Why the Cosori TurboBlaze is the best air fryer we tested

There are so many air fryers on the market, and most of them are basket-style models, so how do you choose the right one? Lucky for you, dear reader. I have tested so many of them and can match the perfect air fryer to the user, no matter what you are looking for. But the Cosori TurboBlaze air fryer is the one I can recommend to most people, which is why it won the coveted Best Overall spot in our best air fryer guide.

After testing, it was our best overall air fryer because it performed consistently across everything I cooked and was a great value. It normally retails for $120, but is often on sale, like right now, for $90. At that price, it is a no-brainer since the machine is incredibly powerful and sleek. It was the air fryer I kept in my kitchen after testing was complete because it gave me the best results and had the capacity right for my household.

Why the Cosori TurboBlaze is the best air fryer we tested

The perfect air fryer may not exist, but this is about as close as I have come for its price point and ability to please most households. It has a six-quart capacity, and its performance excelled in all tests. It crisped the edges of our Brussels sprouts and made fresh chicken wings that rivaled any wing shop. It was also incredibly easy to clean, as you just need to pop the basket into the dishwasher. At a price point around $100, it's a steal and made to last.

It nailed the foods people actually make in an air fryer.

The TurboBlaze turned in some of the strongest cooking results among the models I tested. Frozen fries came out evenly browned with crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors, and they finished very close to the timing listed on most packages. That accuracy may sound minor, but it was not consistent across the models we tested, as some required much more time during certain tests.

Chicken wings were another standout for the TurboBlaze. They achieved a deeply brown skin with a good amount of crispness, and I didn't need to intervene much. The basket's capacity also allowed me to make a generous first batch, which was rare with single-basket models.

Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts also performed exceptionally well. The outer leaves are crisp and slightly charred, while the center remains tender and not dried out. I didn't encounter any noticeable hot spots or undercooked areas when I tested this air fryer, which also showed me that it is incredibly consistent. It delivered predictable results, and it made it one of the easiest to use.

The six-quart basket is the right size for everyday cooking.

A 6-quart capacity hits the sweet spot for most households. It's large enough to cook a full batch of wings, a generous serving of vegetables, or enough fries for a family of four without taking up too much real estate. The basket easily slides in and out and feels balanced when carrying heavier foods. Well, larger dual-basket machines offer much more flexibility in what you can cook and how much you can cook, but they tend to be significantly heavier and take up much more counter space. The TurboBlaze is a single-basket design that keeps it simple while still providing enough capacity for everyday meals.

The controls are simple enough for distracted weeknights.

The touch screen interface was one of my favorite parts of the machine. It has a large number of clearly labeled functions and responsive controls that make it easy to adjust the settings quickly, even mid-cook. The display is bright enough to read at a glance, but remains clean and uncluttered when the machine is off. It looks super sleek. I also appreciated the built-in Shake reminder, which is genuinely useful rather than annoying because I get distracted in the kitchen. There are presets for air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, reheating, dehydrating, proofing, frozen foods, and keeping food warm, which are convenient without making the interface feel overwhelming. Overall, this machine simplifies cooking rather than adding another layer of complexity to your weeknight routine.

It looks better than most air fryers.

Many air fryers perform well but look like oversized plastic boxes. The TurboBlaze stands out because it feels thoughtfully designed and suitable for any home style. It has a sleek exterior, a flush touchscreen that disappears when it's off, and is relatively compact for a six-quart basket. We often leave it on the counter full-time during busy weeks, and, at a minimum, it doesn't bother me, even though I am a minimalist. The touchscreen contributes significantly to that premium feel when used. It blends seamlessly into the front panel. But when it's illuminated, it's bright, clear, and easy to navigate. That, combined with the spacious basket and secure, makes this overall design polished, user-friendly, and incredibly thoughtful.

It does more than air fry, but air frying is still the reason to buy it.

The Cosori has multiple functions (dehydrate, proof, bake, roast, broil, and reheat), and that's a good thing. I like an air fryer with extra functions, especially the reheat function, which I use often. Say you have a kid who doesn't eat dinner at the same time as the rest of the family due to sports, but still wants them to have hot, fresh food. The reheat function comes in clutch on such occasions, so everyone gets hot and crispy dinners no matter when they eat. I haven't tried the dehydrator function yet, but I can't wait to use it for tomatoes and stone fruit come summer abundance.

Cleanup was straightforward, but treat the handle carefully.

Clean up was one of the easiest parts of testing the TurboBlaze. Both the basket and the crisper plate are quick to clean, and even the greasiest foods leave minimal residue, since you can throw the basket into the dishwasher. My only concern is about the handle mechanism. During testing, it functioned normally, but some owners have reported issues with the release button over time. I didn't encounter any failures, but that component is worth treating with care to maximize your appliance's longevity.

Drawbacks and alternatives to consider

If you like to cook multiple foods at once, this may not be the air fryer for you, as the basket style does not allow the basket to be divided. It's also not the smallest option out there if you have a smaller household or less storage space. In my research, I found that some users reported the handle and push button failed after months of use. I haven't experienced any durability issues with the button, but take care when handling it, or just pay attention to that feature.

Other tested picks may suit others better. For instance, our runner-up, the Instant Vortex Plus with Odor Erase Technology, has a powerful motor and a viewing window so you can watch food cook. The Ninja Foodi 10 Quart DualZone XL is a dual-basket air fryer that lets you cook two foods at once, and it is so powerful. If you have a big household or want to make mains and sides at the same time, this heavy hitter, which is kind of heavy, is for you. Our value winner, the Beautiful Touchscreen Air Fryer, performed much better than any toaster oven and took less time than the TurboBlaze during the wing test. It has limited features, but it's very easy to use. It does, however, feel budget in construction.

The bottom line

After frying many bags of French fries, I have developed preferences. I love the versatility of dual-basket machines, but they are often heavy, so single-basket styles feel quick and easy in comparison. In the single-basket category, there are multiple contenders, so choosing one can be nearly impossible, but the Cosori is an easy one to recommend. It's not expensive, it's consistent, and it's also accurate — no guesswork, adding minutes here and there. Just reliable results every time, and practical for everyday use. It's not only the best overall, but also the best-looking.

Who should buy:

• Someone who wants a one-basket solution that is nice enough to leave on the counter.
• Any home cook who wants a large basket that's easy to manage and clean.
• People looking for a multi-function air fryer.

Who should skip:

• Smaller households may find the air fryer too large.
• If you are rough with your things, go with a more durable option.
• People who are concerned about the release button handle.

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