Best Air Fryer for Baking

Air fryers are not just for fries and wings anymore. They have quietly become a great way to bake cakes, muffins, cookies, and bread, faster, more energy-efficient, and without heating up the whole kitchen. But not every air fryer bakes well, so this guide covers what actually matters and compares five strong models. New to it? Pair this with our how to bake in an air fryer guide.

How we chose: these picks are based on the features that matter for baking, a true bake mode or preset, even heat circulation, useful capacity, and bakeware compatibility, alongside brand reliability and real user feedback. Always check current specs and reviews before buying, since models change.

Why air fryers are great for baking

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation, the same convection principle as an oven, to cook evenly. That means they can replicate the browning and texture of oven baking while using less energy and preheating in a fraction of the time. The upsides:

• Faster preheating and cook times
• Energy-efficient and compact
• Does not heat up the whole kitchen
• Great for small batches

What to look for in an air fryer for baking

1. Temperature control and range. Look for precise settings from about 150°F up to 400°F, ideally with a digital display and preheat. Most bakes sit between 300°F and 375°F.
2. Capacity and basket size. Baking needs room. A 5 to 7 quart model with a flat-bottom basket or removable trays fits cake pans, loaf tins, and muffin trays.
3. Bake function or preset. A dedicated bake mode adjusts airflow and temperature for you, which is a real help for beginners.
4. Air circulation technology. Even heat is everything in baking. Look for 360° circulation or EvenCrisp-style systems to avoid burnt edges and raw centres.
5. Bakeware compatibility. Check that it fits and supports cake pans, muffin trays, and silicone moulds.

The 5 best air fryers for baking compared

1. Ninja Foodi DualZone

If you want versatility and capacity, this is the one. Two independent baskets let you bake multiple items at once, it has a custom bake mode, and the 8-quart capacity handles bigger batches. Best for: baking cakes and cookies in batches.

2. Philips Premium XXL

Known for its Rapid Air Technology, Philips gives consistent airflow and reliable browning, with room for a 2-pound loaf and an easy-to-clean nonstick basket. Best for: banana bread, muffins, and pastries.

3. Cosori Pro III with Bake Function

Thoughtful design and easy controls, with a dedicated bake preset, a touchscreen for temp and time, and a square basket that fits baking pans well. Best for: new bakers who want simple controls.

4. Instant Vortex Plus with ClearCook

A glass window lets you watch your cake rise, EvenCrisp technology keeps baking even, and it doubles as a 6-in-1 with roast and broil. Best for: cakes, brownies, and pizza.

5. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer

More countertop oven than basket air fryer, with a large interior that fits full-size pans and smart convection with Element IQ. Best for: bread, pies, and serious batch baking.

Basket style vs oven style for baking

The two main types bake a little differently. Basket air fryers (Ninja, Cosori, Instant) are compact, preheat fast, and are perfect for small-batch bakes in a 6 or 7 inch pan, though tall cakes can sit close to the element. Oven or rack-style models (Breville and air fryer toaster ovens) fit full-size pans and multiple racks, give more even heat for taller bakes, and suit anyone baking bread or pies regularly. For most people baking cookies, muffins, and small cakes, a good basket model is plenty.

Air fryer baking vs a traditional oven

Air fryers will not fully replace an oven for everyone, but for small households, quick bakes, or hot summer months, they shine.

What you can bake in an air fryer

With the right model, the list is long: banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes and muffins, mini pizzas, biscuits and scones, and more. Just use air fryer-safe bakeware like silicone liners, metal cake pans, and parchment. For the full breakdown, see what you can and cannot bake in an air fryer.

Baking tips for beginners

• Do not overcrowd the basket. Leave space for hot air to circulate.
• Use compatible bakeware. Check the size fits before you start. A 6 to 7 inch round or springform suits most baskets.
• Lower the temperature slightly. Air fryers run hot, so drop oven temps by about 25°F. Our conversion guide helps.
• Check for doneness early. Your bake may be ready 5 to 10 minutes sooner than an oven recipe says. See how to prevent burning.

Best accessories for air fryer baking

• Springform pan for cheesecakes and sponge cakes.
• Cupcake tray or silicone moulds for cupcakes and muffins.
• Parchment liners to keep bakes from sticking.
• Air fryer rack for an extra layer and double baking.

For a full rundown, see our guide to air fryer accessories for bakers.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Wrong temperature. Always adjust to the recipe and your model.
• Using the wrong glass bakeware. Not all glass is air fryer-safe; check first.
• Skipping preheat. Some models bake more evenly when preheated.
• Skipping accessories. A rack or pan helps avoid soggy bottoms. If bakes come out dry, see how to avoid dry air fryer bakes.

How to choose the best air fryer for baking

1. Choose at least 5-quart capacity.
2. Look for a bake preset or dedicated bake mode.
3. Make sure it supports your bakeware.
4. Consider a clear window or dual baskets.
5. Check for even heat circulation features.

Frequently asked questions

The best air fryer for baking makes home baking faster, cleaner, and more accessible. Once you have picked one, try our air fryer banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, or carrot cake to put it to work.

You can also follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more air fryer baking tips and recipes.