So, What’s an Air Fryer Anyway?
Imagine having your favorite fried foods, from crispy French fries to succulent chicken wings, but with significantly less guilt. That’s the magic of an air fryer. This ingenious appliance has garnered a massive fan base for its unique ability to recreate the crispy, tantalizing texture of fried foods, without drowning them in oil.
By using a mechanism akin to a convection oven, air fryers circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The result? Well, your favorite fried delights with up to 80% less fat! No wonder the air fryer has rapidly earned its place in the “Popular Appliances Hall of Fame.”
AIR FRYER RANKING
- We have chosen Instant Vortex Plus as the top pick in our ranking because it offers a wide range of features that make it a versatile and convenient appliance for cooking a variety of foods. The basket with a window (it is just something all air fryers should have), the EvenCrisp Technology the progress bar function, and built-in safety are unique features that set it apart from other air fryers on the market. The fast preheating, and app with favorites and quick recipes only add to that and make it even more enjoyable to use.
- We have chosen the Crownful 7 Quart as the second best option in our ranking because of its quality and also great futures. As many as 12 preset cooking modes, a recipe book, and a large 7-quart basket make it perfect for cooking a variety of meals. The touchscreen controls are durable and easy to clean the same as its accessories. Moreover, its stylish design and 1-year warranty makes it a convenient tool to use.
- WETIE air fryer is the next great choice, and its no wonder we gave it the 3rd spot in our ranking. Its universal and functional, with a large basket and 10 pre-programmed cooking modes, plus safety features like overcurrent and overtemperature protection. It has a sleek design and is also easy to clean. Overall, its a solid option for your family.
- Ultrean 5.8 Quart is the perfect addition to your kitchen. It has 10 preset cooking modes, customizable programs, and a user-friendly touchscreen. Plus, its sleek and stylish design comes in 4 different colors. Its also easy to clean and has safety features like auto shut-off. And it comes with a cookbook and a 1-year warranty.
- Proscenic got granted 5th place in our ranking. It has 13 cooking modes, app control, SuperDenoise technology, and a large 5.3 quarts basket. It also comes with a recipe book, and a SHAKE app reminder to cook your food evenly. Additionally, its compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant and offers the possibility to purchase 6 more accessories. The device is also designed for easy cleaning, with removable parts that are dishwasher safe and coated with Teflon and certified BPA and PFOA-free.
- Viliwin Air Fryer is a compact and efficient cooking appliance that offers 8 preset options, temperature and time customization, a 4.5 QT basket, PFOA and BPA-free materials, and easy to use digital touch screen. It is also a little bit smaller than other products in our ranking, making it more suitable for smaller families. It also comes with a recipe book and is available in 3 color options, one of them unfortunately with analog knobs, however, some may like it!
- This 3.7 Quarts Air Fryer Oven is an excellent choice for those who have limited space or are looking for a compact and efficient cooking appliance. Hamilton Beach offers 6 preset options, manual mode, 1400W of power, easy to clean removable non-stick basket and tray, and a pause function that automatically pauses when you take the basket out.
Basket-style vs. Toaster Oven-style: The Air Fryer Showdown
Air fryers come primarily in two styles: the Basket-style and the Toaster Oven-style. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, making each suitable for different lifestyles and cooking preferences.
Basket-Style Air Fryers
Basket-style air fryers are the classic models. As the name implies, they feature a pull-out basket where you place your food. These models are fantastic for space-saving and typically offer a quicker cooking time compared to their toaster oven counterparts.
On the downside, the basket-style models usually have smaller capacities, which may require cooking in batches if you’re feeding a crowd. And let’s not forget the potential for the dreaded basket shake to ensure even cooking. A small price to pay for healthier fried food, wouldn’t you agree?
Toaster Oven-Style Air Fryers
On the other hand, we have toaster oven-style air fryers, which resemble a mini oven. These models often boast more cooking options, such as broiling and baking, offering an all-in-one appliance solution. With a larger capacity, they’re great for family cooking.
However, they do tend to take up more countertop space and might require a longer cooking time. And since they feature racks instead of a basket, clean-up can be a bit more tedious. You might want to bookmark this handy guide on how to deep clean an air fryer when it’s time for some TLC.
1. Instant Vortex Plus
Get crispy and healthy meals
The Instant Vortex Plus air fryer is a versatile kitchen product that offers 6-in-1 functionality, making it a great choice for those looking for a single appliance that can air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. With a 6-quart capacity, it can easily feed a family of six, and its unique design includes a progress bar function that lets you know where you are in the cooking process and when to turn or add your food. The EvenCrisp Technology ensures that your food is crispy and golden without the need for large amounts of oil. Moreover, the basket with a window and internal light allows you to keep an eye on your food without opening the lid! Additionally, the built-in overheat protection and auto-off functions make it safe to use.
One-touch smart programs for easy and delicious meals
The Instant Vortex Plus also comes with one-touch smart pre-programmed programs for cooking wings, roasted veggies, garlic potatoes, cookies, and more, and you can also customize them freely. The fast preheating function allows you to preheat food from frozen to golden in a temperature range from 95 to 400°F in just a few minutes. An app with favorites and quick recipes is also available on android and iOS platforms. What’s more, cleaning this air fryer is really easy, as the tray and air fry basket are dishwashers safe.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ window in the basket ✔ a wide range of temperature setting ✔ really easy to get rid of dirt ✔ EvenCrisp Technology really seems to work in this device |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ it may seem to be quite noisy for some people |
2. Crownful 7 Quart
A lot of preset cooking modes
This model has been packed with features that make it another perfect option for your daily cooking needs. With 12 preset cooking modes, you can easily prepare a wide variety of dishes, from fish and cakes to chicken legs and pork chops. Its 7-quart basket is large enough to feed a family and its touch screen makes it easy to operate and adjust the temperature and timer if you want to go manual. Power, in this case, is 1700W which will easily allow you to reach the desired temperature that ranges from 180 to 400F. This can be set for up to 30 minutes regarding the timer. The device is also dishwasher safe which makes it a lot easier to clean. It’s like having a personal chef in your kitchen, ready to cook all your favorite meals with the touch of a button.
Awesome quality
The Crownful 7 is not just a machine that cooks but also a recipe book on its own. It comes with 50 easy recipes for daily meals that will make your life easier at the beginning. We know already that after buying these things, everybody looks for some recipes online that usually end the same – scrolling, scrolling, and scrolling. This solution should be a good time saver for some! Anyways, the tray and basket are built to last and are easy to clean as we mentioned earlier. The device comes in three colors – black, red, and white – with a stylish matte finish body it’s a perfect match for any kitchen. -recipe book in the set with 50 easy recipes for your daily meals
| ADVANTAGES ✔ matt casing finish quality is very nice ✔ available in a few colors ✔ a large number of pre-set programs ✔ big, 7 quarts basket |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ instruction included in the box sometimes might be difficult to understand |
3. WETIE AF72
Feed even the largest family
The WETIE AF72 is another powerful and worth looking-at air fryer that offers a variety of cooking options. With 10 pre-programmed cooking modes, including defrosting, cake, nuggets, whole chicken, bacon, pizza, steak, french fries, fish, and shrimp, you can easily prepare a wide range of meals with minimal effort. Additionally, as in the others, the manual mode allows you to set your own time and temperature settings according to your needs. The WETIE also boasts a large 7.5-quart frying basket, capable of serving up to 8 people. It’s ideal for preparing large family meals, and can easily handle 10 chicken wings or 6lbs of chicken, or even an 8-inch pizza at once! Safety features such as overcurrent and overtemperature protection that cuts power off automatically in danger, and PP materials used in the housing for insulation, make the device safe to use. With 1700W of power and a temperature range of 180 to 400F, you will not face any problems with any air fryer meal recipe you find. Additionally, the timer can be set for up to 60 minutes, giving you complete control over your cooking.
Another one in matte
The matte finish on the housing is also worth mentioning. This kind of sophisticated design makes WETIE fingerprint resistant and easy to clean. This thing really can be an elegant addition to your countertop! The removable parts are also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. Furthermore, in the set you will find a recipe book, providing you with a variety of delicious options to try.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ one of the largest baskets available for a device of this type ✔ long, 60 minutes timer setup ✔ works quietly compared to others ✔ it does cook very predictable |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ basket could have a bit better quality |
4. Ultrean 5.8 Quart
Choose your favorite color
The Ultrean Air Fryer is a user-friendly appliance that offers a wide range of cooking options. With 10 preset cooking modes, including chips, toast, frozen chips, pork, chicken leg, steak, fish, pizza, shrimp, and cake, you can easily prepare a variety of meals with minimal effort. Similarly to its competitors, the programs can be freely customized to suit your specific needs. This product also features a built-in digital touch screen that is easy to use and can be easily wiped clean with a cloth when it gets dirty as well as a matt finish that additionally reduces the number of fingerprints on the casing. The sleek design of this machine is available in 4 stylish colors: black, green, red, or white, so it can match your kitchen style. The basket capacity in this model is 5.8 quarts, which is suitable to serve food for 3 to 5 people. It has a power of 1700W and its temperature ranges from 180 to 400F, which allows you to cook a variety of foods to perfection.
Solid plastics
But it’s not everything that makes this air fryer great. The non-stick basket and pot are dishwasher safe and all the removable parts are PFOA and BPA-free. And if you ever forget to turn it off, the auto switch-off function has got your back. Plus, it comes with a cookbook of 50 recipes, so you can cook up a storm! Moreover, if you ever have a problem, the 1-year warranty has got you covered. All in all, the Ultrean 5.8 Quart Air Fryer is a solid choice for your next kitchen appliance.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ copes nicely with defrosting ✔ avalaible in 4 colours ✔ it’s easy to remove the basket ✔ fantastic customer service |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ cookbook could have been made better |
5. Proscenic T22
Make it quiet
This may be another great choice for your new kitchen helper! With 13 cooking modes, including 11 one-touch presets such as chicken, steak, vegetables, fish, shrimp, pizza, fries, bacon, cake, toast, and even onion rings, you can easily prepare a variety of meals with minimal effort. The other two modes are preheat and keep warm modes. Furthermore, you can choose up to 3 functions at once, such as preheat, preset, and keep warm, which is a great feature if you want to cook your meal and keep it warm until your guests arrive for example. This product also features an app that you can use to control the device, monitor the cooking process, or even create and share your own recipes. Apart from that the app has 100 ready recipes in different styles to choose from for a good start! The device is also equipped with SuperDenoise technology that reduces noise by 20% and keeps it at 40dB while frying, which is a big advantage compared to its competitors. The air fryer’s basket has a capacity of 5.3 quarts which can cope with 4lbs of whole chicken. The device is powered by a 1500W motor, making it suitable for most family meals.
Smart reminder for those who forget
Proscenic T22 has been also designed with the idea of easy cleaning. The removable parts are dishwasher safe, coated in Teflon, and have been granted BPA and PFOA-free certificates, ensuring that the food you prepare is safe and healthy to eat. In this case, apart from an app the package also includes a recipe book, which provides you with a variety of delicious options to try out. However, when it comes to an app, a SHAKE Reminder function has been included. It reminds you to turn your food, which will help you to keep your food cooked evenly. The device is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Additionally, the Proscenic offers the possibility to purchase 6 more accessories which will enhance your cooking possibilities. These are Pizza Pan, Cake Pan, Silicone Mat, Egg Bites Mold, Metal Holder, and Rack with 5 Skewers. All of them are sold separately.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ SuperDenoise technology makes it quiet ✔ ability to connect to Alexa and your phone ✔ SHAKE reminder function ✔ the availability to purchase more practical accessories |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ touch screen buttons need a bit more finger surface to work |
6. Viliwin 4.5QT
The ultimate kitchen cook
The Viliwin 4.5QT is a compact and efficient cooking appliance that offers a range of preset options. 8 of them, including baking, french fries, fried chicken wings, shrimp, steak, potatoes, and fish, allow you to prepare all meals with ease. Additionally, like with the others, the temperature and time can be customized to suit your specific needs and recipe. 4.5QT basket included easily serves 2 to even 5 people, making it great for small to medium-sized meals. The materials used in production are PFOA and BPA-free and can be washed in the dishwasher. This model has a power of 1400W, which is a bit less than some of the competitors, but its temperature range from 175 to 400F and timer of 30 mins still allows you to cook a wide range of foods.
Are you stylish?
Viliwin’s designers thought well through the functionality of this Air Fryer placing a digital touch screen on the top of the device. Such a solution is actually quite comfortable to use because we can easily see what mode or function we are in or how many minutes are left till the end. Moreover, its shape and design make it convenient to wipe or wash clean after use. What’s also worth mentioning is that the device comes in 3 different color options: black, blue, and mint-green classic. The mint-green classic, however, doesn’t have a digital screen, but analog knobs on the top. A recipe book is also included in the package, providing you with a variety of delicious options to try out. This will help you to get the most out of your air fryer, and expand your culinary horizons!
| ADVANTAGES ✔ easy-to-read screen on the top of the device ✔ 3 colors to choose from ✔ cooks really good all kinds of foods ✔ surprisingly easy to clean |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ the basket may need some adjustment to fit the rest perfectly |
7. Hamilton Beach 3.7 Quarts
Great size for any countertop
The Hamilton Beach is a compact and efficient cooking appliance that also offers various preset options. With 6 pre-programmed settings such as chicken, french fries, seafood, steak, veggies, and baked goods, you can easily prepare simple meals with almost no effort. Even though this device is smaller than others, you can still use a manual mode which allows you to customize temperature and time according to your recipe. The basket in this product has a capacity of 3.7 quarts and would be great for serving 1 to 3 people making it a perfect choice if your kitchen is smaller or you live alone. Additionally, it has a power of 1400W which means it doesn’t consume as much energy as the others, but similarly to the rest it heats up to 400F. It’s a great device for people looking for compact and energy-efficient cooking options.
Cook and bake it smoothly
The removable parts like the basket and tray of this air fryer are made from non-stick materials which helps while cleaning, however, they are not dishwasher safe. The device has been equipped with a pause function that automatically pauses when you take the basket out, allowing you to check on your food or add any additional ingredients. This feature ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every time. The handle of the device is firm and nice to touch, providing a comfortable grip for easy handling. The Hamilton Beach Air Fryer is not only a convenient appliance to use but also quite easy to clean and maintain due to its size, which makes it a great addition to any, rather small kitchen.
| ADVANTAGES ✔ small, will fit all countertops ✔ controls are easy to use ✔ great value for money ✔ the basket is easy to clean |
| DISADVANTAGES ❌ basket edges are quite sharp so be careful |
Size Matters: Choosing the Right Capacity
You wouldn’t buy a Mini Cooper for a family of six, right? The same logic applies when choosing an air fryer. You need to consider the capacity that best suits your cooking needs.
Do you mostly cook for one or two? A smaller, 1-2 quart air fryer may suffice. But if you frequently entertain or have a large family, you might want to consider a larger model, like the 5-6 quart range. Keep in mind that the larger the capacity, the bigger the footprint on your counter.
All About the Bells and Whistles: Air Fryer Features
Air fryers have come a long way from their basic ‘fry and done’ models. Nowadays, they come with a multitude of features, transforming them into versatile kitchen magicians.
Some air fryers can dehydrate, perfect for creating your own dried fruits or beef jerky. Others come with bake and roast capabilities, handy for whipping up mini pizzas or roasting vegetables. And let’s not forget the models that even offer rotisserie functionality. Imagine hosting a dinner party and revealing a perfectly cooked, golden brown chicken, courtesy of your multi-tasking air fryer. Now that’s a conversation starter!
But before you get carried away by the allure of these additional features, remember to assess what you really need. It’s easy to get swayed by these dazzling capabilities, but will you really use them? If not, it might be best to stick to a simpler, more straightforward model.
FAQ
Is a Ninja Air Fryer Worth It?
Absolutely! Ninja Air Fryers are known for their high quality, versatility, and user-friendly features. They provide excellent, consistent cooking results and their multi-functionality offers a great bang for your buck.
What Cannot Be Cooked in an Air Fryer?
While air fryers are versatile, avoid cooking foods with wet batters or overly cheesy items as they can cause a mess. Also, delicate leafy greens and large roasts may not cook well due to the limited space and high-speed hot air circulation.
Is It Worth Buying an Air Fryer UK?
Considering the health benefits of reduced oil consumption and the versatility of air fryers, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment for UK kitchens. Especially for busy individuals, an air fryer can significantly simplify and speed up meal prep.
What Is the Best Air Fryer to Cook More Than One Item?
A toaster oven-style air fryer with multiple racks or a basket-style air fryer with a divider can be great for cooking multiple items at once. The COSORI Air Fryer Max XL is a popular choice due to its large capacity and multiple cooking presets.
How Long Does Cooking Take in an Air Fryer?
The cooking time in an air fryer generally depends on the type of food and the specific model. However, most foods cook in 15 to 25 minutes. Always check the manual for your particular model for accurate cooking times.
Are Air Fryers Healthy?
Yes, air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying because they use significantly less oil, which decreases the overall fat and calorie content of your food. However, the nutritional value of your meals also depends on what you’re cooking.
Can I Put Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil in an air fryer. However, you need to ensure that it does not cover the bottom of the basket where the hot air circulates and never place it in the fryer without food on top.
Is It Difficult to Clean an Air Fryer?
Not at all. Most air fryers have removable, dishwasher-safe parts, making cleaning a breeze. For more stubborn residue, you can manually wash parts or follow a guide on how to deep clean an air fryer.
Does an Air Fryer Emit Smoke or Odors?
While air fryers may emit some smells or smoke depending on what you’re cooking, they generally have built-in filters to minimize this. If you’re cooking fattier foods, it’s recommended to add water to the bottom of the basket to prevent smoke.
Wrapping It Up
Embarking on a quest to find the best air fryer on the market may seem daunting at first, but remember, it all boils down to your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re leaning towards a space-saving basket-style model, a versatile toaster oven-style, or deciding on the capacity that best fits your lifestyle, the key is finding a balance between functionality, size, and features.
Just remember, the magic of an air fryer lies in its ability to transform your favorite guilty pleasures into healthier indulgences. After all, who wouldn’t want to savor the crunch of fried food without the extra calories?
