Are you tired of the guilt and grease that come with traditional deep-frying? The air fryer revolution is here, and it’s changing the way you indulge in your favorite fried foods. Discover the 8 best air fryers of 2024 that offer a healthier alternative, packed with advanced features and cutting-edge technologies. From compact designs to smart cooking functions, these top picks cater to diverse culinary needs and guarantee a seamless, guilt-free cooking experience. Get ready to say goodbye to the deep fryer and hello to a new era of flavor without compromise.
The Instant Vortex 2QT Mini Air Fryer is a great choice for singles or those with limited kitchen space, with its 4-in-1 functionality and compact 2-quart capacity.
This air fryer can air fry, bake, roast, and reheat your meals, thanks to its EvenCrisp technology that delivers a perfect golden finish and crispy results.
You’ll love the one-touch smart programs that allow for customizable cooking, and the fast preheating that gets you started quickly.
The non-stick, dishwasher-safe air fry basket and tray make cleanup a breeze.
With a temperature range of 120 to 400°F, you can tackle a variety of dishes, from fries to pizza rolls and chicken.
While some users report noise, the Instant Vortex’s compact design and over 100 in-app recipes make it a kitchen must-have.
Best For: The Instant Vortex 2QT Mini Air Fryer is best for singles or those with limited kitchen space who want a compact, versatile air fryer that can handle a variety of dishes.
Pros:
Compact 2-quart capacity perfect for 1-2 servings
4-in-1 functionality for air frying, baking, roasting, and reheating
EvenCrisp technology for perfectly crispy results
Cons:
Some users report the air fryer can be noisy
May need to be careful not to overfill the basket
Limited capacity may not be suitable for larger households
Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro BOV950BST, Black Stainless Steel
With its impressive 13 preset smart cooking functions and advanced Element IQ system, the Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro BOV950BST is a versatile choice for those seeking a feature-rich air fryer that can elevate their cooking experience.
This oven boasts precise temperature control and even heating, thanks to its six independent quartz heating elements and smart algorithms.
The voice-activated compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa adds a convenient touch, while the access to over 1,000 guided recipes through Breville+ guarantees you’ll never run out of culinary inspiration.
Users rave about the oven’s accuracy, ease of use, and cleaning, though some note the fan noise during air frying.
Overall, the Breville Joule Air Fryer Pro is a powerful appliance that can replace multiple kitchen tools, saving you time and money.
Best For: Busy home cooks and those who want a versatile kitchen appliance that can replace multiple cooking tools.
Pros:
Precise temperature control and even heating for perfectly cooked meals
Vast array of preset cooking functions and access to over 1,000 guided recipes
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL with Fat Removal Technology, Black, HD9630/98
For those seeking a versatile air fryer with impressive capacity and advanced features, the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL with Fat Removal Technology, Black, HD9630/98 stands out as an exceptional choice.
This air fryer boasts a 3-pound/4-quart capacity, allowing you to cook a whole chicken or up to two bags of frozen fries at once.
Its advanced Rapid Heat technology cooks up to 4 times faster than a conventional oven, saving you valuable time.
The multi-cooking capabilities let you air fry, bake, grill, roast, reheat, dehydrate, and toast, making it a true kitchen workhorse.
Additionally, the fat removal technology extracts and captures excess fat, resulting in up to 90% less fat than deep-frying.
With dishwasher-safe parts and a quick-clean basket, maintaining this air fryer is a breeze.
Best For: The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is best for home cooks seeking a versatile, high-capacity air fryer with advanced features and easy cleanup.
Pros:
Large 4-quart capacity can cook a whole chicken or 2 bags of fries
Advanced Rapid Heat technology cooks up to 4 times faster than a conventional oven
Multi-cooking functions allow air frying, baking, grilling, roasting, reheating, dehydrating, and toasting
Cons:
Relatively expensive compared to some other air fryers
Analog dial for timing instead of digital controls
Gray on black design may not look as sleek as some other models
As a home chef seeking versatility and convenience, the Instant Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer’s 6-in-1 functionality – allowing you to air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate – makes it a standout choice among the best air fryers.
The ClearCook window and internal light let you monitor your cooking progress, while the Odor Erase Technology and replaceable air filters guarantee your kitchen stays fresh.
With EvenCrisp Technology and one-touch smart programs, you can achieve perfect golden finishes and crispy results with little to no preheating time.
The non-stick, dishwasher-safe air fry basket and tray, along with the 6-quart capacity and sleek stainless steel interior, offer unparalleled convenience and performance in a compact footprint.
Best For: Home chefs seeking a versatile and convenient air fryer with a variety of cooking functions and easy-to-use features.
Pros:
6-in-1 functionality for air frying, roasting, broiling, baking, reheating, and dehydrating
ClearCook window and internal light for monitoring cooking progress
Odor Erase Technology with replaceable air filters for fresh kitchen air
Cons:
Some design flaws reported, such as the basket sliding out and the viewing window being difficult to clean
Preheating phase may be unnecessary for some users
The Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill offers versatile cooking capabilities that can satisfy the culinary needs of home cooks seeking a do-it-all kitchen appliance.
With its six cooking functions – grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate – you can tackle a wide range of recipes, from juicy steaks to crispy fries.
The smart thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking by providing four protein settings and nine customizable doneness levels.
Plus, the extra-large grill grate and crisper basket let you cook for the whole family.
Customers rave about the Ninja’s ease of use and its ability to deliver delicious, perfectly cooked results every time.
Whether you’re grilling, baking, or dehydrating, this versatile appliance is a game-changer in the kitchen.
Best For: The Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill is best for home cooks looking for a versatile, easy-to-use appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks.
Pros:
Offers 6 cooking functions (grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate) for maximum versatility
Smart thermometer with customizable doneness levels takes the guesswork out of cooking
Extra-large grill grate and crisper basket accommodate meals for the whole family
Cons:
Takes up significant counter space due to its large size
Some users may find the learning curve for all the features to be steep
Replacement parts or accessories may be more expensive compared to other indoor grills
With its impressive 10-quart capacity and 14 versatile cooking functions, the COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo makes it an excellent choice for larger households seeking a family-friendly air fryer.
This smart appliance not only air fries, but also roasts, bakes, dehydrates, and more, allowing you to tackle a wide range of recipes with ease.
The intuitive app and voice control integration make it a breeze to monitor and adjust cooking settings, while the dishwasher-safe accessories guarantee effortless cleanup.
Whether you’re air-frying crispy chicken wings or dehydrating homemade jerky, the COSORI delivers consistently excellent results, earning it a 4.5-star rating from over 1,200 satisfied customers.
Best For: Families and households looking for a versatile and smart air fryer toaster oven combo with a large 10-quart capacity.
Pros:
Impressive 14-in-1 functionality, including air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating
Smart app and voice control integration for convenient operation
Dishwasher-safe accessories for easy cleaning
Cons:
More expensive than some standalone air fryers
Larger footprint may not suit smaller kitchens
Learning curve for first-time users of smart features
Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, BOV900BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
For those seeking a versatile air fryer oven that can handle a variety of cooking tasks, the Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, BOV900BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel, offers an exhaustive set of features that make it a standout choice.
Equipped with the brand’s acclaimed Element iQ System, this oven delivers precise and even cooking, thanks to its 6 independent quartz elements and smart algorithms.
Its super convection technology further enhances air flow, reducing cooking time by up to 30% while ensuring crispy, air-fried results.
With 13 preset cooking functions, it can tackle everything from toasting and broiling to dehydrating and slow cooking.
The integrated oven light simplifies monitoring, automatically turning on at the end of the cycle.
Backed by positive customer reviews, this Breville oven is a worthy investment for home cooks who demand versatility and performance.
Best For: Home cooks who want a versatile air fryer oven that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks with precision and efficiency.
Pros:
Comprehensive 13-in-1 cooking functions for maximum versatility
Super convection technology for up to 30% faster cooking and crispy air-fried results
Precise and even cooking thanks to the Element iQ System
Cons:
Larger footprint compared to some smaller air fryer models
More expensive than basic air fryer appliances
May take up significant counter space in smaller kitchens
Busy home cooks will appreciate the 12-in-1 functionality of the Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer, which enables them to steam, air fry, bake, and more in a single appliance.
This versatile machine can handle all your cooking needs, from whipping up a batch of crispy fried chicken to baking fluffy loaves of bread.
With its rapid cooking system and smart switch functionality, you can easily switch between air fry mode and rapid cooker mode, ensuring you get restaurant-worthy results every time.
The 6-quart capacity is perfect for feeding a family, and users rave about the convenience of the Speedi Meal Builder and the variety of dishes they’ve successfully cooked, from pasta to hard-boiled eggs.
Plus, the air fry function can cut fat by up to 75% compared to traditional deep frying, making for a healthier meal.
Best For: Busy home cooks looking for a versatile, time-saving appliance that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks from air frying to steaming.
Pros:
Rapid cooking system with steam and air fry technology for quick, restaurant-quality results
12-in-1 functionality covers a wide range of cooking needs, from baking to slow cooking
Large 6-quart capacity can accommodate meals for the whole family
Cons:
Takes up significant counter space due to its large size
Lack of handles on the cooking pan may be inconvenient for some users
Some users may find the control panel or interface to be less intuitive compared to other kitchen appliances
When choosing an air fryer, you’ll want to ponder the capacity and cooking functions to meet your needs.
Check the temperature range and control settings to guarantee precise cooking.
Additionally, look for a user-friendly interface and easy-to-clean design for hassle-free operation.
Capacity and Cooking Functions
The capacity and cooking functions of an air fryer are pivotal deliberations when selecting the right model for your kitchen needs.
You’ll want to choose an air fryer with a capacity that accommodates the size of your household and any entertaining you may do.
Larger capacity models, typically 4-6 quarts, are perfect for families or those who frequently cook for guests.
Smaller 2-3 quart air fryers work well for individuals or couples.
Beyond capacity, you’ll also want to ponder the cooking functions.
Look for models that offer versatile cooking options like air frying, baking, roasting, and even dehydrating.
This expanded functionality allows you to use your air fryer for more than just frying, making it a true multi-purpose appliance.
With the right capacity and cooking functions, your new air fryer will become an indispensable tool in your healthy kitchen arsenal.
Temperature Range and Control
One of the most important factors to weigh when choosing an air fryer is its temperature range and control capabilities.
Air fryers with a wider temperature range, typically between 100°F to 450°F, provide greater flexibility for cooking a variety of foods to perfection. Precise temperature control is essential for achieving the ideal air-fried results, ensuring even cooking, perfect browning, and satisfying crispness.
Many air fryers come equipped with preset temperature settings for specific cooking tasks, such as frying, grilling, or baking. This feature makes it easier for users to achieve ideal results without having to constantly monitor and adjust the temperature.
Digital temperature controls and displays offer accurate readings, allowing you to fine-tune the settings as needed for delicate or sensitive foods.
The ability to adjust the temperature in small increments, like 1°F or 5°F, gives you incredible precision over the cooking process. This level of control is particularly important when preparing delicate items or experimenting with new recipes, ensuring you can dial in the perfect temperature for the best possible outcome.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Alongside temperature range and control, you’ll want to prioritize the user interface and overall ease of use when selecting an air fryer.
A user-friendly air fryer should have a clear and intuitive control panel with minimal buttons and a large, easy-to-read display to simplify the cooking process. Touch screens and digital displays can provide a more modern and sleek look, but may be more prone to fingerprints and smudges.
Some air fryers come with preset settings and automatic cooking programs, which can eliminate the need for manual temperature and time adjustments.
A well-designed user interface should also include features such as cooking time and temperature indicators, as well as alerts for when the cooking process is complete. The ability to customize and save cooking settings can be a valuable feature for users who frequently cook the same types of dishes.
Heating Technology and Efficiency
Frequently, the heating technology and efficiency of an air fryer are essential factors to weigh when making your purchase.
Typically, air fryers utilize either convection or radiant heating systems, each offering distinct advantages concerning cooking performance and energy consumption.
Carefully evaluating these heating technologies can help you select an air fryer that best suits your culinary needs and kitchen environment.
Convection air fryers use a fan to circulate hot air around the food, leading to quicker and more even cooking.
This efficient heat distribution often allows for lower cooking temperatures, reducing energy usage and potential fire hazards.
Radiant air fryers, on the other hand, employ heating elements that directly radiate heat onto the food.
While they may require slightly higher temperatures, radiant models can often accommodate larger portions, making them a great choice for families or meal-prepping.
When considering heating efficiency, look for air fryers with high wattage, as this indicates their ability to heat up quickly and maintain consistent temperatures.
Additionally, insulation and air flow design play pivotal roles in an air fryer’s overall energy efficiency and cooking performance.
Cleaning and Maintenance Ease
When evaluating air fryers, the ease of cleaning and maintenance should be a top priority, as it can substantially impact the appliance’s long-term performance and your overall cooking experience.
Look for dishwasher-safe components, such as baskets and pans, which can make the cleaning process much simpler and more convenient. Additionally, non-stick coatings and ceramic surfaces tend to reduce food residue, allowing you to clean the air fryer more efficiently and quickly.
Some models even feature a self-cleaning function or a dedicated cleaning mode that uses high heat to burn off any accumulated food debris, further simplifying the maintenance process.
In addition, air fryers with a more compact design and fewer parts are generally easier to clean and maintain than larger, more complex models.
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your air fryer can help prevent the buildup of bacteria and unpleasant odors, ensuring your fried foods aren’t only delicious but also safe to consume.
Footprint and Storage Considerations
The size and storage considerations of an air fryer are crucial factors to weigh when selecting the best model for your kitchen.
Compact air fryers measuring around 11-13 inches in diameter are ideal if you have limited counter space, while larger 15-17 inch models may require more storage room.
Vertical air fryers with taller, narrow designs can be more space-efficient than wider, horizontal units.
For added convenience, look for air fryers with detachable components like baskets and pans that make storage easier.
Some models even come with foldable or collapsible designs, allowing you to tuck them away when not in use.
Before making your purchase, carefully measure your available counter and storage areas to confirm the air fryer you choose will be a perfect fit without causing clutter.
Prioritizing footprint and storage needs will help you find an air fryer that seamlessly integrates into your kitchen.
Accessories and Additional Features
Beyond the physical size and storage needs, you’ll also want to ponder the additional accessories and specialized features that some air fryers offer.
Many models come with handy extras like crisper baskets, grill mats, and skewers, which can expand your cooking capabilities. Look for non-stick baskets and pans, as they’ll make food release and cleanup a breeze while also promoting healthier cooking with less oil.
Some air fryers even feature dehydrating racks and trays, allowing you to whip up nutritious snacks like jerky, kale chips, and fruit leathers.
And for the tech-savvy, connectivity to smartphones and voice control through assistants like Alexa or Google can provide remote monitoring and adjustment of your air frying.
Certain models also boast specialized settings for slow cooking, proofing, or sous vide, catering to your specific culinary needs.
Thoroughly evaluate these extras to guarantee you get an air fryer that aligns with your cooking style and preferences.
Safety and Durability
Guaranteeing your air fryer’s safety and durability should be a top priority when selecting the right model.
Look for air fryers with a cool-touch exterior and a stable base to prevent accidental burns and tip-overs, and verify the appliance is certified by a reputable safety organization such as UL or ETL.
Consider the power cord length and material, ensuring it’s long enough to safely reach an outlet and made of heat-resistant material to prevent electrical fires.
Opt for air fryers with a non-stick basket and pan, as they’re easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria.
However, evaluate the durability of the non-stick coating and its resistance to scratches and chips.
The overall construction quality, with stainless steel and aluminum being more durable than plastic, along with a sturdy handle and secure lid, can also impact the appliance’s longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Clean an Air Fryer Effectively?
To clean your air fryer effectively, unplug it and let it cool completely. Then, remove the basket and wash it with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth, and dry thoroughly before reassembling and using again.
Can Air Fryers Be Used for Baking?
Yes, you can use an air fryer for baking! It’s a versatile appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks, including baking small batches of cookies, muffins, or even mini pies. Just adjust the time and temperature accordingly.
What Are the Safety Features of Air Fryers?
Air fryers typically feature safety mechanisms like automatic shut-off, cool-touch exteriors, and overheat protection to prevent accidents. They also have secure lids and baskets to keep contents contained during use. These features help guarantee safe and comfortable air frying experiences.
Can Air Fryers Be Used for Frozen Foods?
Air fryers are great for cooking frozen foods. Just toss the frozen items in the basket, set the temperature and time, and you’ll have deliciously crisped up results without the mess and hassle of deep frying.
How Do I Properly Store an Air Fryer?
Store your air fryer properly by unplugging it, letting it cool completely, and wiping down all surfaces. Tuck the cord neatly, and store the appliance in a dry, cool place. This keeps your air fryer in top shape for your next use.
Conclusion
Crafting the consummate cooking companion calls for careful consideration.
Contemplate capacity, convenience, and cutting-edge capabilities.
Crave crisp, craveable creations? Comb through the mesmerizing contenders – the Instant Vortex, Breville Joule, and Philips Premium are a crisp, enchanting choice.
Commit to cooking confidently with these cutting-edge air fryers, crafted to cater to your culinary cravings.
