The 10 Best Air Fryers: Top Picks, Features, Prices!

The 10 Best Air Fryers: Top Picks, Features, Prices!

Okay, confession time: I used to be a total air fryer skeptic. As someone who lives for the art of cooking, the whole air fryer thing just seemed like a shortcut, you know? Like, where’s the skill in that? But then these things started popping up everywhere. Seriously, it felt like every time I turned around, someone else was raving about their air fryer. So, I finally caved and asked my friend (who’s basically an air fryer evangelist at this point) what the big deal was.

She went on and on about how amazing it is, how it makes everything crispy and delicious, blah blah blah. But I wasn’t buying it. “Okay, but why do other people buy them?” I asked, trying to get to the bottom of this air fryer frenzy.

Her answer? Space, energy, and time. And honestly, that’s when it clicked for me.

• Space: These things are tiny! Perfect for my cramped kitchen.
• Energy: Low-energy nights? No problem. Air fryers mean less prep, less cooking time, less cleanup.
• Time: Need dinner ASAP? Air fryers cook things fast, giving you more time for life.

Suddenly, I was intrigued. Maybe these air fryers weren’t just a fad after all. Maybe they could actually make my life easier (and my fries crispier). I had to know more.

That’s why I created this ultimate guide to air fryers. We’ll cover everything from the basics of what they are and how they work to the different types, common mistakes to avoid, and even a roundup of some of the best air fryer models on the market. Get ready to unlock a world of crispy deliciousness!

What is an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It’s like a mini convection oven, but with a more concentrated airflow that results in crispier food. Think of it as a whirlwind of heat, crisping your food to golden perfection with little to no oil.

Myth Busters:

• Myth: Air fryers are just for frozen foods.
• Busted! While they excel at cooking frozen favorites like french fries and chicken nuggets, air fryers are also fantastic for fresh ingredients. From vegetables and meats to fish and even desserts, the possibilities are endless.
• Myth: Air fryers are unhealthy because they use hot air.
• Busted! Air frying is actually a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it requires little to no oil, reducing fat content while still delivering crispy, delicious results.
• Myth: Air fryers can replace all your kitchen appliances.
• Busted! While air fryers are versatile, they can’t completely replace other appliances like ovens or stovetops. They complement them by offering a quick and efficient cooking method for certain foods.
• Myth: Air fryers are difficult to clean.
• Busted! Most air fryers come with nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts, making cleaning a breeze. Regular maintenance ensures your appliance stays in top condition.

Air fryer cooked meals are incredibly versatile, allowing you to prepare different foods simultaneously with dual baskets or manage smaller portions efficiently.

How Does an Air Fryer Work?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speed. A heating element and a powerful fan work together to create a convection effect, cooking food quickly and evenly. This rapid air circulation is what gives air-fried food its characteristic crispy texture. Testing air fryers is crucial to understand their performance and capabilities across different models.

Benefits of Air Frying:

• Crispy Texture: Get that satisfying crunch without deep frying.
• Less Oil: Enjoy healthier versions of your favorite fried foods.
• Accelerated Cooking: Air fryers cook food more rapidly than conventional ovens, helping you save both time and energy.

• Even Cooking: Say goodbye to hot spots and unevenly cooked meals.

Types of Air Fryers

Air fryers come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

Basket-Style Air Fryers: These are the most prevalent type of air fryers, featuring a detachable basket where you place your food for cooking.They’re compact, affordable, and easy to use. Perfect for individuals, couples, or those with limited counter space.

• Oven-Style Air Fryers: These larger air fryers resemble countertop ovens and offer more cooking space and versatility. They often have multiple racks and functions beyond air frying, such as roasting, baking, and dehydrating. Ideal for families or those who entertain frequently.

• Toaster Oven Combo Air Fryers: These multi-functional appliances, also known as air fryer toaster ovens, combine the functions of a toaster oven and an air fryer, saving valuable counter space. They offer a larger cooking surface and can handle multiple types of food simultaneously, making them a great option for smaller kitchens or those who want a single appliance that can do it all. Air fryer toaster ovens are known for their rapid cooking times and ability to produce evenly cooked meals. For those seeking a high-capacity option for family meals, an air fryer toaster oven is highly recommended.

10 Air Fryers: From Budget-Friendly to Top-of-the-Line

Now that you know a bit more about the types of air fryers, let’s dive into some specific models. Compared to most air fryers, the following models stand out in terms of performance and features. Here’s a list of our top 10 picks for air fryers, ranging in price and features, to help you find the perfect one for your kitchen:

• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro: This top-of-the-line model is a splurge, but it offers exceptional performance and versatility, functioning as an air fryer, convection oven, dehydrator, and more. Perfect for serious cooks who want it all.

• Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer with DualZone Technology: This innovative air fryer features two independent cooking zones, allowing you to cook two different foods simultaneously at different temperatures. Ideal for families or anyone who wants maximum cooking flexibility.

• Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer: A popular and affordable option from a trusted brand, this air fryer offers multiple cooking functions (air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate) and a user-friendly interface.

• Cosori Air Fryer Max XL: This well-rated air fryer boasts a large capacity, user-friendly controls, and a sleek design. A great all-around choice for families or those who entertain frequently.

• Philips Premium Airfryer XXL: Known for its unique “fat removal” technology, this air fryer is a great choice for health-conscious cooks. It extracts and captures excess fat from food, making your meals even healthier.

• GoWISE USA GW22956 4th Generation Electric Air Fryer: This affordable air fryer offers a good balance of features and performance. It’s a great entry-level option for those who want to try air frying without breaking the bank.

• Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer: This compact and budget-friendly air fryer is perfect for smaller kitchens or individuals. It’s also a great choice for students or those with limited counter space.

• Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer: This versatile appliance combines the functions of a toaster oven and an air fryer, saving valuable counter space. It’s perfect for those who want a multi-functional appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks.

• Emeril Lagasse Power Air Fryer 360: This multi-functional air fryer can also roast, bake, broil, toast, and dehydrate. It’s a great option for those who want a single appliance that can do it all.

• Dash Compact Air Fryer: This mini air fryer is perfect for small spaces and individual servings. It’s a great choice for students, single people, or those who want a dedicated appliance for quick snacks and sides.

Why You Need an Air Fryer: Beyond Crispy Fries and Air Fryer Recipes

While air fryers excel at making crispy french fries and chicken wings, they’re far more versatile than you might think. These innovative appliances can transform your cooking routine in several ways:

• Roasting Vegetables: Air fryers are fantastic for roasting vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating crispy edges. Whether it’s Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, the air fryer can enhance their flavor while maintaining a delightful crunch. The rapid air circulation ensures even cooking, making it a breeze to prepare delicious, healthy sides.
• Cooking Meat and Fish: From juicy chicken breasts to perfectly cooked salmon, air fryers can handle a variety of meats and fish with ease. The high-speed air circulation ensures that meats are cooked evenly, locking in moisture while achieving a crispy exterior. Using a quart air fryer allows you to cook different portion sizes, making it suitable for both individual meals and family dinners. You can even experiment with marinated meats or create your own spice rubs for a personalized touch.
• Baking: Some air fryer models have baking functions, allowing you to bake cookies, cakes, and other treats. The consistent temperature control and even heat distribution make air fryers an excellent option for small batch baking. Imagine whipping up a batch of chocolate chip cookies or a quick loaf of banana bread without the need to preheat a full-sized oven. The air fryer can also be used to make savory baked goods like quiches or mini pizzas, expanding your culinary repertoire.
• Reheating Leftovers: Air fryers are a great way to reheat leftovers, restoring their crispiness and flavor. Unlike microwaves, which can leave food soggy, air fryers revive the texture of your meals, making them taste freshly cooked. Whether it’s last night’s pizza or leftover chicken wings, a quick spin in the air fryer can bring them back to life. The even heating and rapid crisping make it a convenient tool for revamping your meals without compromising on taste or quality.

Air fryers are not just about quick snacks; they offer a myriad of possibilities for creative and efficient cooking. By incorporating an air fryer into your kitchen, you can enjoy a wide range of dishes with less oil, less mess, and more flavor.

Air Fryer Features to Consider

When shopping for an air fryer, there are several features to consider to ensure you find the right one for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:

• Capacity: Think about the size of the air fryer basket and how many people you typically cook for. If you have a large family or love hosting dinner parties, a larger capacity air fryer will be your best friend. It allows you to cook more food at once, saving you time and effort.
• Power: A powerful motor is essential for efficient cooking. The higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food will cook. Look for an air fryer with at least 1500 watts to handle a variety of cooking tasks with ease.
• Temperature Control: Precise temperature control is a must-have feature. It allows you to adjust the heat to suit different types of food, ensuring perfect results every time. Whether you’re air frying chicken wings or baking a cake, having control over the temperature is crucial.
• Cooking Presets: Some air fryers come with pre-programmed settings for specific foods like fries, chicken, or fish. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking and help ensure your food is cooked to perfection with just the push of a button.
• Non-Stick Basket: A non-stick air fryer basket makes cooking and cleaning a breeze. Food is less likely to stick, and cleanup is much easier. Look for a model with a high-quality non-stick coating to make your life simpler.
• Dishwasher Safe: If you plan to use your air fryer frequently, opt for one with dishwasher-safe parts. This feature will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning up after a delicious meal.
• Compact Design: For those with limited kitchen space, a compact air fryer is a great choice. It won’t take up too much room on your countertop, and you can easily store it away when not in use.

Parts of an Air Fryer: A Quick Anatomy Lesson

Let’s get to know the key components of a typical air fryer:

• Basket/Tray: This is where you place your food. Air fryer baskets come in various sizes and designs, including dual-basket models that allow you to cook different foods simultaneously. They are usually removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, though some models may present cleaning challenges due to their design.
• Heating Element: This is the component that generates the hot air.
• Fan: This circulates the hot air around the food, creating the air frying effect.
• Control Panel: This allows you to adjust the temperature, cooking time, and select from various presets.

Air Fryer Accessories and Extras

In addition to the air fryer itself, there are several accessories and extras that can enhance your air frying experience. Here are a few options to consider:

• Air Fryer Basket Liners: These liners are a game-changer for easy cleanup. They prevent food from sticking to the basket and make washing up a breeze. Plus, they can help extend the life of your air fryer basket.

• Air Fryer Trays: Additional trays can be incredibly useful, especially if you like to cook multiple items at once. They allow you to layer food, maximizing the cooking space and efficiency of your air fryer.

• Air Fryer Recipe Books: If you’re looking for inspiration, an air fryer recipe book is a fantastic investment. It can introduce you to new and exciting air fryer recipes, helping you make the most of your appliance.

• Air Fryer Cleaning Brushes: A cleaning brush is handy for reaching those tricky spots in your air fryer. It ensures that your appliance stays in top condition and performs optimally.

• Air Fryer Storage Containers: If you need to store your air fryer when it’s not in use, a storage container can keep it clean and dust-free. It’s a simple way to protect your investment and keep your kitchen organized.

Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven: The Showdown

Both air fryers and convection ovens use circulating hot air to cook food, but there are key differences:

• Airflow: Air fryers have a more concentrated and powerful airflow than convection ovens, resulting in faster cooking times and crispier results. However, the design of most air fryer baskets can impact cooking performance, as lighter baskets may lead to uneven cooking and crispness.
• Size and Efficiency: Air fryers are smaller and more energy-efficient than convection ovens, making them ideal for everyday cooking and smaller kitchens.
• Versatility: Convection ovens are generally more versatile, offering a wider range of cooking functions beyond air frying.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs, cooking habits, and kitchen space.

Air Fryer Brands to Consider

There are several air fryer brands on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are a few brands to consider:

• Philips: Known for their innovation, Philips air fryers often come with advanced features like automatic stirring and precise temperature control. They’re a great choice for those who want a high-quality, reliable appliance.
• Ninja: Ninja offers a range of versatile air fryers with multi-cooking functions and compact designs. They’re perfect for those who want an appliance that can do it all without taking up too much space.
• Cosori: If you’re on a budget, Cosori is a fantastic option. Their air fryers come with features like digital touchscreens and non-stick baskets, offering great value for money.
• Instant Pot: Famous for their multi-cookers, Instant Pot also offers air fryers with additional functions like pressure cooking and slow cooking. They’re ideal for those who want a versatile appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks.
• Breville: For those willing to splurge, Breville air fryers are top-of-the-line. They come with smart algorithms and automatic cooking features, making them a great choice for serious cooks who want the best of the best.

Common Air Fryer Mistakes

Avoid these common air fryer mistakes to ensure crispy, delicious results:

• Overcrowding the Basket: Don’t overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and lead to uneven cooking. Cook food in batches if necessary.
• Using Too Much Oil: You only need a light coating of oil for most air fryer recipes. Too much oil can make food soggy.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps ensure that food cooks evenly and crisps up properly.
• Forgetting to Shake or Flip the Food: Shaking or flipping food halfway through the cooking process helps ensure even browning and crispiness.

Air Fryer Safety Tips

• Keep it clear: Keep the air fryer away from flammable materials, such as curtains or paper towels.
• Hands off: Don’t touch the air fryer while it’s in use, as it gets very hot.
• Use protection: Use oven mitts when handling the hot basket or tray.
• Unplug it: Unplug the air fryer when not in use.
• Keep it dry: Never immerse the air fryer base in water.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Fryer

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your air fryer, here are a few signs to look out for:

• Wear and Tear: Over time, the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket may start to flake off, or the basket itself may become rusty. These are clear signs that it’s time for a replacement to ensure safe and efficient cooking.
• Decreased Performance: If your air fryer is no longer cooking food evenly or is taking longer to cook than it used to, it might be time for an upgrade. A new air fryer will provide better performance and more consistent results.
• Broken Parts: Faulty thermostats, broken basket handles, or any other broken parts can significantly impact the functionality of your air fryer. If repairs aren’t possible, it’s best to invest in a new model.
• New Features: Technology is always advancing, and newer air fryer models come with exciting features like Wi-Fi connectivity, larger capacities, and more precise controls. If your current air fryer lacks these features, it might be worth considering an upgrade.
• Age: If your air fryer is several years old, it may be time to replace it with a newer model. Newer air fryers often have better performance, more features, and improved energy efficiency.

By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can ensure that your air frying experience remains top-notch and that you’re always getting the best results from your appliance.

Commonly Replaced Parts of an Air Fryer

While air fryers are generally durable, some parts may need replacement over time due to regular wear and tear. Here are the parts that are most commonly replaced:

• Air Fryer Basket: The basket is one of the most frequently replaced parts, especially if the nonstick coating starts to peel or becomes scratched. A damaged basket can affect cooking performance and may pose health risks if the coating flakes into your food.
• Heating Element: Over time, the heating element can wear out or become less effective, impacting the air fryer’s ability to cook food evenly. Replacing the heating element can restore your air fryer’s performance.
• Fan: The fan is crucial for circulating hot air and ensuring even cooking. If your air fryer starts making unusual noises or if food isn’t cooking evenly, the fan might need replacement.
• Control Panel or Knobs: Frequent use can lead to wear on the control panel or knobs, especially if they become unresponsive or difficult to adjust. Replacing these parts can help maintain the appliance’s functionality.
• Rubber Feet: The rubber feet on the bottom of the air fryer can wear out over time, potentially causing the appliance to slide on your countertop. Replacing these can ensure safety and stability during use.

Regular maintenance and careful use can help extend the life of these parts, but knowing which components may need attention can keep your air fryer in top working condition.

Air Fryer Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your air fryer not only ensures its longevity but also keeps it performing at its best, delivering consistently delicious results. Here’s a comprehensive guide to maintaining your air fryer:

• Clean After Each Use: After every cooking session, make sure to clean the basket, tray, and any other removable parts. This prevents food buildup and ensures optimal performance. Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher safe, but always check the manual first to confirm.
• Wipe Down the Interior and Exterior: Use a damp cloth to wipe the interior and exterior of the air fryer. This helps remove any grease or food particles that might have splattered during cooking. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can damage the nonstick coating.
• Inspect the Heating Element: Regularly check the heating element for any signs of residue or buildup. If necessary, use a soft brush to gently clean it, ensuring the air fryer continues to heat efficiently.
• Consult the User Guide: Each air fryer model may come with its own cleaning instructions, so it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s manual.
• This will provide you with the best practices for maintaining your specific model.
• Avoid Immersing the Base: Never immerse the air fryer base in water, as this can damage the electrical components. Instead, focus on cleaning the removable parts and wiping down the surfaces.
• Regular Maintenance: Perform a deep clean every few months. This involves soaking removable parts in warm, soapy water and using a toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn residue. Make sure everything is thoroughly dry before reassembling.
• Store Properly: If you’re not using your air fryer frequently, store it in a cool, dry place. Consider covering it to prevent dust accumulation.

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your air fryer in top condition, ensuring it remains a valuable tool in your kitchen for years to come.

Happy Frying!

Ready to join the air fryer revolution? With its versatility, convenience, and health benefits, the air fryer is a must-have for any modern kitchen. From crispy fries to juicy chicken to roasted vegetables, the possibilities are endless. So grab your favorite ingredients, experiment with different recipes, and enjoy the delicious world of air frying!