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Air Fryer Review: The Best Kitchen Appliance for Healthy Cooking
Published: February 19, 2024
Discover the top-rated air fryers for guilt-free cooking. Read our comprehensive air fryer reviews and find the perfect kitchen appliance for healthier meals!
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When it comes to cooking healthy meals, finding the right kitchen appliance can make all the difference. That's where the air fryer comes in. Air Fryer Review: The Best Kitchen Appliance for Healthy Cooking explores the benefits of using an air fryer to make delicious, crispy food without all the oil. With its ability to cook a wide variety of dishes, from vegetables to chicken, in a healthier way, the air fryer is a must-have appliance for anyone looking to eat better without sacrificing flavor. If you're interested in learning more about how the air fryer can revolutionize your cooking routine, keep reading!
Overall Score: 8/10
The Instant Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer is a 6-in-1 kitchen appliance designed to air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. It features advanced EvenCrisp technology for a perfect golden finish, along with a ClearCook window and internal light for easy monitoring. With replaceable air filters, this air fryer also has odor erase technology to eliminate unwanted smells. It offers customizable one-touch smart programs and fast preheating, making it ideal for quick, delicious meals. The non-stick, dishwasher-safe air fry basket and tray enable easy cleanup, and the temperature range of 95 to 400°F adds versatility. With a kitchen must-have, built-in safety features, and 100+ in-app recipes, this appliance is perfect for 4-6 servings.
Key Features
- 6-In-1 Functionality
- Watch your food cook
- Odor erase technology
- Even Crisp TECHNOLOGY
- One-Touch smart programs
- Fast preheating
- Easy clean-Up
- A kitchen must have
- Discover amazing recipes
- Safety features
Specifications
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Dimension: 13.78Lx11.81Wx13.39H
- Size: 6QT
Pros
- 6-in-1 functionality for versatile cooking
- Clear Cook window and internal light for monitoring
- Odor erase technology for eliminating smells
- Fast preheating and easy clean-up
- Built-in safety features and 100+ in-app recipes
Cons
- Occasional door misalignment during cleaning
- Possible temperature accuracy issues
The Instant Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer offers an array of versatile features, from 6-in-1 functionality to advanced technology and in-app recipes. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, its overall performance and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer lets you indulge in guilt-free food with its 75% less fat cooking method. It features a 4-quart capacity, versatile cooking programs, and easy-to-clean parts. The air fryer is great for crisping, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating food, and offers a wide temperature range. The 4-in-1 appliance is perfect for quick, easy meals with outstanding results. The nonstick basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe, and the air fryer comes with a 20-recipe booklet for added convenience.
Key Features
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat compared to traditional frying methods
- DEPTH OF FLAVOR: Wide temperature range of 105°F-400°F
- FAMILY-SIZED: 4-quart capacity for large servings
- 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate
- DEHYDRATE: Create healthy, homemade snacks with low fan speed and low temperature
- EASY-TO-CLEAN: Dishwasher safe parts and wipe-clean machine exterior
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: Shark Air Fryer, 4 Quart Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate, & 20 Recipe Booklet
Specifications
- Color: Grey
- Dimension: 8.50Lx12.10Wx11.00H
- Size: 4 Quarts
Pros
- Healthier cooking with less fat
- Versatile functionality with multiple programs
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Quick preheating and efficient cooking
- Large capacity for family-sized meals
Cons
- Issues with non-stick coating quality
- Cleaning difficulties on basket residue
- Limited detailed cooking instructions in handbook
The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer provides a healthy cooking alternative with its versatile functionality, large capacity, and easy maintenance. Despite minor issues with cleaning and non-stick quality, the air fryer delivers consistent, efficient results that are perfect for quick, guilt-free meals. It’s a game-changer for those looking to enjoy the taste of fried food without the excess fat content.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Gourmia Air Fryer Oven is a versatile, multifunctional kitchen gadget that can cook a wide variety of dishes with just one touch. It is equipped with 12 1-Touch Digital Presets, making it a convenient cooking solution for a busy lifestyle. The air fryer basket removes up to 90% of fat, providing a healthier way to enjoy your favorite fried foods. Its sleek design and powerful 1500w ensure quick, even cooking and easy cleanup. This air fryer is ideal for cooking everything from sides to main dishes and is a great addition to any kitchen.
Key Features
- GOURMIA is the #1 BESTSELLING Airfryer Brand in the USA in 2022
- Multicooker Combo Electric Oven
- Fat removal technology in the air fryer basket
- 12 1-Touch Digital Presets
- Dishwasher safe
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 13.58Lx11.54Wx13.20H
- Size: 6 Qt.
Pros
- Multifunctional and easy to use
- Removes up to 90% of fat from foods
- Quick and easy cleanup
- Comprehensive 1-year warranty
Cons
- Learning curve for first-time air fryer users
- May take longer to air fry certain foods
The Gourmia Air Fryer Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience, versatility, and healthier cooking options. The sleek design, powerful performance, and comprehensive warranty make it a top choice for home cooks. With its ease of use and convenient presets, this air fryer is suitable for both novice and experienced chefs, providing consistently impressive results. If you’re looking to make healthier and tastier meals without sacrificing flavor, the Gourmia Air Fryer Oven is a must-have kitchen companion.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Cosori Mini Air Fryer 2.1 Qt is a small and powerful air fryer that allows you to enjoy crispy, delicious food with up to 97% less oil than traditional frying. With 4 cooking functions and a compact, portable design, you can easily customize your favorite dishes while enjoying the quietest operation. The included recipes and dishwasher-safe, non-stick accessories make it a convenient and easy-to-use kitchen appliance.
Key Features
- 2.1-Qt Capacity
- Compact and Portable
- 4 Cooking Functions
- The Quietest Operation
- Fast & Convenient
- Up to 97% Less Oil
- Included Recipes
- Dishwasher-Safe
- A Great Gift
- Notification
Specifications
- Color: Grey
- Dimension: 10.10Lx8.30Wx10.50H
- Size: 2.1 QT
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Quietest operation compared to other models
- Fast cooking without preheating
- Up to 97% less oil for healthier meals
- Includes 30 original recipes on the free Ve Sync app
Cons
- Smaller size is not ideal for larger families
- Back side of the fryer gets hot during use
The Cosori Mini Air Fryer 2.1 Qt is an excellent kitchen appliance for individuals or small families looking to enjoy crispy, healthier meals with minimal hassle. Its compact, portable design and quiet operation make it a standout choice, with the convenience of included recipes and easy cleaning adding further appeal. While its smaller size may not suit larger families, it is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those looking to adopt healthier cooking options.
Overall Score: 8/10
Experience the beauty of healthier cooking with the Beautiful 3 Qt Air Fryer. With its space-saving design and 75% less fat than traditional deep frying, this air fryer is perfect for serving up to 4 people. The adjustable temperature range and 4 preset functions allow for versatile cooking options, while the patent-pending TurboCrisp technology ensures fast and even results with little to no oil. The non-stick coating and dishwasher-safe accessories make for easy cleanup, and the powerful 1200-watt heating system delivers superior cooking performance. Enjoy crispy, delicious meals without the guilt with this beautiful and efficient air fryer.
Key Features
- Space saving 3qt capacity serves up to 4 people 75% less fat than traditional deep frying
- Adjustable temperature range from 170°F to 400°F. 4 Preset Functions – Air Fry, Bake, Roast and Reheat
- Patent-pending Turbo Crisp technology for fast and even cooking Little to no oil needed for crispy, healthier results
- Superior air flow technology makes fast, crispy, and evenly cooked food Non-stick coating made without PFOA-PFOS for easy food release
- Dishwasher safe Turbo Crisp tray and basket for easy clean up Powerful 1200-watt heating system
Specifications
- Color: White Icing
- Dimension: 20.47Lx9.84Wx10.55H
- Size: 9.84×10.55
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Adjustable temperature and preset functions
- Turbo Crisp technology for fast and even cooking
- Dishwasher safe accessories for easy cleanup
Cons
- Limited color options
- May be too small for larger families
The Beautiful 3 Qt Air Fryer combines style and functionality to deliver healthier, delicious meals. Its space-saving design, versatile cooking options, and easy cleanup make it a great addition to any kitchen. While it may not have many color options and could be too small for larger families, its performance and aesthetics earn it a solid score of 8.
Overall Score: 8/10
The DASH Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer Oven is a compact and quick countertop air fryer that uses AirCrisp Technology to cook healthier foods. It's perfect for small spaces, dorm rooms, and RVs. The 2.6 Qt. size is versatile and ideal for one or two people. It's also easy to use with simple controls and a nonstick basket. Users have praised its fast cooking, convenience, easy cleaning, and space-saving design. However, some have found that the food doesn't turn out as crispy as they expected. Overall, it's well-loved for making quick, healthier, and delicious meals. The grey color and compact size make it an attractive addition to any kitchen.
Key Features
- Healthier food: Reduces fat by 70-80%
- Quick and easy: Compact and quick cooking
- Personal air fryer: Perfect for small spaces, auto-shut off
- Versatile: Plenty of surface area for food
- Fast, healthier food: Cook, fry, roast, bake in minutes
Specifications
- Color: Grey
- Dimension: 8.70Lx10.80Wx11.30H
- Size: 2.6 Qt.
Pros
- Compact and quick cooking
- Reduces added fat in food
- Easy to use and clean
- Ideal for small spaces
Cons
- Food may not turn out very crispy
- Limited temperature control
The DASH Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer Oven is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for small spaces. It offers quick, healthier cooking, and easy cleaning. Its compact size and ease of use make it perfect for individuals or small households. Despite some limitations in temperature control, its affordable price and convenience make it a highly recommended air fryer for anyone looking to cook healthier meals in minutes.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer, Convection Toaster Oven with French Doors, Stainless Steel is a versatile and spacious multi-cooker that elevates meal preparation. Its 24 cooking presets provide a variety of cooking methods, and the dual-speed fan ensures crispy and golden results. The stainless steel exterior and elegant French doors make it a beautiful addition to any kitchen. With an extra-large 26-quart capacity, this appliance is perfect for serving 4–6 people, allowing you to roast a 6-lb chicken or bake a 12” pizza. The customer rating is 4.5/5, with users praising its cooking capacity, ease of use, and versatile cooking settings.
Key Features
- A versatile air fryer and multi-cooker with 24 cooking presets
- Dual-speed fan for homemade cooking & golden fried crisping
- Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity to serve 4–6 people
- 24 cooking presets with a variety of cooking methods
Specifications
- Color: 26 QT French Door
- Dimension: 16.90Lx15.80Wx14.80H
- Size: 26 QT French Door
Pros
- Versatile and spacious with an extra-large capacity
- Beautiful stainless steel exterior with French doors
- 24 cooking presets for variety in cooking methods
Cons
- Some users experienced issues with cleaning and maintenance
- The appliance may not have independent temperature controls
The Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer, Convection Toaster Oven with French Doors, Stainless Steel is a highly versatile and spacious multi-cooker that offers a variety of cooking methods and presets. While some users experienced minor issues related to cleaning and maintenance, the overall consensus is positive. Its elegant design, multiple cooking options, and extra-large capacity make it a valuable addition to any kitchen for individuals or small families.
Overall Score: 7/10
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer is a versatile countertop cooking appliance that allows you to air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, and roast to crispy perfection in one convenient unit. It uses rapid air heating elements to cook fast and even, using 98% less oil compared to traditional fryers. With its 17 preset options and easy-to-use touch control screen, cooking perfect meals is made simple. It also comes with an extra-large 10-Liter capacity, three air flow racks, a stainless steel rotisserie oven spit, and a drip tray, making it perfect for family-size meals and meal-prepping. The machine is easy to clean with its removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts. With its advanced safety technology, it's both durable and safe to use, backed by a 1-year warranty provided by Chefman.
Key Features
- Versatile countertop cooking: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, or roast
- Cook faster: Uses rapid air heating elements
- Healthy cooking made easy: Uses 98% less oil than traditional fryers
- Simplified set-up: 17 preset options and easy-to-use touch control screen
- All-inclusive: Includes three air flow racks, stainless steel rotisserie oven spit, and a drip tray
- Family-size meals: Extra-large 10-Liter capacity
- Monitor cooking progress: Interior lights and extra-large air fryer oven window
- Minimal clean-up: Removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 11.81Lx12.20Wx14.56H
- Size: 10 Quart
Pros
- Versatile: Can be used for various cooking methods
- Fast cooking: Uses rapid air heating elements
- Healthier: Uses 98% less oil than traditional fryers
- Easy to use: 17 preset options and touch control screen
- Spacious: Extra-large 10-Liter capacity
- Easy to clean: Removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts
- Safe: Advanced safety technology and long-lasting durability
- Great customer service: Quick replacement provided
Cons
- Inaccurate dehydrated timings
- Racks are flimsy and difficult to clean
- Door mechanism is heavy and not durable
- Uneven heat distribution for multi-rack cooking
- No airfry bucket for certain recipes
- Not very durable
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer is a versatile and convenient appliance that offers a wide range of cooking options. While it has some flaws in terms of durability and functionality, its overall performance and features make it a worthwhile addition to any kitchen. With its user-friendly design and excellent customer service, it’s a great choice for those looking for a multi-purpose cooking solution.
Overall Score: 7/10
This Air Fryer Cookbook provides 600 effortless recipes, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It offers everyday recipes for delicious air-fried meals, with easy-to-follow instructions. While some find the lack of elaborate recipes disappointing, others appreciate the practical and straightforward approach. The cookbook has received mixed reviews, with positive feedback about the variety of recipes but also criticism for errors and lack of helpful visuals.
Key Features
Specifications
- N/A
Pros
- Variety of recipes suitable for all tastes
- Practical and straightforward approach with easy instructions
- Helpful for beginners with easy-to-follow recipes
Cons
- Lack of elaborate recipes
- Errors and lack of helpful visuals
The Air Fryer Cookbook: 600 Effortless Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners and Advanced Users is a practical choice for those looking for a wide range of air-fried meal options. While it may not offer elaborate recipes, its straightforward approach and variety make it a useful tool for both new and experienced users.
Overall Score: 8/10
The CHEFMAN Small, Compact Air Fryer is a convenient way to achieve perfectly fried results with little or even no oil. The temperature range from 200°F – 400°F allows you to cook at your desired temperature. It's a space-saving compact size, great for small kitchens, dorms, offices, and RV trips. The manual temperature control and integrated timer allow you to air-fry everything from frozen veggies to chicken. The detachable BPA-Free basket, cool touch exterior, and auto-shutoff ensure safety. With nonstick features, it's easy to clean, and top rack dishwasher safe. This 2-quart air fryer is cETL approved with advanced safety technology and comes with a 1-year warranty. While it's ideal for singles and small spaces, its small size can be limiting for larger meals.
Key Features
- Healthy frying
- Space saving compact size
- Versatility
- Easy clean
- Resources
Specifications
- Color: 2 Quarts – Black
- Dimension: 9.75Lx9.75Wx12.50H
- Size: 2 Quart
Pros
- Healthier frying with little to no oil
- Compact size fits small spaces
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Size may be limiting for larger meals
- Limited timer control in 5-minute increments
The CHEFMAN Small, Compact Air Fryer is ideal for singles and small spaces, providing healthier frying with little to no oil and easy cleanup. While its compact size may be limiting for larger meals, it’s a convenient and versatile appliance with advanced safety technology.
- What is an air fryer?
- An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It is like a mini oven that can fry, bake, roast, and grill food using little to no oil.
- Benefits of using an air fryer
- Healthier cooking: Air fryers use less oil compared to traditional frying methods, making your food lower in fat and calories.
- Time-saving: Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Versatile: You can cook a variety of foods in an air fryer, including meats, vegetables, and even desserts.
- Considerations before buying an air fryer
- Size: Consider the size of the air fryer and whether it will fit on your kitchen countertop or in your cabinets.
- Capacity: Think about how much food you want to cook at once and choose an air fryer with a suitable capacity.
- Functions: Some air fryers come with additional functions such as grilling and baking. Consider whether these extra features are important to you.
- Price: Set a budget for your air fryer and compare prices from different brands to find one that fits your budget.
- Reviews: Read reviews from other users to get an idea of the performance and reliability of the air fryer you're considering.
- Tips for using an air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer: Just like an oven, preheating the air fryer can help ensure even cooking.
- Use the right amount of oil: While air fryers require less oil, it's still important to use a small amount to achieve a crispy texture.
- Shake the basket: To ensure even cooking, shake the basket or flip the food halfway through the cooking time.
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Leave space between food items to allow air to circulate and cook the food evenly.
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your air fryer. Most parts are dishwasher safe, making cleaning easy.
- Regularly clean the basket and pan to prevent buildup of oil and food particles.
- Check the air fryer's heating element for any debris or oil buildup, and clean it if necessary.
- Recipes to try with your air fryer
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Crispy air fryer french fries
- Air fryer salmon
- Air fryer vegetable skewers
- Air fryer apple chips
Now that you have a better idea of what to consider when buying an air fryer, as well as how to use and maintain it, you can make an informed decision about whether an air fryer is the right addition to your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Review: The Best Kitchen Appliance for Healthy Cooking
An air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food at a high speed, creating a crispy layer similar to frying, but without using a lot of oil.
Yes, you can cook a variety of foods in an air fryer, including chicken, vegetables, fish, and even desserts like donuts and brownies.
Yes, an air fryer is considered healthier than deep frying because it uses significantly less oil, which can reduce the amount of unhealthy fats in your food.
To clean an air fryer, you can remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm, soapy water. Some parts may also be dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
It’s best for children to use an air fryer under adult supervision, as the appliance can get very hot. Children should be careful when handling the air fryer and should not use it without adult assistance.
