Currently using **Instant Vortex Plus** and honestly I couldn’t recommend it more, being that I’ve owned a couple of others previously…I went with the **6-quart** which is literally the perfect size for our household...It handles everything from chicken wings to a whole tray of veggies without feeling cramped, and it doesn't take up an insane amount of counter space either. If you're cooking for more than 3-4 people regularly though, I'd say go straight for the **10-quart**, the only time I've ever wished I'd sized up is when I'm cooking for guests…. As for Xiaomi vs Ninja, both are decent but I'd nudge you away from both honestly…[**The Instant Vortex Plus**](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BPKTWKQWre2Q9DkPBzyi2ptwEh0DIc_7tyjGD7CZiAo/edit?usp=sharing) just hits differently. The presets are incredibly useful, it heats up super-fast, and cleanup is a breeze since the basket is dishwasher safe… Ninja makes you pay a premium honestly for the brand name in my opinion…The thing that really sold me on the Instant Vortex Plus was how **even** the cooking is, no need of flipping things halfway through and finding one side still pale. The 360° airflow actually does what it claims to do so yeah…However, if you need more options I bumped into an article \[[**Best Air Fryers: I tested 8 so you don’t have to**](https://homeversezone.com/index.php/2026/04/08/best-air-fryers-i-tested-8-so-you-dont-have-to/)\] that someone shared here on Reddit, and it pretty much covers all the factors to consider when choosing your ideal airfryer…
I have the 6Q and love the capacity, but they also have an 8Q option
https://a.co/d/gJ5yV3V
I buy oven liners and cut up one for the air fryer.
https://a.co/d/0oPklUa
I also sometimes use parchment, but you can't leave it inside without food
I also have had the Ninja flip since 2020. I replaced it 3 weeks ago with the Instapot Vortex Plus. It’s been incredibly easy to clean. I only have one kid who is 12 and she uses it with no issues. It’s been used every other day-ish but will be used more in two weeks when my child is on spring break. It is basket style but it’s a pretty large basket. It’s highly reviewed and I researched it quite a bit before purchasing. It’s well within your price range.
Super easy to clean. You can stick the entire drawer in the dishwasher. I do wipe down the top after each use but it’s super quick and easy. It doesn’t hold as much as the Ninja Flip, but it does hold a lot. I’ll add the Amazon link to it so you can check it out.
https://a.co/d/0dKxXVkw
Instant Pot Vortex Clear Cook Air Fryer 5.7L . Not full price of course. It was on special for $90 over Black Friday/Christmas, so it will be again sometime. Both from Amazon and the Instant Pot website. It's my second, as the first one the LCD screen failed after 2 years, but best Air Fryer for sure. Worth it.
I just searched and it's $150 online now at a few places. Or the "slim, no clear window" version is $69 at Instant Pot website. I've not tried the slim version
I'm on my 3rd AF. My first was an Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus and the 2nd was an Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook Air Fryer, Clear Windows. The 1st one was OK. I really didn't care for the one with clear windows. It just didn't seem to get as hot as the 1st one. I now have a Cosori Air Fryer Pro, Compact 5QT, Ceramic Coating. It gets up to 450ºF unlike the first 2 which maxed out at 400ºF.
BTW I don't use the presets. I just set the temp and time myself.
I'm on my 3rd AF. My first was an Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus and the 2nd was an Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook Air Fryer, Clear Windows. The 1st one was OK. I really didn't care for the one with clear windows. It just didn't seem to get as hot as the 1st one. I now have a Cosori Air Fryer Pro, Compact 5QT, Ceramic Coating. It gets up to 450ºF unlike the first 2 which maxed out at 400ºF.
BTW I don't use the presets. I just set the temp and time myself.
Aggressive-Sleep9742
