Air Fryer Brands: Best Makes For Your Buck

Air fryers are a must-have for many home cooks, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying without compromising on taste. Air fryers use a heating element and powerful fan to cook food from all angles, resulting in crispy, crunchy textures.

When choosing an air fryer, it's important to consider factors such as size, capacity, ease of use, and additional functions. Here are some of the best air fryers on the market:

- Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer: This air fryer delivers on all fronts, with a roomy basket, user-friendly interface, and powerful performance. It cooks food quickly and evenly, and its dehydrate function is a handy bonus.

- Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro: This air fryer toaster oven is a versatile appliance, offering functions such as air frying, toasting, baking, and dehydrating. It's a great choice for those who want more than just air frying.

- Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1: Compact yet powerful, this air fryer from Ninja is perfect for those with limited counter space. It delivers crispy results and has tactile, intuitive controls.

- Cosori TurboBlaze: An excellent option for beginners, the Cosori TurboBlaze is user-friendly and powerful. It comes with pre-set modes for various types of food and is easy to clean.

- Instant Vortex Slim Air Fryer: This air fryer is ideal for small spaces, offering a narrow and deep basket that extends outwards. It's quiet, powerful, and perfect for cooking a variety of foods.

Air fryer toaster ovens vs pod-shaped air fryers

Air fryer toaster ovens and pod-shaped air fryers are both great options for people looking to cook food quickly and efficiently. However, there are some key differences between the two that may make one more suitable for your needs than the other.

Pod-shaped air fryers:

• Compact, speedy, and inexpensive: Pod-shaped air fryers are typically smaller in size and can cook food faster than air fryer toaster ovens. They are also generally more affordable.
• Limited capacity and functionality: Pod-shaped air fryers have a smaller capacity and are not as versatile as air fryer toaster ovens. They are mainly designed for cooking small batches of food and may not be suitable for larger families or for cooking a variety of dishes.
• Less versatile: Pod-shaped air fryers are primarily designed for air frying and may not have additional functions such as toasting or baking.

Air fryer toaster ovens:

• Roomier and more versatile: Air fryer toaster ovens offer a larger cooking capacity and can accommodate larger dishes such as pizzas, whole chickens, and cakes. They are also more versatile and can be used for a wider range of cooking functions, such as toasting, baking, and roasting.
• Slower and more expensive: Air fryer toaster ovens may take longer to preheat and cook compared to pod-shaped air fryers. They also tend to be more expensive due to their increased size and functionality.
• Better for larger households: Air fryer toaster ovens are a good option for larger families or for those who cook in larger batches. They can accommodate multiple dishes at once and are more suitable for cooking a variety of foods.

So, which one is right for you?

It depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you have limited counter space or a smaller budget, a pod-shaped air fryer might be a better option. On the other hand, if you cook for a larger family or want a more versatile appliance, an air fryer toaster oven could be the way to go. Ultimately, both options offer the convenience of quick and easy cooking, so the decision comes down to your personal preferences and cooking needs.

Air fryer capacity

The capacity of an air fryer is an important consideration when choosing which one to buy. The right capacity for you will depend on how many people you are cooking for and how much space you have in your kitchen.

Basket Air Fryers

Basket air fryers are the most common type of air fryer. They typically have a capacity of between 2 and 7 quarts and are designed for cooking small to medium amounts of food. If you are cooking for a large family or group, you may need to cook in batches or choose an air fryer with a larger capacity.

The shape of the basket also affects the capacity. Square baskets tend to have more room than round ones, allowing for more air circulation and better browning of food. For example, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 has a 5-quart basket that can meal prep for four people, thanks to its improved shape and design. In comparison, the Instant Vortex Slim has a 6-quart capacity in a 10-inch-wide basket by extending outwards, making it a great choice for small spaces.

Dual Basket Air Fryers

Dual basket air fryers have two smaller baskets that can cook different foods at different temperatures. However, they don't always offer more cooking space, and the baskets can be small. For example, the Instant Vortex Plus Dual ClearCook Air Fryer has two 4-quart baskets, but a pound of fries in each was too much.

Air Fryer Toaster Ovens

Air fryer toaster ovens are larger and more versatile than basket air fryers. They typically have a capacity of around 19 to 23 quarts and can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. For example, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has a capacity of 1 cubic foot and can fit a whole roast chicken.

When choosing an air fryer, it's important to consider not only the stated capacity but also the shape and design of the basket or oven. A square basket will provide more cooking surface area than a round one, and a deep basket can accommodate larger items. Additionally, some air fryers may have accessories or dividers that can increase their capacity.

Air fryer temperature control

• Temperature Range: Most air fryers have a maximum temperature of 400°F (204°C), but some models can go up to 450°F (232°C). The temperature range is important to consider if you want to follow recipes that require specific temperature settings.
• Temperature Accuracy: Some air fryers may not maintain a consistent temperature, which can affect cooking results. Look for models that can reach and maintain the desired temperature accurately.
• Temperature Settings: Air fryers typically have preset temperature settings for different types of food, such as fries, chicken, or vegetables. These settings can be helpful, but they may not always be accurate, as they don't take into account the weight or quantity of the food.
• Manual Temperature Control: Some air fryers allow you to manually set the temperature in small increments (e.g., 5-degree increments). This gives you more control over the cooking process and allows for precise temperature adjustments.
• Preheating: Not all air fryers require preheating. Some have a built-in preheating cycle, while others can be used without preheating. Preheating can affect cooking time and the final results, so it's important to consider this feature when choosing an air fryer.
• Temperature Probe: Some advanced air fryers, like the Dreo ChefMaker, come with a temperature probe that can be inserted into the food to monitor its internal temperature. This feature ensures that your food is cooked to the perfect doneness.
• Smart Features: Smart air fryers, such as the Typhur Dome, can be connected to your phone via an app. These apps often include pre-set recipes and allow you to control the temperature and cooking time remotely.
• Safety: It's important to consider the external temperature of the air fryer, especially if you have children or pets. Some air fryers can get very hot on the outside, posing a safety hazard. Look for models with a cool-touch exterior or heat-safe handles.

Air fryer cooking evenness

The Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L HD9252/91 is a top choice for cooking evenness. It crisps food quickly and evenly, and its basket has a nonstick coating and a less frustrating grate design than other machines. It has a 3-quart capacity and a square basket, which allows for more cooking space.

The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer is another top choice that cooks food quickly and evenly. It has a wide, square basket that allows for maximum air circulation. It also has a user-friendly interface with a touchscreen for pre-programmed settings and a dial to adjust the temperature.

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is powerful and has a 5-quart basket, but it cooks faster at the sides of the basket, leaving the centre a little less crisp.

The Instant Vortex Slim 6-Quart Air Fryer is a good option for small spaces. It has a narrow and deep basket that works well for foods like fries or chicken tenders. It cooks food quietly and efficiently, but its maximum temperature is only 400°F.

The Cosori TurboBlaze 6-quart is a powerful air fryer that holds its own against other top brands. It has a generous capacity basket and cooks food fast and evenly, but it lacks a reminder to shake the basket halfway through cooking, which can help achieve a crispier and more even cook.

The Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer is a smart air fryer with a temperature probe that alerts you when your food is perfectly cooked. It also has a steam function to infuse steam into the cooking chamber, which is great for baking and toasting. However, its basket is better suited for smaller households.

Air fryer ease of use

Air fryers are designed to be easy to use, with simple controls and a range of pre-set programs to take the guesswork out of cooking. However, some are more user-friendly than others. Here are some of the key things to look out for when it comes to air fryer ease of use:

Controls

Air fryers typically have either analogue or digital controls. Analogue controls are generally more straightforward to operate, with simple dials to set the time and temperature. However, digital controls offer greater precision, allowing you to set the temperature in 5-degree increments. Some air fryers feature a combination of analogue and digital controls, with a touchscreen for pre-set programs and a dial for adjusting the temperature.

Ease of Cleaning

Easy cleaning is an important feature for any kitchen appliance, and air fryers are no exception. Look for an air fryer with a non-stick coating, as this will make it easier to wipe down. Some air fryers also have dishwasher-safe parts, but it's generally recommended to hand-wash anything with a non-stick coating to prolong its life.

Size and Weight

If you have limited counter space or plan to store your air fryer in a cupboard, look for a model with a small footprint and a lightweight design. Some air fryers can be quite bulky and heavy, so check the dimensions and weight before you buy.

Noise Level

Some air fryers can be quite loud, so if you want a quieter model, look for one that's Quiet Mark certified. This means that the noise level is low and the quality of sound is unobtrusive.

Safety

Air fryers can get very hot, so it's important to choose a model with safety features to protect against burns. Look for an air fryer with a cool-touch exterior and a basket with a secure handle that's positioned away from the hot surface.

Other Features

Some air fryers come with additional features that can make them easier to use. For example, some models have a "sync" function that allows you to cook two different foods at the same temperature and time. Others have a "shake" reminder that prompts you to shake the basket halfway through cooking for more even results.

Recommended Air Fryers for Ease of Use

• Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1: This air fryer has a compact design, tactile controls, and powerful performance. It has a 5-quart basket and is capable of meal prepping for four people. The basket has an improved shape that maximizes cooking space. However, it lacks a pre-heat setting and has a limited capacity for some users.
• Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven: This air fryer toaster oven offers a range of functions, including air frying, toasting, roasting, and grilling. It has a spacious interior that can accommodate a 12-inch pizza or a 4-pound chicken. It's easy to use, with straightforward dials for setting the temperature and time. However, it doesn't have pre-set programs, so you'll need to refer to the manual for air frying temperatures and times.
• Dreo ChefMaker: This smart air fryer comes with a temperature probe and built-in recipes, taking the stress out of meal prep. It has a steam function for baking and toasting, and the basket is dishwasher-safe. However, it's an expensive option, and the basket is best suited for smaller households.
• Cosori TurboBlaze: The Cosori TurboBlaze is a versatile and user-friendly air fryer that's great for beginners. It has a powerful performance, with five fan speeds and a maximum temperature of 450°F. It comes with pre-set modes for cooking a range of foods, and the basket and parts are dishwasher-safe. However, it lacks a "shake" reminder, which can be helpful for achieving even cooking results.
• Instant Vortex Slim: The Instant Vortex Slim is ideal for small spaces, with a narrow and deep basket that maximizes cooking space. It has a quiet operation and smart, intuitive controls. However, the touch controls can smudge easily, and the maximum temperature is only 400°F.
• Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro: This air fryer toaster oven has smart connectivity and comes with a companion app that provides step-by-step guidance for cooking. It has a range of functions, including air frying, baking, roasting, and toasting. It also includes accessories such as oven racks and a baking pan. However, it's expensive and the accessories are not dishwasher-safe.
• Ultenic K10 Air Fryer: This budget-friendly air fryer is great for beginners, with 11 pre-set cooking programs. It has a decent-sized basket and dishwasher-safe parts. However, the WiFi connection can be faulty, and the touchscreen gets smudgy easily.
• Dash Compact Air Fryer: The Dash Compact Air Fryer is perfect for small families or individuals, with a compact design and a 2-quart capacity. It's easy to use, with two dials for setting the temperature and time. It's also available in a range of colors to match your kitchen décor. However, it's not suitable for roasting a whole chicken.

These air fryers offer a range of features that make them easy to use, from simple controls to convenient cleaning options. Whether you're looking for a compact model for a small kitchen or a versatile air fryer toaster oven, there's an option that will suit your needs.

Frequently asked questions