I literally use my toaster oven, air fryer combo every single day! However, I have been researching whether a standalone unit might work better. Whether you’re a busy, working parent, health-conscious, or someone who craves crispy, crunchy, golden-cooked foods, an air fryer is a gadget every kitchen needs. We use the air fry function for everything from heating up pizza to cooking raw meats to crisping up frozen fries and nuggets for the kids.
An air fryer is ridiculously fast and can revolutionize the way you cook. Over the past few years, air fryers have skyrocketed in popularity, becoming a staple in many households. Let’s dive into what air fryers are, why you should consider getting one, and a few best selling air fryer models worth adding to your home!
What Is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is like a convection oven! It’s a compact countertop appliance that circulates hot air around food, offering up the effects of deep frying but without the oil! By using this cooking method, you get to enjoy evenly cooked dishes minus the fat and calories typically associated with fried foods. With its versatility and ease of use, the air fryer is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
Why Should You Get an Air Fryer?
- Quick and Convenient: Air fryers preheat quickly and cook food faster than conventional ovens, making them perfect for busy families.
- Healthier Cooking: With an air fryer, you can enjoy the same crisp texture you get from a fryer filled to the brim with oil.
- Easy Cleanup: Speaking of fryers filled with oil, no messy oil splatters here! Everything is contained within the unit. Most air fryers come with dishwasher-safe baskets and trays. I will say, though, we use ours very frequently, and it gets harder to clean as time goes on, and our particular model does not offer replacements, so I wish I had scrubbed them more earlier on!
- Versatile: Air fryers can handle a wide range of recipes and cooking methods. You can fry, roast, bake, and reheat leftovers and add on toasting if you get a combo like I have.
- Energy-Efficient: Because of their compact size, air fryers also are said to use less energy than larger ovens, which is great for your electricity bill and the environment.
Best Air Fryer to Buy in 2025
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1
This air fryer allows you to not only air fry but roast, reheat, and dehydrate a variety of foods all for under $100. It even comes with a recipe book and cooking charts! - Instant Pot Vortex
The Instant Pot Vortex 6 Quart Air Fryer is easy to use and clean! You can use the preset Smart Programs to air fry, roast, bake and reheat and get inspired by their 100+ in-app recipes! - Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer
For a combo unit, I have my eye on this one because it takes up 50% less space when you flip it up and away to store it against your backsplash! You can air fry and roast up to 4 lbs of ingredients, bake a 12” pizza, toast up to 6 slices of bread…the options are endless! - CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer
Unlike the option above, this is a compact air fryer perfect for cooking for only 1 to 2 people! It fits in perfectly if you want to leave it out on your countertop, or tuck it away in your cabinets. - Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven
This premium toaster oven and AirFryer is equipped with an air fry setting plus toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, and a warming feature. There are thousands of great reviews boasting how easy to use and versatile it is.
If you’re trying to eat healthier, save time, or explore new cooking techniques, an air fryer can help you achieve your goals. With so many models on the market, there’s an air fryer to fit every need and budget.
Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you!
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