The best air fryers you can buy
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The best air fryers can fry, grill, roast, and bake an array of foods in a short time. They are also durable, have an intuitive user interface, and a large capacity. The SimpleTaste 1400W Multi-function Electric Air Fryer is the best air fryer you can buy because it has all of these features along with a slick digital display.
According to Kitchen Weapon, Philips was the first to introduce the air fryer in 2010. Since then, dozens of brands have entered the market with their own version of this innovative appliance.
Air fryers work using the Maillard reaction. In case you aren’t well-versed in early 20th-century chemistry, the Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids that give a distinctive flavor to browned foods. With traditional fryers, this is achieved by submerging the food in hot oil. On the other hand, air fryers achieve the same reaction by using a mechanical fan to circulate hot air at high speeds around the food. The result is fried foods that use up to 80% less oil. In fact, most recipes just call for a few squirts of spray oil.
When shopping for an air fryer, there are a few features that differentiate them. Digital display air fryers are generally more expensive, but they are a must for precise cooking. Many models come with dishwasher-safe components that make cleanup simple. Also, pay special attention to the warranty information on the appliance you are considering, because many brands have had issues with the cooking drawer busting.
Our guide to the top air fryers is based on thorough research into the ratings and experiences of countless experts and users. Based on our analysis, the following models meet the highest standards of reliability, functionality, and value.
Although the SimpleTaste 1400W Multi-function Electric Air Fryer is our top pick overall, the following slides present strong arguments for considering the Simple Chef Air Fryer, the Secura Air Fryer, the Air Fryer by Cozyna, and the Stove & Brick Air Fryer.
The best air fryer overall
Why you'll love it: The SimpleTaste 1400W Multi-function Electric Air Fryer is easy to clean and operate, plus it's large enough to quickly cook a meal for a family of four.
The 1400W SimpleTaste Air Fryer has options for people who like control and for those who like everything to be automated. This unit comes with eight pre-set smart programs for making a cake, shrimp, chicken, fish, meat, steak, chips/fries, and warming up items. The temperature and timer can also be adjusted manually with a maximum temp of 400 degrees. Aside from frying, the SimpleTaste air fryer has baking, grilling, and roasting functions. And, it can fit up to 3.2 quarts of food into its basket.
This unit does not have any dishwasher safe components, but the cooking shelf and basket are simple to wash with dish soap, a non-abrasive sponge, and hot water.
BestReviews took the SimpleTaste 1400W Air Fryer for a test drive and ultimately named it the best air fryer overall. The reviewers say that you will not find another model that produces better results or provides better features or quality. The healthy living site Happy Happy Vegan also declared this unit its top pick for air fryers. The writer liked that it worked well for many different foods, had smart cook settings, and ran quietly.
On Amazon, 92% of the people who reviewed the SimpleTaste air fryer gave it five stars. Buyers like how well it cooks sausages, chicken, fries, and more. For some, it has supplanted their oven as the main tool for heating foods. Buyers also comment on the customer support at SimpleTaste. One reviewer noted that pieces of plastic busted on the food tray when they pulled it out. The manufacturer was quick to replace the defective item.
Pros: Cooks quickly, eight pre-set cooking functions, easy to use
Cons: Heavy and takes up a fair amount of space
Buy the SimpleTaste 1400W Multi-function Electric Air Fryer with Rapid Air Circulation Technology on Amazon for $134.99 (originally $185.99)
The best air fryer on a budget
Why you'll love it: If you are interested in checking out the air fryer craze, the Simple Chef Air Fryer is an affordable, well-crafted option for beginners.
The Simple Chef Air Fryer lives up to its name: it’s simple. There are no fancy pre-set functions, no LCD displays, and you can’t watch your food cook through a transparent lid. There are only four markings on the temperature dial ranging from 175 degrees to 400 degrees. But, what this model lacks in flashy features, it makes up for with consistent, reliable performance. This Simple Chef model is made with 100% BPA-free plastic, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
YourOwnHomeTips included the Simple Chef Air Fryer in its list of the top five air fryers. It got high marks because of its affordability, effortless use, and sturdy construction. This model got a 9 out of 10 from AirFryerReviews due to its dishwasher safe elements, large capacity, and safety protections. However, it did lose points because there are no pre-set options, and the lid is not transparent.
Of the buyers who reviewed the Simple Chef Air Fryer on Amazon, 93% gave it at least four stars. Reviewers noted that they’ve had great success making chicken wings, fried chicken, fries from scratch, baked vegetables, pot pie, and more. Since air fryers are relatively new, most of the buyers did not have an older model to compare this one to. The comments mainly focused on how much easier this new appliance makes cooking. However, one verified purchaser had experience with three other brands previously and still rated this one the best.
Pros: Built to last, dishwasher safe, large capacity
Cons: Hard to precisely gauge temperatures, lacks a transparent lid
Buy the Simple Chef Air Fryer - Air Fryer For Healthy Oil Free Cooking - 3.5 Liter Capacity on Amazon for $67.99
The best air fryer for large meals
Why you'll love it: The Secura Air Fryer is cost-effective, has a large frying capacity, and does an excellent job of cooking evenly.
Aside from the 4-liter/4.2-quart cooking capacity, the Secura Air Fryer is a fairly basic device. There are two dials for setting the temperature (up to 390 degrees) and time (up to 60 minutes). There are also heating and power indicator lights. The unit comes with a nonstick fryer basket, toaster rack, and skewer.
As with most gadgets, when there is a lack of features, such as digital settings, there are fewer parts that could potentially break down. Secura stands by the quality of this device with a two-year limited warranty.
Corrie Cooks reviewed the Secura XL air fryer and gave it high marks for its durability, size, and functionality. However, the reviewer disliked that it didn’t have an LCD display and thought the 4-liter size didn’t warrant an “XL” distinction. BestSmokerz.com included the Secura XL on its list of the top ten air fryers because of the heavy-duty construction and large capacity. But, this unit lost points because the dial makes it hard to precisely set the timer.
Around 93% of the reviews of the Secura Air Fryer on Amazon are positive. Reviewers were impressed with how this model is able to cook healthier French fries, reheat leftover fries to their original glory, make small pizzas, roast turkey breasts, toast bread, and more. One buyer pointed out that it can do everything an oven can do, but it’s easier and faster. One buyer mentioned they did have trouble making onion rings from scratch.
Pros: Two-year warranty, durable, easy to use, relatively affordable
Cons: Relies on dials instead of digital settings
Buy the Secura 4 Liter, 4.2 Qt., Extra Large Capacity 1500 Watt Electric Hot Air Fryer on Amazon for $89.99 (originally $129.99)
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