Healthy eating is one of my biggest fitness goals for 2026, and I realised that it all starts in the kitchen. Like many of us, I want to eat better without giving up on taste or spending hours cooking every day. That’s where air fryers come in. They help you cook your favourite foods using very little oil, making meals lighter, healthier, and still delicious.
From quick breakfasts to post-workout snacks and even weekend treats, an air fryer can handle it all. It saves time, reduces oil use, and makes cooking less stressful, especially on busy days. But with so many options available, choosing the right air fryer can feel confusing.
To make things easier, I explored and compared different models based on features, capacity, and ease of use. Here’s a list of the best air fryers I found that can truly support your fitness goals and help you stay consistent with healthy cooking throughout 2026.
The Instant Vortex Plus 6L Air Fryer is a strong choice for anyone starting a fitness-focused cooking routine in 2026. Powered by a 1500W motor, it uses 360° EvenCrisp Technology to cook food evenly with up to 95% less oil. The 6-in-1 functions let you air fry, roast, grill, bake, reheat, and dehydrate using simple touch controls.
Its 6-litre capacity suits families, while the stainless-steel body looks premium yet doesn’t take up too much counter space. It’s easy to use, quick to clean, and ideal for daily healthy meals.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers say the Instant Pot Vortex 6L Air Fryer is a reliable, everyday kitchen essential. Many praised its fast heating, even cooking, minimal oil use, intuitive touchscreen, useful presets, large capacity for families, and easy cleaning, calling it excellent value and highly recommended for air frying, baking, and reheating.
Why choose this product?
Choose this air fryer for reliable performance, powerful cooking, and truly healthy results. It’s easy to use, family-sized, and perfect for anyone serious about clean eating in 2026.
The Pigeon Healthifry Digital Air Fryer is a budget-friendly option for beginners starting a fitness-focused lifestyle in 2026. Powered by a 1200W heating system, it uses 360° high-speed air circulation to cook food evenly with up to 85% less oil. The 4.2-litre non-stick basket is ideal for small families or individuals.
Digital controls make it easy to set time and temperature, while its compact design fits well in small kitchens. It can handle daily snacks and simple meals without much effort or learning curve.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers say this budget-friendly air fryer delivers impressive cooking results with easy cleaning, a smooth digital display, and a convenient 6A plug ideal for hostels. However, one buyer reported early errors and poor after-sales service, while others praised its oil-free cooking, decent capacity, and overall value for money.
Why choose this product?
Choose this air fryer if you want an affordable, simple way to start healthy cooking. It saves oil, fits small spaces, and is easy to use for everyday snacks and meals.
The Philips NA120/00 Air Fryer is a reliable option for anyone serious about healthy cooking in 2026. Powered by a strong 1500W motor, it uses patented Rapid Air Technology with a unique starfish design to cook food evenly with up to 90% less fat. The 4.2-litre capacity works well for small to medium families. Preset cooking menus make daily use simple, while manual temperature control offers flexibility. Its compact yet sturdy build fits comfortably on most kitchen counters and is easy to clean and maintain.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers say this Philips air fryer is a no-nonsense, durable option that cooks evenly using RapidAir technology. Many praised its solid build, easy analog controls, minimal oil usage, and crispy results, calling it value for money for small families, though some missed digital presets and auto-pause features.
Why choose this product?
Choose this air fryer for dependable performance, even cooking, and healthier meals. It’s easy to use, energy efficient, and ideal for anyone starting or sticking to a clean eating routine.
The Milton Rapid Digital Air Fryer is a balanced choice for fitness-focused cooking without spending too much. Powered by a 1450W motor, it uses 360° high-speed air circulation to cook food evenly with up to 90% less oil. The 4.2-litre basket is suitable for small to medium families, while 8 preset menus make daily cooking simple.
Its touch control panel and digital display are easy to understand, even for beginners. The compact, modern design fits well on most kitchen counters and is easy to clean after regular use.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers say the Milton air fryer delivers crispy, juicy results with minimal oil and works quietly. Many praised its responsive digital touch panel, easy cleaning, versatile presets for daily cooking, and sturdy build, calling it a value-for-money choice for small families seeking healthier, hassle-free meals.
Why choose this product?
Choose this air fryer if you want fast, even cooking with simple controls. It’s ideal for healthy everyday meals, family portions, and hassle-free use during a busy fitness-focused routine.
The Philips NA130/00 Air Fryer is ideal for families or anyone batch-cooking healthy meals for a fitness-focused lifestyle in 2026. Powered by a strong 1700W motor, it uses patented Rapid Air Technology with a starfish design to deliver even cooking with up to 90% less fat. The large 6.2-litre basket easily handles full meals, meal prep, or party snacks. Preset cooking modes simplify daily use, while manual temperature control adds flexibility. Its solid build needs some counter space but offers reliable, consistent results every time.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers say the Philips NA130/00 air fryer delivers tasty, evenly cooked food and works better than an oven for daily healthy cooking. They like its fast 1700W heating, large 6.2L basket, and Rapid Air Technology. Many note that adding a little oil or ghee improves moisture and taste. However, a few users reported receiving faulty units and were unhappy with Amazon’s replacement support, needing to rely on Philips warranty instead.
Why choose this product?
Choose this air fryer if you cook in larger quantities and want consistent, healthy results. It’s powerful, easy to use, and perfect for family meals or weekly fitness meal prep.
The AGARO Galaxy Digital Air Fryer is a practical mid-range option for anyone starting healthy home cooking in 2026. Powered by a 1400W motor, it uses 360° rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly with up to 90% less oil. The 4.5-litre capacity works well for small families and quick meal prep.
With 7 preset programs, reheat and keep-warm functions, it simplifies everyday cooking. Its compact stainless-steel body fits easily on kitchen counters and is simple to operate using the digital touch display.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers say this air fryer is one of the best recent purchases, praising its ease of use and oil-free cooking. One buyer called it “magic,” while others highlighted that it air fries food to perfection and is ideal for small families seeking healthy and delicious meals.
Why choose this product?
Choose this air fryer for balanced performance and value. It cooks evenly, saves oil, fits small kitchens, and offers useful presets for everyday healthy meals without complicating your routine.
The SOLARA 12L Air Fryer Oven is perfect for large families or meal preppers aiming for healthy cooking in 2026. With 1800W rapid-air technology, it cooks food evenly with up to 85% less oil while keeping a crispy texture. Its massive 12-litre, 3-tier capacity handles full meals, pizzas, or large batches of snacks.
The intuitive LED touch panel offers 12 preset modes for air frying, grilling, roasting, baking, and reheating. Made with food-safe materials and premium accessories, it’s easy to use, safe, and replaces multiple kitchen appliances.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers say the Solara Air Fryer Oven is easy to use, cooks food evenly, and requires very little oil. One praised its preset modes and crispy results, while another highlighted its quick heating, good capacity, and simple cleaning, making it perfect for healthy everyday cooking.
Why choose this product?
Choose this air fryer oven for family-sized, healthy meals with minimal oil. It’s versatile, safe, and powerful, handling large batches while replacing multiple appliances in one compact, convenient device.
The Bosch Crispmaxx Air Fryer combines European expertise with family-friendly design, making it perfect for healthy cooking in 2026. With a 7.2-litre capacity, it cooks up to five portions at once without taking too much counter space. Its powerful heating and 360° air circulation ensure even, crispy results for fries, meat, and baked goods.
The illuminated viewing window and touch panel with 7 preset menus make cooking easy and precise. Dishwasher-safe components simplify cleanup, and its sleek black finish adds a modern touch to any kitchen.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers say the Bosch CrispMaxx Airfryer is a premium, easy-to-use appliance that heats up quickly and cooks evenly. One praised its crispy yet juicy results with minimal oil, while another highlighted the preset modes, adjustable settings, and handy shake alarm for perfectly cooked meals.
Why choose this product?
Choose Bosch Crispmaxx for family-sized healthy meals with minimal fuss. Its large capacity, easy controls, and even cooking ensure consistent results, while cleanup is simple and stress-free.
Is an air fryer really healthier than deep frying?
Yes, an air fryer is much healthier than deep frying. It uses hot air instead of large amounts of oil to cook food. This helps reduce calories and fat without changing the taste too much. You can enjoy crispy snacks, grilled vegetables, or chicken with very little oil, making it easier to stick to your fitness and weight goals while still enjoying your favourite foods.
What size air fryer is best for daily healthy cooking?
The right size depends on how many people you cook for and your meal habits. If you cook for yourself or one other person, a 3–4 litre air fryer works well. For families or meal prepping, a 5–6 litre model is better. A good-sized basket helps you cook evenly, avoid overcrowding, and prepare healthy meals faster without repeated batches.
What features should I look for in an air fryer for fitness cooking?
For fitness-focused cooking, look for temperature control, preset cooking modes, and a non-stick basket. These features make it easier to cook lean meats, vegetables, and snacks without burning them. A timer helps avoid overcooking, while easy cleaning keeps you consistent with daily use. Some models also offer grilling or baking options for more healthy meal variety.
Factors to consider before buying air fryer for healthy cooking
- Capacity (Size): Choose a size based on how many people you cook for and your meal plans. A 3–4 L air fryer is good for 1–2 people, while a 5 L+ model works well for families or meal prepping. The right capacity ensures food cooks evenly without overcrowding.
- Wattage & Heating Power: Higher wattage (usually 1500 W+) means faster preheating and more even cooking. This helps you prepare healthy meals quickly and makes sure food is cooked through properly, especially lean proteins and vegetables.
- Preset Modes & Controls: Look for useful presets (like veg, chicken, fish) and easy temperature/timer controls. These help you cook healthy foods without guessing settings, saving time and ensuring consistent results.
- Easy Cleaning: Removable, dishwasher-safe baskets and non-stick coating make cleanup simple. Easy cleaning encourages regular use, which is important if you’re cooking healthy meals often.
- Extra Features: Features like shake reminders, dehydrator mode, or grill racks add versatility. These let you make a wider range of healthy foods—like roasted veggies, grilled proteins, or homemade chips—without extra appliances.
Top 3 features of the best air fryers for healthy cooking
|
Best Air Fryers |
Power Consumption |
Capacity |
Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Vortex Plus 6L | 1500W | 6L (5.7L inner basket) | Air fry, Roast, Grill, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate (6-in-1) |
| Pigeon Healthifry Digital 4.2L | 1200W | 4.2L | Air fry (basic), Time & Temperature control |
| PHILIPS NA120/00 | 1500W | 4.2L | Fry, Bake, Grill, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate (12 preset modes) |
| Milton Rapid Digital 4.2L | 1450W | 4.2L | Air fry, Bake, Grill, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate (8 preset menus) |
| PHILIPS NA130/00 | 1700W | 6.2L | Fry, Bake, Grill, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate (12 preset modes) |
| AGARO Galaxy Digital 4.5L | 1400W | 4.5L | Air fry, Bake, Roast, Toast, Reheat (7 preset programs) |
| SOLARA 12L Air Fryer Oven | 1800W | 12L | Air fry, Grill, Roast, Bake, Reheat (12 preset modes) |
| Bosch Crispmaxx 7.2L | 1500–1600W approx. | 7.2L | Air fry, Roast, Bake, Grill, Keep Warm (7 preset menus, touch panel) |
Similar stories for you
Electric deep fryers are trending again, and these are the bestselling models in modern kitchens
Budget air fryers that make perfect wedding gifts (couples will thank you later)
Top 10 air fryers for home use in Aug 2025 for crispy meals in minutes with less oil and less mess
- How much oil do I need for air frying?
Most recipes need little to no oil, usually just 1–2 teaspoons, to get crispy results.
- Can I cook all types of food in an air fryer?
Yes! You can air fry, bake, grill, roast, reheat, and even dehydrate fruits and vegetables.
- Are air-fried foods healthy?
Air frying uses up to 90–95% less oil than deep frying, reducing fat content while keeping food crispy and tasty.
- How do I clean an air fryer?
Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe. Wipe the main unit with a damp cloth; avoid immersing it in water.
- Can I cook frozen foods in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fryers are great for frozen fries, nuggets, or vegetables, they cook evenly and quickly without thawing.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
