CNET’s 2026 list of best air fryers puts the PFAS-free, glass-bowl Ninja Crispi at the top, with a score of 9.2 after months of testing. The ranking also features a glass-bowl air fryer and slow-cooker combination from Magnifique, while other picks use stainless steel or conventional designs—so the list is not exclusively made up of models marketed as nontoxic.

CNET says it tested nearly two dozen air fryers, including newer models from Ninja, Magnifique, Cosori and Philips, such as the Ninja Crispi glass air fryer. Its top-ranked Crispi uses a glass cooking chamber instead of the metal or nonstick baskets common in the category. CNET highlights the ability to watch food cook, clean the glass vessel in a dishwasher and use it as a sealed food container after cooking. The publication also says the appliance cooked food evenly in its tests and has four cooking modes.

The Crispi received a 9.2 score, but it has trade-offs. CNET says the glass gets hot during cooking, the fryer is relatively expensive and users do not have precise temperature control. The listed retail price is $180; CNET reports it is often on sale for $160 or less. A larger, more expensive Crispi Pro is also mentioned, but the supplied material does not provide its score or a full comparison; see this Ninja Crispi Pro overview for more on the model.

The list includes a Magnifique air fryer and slow-cooker combo that also uses a glass pot, as well as models with other construction and features. CNET gives the Philips 5000 Series a score of 8.2 and describes its two cooking chambers and steam function; the Cosori Iconic earns 8.6 and has a stainless-steel exterior. Other listed choices include a compact Ninja pod fryer and a small retro-style model. CNET also describes a PFAS-free countertop oven-style pick, but the source material does not identify its brand or full ranking details.

Glass Chambers Gain Ground

The rankings reflect a practical choice facing shoppers: cooking performance, cleanup, price and materials do not always point to the same product. For people seeking to avoid a conventional nonstick basket, CNET’s leading glass model offers a different cooking surface and a vessel that can go in the dishwasher. That design may also make it easier to check food without opening the fryer, according to CNET’s assessment.

But “nontoxic” is not a uniform product category in the information provided. CNET notes a market shift toward glass, ceramic and stainless-steel construction as consumers pay more attention to chemical coatings and PFAS. Its list includes a stated PFAS-free model and several material choices, but it does not provide a single certification standard or a detailed chemical analysis for every appliance. Readers should distinguish a maker’s materials description from independent testing of all components.

The practical compromises matter as well. The Crispi’s glass heats up, and its price is higher than some basic air fryers. A glass container may be easier to clean than a coated basket, but buyers still need to check capacity, counter space and the functions they will use. CNET’s rankings help compare those factors, but they do not establish that one design suits every household.

How CNET Tested the Picks

CNET presents the list as the result of months of testing and says it evaluated nearly two dozen models. The publication describes a category with products ranging from compact pod fryers to larger dual-chamber appliances and multifunction cookers. Its top pick is not simply the newest or most feature-heavy option: the Crispi’s glass bowl, cleaning convenience and cooking results underpin its ranking, while its limited temperature control and price are listed as drawbacks.

The material supplied for this article includes selected summaries and scores rather than the complete testing protocol or every product entry. It says the Philips 5000 Series has 2,750 watts, the highest power among models on the list, but also takes up substantial counter space and is among the most expensive. The Cosori Iconic is praised for power and a stainless-steel shell, while CNET characterizes the compact Ninja as a value pick. These are CNET’s editorial evaluations, not independently reproduced test results.

““After months of testing, the PFAS-free glass-bowl Ninja Crispi still tops our list of best air fryers.””

— CNET

Materials Claims Need Detail

The supplied source does not specify the exact materials used in every cooking surface, gasket, lid or internal component, nor does it provide lab results assessing chemical exposure across all seven picks. It identifies the Crispi as PFAS-free and describes a separate countertop oven-style model as PFAS-free, but the latter is not named in the material provided. It is also not clear from the excerpts which seven products make up the complete list or the scores for every entry.

CNET’s product scores reflect its own testing and judgment. The source does not explain the full scoring method, test recipes, sample sizes or whether performance may vary by food, batch or use. Price promotions can change, too: the reported $160-or-less sale price is not a guarantee of current availability. Shoppers looking for specific chemical information may need to consult product specifications or contact manufacturers directly.

Check Fit Before Buying

The immediate next step for shoppers is to compare current prices and product specifications against their needs, especially capacity, counter space, cleaning requirements and temperature controls. Those considering a glass model should account for the hot vessel and follow the manufacturer’s handling instructions. Buyers focused on avoiding particular coatings should verify what the claim covers and which parts of the appliance it applies to.

CNET’s rankings may change as it tests additional models or updates its reviews; the supplied material does not announce a scheduled revision or a future product launch. Until further testing or clearer product disclosures are available, the list is best read as a snapshot of CNET’s current recommendations—not a universal certification of safety or a guarantee of performance in every kitchen.

Key Questions

Is the Ninja Crispi CNET’s top air fryer for 2026?

Yes. CNET assigns the Ninja Crispi a 9.2 score and ranks it as its best air fryer overall after months of testing.

Does CNET say all seven picks are nontoxic?

No. The source describes a mix of materials and designs, including glass, stainless steel and other models. It identifies the Crispi as PFAS-free but does not establish that every pick is free of all potentially concerning chemicals.

What are the main drawbacks of the Ninja Crispi?

CNET says the glass gets hot, the appliance is relatively expensive and it does not offer precise temperature control. The stated retail price is $180, though CNET says it is often discounted.

How many air fryers did CNET test?

CNET says it tested nearly two dozen models, including newer products from Ninja, Magnifique, Cosori and Philips.

Does a PFAS-free label describe every part of an air fryer?

The supplied information does not say. It does not give a component-by-component materials analysis, so shoppers seeking a specific chemical disclosure should check the manufacturer’s documentation for the particular model.

Source: CNET