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In this article we will be reviewing the best oil-less fryers. We will outline what an oil less fryer exactly is and how it works, features to look out for, and finally reviewing our top picks.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Oil-Less Fryers
Best Oil-less Fryers Comparison Chart
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What is an Oil-Less Fryer?
Oil less fryers, also known as air fryers are a new standard kitchen appliance that cooks and fries food through the circulation of hot air within a closed space.
Basically, an oil less fryer is just the miniature version of a convention oven. Just like a regular convection oven the heat gets distributed evenly and reduces your total cook time.
Oil less fryers will give your foods a nice browning on the outside and keep the inside moist, mimicking deep frying without all the extra oil.
Unlike traditional frying methods you don’t have to use much oil at all. It’s also able to fry more foods than deep-fryers, like burgers, chicken, fish, steak, and of course french fries.
How Does an Oil-Less Fryer Work?
Oil less fryers essentially use circulating hot air to cook food instead of submerging them in oil. The cooking chamber radiates heat, and a fan circulates the hot air, cooking food more efficiently.
The temperature can go up to 400 °F, and luckily an exhaust at the back of fryer controls the temperature at all times while decreasing any risk of internal pressure.
Instead of submerging your food in oil, you only apply a thin layer of oil. You then put the food into the basket provided with your fryer, and the air circulation then cooks the food fully and perfectly.
What Makes a Great Oil-Less Fryer?
When buying a fryer, there are a few things to look for.
Material
One of the biggest things that make a great oil less fryer are the materials it is made out of. A majority of fryers are made out of plastic, so you need to be cautious of this fact.
You want to make sure that your fryer is as BPA free as possible. BPA is a harmful chemical to humans if ingested. If BPA is also used in your product, the product may easily melt.
Temperature Control
When purchasing your oil less fryer, you want to make sure it is great at retaining heat. Since most are so small, it is easy for heat to escape from them if they aren’t properly made.
So not only do you want to make sure that your fryer can reach high heats and circulate the hot air, but you want to make sure it retains those heats so your food can get cooked thoroughly and quickly.
Size
Size can have a huge impact on your purchase choice. If you’re looking to make bigger items, like turkey or fish, you’re going to want to make sure that whichever fryer you purchase will have enough room to cook your food. Don't be stuck with a fryer than can only cook small dishes.
Willy's Top Picks - Best Oil-less Fryers
Here are the top 3 best oil-less fryers:
Review of the Best Oil-Less Fryers
Now let’s move on to our top choices for oil-less fryers.
Best Overall:
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill + Cover
Pros
Cons
There are multiple reasons that this is our number one pick for the best oil less fryer. Not only is it going to fry and roast your food, but it also has a smoker and grill all in one.
The Char-Broil comes with infrared technology that cooks food evenly and maintains a juicy inside. Unlike most oil less fryers, this one is able to hold up to 25 pounds and has 180 square inches of cooking space.
So not only can you cook dinner for one, but it is perfect for big family gatherings and many customers have reported it’s perfect for cooking a holiday turkey. This fryer is also easy to assemble, and all you need is a screwdriver.
Although this fryer is a hybrid because of its extra features, it actually works and many customers have reported that it’s perfect for all your cooking needs.
However, this oil less fryer does have some reported concerns with even cooking. The drip tray has a gap on each side of it, which unfortunately lets in a lot of additional air.
Luckily, you can also purchase either a 2-year or 4-year protection plan.
Bottom Line
This fryer comes with tons of space and added extra features including protection plans. Keep in mind the warranty though as it's a safeguard way to protect your investment.
Runner-up:
Big Boss Oil-less Air Fryer
Pros
Cons
The Big Boss Oil-less fryer definitely has mixed reviews, but the good definitely outweighs the bad.
This fryer has triple cooking power: halogen, convection, and infrared heat, so you can be sure your food will cook quickly and thoroughly, while still using less energy than other products and cooking three times faster.
It comes with two trays that can cook multiple foods at once. You’ll be able to cook 3-course meals for two people because of these extra trays and the products larger size.
One of the biggest benefits of this product is it thaws and cooks frozen food without adding extra time. You can also purchase either a 4-year or 3-year protection plan with this product.
One of the downsides of this product however, is that there are no guaranteed cooking times so you’ll have to keep a watchful eye on your food.
Unfortunately, some customers have also reported the top plastic part of their fryer melting off and getting completely damaged.
Although this product does come with a protection plan and warranty, many people have complained about the customer service received when trying to troubleshoot problems.
Bottom Line
This fryer comes with triple cooking power and can cook multiple different foods at once because of its two tray system. However, many customers have reported having issues with customer service if the product gets damaged.
Best for the Money:
GoWISE USA 5.8-Quarts 8-in-1 Electric Air Fryer XL
Pros
Cons
The GoWISE Electric Air Fryer allows you to fry, bake, grill, and roast without adding any extra oil, and fits perfectly on your counter top. This fryer comes with a touchscreen menu which makes your cooking experience easy and efficient.
The fryer can go up to 400°F, and allows you to change heat in 10 degree increments. Since this fryer is so big, it can feed your entire family in just a short amount of time.
Not only does it come with a detachable frying basket with a cool touch handle and button guard, but it is also FDA-certified so you know your money is being well spent. When you order this product you can choose either a 3 or 4-year protection plan, and the GoWISE comes with a recipe book.
However, one of the biggest customer concerns about this product is that the frying basket itself only comes with a 30-day warranty.
Some customers have also complained that this product only works great for a short amount of time, but then may start to deteriorate after two months of using it.
Luckily, if you purchase one of the protection plans (which are extremely cheap by the way) customer service has been known to get back to their customers quickly and politely.
Bottom Line
This fryer will allow you to cook your foods in multiple ways and has a touch screen for easy-use. However, some customers have reported problems with the product’s efficiency after two months.
4. Avalon Bay Air Fryer
Pros
Cons
The Avalon Bay Air Fryer comes with rapid air circulation technology, which perfectly mimics the effects of deep frying without the extra oil. With its 3.7 quart capacity, temperature going up to 400°F, and 1400 watts of power this fryer is perfect.
It’s made out of non BPA plastic meaning it won’t easily melt and it’s not harmful. The fryer also comes with a detachable basket, making it easier to transfer and cook your food.
Avalon also comes with tons of accessories, including a non-stick baking dish, a multi-use rack, and a cookbook for oil less frying.
To top it all off its protection plans are extremely affordable. Customers have also reported that their food turns out perfectly brown and that the chamber is super easy to clean.
The downsides of this product though are prominent. The basket, although detachable, is slightly flimsy and will sometimes give out if the food is too heavy.
Some customers have also reported that when cooking their food a bad 'plastic-y' smell emits from the fryer. It has also been reported that the bottom of the product may begin to rust over time.
If you don’t get a protection plan, then you can only return the product within 90 days of purchasing it for a full refund. And although this fryer comes with a timer, it only goes up to 30 minutes.
Bottom Line
This fryer has 1400 watts of power and is made out of safe non BPA plastic which won’t melt. However, the detachable basket is flimsy and you can only get a full refund within 90 days.
5. Secura 4 Liter
Pros
Cons
This electric hot air fryer uses hot air combined with high-speed air circulation for the best result for cooking. The frying basket can hold up to 4.0 litters, double the capacity of most air fryers.
This fryer also comes with a 60 minutes cooking timer, and an auto-shut off when your food is done.
Not only do you get a durable basket, but the Secura also comes with a toaster rack and skewers so you can cook all different types of foods.
The great thing about this fryer is that it keeps all the hot air in, so you don’t have to worry about it heating up your kitchen. Just like most of the fryers on this list, you can purchase a 2 or 4-year protection plan.
Bottom Line
This fryer has great high-speed air circulation and 4.0 litters of space in the frying basket. However, there have been many customer complaints of accessories not arriving and after a year or so the product not working at all.
6. Simple Chef Air Fryer
Pros
Cons
This product is made out of 100% BPA free plastic, and is built to fry all different types of food.
With its air circulating technology, it’s easy to use, and makes your meat turn out tender and perfectly browned.
The Simple Chef Air Fryer has great temperature control, going up to 400°F, so you can cook your food at any pace. Although this fryer is on the small side, it is perfect for bringing camping or to a potluck.
Something that sets this fryer apart from others, is the fact that it is dishwasher safe, so the cleanup is extremely easy and fast. This fryer also comes with an affordable 3 or 4-year protection plan with your purchase.
The disadvantages of this product aren’t too bad, but still need to be considered. The biggest problem with this fryer is that you can’t cook larger items. It’s perfect for cooking fries, or chicken wings, but if you want to cook a full turkey or large fish then this fryer is not for you.
Bottom Line
This fryer is 100% BPA free, and has great temperature control. However, you only have 30 days to get your money back if you are not satisfied with the product.
Conclusion
Each one of these oil less fryers are great options for different variations of cooking. However, if you’re asking us then we would recommend you go with the Char-Broil Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker, Roaster & Grill. Not only does it come with extra features, but it’s also bigger than standard oil less fryers.
If you’re just looking to fry and bake a wide variety of foods then any of these fryers will work perfectly and satisfy all of your frying needs.
