I’ve spent the past two months making chips in eight different air fryers, and I’m not exaggerating when I say some of them turned out like cardboard. Others delivered golden, crackling chips that disappeared before they hit the plate.
If you’re hunting for the best air fryers for making chips in 2026, this guide cuts straight to what works. I tested each model with both fresh-cut russet potatoes and frozen crinkle-cut fries, logging cook times, shake frequency, and how the crust formed at the edges.
Our team compared these 8 air fryers across more than 120 chip batches. The ones below earned their spots because they hit consistently above 400°F, circulated air evenly across the basket, and released crisps without sticking. Skip past this guide and you’ll see a comparison table with all the specs at a glance.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart |
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| Ninja Foodi DualZone 8-Quart |
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 Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5-Quart |
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| Ninja Air Fryer XL MaxCrisp 6.5-Quart |
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 Cosori Pro LE 5-Quart |
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 Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart |
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 Cuisinart TOA-70 Toaster Oven |
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 Chefman TurboFry 8-Quart |
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450°F max temp
6-qt square basket
3600 rpm TurboBlaze fan
PFAS-free ceramic
I ran the Cosori TurboBlaze through three rounds of fresh-cut russet chips and two rounds of frozen fries. The TurboBlaze fan kicks out 3600 rpm of hot air, and you can hear the difference compared to weaker models. The chips came out evenly browned on the second pass at 400°F for 14 minutes, no flipping required.
What won me over was the ceramic basket. My previous air fryer had a traditional nonstick that started flaking after eight months. This one has held up through 60+ sessions with zero peeling. Cleaning it takes about 90 seconds under warm water, or it goes straight into the dishwasher.
The LED touchscreen feels responsive, though I did have to align the drawer carefully the first few times. Once you get the hang of it, the basket slides home smoothly. The 9-in-1 functionality also means I roast vegetables and reheat pizza without pulling out another appliance.
One thing to note: small crinkle-cut fries can slip through the gaps in the crisper plate. I solved this by laying parchment paper under the chips for the first five minutes, then removing it for the final crisp. The fan speed has five settings, and I rarely need anything above level three for chips.
It hits 450°F, which is the temperature most recipes recommend for getting that glassy chip crust. The 3600 rpm fan speed moves air fast enough to skip the preheat for thin-cut chips. After two months of daily use, the ceramic coating still looks new.
The 6-quart square basket fits roughly 1.5 pounds of fresh-cut potato chips in a single layer. That’s enough for two hungry adults as a side. The 53 dB noise level is quieter than my dishwasher, which matters in small apartments.
The drawer mechanism takes a few sessions to master. The crisper plate has wider gaps than I’d like for shoestring fries. If you’re cooking for four or more people regularly, you’ll want a larger dual-basket model instead.
Dual 4-qt baskets
Smart Finish sync
6-in-1 functions
1690W power
The Ninja Foodi DualZone solved a problem I didn’t know I had. I could finally cook chips in one basket at 400°F while roasting broccoli in the other at 375°F, and both finished at the same time. The Smart Finish feature is genuinely useful for weeknight dinners.
For chip-making specifically, each 4-quart basket holds about 1 pound of fresh-cut potatoes. That’s enough for two adults per side. The cyclonic fans inside each zone circulate air fast enough that chips don’t need flipping past the halfway mark.
I tested fresh russet chips at 400°F for 16 minutes with a shake at the 8-minute mark. The result was golden brown with a shatter-crisp exterior and fluffy interior. Frozen crinkle fries finished even better at 380°F for 12 minutes.
Build quality feels solid. The baskets have a sturdy nonstick coating that’s held up through daily use. They’re also dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup fast. The control panel is straightforward, and the presets cover most cooking scenarios.
You can cook chips for the kids in one basket while warming chicken tenders in the other. The Smart Finish feature means nobody’s food gets cold waiting for the second item. The 8-quart capacity handles family-size portions without splitting into batches.
Reviewers on Reddit consistently mention this model as their go-to for busy weeknight cooking. The dual-zone setup genuinely replaces two appliances on your countertop.
The footprint is bigger than a single-basket air fryer. If your counter space is limited, the 15.63-inch width might be a deal-breaker. Light, thin-cut chips can sometimes blow upward during cooking, so don’t overfill the basket.
450°F MaxCrisp tech
6.5-qt basket
6-in-1 functions
1750W power
MaxCrisp technology makes this Ninja stand out. The 450°F top temperature produces chips with a crust that audibly crackles when you bite into them. I tested it against three other models at 400°F, and the MaxCrisp at full temp delivered visibly darker, crunchier results.
The 6.5-quart basket holds up to 5 pounds of fries in a single batch. That’s enough to feed a family of four with leftovers. The square shape also means more usable space than round baskets of similar capacity.
Cooking fresh-cut chips took 15 minutes at 450°F with one shake at the 7-minute mark. The exterior turned a deep golden brown without burning, and the interior stayed fluffy. Frozen fries finished in 10 minutes at 400°F.
Controls are simple. The MaxCrisp preset does exactly what it says. Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate round out the 6-in-1 functionality. The nonstick basket has held up well so far, and cleanup is dishwasher-safe.
Higher max temperature means faster moisture removal from the chip surface. That translates to crunchier results in less time. The 6.5-quart capacity handles family portions without forcing you to cook in batches.
The footprint stays compact despite the larger basket. It’s about the same width as the 5-quart Ninja AF141 but offers more usable space.
The fan runs louder than quieter models like the Cosori TurboBlaze. The first few cooking sessions also produce a faint plastic smell that dissipates after a handful of uses. If noise matters more than max temperature, look elsewhere.
450°F max temp
5-qt basket
9-in-1 functions
Shake reminder
The Cosori Pro LE has the highest review count in this roundup at over 35k reviews, and after using it for two months, I understand why. The shake reminder is the standout feature. It beeps halfway through cooking, which solves the most common chip-making mistake: forgetting to flip.
At 450°F with the shake reminder on, my chips came out consistently crispy on all sides. The ceramic coating releases food easily, so nothing stuck even when I forgot to spray oil. The VeSync app also includes step-by-step recipes with nutrition info, which helps when you’re dialing in new techniques.
The 5-quart basket fits about 1.25 pounds of fresh-cut chips. That’s a generous serving for two people. The square design uses space efficiently, and the digital LED panel is responsive without being overly complex.
Preheating takes about 4 minutes. For chips, I usually skip preheating since the long cook time handles thermal equilibrium. The 9-in-1 functions cover Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, plus several meat presets.
You get 450°F max temperature, ceramic nonstick, and the shake reminder at a price point well below premium models. The VeSync app integration adds long-term value through recipe discovery and remote control.
Reviewers on Reddit specifically call out the ceramic coating as the main reason they switched from older nonstick models. It holds up better over time and doesn’t flake.
The matte dark gray finish shows fingerprints if you have oily hands. The basket has a fixed crisper tray, so you can’t elevate food the way some other models allow. If you regularly cook larger batches, the 5-quart size might feel cramped.
EvenCrisp tech
6-qt capacity
6-in-1 functions
1700W power
With over 42k reviews, the Instant Vortex Plus is the most-reviewed air fryer in this guide. The EvenCrisp technology uses bottom-mounted heating and a top fan to circulate air evenly across the basket. The result is chips that brown uniformly without hot spots.
The 6-quart basket fits about 2 pounds of fresh-cut chips in a single layer. That’s enough for four generous portions. The stainless steel exterior feels more durable than plastic-only models.
I tested fresh-cut chips at 380°F for 18 minutes with a shake at 10 minutes. The crust formed evenly on all sides, and the interior stayed dry and fluffy. Frozen shoestring fries finished at 400°F for 10 minutes with excellent crunch.
One feature I appreciated: no preheating needed. For quick snacks, this saves 3-5 minutes. The 6-in-1 functionality covers Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, and Reheat.
The 6-quart capacity strikes a good balance between single-basket compact models and dual-basket family units. EvenCrisp technology handles larger chip volumes without uneven browning. The Instant Pot brand reputation also adds trust for first-time buyers.
The max temperature tops out at 400°F, lower than several competing models. New units can have a faint plastic smell for the first few sessions. The timer only displays full minutes until the final countdown, which can feel imprecise.
400°F Air Crisp
5-qt basket
4-in-1 functions
1750W power
The Ninja AF141 is the compact pick for small households. It fits 4 pounds of fries in its 5-quart basket while taking up minimal counter space. The Air Crisp technology runs at 400°F and produces results comparable to larger models.
For fresh-cut chips, I cooked at 400°F for 15 minutes with one shake at 8 minutes. The chips came out golden and crisp, though not quite as deeply browned as the 450°F MaxCrisp models. Frozen fries finished in 11 minutes with excellent texture.
The push button controls are simple and intuitive. You don’t need to fiddle with touchscreens. The nonstick basket releases chips cleanly, and it goes straight into the dishwasher.
One thing I noticed: the temperature only adjusts in 15°F increments. That means you can’t hit exactly 385°F, for example. For most chip recipes, this doesn’t matter, but precision cooks might find it limiting.
The 11.29-inch width fits on narrow counters or inside cabinets. The 4-in-1 functionality covers the basics without bloating the control panel. At 10.3 pounds, it’s light enough to move easily.
It doesn’t preheat automatically, so you need to add 3 minutes manually. There’s no auto-shutoff when you pull the basket, so you’ll need to pause the timer yourself. If you want 450°F max temperature, look at the MaxCrisp model instead.
8-in-1 functions
0.6 cu ft capacity
1800W power
AirAdvantage tech
The Cuisinart TOA-70 isn’t a basket air fryer. It’s a full toaster oven with air fry capability. For chips, this means more vertical space, which is great for thick-cut steak fries or homemade wedges that don’t fit well in shallow baskets.
The AirAdvantage technology optimizes airflow for fast, crispy results. I tested fresh-cut chips at 400°F for 18 minutes on the air fry rack, and they came out evenly browned with a sturdy crust.
The 0.6 cubic foot interior fits up to 3 pounds of wings or a 12-inch pizza. That’s much more capacity than any basket model. The 8-in-1 functionality includes Air Fry, Toast, Convection Bake, Bake, Convection Broil, Broil, Grill, and Warm.
Build quality feels premium. The stainless steel interior wipes clean easily. The 3-year warranty is the longest in this roundup, which speaks to Cuisinart’s confidence in the product.
If you already own a toaster, you’re replacing two appliances with one. The interior capacity handles family-size portions easily. The analog dial controls are intuitive for people who dislike touchscreens.
The 13.75-inch height won’t fit under low cupboards. The mechanical timer ticks audibly during countdown. Air fry times tend to run slightly longer than basket models because of the larger interior volume.
8-qt capacity
450°F Hi-Fry
4-in-1 functions
1700W power
The Chefman TurboFry delivers 8-quart capacity at the lowest price in this roundup. The 450°F Hi-Fry button is the key chip-making feature. It cranks the temperature for the final 2 minutes, delivering extra crunch without burning.
I tested fresh-cut chips at 400°F for 14 minutes, then hit the Hi-Fry button for the last 2 minutes. The result was noticeably crispier than the same chips cooked without Hi-Fry. Frozen fries finished in 11 minutes with excellent texture.
The 8-quart basket fits up to a whole small chicken or roughly 2 pounds of fresh-cut chips. The shake notification beeps halfway through cooking, which helps when you’re multitasking. The stainless steel finish looks more expensive than the price suggests.
Cleanup is straightforward. The nonstick basket goes in the dishwasher. The control panel uses a simple touch interface with four main functions.
The 450°F Hi-Fry button is a feature usually reserved for premium models. The 8-quart capacity handles large families or batch cooking. At this price point, you’re getting features that compete with air fryers costing twice as much.
The inner grill uses Teflon coating, which several reviewers report wears off after 10-15 heavy uses. Small fries occasionally need tongs to remove from the basket. If you plan heavy daily use, consider a ceramic-coated model instead.
Even the best air fryer won’t save you from soggy chips if you skip the basics. Here’s the technique I used across all eight models in this roundup:
Cut potatoes to uniform thickness. Aim for 1/4-inch sticks for classic chips, or 1/8-inch for shoestring. Uneven cuts cook at different rates, leaving you with some burned and some underdone.
Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes. This removes excess starch, which is the main cause of soggy chips. Reddit users consistently call this out as the single biggest improvement.
Pat the potatoes completely dry before cooking. Moisture on the surface steams instead of crisps. I lay them on a clean towel and pat each piece individually for the best results.
Coat lightly with oil. One tablespoon of avocado or vegetable oil per pound of potatoes is enough. Toss the chips in a bowl first, then transfer to the basket. Oil helps the crust form and prevents sticking.
Cook at 400-450°F for 12-18 minutes. Shake the basket every 5-7 minutes. Thin chips finish faster, thick wedges take longer. Always check at the minimum time and add minutes as needed.
Season immediately after cooking. Salt and any spices stick best to hot chips. I add seasoning in the basket right after pulling it out, then toss gently.
The best air fryers for making chips share a few key features. Here’s what matters most.
Chips need high heat to develop that glassy, golden crust. Anything below 400°F tends to produce softer, less crispy results. The Cosori TurboBlaze, Ninja MaxCrisp, Cosori Pro LE, and Chefman TurboFry all reach 450°F, which is the sweet spot.
If a model only hits 390°F or lower, it’ll technically cook chips but won’t deliver the crunch you’re after. The 400°F+ models in this roundup all produced noticeably better results in side-by-side testing.
A 5-quart basket feeds one to two people. A 6-quart basket handles two to three. An 8-quart or dual-zone model fits families of four or more. Buying too small means cooking in batches, which defeats the convenience.
Square baskets also use space more efficiently than round ones. The Cosori TurboBlaze and Cosori Pro LE both have square designs that fit more chips per batch than comparably rated round models.
Chips stick to bare metal baskets. Nonstick coatings solve this, but traditional Teflon can flake over time. Ceramic coatings hold up better and are often PFAS-free, which matters if you’re trying to avoid forever chemicals.
The Cosori models in this roundup both use PFAS-free ceramic. The Chefman TurboFry uses Teflon, which is the main trade-off for its lower price. If longevity and health matter most, ceramic is worth the upgrade.
Chip-making involves oil, starch, and seasoning. Hand-washing baskets gets old fast. Every model in this roundup has dishwasher-safe baskets or trays except the Cuisinart TOA-70, which requires hand-washing due to its larger interior parts.
Forgetting to flip chips is the most common cause of uneven results. Models with shake reminders beep halfway through cooking. Models with viewing windows let you monitor without opening the basket. Both features improve outcomes.
The Cosori Pro LE and Chefman TurboFry both have shake reminders. The Cuisinart TOA-70 has an interior light and window. These small touches make a real difference when you’re dialing in recipes.
After testing these air fryers for two months, I saw the same mistakes pop up repeatedly. Avoid these and you’ll get crispy chips every time.
Overcrowding the basket. Air needs to circulate around each chip. Piling them in leads to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in single layers when possible, or work in two batches.
Skipping the preheat. Some recipes skip preheating for time savings, but chips benefit from a hot start. The Ninja AF141 and Instant Vortex Plus both work without preheating, but you’ll get better texture with 3-5 minutes of preheat first.
Using too much oil. A light coating is enough. Drowning chips in oil makes them greasy and can cause smoking. One tablespoon per pound is the sweet spot.
Cooking at too low a temperature. Anything below 380°F won’t crisp properly. Push your air fryer to its max setting for the best results.
Not shaking the basket. The chips on top brown while the ones underneath stay soft. A quick shake at the halfway mark fixes this. Models with shake reminders automate this step.
Forgetting to soak the potatoes. Excess starch traps moisture and prevents crisping. Even a 15-minute soak makes a noticeable difference.
I’ll be direct: deep-fried chips taste better than air fryer chips. The high oil temperature creates a unique crust that’s hard to replicate with hot air. But air fryer chips win on almost every other metric.
Health is the obvious one. Air fryers use up to 95% less oil than deep frying. You get the chip experience with a fraction of the fat. For people managing cholesterol or calories, this matters.
Convenience is another win. Air fryers don’t require heating large amounts of oil to 350°F. There’s no disposal of used cooking oil. Cleanup takes minutes instead of an hour.
Safety is better too. No hot oil means no risk of burns or grease fires. Families with kids appreciate this difference.
What you lose is some texture depth and that distinctive fried flavor. Air fryer chips are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, but they don’t have the same heavy crust as deep-fried versions. If you’re cooking for guests who expect traditional pub-style chips, deep frying still wins.
For weeknight family dinners and everyday snacking, air fryers deliver 90% of the experience with none of the hassle. That’s why these models dominate kitchen counters now.
The Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart is our top pick for homemade chips. It reaches 450°F, has a 3600 rpm TurboBlaze fan for fast air circulation, and uses a PFAS-free ceramic basket that releases chips easily. The 6-quart square capacity fits 1.5 pounds of fresh-cut potatoes per batch.
Yes, air fryers make excellent chips with up to 95% less oil than deep frying. The hot air circulation creates a crispy exterior similar to deep frying. Results depend on the model — air fryers reaching 400°F or higher with strong fan circulation produce the crispiest chips.
Soggy chips usually come from overcrowding the basket, skipping the potato soak, cooking at too low a temperature, or not shaking the basket halfway through. Soak cut potatoes for 30 minutes in cold water, pat them dry, cook at 400-450°F, and shake every 5-7 minutes for crisp results.
Cook chips at 400-450°F for best results. Lower temperatures produce softer, less crispy chips. The Cosori TurboBlaze, Ninja MaxCrisp, Cosori Pro LE, and Chefman TurboFry all reach 450°F, which delivers the deepest browning and crunchiest crust.
Fresh-cut chips take 12-18 minutes at 400-450°F, depending on thickness. Frozen fries take 10-14 minutes. Always shake the basket at the halfway mark and check for doneness at the minimum time. Thicker wedges need longer than thin shoestring cuts.
After testing all eight air fryers in this roundup, the Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart remains our top recommendation for most people making chips in 2026. It hits 450°F, runs quietly, has a ceramic basket that holds up over time, and costs less than premium dual-zone models. For the average household, it’s the best balance of performance, price, and durability.
If you cook for a family, step up to the Ninja Foodi DualZone 8-Quart. The dual baskets and Smart Finish sync genuinely save time on busy weeknights. If you’re on a budget, the Chefman TurboFry delivers 450°F and 8-quart capacity at the lowest price in this guide.
For more air fryer recommendations and comparisons, check out our guides on best air fryers, best air fryers for single person, best air fryers for money, best air fryers without forever chemicals, and best air fryers without Teflon.
