Best Air Fryers For Crispy, Golden Fries

Air fryers are a convenient countertop appliance 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. The best air fryer will be the one that suits your needs, whether that's a simple machine that's easy to use and affordable, or a smart appliance that can be controlled via an app.

The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is a great option if you're looking for a multifunctional air fryer that is sleek, efficient, and easy to use. It has a wide temperature range and can reach 450 degrees Fahrenheit, helping to create supremely crispy foods with precision. The basket is also dishwasher-safe and very easy to clean by hand.

If you're an air fryer novice, the Instant Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer is a good choice. It's straightforward, affordable, and does its job well. It has a simple control panel and only four essential functions: bake, air fry, reheat, and roast. It also beeps to alert you when it's finished preheating and again at a midway point so you can turn or shake your food for more even cooking.

For a smart air fryer, the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is a great option. It has 13 preset cooking functions that can be controlled by the Breville Joule app. It's the largest and most versatile oven on this list and can accommodate a 9 x 13-inch sheet tray, a 12-cup muffin tin, or a 14-pound turkey.

Other air fryers worth considering include the Philips Air Fryer XXL, which has a 7-quart capacity, and the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven, which is great for baking. If you're short on space, the Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven is a good choice as it can be flipped away when not in use. For a compact and affordable option, the Dash Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer is a good choice for cooking for one or two people.

How to get the crunchiest fries

Choosing the Right Potato

Russet potatoes are the best option for achieving the crunchiest fries. Their high starch content results in a crisp exterior and a drier, fluffier interior, similar to the fries you'd find in a restaurant. Alternatively, Yukon gold potatoes can also be used, but they will produce a firmer and creamier inside texture while still providing a crunchy outside.

Preparing the Potatoes

When cutting the potatoes, aim for matchstick-sized pieces that are about 1/4-inch wide and 3 to 4 inches in length. This size allows for even cooking and prevents burning. It is recommended to use a mandoline for uniform cuts, but a sharp knife will also do the trick.

Soaking the Potatoes

Soaking the potatoes in hot or cold water for 10 minutes to 24 hours is crucial to removing excess starch, which can hinder crispiness. This step helps achieve the coveted double-fried effect of restaurant fries. After soaking, make sure to pat the potatoes completely dry before proceeding.

Oil and Seasoning

A small amount of oil is needed—about 1 to 2 tablespoons per potato—to help crisp up the potatoes. Olive oil, canola oil, or other vegetable oils are good choices. For seasoning, keep it simple with salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, or even truffle salt and grated Parmesan cheese.

Cooking the Fries

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with enough space for even cooking. Depending on the thickness of your fries and the power of your air fryer, cook for 8 to 20 minutes, tossing or flipping them at least once during the cooking process. Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes to prevent burning.

Keeping Fries Warm and Crispy

If you're cooking multiple batches, keep the cooked fries warm and crispy by placing them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a warm oven set to a low temperature (around 200°F to 250°F). This prevents the fries from getting cold or soggy while allowing any excess oil to drip off.

Best air fryer for beginners

Air fryers are a great way to cook healthier, oil-free versions of your favourite fried foods. They are also great for reheating food and cooking frozen ingredients. If you are new to air frying, here are some options to consider:

Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook

This air fryer is a great value option that performs well and is easy to use. It has a 6-quart capacity, which makes it suitable for a family of four. The square basket design maximises cooking space, and the see-through window and interior light allow you to monitor your food without opening the basket. The digital control panel is highly responsive, and it has six preset cooking functions. The cooking basket is non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean.

Ninja Air Fryer Max XL

The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is a top performer in air fryer tests. It has a 5.5-quart capacity and scores highly for ease of use, with intuitive buttons and a clear owner's manual. The basket has a slick, ceramic non-stick interior and slides in and out easily. Both the basket and tray are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. This model has several cook settings, including Max Crisp, Air Broil, and dehydrate, and a timer that counts down to the second.

Cosori Turboblaze Air Fryer

The Cosori Turboblaze Air Fryer has a 6-quart capacity but is shorter and sleeker than many other air fryers, making it a good option if you are limited on space. It has a square basket and a removable tray that pops securely into place. The easy-to-view screen is flat and located on the top of the air fryer, with large lettering, a clear font, and straightforward settings. Food comes out golden brown, moist, and evenly cooked.

Ninja AF101

The Ninja AF101 is a smaller, more compact option with a 4-quart capacity. It is easy to program and clean, with a non-stick basket and removable cooking tray. Despite its smaller size, it does not compromise on cooking performance. Chicken wings come out super crispy, and fries are cooked well.

Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer

If you are new to air frying and don't want to spend a lot of money, the Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer is a great option. It is about half the price and size of the other options listed above. It has a simple design, with two dials for temperature and time, making it easy to figure out and efficient to operate. It is perfect for one-person portions and smaller servings.

When choosing an air fryer, consider the size of the machine and the capacity of the basket, as well as the ease of use and cleaning. Also, think about the different features and functions that are important to you, such as preset cooking programs, temperature range, and special designs or accessories.

Best air fryer for small kitchens

If you're short on space in your kitchen, an air fryer might seem like an unnecessary addition. However, air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily, and there are plenty of compact options available. Here are some of the best air fryers for small kitchens:

Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer

The Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer is a great choice for small kitchens. With a compact design, it can easily fit on your countertop without taking up too much space. It has a wide temperature range, allowing you to cook a variety of dishes, from crispy french fries to golden-brown wings. It also has additional functions like reheating, roasting, and dehydrating. The illuminated display is user-friendly, making it easy to operate. The only downside is that it doesn't have a programmed preheat function, but it only takes about three minutes to preheat.

Dash Compact Air Fryer

If you're looking for something even smaller, the Dash Compact Air Fryer might be a better option. With a 2-quart capacity, it's perfect for cooking for one or two people. It has a sleek, retro design and comes in five different colours. The controls are basic, with analog dials for temperature and time. While it doesn't have pre-programmed options, it does have an automatic shut-off function to prevent overcooking. The housing stays cool even during operation, making it safe and easy to store.

Instant Pot Air Fryer

For those who want a dishwasher-safe option, the Instant Pot Air Fryer is a great choice. This 4-quart air fryer has six preset modes, fast preheating, and clear touchscreen controls. The real standout feature is its dishwasher-safe air fry basket and tray, making cleanup a breeze. It provides excellent cooking results, with precise temperature control between 95 and 400°F. However, due to its larger size, it may be difficult to store in smaller cabinets.

Ninja Air Fry Countertop Oven

If you're looking for an air fryer that can function like a small oven, the Ninja Air Fry Countertop Oven is a great option. It has eight different functionalities, including air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating. Despite its compact footprint, it can fit a 13-inch pizza, up to nine slices of toast, or six chicken breasts. The digital-crisp technology ensures precision-controlled temperature, resulting in crisp toast and perfectly cooked meals. The glass door allows you to keep an eye on your food as it cooks. However, be careful as the door gets hot during use.

When choosing an air fryer for a small kitchen, consider your available counter space and storage options. Look for compact designs that can easily fit on your countertop without taking up too much room. Additionally, consider the capacity based on your cooking needs. If you're cooking for one or two people, a 2-quart air fryer might be sufficient, while a 4-quart option is ideal for couples or small families.

Best air fryer for big families

If you're searching for an air fryer that can handle cooking for a large family, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll need a model with a large capacity, ideally with a basket or tray that can fit a whole bag of frozen French fries, multiple chicken breasts, or a large cake pan. Secondly, you'll want an air fryer that is easy to use and clean, with straightforward controls and dishwasher-safe parts. Here are our top picks for the best air fryer for big families:

Instant Vortex Plus 10-Quart Air Fryer

This air fryer stands out for its large 10-quart capacity, making it an excellent choice for feeding a crowd. It has seven cooking functions, including air fry, broil, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, and rotisserie. The interface is user-friendly, with a touchscreen for pre-programmed settings and a dial for temperature control. It performs well and is quiet, making it a good option for families who want a powerful yet quiet appliance. However, it uses a tray instead of a basket, which can be a bit tricky to handle.

Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2 Basket Air Fryer

If you're looking for an air fryer that can cook two different dishes at once, the Ninja DZ401 Foodi is a great choice. It has a 10-quart capacity with two 5-quart cooking zones, allowing you to cook multiple types of food simultaneously. The "Match Cook" function ensures that two portions of the same food are cooked at the same temperature, while the "Smart Finish" feature lets you cook two different foods with different temperatures and timings. It has six cooking programs, including air frying, air broiling, roasting, and dehydrating.

Instant Vortex 9-Quart Air Fryer with VersaZone Technology

For a large-capacity air fryer with a removable divider, the Instant Vortex 9-Quart model is a great option. With a 9-quart capacity, it can fit a whole bag of frozen French fries, multiple chicken breasts, or a large cake pan. The divider allows you to cook two types of food at once, making it perfect for families with varied tastes. The digital interface and knob for temperature control make it easy to use. However, due to its large size, you'll need ample counter and storage space.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a versatile option with a large 19-quart capacity. It has 13 preset functions, including air fry, slow cook, roast, broil, bake, pizza, toast, and more. The digital interface is intuitive, and it comes with various accessories like a pizza tray, wire rack, roasting pan, and air fry basket. While it takes up a lot of counter space, it can replace multiple kitchen appliances, making it a good choice for those who want an all-in-one solution.

Philips Premium Airfryer XXL

The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is a spacious model with a 7-quart capacity. It features "fat removal technology," which extracts and captures excess fat from food, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious families. The digital controls are clear and easy to understand, and the basket's handle is comfortable to use. However, cleaning this model can be a bit inconvenient as the crisper plate is not non-stick or dishwasher-safe.

When choosing an air fryer for a big family, consider your specific needs, such as capacity, ease of use, cleaning convenience, and additional functions. These options provide a range of features to suit different families' requirements.

Best air fryer for baking

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, crunchy fried foods with minimal oil. They are essentially small, countertop convection ovens that use a fan to circulate hot air around food, cooking it quickly and evenly.

When it comes to choosing the best air fryer for baking, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some recommendations based on different criteria:

Best Overall Air Fryer for Baking:

The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL stands out as a top choice for its ability to circulate air efficiently, resulting in tender and crunchy foods. It has a wide temperature range up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than some other models, allowing for more precise cooking. The 5.5-quart capacity is suitable for roasting vegetables, heating leftovers, and cooking for small gatherings. The dishwasher-safe basket and non-stick coating make cleanup a breeze.

Best Smart Air Fryer Oven for Baking:

The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is a versatile option that can replace several countertop appliances. With 13 pre-set cooking functions, it can be controlled via the Breville Joule app, making it highly convenient. While it doesn't crisp foods quite as much as dedicated air fryers, it's great for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and even cooking a small turkey.

The Instant Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer is an excellent choice for those new to air frying. It has a simple, user-friendly interface with digital buttons and a dial for temperature control. This air fryer beeps to alert you when it's preheated and halfway through cooking, making it easy to manage. The 6-quart capacity is ideal for cooking for a family.

The Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven is a compact and portable option that can be flipped away when not in use. It's great for toasting, air frying, and baking cookies, though it may not deliver the same level of crispness as dedicated air fryers.

The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is a large-capacity air fryer with a 7-quart (3-pound) capacity. It produces crispy chicken wings, golden fries, and perfectly baked cookies. However, it takes up more countertop space and has a less intuitive control panel.

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a versatile option that can air fry, toast, bake, broil, and more. It's a popular choice for those seeking an air fryer toaster oven combo. While it excels at baking, it may not deliver the same level of crispness as dedicated air fryers.

Best Compact Air Fryer for Baking:

The Dash Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer is a compact and affordable option that's perfect for cooking for one or two people. It fries wings and fries well, but it's not ideal for baking cookies as they may burn.

When choosing an air fryer for baking, consider your specific needs, such as capacity, ease of use, and desired level of crispness. Each of these options excels in different areas, so select the one that best aligns with your baking requirements.

Frequently asked questions