August 26, 2026 · 18 air fryers tested
Gold Tested
We cooked 400 pounds of food across 18 air fryers. French fries, chicken wings, frozen pizza, and roasted vegetables. The winner is not the most expensive — it's the one that circulates air most evenly, which means you don't have to shake the basket every five minutes.
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart by Instant Brands
The Instant Vortex Plus scored highest in browning uniformity — 87% even coverage compared to an average of 62% across competitors. The EvenCrisp technology isn't just marketing: hot air genuinely rea
We cooked identical batches in every air fryer and measured browning uniformity using colorimetry, crispness with a texture analyzer, and internal temperature for food safety. We also tested preheat time and energy consumption.
The Instant Vortex Plus scored highest in browning uniformity — 87% even coverage compared to an average of 62% across competitors. The EvenCrisp technology isn't just marketing: hot air genuinely reaches every surface. It also preheats 40% faster than basket-style competitors.
Specifications
| Capacity | 6 quarts |
| Functions | Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate |
| Wattage | 1,700W |
| Display | Touchscreen |
| Dishwasher safe | Basket and tray |
| Dimensions | 12.5 × 11 × 13" |
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart earns our top pick because it outperformed the competition in the metrics that matter most. At an overall score of 9.2 against a category average of 7.0, the gap speaks for itself. If you are looking for the best in this category, start here.
Instant Brands