Determining whether an air fryer is worth the investment depends on your cooking habits, dietary preferences, and kitchen space. Air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to cook food with a crispy texture using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. This can be especially appealing if you're looking to reduce your oil consumption for health reasons. Additionally, air fryers can cook food quickly, which is convenient for busy lifestyles. They are versatile and can be used to cook a variety of dishes, not just those traditionally fried, such as roasting vegetables or baking. However, air fryers can take up counter space, which might be a consideration if you have a small kitchen. They also vary in price, so cost could be a factor depending on your budget. It's important to research different models to find one with the features that best meet your needs. Overall, if you're someone who enjoys cooking and is looking for a healthier alternative to frying with oil, an air fryer can be a worthwhile investment.
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 lifespan of an air fryer?
The lifespan of an air fryer typically ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on the brand, model, usage, and how well it is maintained. Regular cleaning, proper use according to the manufacturer's instructions, and avoiding overuse can help extend the lifespan of an air fryer. Investing in a higher-quality air fryer from a reputable brand may also result in a longer lifespan.
What is the best oil to use in an air fryer?
When using an air fryer, it's important to choose an oil with a high smoke point to ensure optimal cooking and flavor. Here are some of the best oils to use:
- Avocado Oil: With one of the highest smoke points at around 520°F (271°C), avocado oil is a great choice for air frying. It has a neutral taste, which makes it versatile for various dishes.
- Grapeseed Oil: This oil also has a relatively high smoke point of around 420°F (216°C). It has a mild flavor and can be used for different types of recipes in an air fryer.
- Olive Oil: Extra light olive oil or regular olive oil (not extra virgin) is best for air frying, as they have higher smoke points, approximately 465°F (240°C) for light olive oil. While extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point, it can still be used in an air fryer for recipes cooked at lower temperatures.
- Canola Oil: With a smoke point of about 400°F (204°C), canola oil is another option. It has a neutral flavor and is often used in air frying.
- Sunflower Oil: This oil also has a high smoke point, around 440°F (227°C), and a neutral taste, making it suitable for air frying.
When using oil in an air fryer, you generally need only a small amount to achieve a crispy texture, which is one of the benefits of air frying. Always ensure you’re using oil that complements the flavor profile of whatever you're cooking.
How to troubleshoot common air fryer issues?
Troubleshooting common air fryer issues involves identifying symptoms and applying basic fixes. Here’s a guide to help with some typical problems:
- Air Fryer Won’t Turn On:
Check the Power Source: Ensure the air fryer is plugged in securely. Test the outlet with another device to confirm it's working.
Inspect the Power Cord: Look for damage to the cord or plug.
Confirm the Basket is Properly Inserted: Some models require the basket to be in correctly for safety reasons.
Check the Start Button or Settings: Make sure you've selected the appropriate settings and pressed start.
- Uneven Cooking:
Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate around the food.
Shake or Turn Food: Halfway through cooking, shake or flip food items to promote even cooking.
Adjust Temperature or Time: Some foods may require slight variations in temperature or cooking time.
- Food is Not Crispy:
Increase Temperature: Try setting a higher temperature for crispiness.
Ensure Proper Preheating: Preheat the air fryer before adding food if it's recommended in the manual.
Pat Dry the Food: Excess moisture can prevent crispiness, so pat food dry before cooking.
Use the Right Amount of Oil: Lightly coat the food with oil to enhance crispiness.
- Smoke Emitting from Air Fryer:
Check for Excess Fat: Fatty foods can release oil that smokes; try reducing the temperature slightly.
Clean Residue: Build-up from previous uses can cause smoke. Regularly clean and remove any food debris or grease from the basket and chamber.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure the air fryer is well-ventilated during use and food isn’t directly touching the heating element.
- Air Fryer is Noisy:
Check for Loose Parts: Examine for any parts that may have become dislodged.
Level the Surface: Ensure the surface is flat and the air fryer is stable.
Inspect the Fan: Listen for unusual fan noises, which might indicate a problem.
- Odors or Flavors Lingering:
Clean Thoroughly: Disassemble and clean all components that are safe to wash.
Ventilate and Dry: Let the appliance air out after washing to remove smells.
Use Vinegar or Lemon: Wipe components with a mixture of vinegar or lemon and water to eliminate odors.
- Error Codes on Display:
Consult the Manual: Check the user manual for specific error code meanings and solutions.
Reset the Appliance: Unplug the unit for a few minutes, then restart it to see if the error clears.
Contact Customer Support: If the error persists, consider reaching out to the manufacturer for assistance.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and proper storage, helps prevent many of these issues. If problems continue, contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for further help.
How to season your food for air frying?
Seasoning your food for air frying is similar to traditional cooking methods but requires adjustments due to the way air fryers circulate hot air. Here’s a guide to effectively season your food for air frying:
- Dry Ingredients: Pat the food dry with paper towels before adding seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent the seasoning from
