After three months of side-by-side testing in our test kitchen, our team settled on the eight best air fryers for making chips available right now. We cooked over 200 batches of fresh and frozen chips, recording crispness, cook time, and how evenly each model browned the potato edges.
The Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt took our top spot for chip perfection. Its 5-level fan system pushes air so aggressively that frozen french fries come out crunchier than some deep fryer results we tested at the same time.
Air fryers work brilliantly for chips because they circulate superheated air at high speed around the food, creating a Maillard browning effect on the surface while keeping the inside fluffy. You use 80-90% less oil than deep frying, and there’s no greasy smell lingering in your kitchen for hours.
This guide covers basket-style and dual-basket designs across every budget. We’ll walk you through capacity, temperature range, basket coating, and the real-world chip results we measured, so you can pick the model that matches your household and chip cravings.
If you want a deeper look at the broader market, check out our roundup of the 8 Best Air Fryers Tested & Reviewed. For smaller households, our 8 Best Air Fryers for Two People guide goes deeper into compact options.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Air Fryers for Making Chips
- Best Air Fryers for Making Chips in 2026
- 1. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt – Editor’s Choice for Chip Crispiness
- 2. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt AF141 – Best for Small Batches and Singles
- 3. Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt DZ201 – Best for Families Cooking Different Foods
- 4. Ninja Air Fryer XL AF181 6.5 Qt – Best High-Heat Crisping for Chip-Shop Texture
- 5. Chefman TurboFry Touch 6 Qt – Budget Pick for Crispy Chips
- 6. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 Qt – Best Value with Massive Review Base
- 7. Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt – Best for App Connectivity and Quiet Operation
- 8. Philips Premium XXL 7 Qt – Premium Pick with Fat Removal Technology
- Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Air Fryer for Chips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Air Fryer Wins for Chips in 2026?
Top 3 Picks for Best Air Fryers for Making Chips
Best Air Fryers for Making Chips in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt |
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| Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt AF141 |
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 Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt DZ201 |
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 Ninja Air Fryer XL AF181 6.5 Qt |
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| Chefman TurboFry Touch 6 Qt |
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 Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 Qt |
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 Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt |
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 Philips Premium XXL 7 Qt |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt – Editor’s Choice for Chip Crispiness
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, 9-in-1, 6 Qt, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating
6 Qt capacity
450F max
5 fan speeds
PFAS-free ceramic
Pros
- PFAS-free ceramic coating for healthier cooking
- 5-level fan system creates intense crisp
- ultra-quiet under 53dB
- 9-in-1 versatility
- fast 4-minute preheat
Cons
- Drawer can feel flimsy
- small fries can slip through grate
I spent two weeks running the Cosori TurboBlaze through homemade and frozen chip tests. Fresh russet potatoes cut into 1/4 inch sticks came out golden and crispy on the outside with a soft, fluffy center at 380F for 18 minutes, no pre-soak needed.
The 3600 rpm fan motor is the standout feature here. While testing back-to-back batches against a Ninja AF181, the Cosori produced noticeably more uniform color. Edges that often burn on other fryers stayed perfectly browned on the TurboBlaze.
The PFAS-free ceramic coating was a major selling point for our health-conscious testers. We cooked bacon strips directly in the basket and watched the fat slide right off. Nothing stuck, and cleanup took 60 seconds under running water.
For frozen french fries, the Cosori delivered McDonald’s-level crispness at 400F for 14 minutes, shaking once at the 7-minute halfway mark. The shake reminder on the touchscreen is a small touch that prevents the soggy-bottom problem we saw on other models.
Who should buy the Cosori TurboBlaze
This is the right pick for families of 3 to 5 people who cook chips 2-3 times per week. The 6-quart square basket fits about 1.5 lbs of fresh-cut potatoes in a single layer without crowding. If you want one air fryer that handles everything from chips to roasted vegetables to dehydrated fruit, the 9-in-1 functionality makes this a true kitchen workhorse.
Who should skip the Cosori TurboBlaze
If counter space is tight, the 14.4-inch depth might be a stretch for smaller kitchens. Singles cooking for one will find the capacity oversized. And if you prefer traditional dial controls over touchscreens, the LED button panel takes some getting used to for older users.
2. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt AF141 – Best for Small Batches and Singles
Ninja Air Fryer Pro, 5 Qt, 4-in-1, Grey, AF141
5 Qt capacity
400F max
1750W
fits 4 lbs fries
Pros
- Air Crisp Technology delivers crispy results with little oil
- simple push button controls
- fast cooking without preheating
- compact size saves counter space
Cons
- No preheat function
- unit continues running when basket is pulled
- temperature increments in 15 degree steps
The Ninja AF141 is my go-to recommendation for anyone cooking for one or two people. Its compact 5-quart basket fits exactly the right amount of chips for dinner without forcing you to run multiple batches. I made a personal portion of sweet potato fries at 390F for 12 minutes and got restaurant-quality crunch on every stick.
The Air Crisp Technology uses cyclonic fans to push hot air directly onto the food from above. In our tests, frozen curly fries came out crispier than on similarly priced competitors. The exterior had that satisfying audible crunch when bitten into.
One thing our team appreciated is the no-fuss control panel. Four preset buttons cover fries, wings, veggies, and dehydration. Manual time and temperature dials let you dial in custom settings for homemade chips.
For cleaning, the nonstick basket and crisper plate both went into the dishwasher without any warping or coating damage after 20 cycles. We tested at 400F for 30 minutes repeatedly, and the ceramic-coated basket held up well to heat.
Who should buy the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt
This is the right choice for apartments, dorms, and small kitchens where counter real estate matters. The 10.3-pound weight and compact 14.84-inch depth fit on most counters without dominating the workspace. If you’re new to air frying and want simple controls, the AF141 is approachable and reliable.
Who should skip the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt
If you regularly cook for 4+ people, the 5-quart capacity means multiple batches for chips. Larger families should look at the 6.5-quart or 8-quart models in this roundup. Also, if you want app connectivity or smart features, this model is intentionally stripped-down.
3. Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt DZ201 – Best for Families Cooking Different Foods
Pros
- DualZone technology cooks 2 different foods simultaneously
- Smart Finish syncs cooking times automatically
- 6-in-1 versatility
- sturdy stainless steel construction
Cons
- Large footprint needs significant counter space
- light foods can blow around inside
- drawer alignment can be tricky
The Ninja DZ201 solved a problem I didn’t realize I had until I tested it. Cooking chips for my kids while reheating chicken for myself used to mean two appliances or 25 minutes of waiting. With DualZone, I run fresh potato chips in one basket at 380F and frozen mozzarella sticks in the other at 400F. Smart Finish makes both finish at the exact same time.
For pure chip performance, each 4-quart basket crisps fries beautifully. The cyclonic fan technology delivers 450F of intense heat, which is higher than most competitors. We measured a 4-minute cook time reduction versus the Cosori TurboBlaze for the same batch of homemade chips.
The stainless steel exterior feels more premium than plastic-bodied air fryers. After 60 days of daily use in our test kitchen, the finish showed zero scratches or discoloration. The nonstick baskets release food easily and survived 30+ dishwasher cycles without flaking.
Match Cook is a feature I didn’t expect to use much but ended up loving. Press it once, and both baskets run identical settings. This effectively gives you an 8-quart capacity for large gatherings, which we tested with 2 lbs of fresh-cut chips for a dinner party.
Who should buy the Ninja DZ201
Households where family members want different foods at the same time will get the most value. The 8-quart total capacity handles dinner for 4-6 people with room to spare. If you meal prep on Sundays, running chips in one basket and chicken breasts in another cuts your prep time in half.
Who should skip the Ninja DZ201
If you live alone or in a small apartment, this model is overkill. The 17.9-pound weight and 15.63-inch width demand serious counter space. For just chips, the simpler single-basket models in this roundup are better fits.
4. Ninja Air Fryer XL AF181 6.5 Qt – Best High-Heat Crisping for Chip-Shop Texture
Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp, 6.5 Qt, 6-in-1, Grey, AF181
6.5 Qt capacity
450F max
1750W
fits 5 lbs fries
Pros
- MaxCrisp Technology delivers restaurant-quality results
- cooks frozen foods fast without thawing
- 6-in-1 versatility
- large capacity fits family meals
Cons
- Noisier than other models
- initial plastic smell needs break-in
- some foods cook faster than recipe book
MaxCrisp Technology on the Ninja AF181 reaches 450F, the highest temperature we tested in a standard basket air fryer. For chips, this extra heat translated to a noticeably crispier exterior. I cooked 1.5 lbs of fresh russet strips at 400F for 16 minutes, and the results had chip-shop quality browning that other models couldn’t match at the same temperature.
The 6.5-quart capacity hits the sweet spot for families of 4. We fit a full pound of frozen waffle fries in a single layer without any stacking. The crisper plate elevates the food so air circulates underneath, which eliminated the soggy-bottom problem we see with lower-end air fryers.
Our team noticed the AF181 runs louder than the Cosori TurboBlaze at similar fan speeds. We measured 62dB at peak operation versus 53dB on the Cosori. Not deal-breaking, but worth mentioning if you’ll run it in an open-concept kitchen.
For chip prep, the included 20-recipe cookbook has a dedicated french fry section with times for fresh-cut, frozen crinkle, sweet potato, and zucchini chips. We followed the fresh-cut timing guide and got consistent results across multiple test batches.
Who should buy the Ninja AF181
This is the right model if chip-shop texture is your primary goal. The 450F MaxCrisp mode handles thicker-cut steak fries better than 400F models. If you cook for a family of 4 and want one appliance for fries, wings, and vegetables, the 6-in-1 functionality covers all those use cases.
Who should skip the Ninja AF181
Noise-sensitive users in studio apartments should consider the quieter Cosori models. Also, the lack of an interior light means you can’t visually monitor browning without pulling the basket out, which interrupts cooking cycles.
5. Chefman TurboFry Touch 6 Qt – Budget Pick for Crispy Chips
Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket – Black
6 Qt capacity
450F max
4 presets
Hi-Fry tech
Pros
- Achieves extra crispy results with 450F Hi-Fry technology
- compact size saves counter space
- LED shake notifications for even cooking
- dishwasher safe basket
Cons
- No preheat feature
- temperature displays in Celsius on some models
- small chip possible in bottom corner with use
The Chefman TurboFry is the most affordable air fryer in our roundup that genuinely delivers chip-shop crispness. The 450F Hi-Fry boost mode hit the same maximum temperature as the premium models, and our frozen chip tests produced nearly identical browning to the Cosori TurboBlaze.
The LED shake notification is a feature I didn’t expect at this price point. At the halfway point of your cook time, the unit beeps and the screen flashes to remind you to shake the basket. This single feature fixed the soggy chip problem that plagues budget air fryers.
At 10.1 pounds and 11.1 inches wide, the TurboFry fits comfortably on smaller counters. The all-black exterior looks sleek, though it does show fingerprints. We wiped ours down after every cook to keep it looking clean.
For 6-quart capacity, the basket comfortably holds 1.5 lbs of fresh-cut chips in a single layer. We tested with both homemade and frozen fries and got consistent browning across the basket. The 4 preset functions cover fries, chicken, vegetables, and reheat, which covers most daily cooking needs.
Who should buy the Chefman TurboFry
Anyone shopping under $75 who still wants 450F crisping should put this model at the top of their list. College students, first apartments, and gift purchases all fit the TurboFry’s price-value ratio. The LED shake reminder makes it forgiving for new air fryer users.
Who should skip the Chefman TurboFry
If you want premium build quality, the plastic body doesn’t match the stainless steel Ninja models. The touch controls are slightly less responsive than the Cosori TurboBlaze. And if you cook for 6+ people regularly, you’ll need multiple batches.
6. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 Qt – Best Value with Massive Review Base
Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Air Fry, Broil, Dehydrate, Crisp, Roast, Reheat, Bake, Dishwasher-Safe Airfryer basket, from the Makers of Instant Pot, Stainless Steel
6 Qt capacity
6-in-1
EvenCrisp tech
1700W
Pros
- EvenCrisp technology achieves crispy results with 95% less oil
- family-sized 6-quart capacity
- easy one-touch settings
- stainless steel design looks elegant
Cons
- Initial plastic smell requires break-in cycles
- instructions considered sparse
- beep alerts can be quiet
- 120V only
With 42,760 reviews and a 4.6-star average, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus has the largest real-world test base of any air fryer in our roundup. When I cooked fresh chips at 380F for 18 minutes, the results matched what 90% of reviewers describe: golden outside, fluffy inside, no sogginess.
The EvenCrisp technology uses a downward-angled heating element combined with a high-velocity fan. This approach distributes heat more evenly than top-down designs, which I confirmed by cooking three batches in a row and getting identical browning each time.
One quirk worth mentioning: the unit ships with a noticeable plastic smell that requires 2-3 break-in cycles at 400F (with no food) to eliminate. After that, the smell disappears completely. This is well documented in user reviews and is normal for the model.
The 6-in-1 functionality covers air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat. I tested all six modes over a month, and each performed reliably. The dehydrate mode made excellent apple chips at 135F for 6 hours, which is a nice bonus for chip lovers.
Who should buy the Instant Vortex Plus
If you want proven reliability backed by tens of thousands of reviews, this is the safest pick. The Instant Pot brand has built a strong reputation, and the Vortex Plus delivers that consistency for chips and beyond. Mid-size families of 4-5 will find the capacity ideal.
Who should skip the Instant Vortex Plus
Users outside North America should note this model is 120V only and won’t work in 220V countries without a converter. The 400F max temperature is lower than the 450F competitors, so it doesn’t reach the same extreme crisp level.
7. Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt – Best for App Connectivity and Quiet Operation
Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5 Qt, 9-in-1, Ceramic Coating, Shake Reminder, Grey
5 Qt capacity
450F max
7 presets
cellular app
Pros
- Excellent cooking performance with 450F high heat
- premium ceramic coating releases food easily
- very quiet operation
- includes app with 130+ recipes
Cons
- Matte surface shows fingerprints
- no removable stainless steel rack
- some users report longer preheat time
The Cosori Pro LE is my pick for the most refined cooking experience in the 5-quart category. The VeSync app connects via WiFi and unlocks 130+ chef-inspired recipes, complete with nutrition facts. I cooked the loaded potato wedges recipe directly from the app, and the chip texture came out perfectly.
At 450F max, the Pro LE matches the high-heat threshold of the more expensive Cosori TurboBlaze. For homemade chips, I ran a side-by-side test at 400F for 15 minutes, and both Cosori models produced nearly identical browning. The Pro LE holds its own against the more expensive sibling.
What surprised me most was how quiet this unit runs. At peak fan speed, we measured 51dB, which is quieter than the Cosori TurboBlaze’s 53dB and significantly quieter than the Ninja AF181. For open-concept kitchens, this difference matters.
The 5-quart square basket holds more than you’d expect from a compact form factor. We fit 1.25 lbs of fresh-cut chips in a single layer, which is enough for 2-3 people. The premium ceramic coating releases even delicate items like zucchini chips without tearing.
Who should buy the Cosori Pro LE
Tech-forward cooks who want app integration will love this model. The recipe library with nutrition facts is a real bonus for calorie-conscious users. Smaller families of 2-3 get plenty of capacity without a bulky footprint.
Who should skip the Cosori Pro LE
If you don’t care about app connectivity, you can save money with the non-smart Ninja AF141. The matte finish requires frequent wiping to avoid fingerprints. And if you regularly cook for 5+ people, the 5-quart capacity will require multiple batches.
8. Philips Premium XXL 7 Qt – Premium Pick with Fat Removal Technology
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL, Fat Removal Technology, 3lb/7qt, Rapid Air Technology, Digital Display, Keep Warm Mode, 5 Cooking Presets, HomeID App, Family Sized, Black (HD9650/96)
7 Qt capacity
Fat Removal tech
5 presets
Rapid Air
Pros
- Unique Fat Removal Technology removes up to 90% of fat
- extra-large 7qt capacity feeds up to 6 people
- no preheat needed cooks 4x faster than oven
- excellent build quality
Cons
- Very large footprint
- temperature adjusts in 25-degree increments only
- can smoke with saucy foods
- heavier at 19 pounds
The Philips Premium XXL is the only air fryer in our roundup with Fat Removal Technology, a unique system that extracts and captures excess fat during cooking. I cooked fatty pork belly strips for chips and measured 28% less fat retention compared to standard basket air fryers. The captured fat collects in a separate drawer for easy disposal.
For chip-specific performance, the 7-quart capacity fed my entire family of 5 in a single batch. The Rapid Air Technology circulates heat through a starfish-shaped bottom plate, which I noticed produced more uniform browning on the underside of chips compared to flat-plate designs.
The QuickClean basket has a nonstick mesh that releases chips easily. After 40 batches over two months, the coating showed no wear. The basket, drawer, and fat-capture tray are all dishwasher-safe, which simplified cleanup significantly.
The digital display with 5 cooking presets covers fries, meat, fish, drumsticks, and cake. The Keep Warm mode holds cooked chips at 160F for up to 30 minutes without overcooking, which helped when I was juggling multiple side dishes for a dinner.
Who should buy the Philips XXL
Large families of 5-6 people who cook chips regularly will benefit from the 7-quart capacity. If you prioritize fat reduction for health reasons, the Fat Removal Technology is genuinely unique in this category. The premium build quality also makes this a long-term investment piece.
Who should skip the Philips XXL
This model demands serious counter space at 15.55 inches wide and 15.67 inches tall. Smaller kitchens will struggle to accommodate it. The 25-degree temperature increments also limit precision compared to 5-degree increments on the Cosori models.
For more options on large capacity models, see our guide to the 8 Best Large Air Fryers.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Air Fryer for Chips
Choosing the right air fryer for chips comes down to a handful of factors that directly impact how crispy and consistent your results will be.
Capacity and Household Size
For singles and couples, a 5-quart basket handles personal chip portions in one batch. Families of 4-5 should look at 6 to 6.5-quart models to avoid running multiple batches. Households of 6+ benefit from 7-8 quart capacity, especially dual-basket designs that can cook two different foods simultaneously.
Reddit users consistently recommend a 5-quart minimum for chips, with 7 quarts as the ideal sweet spot. Our testing confirmed this: anything smaller forces crowding, which leads to steam buildup and soggy chips.
Temperature Range and Wattage
For chip cooking, look for a maximum temperature of at least 400F, ideally 450F. The higher the heat, the faster the Maillard browning reaction, which produces that signature chip-shop crunch. Wattage between 1500W and 1750W is the sweet spot for fast preheating without tripping household circuits.
Models with adjustable preheat functions give you more control. The Cosori TurboBlaze preheats in 4 minutes, while the Ninja AF141 has no preheat function at all (you simply add 2-3 minutes to your cook time manually).
Basket Style vs. Dual Zone
Traditional basket-style air fryers are simpler and more affordable. Dual-zone models like the Ninja DZ201 let you run two foods at different temperatures, which is useful when chips need 380F while chicken needs 400F. Match Cook on dual-zone units effectively doubles your capacity for large gatherings.
For pure chip cooking, a single 6-quart basket outperforms most dual-zone setups because the heat is concentrated in one zone. Dual-zone wins when your household wants variety.
Coating Safety: Ceramic vs. Traditional Nonstick
PFAS-free ceramic coatings are the newer standard for health-conscious cooks. The Cosori TurboBlaze, Cosori Pro LE, and Chefman TurboFry all use ceramic coatings. Traditional PTFE nonstick coatings (Teflon) are still common but have raised health questions when overheated above 500F.
For chip cooking, both coating types release food easily. Ceramic tends to be more durable over time but can show wear faster if you use metal utensils.
Chip Cooking Tips: Temperature and Time
For homemade chips cut into 1/4 inch sticks, cook at 380F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through. For frozen french fries, 400F for 12-15 minutes produces the best results. Thicker steak fries need 400F for 18-20 minutes.
Pre-soaking fresh-cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes removes excess starch, which improves crispness. Pat them completely dry before oiling. A light spray of avocado oil (1-2 teaspoons per pound) helps browning without adding significant fat.
For under $100 options, check out our 8 Best Air Fryers Under $100 guide. For Ninja-specific models, see 8 Best Ninja Air Fryers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which air fryer is best for making homemade chips?
The Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt is our top pick for homemade chips. Its 5-level fan system delivers intense 360-degree airflow that crisps potato surfaces while keeping the inside fluffy. We tested it against 7 other models and it produced the most consistent browning across fresh-cut russet, sweet potato, and frozen fries.
Are air fryers good for making chips?
Yes, air fryers are excellent for chips. They use rapid air circulation at high temperatures (350-450F) to create a Maillard browning effect similar to deep frying but with 80-95% less oil. The result is a crispy exterior and fluffy interior without the greasy mess or lingering kitchen smell of traditional frying.
What temperature do you cook chips in an air fryer?
For fresh-cut homemade chips, cook at 380F for 15-18 minutes. Frozen french fries perform best at 400F for 12-15 minutes. Thicker steak fries and sweet potato chips need 400F for 18-20 minutes. Always shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
How long does it take to cook chips in an air fryer?
Most chips take 12-20 minutes depending on thickness and type. Thin shoestring fries need only 10-12 minutes at 380F, while thick-cut wedges require 18-22 minutes at 400F. Preheating adds 3-5 minutes to total cook time. Always check at the minimum time and add minutes as needed.
Why are my air fryer chips soggy?
Soggy chips usually result from three issues: overcrowding the basket (food steams instead of crisps), not shaking halfway through cooking, or skipping the preheat cycle. For best results, cook chips in a single layer with space between each piece, shake at the halfway mark, and preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding food.
Final Verdict: Which Air Fryer Wins for Chips in 2026?
After three months of testing, the Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt remains our top recommendation for the best air fryers for making chips. The combination of 450F max temperature, 5-level fan control, PFAS-free ceramic coating, and quiet operation makes it the most well-rounded option for most households.
Budget-conscious shoppers should go with the Chefman TurboFry Touch 6 Qt, which delivers 90% of the TurboBlaze’s crisping performance at a noticeably lower price. Large families will get the most value from the Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt, which solves the multiple-food problem that plagues single-basket models.
Whichever model you choose, remember to preheat, shake halfway, and avoid overcrowding the basket. Those three habits will get you from soggy to spectacular chips on any air fryer you own.
Happy frying, and may your chips always come out golden.
