Best Air Fryers – 2021 Ultimate Guide

If you have decided to shed a few pounds, opting for a healthier lifestyle is the way to go. But that also includes healthier food choices. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the fried delicacies.

An air fryer might just be the perfect purchase for you without compromising on your favorite dishes. You can simply enjoy your favorite desserts, chicken wings, or French fries without any guilt.

In this guide, we will walk you through some of the best air fryers you can buy and still eat your favorite foods, but without the high calories, they bring!

Comparison of the Best Air Fryers

What is an Air Fryer and How Does an Air Fryer Work?

An air fryer serves the same purpose as a deep fryer but only in a different way. It is a small countertop oven that is perfectly designed to deep fry your food. However, unlike a typical deep fryer, it uses convection or the assistance of a powerful fan that circulates hot air. As the hot air circulates at high speeds, it creates a crisp layer and bakes your food from the inside out.  

The process requires only little quantities of oil and is considered a healthy and guilt-free option to enjoy food.

What Size Air Fryer Do I Need?

Air fryers come in different sizes, with each designed specifically to facilitate a certain number of consumers. Large air fryers are designed to serve more people at once, while smaller ones serve fewer people at a time. But what size air fryer should you buy for yourself?

Ideally, considering the number of people to be served at a time is a good way to judge its size. For a family of one or two people, a 2.2 to 3.0-quart air fryer would be enough. Similarly, for a family of three to five members, a 5.3 to 5.8-quart air fryer would do the trick.  

What to Look For in an Air Fryer

Air fryers have taken the internet by storm. That is particularly because they allow you to munch on your favorite food without consuming extra calories. You enjoy a variety of dishes without any guilt. However, buying a reliable air fryer is necessary for a great experience. To do so, it is essential to consider the following:

Presets

Modern air fryers often come pre-programmed with various settings designed to serve specific dishes. If you are planning to cook particular dishes, opting for a unit that offers built-in presets is a better choice. This will not only save you a lot of time but also make your life much easier.

Features

Air fryers come packed with a variety of features to facilitate users. Some modern units promise additional features and offer more versatility than others. It can be their ability to cook unique dishes, reduced serving time, or even better performance. Watch out for all these features before you finalize your purchase.

Size

The size of an air fryer is one of the key elements to consider before choosing a model. If you are looking to serve a family with more than four people, consider buying a larger unit. Otherwise, opting for a smaller one will do the job without compromising on quality.

Review of the Best Air Fryers

Buying an air fryer for yourself can sometimes be a difficult thing to do. Having to choose from an ocean of products is not an easy choice to make. Therefore, we have listed some of the best air fryers you can purchase. They are not only reliable but offer significantly better performance and a wide range of features.

Types of Air Fryers

You can find different types of air fryers available on the market. Each of these types is unique and designed to serve different people. However, opting for any one of them depends on your personal preferences and needs.

Here are some different types of air fryers that you can purchase for a healthy change.

Basket-Type Air Fryer

A basket-type air fryer is one of the most commonly used types. It has a dedicated air-frying machine which is responsible for conveniently cooking your food. The food is cooked in a basket container that features a handle to toss your food when required. Although these are relatively cheap, they require intervention while cooking your food.

Countertop Convection Oven

Countertop convection ovens are one of the most reliable ways to cook food without consuming additional calories. They typically consist of a bowl that has a detachable lid on top of it. The unit cooks the food at high temperatures using a halogen bulb along with a convection fan for circulating hot air. 

Such units are capable of performing numerous functions, including dehydrating, broiling, roasting, baking, and steaming. They can also perform hot air frying when required.

Paddle-Type Air Fryer

Paddle-type air fryers are very convenient as they require no intervention when the food is being cooked. They will turn the food by themselves without requiring you to do it manually. Paddle-type air fryers are also considered a great option when it comes to saucy dishes like curries.

Oil-free Turkey Fryers

When it comes to outdoor cooking, an oil-free turkey fryer is your best bet. These large-sized fryers are very convenient and produce incredible heat to cook your food. Instead of using hot air, they use infrared radiations to reliably cook your food.

Air Fryer Advantages

Using an air fryer to cook your food is a great step towards a healthier lifestyle. They not only cook food reliably but ensure you enjoy it with every bite without any guilt. Here are a few advantages of using an air fryer.

Healthy Option

Air fryers use hot air rather than massive amounts of oil to deep fry your food. This is why they promise relatively fewer calorie consumption as compared to conventional fryers.

Easy to Clean

There is no doubt that air fryers are quite easy to clean. Unlike traditional deep fryers that use oil for cooking, it can be cleaned quickly and easily.

Convenient Cooking

As the air fryer uses hot air to cook your food, it ensures your food is cooked from all angles. With little to no oil required, the hot circulating air cooks your food evenly from all sides.

Safety

If safety is your concern, then using an air fryer is your best cooking option. They are much safer as compared to deep fryers that use large quantities of oil for cooking.

What Are the Disadvantages of an Air Fryer?

Although air fryers are a reliable way of cooking food, they do have some downsides as well. These include:

Expensive

Air fryers are expensive when compared to conventional deep fryers. They do promise fewer calorie intake but at the cost of a high price tag.

Time Consumption

Air fryers lag behind traditional fryers when it comes to time consumption. They usually take a bit longer to cook food than deep fryers.

Risk of Burnt Food

If you are new to using an air fryer, there is a high risk of burning your food. Air fryers maintain high temperatures with circulating hot air that can burn your food without proper monitoring.

Taste

The taste of the food cooked using an air fryer is somewhat different from deep fryers. The food is relatively less crunchy when compared.

Comparison Overview

There are different types of fryers available on the market. Choosing from them can pose a challenge to any buyer. However, it is quite clear that air fryer is a healthier option when compared with other deep-frying options. The following is a comparison between different fryers to help you decide which one will work best for you.

Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven

A convection oven is a great way to cook food healthily. If you plan to lose some weight, opting for healthier choices like a convection oven can be beneficial. The lower fat content it provides makes it comparable to an air fryer.

Similarities

Both of them are designed to cook food using hot air. They serve the same purpose and offer similar cooking benefits. Moreover, a convection oven works similarly to an air fryer. It circulates hot air using convection fans for cooking your food reliably.

Differences

A convection oven circulates hot air to cook your food. However, it does it slowly when compared with its rival. Plus, since it has large chambers followed by slow hot air circulation, it tends to take some additional cooking time.

Air Fryer vs. Deep Fryer

Deep frying has always been a traditional way to enjoy various foods. Now, with modern technology, you can do so without using much oil. However, if you love using oil, a deep fryer is a perfect match for you. Let’s see how it compares with an air fryer.

Similarities

The two are ideally designed to provide you with a crispy and crunchy tasting food. They usually enable a baking crust on top of your food when cooked. Moreover, both can use oil to facilitate the cooking process. As a result, your food tends to be crunchier.

Differences

Deep fryer is not considered a healthy option when compared to its counterpart. The large quantities of oil it uses can result in large calorie intake. It is also not easy to clean a deep fryer as the oil normally sticks to the frying basket. On the other hand, air fryers are extremely easy to clean. 

Air Fryer vs. Oven

A conventional oven works almost similar to an air frying unit. However, it might not be a healthy choice if you tend to shed a few pounds. Here is a brief comparison between these two devices.

Similarities

Conventional ovens are capable of cooking multiple dishes, just like an air fryer.

Differences

A conventional oven uses a heating element rather than rapid air technology. It uses gas or electricity to generate heat to cook your food.

It can be much harder to clean an oven rather than its contender. It is because the oil residue that might stick to the interior is difficult to clean.

Air Fryer vs. Instant Pot

An instant pot is a healthy choice, just like an air fryer. It is kind of a compact cooker that can cook multiple foods with ease. It cooks food with a combination of heat and pressure. Therefore, it promises a more nutritious and tasty meal. A brief comparison between an air fryer and an instant pot is given below.

Similarities

You can always opt for oil-free food when using either of these devices. Both appliances are fairly simple and easy to use. With just a few button presses, you can easily cook almost any dish.

Differences

The instant pot uses a combination of heat and pressure to cook food, unlike air fryers that only use hot air. Moreover, the average size of an instant pot is quite larger than its opponent. This is why it requires more space for convenient use.

Air Fryer vs. Toaster Oven

Toaster ovens have been quite popular in the past. With their ability to cook a wide range of dishes, they become a great choice for family serving. On the other hand, an air fryer can cook a few dishes; however, its main selling point is the healthy nature of food. 

Similarities

A toaster oven can be found at a reasonable price nowadays. It offers great value for your money, just like an air fryer. Moreover, both of them are versatile in nature and are capable of cooking different types of foods.

Differences

Toaster ovens emit radiations to cook food rather than hot air. This is why they are quicker at cooking dishes. The large capacity of a toaster oven makes it feasible and versatile for family servings. An air fryer, however, can only serve in a limited amount.

Air Fryer vs. Deep Fryer Taste

Although a deep fryer and air fryer serve the same purpose, there is a notable difference in taste. Food prepared by the former is crunchier than its rival, but it is also unhealthy. Here is a brief comparison between the two.

Similarities

Despite the different cooking mechanism, both models enable a fine baking crust on top of your food. Consequently, the taste of the cooked food is perceived as the same. Once the food is cooked using either device, the food goes through a browning reaction. As a result, you might experience comparable looking food with somewhat resembling taste.

Differences

Food cooked from a deep fryer tends to hold extra moisture than an air fryer. As a result, it tastes a little better. Plus, the thickness of the baking crust is more using a deep fryer than its counterpart. This is why it is crispier and satisfying.

Air Fryer Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Success

Air fryers can prove to be a great addition to your kitchen. The good news is that you can further enhance your cooking experience by following some simple tips and tricks. Here are a few tips and tricks of using an air fryer conveniently. Some of these include:

Washing Immediately

You might want to keep your air fryer sitting for a couple of days before cleaning it. But the sooner you clean your air fryer, the easier it will be to clean.

Limited Food

Adding limited food to your air fryer can prove to be beneficial. If you add too much food, it will not cook properly and cause inconvenience. So, upgrading to a bigger air fryer is a better option if you need to serve larger food quantities.

Shake Properly

Don’t forget to shake your food at least once while cooking. This not only improves the air circulation but also ensures your food is cooked properly.

Pre-Heating

You must preheat your unit before cooking. This allows your air fryer to cook your food reliably and on time.

How to Use an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer is pretty simple and easy. With just a few clicks, you can conveniently healthily cook your food. Despite being simple, it is necessary to follow some guidance and proper procedure to cook your food. Here is how you can operate your unit:

1. Turn on your air fryer by pressing the power button. If it has a digital display, you would be able to see various information.
   
   
2. Allow the unit to pre-heat by keeping it on for two to three minutes. If it has a pre-heat button, press it before you can start cooking.
   
   
3. Considering you have a basket-type air fryer, extract the basket from the bottom using the handle. 
   
   
4. Now, add the desired food that you want to cook. Make sure to spray a small quantity of oil for a crunchy and better taste.
   
   
5. Place the basket back into the air fryer and adjust the time and temperature settings.
   
   
6. Press the start button, and your food will start cooking. Make sure to shake the food at least once so that it can be cooked properly from all sides.
   
   
7. Once the timer stops, your food is cooked and ready to eat.

If you are still curious about how to use an air fryer or are unclear about anything, refer to the video below.

How to Clean an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer is fun and healthy at the same time. If you want to enjoy the perks for longer, you must clean your air fryer frequently. But how do you clean your air fryer in the first place? Here is a brief step-by-step guide:

1. Before starting the cleaning process, make sure your air fryer has cooled down sufficiently.
   
   
2. Remove the frying basket from the machine. You might be able to see a lot of oil sticking around.
   
   
3. The bottom container holds the excess oil used during the frying process. Extract the oil and store it somewhere safe.
   
   
4. Once the excessive oil is removed, hand wash the frying basket and the bottom container that holds the oil.

5. Once done, place the basket back into the machine and you are done.

6. If your air fryer is emitting a lot of white smoke, it is time for maintenance cleaning.

7. For that, put the machine upside down and wipe the interior with a brush or dry cloth. Make sure the air fryer is cool enough to proceed.

If you are still uncertain of the process, refer to the video below for a detailed demonstration.

Conclusion

An air fryer is a healthy option when it comes to eating deep-fried foods. If you want to lose some weight without compromising on your favorite food, then air fryer is the answer. It allows you to enjoy crunchy and crispy deep-fried food but with fewer calorie consumption. This guide displays some of the best air fryers that you can use for reliable cooking. Make sure to take into account things like space and cooking presets and choose wisely!

People Also Ask

Air fryers are one of the most popular kitchen commodities today. Their ability to cook food healthily has given rise to their demand. But so have the questions regarding the product’s capabilities. Here are a few commonly asked questions about air fryers for further clarity. 

Do You Have to Clean the Air Fryer After Every Use?

Air fryers promise an easier and cleaner way to cook food. But this doesn’t mean that they don’t require any maintenance. Food particles and oil might accumulate inside the air fryer after use. Therefore, it is recommended that you clean your unit after every use. Doing so effectively increases the lifespan of your unit and offers good-quality food every time.

What Are the Best Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer?

There is a wide range of foods that can be cooked using an air fryer. Foods that you can bake can easily be cooked in an air frying unit as well. Items like chicken wings, French fries, burgers, steaks, and lamb chops can be conveniently cooked using an air fryer.

How Do I Preheat My Air Fryer?

Preheating your air frying unit is one of the best ways to enjoy a crunchy meal. You must preheat your unit before cooking your food. To do so, power on the device to the highest temperature settings for several minutes. Some modern units also come with a preheat setting that automatically heats the device when configured.

Where Do You Put the Oil in an Air Fryer?

The good thing about an air fryer is that you don’t require oil to cook your food. The hot air circulating inside the machine ensures your food is deep-fried like any other deep fryer. However, you can always spray small quantities of oil to your food for extra crunchiness.

Who Invented the Air Fryer?

An air fryer has been one of the most mind-blowing inventions of this century. The award of this amazing kitchen commodity goes to Philips's marketing managers, who put forward a unique product. However, Fred Van Der Weij was the one who invented the technology. The first known air fryer was first introduced by Philips in 2010.

How Much is an Air Fryer? 

Air fryers are now available by a number of brands and manufacturers. When it comes to their price, different models charge a different price. The price tag reflects the numerous features, quality, and performance. A typical air fryer can cost you around $70 to $400.

What Types of Oil Can You Use in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers don’t require oil to deep fry your food. Instead, they use hot circulating air to give your food a crunchy taste. However, you can add small quantities of oil as desired if you want extra crunchiness. You can use peanut, olive, avocado, and sesame oil in an air fryer.

What is a Digital Air Fryer?

A digital air fryer uses electricity as fuel to power its operations. The hot air it circulates inside cooks the food evenly with a crispy taste. Most modern digital air fryers are basically convection countertop ovens with a digital display. The digital display provides a reliable cooking experience by adding ease of use and displays essential information about your food’s status.