Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying while maintaining the crispy textures we love. In this blog, I’ll be reviewing and ranking the best air fryers based on real user feedback and in-depth reviews to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
1. COSORI LE 5-Qt Air Fryer:
Helpful Review: I have limited counter space and have used a small toaster oven for years instead of always turning on the big oven in my kitchen. Over the last six or so years, I’ve gone through four of the same toaster ovens that previously had lasted many years before needing a new one. The quality of the very well known brand has diminished significantly.
I had previously dismissed purchasing an air fryer because I thought it was just another unneeded kitchen gadget. After tossing out the fourth toaster oven in six years, I gave the Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5 quart a try. It’s small in size, easy to clean, and shines above my toaster oven in almost all respects. I’ve just begun experimenting with different meal ideas and the results so far are very good.
Maybe a real toaster (not a toaster oven or air fryer) would handle making toast a bit better, but I toasted a bagel yesterday morning and the results were very good. Of course, I reheated left over French fries from a restaurant which came out better than when I ate them in the restaurant. Baked potatoes are great! Chicken wings great! Salmon, burgers, so far are good. Next, I plan to try tossing some cut up veggies and cut up chicken breast for a quick meal. The air fryer is actually a very useful appliance. I’m very pleased with my purchase.
2. Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Air Fryer:
Helpful Review: I’m not particularly impressed by a brand, so the fact Chef Emeril endorses or helped designed this unit or whatever, is of no consequence to me. I have two questions: does it work and is it a good value for its price. To the first question, it works very well. It can employ so many ways of cooking, e.g. grilling, baking, toasting, air frying, warming and more. This makes it an easy replacement for my previous air fryer (nothing wrong with it, I just wanted more capacity), my toaster oven, tabletop grill and for the most part, the oven on my range. To the second question, the price I paid, which was a sale price, was worth it for the functionality and accessories and flexibility of the unit.
Most of the presets are handy but if you’ve been using an air fryer for a while, you’re probably familiar with times and temperatures to use for whatever you’re cooking so it’s a plus you can easily dial in custom settings if you want to. It’s pretty easy to clean and to keep clean in the first place because of its size. One thing that bit me was not thinking to use the bake pan when doing anything involving the lower heating elements and if cooking something that drips. I had to clean them once because I forgot that.
Two things I don’t like are the French doors; though they are a nice feature, they not only operate together but they’ll slam if you don’t hold them until they close all the way, which isn’t damaging but it is annoying; and the other is the beeps, which are entirely too loud, so that I had to turn them off, which I don’t like because I like being notified it’s time to turn something or cooking is done. Overall, I’d recommend this unit. I have had it for a little over two months and no issues so far.
3. Instant Pot 6 Quart Air Fryer:
Helpful Review: I bought this as a present for my wife who had been wanting one for some time. Although I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of getting yet another gimmicky kitchen appliance I nevertheless did a lot of research and concluded that this was the best on the market. The fact that it was made by Instant pot was a plus since I have been extremely impressed with their pressure cooker. The first time we tried out this air fryer we were impressed by how easy and intuitive it was to use. It uses exactly the same user interface as the Instant pot pressure cookers so it will feel very familiar if you already have one of those. If you don’t have one all I can say is that a lot of thought and effort went into making the interface easy to use and understand. It is absolutely top notch.
The second thing we noticed upon our first culinary creation is that it is FAST and it turns out excellent quality food- a lot better than I had imagined. It heats up very quickly, cooks the food very quickly and evenly and it is easy to access the food during the cooking cycle to rotate it if you need to. We discovered that you really do not need to add ANY oil to most foods so the food is healthier and tastes less greasy and more flavorful.
The final big discovery that I made was that this thing is really easy to clean! I did not expect that at all. The bottom screen/grate easily pops out and the non-stick interior literally wipes clean with almost no effort at all. The grate is also non stick and cleans up just as easily. All in all this air fryer is an absolute gem and I LOVE it! If you have been thinking of getting one you should definitely consider this one. I highly recommend it!
4. Instant Pot 10 QT Air Fryer:
Helpful Review: The chicken wings this Fryer makes has everyone wanting more. It is so convenient for children that are starving and need something cooked or reheated. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, bacon all cook in a matter of a few minutes. Clean-up is a breeze no matter what you cook, 5 minutes or less. Jimmy Dean bacon is the best, it comes out light and crispy. You do have to separate the bacon by folding it in half that makes it easier to separate, and you do need to babysit it for about 10 to 15 minutes, but it will be the best bacon you ever had. As for the Company who makes the Air Fryer the service is some of the best of any product we have ever purchased.
We bought one as a gift for my wife’s sister, before she could use it, she got sick and did not feel up to even opening it for almost a year. When she did open it, it had been damaged, not just the box but the glass inside was broken and other damage. We contacted the company, sent pictures and explained why it had taken so long, but thinking there was nothing they could do, to our amazement, they sent my my wife’s sister in Florida a brand new Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer. The customer service people were not only nice to talk with, but went way over and above what we expected of them. Quality, Convenience, Affordable, and Excellent Customer Service.
5. Chefman Turbo Fry Touch Air Fryer:
Helpful Review: First off, we got this at a steal of a price! Over 60% off retail. Second, this is our first experience using an air fryer. Although we’ve heard nothing but good things about them, we were skeptical about whether or not it would just become another kitchen appliance that looks pretty, but never gets used. We’ll lemme tell you… It’s just as big of a game-changer as people say! We use this thing every single day, and often times more than just once! We are wasting so much less these days.
Leftovers are actually getting reheated and eaten instead of just being tossed after languishing in our fridge for a few days! Plus, it’s healthier than deep frying. I have a picky teen who has changed habits all together. This fryer is big enough to cook 4 servings of most stuff, and the biggest complaint that friends who we talked to prior to purchasing was that they regretted buying too small of a fryer. This 6qt basket is perfect for us.
A few bonus things we’ve discovered thus far:
Chicken nuggets and French fries from a fast food window taste just as good, if not better than they were fresh out of the bag. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thrown away food that wasn’t eaten, and then 2hrs later, a little one is hungry again. Now I can heat up those happy meal leftovers all at once, and the best part is, it doesn’t require multiple steps. Toss food in and walk away. Perfect!
Brats and hotdogs are so tasty and easy! I even toss buns in when they’re 3/4 of the way done so you have a slightly toasted bun. Haven’t tried sauerkraut yet, but it’s super easy to add.
Fried chicken is MORE TASTY than fresh out of the box.Frozen mini pizzas take 7 minutes. No preheating.
Garlic toast to go with spaghetti and meatballs? Also 7 minutes!
Lastly, clean-up is ridiculously easy. Many times, just wiping the basket with a moist paper towel does the job. Grease requires the addition of a tiny drop of dish soap. When we purchased this air fryer my husband cynically said, “Welcome to 2011, wife.” He wasn’t wrong! LoL. The only thing I’d do differently is to buy one years ago! It has literally changed so much about daily life. Go out and buy one now! I’d give this 10 stars if I could. We’ve has ours for a few months. We’re pleased with this model. It does take up a lot of counter space, but it makes sense considering the capacity, and it’s worthy of the space. I might sacrifice the Toaster though. It’s kind of irrelevant now.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Air Fryer:
1. Cooking Capacity: Consider the size of your household to choose an air fryer with an appropriate cooking capacity.
2. Functionality: Look for features that align with your cooking needs, such as multiple cooking presets, rotisserie options, or dehydrating capabilities.
3. Technology and Heating Efficiency: Assess technologies like EvenCrisp or quick cook technology for consistent and efficient cooking results.
4. Ease of Cleaning: Opt for models with dishwasher-safe components and easy-to-clean designs for hassle-free maintenance.
5. Design and Aesthetics: Consider the appliance’s design, materials, and aesthetics to ensure it complements your kitchen.
6. Additional Accessories and Resources: Evaluate the inclusion of accessories, recipe books, and app access to enhance your cooking experience.
7. Brand Reputation and Warranty: Research the reputation of the brand and check for warranty coverage to ensure long-term satisfaction and support.
8. User-Friendly Controls: Look for air fryers with intuitive controls, digital displays, and one-touch presets for convenient operation.
9. Safety Features: Check for safety features such as automatic shutoff, pause in heating when opened, and other safety measures.
10. Price and Value: Compare prices and features to find an air fryer that offers the best value for your budget.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Choosing the best air fryer depends on your specific needs and preferences. For health-conscious individuals or small families, the COSORI LE 5-Qt Air Fryer offers a perfect balance of health benefits and convenience. Culinary enthusiasts and hosts may find the Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Air Fryer’s versatility and large capacity appealing. Busy individuals looking for multitasking efficiency can benefit from the Instant Pot 6 Quart Air Fryer. For culinary exploration and large families, the Instant Pot 10 QT Air Fryer provides ample options. Each air fryer in this guide caters to a unique set of requirements, ensuring there’s an ideal choice for every type of buyer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Which air fryer is the best to purchase?
The best air fryer depends on your specific needs and preferences. The COSORI LE 5-Qt Air Fryer is a popular choice for health-conscious individuals, while the Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Air Fryer offers versatility for culinary enthusiasts. Consider factors like cooking capacity, features, and your cooking habits to make the right choice.
2. What cannot be cooked in an air fryer?
While air fryers are versatile, some foods with high water content or batter-like consistency may not be suitable. Avoid overly wet batters, extremely fatty meats, and foods that require constant basting.
3. Are air fryers worth buying?
Yes, for many users, air fryers are worth buying. They offer a healthier cooking alternative, quicker cooking times, and versatility in preparing various dishes. Consider your cooking preferences and lifestyle to determine if an air fryer aligns with your needs.
4. What is unhealthy about an air fryer?
Air fryers are generally considered a healthier cooking option compared to deep frying. However, excessive use of oil or cooking unhealthy foods can offset the health benefits. It’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and use the air fryer responsibly.
5. Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?
No, air fryers are generally energy-efficient and use less electricity compared to traditional ovens. They cook food faster, reducing overall energy consumption.
6. Should I buy an air fryer or an oven?
The decision between an air fryer and an oven depends on your cooking needs. Air fryers are great for quick, healthier cooking, while ovens offer a broader range of cooking methods. Consider your cooking habits, available space, and desired features before deciding.
7. How long do air fryers last?
The lifespan of an air fryer varies based on usage and maintenance. On average, well-maintained air fryers can last for several years. Look for models with good build quality and warranty coverage for added assurance.
8. Do chefs like air fryers?
Many chefs appreciate air fryers for their efficiency and ability to create crispy textures with less oil. However, preferences vary, and some chefs may prefer traditional cooking methods.
9. Which is better, a microwave or an air fryer?
The choice between a microwave and an air fryer depends on your cooking preferences. Microwaves are excellent for reheating and quick cooking, while air fryers offer a healthier alternative for crispy textures and versatile cooking options. Consider your specific needs to determine which appliance suits you better.
