Since there are various models of air fryers available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. Keep reading our ten reviews of the best air fryers before making a final decision.
Are you looking for a healthier way to cook your food? Has your doctor told you to cut down on greasy food to control your cholesterol? Do you want to invest in a new appliance that can offer you the same food, cooked healthily?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll explain how an air fryer will deliver your favorite fried, crunchy food using a minimal amount of oil.
Keep reading our in-depth discussion and reviews on some of the best air fryers on the market in 2024 to learn more about this game-changing kitchen gadget.
10 Best Air Fryers for 2024 Reviewed
Best High-End: Philips Premium Air Fryer
Philips is a global powerhouse based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and since 1891, they’ve been one of the leading electronic brands worldwide. In 2010, they introduced the world’s first air fryer, and they’ve set the standard ever since.
Features
The Philips Premium Air Fryer is the crème de la crème for deep frying. Unlike its competitors, it crisps food beautifully, from the edges to the center. Its TurboStar Technology, with its unique starfish design, cooks food with up to 90% less fat.
With less than a tablespoon of oil, this fryer delivers consistent heat, minimizing the need to turn your food. It cooks meals 50% more evenly than other fryers, saving you from any culinary disasters.
The Airfryer heats up instantly, saving you precious time. Its QuickControl dial lets you set temperatures in 25°F increments, while the digital display shows you the temperature and remaining cooking time.
Philips has also added five presets for popular dishes, so grilling, roasting, and baking are a breeze. The keep-warm function ensures your food stays hot for up to 30 minutes after cooking.
This air fryer boasts a 3-pound capacity, accommodating up to four servings at once. Its high-quality build features a durable plastic body on the outside and internal metal components that withstand high temperatures.
Cleaning is a cinch, with a dishwasher-safe removable basket and a nonstick coating.
Pros:
- Portable
- Durable construction
- Keep-warm mode
- Five presets
- Easy to clean
- Stability-enhancing rubber feet
- Automatic shut-off
- Analog dial with digital display for control
- TurboStar offers even heating
- Ample cooking capacity
Cons:
- Large 25°F increments reduce precision
- Expensive
- Non-ergonomic handle
Best Overall: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
Founded in 2008, Ninja is a US-based brand known for innovative kitchen appliances. Their Ninja Air Fryer is among the best in the market.
Features
If you’re craving tasty food with up to 75% less fat, the Ninja Air Fryer is your go-to. It not only air fries your favorite snacks but also roasts, reheats, and dehydrates meals. These four programmable options are easily accessible on the one-touch LED control panel.
You can set your cooking temperature between 105°F to 400°F, and the LED screen will display the temperature and time on a user-friendly interface.
The four-quart ceramic-coated basket fits almost two pounds of fries, perfect for family meals. Convection heat currents ensure crispy, crunchy food every time.
For dehydration, the fryer gently removes water with low temperature and fan speed, giving you perfectly dried, chip-like food. Preheating takes only three minutes for optimal results.
This compact, durable fryer is also easy to clean. The multi-layer rack, basket, and crisper plate are all dishwasher-friendly, making cleanup a breeze.
Pros:
- Efficient
- Compact size
- Intuitive control panel
- Ample cooking space
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Four programmable settings
- Wide temperature range
Cons:
- Gives off a rubber or plastic smell
- No extra features
Runner-Up: COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo
Based in California, COSORI is known for its intuitive kitchen gadgets that promote a healthy lifestyle. Their COSORI Air Fryer Pro is a top-selling product for a reason.
Features
The COSORI Air Fryer offers a large cooking capacity and multiple presets in a compact, durable body. This air fryer delivers crispy, crunchy, yet healthy food with up to 85% less fat than traditional fried foods. Its square 5.8-quart basket can fit nearly five to six pounds of chicken, perfect for feeding three to five people.
With 12 one-touch presets, you can cook your favorite foods with just one tap. These presets include Steak, Chicken, Seafood, Shrimp, Bacon, Frozen Foods, French Fries, Vegetables, Toast, Bake, Preheat, and Keep Warm.
You can also customize temperatures and cooking times for other recipes. The LED touchscreen includes easy-to-use control buttons and a smart, angled design for a clear view of your countertop.
The fryer’s keep-warm feature keeps your food hot after cooking, and a shake reminder ensures even cooking. The COSORI Air Fryer is faster than traditional ovens; just preheat for two to five minutes for the best results.
Cleanup is easy, thanks to the BPA-free, nonstick, detachable, dishwasher-safe basket.
Pros:
- 12 versatile presets
- LED touch control panel
- Durable design
- Easy-to-use features
- Dishwasher-friendly
- Ample cooking capacity
- Two-year warranty
- Recipe book included
Cons:
- Steam leaks from the basket
- Takes time to cook
Best Air Fryer Oven: Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1
Founded in 2009, Instant Pot is a Canadian appliance company specializing in a wide range of kitchen machines. Their Instant Pot Vortex Plus is truly the best value for the money.
Features
This air fryer combines durable construction, large cooking capacity, and easy-to-use controls. Its six-quart air frying basket cooks food for two to eight people effortlessly. The square shape maximizes space, even fitting a whole chicken or two pounds of fries.
The Instant 6-in-1 Air Fryer is perfect for air frying, baking, reheating, broiling, dehydrating, and roasting. All functions are accessible on the LED one-touch control panel. You can also set temperatures and cooking times for different recipes. A control knob adjusts settings, with a digital display showing your desired temperature.
This fryer circulates extremely hot air for the same crunchy result with 95% less oil. It’s efficient, with minimal preheat time, so you can start cooking right away.
Cleanup is easy with the nonstick, dishwasher-safe steel wire basket. Since the fryer uses little grease, cleaning is much easier than deep-frying.
Pros:
- Large cooking space
- Small footprint
- User-friendly control panel
- Durable construction
- 6-in-1 functions
- Knob for temperature control
- Easy clean-up
Cons:
- Expensive without a sale
- Short electric cord
Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Cuisinart TOA-70
Cuisinart, founded in 1971, specializes in innovative home appliances, including the high-quality Cuisinart Air Fryer Convection Toaster Oven.
Features
This multipurpose oven offers eight functions for versatility: broiling, toasting, air frying, convection baking, baking, convection broiling, grilling, and warming. Its stainless steel body is built to last, and with dimensions of 12.25 x 15.75 x 13.75 inches, the oven has a four-pound cooking capacity—perfect for toasting six slices of bread, baking a 12-inch pizza, or air frying three pounds of chicken.
This 2-in-1 oven is compact enough for countertops, maximizing space in small kitchens. A sizable 16-inch baking tray ensures even heat distribution, reducing the need for constant flipping. The nonstick interior makes for easy cleanup, and the convenient light lets you keep an eye on your food.
The adjustable thermostat allows precise temperature control, while a 60-minute timer and auto-shutdown feature prevent overcooking.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use
- Seven presets
- Durable construction
- 2-in-1 versatility
- Easy cleanup
- Large cooking capacity
Cons:
- Flimsy knobs
- No digital display
Best Small Air Fryer: GoWISE USA Digital Air Fryer
GoWISE USA is an American brand based in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to making your life healthier and more comfortable. Established in 2013, the company offers pressure cookers, pedometers, bathroom scales, and more.
Their GoWISE USA Digital Air Fryer is one of the top air fryers on the market.
Features
This air fryer delivers tasty food with fewer calories than you might think. With just a tiny amount of oil, you can achieve crunchy, healthy food with 80% less fat than traditional fried dishes. The air fryer also grills, bakes, and roasts your favorite meals.
It comes with eight presets for convenience, including fries, chicken, cake, shrimp, pork, steak, pizza, and fish. You can easily select one of these options on the LED touchscreen panel for stress-free cooking.
The fryer allows you to set the temperature between 180°F to 400°F in 10°F increments, and you can set the timer for up to 30 minutes. A free 50-recipe book is included for even more cooking possibilities.
The control panel features an alarm to alert you when it’s time to shake the food. You can also reset the temperature and time during a cooking cycle.
With a 5.8-quart basket, the fryer can cook enough food for four people with ease. It’s sleek and modern, able to handle about 1.5 pounds of fries or ten chicken wings.
Safety features include a cool-to-touch handle and button guard on the detachable basket.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Ample cooking capacity
- Eight presets
- Large temperature range
- Clear digital display
- User-friendly temperature control panel
- Sleek, modern design
Cons:
- Unreliable temperature precision
- Requires careful cleanup
- Short 30-minute timer
Best Non-Digital: Cuisinart TOA-26 Compact Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Cuisinart AirFryer is the second air fryer on our list from the same brand, offering you the best features in a durable body.
Features
The Cuisinart TOA-26 has a brushed stainless steel body, durable enough to last a lifetime, yet compact enough to fit on your countertop.
With a capacity of up to 2.5 pounds of food, it accommodates three to five people. This fryer uses a powerful fan and heater to evenly distribute heat, delivering the sought-after crispy yet healthy food.
The quiet operation and easy cleanup make this a must-have. The steel exterior and nonstick interior can be wiped down with a paper towel in seconds.
For temperature control, Cuisinart has added a large knob to set temperatures from warm to 450°F. Equipped with two adjustable temperature dials and a toast shade selector, it conveniently alerts you when the food is almost done.
The large, clear viewing window lets you keep an eye on your food, while the stainless steel baking pan collects any drippings or grease from the AirFry basket.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Easy to use
- Clear viewing window
- Nonstick interior offers easy cleanup
- Large cooking capacity
- Compact construction
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- No digital display
- Lack of presets
Best Air Fryer Oven: Innsky Air Fryer XL
Innsky designs high-quality kitchen products that help customers live a healthy lifestyle. Their Innsky Air Fryer is among the best air fryer ovens on the market.
Features
This air fryer circulates hot air 360° inside the chamber, giving you crunchy food without excessive oil. The results are similar to traditional deep frying, but much healthier.
The versatile Innsky Air Fryer has seven presets for the most popular dishes, including French fries, chicken, cakes, pizza, steak, fish, shrimp, and poultry. These intuitive presets are accessible on the LED touchscreen. Just a single tap activates these presets.
You can also customize settings by selecting a temperature between 180°F and 400°F to bake, grill, or roast your food. A convenient timer alerts you when the food is done.
An appointment function starts cooking automatically at the set time and shuts down when your meal is done. This set-it-and-forget-it feature is ideal for those who need a little extra help keeping track of time.
The Innsky Air Fryer’s 5.8-quart capacity can fit a whole five- to six-pound chicken. Made from high-grade metal, it won’t leave any plastic or rubber smell in your food.
The nonstick coating and dishwasher-safe detachable pans make cleanup easy after cooking.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Large cooking space
- Seven versatile presets
- Digital user-friendly control panel
- Easy to clean
- Safety features
- Unique appointment features
- Large temperature range
Cons:
- Noisy operation
Best Affordable: Gourmia Air Fryer Oven
Headquartered in Boston, Gourmia designs kitchen products to help chefs cook delicious, healthy food. Their products offer quality, performance, and value to both home cooks and professional chefs.
The Gourmia Digital Air Fryer offers the best features at an affordable price.
Features
This compact air fryer has eight presets for some of the most common yet tasty foods, including French fries, bacon, shrimp, fish, steak, pizza, chicken, and bake.
Selecting these presets is easy—just use the one-touch LED screen to choose your preferred option. For your convenience, all the options are clearly highlighted on the control panel.
You can also customize the air fryer by setting temperatures up to 400°F and a cooking timer for up to 30 minutes. This allows you to grill, bake, broil, roast, or air fry with just one multipurpose kitchen appliance.
The air fryer has a five-quart capacity, enough to cook for your whole family. For even more space, a free stainless steel floating rack is included, allowing two-tier cooking.
The air fryer uses 360° heat convection to deliver tasty, crunchy food with little to no oil. If you want a versatile, easy-to-use appliance, the affordable Gourmia Air Fryer is ideal for home use.
The device is ETL-certified, ensuring safety and efficiency. Cleanup is easy with the detachable, nonstick frying tray and stainless steel basket.
Pros:
- Durable, compact design
- Ample cooking space
- Affordable price
- Eight pre-programmed presets
- User-friendly digital control panel
- Easy cleanup
- Two-tier cooking levels
Cons:
- The new unit gives off a plastic smell
- Short 30-minute timer
OMORC Air Fryer
OMORC is a well-known brand that manufactures various cooking appliances to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Among a long list of products like blenders, juicers, cookers, and processors, their OMORC Air Fryer is one of their top sellers.
Features
If you’re cooking for a large gathering, the OMORC Air Fryer’s six-quart capacity is perfect. It can fit enough food for two to eight people at once.
The square-shaped stainless steel basket can accommodate a five- to six-pound chicken with ease. You’ll cut your fat intake by over 85% compared to deep-frying, and still get that crunchy texture with just a tablespoon of oil.
The air fryer includes eight pre-programmed presets for the most common dishes, including French fries, steak, fish, shrimp, bacon, chicken, cupcakes, and a warming function.
These presets are easily accessible on the LED one-touch control panel. And if your fingers are greasy, OMORC has added a convenient knob for settings.
You can also set the temperature and cooking time for different recipes, and a free recipe book is included to help you get the most out of your air fryer.
The nonstick, dishwasher-safe removable basket makes cleanup easy, and the exterior can be wiped down with a damp towel.
Pros:
- Durable, compact design
- Intuitive LED one-touch control panel
- Convenient knob for greasy fingers
- Easy cleanup
- Eight pre-programmed presets
- Large cooking capacity
Cons:
- The new unit gives off a plastic smell
What Is An Air Fryer?
Air fryers have become all the rage, touted as a way to replace unhealthy food choices with a healthier lifestyle. But what exactly is an air fryer? When did it gain popularity? Are air fryers really healthy, or is it just a myth?
Introduced by Philips Electronics in September 2010, an air fryer is a healthy way to cook and enjoy your favorite fried foods. Instead of deep-frying in oil, it uses just a tablespoon of oil to deliver the same crunchy, tasty food.
This unique kitchen appliance can cut down on oil by up to 85%, allowing you to enjoy fried food without the guilt. It works similarly to an oven, baking and roasting foods like French fries, chicken wings, empanadas, vegetables, and fish sticks.
While not a true fryer, the air fryer’s hot air mechanism gives you that crispy layer we all love from deep-fried food. This is where air fryers saw a surge in popularity, with many companies introducing their own models.
By cutting down on excess calories, air fryers can help people control their cholesterol and lead healthier lives.
How Does An Air Fryer Work?
Now that you know what an air fryer is, let’s dive into how it works. How does it deliver fried food without all that oil? What’s the magic behind this ingenious invention?
An air fryer is powered by electricity, which connects to its heating element. This element is usually located at the top or bottom of the unit.
The air fryer also contains a powerful high-speed fan that evenly distributes heat inside the chamber. A stainless steel perforated basket withstands high temperatures with ease.
Once you place your food in the basket with little to no oil and turn the machine on, the heating element warms the air inside the unit to the set temperature. The powerful fan then blows this heated air to all corners, creating convection currents.
These currents spread heat evenly to all sides of the food, making it crispy and browning the outer layer. When the temperature rises to 320°F, the air fryer can quickly cook foods like frozen chicken tenders, French fries, and tater tots.
Like deep frying, the hot air cooks food from the inside out, giving you that crunchy texture without all the oil.
How to Use an Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer is straightforward and doesn’t require any rocket science. If you know how to use an oven, an air fryer will be a breeze.
The buttons and operations may differ depending on the model, so it’s best to follow the manual that comes with your air fryer.
However, using an air fryer involves more than just turning it on and letting it do its thing. Here are some tips to improve your experience.
First, dry your food before placing it in the basket to prevent marinade splatters. Lightly brushing food with oil beforehand can prevent it from sticking to the basket.
While your food is cooking, shake and rotate it every five to 10 minutes. This prevents food from compressing or sticking to the machine. Shuffling food around ensures even browning.
To achieve crispy results, don’t overcrowd the basket—air needs space to flow evenly and reach all sides. You can sneak a peek by pulling the basket out to check if your food is done.
How to Clean an Air Fryer?
The beauty of air fryers is how easy they are to clean compared to deep fryers. However, cleaning shouldn’t be neglected—an unclean air fryer can reduce food quality, and grease buildup can lead to unpleasant odors.
Cleaning is simple and quick once the air fryer has cooled down. Start by wiping down the outside with a damp cloth or paper towel.
Next, remove the basket, tray, and pan and wash them with warm water and soap. If you’re feeling lazy and the accessories are dishwasher-safe, just pop them in the dishwasher for an easy cleanup.
If grease has hardened, soak the basket and pan in hot water to loosen it.
The inside of the air fryer can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a sponge with soap. Use a brush to remove food crumbs from other parts of the fryer.
Be gentle when brushing internal components to avoid damage.
What are The Best Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer?
The convenience of air fryers is unbeatable. Once you have a high-quality air fryer, you’ll never have to stand in front of a hot stove to cook a wide variety of foods. While they’re great for heating frozen foods, air fryers are also perfect for cooking recipes from scratch.
Air fryers are often purchased as a healthier alternative to deep frying, making it easy to replace unhealthy fried foods with something better.
You can cook simple foods like French fries, mozzarella sticks, and chips, as well as more elaborate dishes like fried chicken, calzones, and other battered and fried items.
But don’t stop there—air fryers can handle unconventional foods like ravioli, boiled eggs, pork chops, and even fish like salmon. As long as the recipe is designed for an air fryer, your food will turn out great.
Air fryers aren’t just for savory foods—they’re great for desserts too. You can make chocolate chip cookies, churro bites, apple chips, sugar cookies, and even donuts with an air fryer.
Cooking with an air fryer depends largely on the recipe, but the possibilities are endless. Air fryers get the job done faster, and cleanup is a breeze.
What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages Of Air Fryers?
Like everything else, air fryers have their own pros and cons, which can influence whether or not people choose to buy them. But what matters most is how the pros stack up against the cons.
Advantages
The advantages are numerous, covering many aspects of usability.
Air fryers are generally more efficient than conventional cooking methods. They cook food faster and use less energy, saving electricity compared to electric stoves.
Food cooked in an air fryer is healthier than fried food because it uses little to no oil, resulting in meals with less fat and fewer calories. This can help control cholesterol and prevent obesity.
Air fryers are also simple to use, easy to clean, and require minimal maintenance.
Disadvantages
On the downside, air fryers have a few cons as well.
The most significant issue is that food cooked in an air fryer doesn’t quite compare to traditional fried food. It’s also less crispy than your favorite fried meals.
A reliable, long-lasting air fryer may also be more expensive than some are willing to invest in.
Many air fryers take up a lot of counter space relative to their use. While they’re great for snacks, they’re not ideal for large family gatherings.
At events where a variety of food is needed, air fryers don’t have enough capacity to cater to different dishes or large groups.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to eat healthier without giving up your favorite fried foods, an air fryer might be the solution. With minimal oil, it delivers the same crispy results, helping you control your cholesterol and beat obesity from the comfort of your home.
All ten air fryers on our list offer top-notch features, making them easy to use and clean. But if you have to choose one, the COSORI Air Fryer provides the most versatility and ample cooking space.
With 11 pre-programmed presets and a 5.8-quart basket, you can experiment with multiple dishes and get the most out of your appliance.
Before making a final decision, be sure to read our review thoroughly and check out our helpful FAQs for more information.
Leave a Reply