Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
Best Traditional BasketNinja Crispi Glass Air Fryer
Best OverallPrice
$110-$180
$160-$180
Summary
Good Housekeeping's top-performing basket air fryer after testing 50+ models, consistently producing the crispiest chicken wings in the shortest time. A proven long-term performer that holds up to daily use for years.
The only air fryer with a glass cooking chamber, making it the easiest to clean and the safest from nonstick coating concerns. Reddit and expert reviewers alike call it the best air fryer you can buy right now.
Pros
- Consistently makes the crispiest, most golden chicken wings of any basket-style air fryer tested
- Max Crisp and Air Broil settings reach 450°F — higher than most competitors
- Ceramic nonstick interior has held up well over years of daily use
- Dishwasher-safe basket and tray for easy cleanup
- Includes broiling rack for extra browning
- Glass cooking chamber is dishwasher-safe and free of nonstick chemical coatings
- Cooking chamber converts to a sealed food storage container with a rubber lid
- Can watch food cook in real time without opening the fryer
- Simple 4-mode controls (warm, reheat, bake, air fry) are easy to use
- Consistently recommended by both Reddit community and multiple expert review sites
Cons
- 5.5-quart basket diameter is smaller than some competing models
- Traditional nonstick coating (not glass or ceramic-only like some newer models)
- Some slight scratching on removable tray noted after long-term use
- Glass chamber gets and stays very hot during and after cooking — safety risk for households with small children
- Pricier than most basket-style air fryers at $160-$180
- No precise temperature control — limited to preset modes
- Smaller capacity than some competitors
Our take
For a classic basket air fryer that just works, the Ninja Max XL is the one to beat. Good Housekeeping has tested it for years and it still tops their charts — that kind of longevity is rare in this category.
If you're buying one air fryer in 2026, get the Ninja Crispi. The glass chamber solves every complaint people have about air fryers — chemical coatings, hard-to-clean baskets, not seeing your food — and the cooking performance is top-tier.
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