You have to buy an air fryer.
We can’t even keep count anymore of how many friends and infomercials have told us how we need an air fryer for our kitchen.
At the top of the recommendation list reside both the Cosori Air Fryer and Ninja Air Fryer. The two brands have consistently been held as two of the best air fryers on the market.
But which air fryer is best?
What Is An Air Fryer?
Air fryers have recently burst onto the scene, but not everyone knows what they are.
Put simply, an air fryer is a countertop convection oven on steroids.
A heating unit and fan located at the top of the fryer work together to rapidly shoot hot air at the food. The small contained space, compared to a traditional oven, helps to quickly and efficiently fry food.
The result is delicious (and slightly healthier) fried food.
What can air fryers cook?
Well, anything fried. The big selling point of an air fryer is its ability to fry food without using unhealthy amounts of oil.
French fries, chicken strips, fish sticks, and even egg rolls are perfect foods to make in your air fryer.
An air fryer is perfect for frozen foods. Greens, vegetables, and cheese, on the other hand, don’t fare quite so well.
FEATURES TO CONSIDER BETWEEN COSORI AND NINJA
Ninja and Cosori are two of the best names in the air fryer category. Both companies offer reliable products that consumers love. So which one is better?
We’ve looked at:
- Basket size
- Overall unit size
- Unit weight
- Temperature range
- Preheat
- Build quality
- Accessories
- Taste
Let’s see how they stack up!
Basket Size
Air fryers rely on their small size to be effective. However, size still matters.
When it comes to food capacity, the Cosori Air Fryer takes the cake over the Ninja Air Fryer.
Cosori air fryers come with either a 3.7 quart or 5.8 quart basket, compared to Ninja’s 4 quart basket. Trying to wrap your head around what that exactly means? As a point of reference, Ninja’s 4 quart basket holds 2 lbs. of frozen french fries.
Both brands’ baskets are ceramic and non-stick, which is super convenient and makes for easy cleanup.
WINNER: Cosori Air Fryer
Check Current PriceOverall Unit Size
An air fryer is a counter appliance. We know what you’re thinking, “I’m already running out of counter space.”
Fortunately, air fryers have a relatively small footprint.
The Ninja Air Fryer’s size is 13.6 x 11 x 13.3 inches.
Despite its larger food basket in the 5.8 quart model, the Cosori Air Fryer’s overall size is 11.8 x 12.6 x 11.7 inches.
While not a huge difference, the Cosori takes up slightly less counter space than the Ninja. For buyers with small kitchens, the Cosori can help to preserve precious counter space.
WINNER: Cosori Air Fryer
Unit Weight
The smaller Cosori air fryer weighs 12.78 lbs and the larger model weights 14.7 lbs, while the Ninja comes in at 13.5 lbs.
If you’re going to be storing your air fryer with any frequency, and weight is an issue, you may want to consider the lighter Cosori model.
WINNER: Cosori Air Fryer
Temperature Range
A wide temperature range is important as it gives you the choice to either gently remove moisture or quickly cook with high convection heat.
The Ninja Air Fryer offers a temperature range of 105 – 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while the Cosori’s temperature range is limited to 170 – 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ninja’s extended range opens up more recipe options and increases how often you’ll use your air fryer.
WINNER: Ninja Air Fryer
Check Current PricePreheat
If you’re looking for a convenient preheat option, the Cosori is for you. It offers a super convenient preheat button right on the front of the air fryer.
Press the button and wait 2-5 minutes for your air fryer to be fully preheated.
WINNER: Cosori Air Fryer
Build Quality
It’s sometimes difficult to judge the quality of a kitchen appliance without holding it in your hands and feeling its materials.
Rest assured though that you are getting a high quality air fryer when you purchase either the Ninja or Cosori.
Both models are constructed primarily of durable, hard plastic. Both models are black and look very sleek. The main difference when it comes to aesthetics is Ninja’s silver basket handle and Cosori’s black handle.
Users of other Ninja appliances will feel right at home with its button interface. If we’re nitpicking, we prefer the Cosori button setup slightly more than the Ninja. Others though may prefer Ninja’s simplicity.
This one is too close to call.
WINNER: Tie
Accessories
The Ninja and Cosori fryers are all about one thing: performance. Both fryers lack accessories such baking dishes or grilling trays, and are sold with only a standard basket.
The Cosori Air Fryer also includes a 100 recipe air fryer cookbook. However, many reviewers have found the cookbook not to be very useful, going as far as to say that its directions lead to burnt food.
A neat feature of the Cosori that we do like is the 11 food presets that include steak, chicken, seafood, and frozen foods.
Neither air fryer comes equipped with accessories. To truly make the best of your air fryer, you may want to invest in a new pair of tongs, silicone pads, and maybe a baking dish.
WINNER: Tie
Taste
The Cosori and Ninja Air Fryers are rated the best of the best for a reason: great taste. Features like preheating and temperature range are important, but taste is king.
When it comes to what air fryer makes the best food, it’s too close to decide. An overwhelming number of reviewers have found that the Cosori and Ninja both make equally crispy and tender dishes.
With these air fryers the choice really comes down to what features and options you personally. Either way, you won’t be disappointed in the food you can cook.
WINNER: Tie
Appearance
While aesthetics aren’t the most important feature when it comes to comparing air fryers, as a part of your kitchen counter, it’s something you’re going to have to look at every day.
When it comes to the Cosori vs Ninja, we prefer the look of the Cosori.
The Ninja air fryer is only available in black and has more of a rounded look compared to the Cosori.
The Cosori 1700 watt air fryer is available in three colors: black, burgundy red, and creamy white.
It also has more of a square shape – which we prefer.
WINNER: Cosori Air Fryer
Check Current PriceREAL REVIEWS FROM OUR READERS
We asked members of our mailing list for their own personal experiences with the Cosori and Ninja Air Fryers:
Cosori
“I chose the Cosori air fryer over hundreds of others and I’m glad I did. The best part is the number of presets, including defrost mode, the 1 year warranty, and how easy it is to use. I thought it would be really messy frying food but it’s really easy to clean. So far I’ve made steak, ribs, fish sticks, and hash browns. Also, surprisingly the fryer is not heavy and not loud. Do your kitchen a favor and buy one!”
…
“I’ve had my Cosori air fryer for two weeks now and I can’t believe how much I like it. I’ll admit, I got sucked into the hype and figured what the heck. I’m glad I did!”
…
“Everyone knows that I hate cooking. I avoid it at all costs. My sister bought me a Cosori air fryer for my birthday because she had heard air fryers were easy to use. The people WERE NOT WRONG! I’ve been using it every week. Just push a button and it’s ready. I originally was worried it would get super hot and scorch my counter. It gets a little warm on the outside but nothing to worry about at all. I’d recommend it to your readers.”
Ninja
“Best appliance since the microwave!”
…
“I bought the Ninja air fryer for my wife (she really wanted one!). She really likes the ceramic coated basket and how easy it is to clean. Honestly though, I thought she wouldn’t use it much. But so far she has already used it for pork chops, crispy chicken wings, and of course french fries for the kiddos. Great purchase.”
FINAL VERDICT: THE BEST AIR FRYER IS…
With comparable sizes, features, and price, the Cosori and Ninja Air Fryers are two of the best air fryers for the money.
Each unit has its own strengths.
The Cosori offers 11 presets, including a preheat and shaker setting, and includes a sleek, intuitive interface. The Ninja is a simpler design but offers an expanded temperature range.
Many users are familiar with Ninja blenders and Ninja’s high quality standards. Meanwhile, Cosori is an up and coming kitchen appliance brand that sells highly-rated air fryers, blenders, and food dehydrators.
Thousands of people have already chosen Cosori and Ninja. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed to get a great air fryer that will make your family crispy and tender food for years to come.
Is Cosori a Good Air Fryer?
For the money, the Cosori 5.8 Quart Air Fryer is our selection for best air fryer. Its larger capacity is perfect for cooking dinner for the entire family, and we love all of the features, especially the food presets.
When it comes to balancing cost and quality, Cosori has nailed it.
We also have reviewed and liked Cosori’s pressure cooker lineup.
What About the Ninja?
Would we have any problem switching to the Ninja? Absolutely not.
We own a Ninja blender and have full confidence in the Ninja Air Fryer. We just prefer Cosori’s bells and whistles.
If you want to stick with what you know, the Ninja Air Fryer will make you a very happy home chef.
Hi l liked your review since I’m looking at both of these except I’m looking at the newer Ninga Xl 5.5 qt airfryer. Any thoughts on a comparison with the Larger Ninga? Looks like the Cosori’s basket in more square Ninja more round? Is there much difference in overall cooking space with a square vs round? Thanks in advance on any help so confusing so many to choose from lol
Patrice, there are definitely too many choices these days! If you’re looking for size, check out the Cosori XL, it’s even bigger than the XL Ninja.
I would purchase either of these airfryers. We own a power XL and the basket coating started to peel off. I called Tristar the company that markets it and was told we do not stock or carry parts, just buy another one for 99.00 if you need the basket. Consumers need to start buying good products and not throw away junk products. Bye the way Tristar only warrants there products for 60 days.
You’re absolutely right, Ron. Luckily, we’ve mostly heard only good things about Cosori and Ninja’s customer service and reliability.
I would live to know how much you miss out on with the expanded range of the ninja vs cosori? Specifically if I buy the cosori for looks, will I regret it because of the things I cannot cook in it because it does not have an expanded temp range? What would you cook in lower temps?
Sensitive foods like kale are best cooked at lower air fryer temperatures. While the Cosori doesn’t have as wide of a temperature range, we have not found it to be a problem in our daily lives.
Does the coloring 3.7 air fryer come with a ceramic tray & basket?
Yes, it includes a non-stick basket but additional add-ons like a cake pan and multi-purpose rack can be purchased separately.
what about the cosori v the proscenic t21..which one is better?
Cursori 5.5 vs Ninja max xl. Quietness? Also durability? I have been some units get really hot? Thanks