Air Fryers: The Secret To Crispy, Golden Food

Air fryers are a convenient countertop cooker that can add versatility to your weekly menus. They are essentially small convection ovens, using a system of fans to circulate air around foods to crisp, brown, or roast them.

The best air fryer for you depends on your needs. If you're looking for a straightforward, affordable air fryer that does its job well, the Instant Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer is a great option. It has a simple interface and beeps to alert you when it's finished preheating and at the midway point so you can turn your food for even cooking.

If you want a more multifunctional air fryer, the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is a good choice. It has a wider temperature range than some other air fryers, allowing for more precise cooking, and its basket is dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean.

For a smart air fryer, the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is a good option. It has 13 preset cooking functions that can be controlled via the Breville Joule app, allowing you to put dinner on autopilot.

Other features to consider when choosing an air fryer include the size of the cooking basket, the style (basket-style or toaster oven-style), and the number of functions it has.

Basket-style air fryers vs toaster oven-style air fryers

Basket-style air fryers and toaster oven-style air fryers both have their pros and cons. Here is a detailed comparison between the two to help you decide which one suits your needs better.

Size and Capacity

Basket-style air fryers are usually smaller and have limited space, making them ideal for smaller servings. They are perfect for quick meals or reheating and are a great option for those with limited counter space. On the other hand, toaster oven-style air fryers offer more cooking space, often featuring layered racks that allow you to cook multiple items simultaneously. They are suitable for larger families or if you plan to cook for a crowd.

Cooking Time and Efficiency

Basket-style air fryers tend to cook food faster due to their smaller size. The compact space also means that food can burn more easily, so it requires careful monitoring. Toaster oven-style air fryers, due to their larger size, take longer to heat up and cook. However, they often come with preheat functions to help speed up the cooking process.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Basket-style air fryers are generally easier to use and clean. They usually feature a handle that allows you to shake and move food around during cooking without touching any hot surfaces. Most models are also dishwasher-safe. Toaster oven-style air fryers, on the other hand, may be more challenging to clean due to their wire racks. They also lack an external handle, so you need to be cautious when opening the door to turn the food over manually.

Versatility and Cost

Toaster oven-style air fryers typically offer more functions and features, such as rotisserie, broil, bake, dehydrate, and proofing capabilities. This added versatility comes at a higher cost. Basket-style air fryers are generally more affordable but may not have as many extra functions.

Both basket-style and toaster oven-style air fryers have their advantages and disadvantages. Basket-style air fryers are ideal for those who want a compact, easy-to-use, and affordable option for quick meals or reheating. On the other hand, toaster oven-style air fryers are perfect for those who need a larger capacity, more functions, and are willing to invest in a more expensive appliance. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs, space, and budget.

Air fryer capacity and size

Air fryers come in a variety of sizes, from compact 2-quart models to large 10-quart options. The right size for you will depend on how you plan to use your air fryer and how much counter or storage space you have. If you're cooking for a large family or entertaining, a larger model with a capacity of 5 to 6 quarts or more will be ideal. On the other hand, if you're mostly using your air fryer for side dishes or cooking for one or two people, a smaller 2- to 3-quart air fryer may be sufficient. Keep in mind that basket-style air fryers are typically measured in quarts, while toaster oven-style air fryers are measured in cubic inches or feet.

When choosing an air fryer, it's important to consider not only the capacity but also the physical dimensions of the appliance. Measure your counter and cabinet space before purchasing to ensure that your air fryer will fit comfortably in your kitchen. Also, keep in mind that a larger air fryer with a wider and shallower basket will allow for better air circulation and more even cooking.

Some air fryers come with additional accessories, such as wire racks or multiple baskets, which can increase their versatility and cooking capacity. If you plan to cook different types of food at the same time or want to dehydrate foods, look for models that include these accessories.

• Instant Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer: This air fryer has a spacious 6-quart capacity and a wide, square basket that allows for optimal air circulation. It's a great choice for those who want to cook larger batches or a whole chicken.
• Ninja Air Fryer Max XL: With a 5.5-quart capacity, this air fryer is slightly smaller than the Instant Vortex but still offers plenty of room for cooking family meals or snacks. It has a wide temperature range and efficient air circulation, resulting in crispy and tender foods.
• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro: This toaster oven-style air fryer has a capacity of 1 cubic foot and comes with multiple accessories, including wire racks and trays. It can fit a 14-pound turkey, a 12-inch pizza, or nine slices of toast, making it a versatile option for those who want to cook larger quantities.
• Cosori 12-in-1 Air Fryer Oven Combo: This basket-style air fryer has a 5.8-quart capacity and features a variety of preset functions, including specific food options like fries, vegetables, and bacon. It's a good choice if you want an air fryer with multiple functions and presets.
• Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL: With a 7-quart capacity, this air fryer is ideal for those who need to cook for big families or want an XXL option. It features a durable stainless-steel mesh food tray and a built-in fat catcher, making it a long-lasting and easy-to-clean option.
• Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer: This compact air fryer has a 2.6-quart capacity, making it perfect for single servings or small portions. It's an affordable and straightforward option for those who want to air fry vegetables, proteins, or small batches of food.

When choosing an air fryer, consider your specific needs and how you plan to use it. The capacity and size of the air fryer will impact your cooking experience, so select a model that aligns with the types of dishes you want to prepare and the number of people you typically cook for.

Air fryer temperature range

Air fryers are a convenient countertop cooker that can add versatility to your weekly menus. They use a system of fans to circulate air around foods to crisp, brown, or roast them. Similar to a convection oven, air fryers use a fan to circulate hot air to cook, crisp, or caramelize food faster than the radiant heat in a standard toaster or traditional oven.

The temperature range of an air fryer depends on its model and brand. Most air fryers have a maximum temperature of 400°F, but some can go as high as 450°F. The temperature range of an air fryer will affect the cooking time and the crispiness of the food. A higher temperature will cook food faster and make it crispier, while a lower temperature will take longer and may not produce as crispy results.

Some air fryers also have a preheat function, which can help reduce the cooking time. The preheat function usually lasts for about 3 to 4 minutes.

When using an air fryer, it is important to note that the temperature and cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the type of food being cooked. For example, when cooking fatty or greasy foods, the temperature may need to be lowered to prevent smoking. Additionally, when cooking frozen foods, the temperature may need to be increased to ensure even cooking.

It is also worth mentioning that air fryers come in different styles, such as basket-style and toaster oven-style. Basket-style air fryers mimic a deep fryer, while toaster oven-style air fryers have a variety of different functions, such as baking, roasting, and dehydrating, in addition to air frying.

When choosing an air fryer, it is important to consider the size, functions, and temperature range that best suit your needs and cooking habits.

Air fryer presets

Air fryers have become a kitchen essential, and it's easy to see why. They work like mini convection ovens, circulating hot air to crisp up food quickly, with little to no oil.

The best air fryers have a variety of presets to help you cook your food to perfection. Here are some of the most common presets:

• Air Fry
• Bake
• Broil
• Roast
• Reheat
• Dehydrate
• Keep Warm
• Preheat
• Frozen Foods
• French Fries
• Vegetables
• Meat
• Fish
• Chicken
• Steak
• Bacon
• Seafood
• Pizza
• Cookies
• Toast

Some air fryers also have special 'Chef Modes', which allow you to cook specific ingredients to perfection at the touch of a button. For example, you can select 'steak' and the air fryer will automatically adjust the temperature and timings to cook your steak to your desired doneness.

Some air fryers also have a 'Sync' function, which allows you to cook two different ingredients at two different temperatures, so your whole meal is ready at the same time.

If you're looking for an air fryer with a wide range of presets, the Cosori Air Fryer has 10 customizable presets, including steak, chicken, seafood, bacon, vegetables, toast, frozen foods, bake, French fries, and shrimp. You can also save your own time, temperature, and shake reminders for consistently perfect results.

The Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer has six presets: air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. It also has a ClearCook display, which is a window that lets you monitor your food as it cooks.

The Philips Essential Air Fryer XL has six presets: frozen snacks, French fries, meat, fish, chicken, and cake. It also connects to an app, which can send recipes from your phone straight to the air fryer.

The Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer has five presets: air fry, max crisp, bake, roast, and reheat. It also has a 'Sync' function, which allows you to cook two different ingredients at two different temperatures, so your whole meal is ready at the same time.

The Dreo Chef Maker has special 'Chef Modes' for cooking steak and seafood to perfection. It also has other standard presets, including air fry, reheat, bake, roast, defrost, toast, and broil.

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid has 11 functions: pressure cook, sauté, steam, slow cook, sous vide, yogurt, warm, air fry, roast, broil, bake, dehydrate, and proofing.

The Cosori Pro LE 5-Qt Air Fryer has nine presets: steak, preheat, French fries, chicken, frozen foods, vegetables, seafood, bacon, and keep warm.

The Instant Essentials 4 Quart Air Fryer only has one preset: air fry.

The Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer has seven presets: fries (fresh and frozen), chicken, meat, vegetables, fish, cakes, and reheating.

The Smeg Combi Steam Oven with Air Fry has 10 functions: static, convection, grill, bottom, air fry, warm, pure steam, convection steam, grill steam, and bake steam.

When choosing an air fryer, it's important to consider the type of food you want to cook and the number of people you want to cook for. Smaller, more basic models are great for cooking fries and simple side dishes, while the latest, greatest machines can handle complex tasks, from roasting large joints of meat to baking homemade pizza.

Air fryer accessories

Air fryers are a convenient countertop convection oven that uses a fan to circulate hot air to cook, crisp, or caramelize food faster than a standard toaster or traditional oven. They are great for making crunchy fries, crispy chicken skin, and blistered veggies.

• Air fryer baskets: These are used to hold the food while it is being cooked. They usually have a non-stick coating and are dishwasher-safe. Some air fryers come with two baskets that can be run at different temperatures, allowing you to cook two different types of food at the same time.
• Air fryer parchment paper/liners: These are placed inside the air fryer basket to prevent food from sticking and make cleanup easier. They come in different sizes and shapes to fit different air fryer models. Some are also perforated to allow for better air circulation.
• Air fryer racks: These are metal racks that can be placed inside the air fryer to hold food or to stack multiple layers of food.
• Air fryer pans: These are non-stick pans that can be used for baking cakes, pies, or pizzas in the air fryer.
• Air fryer dividers: These are used to divide the air fryer basket into sections, allowing you to cook multiple types of food at the same time without them mixing.
• Air fryer accessories set: This usually includes a variety of accessories such as cake pans, pizza pans, racks, skewers, and liners.
• Other accessories: Other accessories include meat thermometers, heat-resistant mats, oil sprayers, egg bite molds, and more.

Frequently asked questions