Healthier Meals with an Air Fryer – Enjoy Crispy & Delicious Food Without the Guilt
Remember all of those delicious, deep-fried snacks you so fondly ate growing up? Grandma’s fried buttermilk chicken, your aunt’s famous potato chips, Outback Steakhouse’s bloomin’ onion. Or maybe you were even lucky enough to experience the luxury of a deep fried oreo at your local state fair.
But now you know the unfortunate truth, which is that those foods saturated in oils and fats aren’t the most healthy options. And what about that deep fried smell? Not so pleasant. Well, guess what, you can still have the pleasure of enjoying them in a much healthier way: behold, the best air fryer!
Air frying is an alternative “frying” technique used to make the foods you loved as a kid (and most likely still do) get that crispy outside and tender inside by using hot air that circulates while cooking without the use of oils, or using a fraction of the amount. So say goodbye to all the naysayers who tell you that food can’t be equally healthy and tasty.
As many different types of fried foods as there are out there, there are also many great air fryers you can choose from to cook them. As with any appliance, there are multiple aspects to take into account when opting for the one that’s right for you. There are a few things to consider when choosing an air fryer:
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Size:
First, you will want to assess the size of your kitchen and how much counter space you are willing to give up for your new air fryer.
- How often will you be using this appliance? Do you have room for storage?
Next, think about capacity.
- What type of frying will you be doing, and for how many people? Consider how much food the air fryer can accommodate, and whether or not you will take advantage of a larger sized model.
Air Fryer Price:
In general, air frying is a more cost-effective alternative to frying in addition to being healthier. Think of all the money you’ll save on wasted oil that ends up in the sink, as well as sponges and grease removing liquid from having to wash all those yucky, gooey oils that get stuck on your pots, pans, and utensils. Some of the best options out there start at around $150-$200, but if you’re on a smaller budget, you can snag a well-maintained refurbished one for much less. Just like with size, think about how often you’ll be using it and for what purpose in determining what kind of investment you want to make.
Air Fryer Design:
Deep-frying is a very messy business, what with all the splattering and sputtering and spilling. And then comes the fun part: cleaning up. If you want to avoid the inconvenience, go for a model that has easily removable, dishwasher-safe parts. Some air fryers come with racks while others come with a basket. Think about what foods you want to air fry, and how. Will you be making a variety or veggie chips, or just fryin’ up a big ol’ basket of tots?
Best Air Fryer Features:
Different air fryers come with an assortment of different features, so consider which ones will be most valuable to you when making your decision.
- A timer is excellent because it gives you some freedom to attend to other business, be it in the kitchen or not. However, not all timers are created equal. Are you planning on setting it and forgetting it? Look for a fryer with auto shut-off.
- Are you more of an old-school knob-turner? Then perhaps you want manually adjustable controls as opposed to a digital touch screen.
- And don’t forget about the extras! There are some great optional accessories available, depending on which model you purchase (know that some don’t have the capacity for add-ons). From fry pans, to grill pans, to racks – take your pick.
Other Considerations:
Most importantly, think about results! Some air fryers are known to implement settings that aren’t accurate as advertised, such as cooking time. Some don’t produce the same crispness of regular deep fried foods. So overall, take all of these considerations into account before you move your move from fried to fit.
Now that you know what you ought to consider before air frying up some of your old (or new) faves, here are some of the best options on the market today.
| Picture | Name | Timer | Price | Editor's Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Philips HD9230/26 Airfryer | 60 Minutes | $$$ | 4.4 |
 | Philips XL Airfryer | 60 Minutes | $$$ | 4.2 |
 | Philips HD9220/26 Airfryer | 30 Minutes | $$$ | 4.4 |
 | Avalon Bay 100B Airfryer | 30 Minutes | $$ | 4.4 |
 | GoWISE GW22611 Air Fryer | 30 Minutes | $$$ | 4.1 |
 | GoWISE USA GW22621 Air Fryer | 30 Minutes | $$ | 4.5 |
 | T-fal Actifry Air Fryer | Minutes | $$$ | 4.1 |
 | BLACK+DECKER HF100WD Air Fryer | 60 Minutes | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | Cozyna Air Fryer | 30 Minutes | $$$ | 4.3 |
 | Gourmia GTA-1500 Air Fryer | 30 Minutes | $$ | 4.2 |
 | Versonel LCD Smart Health Air Fryer | 30 Minutes | $$$ | 4.5 |
Top 10 Best Air Fryer on the Market
Editor Rating: 4.4
One of the most comprehensive models out there, this best air fryer is designed for optimal heating capability, using Rapid Air Technology for speed and precision. Additionally, the unique starfish design on the bottom helps circulate air evenly so you can use less oil. This model implements a digital touch screen for easily adjusting the temperature up to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and setting the timer up to 60 minutes, with auto shut-off. The included double-layer rack is not only dishwasher safe, but it also maximizes the air fryer’s cooking surface, which allows for frying, baking, roasting, and grilling. You can take full advantage of this model with optional accessories such as a fry/grill pan and baking pan. This Phillips Digital Airfryer also comes with a handy recipe booklet, featuring over 25 exclusive recipes.
Feature Highlights
- Digital Touch Screen Interface
- Adjustable Temperature
- Heats Up to 390 Degrees
- Cooks a Variety of Food
- 60-Minute Timer
Editor Rating: 4.4
An excellent option for those who want something on the simpler side, but with the versatility of the Philips HD9220/26 Airfryer Digital version. It uses the same Rapid Air Technology and starfish design for the highest possible efficiency. You can set the manual time control for up to 30 minutes with auto shut-off. This air fryer comes with a removable nonstick coated drawer and food basket, which you can use for a variety of cooking styles and both are also dishwasher safe. The fryer has handgrips that stay cool while in use, and non-slip feet to keep it in place for ultimate safety. The cord storage at the bottom of the appliance is perfect for keeping things organized. This model also comes with a recipe booklet so you can stick with the old or make something new.
Feature Highlights
- Adjustable Temperature Control
- 70% Less Fat Creation than Traditional Fryers
- 30-Minute Timer
- Auto Shut-Off Feature
- 8 Cooking Basket Capacity
Editor Rating: 4.4
This version is a bit smaller than the others, with dimensions of 13.5 x 11 x 12.8 inches. For your safety, the manual 30-minute timer shuts off automatically and allows you to customize your settings. The adjustable temperature control permits you to pre-set the air fryer from a range of 200-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This model also offers hassle-free cleanup, with dishwasher safe parts. The mesh, metal basket helps provide extra crispy results, along with the stainless steel heating element and Rapid Air Technology. Another versatile model for frying, baking, roasting, and grilling up the classics without all the fat.
Feature Highlights
- Adjustable temperature control so you can cook different foods in the same air fryer
- Settings to fry, bake, grill or roast
- Hassle free and easy clean up with dishwasher safe parts
- 304 Stainless steel heating element
- 200-400°F Temperature range
Editor Rating: 4.5
Designed for your utmost convenience, the GoWISE Air Fryer uses touch screen technology to offer seven built-in smart programs to choose from: chips, meat, chicken, steak, shrimp, and fish. You can also manually set your own desired time. It comes with a removable dishwasher safe basket for easy transfer to a serving dish and has a button to prevent accidental detachment from the bucket. This one is also on the smaller side for those with less room, coming in at 9 x 8.5 x 12 inches, in addition to being more budget-friendly than the others. A 30-minute digital timer with an automatic standby will automatically switch into standby mode when the cooking time is up. Along with the button guard, this is a great product for staying safe in the kitchen.
Feature Highlights
- Touch Screen
- Can put foil in fryer
- Rapid Air Circulation
- Can fry almost any kind of food
Editor Rating: 4.5
A smooth, attractive model, the T-fal ActiFry has a 100% transparent steam-free lid so you can see how your food is coming along as it cooks. The removable ceramic coated non-stick pan is chemical free, holds up to 2.2 pounds of food, and is dishwasher safe. The simple on/off switch ensures a constant temperature without the need to preheat the fryer while a unique stirring paddle and pulse heat system allow food to be evenly cooked to perfection when the countdown timer buzzes, notifying you that your food is sufficiently fried. Another useful feature is the ActiFry measuring spoon that’s included to measure the right amount of oil. Plus, not only does it come with a recipe booklet featuring 38 recipes by Ellie Krieger of The Food Network, but it also comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Feature Highlights
- 2-Pound Capacity
- Simple to Operate 2 Button Operation
- Digital Countdown Timer w/ Buzzer
- 1450-Watts of Power
Editor Rating: 4.1
This sleek looking air fryer is conveniently compact, for easy storage or countertop convenience. You have the option of frying, grilling, roasting, or baking your favorite foods at a capacity of up to 3.2 quarts. The removable pan has a cool-to-touch handgrip, and the detachable, dishwasher-safe basket makes the fryer-to-plate transfer a breeze. The digital control on this electric air fryer lets you heat food from 176-392 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can set the timer up to 30 minutes. Eight different cooking presets let you choose the best time: warm-up, chips, chicken, steak, shrimp, meat, cake, and fish. Safety features include overheat protection, automatic switch off, and automatic standby mode. As a bonus, this product is ETL certified and complies with all standards regarding electromagnetic fields.
Feature Highlights:
- Inside has a 3.2 quart capacity
- Has 8 cooking presets: Warm-Up, Chips, Chicken, Steak, Meat, Cake, & Fish
- Cooking timer can be set for up to 30 minutes
- Temperature control from 176⁰F – 392⁰F
Editor Rating: 4.6
Dual Convection Fans are the featured cooking element of this air fryer. They combine heat with a powerful dual fan convection system to circulate air for quick, super crisp results. The 60-minute timer allows for precision cooking on a broad range of foods, and the fryer will automatically turn off when the timer goes off. Variable Temperature Control lets you choose the best temperature for anything you want to cook, and ranges from 175-400 degrees Fahrenheit. For easy accessibility, two separate indicator lights show both when the unit is on and when it has preheated. The frying basket can hold about 8 cups of your favorite snacks or main dishes, and the cool-to-touch handle makes safety simple.
Feature Highlights
- Comes with two convection fans to cook faster than other models
- Timer allows you to cook up to 60 minutes
- System automatically shuts off when timer hits zero, preventing overcooking and burning
Editor Rating: 4.1
On average, the Cozyna air fryer requires 70% less oil than any conventional fryer. So while it’s not entirely oil-free, you still get a bang for your buck on anything you want to fry, grill, bake, or roast. Plus, it offers the most comprehensive cookbook deal: this air fryer comes with two e-books, packed with over 50 recipes created exclusively for the air fryer to get you inspired. The manual timer can be set up to 30 minutes, and the temperature up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. The basket holds up to 3.2 liters and is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. 100% satisfaction is also a promise, as Cozyna offers a 30-day money back guarantee in addition to their two-year warranty.
Feature Highlights:
- Rapid Air Circulation
- Can fry almost any kind of food
- Removable pot and basket
Editor Rating: 4.2
The Gourmia GTA-1500 is the most budget-friendly air fryer of the bunch. It’s also got a fun design, with a white base and transparent purple lid. This versatile air fryer also functions as a grill, steamer, convection oven, air sautéer and rotisserie, with a cooking rate of to 60% faster than conventional cooking methods. This model is on the heftier end of the spectrum, making it a terrific option for families or cooking for large groups as it easily accommodates an average size roast or chicken. This full unit comes with a set of tongs, rotisserie basket, Rotisserie and a rack which can be placed either high or low, and all are dishwasher safe. The suction grippers and safety lock also make this an ideal fryer for family use.
Feature Highlights
- Versatile air fryer
- Multiple methods for fat-free cooking
- Comes with rotisserie basket and auto rotating classic rotisserie
Editor Rating: 5.0
Just 16 x 13.5 x 14 inches, the Smart Health Digital Versonel Air Fryer is superb for countertop usability.
The adjustable digital LCD control allows precise cooking up to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, and the 30-minute cooking timer alerts you when the food is ready before turning off automatically. Eight shortcut menu buttons for easy, hassle-free heating selection, include warm-up, chips, chicken, steak, shrimp, meat, cake and fish in addition to plus and minus buttons for manually setting time and temperature. The basket and pan are both dishwasher safe, and this unit comes with a one-year warranty. Given the small size of this air fryer, it’s also an excellent option for dorm rooms, vacation homes, trips or any occasion you need a powerful portable oven.
Feature Highlights
- 30-minute timer with alert so that you know when your food is ready to eat
- Touch Screen Shortcut menu allows you to select cooking options
- Advanced Smart Air Technology cooks thoroughly without using extra oil
Final Verdict
The best air fryer is a perfect solution to getting that crispity crunchy outside and tender, juicy inside of all your favorite fried foods without any of the guilt. They’re economical, easy to use, make cleaning a breeze and don’t make your kitchen stink like a fast food restaurant. Choose one that best suits your lifestyle and frying needs. The air fryer is a wonderfully useful appliance to have based on the health benefits alone, but the fact that it can be so versatile and user-friendly seals the deal. Personally, I would shoot for the Philips HD9230/26 Digital Air Fryer with Rapid Air Technology, as it is the most inclusive and accessible model. Get ready to start staying healthy while frying up your favorites!
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