This Compact Air Fryer Is Rated The Best By Consumer Reports (And It's Under $60)

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You don't have to spend a pretty penny to get a good compact air fryer, and Consumer Reports' highest-rated air fryer proves just that. After reviewing dozens upon dozens of models, from budget buys to premium, high-capacity units, the top-rated model came in at under $60. Dash's 2.6-Quart Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer, priced at $59.99, also performed well when it came to controls, cleaning, and noise levels.

Whether you're cooking for one or have a small kitchen, this model has an ultra-compact footprint. It's 8 inches wide and 13 inches tall, and weighs about 7 pounds. With 1,000 watts of power and an adjustable temperature range from 200 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you can cook everything from frozen fries to leftovers. You can also set a timer for up to 60 minutes, and an auto-shutoff function turns the air fryer off when time is up.

It may not have as many bells and whistles as some larger air fryers, but it still covers the basics and then some. A digital screen lets you easily adjust time and temperature, and you can even set up to three custom presets to cook up your weekly staples. Compared to other Consumer Reports-ranked models, this one is considerably cheaper, with some higher-priced models reaching up to $400, making it one of the best budget air fryer options around. If you're in need of a space-saving air fryer without the premium price tag, you still get plenty of useful features in a small footprint.

On Amazon, this little air fryer is a hit, with many customers saying they made the leap after reading the Consumer Report review. With a 4.5-star average across more than 8,000 reviews, many customers seem happy they did. "Shouldn't have waited so long to get one," shares one five-star reviewer, stating that "it did not heat up the kitchen like [they were] afraid it would." Many also remark how convenient it is for single or two-person households. One empty-nesting couple traded their bulky Instant Pot for the compact Dash, writing in an Amazon review that they "haven't fixed a bad meal in [theirs] yet." Customers also repeatedly praise how easy it is to clean.

Customers also love the fact that you don't need to use much oil (or any oil at all) when using this air fryer. On TikTok, one creator said, "I legit use this every day, like, all the time," and mentioned using to avoid deep-fried foods. And since it's more compact than other models out there, some said it'd be perfect for tailgating or taking to the beach, especially since it has a handle on top, which also comes in handy at home. "I love the built-in handle. Getting the unit in and out of the cabinet is a lot easier," says one five-star reviewer. For $60, it's an easy way to see why air fryers are far from overrated, without sacrificing much counter space.