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How To Choose the Best Air Fryer (for You)

Air fryers have taken kitchens by storm, promising guilt-free fried favorites minus the oil. But with so many models on the market, how do you determine which is the best air fryer for your needs? Before investing in an air fryer, it’s crucial to cut through the hype and understand the key differences between types and brands so you can buy with confidence.

A range of air fryers available in a store.

With air fryers revolutionizing home cooking over the past few years, these popular appliances have become must-have kitchen gadgets.

Air fryers promise all the crispy, fried deliciousness we love, minus the oil and guilt. But between the surging popularity of air fryers and the many models flooding the market, it can be tricky to determine which one suits your needs and budget best.

Navigating capacity, dimensions, settings, and extra features is key to finding the right air fryer for your household. The best air fryer for a single user or couple that cooks occasional snacks looks entirely different from a large, smart air fryer for a family.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key considerations like size, cooking functions, ease of use, and more when shopping for an air fryer.

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a versatile and innovative kitchen appliance that allows you to cook a variety of meals using hot air circulation. Think of it as a compact, energy-efficient convection oven that uses a fan to evenly distribute hot air around your food.

This cooking method results in a deliciously crispy texture similar to deep-fried dishes but with significantly less oil, making it a healthier alternative.

When you use your air fryer, food is placed in a basket or on a tray inside the appliance. As hot air is circulated around the food, it cooks evenly and quickly, helping you save time in the kitchen.

Air fryers are capable of preparing a wide range of dishes, from crispy french fries and tender chicken wings to fluffy baked goods and mouthwatering vegetables.

There are a few key benefits of using an air fryer:

  • Healthier cooking: With the use of minimal oil, air fryers let you enjoy your favorite fried foods without the guilt. They’re an excellent option for cutting down on fat and calories without sacrificing flavor.
  • Faster cooking time: Due to the rapid circulation of hot air, air fryers significantly shorten cooking times compared to traditional ovens. This means less waiting and more time enjoying delicious home-cooked meals.
  • Easy cleanup: Most air fryers come with non-stick surfaces and removable parts, making the cleaning process a breeze. Plus, there’s no greasy mess to deal with, like traditional deep frying.

Do you need an air fryer?

You might be wondering what the hype is about air fryers and why you should consider one for your kitchen. Let me tell you, an air fryer can be a game-changer, especially when it comes to making crispy and delicious dishes without the guilt.

The first reason to choose an air fryer is for the healthier alternative it offers. Traditional deep frying requires a lot of oil, which can add unnecessary fat and calories to your meal. Air fryers, on the other hand, use little or no oil, depending on the recipe. This means you can still enjoy your favorite fried treats, but with fewer calories and less fat.

Imagine cooking crispy fries without submerging them in oil! Air fryers work by circulating hot air around your food, giving it that crispiness without needing to soak it in oil. You’ll get the same deep-fried taste and texture you love, but with a healthier twist.

Another benefit of using an air fryer is the convenience it offers. Since you won’t need to fill your kitchen with hot, greasy oil, cooking and cleanup will be a lot easier. Plus, air fryers often cook food more quickly than traditional frying methods, saving you time in the kitchen.

What’s the best type of air fryer?

With air frying soaring in popularity, there are now more options than ever when shopping for these convenient appliances. The three main styles of air fryers each offer their own advantages.

Consider your cooking needs and available space when choosing the best air fryer for you and your kitchen.

Basket Air Fryers

The most common type of air fryer, basket air fryers feature a basket that slides into the appliance to hold food during cooking. Heating elements and a powerful fan circulate hot air around the food to crisp up the exterior. Basket air fryers come in small sizes like 2-3 quarts for individuals or couples, up to 5 quarts or larger for cooking family-sized batches.

Pros:

  • Allows air flow on all sides of food for quick, even cooking.
  • Wide range of affordable sizes to choose from.
  • Easy to flip the food by simply shaking the basket.
  • Easy to load and clean mesh basket.

Cons:

  • Can only fit smaller foods or amounts of food.
  • Accessories are needed to cook some items.

Toaster Oven Air Fryers

For added versatility, toaster ovens with built-in air fryer settings are growing in popularity. Along with air frying, these multi-purpose appliances can toast, broil, bake, roast, and more. They are roomier than basket air fryers, fitting larger food items like chicken or roast.

Pros:

  • More spacious interior for larger foods.
  • Lets you air fry, toast, broil, bake, etc.

Cons:

  • Takes up more counter space than basket fryers.
  • Air flow may not be as fast/crisp as basket.
  • Food has to be flipped with tongs rather than by asking the basket.
  • Often more expensive than basic basket fryers.

Air Fryer Lids

Also called air fryer attachments, these accessory lids transform your existing multicooker (like Instant Pot) into an air fryer. The lid contains heating coils, a fan, and vents to create that crispy air fried effect.

Pros:

  • Saves space by using your current multicooker base.
  • Less expensive than buying a separate unit.
  • Can pressure cook and air fry in one pot – use the air fryer lid to crisp up or brown the top of meals you meals you have pressure cooked.

Cons:

  • Only fits one brand/size of multicooker.
  • Smaller capacity than standalone air fryers.
  • Can’t use multicooker at the same time as air frying.

Choosing the right size and capacity

When selecting an air fryer, it’s crucial to consider the size and capacity that best fits your needs. A key factor in making your decision is the number of people you usually cook for. For instance, if you’re typically cooking for one or two people, a smaller air fryer with a capacity of around 2.75-quart like the Philips TurboStar might be the perfect fit to suit your needs.

In scenarios where you need to accommodate a family, consider looking for an air fryer that has a larger capacity, such as one with a 6-quart basket. This will allow you to prepare dinner (and even dessert) in record time without having to cook in multiple batches, ultimately making your life easier in the kitchen.

Another important aspect to consider is the available counter space in your kitchen. Air fryers come in various sizes, so it’s essential to select a model that won’t overwhelm your counter space. Before purchasing, don’t forget to measure the available space and compare it to the air fryer’s dimensions. Keep in mind that you’ll also need ample room for ventilation to ensure safe and effective operation.

Lastly, always consider your future needs. While a smaller air fryer might be perfect for your current situation, it’s possible that your cooking and storage needs may change over time. So, investing in an air fryer with a capacity that provides some room to grow can ultimately prove to be a valuable decision.

In summary, choosing the right size and capacity for your air fryer can greatly enhance your cooking experience. By considering the number of people you cook for, your available counter space, and your future needs, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect air fryer for your kitchen.

Other important features to consider

With a wide range of air fryer models available, it’s important to look for the right features to suit your needs.

Controls: Digital vs. Manual

Digital control panels offer one-touch cooking options for popular foods like fries, fish, chicken, etc. This makes air frying super simple, especially for beginners. However, manual control knobs give more freedom to set custom time and temperature as needed per recipe. Digital also tends to be more precise. Those who like to experiment may prefer manual dials.

Multiple cooking levels

Higher-end air fryers may have stacked drawers or multi-level baskets, allowing you to cook different foods simultaneously on various levels. While pricier, these can be handy for big families or meal prepping since you can fry several items at once.

Key safety features

An auto shut-off automatically turns the fryer off when the timer expires, preventing overcooking accidents. Overheat protection shuts off if the appliance overheats. And for basket models, a quick release button lets you detach the hot basket safely.

Is it non-stick?

A non-stick basket is essential for an air fryer unless you are happy to use air fryer liners or baking parchment to stop your food from sticking.

Air flow design

Optimizing airflow = optimizing crispiness. Look for design elements like vents along the top and bottom, powerful heating coils, and internal fans that circulate air rapidly throughout the interior. Avoid air fryers with too many nooks where air can get trapped.

A tray or basket that is more like a mesh will allow for easier air flow versus a more solid basket.

Easy cleaning – is it dishwasher safe?

Removable, dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a cinch. Baskets and pans with nonstick coating allow food debris to slide off with a quick wipe. Being able to throw parts in the dishwasher reduces the chore of oily cleanup.

Included accessories

Many air fryers come with bonus accessories, like recipe books, silicone molds for popsicles or muffins, racks for dehydrating fruit, rotisserie spits, and skewers. Accessories add functionality and versatility.

Additional functions

Higher-end models may offer additional settings like a keep warm function to hold food at temperature, reheat modes, or smart programs that automatically adjust time and temp. A free app for monitoring from your phone can also also useful.

Warranty

Last but by no means least, it is a good idea to check what warranty is offered with any small appliance before you buy. I would recommend making sure that any model of air fryer you purchase has a manufacturer’s warranty of at least a year.

Remember, if the manufacturer isn’t willing to stand by their product lasting that long, then it probably isn’t very good quality!

Popular air fryer brands

Each brand has its unique features and strengths, so read on to discover which one might be the perfect fit for you, your budget, and your cooking needs.

Philips

Philips is a trusted brand in the world of electronics and appliances, and their air fryers have received high praise for their performance and reliability. As one of the original pioneers of air fryer technology, Philips is known for making high quality, reliable models.

Their air fryers are basket-style, and come in a range of sizes and price points to suit different households.

Philips air fryers offer advanced technologies like their patented TurboStar technology, which helps to cook food evenly and quickly.

Cuisinart

Cuisinart is known for its premium-quality kitchen appliances, and their air fryers are no exception. They offer a variety of models with different capacities, features, and price points. They have a compact basket-style air fryer and several models of air fryer toaster ovens.

They make quality mid-range models packed with useful features. Their extra large air fryer ovens work well for big families that need substantial capacity.

They offer an impressive manufacturer warranty period (three years at the time of writing), which is a good indication that you are buying a good quality brand.

Ninja

Ninja has gained popularity with their innovative and powerful appliances, including air fryers. They have a range of models, from compact units to those designed for larger families. Ninja air fryers often come with multiple functions, such as grilling, baking, and even dehydration capabilities.

Their current air fryer models include a basic compact air fryer, a dual zone air fryer with two independent baskets, a multi-cooker with air fry function, and a high-end wifi-enabled smart oven.

Ninja air fryers are praised for their large capacities, versatile functionality, and dishwasher-safe parts.

With their family-friendly sizes and settings, Ninja makes a great choice for large households. Models like the Foodi are ideal for replacing multiple appliances.

Chefman

Chefman produces air fryers that are well-designed and budget-friendly. They offer a great balance between performance and affordability, making them an excellent choice if you’re new to air frying or on a tighter budget. Their range includes compact models as well as larger units for bigger households.

GoWISE

GoWISE air fryers boast an impressive range of features at competitive prices. Their sleek designs and user-friendly interfaces make them popular among customers. Additionally, GoWISE offers a variety of sizes and capacities to accommodate various cooking requirements.

One downside is that some users report durability issues over time with heavy use. But at their low prices, GoWise air fryers are worth considering.

COSORI

COSORI offers a selection of budget-friendly air fryers that cater to different needs, from compact models for smaller kitchens to larger units with more cooking capacity. They have round or square basket-style air fryers, smart WiFi-enabled air fryers, and toaster-oven air fryers. Their air fryers also come with a host of useful features, such as pre-set modes and digital touchscreens.

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