Is an Air Fryer Really Worth It? Here’s What You Should Know

Air fryers have become one of the most talked-about kitchen appliances in recent years. From crispy fries without the oil to perfectly roasted veggies in a flash, the promise of healthier, faster cooking has many home cooks intrigued. But is an air fryer really worth it? In this guide, we’ll explore what you should know before making the investment — including the benefits of air fryer cooking, real-life air fryer use cases, and what air fryer reviews have to say. We’ll also share Anson’s Top Picks to help you find the perfect model for your kitchen.

What Is an Air Fryer and How Does It Work?

An air fryer is essentially a compact countertop convection oven. It circulates hot air around your food at high speed, creating a crispy, golden-brown finish that’s similar to deep frying — but with far less oil. The result? You can enjoy crunchy, satisfying textures with fewer calories and less mess.

Unlike traditional ovens, air fryers heat up fast and often cook food more quickly. They’re perfect for small-batch cooking, quick snacks, or even entire meals, depending on the model.

The Benefits of Air Fryer Cooking

There’s a reason air fryers have earned a loyal following. Let’s break down some of the key benefits of air fryer use:

Healthier meals:

Air fryers require little to no oil to achieve that crispy finish. This can significantly cut down on calories and fat compared to deep frying.

Faster cooking times:

Air fryers typically preheat in minutes and cook food faster than a conventional oven, making them great for busy weeknights.

Easy cleanup:

Many air fryer baskets and trays are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, which means less scrubbing after meals.

Versatile cooking:

From fries and chicken wings to fish fillets, roasted veggies, and even desserts, the options for air fryer use are endless.

Energy-efficient:

Because they’re smaller and heat up faster, air fryers can use less energy than heating up a full-sized oven.

What Can You Actually Cook in an Air Fryer?

You might be surprised by how versatile air fryers can be. While they’re famous for fries, nuggets, and crispy snacks, they’re also great for:

Roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots

Baked goods such as muffins and small cakes

Reheating leftovers (many say pizza tastes better reheated in an air fryer than a microwave)

Cooking proteins including chicken thighs, salmon, pork chops, and tofu

Toasting nuts or seeds for a crunchy topping

Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or experimenting with new recipes, air fryers make it easy to get creative in the kitchen.

What Do Air Fryer Reviews Say?

A look at air fryer reviews reveals that most owners love the convenience and results. People praise their air fryers for:

Delivering crisp textures without the guilt of deep frying
Cutting down cooking times and saving time on busy days
Being user-friendly, even for those new to cooking

However, some reviewers point out that not all air fryers are created equal. Factors like size, ease of cleaning, and cooking consistency can vary. That’s why choosing the right model for your household is key.

Anson's Top Picks

Ready to find the best air fryer for your kitchen? We’ve selected some of our favorites available at Anson’s, each offering great features and value.

Braun BOV860 22-Liters Smart Oven Air Fryer

The Braun BOV860 combines the functionality of an air fryer, convection oven, and smart toaster in one sleek design. With its 22-liter capacity, it’s ideal for families or those who love to batch cook. The digital interface lets you choose from multiple preset cooking functions, while the powerful convection fan ensures even, crispy results every time. Plus, its stainless steel finish looks fantastic on any countertop.

Why you’ll love it:

Large enough for a whole chicken or pizza
Multiple cooking modes, including bake, roast, toast, and air fry
Precise temperature and time controls

Cuisinart TOA-28PH 9.0-Liters Compact Air Fryer

Perfect for small kitchens or single households, this compact model delivers powerful air frying in a smaller footprint. The TOA-28PH handles everything from snacks to small meals with ease. It also doubles as a toaster oven, so you can toast bread, bake, or broil without taking up extra space.

Why you’ll love it:

Space-saving design
Intuitive dials for simple control
Fast preheating and cooking

Cuisinart TOA-65PH 17-Liters Air Fryer

If you want versatility and capacity, the TOA-65PH is a smart pick. With 17 liters of cooking space, it’s perfect for preparing family-sized meals. This model features digital controls, adjustable fan speeds, and multiple cooking functions, so you can air fry, bake, broil, warm, or toast to perfection.

Why you’ll love it:

Generous capacity for bigger meals
Adjustable fan speeds for customized cooking
Easy-to-read digital controls

Imarflex CVO-303FTR 30-Liters Turbo Air Fryer

This large-capacity turbo air fryer is designed for serious home cooks. With 30 liters of space, the Imarflex CVO-303FTR can handle full meals or multiple dishes at once. Its turbo convection technology ensures even cooking, while its sleek design and glass door let you monitor your food easily.

Why you’ll love it:

Extra-large capacity for big batches
Turbo convection for faster, more even cooking
Stylish and practical design

Asahi OT-3012 30-Liters Air Fryer Oven

The Asahi OT-3012 offers the convenience of an air fryer with the versatility of an oven. It’s ideal for those who want to air fry, bake, or roast large portions. Its spacious interior and simple controls make it a reliable choice for families or frequent entertainers.

Why you’ll love it:

Large capacity with multifunction features
Easy-to-use dials for temperature and time
Great for entertaining or batch cooking

Brikk BQMO-189SS 22-Liters Multicooker Air Fryer Oven

The Brikk BQMO-189SS is a true multitasker. It combines air frying, baking, roasting, and more in one convenient appliance. Its 22-liter size hits the sweet spot for most households, and its modern stainless steel design complements any kitchen.

Why you’ll love it:

All-in-one functionality
Sleek, modern look
Great balance of size and capacity

American Heritage AHAF-6323 6.0-Liters Air Fryer

Looking for a straightforward, compact air fryer that gets the job done? The AHAF-6323 from American Heritage offers 6 liters of cooking capacity — ideal for smaller kitchens or couples. It’s user-friendly and perfect for everyday meals and snacks.

Why you’ll love it:

Compact and easy to store
Simple to operate with intuitive controls
Affordable without compromising on quality

So, Is an Air Fryer Worth It?

If you love crispy textures, quicker cooking, and healthier meals, an air fryer can absolutely be worth the investment. The benefits of air fryer cooking — from less oil use to easy cleanup — make it a favorite among busy home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.

That said, choosing the right model for your kitchen and cooking style matters. Whether you want a compact model for snacks or a larger unit that can double as a second oven, there’s an air fryer that’s right for you.

Final Thoughts

Air fryers aren’t just a trendy gadget — they’re a genuinely useful tool that can make mealtime easier, healthier, and more enjoyable. From the glowing air fryer reviews to the range of models available at Anson’s, there’s no shortage of reasons to give one a try.

Ready to explore your options? Browse our full selection of air fryers online or visit a nearby Anson’s store for personalized advice and in-person demos. Your next favorite kitchen appliance might be closer than you think.