An air fryer works by circulating hot air around food to cook it, similar to a convection oven but on a smaller scale. It consists of a heating element and a high-powered fan, which rapidly moves the hot air around the food placed in a perforated basket or tray. This rapid air circulation ensures that the food is cooked evenly and often allows it to develop a crispy outer layer without the need for a large amount of oil. The heating mechanism and airflow technology mimic the results of traditional frying methods but with significantly less oil, making air fryers a popular choice for those seeking healthier cooking alternatives.
Best Air Fryers of February 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 25 Cooking Functions and Digital Controls, 7 Accessories Included, Stainless Steel Finish, 26QT Capacity
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A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates practically any meal, from air frying quick after-school snacks to roasting for large gatherings.
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25 COOKING PRE-SETS: Provide a variety of cooking methods: Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, Pastry, Slow Cook, Roast, Reheat, and Keep Warm.
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DUAL-SPEED FAN: Golden fried crisping at it's finest with 360º superheated air circulation for your homemade cooking.
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26-QUART CAPACITY: This Extra-large 26-quart capacity countertop toaster is suitable for preparing food for 4–6 people with capacity to rotisserie a 6-lb chicken, bake a 12” pizza.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Ninja Flip Toaster Oven&Air Fryer, 8-in-1 Functionality, Flip Up&Away Capability for Storage Space, LargeCapacity, Air Fry Basket, SheetPan, Wire Rack&Removable Crumb Tray, Stainless,1800 watts, SP151
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RECLAIM YOUR COUNTER SPACE: Takes up 50% less space when you flip it up and away to store against your backsplash.
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OVENCRISP TECHNOLOGY: Infrared heating and rapid circulating air combine for edge-to-edge even cooking.
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8-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate.
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QUICK FAMILY MEALS: Family-sized meals that feed up to 4 people in as little as 20 minutes.
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ENERGY EFFICIENT: 80% more energy efficient than a traditional full-size oven.
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WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 6 infrared heating elements enable a temperature range of 85-450F.
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FASTER COOKING: Rapid hot air circulates all around your food at different speeds for 50% faster cooking and crisping vs a traditional oven.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
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2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The original Air Fryer with 2 independent baskets, the XL air fryer lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
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6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The baskets can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
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XL CAPACITY: The 8-quart air fryer capacity lets you fit mains and sides at the same time for making quick family meals, or up to 4 lbs. of French fries or chicken wings.
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SEPARATE HEATING ZONES: 2 independent 4-quart zones have their own cooking baskets, cyclonic fans, and rapid heaters.
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EASY CLEANING: Easy-to-clean baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black
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Versatile countertop cooking: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, or roast to crispy perfection in one convenient appliance
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Healthy cooking made easy: Make healthy meals using 98% less oil than traditional fryers
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Simplified set-up: Anyone can cook perfect meals in minutes with 17 preset options and an easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen
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All-inclusive: Includes three air flow racks, stainless steel rotisserie oven spit with retrieval tool, and a drip tray
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Monitor cooking progress: The interior lights and extra-large air fryer oven window allow you to check your food's cooking progress
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Minimal clean-up: The removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts keep cleanup fast and simple
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast Turbo Modes, 90°–450°F Even Results With Precise Temperature Control, Up to 95% Less Oil*, Roast, Bake, Dry, Reheat, Frozen, Broil, Proof, Grey
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𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achieving beyond-crispy, juicy perfection in every main dish
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𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Advanced airflow and precise temperature control deliver evenly cooked side dishes with perfectly balanced texture in every bite
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𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking to save time and deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy weekdays
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𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The 6-quart square basket offers a wider, deeper design for large family meals in one go while saving kitchen counter and storage space
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𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Enjoy a quieter and more comfortable kitchen environment as it operates at less than 53 dB even on high fan speed, delivering whisper-quiet performance
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𝟗𝟓% 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙊𝙞𝙡: Enjoy the same crispy textures as traditional deep frying with up to 95% less oil*. Enjoy all your favorite fried foods without the guilt
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𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙙: Air Fryer, 6-quart nonstick basket and crisper plate, chef-created 30-recipe cookbook with pictures, cooking charts
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, Air Crisp Technology with 400F for hot, crispy results in just minutes, Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate, Grey, AF141
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AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
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LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
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4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
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GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
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FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
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EASY TO CLEAN: The basket and crisper plate are both nonstick for easy cleaning.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Reheats, & Dehydrates, 4-in-1, Fries, Frozen Food, Veggies, and Juicy Meat, Less Oil, Easy Meals, Healthy Meals, Compact, 4 QT, Grey, AF101
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LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
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WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat.
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FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 2 lbs of French fries.
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4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Includes 4 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
8
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
COSORI Air Fryer, Shocking, Won’t Believe It. The Secret to Cooking Everything with One Appliance Is... Pro LE All-In-One Airfryer. Millions Can’t Be Wrong – Click for the Full Scoop.
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𝟱-𝙌𝙩 𝙇𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙨: Easily prepare 2-3 servings at once with the spacious square basket, perfect for feeding the whole family in one go.
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𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣: Save counter space for food prep and easily store the air fryer in an overhead space without compromising on performance.
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𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝟴𝟱% 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙊𝙞𝙡: Enjoy crispy textures in your favorite meats with up to 85% less oil than traditional frying. Indulge in delicious, guilt-free meat dishes.
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𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧-𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙚: Enjoy effortless cleanup with the non-stick cooking basket and detachable components. Spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring your delicious meals.
What is the average cooking time reduction with an air fryer?
The average cooking time reduction with an air fryer can vary depending on the type of food and the specific model of air fryer being used. Generally, air fryers can reduce cooking times by about 20% to 30% compared to traditional ovens. This is because air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly. Foods that typically require longer cooking times in a conventional oven, like chicken wings, French fries, and roasted vegetables, can often be cooked more quickly in an air fryer. However, it's important to consult the air fryer’s manual or specific recipes for more precise timing.
What foods can you cook in an air fryer?
An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. Here are some popular options:
- French Fries: Homemade or frozen, they tend to come out crispy and delicious.
- Chicken Wings: Achieve crispy skin without excessive oil.
- Chicken Breast: Cook juicy and flavorful chicken breasts quickly.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, brussels sprouts, zucchini, and carrots roast nicely.
- Fish: Salmon and white fish fillets can be cooked with minimal oil.
- Shrimp: Quick and easy to prepare with a nice, crisp finish.
- Steak: Cook to your preferred level of doneness while retaining juice.
- Frozen Foods: Mozzarella sticks, fish sticks, and other frozen snacks.
- Bacon: Achieves a crispy texture without the mess of a frying pan.
- Tofu: Crisps up nicely for a healthy plant-based option.
- Eggplant: Perfect for dishes like eggplant parmesan.
- Baked Goods: Small batches of pastries, muffins, or donuts can be prepared.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Cook easily without water.
- Chickpeas: Roast to make a crunchy snack.
- Pizza: Reheat or cook small pizzas or flatbreads.
- Onion Rings: Achieve a crispy coating with less oil than deep frying.
- Potatoes: Bake or roast potatoes, including wedges or cubes.
- Stuffed Peppers: Cook evenly with a nice texture.
When using an air fryer, always be sure to not overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking and adhere to recommended cooking times and temperatures for each specific food.
What are the advantages of using an air fryer?
Air fryers have gained popularity due to several advantages they offer, including:
- Healthier Cooking: Air fryers use little to no oil, potentially reducing the fat content of fried foods significantly. This makes them a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying.
- Reduced Calorie Intake: By using less oil, foods prepared in an air fryer generally have fewer calories, which is beneficial for those managing their calorie intake.
- Versatility: Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that can fry, roast, grill, and bake, allowing you to prepare a wide variety of dishes, from crispy fries to roasted vegetables and even desserts.
- Convenience: They are user-friendly and often come with preset cooking settings. Most air fryers require minimal preparation time compared to traditional frying methods.
- Faster Cooking Times: Air fryers typically cook food faster than conventional ovens due to their rapid air circulation technology.
- Energy Efficiency: They consume less energy compared to using an oven, making them a more energy-efficient option for cooking small to medium-sized meals.
- Easy to Clean: Many air fryers have non-stick, dishwasher-safe components, which makes cleaning up relatively quick and easy.
- Safety: Air fryers reduce the risk of incidents associated with handling hot oil, providing a safer cooking environment.
- Consistent Results: Due to their even heat distribution, air fryers often yield consistently crispy and well-cooked results.
These advantages make air fryers a popular choice for those looking to prepare healthier meals without sacrificing flavor and texture.
How does an air fryer compare to a deep fryer in terms of health?
When comparing an air fryer to a deep fryer in terms of health, several factors come into play, particularly around the amount of oil used, calorie content, and the resulting impact on heart health.
- Oil Use and Calorie Content:
Air Fryer: Uses hot air circulation to cook food, which requires little to no oil. This significantly reduces the calorie content of the food compared to deep-fried foods. Generally, you might spray or lightly brush the food with a small amount of oil to enhance crispiness.
Deep Fryer: Submerges food in hot oil, resulting in higher oil absorption and increased calorie intake. This method can significantly increase the fat content of the food.
- Nutritional Impact:
Air Fryer: Because it uses less oil, meals prepared in an air fryer are typically lower in fat. This can be beneficial for heart health, weight management, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases linked to high fat intake. Some nutrients that are sensitive to high temperatures may also be better preserved with air frying.
Deep Fryer: Deep-fried foods have higher trans fats and saturated fats, which are linked to health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. These fats are not only from the type of oil used but can also form during the deep frying process.
- Additional Considerations:
The type of oil used in deep frying can influence health impacts; oils with healthier fats (like olive oil) are preferable, though they still increase calorie content significantly.
Air fryers generally offer a healthier option for those looking to reduce fat intake while still achieving a similar texture and flavor to fried foods.
Both methods can transform healthy foods into less healthy meals, especially when considering breaded items or foods with high levels of processing.
Overall, while air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying due to reduced oil usage and lower calorie and fat content, incorporation into a balanced diet with a focus on overall nutrition is key to achieving health benefits.
