We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.
We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.
An air fryer cooks food with hot air instead of oil, making it a very healthy appliance to have in the kitchen.
The best air fryers on the market are durable and dependable with features that address everyday cooking demands.
If you’re looking to buy an air fryer — and you’d like some advice about what constitutes a good one and which products to consider — you’ve come to the right place.
Please continue reading this shopping guide to learn more about this useful cooking appliance. And when you’re ready to make a purchase, please refer to our product matrix, above, for our endorsement of the top five air fryers on today’s market.
An air fryer combines several different cooking methods in one convenient appliance.
Currently Executive Chef at Bon Appétit Management Company, Steve began his tenure with Bon Apetit as Chef de Partie. He has over ten years of experience, including tenures at two- and three-Michelin star restaurants. Steve is passionate about all things cooking – products, supply chain, management, menu design, and budgeting.
To work their magic, air fryers typically require between 800 and 2,100 watts of power. Before you buy an air fryer, make sure your kitchen outlet can support this kind of wattage.
Another important pre-purchase consideration is an air fryer's capacity. Most fryers can cook between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds of food at a time. This capacity would probably suffice in most households, but your personal circumstances might be different.
Most air fryers are relatively compact and easy to fit on a kitchen counter. But despite their straightforward design, some air fryers have settings that may be more or less appealing to you. Most machines include timers and can reach at least 360° Fahrenheit. We prefer those that stretch a bit higher than that.
I would recommend cooking meat in an air fryer over something you want to turn out more crispy, like french fries.
There is no doubt that air fryers serve a multitude of purposes in the kitchen, from creating an oil-less version of fried foods to steaming vegetables to baking cupcakes and brownies. But an air fryer does have its limitations and drawbacks.
Here’s a look at the pros of cooking with an air fryer:
Here’s a look at the cons of cooking with an air fryer:
Most air fryers don’t need to be preheated. The cooking process starts when you place the loaded cooking basket in the chamber and select your preferred cooking time and temperature.
Many air fryers use just a small amount of oil, but some health-conscious consumers might opt for a completely oil-free fryer. “Multipurpose” air fryers can cook two or more types of food at once. Other features you might be interested in include digital programmable settings, rapid-cook technology, and nonstick surfaces.
The Philips Digital AirFryer with Rapid Air Technology comes with a cooking basket that can hold 2.65 pounds of food. The machine's generous 2,100 watts of power allows it to cook food quickly. Owners tend to like the food quality they achieve with this air fryer, although some say they wish it had a larger capacity.
Air fryer prices commonly begin above the $100 mark. However, the best of these appliances make up for their high price tags with efficient frying and easy cleanup. Budget-conscious consumers can definitely find fryers in their price range, as can those who are looking for a high-end model.
As air fryers grow in popularity, it’s important to understand the reasons why traditional deep frying has become an “issue” with many health-conscious cooks.
First off, the amount of saturated fat contained in lard and other animal fats is high. Diets rich in saturated fats can lead to arterial clogging, which in turn can lead to strokes and heart disease, according to some medical sources.
Here are some other reasons why people are replacing deep frying with other cooking methods:
Q: What if I need to add a seasoning or ingredient to a dish? Can I remove the cooking basket?
A: It depends on the model, so consult your owner's manual to be certain. Many air fryers do allow you to pull out the basket during the cooking cycle in order to stir the product or add seasoning. The unit should shut off automatically if it has this feature.
Q: Can I cook more than one food item at the same time?
A: Many models offer dividers which keep different food items separate during a cooking cycle. We recommend only combining foods with similar prep times or temperatures to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Q: Can I cook frozen meats or vegetable in an air fryer?
A: Yes, in most cases you can prepare meats and vegetables from a frozen state in an air fryer. The superheated air and convection action draw excess moisture to an exhaust port, so frozen foods won't become mushy from unwanted steaming. It is important to keep in mind that cooking times may be extended considerably when starting from frozen.
Q: Can I use aluminum foil or other baking paper in an air fryer?
A: Since air fryers do not use microwave technology, you can safely use aluminum foil or metal containers. Parchment paper will also work in an air fryer. The important thing to remember is that the superheated air requires free circulation to work. Food wrappers should not block the natural flow of hot air around the cooking chamber.