Affiliate disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
You bought an air fryer for convenience. Instead, you got a jet engine that drowns out conversations and sends the dog running every time you make dinner.
Sound familiar? That’s exactly why the Cosori Pro 5QT has quietly (literally) become Amazon’s #2 best-selling air fryer.
Our verdict: The Cosori Air Fryer Pro 5QT is the best mid-size air fryer for anyone who values quiet operation without sacrificing crispy results.
Our Pick: Cosori Air Fryer Pro 5QT
Quick take: 1500W of cooking power at refrigerator-level noise. The ceramic-coated basket cleans in seconds, and the 450°F max temperature cooks food 50% faster than a conventional oven.
Best for:
- Apartments and open-concept kitchens where noise matters
- Families of 2-4 people
- Anyone tired of scrubbing greasy baskets
- First-time air fryer buyers who want simplicity
Skip if:
- You regularly cook for 5+ people (get the 5.8QT instead)
- You need dual-zone cooking (look at Ninja Foodi)
- You want smart home integration (upgrade to Cosori Pro II)
Why the Cosori Pro 5QT Stands Out
Whisper-Quiet Operation
At 53 decibels, this is one of the quietest air fryers ever tested. For context:
- Normal conversation: 60dB
- Ninja Air Fryer: 65-70dB
- Cosori Pro 5QT: 53dB
Multiple r/airfryer users confirm this. One wrote: “Everyone is saying go big… I downsized from a dual basket Ninja to a Cosori Pro LE. The noise difference is night and day.”
Actually Gets Crispy
The 1500W heating element paired with rapid air circulation technology delivers legitimate crunch. TechGearLab testing found it “does a sterling job of creating a crunchy exterior on everything from fries to chicken wings.”
The 450°F maximum temperature is higher than most competitors, letting you achieve that restaurant-quality sear on proteins.
One-Wipe Cleaning
The ceramic-coated nonstick basket is the real MVP. Food releases easily and residue wipes off with a damp cloth. The basket is also dishwasher-safe—though most owners find hand washing takes 30 seconds.
Reddit user feedback: “Better/stronger circulation. Food cooks faster & gets crisper. It’s MUCH easier to clean non stick surfaces (1 minute after each use).”
The Honest Downsides
No product is perfect. Here’s what actual owners complain about:
Temperature Runs Hot at Low Settings
TechGearLab found the Pro 5QT runs 12-20°F hotter than displayed at temperatures below 400°F. At 350°F, it’s actually cooking at 362-370°F. This means:
- Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes for delicate items
- Check food earlier than recipes suggest
- At 400°F+, accuracy is dead-on
Display Sleeps When Basket Removed
Pull out the basket to shake your fries, and the entire display goes dark. It’s mildly annoying but not a dealbreaker—the timer keeps running in the background.
No Built-In Preheat Cycle
Unlike the Cosori Pro II, this model requires manual preheating. Add 3-5 minutes to your cooking routine if you want optimal results.
Who Should Buy the Cosori Pro 5QT
Perfect for you if:
- You live in an apartment or have an open floor plan
- You cook for 1-4 people regularly
- You want the best value under $100
- Noise from kitchen appliances bothers you
- You’re new to air frying and want something simple
Consider alternatives if:
- You need to cook two different foods simultaneously (Ninja Foodi DZ550)
- You want WiFi/app control (Cosori Pro II)
- You regularly feed 5+ people (look at 5.8QT+ models)
How It Compares
| Feature | Cosori Pro 5QT | Ninja AF101 | Instant Vortex 6QT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5 quarts | 4 quarts | 6 quarts |
| Max Temp | 450°F | 400°F | 400°F |
| Noise Level | 53dB | 65dB | 62dB |
| Price | $89.99 | $99.99 | $109.99 |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Features | No | No | No |
The Cosori wins on temperature range, noise, and price. The Ninja AF101 has slightly better build quality but runs noticeably louder. The Instant Vortex offers more capacity but costs more and can’t hit 450°F.
What About the Recall?
In 2023, Cosori recalled approximately 2 million air fryers due to wiring issues. The Pro 5QT (model B0936FGLQS) was NOT part of that recall.
The recalled models were older units with different internal wiring. The current Pro 5QT has updated components. You can verify any Cosori product’s recall status at recall.cosori.com.
The Bottom Line
The Cosori Air Fryer Pro 5QT hits the sweet spot between performance, price, and livability. It won’t wake up your roommates, it’ll crisp your food properly, and it’ll clean up in under a minute.
At $89.99, it’s the air fryer we recommend to anyone who asks—especially if they’ve been burned by noisy competitors before.
