A Healthier, Crispier Way to Cook: The Best Air Fryers Reviewed
Introduction
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a delicious and healthier alternative to deep frying. By using hot air to circulate around your food, air fryers achieve that crispy, golden-brown finish we all crave without the excessive oil.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, finding the right air fryer can make a big difference in your kitchen experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the top-rated air fryers on the market, considering factors like capacity, features, and ease of use.
From compact models for smaller households to spacious options for large families, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also explore the benefits of air frying, including reduced calorie intake, healthier cooking, and faster cooking times.
So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect air fryer to elevate your culinary adventures!
Product Reviews
1. Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Digital Fryer
About this item
- ENERGY-SAVING: Save up to 65% on your energy bill* (*testing and calculations based on recommended cook time for sausages, using air fry function versus conventional ovens).
- 2 INDEPENDENT COOKING ZONES: Cook 2 foods, 2 ways, both ready at the same time. Use different functions, times and temps in each drawer to create complete meals in one appliance, or cater to 2 tastes.
- 6 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate. Cook from frozen to crispy. Up to 75% less fat* using the Air Fry function (*Tested against deep fried, hand-cut French fries).
- EXTRA-LARGE CAPACITY: Cook up to 8 portions. Each drawer fits up to 1.4kg fries or a 2kg chicken. Cook up to 75% faster than fan ovens* (*Tested against fish fingers and sausages, including preheat).
- INCLUDES: Ninja Dual Drawer Air Fryer (UK Plug), 2x non-stick dishwasher-safe 4.75L Drawers (9.5L total capacity) & Crisper Plates. Chef-created Recipe Guide. Weight: 8.9kg. Colour: Black.
- DIMENSIONS: H32.5cm x W41.5cm x D27cm. 2-year guarantee upon registration with Ninja (UK & ROI only).
2. 9L Dual Air Fryer with Visual Window
About this item
- SMART TOUCH CONTROL, CONVENIENT VISUAL WINDOW: The dual air fryer features a sensitive LED display that is simple to operate and easy to set and control. Super-large visual windows with light allow you to monitor the status of food inside to avoid undercooking or overcooking. Tips: Press the match button to share the program after setting one basket
- 9 LITRE CAPACITY, DUAL BASKETS: 9L super-large double air fryer oven consists of dual frying baskets(the max capacity of each: 4.5L), each of which could work independently or together to cook different ingredients. The sync finish function makes it possible to get two baskets ready simultaneously, sharing healthy, tasty fried foods with the whole family
- 9 COOKING PRESETS FOR VARIOUS FOOD TYPES: Deal with different food types with varying cooking modes, choosing from fish, fries, bacon, bake, chicken-leg, steak, vegetable, shrimp, to chicken. With an intelligent shake reminder, the dual air fryer will alert you when it’s time to flip food, thus, both sides get cooked properly to serve your family tasty food only
- ENERGY-SAVING SOLUTION, SAVING UP TO 70% ENERGY: These powerful air fryers are endowed with a faster speed — 30% higher than traditional ovens. It’s also an excellent alternative for energy-saving with low energy consumption. Save up to 70% energy successfully using the advanced air fryer instead, reducing the energy bill while bringing you crispy meat
- SAFE MATERIAL, SAFE COOKING CHOICE: Food-grade 304 stainless steel frying baskets and crisper trays are odor-free, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean. Both baskets and crisper trays are dishwasher-safe when it’s large enough. Ergonomic hot-resistant handle, auto shutoff protection (once the basket is removed), and anti-slip mats ensure safety during use
3. COSORI Air Fryer
About this item
- CLASSIC COSORI CP158 SERIES: Top-rated in air fryer tests and trusted by 50,000+ real users and major social media influencers
- ENERGY-EFFICIENT: COSORI, holding the exclusive Even heating Technology, cooks 50% faster than with a conventional oven, saving up to 55% on your energy bills
- PRECISION FOR GOURMET DELIGHTS: Explore culinary excellence with 11 presets like Air Fry, Bake, Roast, and fine-tune your cooking with manual time and temp settings; Our product isn’t just versatile; it’s your key to creating top-notch, delicious meals!
- SPACIOUS 5.5L XL CAPACITY: Our air fryer designed for family boasts a generous size offers 15% more cooking space, compared with dual basket airfryer, enjoying a more evenly cooking finish
- 100 COMPLIMENTARY RECIPES: Enjoy delightful, beginner-friendly dishes with portion sizes, cook times, and temperature guidance in COSORI recipe for added inspiration; Easy to enjoy the seasoned chef cooking results just in home
- HEALTHIER DINING, CRISPY DELIGHTS: 85% less oil compared with traditional deep-frying but deliver the same delicious fried food, crispy – crunchy outside and soft inside
- EASY CLEANUP: The nonstick and dishwasher-safe basket makes cleaning a breeze; With just a quick rinse or a gentle swipe with a sponge, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring your culinary masterpieces (note: While separating the baskets, please follow the instructions in the user manual to avoid damaging them)
- COSORI GUARANTEE: Buy it with confidence; COSORI always puts the customer first and thoughtfully provides 2 year guarantee and lifelong support, just feel free to contact us
4. Ninja Double Stack XL Air Fryer
About this item
- SAVE SPACE ON YOUR KITCHEN COUNTER: 30% slimmer (vs AF400). Extra-large 9.5L capacity feeds 8 people. Cook up to 55% faster than fan ovens (tested against fish fingers and sausages)
- COOK ON 4 LEVELS AT THE SAME TIME: Includes 2 x drawers AND 2x meal racks giving you 4 levels, so you can cook double the food. Rear fans ensure food is evenly cooked and crisped on all levels.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT: Cook using up to 55% less energy than an oven* (*testing and calculations based on recommended cook time for sausages, using air fry function versus conventional ovens).
- 6 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate. Up to 75% less fat* using the Air Fry function (*Tested against deep fried, hand-cut French fries). SYNC & MATCH functions across 2 drawers.
- INCLUDES: Ninja Double Stack 9.5L Air Fryer (UK Plug), 2x 4.75L Drawers, 2x Non-Stick Crisper Plates, 2x Racks. Dishwasher Safe Parts. Dimensions: H38.5cm x W28cm x D47cm. Weight: 10.3kg. Colour: Grey
- FREE 2 YEAR GUARANTEE: upon registration with Ninja (UK & ROI only)
5. Tower T17021 Family Size Air Fryer
About this item
- VORTX AIR FRYING TECHNOLOGY: Exclusive to Tower Air Fryers, Vortx technology rapidly circulates hot air around food, cooking up to 30% faster than a conventional oven. Vortx also cooks food with little or no oil, making it much healthier, too! Lose the fat not the flavour with Vortx Air Frying Technology
- SAVE UP TO 70% ON ENERGY: Cooking food 30% faster, Tower Air Fryers use less power than conventional ovens. Save up to 70% on your energy by simply switching to Air Fryer cooking with savings of £241 per year
- MORE MEAL CHOICES: Fry, roast, grill and bake functions allow you to make a variety of meals such as stuffed vegetables, muffins, pork chops and more
- 4.3L CAPACITY: Family-sized air fryer with a large 4.3-litre capacity lets you serve up enough portions to go around the whole table
- 3 YEAR GUARANTEE: Trusted Tower quality with a standard 1 year guarantee and 2 year extension, subject to product registration online
Buying Guide
When investing in an air fryer, it’s crucial to carefully weigh your needs and preferences to ensure you select the ideal appliance for your kitchen. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Capacity:
- Household Size: A larger family will require a more spacious air fryer to accommodate multiple servings.
- Cooking Frequency: If you frequently prepare meals for a crowd, a larger capacity is essential.
- Food Types: Consider the types of food you plan to cook. For instance, a whole chicken or a large batch of fries may necessitate a larger capacity.
2. Features
- Dual-Zone Cooking: This feature allows you to cook different foods simultaneously at varying temperatures, ideal for preparing a complete meal in one go.
- Visual Windows: A clear window provides a glimpse into the cooking process, allowing you to monitor your food without opening the lid and disrupting the heat.
- Pre-Set Cooking Programs: These programs offer convenient one-touch cooking for popular dishes, saving time and effort.
3. Size
- Countertop Space: Ensure the air fryer will fit comfortably on your countertop without taking up too much space.
- Storage: Consider where you’ll store the appliance when not in use. Some models offer compact designs for easy storage.
4. Budget
- Desired Features: The price of an air fryer will vary depending on the features and capacity.
- Brand Reputation: Established brands often come with a higher price tag but may offer better quality and durability.
- Long-Term Value: Investing in a quality air fryer can be a worthwhile investment, as it can last for years and provide significant savings on cooking costs.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select an air fryer that perfectly suits your culinary needs and lifestyle.
Conclusion
An air fryer is a versatile and indispensable appliance that brings a host of benefits to your kitchen. By utilizing hot air to cook food, air fryers offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying, reducing oil consumption and calorie intake.
The crispy, golden-brown results achieved with an air fryer are truly remarkable, making it a favorite among health-conscious individuals and those seeking delicious, guilt-free meals.
From quick snacks to hearty dinners, an air fryer can handle a wide variety of dishes, expanding your culinary possibilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Healthier Cooking: Reduce oil consumption and calorie intake.
- Crispy Results: Achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
- Versatility: Cook a wide range of dishes, from snacks to meals.
- Time-Saving: Enjoy faster cooking times compared to traditional methods.
By carefully considering the factors discussed in this guide, including capacity, features, size, and budget, you can confidently select an air fryer that aligns with your cooking needs and preferences.
Embrace the power of air frying and elevate your kitchen experience today!
