An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that allows you to cook your favorite foods with a fraction of the oil required for traditional frying methods using heat and air. With an air fryer, hot air is forced around the food to cook it to crispy perfection, reducing the need for oil. Depending on the foods, some require a little bit of oil and others are can use it’s own fat sources. Air fryers are an excellent choice for those looking to reduce the amount of oil they use in cooking, and they are also very versatile, allowing you to cook a wide variety of foods, from fish fingers and chicken wings to vegetables and even hot dogs.

When buying an air fryer, here are some key features to consider:

  1. Capacity: Air fryers come in various sizes, so consider the number of meals you will be cooking for and how much food you want to prepare at once.
  2. Temperature range: Look for an air fryer with a temperature range of at least 200-400°F to ensure it can cook a wide variety of foods. Many TV dinners are around the 375 degree farenheight range, but some do go over 400 degrees.
  3. Adjustable shelves: Some air fryers come with shelves that can be adjusted to accommodate larger or smaller items.
  4. Control panel: A simple control panel makes it easy to set the cooking time and temperature, while a touch screen or digital display can provide additional information, like cooking time remaining and temperature.
  5. Preset cooking functions: Some air fryers come with preset cooking functions for popular foods, such as chicken, fish, french fries, and more.
  6. Materials: Not all air fryers are easy to clean, look at the basket and the accessories that help circulate air around food. Some are more easier to clean than others. Some parts are dishwasher safe and others require hand washing.
  7. Noise – not all air fryers sound the same, some have turbo fans and can be very loud. Sometimes you have to turn one on to see how loud it really is.
  8. Non-stick coating: A non-stick coating makes it easier to clean the air fryer and prevents food from sticking to the basket. Most metal parts that come into contact with food, is made from Teflon. You can also purchase silicone liners from a site like Temu that can help keep baskets clean.
  9. Brand reputation: Look for an air fryer from a reputable brand known for producing high-quality kitchen appliances. Air fryers are generally reliable for home use, but if you are a kitchen that is using it for commercial purposes, buy a more familiar brand name one.
  10. Warranty: A good warranty can provide peace of mind in case of any defects or malfunctions with the air fryer. Warranties can range from 1 year to 3 years.

By considering these key features when buying an air fryer, you can ensure that you get the best appliance for your needs and cooking preferences. Whether you’re looking to make healthier versions of your favorite fried foods or want an easier way to cook large quantities, an air fryer is a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance that can help you get delicious results every time. If you are unsure, buy one that is rated well and is on sale from a major retailer.

Ratings for Top Air Fryers on the Market

ModelPrice (USD)AmazonWalmartHome DepotBest BuyAverage Rating
Ninja AF100 / AF101 Air Fryer884.54.54.64.84.60
Instant Pot Vortex Mini 2-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer514.74.74.54.84.68
Instant Vortex Pro 10-Quart Air Fryer Oven 9 in 11554.614.74.73.75
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer3504.64.1N/A4.84.50
Cosori Pro LE 5.0-Quart 9-in-1 Airfryer994.74.8N/AN/A4.75
Chefman TurboFry 2 Liter Air Fryer454.64.5N/AN/A4.55
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 10-qt XL 2-Basket Air Fryer2304.64.7N/A4.74.67
Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer2304.44.54.54.64.50
Black Sesame Beautiful 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer5914.5N/AN/A2.75
Bella Pro Series – 6-Qt. Digital Air Fryer405N/AN/A4.74.85
Gourmia 8 Quart Digital Air Fryer724.74.5N/AN/A4.60
Aria 10 qt. AirFryer130454.4N/A4.47
ARIA 30 Qt. Stainless Steel Touchscreen Air Fryer1404.434.3N/A3.90

What is the best rated air fryer?

The Cosori Pro LE 5.0-Quart 9-in-1 Airfryer is the overall best rated airfryer with 4.75 stars across Walmart and Amazon.