The Ultimate Air Fryer Buying Guide: Find the Best Model for Your Kitchen
Air fryers have taken the world by storm, quickly becoming an essential appliance in all kitchens. They’re celebrated for delivering crunchy, tasty meals using little to no oil—making your favorite fried food healthier and your cooking experience more convenient.
Below, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about air fryers, from how they work and key features to consider, as well as our top picks available at Anson’s. Let’s get started!
The Air Fryer Revolution
Originally introduced in the early 2010s by brands like Philips, air fryers promised a healthier alternative to deep frying, using rapid air circulation to cook food evenly and efficiently. Beyond their health benefits, they also offer long-term savings, reducing oil consumption as well as overall food costs by allowing families to prepare meals at home. As the cost of living rises, air fryers provide and affordable solution for enjoying healthy, tasty meals without breaking the bank. Market projections show continued growth, indivicating that air fryers are here to stay.
Why Air Fryers are a Must-Have
1. Healthier Cooking
Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, minimizing the need for oil. This means you can whip up crispy fries or fried chicken with a fraction of the oil compared to traditional frying methods. For many health-conscious people (especially those dealing with conditions like hypertension or heart-related issues), this alone is enough reason to invest in an air fryer.
2. Quick and Convenient
When short on time—juggling work, school, and household responsibilities—air fryers can significantly cut down cooking time since there’s no need to heat up a large amount of oil (like you would in a deep fryer) or preheat the oven for ages. You’ll save both time and energy—no more standing in front of the stove for extended periods!
3. Versatile and Space-Saving
Most air fryers can do more than just “fry.” Some models also bake, roast, grill, or even dehydrate. If you live in a condo or have limited kitchen space, an air fryer can serve as a multi-purpose appliance that replaces the need for multiple kitchen gadgets.
How Do Air Fryers Work?
Air fryers operate by circulating hot air around your food at high speed. A heating element (similar to those found in ovens) heats the air, while a fan rapidly circulates that hot air throughout the cooking chamber. This fast circulation ensures food cooks evenly from all sides, creating a crispy outer layer—similar to results you’d get from deep-frying, but with significantly less oil.
Key Features to Consider
1. Capacity and Size
Before buying an air fryer, consider how much food you plan to cook in one go. Do you have a large family, or are you cooking just for one or two people? Capacities for air fryers range from around 2 liters to 20+ liters, and larger models often double as mini-ovens.
- Small/Compact (2–4 Liters): Perfect for individuals or couples.
- Medium (5–10 Liters): Ideal for families of three to five.
- Large (11 Liters and Up): Suitable for bigger households or those who frequently host parties.
2. Controls and Pre-Set Functions
Air fryers often come with either manual or digital controls.
- Manual Control: Simple to use and usually less expensive, often featuring knobs for time and temperature.
- Digital Control: Offers precise temperature control, built-in cooking programs, and sometimes an LED display. Pre-set functions for popular foods like fries, chicken, and fish can be a huge time saver.
3. Temperature Range
A broader temperature range lets you cook a wider variety of dishes. Most air fryers can reach temperatures between 80°C and 200°C (175°F to 400°F). A higher maximum temperature can come in handy for crispier textures and faster cooking times.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning up can be a deal-breaker for many. Look for non-stick baskets or trays that are detachable and dishwasher-safe. Some models also feature easily removable parts that reduce cleanup time—an especially important feature if you plan to use your air fryer daily.
5. Additional Features and Accessories
Some air fryers come with accessories such as baking pans, racks, or skewers that expand your cooking possibilities. Others function as multi-cookers with modes for roasting, grilling, and even dehydrating. If you love experimenting in the kitchen or have varied cooking needs, these extras can be a big plus.
Our Top Picks
Below are some air fryer models available at Anson’s that cater to a wide variety of kitchens and budgets.
1. Cuisinart TOA-65PH 17L Air Fryer
Why We Love It:
- More than just an air fryer—it’s a versatile toaster oven that can bake, broil, toast, and air fry to perfection. With a large 17-liter capacity, it’s perfect for families or those who love to entertain.
Top Benefits:
- Multiple Functions: This unit replaces several kitchen appliances, saving space in your home.
- Roomy Interior: You can easily fit a whole chicken or a large batch of fries.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Resists rust, and easy to clean.
2. Tefal EY401D27 4.2L Easy Fry Deluxe Air Fryer
Why We Love It:
- A compact yet powerful machine. With its 4.2-liter capacity, you can conveniently cook meals for two to four people.
Top Benefits:
- Digital Touchscreen: Offers intuitive controls and pre-set cooking programs.
- Sleek Design: Stainless steel exterior looks great on any countertop.
- Easy to Clean: The non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
3. Breville BOV860 22L Smart Oven Air Fryer
Why We Love It:
- For those with big families or who love to host get-togethers, this Breville smart oven air fryer is a multifunctional powerhouse. With a massive 22-liter capacity, it can handle large batches in one go.
Top Benefits:
- Smart Technology: Features intuitive settings and precise temperature control.
- Versatile Cooking Modes: It can air fry, bake, toast, and even dehydrate, offering endless possibilities.
- Quality Build: Breville is known for reliability, ensuring this oven air fryer stands the test of time.
4. Taurus AF1300D 3.5 Liters Digital Air Fryer
Why We Love It:
- Looking for an air fryer on a tighter budget? The Taurus AF1300D is affordable, but it doesn’t skimp on performance. With a 3.5-liter capacity, it’s a great option for small households or apartment dwellers.
Top Benefits:
- Compact Build: Takes up less counter space, ideal for condos or smaller kitchens.
- Touch Screen Controls: Simple interface for setting time and temperature.
- Budget-Friendly: Offers great value without sacrificing essential features.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Air Fryer
- Preheat Properly: Although air fryers heat up quickly, preheating can help achieve consistently crisp results. Some models even have a built-in preheat setting.
- Use the Right Amount of Oil: While air fryers need far less oil compared to deep fryers, adding a light spritz or brush of oil can help food crisp up better.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Leaving room for hot air to circulate is crucial. Cook in batches if necessary, especially when making bigger meals for large families.
- Shake and Flip: For evenly cooked snacks like fries or nuggets, shake the basket or flip the pieces halfway through cooking.
- Easy Clean-Up Tip: If you’re worried about juices dripping or want to speed up cleaning, line the tray or basket bottom with parchment paper—just make sure air can still circulate.
- Experiment with Recipes: You’ll be amazed by what you can do! From baking banana bread to grilling fish fillets, the sky’s the limit with an air fryer.
Shop Anson’s wide range of air fryers online.
Conclusion
Air fryers have become an indispensable kitchen companion for many, offering a healthier, faster, and more versatile cooking experience. When selecting the best model for your kitchen, consider factors like capacity, wattage, temperature range, and special functions.
Ready to explore your options and bring home an air fryer? Check out Anson’s collection of air fryers for these top models and more. Happy air frying, and enjoy healthier, tastier meals with less fuss!