Learn all you need in this Air Fryer Buying Guide
Are you searching for an air fryer for your kitchen, but you’re not sure where to start? Air fryers have become a must-have kitchen item for those people who want crispy, hot food without frying in oil. There are several types to choose from, so which should you choose? HowToBuyA will give you the information you need to buy the right air fryer for you.
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What Is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance, about the size of a watermelon, that works like an oven on your countertop . It has a heating unit and uses a fan to circulate heat around the food. Good air fryers do the work of a full-size oven, using much less energy, without heating up the whole house. They come in a range of sizes and with a variety of functions. Their controls range from simple dial knobs to touchscreens.
Two Types of Air Fryer
There are two styles of air fryer, the egg type and the toaster oven type. The egg-type air fryer has a drawer that pulls out of an egg-shaped unit. The food is placed in the drawer, usually on a rack. When the drawer is put back into the unit, the food is sealed within. The shape and design of the egg-type air fryer allows for very efficient baking, cooking foods more quickly than in a full-size oven. Toaster-oven type air fryers look and work like regular toaster ovens except they have fans to help circulate the heat. With their glass doors, they are not nearly as efficient as the egg type, which are able to circulate the heated air in a contained space.
We are still in the process of doing a full write-up on air fryers, but in the meantime, take a look at some of our suggestions for top air fryers.
Egg-Type Air Fryers – Small – 1 ~ 2.5 quarts
These small-size air fryers pack a punch but take up less counter space, so they are perfect for a dorm or small apartment. Great for heating up a few frozen appetizers or a handful of fries, these air fryers are ideal for singles or for couples that like to share.
GoWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer with Digital Touchscreen + Recipe Book, 1.7-Qt up to 2 Qt Max, Black/Silver
Dimensions:
Unit – 16.5 x 8 x 11 inches
Basket – 4 x 6.5 inches (approx)
Chefman 2-Quart Air TurboFry, Personal Compact Healthy Fryer w/Adjustable Temperature Control, 60 Minute Timer and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Black
Dimensions:
Unit – 9.75 x 9.75 x 12.5 inches
Basket – 6.25 inches diameter (approx)
Dash Compact Air Fryer Oven Cooker with Temperature Control, Non-stick Fry Basket, Recipe Guide + Auto Shut off Feature, 2 Quart – Black
Dimensions:
Unit – 10.2 x 8.1 x 11.4 inches
Egg-Type Air Fryers – Medium – 2.5 ~ 4 quarts
Slightly larger, these medium-size air fryers are great for couples or a family of three. A 4-quart air fryer can handle 2lbs of french fries, 2-3 chicken breasts, or 7-10 drumsticks.
Dash Tasti Crisp Electric Air Fryer + Oven Cooker with Temperature Control, Non-stick Fry Basket, Recipe Guide + Auto Shut Off Feature, 1000-Watt, 2.6 Quart – Black
Dimensions:
Unit – 12.2 x 12.1 x 9.9 inches
Basket – 6.75 inches diameter (approx)
COSORI Air Fryer (100 Recipes Book) 1500W Electric Hot Oven Oilless Cooker, 11 Presets Preheat & Shake Reminder, LED Touch Screen, Nonstick Basket, 3.7 QT, Black
Unit Dimensions: 13.3 x 10.7 x 12.2 inches
Basket Dimensions: 7.5 inches diameter (approx)
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, 4 Qt, Black/gray
Dimensions:
Unit – 8.5 x 12.1 x 11 inches
Basket – 8 inches diameter (approx)
Need to check the temperature of your air-fried foods? Check out our guide to food thermometers here.
Egg-Type Air Fryers – Large – 4 ~ 6 quarts
Better for families of three to four, these large-size air fryers have more space, increasing your meal-making opportunities. Possibilities include steaks, chicken breasts, burgers, roasted veggies, and more.
Ultrean Air Fryer, 4.2 Quart (4 Liter) Electric Hot Air Fryers Oven Oilless Cooker with LCD Digital Screen and Nonstick Frying Pot, ETL/UL Certified,1-Year Warranty,1500W (Black)
Dimensions:
Unit – 13.21 x 11.26 x 12.42 inches
Basket – 9 inches diameter (approx)
COSORI Air Fryer Max XL(100 Recipes) Digital Hot Oven Cooker, One Touch Screen with 13 Cooking Functions, Preheat and Shake Reminder, 5.8 QT, Black
Dimensions:
Unit – 11.8 x 14.3 x 12.7 inches
Basket – 9.5 x 9.0 (approx)
Ultrean 6 Quart Air Fryer, Large Family Size Electric Hot Air Fryer XL Oven Oilless Cooker with 7 Presets, LCD Digital Touch Screen and Nonstick Detachable Basket,UL Certified,1700W (Black)
Dimensions:
Unit – 14.92 x 12.52 x 14.41 inches
Basket – 9 3/8 x 8 5/8 (approx)
Egg-Type Air Fryers – Extra-Large – 6+ quarts
If you’re cooking for a large family or extra dinner guests, you’re going to want an extra-large-size air fryer. Roast a 5-pound chicken or bake up to 4 pounds of fries. Your dinner choices are endless.
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 6-in-1 8 Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer with DualZone Technology, with 2 Crisper Plates 2 Independent Baskets, for Quick Easy Meals, Grey
Dimensions:
Unit – 15.63 L x 13.86 W x 12.4 H inches
Basket – 8.25 x 5.75 inches (x 2 Baskets) (approx)
NuWave 8-Quart 6-in-1 Brio Healthy Digital Air Fryer with One-Touch Digital Controls, Integrated Digital Temperature Probe & Advanced Cooking Functions
Unit Dimensions: 16.5 x 15.1 x 13.1 inches
Basket Dimensions: 9 x 9 inches (approx)
Dimensions:
Unit – 16.5 x 15.1 x 13.1 inches
Basket – 9 x 9 inches (approx)