What is the best air fryer
For many people, fried snacks are part of the quintessential Super Bowl experience. Buffalo wings, fries, pizza rolls and more are staples for watching the big game and cheering your team on. Air fryers are a healthier and easier way to enjoy your favorite crispy foods, and they’re great for preparing large quantities of snacks for parties.
The Philips 3-Quart Premium Digital Air Fryer with Fat Removal Technology is a favorite due to its fat-removal technology and user-friendly design.
What to know before you buy an air fryer
There are a few things to consider before picking out an air fryer:
How does an air fryer work?
Air fryers are so versatile and convenient because they combine several different cooking methods in one appliance. Inside the air fryer is a fan and a heating element similar to a stovetop coil. Air fryers don’t fry food but rather cook and crisp food by surrounding it with scorching air provided by the coil and fan. This action creates a convection effect that mimics a deep fryer to crisp and brown your food.
Air fryer styles
The two main air fryer styles are basket and oven-front.
- Basket air fryer: A basket air fryer has a pull-out drawer where the food is held and cooked. A perforated basket helps circulate air and crisp food. Basket air fryers tend to have a smaller footprint and take up less room on your countertop. They’re also more convenient to store. One downside is their inability to fit a lot of food or larger food items.
- Oven-front air fryer: Air fryers with an oven-front operate like convection ovens or toaster ovens. Your food cooks on a rack or baking tray. While they are larger and tend to take up more space in your kitchen, oven-front air fryers tend to have extra features like a rotisserie setting and the ability to cook a pizza.
What to look for in a quality air fryer
Here are a few features to look for in your air fryer:
Capacity
While you may be tempted to buy a bigger air fryer to have additional features, remember that a bigger capacity often means a bigger footprint. If you have a small countertop or storage area, you may want to consider getting a smaller volume option. However, if you have ample space and often have guests over, a larger capacity would be beneficial. Here are some guidelines when cooking your air fryer capacity.
- 1- to 3-quart: one to two individuals
- 3- to 5-quart: three to five individuals
- 5- to 6-quart: four to six individuals
- 6- to 10-quart: five to 10 individuals
Presets and modes
Presets and modes make using an air fryer simple and straightforward. Without presets, you have to set the temperature and time manually. However, if there is a preset for fries, you push that button, and you’re done. It eliminates a lot of the guesswork and is beneficial for new air fryer users.
Ease of use
Paying attention to how much an air fryer weighs or how straightforward it is to clean will make your life much easier. A lot of smaller parts will be harder to clean, while dishwasher-safe parts are convenient. If you need to store your air fryer, check the weight before purchasing to make sure you can move it back and forth with ease.
How much you can expect to spend on an air fryer
Air fryers come in all shapes and sizes and include a variety of extras. Depending on size, style and features, you can expect to pay $50-$300.
Air fryer FAQ
Can I cook frozen food in my air fryer?
A. Yes, frozen food cooks well in an air fryer without getting mushy. However, you will need to extend your cooking time. Your manual may have specific cook times for frozen food.
Do I put oil in my air fryer?
A. While you could lightly brush your food with oil to prevent sticking and add an extra-crisp, air fryers eliminate the need for oil. If you do add oil, do not use more than one tablespoon.
What’s the best air fryer to buy?
Top air fryer
Philips 3-Quart Premium Digital Air Fryer with Fat Removal Technology
What you need to know: This 3-quart air fryer is the perfect size for one or two people and features the brand’s unique fat-removal technology.
What you’ll love: It has a user-friendly design and easy-to-use controls. The fat removal technology collects excess fat, making it healthier than other air fryers. Multi-cooking technology allows you to air fry, bake, roast, grill, reheat, dehydrate and toast. No preheat is needed, and the turbo function cooks food fast.
What you should consider: Users report a plastic smell right after opening. The temperature changes in 25-degree increments.
Top air fryer for the money
GoWISE USA 5.8-Quart 8-in-1 Electric Air Fryer
What you need to know: Effortlessly air fry food for up to six people with eight cooking presets and a wide temperature range.
What you’ll love: The start/stop button allows you to change time and temperature in the middle of cooking. Features a cooking timer and shake reminder. Presets include fries/chips, pork, chicken, steak, shrimp, cake, fish and pizza.
What you should consider: The fryer coating could peel if you use cooking spray or clean it while it’s warm.
Worth checking out
COSORI CO130-AO 12-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
What you need to know: With its oven-style design, this air fryer is versatile and fits a large amount of food.
What you’ll love: It’s big enough to fit a 13-inch pizza or rotisserie an entire chicken. The LED screen and dial controls are convenient and easy to use. Easily cook and go with the 12 presets, including roast, toast, bagel, broil and cookies.
What you should consider: Preheating and cook times were a little longer than other air fryers.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
