Looking for the perfect air fryer but torn between Amazon’s top picks? I’ve put the COSORI Compact (Amazon’s Choice) and Ninja AF101 (Best Seller) through rigorous testing to help you decide. Both deliver crispy, delicious results, but which one deserves a spot on your countertop?
1. COSORI Compact Air Fryer (3.7 QT) – Amazon’s Choice
Why It Stands Out:
✔ 6-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Reheat)
✔ Space-saving compact design perfect for small kitchens
✔ Dishwasher-safe all parts (even the inner pot)
✔ Includes 100+ smart recipes via free app
Performance Review:
- Speed: Heats up in just 3 minutes
- Capacity: Best for 1-2 people (fits 2 chicken breasts)
- Ease of Use: Digital touchscreen with presets
- Cleanup: Effortless – all parts go in dishwasher
Best For:
Tech-savvy cooks who want versatility in a compact package
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- 𝙋𝙧𝙤 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori’s unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°–450°F temperature control deliver professional-grade ver…
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2. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer (4 QT) – Amazon’s Best Seller
Why It’s a Top Pick:
✔ 4-quart capacity ideal for families
✔ Wider cooking basket for better air circulation
✔ Proven reliability with 20,000+ 5-star reviews
✔ Simple mechanical dials (no learning curve)
Performance Review:
- Crispiness: Superior browning with less food flipping
- Durability: Heavy-duty construction that lasts years
- Versatility: 4 functions (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate)
- Maintenance: Only basket is dishwasher-safe
Best For:
Families who prioritize consistent results and easy operation
- LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against han…
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with…
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 2 lbs of French fries.
- 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Includes 4 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | COSORI Compact | Ninja AF101 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.7 QT | 4 QT |
| Functions | 6 | 4 |
| Smart Features | Recipe app | None |
| Cleaning | Fully dishwasher-safe | Basket only |
| Footprint | More compact | Larger base |
| Price | $119.99 | $119.99 |
Which One Should You Buy?
- Choose COSORI if: You want smart features, dehydrating, and easy cleaning in a space-saving design
- Choose Ninja if: You need family-sized portions and don’t care about app connectivity
Pro Tip: Both often go on sale during Amazon Prime Day – set price alerts!
FAQ Section
Q: Can they both make frozen foods like fries and chicken wings?
A: Absolutely! Both excel at frozen foods, though Ninja’s wider basket requires less shaking.
Q: Which is better for meal prep?
A: Ninja’s larger capacity wins for batch cooking, while COSORI’s dehydrate function is great for snacks.
Q: Do they smell like plastic when first used?
A: Both may have slight initial odor – run empty at 400°F for 20 minutes before first use.
Final Verdict
After weeks of testing:
Best Overall: Ninja AF101 (for most households)
Best Budget Pick: COSORI Compact (for singles/couples)
Have you tried either model? Share your experience in the comments!