An air fryer is probably one of the “hotkeys” in recent years and is always at the “top” of the most searched kitchen appliances. Thanks to the hot circulating heat, the air fryer cooks a little faster, distributes heat more evenly. Therefore, it is easy to understand why air fryers are a kitchen darling at the moment that cook many delicious dishes and help your hands-free cooking and do other works.
Buying an air fryer can be a challenge for first-time buyers, with more than 100 models on the market produced by dozens of famous brands, as well as some generic clones in several available sizes.
If you don’t want to compromise on your family’s health, an air fryer is an undoubted no-brainer investment for your kitchen. To help you find the best model for your needs, we have gathered up 10 of the Best air fryer consumer reports in 2021 available on the market, based on their functionality and features. Here is a quick summary of our best picks:
Top 10 Best Air Fryer Consumer Reports in 2021
- 6 Quarts
- 4 One-Touch Programs
- Over 1000 recipes
- XL 10L Family Size
- 1700 Watts
- 14 Touch Screen Presets
- 5.5 Quart
- Enhanced Control Panel
- Dishwasher-Safe Accessories
- 2 Quart
- Adjustable Temperature Control
- Dishwasher Safe Basket
- Capacity: toast 6 slices of bread
- 1800-Watt
- 7 functions
- 2.6 Quarts
- 1000-Watt
- Auto Shut Off Feature
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best-Selling
|
COSORI Air Fryer Max XL 5.8 Quart |
|
Check Price |
|
Best Air Fryer for a Family of Four
|
Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer, 6 Quart |
|
Check Price |
Most Versatile
|
Ninja Air Fryer AF101 |
|
Check Price |
|
Best Family size
|
Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ |
|
Check Price |
Most Fun to Use
|
GoWISE USA GW22921-S Digital Air Fryer |
|
Check Price |
|
Best Overall
|
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL AF161 |
|
Check Price |
|
Best Multifunctional
|
Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Air Fryer OP302 |
|
Check Price |
|
Best Value
|
Chefman TurboFry 2 Quart Air Fryer |
|
Check Price |
|
Best for Families
|
Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer |
|
Check Price |
|
Best for Small Kitchens
|
Dash DCAF200GBAQ02 Tasti Crisp Electric Air Fryer 2.6Qt |
|
Check Price |
#1 - COSORI Air Fryer Max XL 5.8 Quart
COSORI Air Fryer Max XL (100 Recipes) 5.8 QT Electric Hot Oven Oilless Cooker LED Touch Screen with 13 Cooking Functions, DIGITAL-Black
- Capacity: 5.8 Quarts
- Features: 11 presets for an effortless experience, Temp Range: 170-400°F (77-205°C), Time Range: 1–60 minutes, Unique Shake Reminder, Keep Warm function, Auto Shutoff function, One-touch selections, FREE Cosori Recipe Book with 100 recipes!
- Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate
The Cosori Air Fryer cooks food quickly with a reduced amount of oil and fumes that comes with traditional deep drying. Make your favorite fried foods with the same crispy, delicious flavor using little to no oil.
Whether your food is fresh or frozen, you can air fry chicken wings, chicken breast, sweet potatoes, steak, fresh fries, and many more at the touch of a button. When you’re done, cleanup is just as easy with nonstick and dishwasher-safe baskets.
- Detachable and dishwasher-safe parts offer convenient cleaning
- 11 preset functions help in easier cooking
- Elegant design with touchscreen LED display
- Compact in size making it easy to store and maneuver
- Large BPA free non-stick basket
- Average build quality
- A little noisy
| Manufacturer | COSORI |
| Item model number | AF101 |
| Product Dimensions | 14.3 x 11.8 x 12.6 inches |
| Item weight | 14.41 pounds |
| Wattage | 1700 watts |
#2 - Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer, 6 Quart
Instant Pot Vortex 6 Qt 4 in 1 Air Fryer
- Capacity: 6 Quarts
- Features: Simple touch controls for easy use, Made with Stainless steel, Spacious Air fryer basket
- Functions: Air fry, bake, roast or reheat with preloaded smart programs
Prepare dinner twice as fast as the Instant Pot 6qt. Vortex air fryer. It takes the least amount of preheating time making cooking delightfully fast. Quick healthy yet tasty dishes using very little oil. The one-touch controls make it easy to air frying, roasting, baking, and reheating, with no fuss or mess.
4 built-in smart cooking programs (air fry, bake, reheat, and roast) help you breeze through cook-time, and you can say goodbye to kitchen clutter. Experience all the crispy flavor of deep-fried cooking every time with minimum grease or oil. Get delightfully crispiness on the outside, tender and juicy results on the inside without drying out the moisture.
- 6 built-in smart programs make cooking quick and easy
- ‘Even-crisp technology’ allows your food to achieve a crispy outside and tender inside
- Removable and dishwasher safe parts make cleaning convenient
- Takes time to pre-heat
| Manufacturer | Double Insight – FOB CNBIJ |
| Item model number | Vortex 6 Qt |
| Product Dimensions | 14.92 x 12.36 x 12.83 inches |
| Item weight | 12.08 pounds |
| Wattage | 1700 watts |
#3 - Ninja Air Fryer AF101
Ninja Air Fryer that Cooks, Crisps and Dehydrates, with 4 Quart Capacity, and a High Gloss Finish
- Capacity: 3.79 Liters
- Features: Extra-large capacity, One-touch control panel, Easy Cleanup
- Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate
Meet the Ninja Air Fryer, a fast and easy way to cook your favorite foods. It makes for even hot air circulation around food for crispy, quick and golden finishes, every single time. The smart processor gives a wide temperature range as it powers a fan that adjusts speeds to suit your cooking function.
This lets you crisp and cooks foods like french fries with little to no oil, in a 4-qt basket. You can bake, roast, reheat, air fry & dehydrate foods in this go-to appliance for most meals & snacks. Cook and enjoy crispy meals whenever you feel like.
- Hardcore Toxic-Free Coating
- Huge Space
- Easily Usable
- Unique Crisp Plate
- Safe Ventilation
- Easy Cooking Settings
- A Great Dehydrator
- Really Large Space If You Don’t Need It All
- Gets really hot
- Doesn’t Provide Enough Recipes
- Does Not Auto Pause
| Manufacturer | SharkNinja |
| Item model number | AF101 |
| Product Dimensions | 13.6 x 11 x 13.3 inches |
| Item weight | 15.72 pounds |
| Wattage | 1800 watts |
#4 - Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+
Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 14 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate & Bake, Auto Shutoff, Accessories Included, XL 10L Family Size
- Capacity: 3.79 Liters
- Features: 10 liter family-sized capacity, 14 Cooking Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Accessories
- Functions: Air Fry, Rotisserie, Dehydrate, Bake
Say hello to the Chefman Multi-Functional Air Fryer with Rotisserie and Dehydrator Function handles any cooking, baking, or air frying task, creating the crispy fried texture you love with little to no oil. With the highly efficient rapid air technology and high-speed convection system, you can get even, crispy fried texture using little to no oil.
Perfect for feeding a crowd, this Multifunctional AirFryer features a 10-liter capacity and 14 preset options – you can use it to air fry, roast, dehydrate, bake, reheat, and more! That means crispy French fries every time, from fresh, frozen, and even leftover. Interior lighting allows you to easily watch your food as it cooks. For best results while air frying, racks should be switched in the middle of cooking.
Accessories include 2 air flow racks, rotisserie spit and forks, rotating basket, rotisserie retrieval tool and drip tray. Removable drip tray and dishwasher safe parts make cleaning a breeze. With the dehydrating preset, you can make your own dried fruit slices, long-lasting dried herbs, delicious beef jerky, and more!
- Large capacity
- Easy to monitor food
- Multiple cooking functions
- Large and bulky
- Temperature control increments
| Manufacturer | Chefman |
| Item model number | Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ |
| Product Dimensions | 12.2 x 11.81 x 14.56 inches |
| Item weight | 14.2 pounds |
| Wattage | 1700 watts |
#5 - GoWISE USA GW22921-S Digital Air Fryer
GoWISE USA GW22921-S 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer with Recipe Book, 5.0-Qt, Black
- Capacity: 3.79 Liters
- Features: High Power Heating Element, 50+Recipes + Recipes app, Modern touch screen design, 5 QT Cooking Space
- Functions: Fry, bake, grill and roast
Whether reheating leftover food or making it from scratch you can be confident it’s going to be excellent with the GoWISE USA 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer. Cooking with a GoWISE USA Air Fryer lets you enjoy your favorite fried foods without the mess of all that hot and dangerous oil or those added calories. Using Rapid Air Technology, food cooks from all sides at once just like frying in oil, so you’ll get that crispy texture you crave. Turn leftover pizza into hot out of the oven by the slice! Never cook frozen foods in the Microwave again and create healthy meals from scratch to impress friends and family.
This GoWISE USA Air Fryer has a temperature range of 180°F – 400°F allowing you to prepare a variety of snacks, entrees, and desserts. To help you get started, each GoWISE USA Air Fryer comes included with a recipe book packed with 50 tried and tested Air Fryer recipes. The GoWISE USA Air Fryer is a must-have for any home and makes the perfect gift.
- Built-in 8 preset modes help in cooking your food quickly and easily
- Sleek and modern look makes it perfect for gifting
- Digital LCD touch-screen allows hassle-free operation
- Teflon coating may peel off
| Manufacturer | GoWISE USA |
| Item model number | GW22921-S |
| Product Dimensions | 12.2 x 11.81 x 14.56 inches |
| Item weight | 13 pounds |
| Wattage | 1700 Watts |
#6 - Ninja Air Fryer Max XL AF161
Ninja Max XL Air Fryer that Cooks, Crisps, Roasts, Broils, Bakes, Reheats and Dehydrates, with 5.5 Quart Capacity, and a High Gloss Finish
- Capacity: 5.2 Liters
- Features: 5.5-Quart Capacity, Rapid fan speed and super-hot temperatures, Crank up the temperature to 450 degrees, 75% less fat than traditional frying methods, Dishwasher-Safe Accessories, Enhanced Control Panel, Broiling Rack
- Functions: Cook, Crisp, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat and Dehydrate
Achieve max crisp on your french fries, chicken wings, and all kinds of food with ease. Up your kitchen game with the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL, a healthy* yet delicious alternative to cooking your favorite fried foods and dishes. With this air fryer, cook and crisp using 7 programmable cooking options to explore your wonder. Air fry or air roast for a perfectly cooked meal.
A family-sized 5.5-qt basket lets you cook bigger meals to enjoy with the entire family. MaxCrisp Technology blows super-hot air to cook foods instantly for hotter, crispier results. Indulge in guilt-free deep-fried favorites of your choice.
- Large Cooking Capacity
- 30% Faster Than The AF101
- ‘Max Crisp’ Technology
- Double The Capacity Using The Broil Rack
- Ceramic Coated for Durability
- Attractive Appliance
- Auto Shut Off
- Easy to Clean
- Odd Smell When First Used
- Quite Heavy
- Notification Beeps Are Annoyingly Loud
| Manufacturer | SharkNinja |
| Item model number | AF161 |
| Product Dimensions | 12.2 x 11.81 x 14.56 inches |
| Item weight | 13 pounds |
| Wattage | 1700 Watts |
#7 - Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Air Fryer OP302
Ninja OP302 Foodi 9-in-1 Pressure, Broil, Dehydrate, Slow Cooker, Air Fryer, and More, with 6.5 Quart Capacity and 45 Recipe Book, and a High Gloss Finish
- Capacity: 4 Quarts
- Features: Tender crisp technology, 6.5 quart ceramic coated pot, 1400 watt unit, crisping lid, pressure lid, 4 quart ceramic coated cook & crisp basket, stainless steel reversible rack, and 45+ recipe book
- Functions: air fry, bake, roast, and broil
With Ninja OP302 you can do the usual slow and pressure cooking, steaming, searing, air frying, roasting, and broiling. It also has a dehydrate function to create delicious homemade snacks like chips and jerky.
Its 6.5-quart ceramic coated pot provides plenty of capacity to cook a large roast for your family. It’s nonstick, PTFE/PFOA free, and easy to clean. Enough capacity to cook a roast for your family.
The OP302 provides hassle-free cooking from frozen to crispy. You can skip thawing and save time. Food will be evenly cooked from the inside out, starting with pressure cooking and finishing off with a crisping method of your choice.
- Comes with pressure cook, air fry and tender crisp functions
- This air fryer is quite functional and reasonably pricedComes with pressure cook, air fry and tender crisp functions
- It is easy to clean
- This air fryer is quite heavy, about 24.9 pounds.
| Manufacturer | Ninja |
| Item model number | OP302 |
| Product Dimensions | 14.25 x 16.75 x 13.1 inches |
| Item weight | 24.9 pounds |
| Wattage | 1460 watts |
#8 - Chefman TurboFry 2 Quart Air Fryer
Chefman TurboFry 2 Quart Air Fryer, Personal Compact Healthy Fryer w/ Adjustable Temperature Control, 30 Minute Timer and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Black
- Capacity: 1.89 Liters
- Features: Cook restaurant-quality favorites using little to no oil, Rubber handle keeps hands away from heating elements, Simple, easy-to-use controls, Limits on both time and temperature to prevent accidents, Dishwasher safe fry basket and tray, Basket is nonstick, 1-Year warranty from Chefman, Compact size so it takes up less counter space, Temperature range from 200°F – 400°F
- Functions: Grill, roast, and bake
The Chefman TurboFry 2 Liter Air Fryer is a compact, easy-to-use appliance that helps you cook amazing fried food without all the oil and unwanted fat. One of the most popular models from the brand, the TurboFry uses rapid air technology to cook foods to a crispy, delicious texture. Unlike many other air fryer brands, Chefman has kept this model scaled-down so it can pretty much fit anywhere.
- Decent Capacity for the Entry-Level Price Point
- Uses 98% Less Oil
- Dual Dial Controls
- Dishwasher Safe
- Issues with The Non-Stick Coating
- Circular Basket
- Burnt Plastic Smell for First Couple of Uses
- User Manual Lacks Cooking & Temperature Recommendations
| Manufacturer | Chefman |
| Item model number | TurboFry 2 Liter Air Fryer |
| Product Dimensions | 9.75 x 9.75 x 12.5 inches |
| Item weight | 7.22 pounds |
| Wattage | 1500 Watts |
#9 - Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air fryer
Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer, Silver
- Capacity: toast 6 slices of bread, air fry 3lbs of chicken wings, bake a 12-inch pizza or roast a 4 pound chicken
- Features: Adjustable thermostat with 60-minute timer/auto shutoff, toast shade selector-timer. UC Cubic Feet: 3.249 lb
- Functions: 1800-Watts with 7 functions: air fry, convection bake, convection broil, bake, broil, Warm, toast.
If you’re attracted to air frying but are swayed by the aesthetics of most machines, this model solves that by masquerading as an oven with just a tiny footprint. The shallow and wide air fryer basket means you can hold more food, perfect for providing a larger family, and more air reaches to food than traditional models, bringing out the brown color, great for fries and chicken.
It also cooks soft cakes, eliminating the need for additional machineries like a toaster or even a conventional oven. You can also use its grill, bake, and toast settings to have four machines in one, so you don’t hesitate to choose between having a separate air fryer and oven anymore.
- Functions are easy to use
- Convenient light
- Seven presets
- Larger cooking capacity
- Durable body
- Affordable
- Heats up quickly
- The buttons are fragile
- Low-quality air fryer basket
- No LED display
| Manufacturer | Cuisinart |
| Item model number | TOA-60 |
| Product Dimensions | 15.5 x 16 x 14 inches |
| Item weight | 21 Pounds |
| Wattage | 1800-Watts |
#10 - Dash Tasti Crisp Electric Air Fryer 2.6Qt
Dash DCAF200GBAQ02 Tasti Crisp Electric Air Fryer Oven Cooker with Temperature Control, Non-stick Fry Basket, Recipe Guide + Auto Shut Off Feature, 1000-Watt, 2.6Qt, Aqua
- Capacity: 2.6 Quarts
- Features: The large 7-quart basket, Less fat usage, consume 85% less fat than the conventional frying methods, Easy to adjust temperature settings
- Functions: Grill, roast, and bake
Coming in at number 10 on this list of best dash air fryer reviews is Dash DCAF200GBAQ02 Tasti Electric Air Fryer. It is available in different colors such as white, red, black and aqua. This air fryer comes with safety features like cool-touch housing and auto shut off function that prevents overcooking of food. Dash DCAF200GBAQ02 air fryer is not only lightweight and easy to use but has an exterior that is durable and tough.
Whether you want to fry sweet potatoes, fries, appetizers, nuggets, or fish sticks, you can simply choose your temperature, choose your time, and then enjoy. When you purchase this electric air fryer, you will get a recipe guide companion cookbook together with 15+ recipes that exceed fries.
- Stylish
- Very Easy To Use
- Light Weight
- Auto Shut-Off
- ‘Cool Touch’ Housing
- Dishwasher Safe
- Small Capacity
- No Features
- Non-Stick is Ineffective
- Numbers on Dial Rub Off
| Manufacturer | Dash |
| Item model number | DCAF200GBAQ02 |
| Product Dimensions | 12.2 x 11.9 x 9.9 inches |
| Item weight | 7.13 pounds |
| Wattage | 1000 watts |
Buying Guide
Should you purchase the air fryer? Or maybe an air fryer toaster oven? Our guide to buying the air fryer will help you find the perfect device for your needs.
The air fryer has become a household appliance for many people, thanks to its ability to recreate fried foods’ crisp flavors without all the unhealthy oils. (Here’s an in-depth explanation of how the air fryer works.)
Currently, there are many different types of air fryers on the market, and it is hard to decide which one to buy as every air fryer model is different.
Are you looking for a basic model? An air fryer-toaster oven combo? One with presets for your favorite dish? Please follow our guide to find your needs’ perfect model, along with the best-rated air fryers on the market.
Three essential things should consider when choosing the best air fryer?
Air fryers are still relatively new to the market, so there are many things to consider. We recommend starting with a budget. You’ll want to think about how much money you are willing to spend on it.
Air fryers’ prices vary widely based on factors like the brand, capacity, feature, etc. Generally, the more expensive ones are going to offer you more features than the cheaper air fryers. Depending on your budget, you can find lower or more expensive prices for air fryers. Also, keep in mind that a good quality air fryer definitely won’t come cheap.
Before going to the kitchen store, please ask yourself:
* How large do I need an air fryer?
* Do I want preset options?
* What about the multiple features?
Answers to these questions – plus our guidance can help you choose the perfect model for your family.
The Ultimate Guide to Air Fryers
1. Consider the Capacity
Typically, these units have capacities from 2 to 7 liters. Depending on your cooking skills and how often you plan to prepare meals, snacks, and desserts, the larger air fryer may be the best option for your small or large family. Otherwise, please use this chart as a guide:
| Capacity | Portions | Good for |
|---|---|---|
|
1.5 to 2.5 liter |
1-2 servings |
Snacks, sides and mains |
|
3.0 to 6.0 liter |
3-4 servings |
Snacks, sides, mains and complete meals |
|
6.5 to 12.0 liter |
5+ servings |
Snacks, sides, mains, complete meals, whole chickens and batch cooking. |
2. Wattage
Please make sure that your kitchen outlet supports the watts consumption your air fryer will use. It’s vital that your kitchen outlets can support from 800 watts to 1500 watts which a standard air fryer typically uses.
The air fryer has more watts, and the temperature will reach higher & quickly. It will reheat the oil if you have added frozen food like beans or frozen meat to the grease. The air fryer is available with wattage levels of up to 1800 watts & more.
3. Power Consumption
The maximum amount of electricity that an air fryer with a capacity of 1500 watts can consume is no more than 1 unit per day. In case you cook for 30 minutes in an air fryer, the maximum electricity consumption will be only half a unit of electricity a day.
Air Fryer only takes up to 15 minutes to complete the cooking needs of the family. Most Air Fryers have a power rating below 1500 watts, and therefore they consume less than half a unit of electricity per day.
4. Temperature Control
Your air fryer’s temperature setting can have a decisive effect on the result you want. Mostly, air fryers cook food well when the temperature is above 400 degrees. Higher temperatures have the advantage of faster cooking.
Batter coatings and baked goods will also not absorb much grease if they are cooked for less time at a higher temperature but ensure the machine has the proper controls to help you cook at the right temperature. The presence of an indicator light and a built-in timer simplifies the cooking process.
5. Common Features
The features of your air fryer will vary depending on your budget and brand, but most of the best air fryers have the following:
- Automatic shut-off function
- Precise temperature control
- Heat up to 400F in just a few minutes
- Can reduce your use of oil in a recipe by around 70%
- There is no hot oil splashing, thus reducing the risk of injury
- No deep fryer/fried oil smell permeating your home
- The device cools quickly
- Convenient dishwasher safe components
- Cook food faster than a traditional home oven
- Don’t heat your home during the hot summer months.
6. Cleaning & Care
Fortunately, most air fryers have detachable parts that make dishwashers safe. For general cleaning, make sure the fryer is completely cooled and unplugged to reduce the risk of burns and electric shock.
Wipe off any oil, crumbs, or other debris from the baskets, trays, and pans with a damp cloth. These parts are removable and can be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Wipe the rest of the air fryer with your damp cloth
The heating coil can be cleaned with a damp cloth like the ones on your stove. Just make sure the fryer is unplugged, and the machine is completely cool.
Grilled grease or debris can be scrubbed off with a coarse sponge (NOT steel wool), and detachable parts are always soaked in hot soapy water if they are stubborn, stuck on the surface.
See more: How to deep clean an air fryer here
7. Design
Most air fryers today are about the size of a standard 12-cup coffee machine. However, you may need one bigger or smaller, depending on how many servings you need and making them perfect for your kitchens.
When looking for an air fryer, you have several design and style options. Some brands have colorful enamel options or some that are basic and utilitarian.
We recommend looking for an air fryer designed with dishwasher safety, detachable parts for thorough and convenient cleaning.
8. Price
When looking for an air fryer, we highly recommend you should choose one in the mid-range for price. The more expensive, tech-savvy models are impressive, but since their lifespan cannot be tested, they might not be the same wise investment in the same way a costly toaster or skillet is.
The cheapest air fryers will only cost you around $50, but you may find that they’re too hot or undercooked like the mid-range models.
Ideally, you’ll spend $100- $200 on a quality air fryer. It will ensure that it is sturdy enough for daily use and hygiene and heat your food evenly, ensuring crispness.
Several high-end brands will set you back $200- $300 dollars or more. Considering that an air fryer is less versatile than some appliances, it might only be worth it if you’re brand loyal or looking for a particular aesthetic.
9. Brands
There are so many air fryer reviews on the Internet, it is easy to make you confused and overwhelmed. Therefore, we are compiling a list of our favorites. Here, you’ll find the best air fryers, from high-end models to more compact options designed for smaller kitchens.
10. Safety
Firstly, pay attention to a well-insulated air fryer with a cool-touch handle so your hands won’t burn when pulling out the basket.
Secondly, the base of the machine must be non-slip feet so that the device does not slip out, with a lid lock, controls the outside basket. Make sure the air fryer has an automatic shut-off to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Air fryers are kitchen appliances that fry foods by circulating hot air around the food. Air-fried foods are believed to be healthier than deep-fried foods because they require less oil to produce a similar taste.
An air fryer is not really a fryer. It doesn’t fry food like deep frying or pan frying does — it’s more like oven fried. “It is basically a little hot air chamber convection oven. It cooks a little faster, distributes heat more evenly, and suspends food in a perforated basket. It can really speed things up — sometimes you need some good food fast,” says McManus.
Most models don’t need to preheat, so that saves time, and they cook food quickly. In warmer climates and summer months, they won’t heat up your kitchen the way your oven can.
An air fryer is pretty straight forward to use, but with a few tips you can really make it shine for you.
5 Air Fryer Tips Every Air Fryer Owner Should Know
The Air Fryer device can be an amazing tool if you use it right and see it’s true potential. Here are 5 Air Fryer Tips that will help you get amazing results with your Air Fryer.
1. Shake it
Be sure to open the air fryer and shake foods around as they “fry” in the machine’s basket—smaller foods like French fries and chips can compress. For best results, rotate them every 5-10 minutes.
2. Don’t overcrowd
Give foods plenty of space so that the air can circulate effectively; that’s what gives you crispy results. Our test kitchen cooks swear by the air fryer for snacks and small batches.
3. Give foods a spray
Lightly spray foods with cooking spray or add just a bit of oil to ensure they don’t stick to the basket.
4. Keep it dry
Pat foods dry before cooking (if they are marinated, for example) to avoid splattering and excess smoke. Similarly, when cooking high-fat foods like chicken wings, make sure to empty the fat from the bottom machine periodically.
5. Master other cooking methods
The air fryer isn’t just for frying; it’s great for other healthy cooking methods like baking, roasting and grilling, too. Our test kitchen also loves to use the machine for cooking salmon!
It’s important to preheat your air fryer 5 minutes prior to use—just like you would preheat your oven. Since it’s a smaller space than a large convection oven and the air is constantly circulating, the temperature does not need to be quite as hot. If your recipe isn’t made for an air fryer, a great rule of thumb is to deduct 25° from the stated temperature. So if your food should cook at 375°, knock it down to 350°.
You could argue that air-fried food is healthier than deep-fried food because it uses less oil. Frozen french fries prepared in the air fryer contain between 4 and 6 grams of fat versus their deep-fried counterparts, which have a whopping 17 grams per serving.
Air fryers make it easy to whip up frozen foods, and they can do so in a way that is slightly healthier than deep-frying. The results are much better than oven-frying, and your kitchen stays cool.
Even the largest air fryers have a limited capacity, so you’ll likely have to cook in batches—especially if you’re preparing food for a crowd. Bigger than a toaster, air fryers also take up valuable counter space. Finally, they can be pricey, depending on the model you get.
To make the best use of your Airfryer, it is important to preheat it each time you want to cook. We will discuss the steps involved in preheating, but before we do, let’s explain why it is essential to preheat your Airfryer before cooking.
Preheating it gets it hot even before you place your food. This way, the cooking process will begin immediately. On the other hand, if you don’t preheat it, it will take a few minutes after placing your food before cooking actually begins.
So, logically, preheating your Airfryer shortens your cook time. Now, let’s make it clear to you that contrary to what many people have thought, it is not a must to preheat. It will only make your cooking take a few minutes longer if you don’t preheat.
It won’t make your food turn out bad. Some people have come out to say that preheating makes their food turn out crispy as they want. The truth is that if you understand an Airfryer, your food can still turn out crispy without preheating.
To wrap this section up, we want you to understand that preheating your Airfryer is a matter of personal preference. If you like it, you can continue, and if you don’t like it, no problem. However, if you have to preheat, you’ve got to do it the right way. That’s why we will give you the steps involved in preheating your Airfryer.
Some air fryers have pre-heat functions already which you just press for the preheating process. If your model does not have this feature, how how to do it easily:
- Set the temperature at which you are cooking the food. Or at the temperature that the recipe states.
- Click “on” and let the air fryer heat for 3-5 minutes. We suggest 2 minutes for small air fryers less than 3 qts. And for larger air fryers, we suggest about 5 minutes.
Most standard air fryers can fit enough food for 2 to 4 servings, depending on the food. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket. If you choose to make multiple batches of an air frying recipe, start checking the second batch for doneness a few minutes early, as the air fryer will already be hot and may cook the second batch more quickly.
Conclusion
If you love eating fried food, we recommend giving it a try. It’s a great way to cook anything from nutritious French fries to frozen toast.
The air mentioned above fryers is our top shots. Everyone has a different experience with different air fryers. So making sure you get the one that’s right for you is essential.
