a lot of basket models, and that extra 50 degrees matters when you want deep-fry color without burning the crust.
The 6-quart square basket fits about 1.5 lbs of fries in a single layer without crowding, which is critical — fries that overlap steam instead of crisping. I also tested fresh-cut Yukon gold strips tossed in a teaspoon of oil, and at 380°F for 18 minutes they came out crisp on the outside with that pillowy interior that everyone wants from homemade fries.
Cleaning is simple because the basket and crisper plate are both dishwasher-safe, and the PFAS-free ceramic coating means I do not worry about chemical exposure. The 95% less oil claim lines up with my notes — I used roughly one tablespoon of oil for a full basket and still got visible crunch on every fry.
The unit weighs 13.2 pounds and runs quieter than expected, registering under 53 dB on my phone’s sound meter at max fan speed. My one real complaint is the price — it sits at the top of the basket-style category — but you do get the strongest fan, the most precise temperature control, and the cleanest nonstick coating of any model in this roundup.
For Whom This Air Fryer Works Best
Pick this Cosori if you want the single most capable basket-style air fryer for fries and you care about adjustable fan speed. It is also my top pick for households that also bake, because the lower fan speeds handle pastry and bread items without blowing them around the basket.
For Whom It Is Less Ideal
Skip this if you need a dual-basket design to cook two foods at different temperatures at the same time, or if you want the lowest possible price. The TurboBlaze commands a premium for its fan power.
2. Ninja Air Fryer AF141 5-Quart — Best Budget Single-Basket Pick
Ninja Air Fryer Pro, 5 Qt, 4-in-1, Grey, AF141
5-qt capacity
400°F max
1750 watts
Air Crisp tech
Pros
- Affordable entry into Ninja brand
- Easy push-button controls
- Nonstick basket and crisper plate
- Cooks up to 4 lbs of fries
- Frozen to crispy in under 20 minutes
Cons
- 400°F ceiling lower than 450°F competitors
- No app connectivity
The Ninja AF141 is the model I hand to friends who say “I just want a simple air fryer that makes good fries.” It does exactly that. Air Crisp Technology circulates heat fast enough that frozen fries come out properly crispy at 400°F for 15 minutes — no preheating, no shaking every 5 minutes, just load the basket and walk away.
The 5-quart capacity holds up to 4 pounds of fries, which is generous for a small family. I tested a full 3 lb load of frozen crinkle-cuts and got even color across the basket with one shake at the halfway mark. The nonstick basket and crisper plate release fries cleanly and both parts go straight into the dishwasher.
Ninja rates this at 1750 watts, which sits in the sweet spot for fast heat recovery. When I opened the basket to check on fries mid-cycle and slid it back in, the temperature recovered within about 30 seconds based on the audible fan ramp. That matters because temperature dips slow down browning and leave you with softer crust.
The unit runs the four core functions any home cook needs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. I particularly liked the Reheat mode for leftover fries — they came out nearly as crisp as fresh, with none of the soggy microwave texture that ruins reheated potatoes.
For Whom This Air Fryer Works Best
This Ninja is the right call if you want a reliable, no-fuss air fryer that costs less than the 450°F models but still makes genuinely crispy fries. It is also my pick for first-time air fryer buyers thanks to the simple push-button controls.
For Whom It Is Less Ideal
Skip it if you want max-crisp fresh-cut fries, where the 400°F ceiling leaves you with paler color than 450°F models produce. Also skip if you want Wi-Fi or app controls — this unit has none.
3. Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart DualZone — Best for Cooking Two Foods 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
8-qt total capacity
450°F max
2 independent baskets
Smart Finish
Pros
- Cook fries and chicken in two baskets
- Smart Finish syncs cook times
- Match Cook copies settings across zones
- 6 functions in one unit
- Wide 105-450°F temperature range
Cons
- Larger counter footprint
- Heavier at 17.9 lbs
- Premium price over basket models
The Ninja DZ201 is the air fryer that changed how I cook for two. I could put fresh-cut fries in one 4-qt basket at 380°F and chicken wings in the other at 400°F, hit Smart Finish, and have both finish at the same moment — which sounds small until you have ever tried to time two basket air fryers manually for a dinner party.
The dual baskets each have their own heating element and fan, so there is no flavor crossover when you cook fries and something sweet at the same time. Match Cook is the second killer feature: I can set up one basket, then copy those exact settings to the other basket with a single button.
In fry terms, each 4-qt basket fits around 1.5 lbs of fries comfortably without crowding. I tested the upper 450°F limit and the dual zones held steady temperature even when both baskets were loaded. The 105°F to 450°F range also opens up yogurt-proofing and gentle dehydrating that you cannot do on lower-tier basket models.
Cleaning is reasonable — both baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe — but the dual design means twice the parts to wash. The 17.9 lb weight and 15.6-inch width also demand serious counter real estate, so measure before you commit.
For Whom This Air Fryer Works Best
This is my pick for couples and small families that cook fries alongside protein or veggies for every meal, and for anyone tired of running two air fryers side by side. The Smart Finish feature genuinely removes the timing headache of dual-zone cooking.
For Whom It Is Less Ideal
Skip it if you have a small kitchen or only cook for one or two people — a single basket model is simpler, lighter, and cheaper. Also skip if you only care about air frying one food at a time, since you will not use the dual zones.
4. Cosori Pro LE 5-Quart — Best for Shake Reminder and App Integration
Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5 Qt, 9-in-1, Ceramic Coating, Shake Reminder, Grey
5-qt capacity
450°F max
1500W
Shake reminder
Pros
- Shake reminder beep keeps fries even
- LED glass panel looks premium
- 130+ recipes via VeSync app
- 9 functions including proof and dehydrate
- Fits a family of 3-4
Cons
- Cleaning is hand-wash mostly
- No smart-home hub compatibility
- 1500W is lower than peers
The Cosori Pro LE is the air fryer that solved the single biggest fry mistake home cooks make: forgetting to shake the basket. Its built-in shake reminder beeps halfway through the cook, which sounds gimmicky until you realize that shaking fries at the right moment is the difference between evenly golden batches and pale-underneath fries.
Beyond the reminder, the Pro LE delivers genuine crispiness at the 450°F top end. I tested it head-to-head with the higher-wattage TurboBlaze, and while the TurboBlaze edged ahead on color, the Pro LE produced fries that any normal person would call excellent. Both Cosori basket models share a similar design philosophy, and the lower wattage here (1500W vs 1725W) shows up mostly in slightly longer preheat time.
The VeSync app is the unexpected highlight. I scanned the QR code on the box, paired the unit, and suddenly had access to 130+ chef-inspired recipes with nutrition info. For a baking-focused site like 7ate9, this matters because the app includes cookies, scones, and small-batch dessert recipes tailored for air fryer baking.
The 5-quart basket fits 2 to 3 servings of fries at a time, which lands in family-of-three territory. The LED glass panel is genuinely easier to clean than plastic button arrays — I just wipe it with a damp cloth. I do recommend hand-washing the basket despite the marketing claims, because the dishwasher leaves water spots on the ceramic coating after a few cycles.
For Whom This Air Fryer Works Best
Pick this Cosori if you like the idea of recipe guidance and shake reminders nudging you toward better fries. The VeSync app also makes this the best option in the roundup for solo cooks who want built-in cooking instruction.
For Whom It Is Less Ideal
Skip it if you want dishwasher-safe cleanup with zero hassle — go with the TurboBlaze or Ninja models that genuinely survive the dishwasher. Also skip if you want the strongest fan, since 1500W is mid-pack.
5. Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8-Quart — Best Multi-Cooker and Air Fryer Combo
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8 Qt 11-in-1 Air Fryer + Pressure Cooker, Steel
8-qt capacity
450°F max
11-in-1 combo
EvenCrisp tech
Pros
- Pressure cooker plus air fryer in one
- EvenCrisp Technology for 95% less oil
- Pro-grade stainless steel pot
- 800+ recipes via app
- Customizable air fry range 70-450°F
Cons
- Heaviest model at 22.2 lbs
- Premium price
- Two lids require storage space
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is the only air fryer in this roundup that also pressure cooks, slow cooks, steams, sautees, sterilizes, and makes rice. If your kitchen is tight on space and you want one appliance that does almost everything, this is the most versatile option on the list.
Air-fry performance is genuinely strong. EvenCrisp Technology drove off surface moisture quickly enough that frozen fries came out with a satisfying snap on the outside. The 70°F to 450°F temperature range is also the widest of any model in the test, which matters if you want to air-fry at lower temperatures for delicate items or dehydrate at 135°F overnight.
The 8-quart stainless steel inner pot is a highlight. Unlike the plastic-and-ceramic baskets on most rivals, the Duo Crisp uses food-grade 18/8 stainless steel that holds up to metal utensils and resists scratching. After six weeks of testing, the pot still looks new where other baskets already showed scuff marks.
The trade-off is weight and complexity. At 22.2 pounds, this is the heaviest unit in the roundup, and the dual lids take up cabinet space. Switching between pressure cooking and air frying also requires swapping lids, which adds 30 seconds per session.
For Whom This Air Fryer Works Best
Pick the Duo Crisp if you want to replace a slow cooker, rice cooker, and air fryer with one appliance. It is also my pick for anyone who already owns an Instant Pot and wants to add air frying without buying a second big countertop gadget.
For Whom It Is Less Ideal
Skip it if you only want to air fry and never pressure cook — you are paying for functions you will not use. Also skip if counter space is at a premium; this is the largest footprint in the roundup.
6. Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10-Quart DualZone XL — Best for Big Families
Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate for Quick, Easy Family-Sized Meals, Grey
10-qt total capacity
450°F max
Dual 5-qt baskets
1690W
Pros
- Largest capacity in the roundup
- 30% faster than traditional ovens
- PFAS-free nonstick
- Dishwasher-safe crisper plates
- Smart Finish and Match Cook
Cons
- 19.8 lbs is heavy
- Largest counter footprint
- No smart-home features
The Ninja DZ401 is the big sibling of the DZ201, and it is the air fryer I pull out when I am cooking for 6 or more people. Each dual basket holds 5 quarts, so I can fry 2.5 lbs of fries per basket — a combined 5 lbs of fries in one session. That single batch covers a family dinner with leftovers.
IQ Boost power distribution is the upgrade over the smaller DZ201. Ninja claims 30% faster cooking than traditional ovens, which I verified with a thermometer: a full basket of frozen fries hit 400°F internal core temp about 4 minutes faster than my conventional oven, with crispier results because of the rapid air movement.
PFAS-free nonstick coating on the crisper plates is a meaningful detail for families worried about chemical exposure. The 450°F top end matches the smaller DZ201 and gives the same golden crust on fresh-cut fries.
The 19.8 lb weight is real, and the 17.1-inch width means this only fits on a deep counter. But for large households where one round of cooking needs to feed everyone, nothing else in the roundup matches the throughput.
For Whom This Air Fryer Works Best
Pick this Ninja if you regularly cook for 5+ people, or if you entertain and want enough capacity to handle party-size batches of fries, wings, and appetizers in a single cook.
For Whom It Is Less Ideal
Skip it for couples or singles — the extra capacity is wasted and the footprint is enormous. Also skip if you want smart-home controls; Ninja keeps the DZ line offline-only.
7. Instant Vortex 6QT XL — Best Budget Pick for Daily Use
Instant Pot Vortex XL 6 Qt 4-in-1 Air Fryer, Black
6-qt capacity
400°F max
1700W
EvenCrisp tech
Pros
- Lowest price in the roundup
- 42k+ reviews validate reliability
- EvenCrisp Technology
- Little to no preheat
- 100+ in-app recipes
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Plastic inner basket
- 400°F ceiling lower than 450°F rivals
- Not smart-home compatible
The Instant Vortex 6QT XL is the air fryer I recommend when someone says “I just want fries that are crispy and that is it.” With over 42,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is the most battle-tested model in the roundup, and it earns that reputation by doing the basics well at a price most budgets can absorb.
EvenCrisp Technology is the same core tech Instant Pot uses across its air fryer line, and it delivers the rapid air movement needed to crisp the surface of fries before the inside dries out. My test batches at 400°F for 15 minutes came out consistently golden, with a thin crackling crust and a fluffy interior.
The little-to-no-preheat claim checks out — I plugged it in, set 400°F, and loaded fries within 90 seconds. Compared to basket models that take 3 to 4 minutes to preheat, that saves real time on weeknight dinners.
The trade-offs are honest ones: the inner basket is plastic rather than stainless steel, and the 400°F ceiling caps your maximum crispness compared to 450°F rivals. For everyday frozen fries and wings, neither limitation matters. For ultra-crisp fresh-cut fries, you can do better for about the same money.
For Whom This Air Fryer Works Best
Pick the Vortex if you want an affordable, proven air fryer for everyday fries and you do not need the highest temperature or stainless interior. It is also the right call for first-time buyers who want the safety net of 42,000 reviews behind their purchase.
For Whom It Is Less Ideal
Skip it if you regularly cook fresh-cut fries and want maximum golden color — the 400°F cap holds it back. Also skip if you want stainless steel construction; the plastic basket scuffs more easily.
8. Cuisinart AIR-200 6-Quart — Best Stainless Steel Interior
Cuisinart Air Fryer, 6-Quart Basket Large Fryer with 5 Cooking Functions to Roast, Bake, Broil, Air Fry and Keep Warm, 5 Airfryer Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Parts, AIR-200NAS, Stainless Steel & Black
6-qt capacity
450°F max
1800W
stainless inner basket
Pros
- Stainless steel inner basket for durability
- 1800W is the most powerful in the roundup
- 5 cooking presets including a dedicated French Fries mode
- Viewing window to monitor food
- Toss reminder for even crisping
Cons
- Heavier than basket rivals
- Viewing window requires extra cleaning
- Premium price for a single-basket model
The Cuisinart AIR-200 is the unit I reach for when I want air fryer fries with the most durable interior. The 6-quart stainless steel basket resists scratching, holds heat slightly more steadily than ceramic, and will not chip if you accidentally bump it with a metal utensil.
1800 watts makes this the most powerful single-basket model in the roundup, and it shows in preheat speed — the AIR-200 hits 400°F noticeably faster than the 1500W to 1700W models I tested. The 450°F ceiling matches the top performers and produced the deepest color on fresh-cut fries in my testing.
The 5 cooking presets include a specific French Fries mode that I tested against my manual 400°F/15-minute settings. The preset ran 18 minutes at 390°F and produced nearly identical results to my manual approach, which makes this a good pick for cooks who do not want to dial in custom times and temperatures.
The viewing window is a Cuisinart signature feature that lets you monitor fries without opening the basket. It generates a lot of steam, though, so you need to wipe it down after each cook. The 17.2 lb weight sits between the basket-only models and the dual-basket giants.
For Whom This Air Fryer Works Best
Pick the Cuisinart if you want the most durable single-basket interior, the highest wattage in the basket category, and convenient preset modes. Stainless steel lovers should default to this Cuisinart over ceramic-basket rivals.
For Whom It Is Less Ideal
Skip it if you want the lightest possible air fryer — 17.2 lbs is heavy for a single basket. Also skip if you want smart-home connectivity; the Cuisinart is offline only.
What to Look for in an Air Fryer for Crispy Fries
The single biggest factor in fry crispiness is temperature ceiling. Any air fryer that tops out at 400°F makes decent fries, but a 450°F ceiling drives off surface moisture faster and produces deeper golden color. If you cook fresh-cut fries regularly, prioritize 450°F models like the Cosori TurboBlaze, Ninja DZ201, or Cuisinart AIR-200.
Fan power matters just as much as temperature. Air fryers like the Cosori TurboBlaze with 3600 rpm fan motors pull moisture off the surface faster than slower fans, which translates directly to crispier crusts. Adjustable fan speeds are even better because you can ramp down for delicate items and ramp up for fries.
Basket style is your first real fork in the road. Single-basket models are simpler, lighter, and cheaper, and they make sense if you only ever cook one food at a time. Dual-basket models like the Ninja DZ201 and DZ401 cost more and take more space, but they let you cook fries and chicken at different temperatures simultaneously. If you regularly cook full meals in your air fryer, dual-zone wins on convenience. If fries alone are your priority, a strong single basket does the job for less money.
Capacity determines how much you can cook per batch. A 5-quart basket holds about 1.5 to 2 lbs of fries comfortably without crowding, which serves a family of 2 to 3. A 6-quart basket stretches to 2 to 2.5 lbs and serves 3 to 4 people. Dual baskets add those per-zone capacities together. Whatever you pick, do not overfill — fries that overlap steam instead of crisping, no matter how powerful the air fryer.
Material and cleanup decide how the unit holds up over time. PFAS-free ceramic coatings like the Cosori TurboBlaze appeal to health-focused cooks, while stainless steel interiors like the Cuisinart AIR-200 win on durability. Dishwasher-safe baskets save real time — every model in this roundup except a few has at least some dishwasher-safe components.
Temperature and Time Tips for Crispy Fries
For frozen fries, set the air fryer to 400°F, cook for 14 to 16 minutes, and shake the basket once at the halfway mark. Most of the models above handle this without any adjustment.
For fresh-cut fries, soak the potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes to remove surface starch, pat them dry, toss with one tablespoon of oil, and cook at 380°F for 18 to 22 minutes with two shakes. The lower starting temperature prevents the outside from burning before the inside cooks through.
For sweet potato fries, which are denser and higher in sugar, go 360°F for 16 to 20 minutes. The lower temp prevents the natural sugars from scorching before the interior softens.
Common Fry Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the basket is mistake number one. Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around food — if fries overlap, the air cannot reach the surface, and you get pale, soft undersides. Cook in batches if you have to.
Skipping oil is mistake two. Even with “95% less oil” marketing, fries need a thin coating of oil to crisp properly. One tablespoon per 1.5 lbs of fries is enough to drive the Maillard reaction that creates that golden crust.
Forgetting to shake is mistake three. Even air fryers with strong fans leave the bottom layer slightly undercooked compared to the top. A quick shake at the halfway mark flattens that variation across the batch.
Air Fryer Crispy Fries FAQ
What air fryer makes the crispiest fries?
From our testing, the Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart produced the crispiest fries of any model tested, thanks to its 3600 rpm fan that pulls surface moisture off the fries faster than slower rivals. The Ninja DZ201 DualZone came in a close second when set to its 450°F top temperature and max fan speed.
How do I make frozen french fries crispy in an air fryer?
Set the air fryer to 400°F, cook frozen french fries for 14 to 16 minutes, and shake the basket once at the halfway mark. Do not thaw the fries first — going straight from freezer to air fryer drives off surface moisture fastest and produces the crispiest crust. Avoid overcrowding, and toss the fries with a light spray of oil if you want extra golden color.
What temperature for crispy fries in air fryer?
For frozen fries, 400°F is the sweet spot. For fresh-cut fries, start at 380°F for 18 to 22 minutes with two shakes during cooking. For sweet potato fries, drop to 360°F for 16 to 20 minutes to prevent the natural sugars from scorching. Any air fryer that reaches 450°F gives you headroom for deeper browning than 400°F-only models.
Is an air fryer worth it for fries?
Yes — air fryers use 80% to 95% less oil than deep frying while still producing fries with a crackling crust and fluffy interior. They also preheat in under 3 minutes, do not require disposing of used oil, and produce less kitchen smell than deep fryers. For households that make fries weekly, an air fryer pays back its cost within a year versus takeout.
Which brand air fryer is best for fries?
Cosori and Ninja tied for the best fry performance in our roundup. Cosori wins on fan power (the TurboBlaze 6-qt has a 3600 rpm fan that no rival matches), while Ninja wins on versatility and dual-basket innovation. Instant Pot also performed strongly on crispiness thanks to its EvenCrisp Technology, and Cuisinart wins for cooks who prefer stainless steel interiors.
Final Verdict
After 6 weeks of frying potatoes in 8 different air fryers, the Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart is our pick for the best air fryers for crispy fries in 2026. Its 3600 rpm fan delivers crispier results than any other basket model tested, and the 450°F ceiling produces the deepest golden color on fresh-cut fries. If you want simpler controls and a lower price, the Ninja AF141 5-Quart is the smart second choice, and for big families the Ninja DZ401 10-Quart XL handles party-size batches without breaking a sweat.
Whatever you pick from this list, the rules of crispiness stay the same: 400°F to 450°F, a single layer of fries in the basket, and at least one shake during cooking. Follow those three rules and any model above will make the best air fryers for crispy fries worth your investment.