How Did We Choose The Best Air Fryers
There is only one way to pick the best air fryers, and that’s by testing them. That is why you can click through to read our reviews of the air fryers above, to see how well they tackle different recipes, how easy they were to clean, and if there were any issues you’d only know about by using the air fryer for prolonged periods of time.
When testing the best air fryers we replicated the same recipe for french fries across every air fryer, which allowed us to make sure that no air fryer had an advantage when testing how long it took to produce crispy, air fried fries. We also cooked dishes like roasted vegetables, bacon, and even cakes. Because we used these air fryers in our own homes, every model we tested has been used in a real-life setting, with the same space and noise concerns you will have in your own home. Find out more about our reviewing process here.
Best Budget: Chefman 37
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Quieter than other air fryers
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Temperature cannot be set above 400
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Cooking basket can be tricky to insert
If you want to try air frying, but don’t think you’ll do it often enough to justify investing in a more pricey model, the Chefman 3.7-Quart TurboFry Air Fryer is our budget pick. Its dome shape is compact to save counter space, but the basket easily fits enough food for several people. The black finish is sleek, and the matte model resists fingerprints so it’s easy to keep looking new.
There are both digital and analog versions of this air fryer. We tested the digital version both at home and in the Lab, and all the testers found the touch controls simple and intuitive to use. The temperature can be set from 200-400 degrees Fahrenheit and the timer up to 60 minutes, which is plenty of cooking range for most air-fried recipes. Our Lab testers found that this produced amazing French fries and crispy chicken tenders. The taste and texture outmatched several pricier models. Cleaning is also easier than others. The basket and several other parts can be put in the dishwasher, though the metal racks have to be carefully hand-washed.
The downsides here come when you’re looking for a versatile machine. It wasn’t able to bake cornbread and definitely couldn’t roast a chicken. If you’re interested in using an air fryer to dehydrate snacks, you might want a model that allows you to set the timer for longer.
The Best Air Fryer For Easily Crisping Food
The Cosori Smart Wifi Air Fryer is the best air fryer for easily air-frying food.
Pros
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Baskets are nonstick and dishwasher-safe
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Wi-Fi for remote control and digital assistants
Cons
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Controls are a bit sluggish
Size: 11.8 x 13.9 x 12.7 inchesCapacity: 5.8 quartsControls: DigitalModes: Air frying with preset settings for preheat, Steak, Chicken, Seafood, Shrimp, Bacon, Frozen foods, French fries, Vegetables, Toast, Bake, and Keep warmSmart features: App control via Wifi, Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
Youre buying an air fryer because you love crispy food, so the one you select should be able to deliver a lot of crunch. In our tests, the moderately priced Cosori Smart Wifi Air Fryer 5.8qt consistently did a great job of browning and crisping a variety of foods. With digital controls and nonstick dishwasher-safe baskets, it is also easy to use. It connects to an app, making it extra convenient for anyone who is comfortable with technology.
There are some things we dont like about the Cosori Smart Wifi Air Fryer, including its somewhat sluggish touch controls. And its not great for toasting. But as youll see in our Cosori Smart Wifi Air Fryer review, this is one of the best air fryers around.
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The 5 Best Air Fryers For 2022
We tested over a dozen models to find the best small air fryer, budget air fryer, overall air fryer and more.
David Watsky
Senior Editor / Home and Kitchen
I live in Brooklyn where I write about food subscriptions, cooking, kitchen gadgets and commerce. Anything with sesame is my all-time favorite food this week.
Brian Bennett
Senior writer
Brian Bennett is a senior writer for the home and outdoor section at CNET. He reviews a wide range of household and smart-home products. These include everything from cordless and robot vacuum cleaners to fire pits, grills and coffee makers. An NYC native, Brian now resides in bucolic Louisville, Kentucky where he rides longboards downhill in his free time.
As someone who tests many of the latest kitchen appliances, I’ve learned to temper my excitement when something shiny and new shows up on my social media feeds or gets delivered to my doorstep. When air fryers first popped onto the scene I preceded with my trademark caution, but several years later this once-newfangled kitchen gadget still gets plenty of reps in my home.
If you’re still not sure what an air fryer is or how these trendy countertop superconvection ovens work, check out CNET’s complete guide to air fryers. If you’re ready to bring one home, you’ll probably want to know which machines reign supreme and you’ve come to the right place.
How Does An Air Fryer Work
Air fryers don’t fry food in the traditional sense. Instead of oil, air fryers use hot air to crisp and brown foods. All air fryers contain a heating mechanism and fan that keeps the heated air circulating around the food. The process is similar to a convection oven.
Air fryers contain a perforated or mesh basket that allows air to move around the food for even cooking. The only downside to this design is you can only air fry breaded foods since battered foods would drip through the perforated air fryer basket.
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Instant Vortex Plus 6
With a 6-quart cooking capacity and a low price, the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer is a great choice. This is perfect for homes because it has the capacity to contain a full turkey or chicken. Its 1700W power will help you prepare your meals quickly and healthily by minimizing fats and calories by almost 85 percent.
A wide window allows you to keep an eye on the cooking process without having to open the door and disturb it. Furthermore, the 6 cooking presets will take the guesswork out of everything from meat to seafood to baked products. You wont have any trouble getting used to the LCD touchscreen display because its simple to read and control.
This air fryer can cook at temperatures ranging from 95 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also a 24-hour dehydration meter, as well as a 60-minute timer for various tasks. You wont have to worry about overheating or overcooking because this device will automatically shut off when the meal is done.
Corn, spicy shrimp, chicken wings, lamb chops, pork chop, traditional spicy fries, chicken nuggets, and lamb kebabs are just a few of the 9 recipes featured with this air fryer.
Pros
Cosori Smart Wifi Air Fryer 58qt Review: Verdict
We think the Cosori Smart Wifi Air Fryer 5.8qt is the best air fryer you can buy quite simply because it’s the best at browning and crisping food regardless of what you choose to prepare and hey. And thats the main reason youre in the market for an air fryer.
The buttons dont respond super quickly to your touch, but were talking about a task that takes seconds, not minutes, so the inconvenience is minimal. Not only does the Cosori fry with at most a tablespoon of fat, it keeps any drips, spatters and fumes totally contained within the appliance and the baskets are easy to remove and clean, making it a super convenient way to cook.
If you like technology, youll appreciate the ability to monitor this appliance and search for recipes from your smartphone and give it orders with a digital assistant.
Sharon Franke is a journalist who specializes in testing and writing about kitchen equipment. A thirty-year veteran of the Good Housekeeping Institute, Sharon also worked as a professional chef in New York City restaurants for seven years. In her free time, she is an avid home cook who is in the process of mastering the art of baking sour dough bread.
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Philips Kitchen Appliances Digital Twin Turbostar Air Fryer Xxl
With the Philips kitchen air fryer, youll receive a 3-pound large capacity air fryer with a 19-pound total weight. This appliance can make dinner for a large family, making it ideal for a bigger household.
An entire chicken or two huge packages of fries will fit inside. The air fryer is ready to use and heats up quickly. Youll be able to cook your meals four times faster. You may also rest certain that your food will be cooked evenly.
You can air fry, bake, grill, roast, and reheat meals using its multi-cooking technology. You have a choice of five distinct programs to pick from. The basket is easy to clean and maybe put in the dishwasher. A recipe book with some delectable dishes is included with the air fryer.
Pros
- Large air fryer that can cook for up to 6 people at once
- There are five different programs to choose from, and they cook four times faster than traditional frying.
- The basket is safe to put in the dishwasher.
Cons
Bella Electric Hot Air Fryer
The Bella Electric Hot Air Fryer has a 2.6-quart removable basket thats dishwasher-safe and holds up to 2.2 pounds of food, according to the brand. Because it’s smaller, the Bella is better for one or two people instead of a larger family. All you have to do to use the Bella is set the temperature and timer its indicator light will tell you when your food is ready, the brand says. It has a 4.6-star average rating on Amazon, with more than 3,600 customer reviews. It also comes with a two-year warranty, double the warranty lengths of every other air fryer on this list.
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How Much Does An Air Fryer Cost
You can typically expect to pay between $80 and $150 for an air fryer, but a few of our top picks come in at under $80, and some of the smarter options go up to $200. As a general rule, as you go up in budget you’ll find that the options become smarter and larger. The best value air fryers we have tested come with one large-capacity basket and a drawer-style design that is easy to use and clean.
Is It Worth Getting An Air Fryer
An air fryer is a worthwhile purchase for many people, especially if you want to make quick, tasty meals with less oil. While these appliances cant help you prepare everything, they can cut down cooking time in half for foods that would normally have to be baked or deep-fried. Plus, if you choose an air fryer that doubles as a toaster oven, it can help you save space by allowing you to consolidate appliances.
That said, they arent the right choice for everyone. If you have a large family, even the biggest model might not offer enough cooking space to make all of the food you need. And if you do choose a bigger option or a two- or three-in-one design, they can take up a lot of counter space.
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Have You Been Eyeing Up Air Fryer Recipes Lately Wondering Which Model To Buy Our Test Kitchen Tried All The Top Brands And Found The Best Air Fryer Out There So You’ll Know Which One To Add To Your List
The latest gadget to capture our Test Kitchens attention is the air fryer. A small appliance that can give snacks like french fries and egg rolls that crisp texture without the fat and mess of frying? Sign us up! But like all new gear, its hard to know if youre getting the best option out there. Unlike basics like pots and pans, there are a lot of unknowns with new tools.
Thats precisely why our Test Kitchen decided to test the most popular air fryers on the market. We had to know which brand gave our favorite foods that crunchy fried textureand was easy to use.
The Case Against Deep Frying
As air fryers grow in popularity, its 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:
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The Rated Air Fryer Oven Faqs
You know what they say, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Especially when it comes to air fryers. Because let’s be honest, these things can be pretty confusing.
But don’t worry, I’m here to help. I’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about air fryers, so you can get all the information you need before making your purchase.
1. What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a small appliance that uses hot air to cook food. The food is placed in a basket, and hot air circulates around it, cooking the food evenly on all sides.
2. How does an air fryer work?
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food in a basket. The hot air cooks the food evenly on all sides, resulting in crispy, delicious results.
3. What are the benefits of using an air fryer?
Air fryers offer many benefits, including being faster and more efficient than traditional ovens, being healthier than deep-fried foods, and being very easy to use.
4. What are some things I can make in an air fryer?
You can make just about anything in an air fryer, from chicken wings to french fries to veggie chips. The possibilities are endless!
5. Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, you will need to preheat your air fryer before cooking any food. This helps the air fryer reach the correct temperature and cook the food evenly.
6. What is the best way to clean my air fryer?
Air Frying Is Healthy Right
Air-frying is ingenious marketing it sounds so light, so fat-free, so noncaloric. But its not healthy by default. Yes, the air fryer uses a lot less oil than deep-frying, but were you really deep-frying that much before? I do love that it makes roasted veggies and salmon in a flash, which maybe means Ill eat more of them. If youre looking to make some changes in your eating habits, Id suggest talking to a registered dietitian, not your toaster oven.
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How To Buy The Best Air Fryer For You
Look for easy-to-use controls for both temperature and time, as these are the most important features on any air fryer. Auto-stop and keep warm functions can be useful but chips, if left for any amount of time will soon lose their crispness. More expensive machines will feature touch screens rather than dial controls, which will help with accuracy.
The bigger the basket capacity, the more people youll be able to cook for. So if youve got a family, then a 5 litre machine is probably a must.
A loud beep to signal the end of cooking time is a good idea if youre using the time to wander off and do something else. Most air-fryers will only cook one food group at a time but some will cook a whole meal in one go if youre after a one-pot solution.
Best With Toaster Oven: Cuisinart Toa
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Runs hot
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Slightly hard to clean
Cuisinart excels at making compact toaster ovens and air fryers in one. Its TOA-60 option can air fry up to 4 pounds of food, roast a 4-pound chicken, and toast 6 slices of breadand thats just the beginning. It has heating elements on both the top and bottom, with the convection fan located above the top elements, so you can bake and broil when you aren’t air-frying bacon.
When we tested this in the Lab, we found it to be the most compact and quietest of the toaster oven machines, and it performed the best as an air fryer. Both French fries and chicken tenders come out with great coloring and good flavor, even though this runs hot and some were overcooked. Once you’re over the learning curve, you’ll definitely be able to achieve fried goodness. When we roasted a chicken in the Cuisinart, it came out with the crispiest skin and tasted delicious.
Our testers did find some downsides to this machine, in addition to the machine running hot. It’s a bit difficult to handle grease both during the chicken roasting and the cleanup after. Even though the interior is nonstick, we needed to get into the corners to get all the splatter. We also wished it had a digital interface instead of manual controls. If having the ability to fine-tune the presets to your exact preferences is a must, take a look at the slightly more expensive Cuisinart TOA-65 Airfryer Toaster Oven.
The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples
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