Compare the best air fryers

Air fryers can be used to cook a wide variety of foods with little effort. Air fryers aren’t technically fryers; but they do cook, bake and roast many foods with much less oil than a deep fryer.

Being small enough to fit on your kitchen countertop, it can easily become one of your most-used appliances.

Top air fryers

Name	Avg. price (USD)	Food capacity (quarts)	Wattage output	Dishwasher safe	Dimensions (in)	Purchase
Philips TurboStar Technology	$299	2.75	2,225	Yes	14.4 x 10.5 x 11.3	Shop now
COSORI Air Fryer	$120	5.8	1700	Yes	11.77 x 11.85 x 12.63	Shop now
OMORC Air Fryer XL	$90	6	1800	Yes	16.5 x 13.5 x 15	Shop now
Ninja Foodi 1400-Watt Multi Cooker	$250	6.5	1400	Yes	14.2 x 16.8 x 13.1	Shop now
Cuisinart Compact AirFryer	$80	8.97	1500	No	11.25 x 12.5 x 16	Shop now
Philips HD9220/29	$130	2.75	1425	Yes	13.78 x 13.78 x 14.88	Shop now
GoWise USA	$65	3.7	1400	Yes	12 x 8 x 8	Shop now

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is essentially a convection oven that uses a fan and heating element to circulate hot air and cook food. They’re designed to cook foods that aren’t usually fried, and do so with very little oil compared to a deep fryer. This is why they’re often marketed as a healthier alternative to making fried foods.

Pros and cons

If you’re trying to decide whether an air fryer would be useful, consider the following:

Pros

• Uses less oil than a deep fryer. Air fryers are advertised as a healthier alternative to deep fryers. They can use up to 80% less oil than other methods of frying, and generally crisp your food rather than actually frying it.
• Ease of use. Air fryers are typically easy to use and quick to set up. You won’t have to pay much attention to the food while it’s cooking except to rotate the contents once or twice.
• Quick heating. Many foods cook quicker in an air fryer because the heat is contained in a small area and it only takes a few minutes to heat up.
• More energy efficient than an oven. Air fryers use less energy than an oven.

Cons

• Limited capacity. Air fryers aren’t large enough to cook a full meal for a whole family. Also, the more food you put in the fryer, the more you’ll have to toss the food to ensure it cooks evenly. If the fryer is overfilled, some of your food might end up burnt, undercooked or soggy.
• Cost. The price of an air fryer typically ranges from $120 to $550. If you aren’t going to use your air fryer regularly, it probably won’t be worth the high price tag.
• Bulky. While air fryers are portable, they take up valuable counter and cabinet space. If you already have an oven, and don’t have much extra space in your kitchen, think about whether you really need an air fryer.

What can you cook in an air fryer?

Foods that can be cooked in an air fryer include:

What shouldn’t you put in an air fryer?

Air fryers can cook a lot of different kinds of food, but they don’t do everything. They’re not efficient at cooking large quantities of food, or multiple types of food at the same time.

Most air fryers won’t cook the following foods:

• Rice
• Pasta
• Wet batter-coated foods
• Beans
• Steamed vegetables

How to find the best air fryer

The best air fryer for you depends on your budget and what you plan to cook with your fryer. Considering these four main qualities may help you find your ideal air fryer:

• Reviews

  The best way to determine the quality of an air fryer is to read user reviews. Look out for any mentions of quality issues and malfunctions.

• Capacity

  The larger the air fryer, the more food you’ll be able to cook at one time. However, larger models will take up more space in your kitchen.

  Even with a large model, you’ll have to toss the food regularly while it’s cooking to maintain even heat.

• Baskets, drawers and accessories

  Baskets and drawers are the containers that hold food inside of an air fryer. Some air fryers have either a basket or drawer, while others have both.

  Make sure the air fryer you choose comes with the accessories you need to cook up your favorite food.

• Cleanability

  Look for an air fryer that’s easy to clean and allows you to remove the internal storage basket or drawer. Remember to clean your fryer regularly to avoid oil build up.

Where to buy an air fryer

You can find air fryers at a wide range of online and in-store retailers. Many big retailers and department stores offer frequent sales and discounts.

Remember to read reviews, especially if you are unfamiliar with the brand, and check out the store’s return policy.

The following sites sell air fryers and other appliances:

Bottom line

If you love the taste of fried foods, but don’t love the health problems they can cause, investing in an air fryer could be worth cost. Compare options within your budget to find the best mix of quality and value.

Frequently asked questions

• Are air fryers healthy?

  Air fryers are generally considered healthier than traditional frying methods, but it really depends on what you’re cooking in the air fryer.

  Even if you’re using less oil than you would with a deep fryer, making chicken nuggets every day in your air fryer probably won’t earn a thumbs up from your doctor.

• Do air fryers cause cancer?

  No, there’s currently no evidence to suggest that air fryers cause cancer. In fact, cooking food in an air fryer is generally considered much better for your health than traditional frying methods.

• How long does it take to air fry french fries?

  Usually around 20 minutes, depending on the size of the fries and how many you put in at once.