Air fryers have seen no end to their popularity, especially as more of us look for quicker, smarter ways to cook without juggling extensive cleanup. Alongside them, reusable liners have become one of the simplest upgrades, and ALDI's latest launches are some of the most practical I've seen.

Like my favored PINTAUR Air Fryer Liners from Amazon, the ALDI Crofton Liners are made from non-toxic food-grade silicone to reduce the risk of contamination from 'forever chemicals'. What really stands out, though, is their generous depth, which helps catch flying crumbs, spattering grease, and cooking juices for far easier cleanup after every meal.

Available in square, round, and flat variants, the liners are a seriously smart addition to the best non-toxic air fryers I have seen in a while. They're a godsend for convenient cooking.

If there is one task I dread more than any other, it is cleaning a kitchen after dinner. By the time I have cooked and eaten, all I want to do is sink into the sofa and stay there until bedtime. So, anything that makes this a reality sits high on my list of small kitchen must-haves.

That said, I am loath to create unnecessary trash at home, so coating my air fryer baskets in foil or parchment paper is far from ideal, not to mention that they often move and cover food, which prevents crisping, and poses a fire risk.

Alas, liners are one of the few air fryer accessories I cannot live without, so I put up with subpar results for the sake of convenience. Even most silicone liners are not deep enough to protect from splatters, making scrubbing inevitable.

That is where the ALDI Crofton liners shine. The BPA-free food-safe basket inserts have high edges to keep mess contained − even pesky flying crumbs. The raised ridges help to separate food from accumulating grease while promoting air flow for crispy bases, too.

Better still, unlike most traditional non-stick air fryer baskets, the liners are entirely dishwasher safe, making cleaning as simple as tossing them on the shelf and pressing start. Fret not if you do not own a dishwasher, however. Silicone is non-stick, so all you need is some hot water and dish soap (I suggest the non-toxic Attitude dish soap from Walmart).

What Else to Shop

I've relied on my air fryer for years, whether I'm making breakfast, lunch, or dinner. As a self-confessed lazy chef, I've also learned how to use it to minimize cleanup and maintenance. From non-toxic accessories to essential care tools, these are the air fryer essentials I recommend for streamlining your everyday cooking routine.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Just because you use liners does not mean you should never wash the baskets. This is one of the many air fryer cleaning mistakes that may reduce the life of your appliance.

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I’ve been loyal to my old dual-zone Ninja air fryer for years. It may use a traditional non-stick coating, but the versatility of two separate baskets has always been a non-negotiable for me

Now, however, Ninja has raised the bar with the dual-zone version of the beloved non-toxic Ninja Crispi, and, quite frankly, I'm obsessed.

With two independent glass cooking containers, Ninja's signature Sync and Match cooking functions, and a PFAS- and PTFE-free design, it combines the convenience I demand with the healthier materials we should all prefer. It could well be the strongest contender yet for this year's best non-toxic air fryer.

We reviewed the Ninja Crispi Pro last year, and it has reigned as our best glass air fryer ever since. Its borosilicate glass containers double as both cooking vessels and food storage, streamlining meal prep, cooking, and leftovers.

Combined with excellent cooking performance, it's an exceptionally well-designed appliance. Our only real criticism was that the multiple components can take up a fair amount of storage space in smaller kitchens.

The DualZone, by contrast, feels much more like a traditional air fryer. A fixed base houses two removable glass baskets that slide in and out independently, while still including storage lids so you can cook, store, and reheat in the same containers. Better still, the baskets are fully dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a kitchen after dinner far easier than with many traditional or ceramic-coated air fryer baskets.

The new Ninja Crispi DualZone features an eight-quart total capacity between two glass containers, each with a four-quart capacity. Each dish also has its own crisper plate for even results.

My favorite features are Ninja's Match Cook and Smart Finish functions. I can use each basket independently, or stagger start times to cook two foods at different temperatures and times while ensuring they finish together, perfect for roasting meat in one basket and vegetables in the other. When I'm batch cooking, the Match function copies the same settings to both baskets, making it easy to prepare larger quantities with minimal effort.

So far as non-toxic kitchen appliances go, it is easily one of the best I have seen, and the stunning Vista Green and Rose Quartz are seriously chic, too. They add a hint of color without overwhelming your kitchen design. It simply makes cooking more fun.

What Else to Shop

From my favourite air fryer accessories to non-toxic cleaning products, I've rounded up the products I always keep on hand to get the most out of my air fryer while creating a healthier, more streamlined kitchen.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking to detoxify the rest of your kitchen? Brush up on the most common cookware labels and myths to help replenish your collections and reduce accidental exposure.

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There are few times as well-suited to hosting as summer, when the sun stretches late into the evening, and you can gather friends and family outdoors.

However, cooking for a crowd poses a unique set of challenges, chief among which is the combination of summer heat mixed with that of your oven.

The solution? One of the best non-toxic air fryers, of course. The best news is that our top hosting pick, the Typhur Dome 2, is currently $115 off in the Prime Day Sales. It's the best XL upgrade for the busiest hosts.

A good-sized air fryer is one of my must-have finds to prep a home for summer hosting. They not only cook your food more quickly than your regular oven, but they also use less energy to keep a kitchen cool in peak summer heat.

Our expert chef Lydia Hayman reviewed the Typhur Dome 2 last year and fell in love, agreeing that it is easy to see why Typhur ambassador Brooklyn Beckham has chosen it as one of his favorite appliances for simplifying a kitchen.

With one of the biggest capacities we have ever seen on an air fryer and a PFAS-free basket, it is the best choice for cooking for four or more. Better still, it's simple to use, AI-enabled to remove guesswork, and quiet, so it will not interfere with your hosting this summer, or as we look ahead to the cozier seasons.

One of Lydia's few complaints was the price; however, the Prime Day Sales make it a much more considerable investment for Prime members ahead of the summer rush. I've rarely seen it so affordable, making it the best time to snap it up.

What Else to Shop

To help you make the most of your air fryer, I have rounded up my favorite air fryer accessories that make cooking, cleaning and maintenance simpler.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

The Typhur Dome 2 is not an easy appliance to store. Luckily, we have rounded up the best ways to conceal an air fryer in a kitchen to keep your space neat and functional.

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After using the GreenPan Bistro 7‑Quart 360° Clear View Air Fryer for two weeks, I found it to be a hardworking, budget-friendly appliance that ticks plenty of practical boxes. You get an extra-large drawer suited to family-sized meals, PFAS-free components, and a standout glass lid that lets you monitor food as it cooks.

I usually gravitate toward air fryer toaster ovens, largely because I live in a small apartment and appreciate any appliance that can pull double duty. But sometimes a single-purpose tool that does one job exceptionally well is exactly what you need, and this model from GreenPan delivers on that front.

I was impressed by how intuitive it was and how reliably it handled everyday staples. If you want an affordable, non-toxic air fryer for a dorm room, small kitchen, or to keep on hand for family dinners and casual gatherings, it’s a strong contender.

Product Specifications: GreenPan Bistro 360 Degree Clear View Air Fryer

Design and First Impressions

The GreenPan Clear View is not your average air fryer. Its signature feature is a clear lid, which the company claims allows you to see when your food is ready. It’s a nice idea, and it does separate it from its competitors, but because it’s anchored by the control panel, it’s not exactly a wide-open view. I was curious as to how this would pan out when cooking. The air fryer was packaged well, and all its parts arrived safely, so unpacking and setting up were a cinch. I made sure to wash the drawer and air crisper tray in soapy water before using it, and just plugged it in.

The drawer is nice and roomy at seven quarts, and looks like it could easily fit an entire bag of French fries or a whole chicken. Perfect for someone like me, with a family that includes two growing teens and a bunch of hungry friends.

The rest of the air fryer is nothing dramatic. Its square shape has rounded edges, and its cord is long enough to use in most conventional kitchens. I also like the LED control panel, which is straightforward, with little easy-to-see screen presets shaped like fish, chicken, steak, vegetables, etc.

Cooking Performance

To make choosing the best kitchen appliances easier, we test a standard set of foods across all of our air fryers to make comparing the results simple.

The GreenPan Bistro was very intuitive to use overall, so much so that I did not find myself needing the instruction manual to get started.

French Fries

Testing frozen fries is always my first move when reviewing a new air fryer, so I happily planned ahead to cheat on my summer diet. The drawer on the GreenPan Bistro 7-Quart 360° Clear View Air Fryer is generously sized at seven quarts, but I resisted the urge to overfill it, knowing crowded fries rarely crisp well.

I started with a modest batch of thin-cut frozen fries and used the preset, which automatically set the temperature to 400°F for 20 minutes. Halfway through, the machine beeped, and the 'Shake' icon illuminated on the control panel, prompting me to pull out the tray and toss the fries. The result after 20 minutes was spot-on: Evenly crisped, golden fries that my son and I quickly divided between us.

For the second round, I pushed the limits and poured an entire bag of fries into the drawer. They fit easily, though I suspected they would need extra time to cook properly. I tried the preset again and followed the same process, including the mid-cycle shake, but as expected, the standard timing fell short. I added five more minutes using the 'Temp/Timer' control. This was also when I tested the Clear View lid to check browning. While the wraparound glass offered a glimpse inside, it wasn’t quite clear enough to judge doneness at a glance.

The added time ultimately did the trick, producing evenly cooked fries despite the fuller basket. Next time, I’ll skip the guesswork and go straight for 25 minutes at 400°F when cooking a larger batch.

Chicken and Salmon

For me, the whole appeal of an air fryer is making healthier meals taste better, so chicken felt like the natural next test in the GreenPan Bistro 7-Quart 360° Clear View Air Fryer. I sliced about a pound of chicken into cutlets, tossed them with jerk seasoning and a few sprays of avocado oil, then arranged them in the basket.

There’s no dedicated 'Chicken' preset, only one for wings, so I selected the Air Fry function and set it to 360°F for 20 minutes. I suspected they might need extra time, but I’d rather add minutes than risk drying them out. When the shake alert sounded, I turned the pieces over with a fork instead. In the end, they needed about seven additional minutes to cook through.

The cutlets came out tender and fully cooked, though the appliance’s 400°F maximum temperature meant they never developed the crisp exterior I typically look for in air-fried chicken. To test that theory, I cooked a batch of breaded frozen chicken tenders for roughly the same amount of time. Those emerged perfectly crisp, though, of course, they weren’t nearly as healthy.

As a final test, I added frozen salmon from Trader Joe's. I lightly salted the fillets, squeezed over some lemon juice, added a spray of avocado oil, and some fresh dill. I used the Seafood preset, which is 360 degrees Fahrenheight at 15 minutes, and that turned out beautifully

Vegetables

For vegetables, I began with a baked sweet potato. I pricked it with a fork, sprayed it lightly with avocado oil, and rubbed it with salt. The Bake preset defaulted to 360°F for 15 minutes, which I knew wouldn’t be nearly long enough. I did some research and found that the usual instructions for cooking a sweet potato in an air fryer are 400 degrees Fahrenheit on Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. That proved to be spot on: When I sliced it open, the sweet potato was steaming and soft inside with a crisp skin, exactly how I like it.

Next, I sliced some zucchini, gave it the same avocado spray and salting, then used the Vegetable preset, which is 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. This time, I did shake them when the beeper went off, but they still needed longer once the timer ran out. I ended up increasing the temperature by 50 degrees and added another six minutes. I could see enough through the limited window to see they were starting to get a little darker than I’d like after five minutes, so I stopped it and took them out.

I’ve never found the air fryer a great way to crisp up veggies in general, though I’m always hoping to find the holy grail every time I test a new one. Yet, once again, the zucchini was well-cooked, but never got the proper crunch.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning an air fryer is much easier than its larger toaster oven counterparts, and the Clear View was no different. I just took out the drawer, threw the tray in the dishwasher, and washed out the inside of the drawer with a soft sponge and some dish soap. You can put the drawer in the dishwasher as well, but it takes up a whole lot of room, so I tend not to.

If you use the air fryer a lot, you can easily store it on your kitchen counter, and it fits easily under most conventional cabinets. If you have a big enough kitchen storage, it’s lightweight enough to take in and out of storage when you need it.

How Does the GreenPan Bistro 360 Degree Clear View Air Fryer Compare?

The GreenPan Bistro 360 Degree Clear View Air Fryer offers something different with the top-down viewing window, allowing you to keep track of cooking progress without having to open the drawer. That said, it still performs as you would expect any other standalone air fryer to.

Being a standalone air fryer, it does not function as a dehydrator, toaster, or broiler like air fryer oven variants such as the Ninja French Door Air Fryer I reviewed, but that said it does a very good job at what it advertises. Which type you pick will depend on what you need your application to do. Would I replace my air fryer toaster oven, like the Our Place Wonder Oven Pro, with it? Probably not. But, if you are looking for something new to take the place of several appliances, this might not work for you. Otherwise, it is a fantastic, sizable air fryer unit that will deliver time and time again.

Should You Buy The GreenPan Bistro 7-Quart 360° Clear View Air Fryer?

The GreenPan Bistro 7-Quart 360 Degree Clear View Air Fryer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a non-toxic air fryer that can do all the basics well. It offers a wide range of presets, an intuitive interface, and a nice, deep drawer that works well for groups or families.

The Clear View lid feels more like a gimmick, since you have to peek through the edges of the wraparound window, but it does offer a glimpse of your food if you don’t feel like opening the drawer. I’m also never thrilled when an air fryer doesn’t go over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, considering the entire point is cooking at a high temperature, but it gets the job done nonetheless.

In the end, this is most definitely worth the just over $100 pricetag, and an especially good buy for students or folks looking to stay on a budget. However, if you want something that you’ll use every day, or that you feel more comfortable taking up space on your countertop, I’d suggest looking at one of our favorite toaster oven/air fryer combos.

How We Test Air Fryers

When looking at air fryers, we consider several things. Firstly, we look at the materials, looking for potentially toxic coatings, and prioritizing non-toxic products for peace of mind. Then, we focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a team of trained cooks, product testers, and appliance experts, we rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Having tested the market leaders, we’re familiar with the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is key, so our tests evaluate the intuitiveness of controls, basket design, and the accuracy of recipe presets. We also explore special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess versatility. While cooking, we make notes on capacity – essential for those looking for family-sized air fryers.

Since cleaning can be a hassle, we check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. We also examine materials' durability, as this is a key criterion for long-lasting, non-toxic items. After testing, we scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.

You can go behind the scenes and read more details on our how we test air fryers page.

What Else to Shop

Even with a non-toxic coating, it pays to be gentle with your ceramic-coated air fryer if you want it to last for years. With that in mind, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite air fryer accessories to help you get the most from your new appliance while protecting its finish.

All prices correct at time of publication.

If you are looking to keep your air fryer in its best condition for years to come, brush up on the air fryer cleaning tasks you should be doing regularly.

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Summer hosting always has a way of turning the most organized kitchens into a high-pressure operation. Between the heat and cooking larger portions, often while guests are in the house, meal-time stress can build quickly.

That's where a workhorse sous-chef, such as the Typhur Dome 2, available at Amazon, comes in to back up the operation. This high-capacity non-toxic air fryer can handle crowd-sized cooking, including a full 12-inch pizza, without demanding your full attention when you should be talking to guests.

And with $160 off ahead of Memorial Day, this luxe upgrade has never been more appealing.

One of the most common air fryer mistakes that leads to soggy food and underwhelming results is overstuffing the basket. But when you’re cooking for a crowd, batch cooking is often the only alternative, and that is far from practical when you’re hosting in the middle of a hot and humid summer.

That’s where the Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer comes in. Designed as an extra-large countertop all-rounder, it functions as a quiet kitchen assistant that air-fries, toasts, bakes, roasts, and even cooks pizza with top-and-bottom heating and no risk of harmful materials leaching into your food.

Ahead of peak cookout season, it works seamlessly alongside your grill without disrupting conversation, and negates the need to turn on the hot, slow oven when temperatures are at their peak.

Even better, the flat ceramic-coated tray features a self-cleaning cycle that removes oil and residue in around two hours, helping clean a kitchen after dinner, all via the app when the meal is done.

In order to offer such spacious capacity, however, the Typhur Dome 2 is considerably large. This is not going to be an easy fit for small kitchens. That said, according to our chef, Lydia Hayman, the space sacrifice is worth it if you find traditional air fryers too small for your needs.

In her review, Lydia wrote, 'The Typhur Dome 2 is the priciest model I've ever tested, so I was predisposed to be critical. However, it is also the quickest, most spacious, and easiest to use air fryer I've tried. Really, you're getting a high-performance, non-toxic appliance that could replace an oven, toaster, pizza oven, and grill. It feels good quality, and I'm sure it will last a long time in your kitchen.'

It is, by and large, one of the best air fryers money can buy, and the $160 Memorial Day discount on Amazon makes it all the better.

What Else to Shop

To help you get the most out of your new air fryer and make batch cooking and cleanup far more efficient, here are my six essential air fryer accessories to help you streamline the entire process.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Air fryers are great for more than just crisping fries. We have curated the perfect guide to getting the most out of your air fryer, from sweet treats to leftovers.

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Few appliances have transformed home cooking quite like the air fryer. But while they deliver quick, reliable crisping, many cooks find that the results still fall short of that true deep-fried texture – and the tray inside your machine could be part of the reason.

The best non-toxic air fryers rely on strong air circulation to cook food evenly, crisping the exterior while keeping the inside tender. Standard trays do the job well enough, but according to test kitchen chef Jessica Rice, switching to a stainless steel air fryer tray, available on Amazon, can improve airflow while avoiding some of the more questionable non-stick coatings.

Here’s why this simple swap can make such a noticeable difference to your air fryer results, and how it could upgrade your setup entirely.

The Stainless Steel Air Fryer Rack That Instantly Upgrades Your Cooking

While all the best air fryers come with bespoke trays designed to promote air flow, not every model comes with a stainless steel wire basket, especially those that use traditional non-stick materials.

These trays are not only potentially risky for your health, containing PTFEs that can flake and release toxins into the air when heated (a key reason why you should not buy non-stick pans where possible), but also sabotage results, often heating more slowly than stainless steel, not heating evenly, or having smaller air gaps, which inhibit airflow and retain more moisture.

Stainless steel baskets, on the other hand, have none of these issues. As Jessica Rice, senior chef at Budget Bytes, explains, 'The core issue with standard non-stick trays is that the coating itself acts as a mild insulator and changes how heat behaves on contact with foods. A perforated steel tray, by contrast, is an upgrade in terms of thermal performance: Steel's heat distribution ensures uniformly cooked dishes, achieving a crispier texture, and the perforated design leads to consistent airflow.'

As with the best non-toxic cookware, stainless steel tends to heat up faster, distribute heat more evenly, and manages moisture differently to non-stick.

'I find the use of nonstick trays can partially steam the food I am trying to crisp, where a stainless tray will crisp things up a lot faster,' Jessica shares. 'The polymer layer on a nonstick tray can trap moisture.'

The switch can bring results noticeably closer to the crisp, golden texture you’d expect from traditional frying. That said, Jessica notes that air frying still has its limits. 'I’ve never had an air fryer perfectly replicate the quality and texture I get from deep frying or a shallow pan fry, though I’ve come pretty close.'

Results can also vary depending on what you’re cooking. 'It’s easier to crisp certain ingredients, such as fatty chicken skin and starchy potatoes, than juicier ones like zucchini, green tomatoes, or pickles,' she adds.

While it may not be an exact match, in the air fryer versus deep-fat fryer debate, switching to a stainless steel tray and achieving results that are nearly as good feels like a worthwhile trade-off. After all, one of the biggest advantages of air frying is its ability to significantly reduce fat and calorie intake compared with traditional frying, making it a win for your overall health in more ways than one.

With the added safety and convenience, a stainless steel tray should be a clear-cut consideration for all of us.

What to Shop

Air fryer cooking is all about convenience, so the air fryer accessories you choose should enhance that ease, not complicate the process. I’ve rounded up six of my top selections to help you streamline your routine while also creating a non-toxic home.

Meet the Expert

The next step to achieving perfectly crispy food is to avoid the most common air fryer mistakes.

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When you think of air fryer cooking, convenience is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It’s quick, easy, and designed to simplify your routine. That’s why aerosol spray oils often feel like the perfect pairing.

But many of these sprays contain additives that can degrade the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket, causing it to become sticky or damaged. In some cases, buildup from these sprays can also increase the risk of smoking or even fire inside the appliance.

Fortunately, there’s a simple swap that keeps the convenience without the risk. Here's how.

Why Aerosol Oils Are the Worst Thing for Your Air Fryer

Aerosol oil sprays such as PAM are undeniably convenient for getting the most out of air fryers. They coat food evenly for better browning and add a quick layer of non-stick protection to trays and baskets. However, as Joel Efosa, founder of House Fire Solutions, explains, wide spray coverage can also create problems.

'The major home fire risk comes when you spray aerosol oils near an exposed heating element,' he says. The fine mist can spread beyond the basket and settle on the heating element when food is sprayed in situ in the air fryer. If the layer becomes thick enough – or the element hot enough – it can begin to smoke or even ignite.

What's more, to maintain their sprayable consistency, aerosol oils typically contain additives such as propellants and emulsifiers. 'These additives break down at high temperatures,' Joel adds. 'They ultimately stick to non-stick coatings in air fryer baskets and pans and can cling like super glue.'

Because this residue is difficult to remove, it can gradually build up over time. Not only can that increase smoke and fire risk, but it may also degrade the non-stick coating of the basket itself. As the surface wears down, there’s a greater chance of unwanted chemical leaching – especially if you do not have one of the best non-toxic air fryers.

What to Use Instead

Avoiding this common air fryer mistake is simple. Instead, use a refillable oil pump spray such as the Trendpain Oil Sprayer from Amazon. It is one of the air fryer accessories I now cannot live without. By filling it with a pure oil like vegetable or avocado oil, you can lightly coat food and baskets without exposing your air fryer to damaging additives. Plus, this is a simpler way to make air fryer cooking healthier.

The other option, removing all risk of spray back against heating elements, is to brush the oil on using a silicone pastry brush from Walmart, Joel recommends.

You’ll still get the crisp results you want, just without compromising your appliance or kitchen safety.

What to Shop

This common oil mistake is just one of the many things I wish I had known when I first started cooking with air fryers. To help you avoid making the same errors, I’ve rounded up six essential air fryer tools that make cooking easier while keeping safety front and center.

All prices accurate at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

It’s not just the oil you need to be mindful of when it comes to air fryer safety. For example, a simple air fryer placement mistake I made nearly caused a fire, and it is best that you learn from my mistakes.

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When cooking for a large family, convenience is key. A standard oven can take a long time to heat and is difficult to clean. That’s where the Our Place Wonder Oven comes in.

One of the best non-toxic air fryers, countertop-friendly, and generously sized to fit a whole roast chicken, it’s more than enough to back up your dinner plans, especially over the Easter weekend.

Even better? The design-forward Wonder Oven is currently at its lowest price ever on Amazon for the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Take Advantage of the Our Place Wonder Oven's Generous Capacity and Ease Meal-Time Stress

Our Place is well known for its versatile, multi-functional cookware – the Always Pan 2.0 immediately comes to mind, designed to braise, sear, steam, and fry, among other tasks. The Wonder Oven follows the same philosophy, offering preset functions including air fry, bake, roast, toast, broil, and reheat, along with steam infusion technology.

Reviewed for us by veteran appliance tester Camryn Rabideau, the Wonder Oven earned her praise for its compact design, packing all that functionality into a countertop-friendly size without becoming obtrusive. She noted that the smallest size 12.7qt Wonder Oven (from Amazon) is compact enough to fit into any 'cramped city apartment.'

With two sizes to choose from, it’s an ideal option for home cooks who need extra space beyond their built-in oven or want to skip long preheating times altogether. The fact that it is able to replace several smaller appliances, including your toaster and separate air fryer, is also a massive win for any of us struggling to keep counters clear in small kitchens.

Camryn gave the original Wonder Oven four stars, noting that the main drawback was its analogue timer, which is less precise than a digital alternative. It’s a minor inconvenience easily remedied with a backup timer on your phone – especially at this lowest-ever price point.

The oven's trays are also hand-wash only, but she emphasized that cleaning was straightforward during her use. 'The baking sheet has a non-stick finish, allowing you to wipe off grease and baked-on food easily, and even the air fryer basket cleans quickly with a simple sponge,' she explained.

Overall, Camryn concluded that you could easily use this countertop gadget in place of an air fryer, toaster, toaster oven, and even your full-size oven. It's the perfect upgrade for the busiest of households, desperate for a kitchen that works as hard as they do.

What to Shop

At the end of a long workday, the last thing you want is to be cooking in batches to feed your household.

From streamlining your routine to making healthier, non-toxic choices, I’ve rounded up six of the best practical kitchen picks, designed to upgrade your cooking while keeping convenience front and center.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With your new appliance on the way, brush up on the worst air fryer mistakes you might be making to avoid shortening the lifespan of your new tool.

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Alongside my kettle, microwave, toaster, and slow cooker, I have two air fryers, so it’s no wonder my countertops are overrun. That’s why I’m switching both of my Ninja appliances for their newer Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo.

Not only does it allow for 12 functions in one, but the Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, available at Amazon, is now on sale at its lowest price ever for Amazon’s Big Spring Deals event, making this the perfect time to sort my cluttered kitchen out.

I can’t do without having my best air fryer in play daily for fast and easy meals, but since I am disabled and have chronic pain, my conventional oven is hard to use without injury. This is the perfect upgrade for freeing up space and enjoying that convection-style versatility, without compromising on convenience and performance.

This Ninja Upgrade Gives Me Back Vital Counter Space

Our tester also noted the predecessor's larger footprint (15.4" W x 15" D x 13" H), which brings 12.5 liters of cooking space. The newer model that's that’s now heavily discounted (pictured above) is 18.6"D x 16.39"W x 13.26"H. I am OK with the slightly deeper profile, as currently, having two XL capacity appliances takes up more space than that, and I need to reclaim the usable counter space in my modest kitchen.

What I Love About the Great Value Ninja Air Fryer Toast Oven Combo

Firstly, it’s multifunctional and a great size for family cooking with its DualZone technology, which I rely on in one of the models I already have. This means you can cook in each of the two compartments in different ways with entirely independent settings, without food smells combining across the two.

My Ninja Foodi XL 2-Basket Air Fryer, which we also rated 4.5/5 stars on test, has been excellent for our busy household, especially as I often cook something different for my child, or have different types of food on the go at the same time.

For example, I often make a protein, such as salmon, in one basket and fries in another. The DualZone technology in this device means no unwanted crossover of food smells, and I know it will perform just as well in my upgrade.

Why I’m Upgrading My Setup

Simply put, I need to declutter my countertops. Currently, my XL dual basket appliance does the evening meals and traditional ‘air frying’ work, whilst my Ninja Speedi does my risottos, cous cous, and mixed rices for my hot lunches. It has a very deep basket allowing large-volume cooking, but usually, the majority of that vertical space is wasted in my kitchen. It's also a nuisance as the top-opening lid hits my wall cabinet. In order to use it, I have to move it forward on my counter every time.

The newer Ninja countertop gem, available at Amazon (and now at it's lowest price ever), that I’ve had my eye on for months, however, will do all of that and more, fitting a 4.5lb roast chicken in one compartment, with trays that slide out like a traditional convection oven for ease of access, and can bake, broil, reheat, keep warm, toast, air fry, air roast and dehydrate. The door opens forward, meaning you don't have to worry about vertical space for its operation.

This will help me let go of the two sizable appliances I am currently using multiple times a day, whilst upgrading the functionality and ease of use.

One of the things I’ve honestly hated about the Speedi is that if you cook a protein on the top layer, and put your carbohydrates and vegetables in the bottom, you cannot access the bottom layer to stir or check progress without somehow wrangling the top tray off (which is obviously very hot mid-cook) and full of half-cooked protein. It doesn't have handles, so I usually use a fork and tongs to remove it, but I have often lost pieces of protein in the process.

The Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo not only easily allows for this with its flip-open door, but the viewing windows, much like a traditional oven, make it much easier to cook your meal and monitor it exactly how you want. You can also easily make risotto, for example, by using the bake setting in one compartment, and garlic bread in the other on air fry mode.

It's felt indulgent having two of these types of appliances in my kitchen, but I can no longer give them the space, and they're becoming a daily hindrance rather than a help. And in fact, they’re just getting in my way.

That's why I’ve snapped up this deal whilst it – and stocks last – as Amazon’s spring event is running from 25-31 March, and this is the lowest price this brilliant multicooker has ever been. It also comes loaded with two sheet pans, two wire racks, one air fryer basket, a crumb tray, and a set of recipes to start your journey.

What Shoppers Say

Rated as 4.4 stars out of 5 by Amazon shoppers, customers rate its intuitive controls, good performance, and versatility, but some note it can be noisy. One Amazon shopper who purchased this appliance said that it was quieter than their old Ninja and ‘perfectly fine’.

Of the four air fryers I’ve personally had from various brands, including two from Ninja since 2020, I’ve not found one that is even half as loud as my kitchen’s extractor hood.

Verified purchaser, Tony Martin explains in their 5-star review that ‘there should be 10 stars because there are two toaster ovens.’ He goes on to explain that making pizza in it is ‘like magic’ with bubbling cheese and crisp crusts in no time at all, and notes that ‘the reviews don’t do it justice.’

What to Shop

As an air fryer aficionado with six years of daily use behind me, I have curated a selection of brilliant kitchen essentials to help you make the most of your non-toxic air fryer and make meal times even easier.

Avoid air fryer mistakes to make yours last its true lifetime, and be mindful that leaving grease to accumulate in the appliance will raise the risk of a fire. Cleaning your air fryer needn't be arduous with our expert tips.

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After a rushed dinnertime, I ended up melting the front of my plastic microwave because of my poorly-placed air fryer. I was lucky that was the only damage caused by my otherwise reliable small appliance.

It was entirely my fault and, in hindsight, easily avoidable. So, to understand how to prevent similar mistakes in the future and to avoid a fire risk in your home, I spoke with a home safety expert.

Here’s what went wrong, and how you can avoid making the same error with your vital kitchen investments, such as one of the best non-toxic air fryers.

How My Placement Blunder Nearly Started a Kitchen Fire

Small cooking appliances have become an integral part of most kitchens, sitting on countertops for near-daily use. Air fryers, for example, are practical and typically unobtrusive; however, I made a critical error that could have ended terribly.

Most of the best air fryers vent heat from the back, away from the operator. I, in a rush, had pulled my appliance out of the cabinet and left it on the counter where I first placed it, in front of my countertop microwave. I plugged the air fryer in and set it off to cook my sweet potato fries.

I didn't realise I was making an air fryer mistake at the time, and it was only when I moved it to clean up that I noticed the damage. The rear vent had been blasting out intense heat for 20 minutes straight, melting and warping the front of the nearby appliance.

When it dawned on me what had gone on, it threw into sharp perspective how even the smallest of blunders can drastically increase the fire risk in your home, especially around plug-in appliances.

Edward Susolik, CEO, president, and trial attorney at Callahan & Blaine, has extensive experience with home injury cases. When asked about this surprisingly common mistake, he explained, 'A blocked vent can make it overheat and cause a fire.'

It isn't just about making your air fryer last longer, he adds. 'Placing this kitchen gadget in the right spot makes all the difference in preventing burn injuries or destroying your home.

'It’s really the simplest way to prevent a problem with America’s new favorite appliance, and in the manual that came with your model, there are warnings about where to place it and where to avoid, but most people never read them.'

Where to Put Your Air Fryer Instead

While it can be appealing to try to conceal an air fryer in a kitchen, this should be saved for when it is cool and not in use.

When in use, Edward urges that you keep at least five inches clear on every side of your appliance. 'An open countertop that is away from the wall, any overhead cabinets, and other appliances is the best spot to use,' he specifies.

'Ideally, if you can put it near your range hood or exhaust vent, that’s even better. Where you should never put this appliance is right under low-hanging kitchen cabinets, up against the wall or backsplash, on your stove itself, or right in front of an outlet that has anything plugged into it.

'The surface you set it on also matters and needs to be heat-resistant,' he adds. 'If your countertops aren’t made of a material that can handle the heat, use a heat-safe silicon mat [from Amazon] to protect the area.'

What to Shop

FAQs

What should you do if an air fryer causes damage?

Edward Susolik, attorney, explains, 'Aside from not panicking, if your air fryer damages other appliances or malfunctions, stop using them immediately, and do not use either again until you can have a professional inspect them.

'Damaged parts can easily start a fire or cause an electrical hazard, and you don’t want to be in either of those scenarios. You’ll want to take photos of the damage, especially if it seems to have been caused by the design of the product itself, and then report it to the government’s CPSC website, which forms a record to help potentially spot patterns that typically lead to product recalls.

'If you didn’t read the manual and did something you shouldn’t have, you may want to consider yourself lucky if you didn’t get burned or cause a house fire. But if you did use it as instructed in the directions that came with it and damage happened, definitely document it thoroughly.'

Meet the Expert

Beyond placement, make sure to avoid these common air fryer cleaning mistakes to ensure perfectly crisp, uncontaminated food and less fire risk, and the labels to watch out for on cookware to avoid greenwashing.

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If there’s one part of owning an air fryer I truly dread, it’s the cleanup.

Sticky grease, burnt crumbs, and that awkward crisper tray, plus a basket that usually demands hand-washing. The whole appeal of the best non-toxic air fryers is convenience, so the last thing I want is to be hunched over the sink scrubbing residue from every corner.

I used to dismiss the idea of using one of the best air fryer liners as yet another unnecessary item destined to clutter a drawer. But the Pintaur Silicone Air Fryer ones from Amazon completely changed my mind, and honestly, I wish I’d tried them sooner.

I Was Foolish For Not Picking Up Air Fryer Tray Barriers Sooner

Even some of the best air fryers on the market come with one frustrating caveat: Their baskets are rarely dishwasher safe. Many manufacturers recommend hand washing to preserve the non-stick coating and any internal elements, which means every batch of roasted vegetables, chicken nuggets, or fries leaves you with grease to scrub.

And because the trays and grill shelves in these trays are perforated to allow for air flow, food debris easily works itself into every tiny gap. It’s terrible when you’re trying to clean it. In other words, cooking takes 15 minutes, and cleaning an air fryer can easily take another 15. That’s where silicone saviors like my $10 inserts completely change the experience.

While I previously brushed them off for fear they would block the air flow the perforated trays are designed for, it turns out that if you pick the perfect design, such as the grooved base of the reusable Pintaur ones, available from Amazon, you can still achieve perfectly crisp results without the tough clean up.

Not only do the silicone gems make cleanup dramatically easier – food slides straight off the BPA-free, non-toxic food-grade silicone when washing by hand, and they’re dishwasher-safe for good measure – but they’ve also removed my biggest hesitation about using my current air fryer in the first place.

Instead of cooking directly on a non-stick coated basket that inevitably wears down over time, I now have a protective barrier between my food and the coating, giving me far greater peace of mind while I cook. While I am in the process of converting to all non-toxic kitchen appliances, it's an expensive undertaking, and these $10 baskets offer an affordable stand-in in the meantime.

Another unexpected benefit is how much more relaxed cooking becomes. Instead of worrying about sauces burning onto the tray, the barrier silicone basket contains everything neatly in one place. They are particularly useful for anything from crumb-coated foods to oily vegetables to sticky marinades. For something that costs so little, that’s a surprisingly big quality-of-life upgrade.

Plus, they help you be more sustainable at home as they can be reused hundreds of times.

What to Shop

If your air fryer is already your go-to for quick mid-week meals or last-minute baking, the right accessories can take that convenience to the next level. From reusable barrier tools that save you from endless scrubbing, to single-serve ramekins that increase cooking versatility, these tools make using your small kitchen appliance even easier – and less stressful.

I’ve curated some of the top-rated air fryer accessories so you can spend more time enjoying perfectly cooked meals, with less time spent scrubbing.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Even with a suitable barrier in your tray, it is best to clean your air fryer every few uses to shift grease and prevent a fire hazard. Avoiding common air fryer cleaning mistakes is key to the longevity of your appliance, especially the coating.

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As a reviewer with over two decades of testing experience, I was intrigued by the Cosori Iconic Smart Air Fryer's visually stunning design and non-toxic promise. But does its 1725-Watts of power, 6.5-Quart capacity, sleek structure, and PFAS-free, non-stick ceramic-coated cooking surfaces, and six cooking functions live up to its premium price point?

With its compact, nearly plastic-free stainless-steel design and smarter features, including personalized cooking settings integrated into a simple app, the Cosori Iconic promotes healthier cooking without looking like an eyesore on your counter.

I put this chic air fryer through its paces. And though it offers fewer settings than the more versatile toaster-oven air fryers, I found that it gets the basics done well and injects a more glamorous cooking experience with its upgraded materials. Here are my full thoughts on this contender for the best non-toxic air fryer.

My Cosori Iconic Air Fryer Review

My First Impressions of the Cosori Iconic Air fryer

If you’re looking for a showstopper to leave on your counter, the Cosori Iconic Smart Air Fryer is an excellent choice. It’s clear from first glance that this is not your everyday air fryer. Encased in shiny, brushed stainless steel, it offers a sculpted, almost architectural shape, featuring a square base with rounded edges and an upperbody with curved sides.

It's made from materials that promote healthier, non-toxic cooking, including PFAS-free, non-stick ceramic-coated cooking surfaces, and a sleek stainless steel structure with minimal plastic on the outside.

A tempered glass display panel is perched on top and is slightly tilted to make it easier to use the intuitive touch controls that light up when you press them. This also includes a Shake button, the first I’ve come across on any air fryer I have reviewed (more on that later). But don’t let this eye-catching design fool you: Its traditional basket-and-crisper plate combo makes it simple to use.

I also downloaded the free VeSync app, which easily connects to the air fryer using WiFi. Here you can control cooking functions, peruse an extensive cooking chart, and even consult a library of recipes for inspiration.

Specifications: Cosori Iconic Air Fryer

Cooking Performance: Cosori Iconic Air Fryer

Test 1: French Fries

Ah, French fries. I don’t care what anyone says; frozen fries are still the ultimate air fryer test. Before I started, I checked the app to see what it suggested. I found French fries listed under Frozen Foods, and it gave me the option of Thick Cut, Regular Cut, or Thin Cut. Because I was using crinkle cut, I chose Regular and went with its suggestion of Air Fry at 400 degrees for 14 minutes.

I poured in about half the bag (approximately 10 oz), adjusted the temp and time controls accordingly, and pressed start. Because I connected the Iconic to the app using WiFi, I could follow along with the cooking on my phone. About halfway through, I was alerted to get up and shake the fries for a more even cook. If you are standing next to the air fryer, the Shake button will light up and buzz. Or, if you wander away like me, you’ll get a mobile alert. This is a useful additional functionality for those with busy households.

The fries came out beautifully crispy and golden brown. I also appreciated that the air fryer drawer could hold an entire bag if I needed to feed more.

Test 2: Chicken

I cook a good amount of chicken, so this is always an important test. The main philosophy of having one of the best air fryers is to be able to create tasty fried food without the added fats or extra oil, so I went with herbed chicken fingers for this test. After cutting the chicken breasts into strips, I coated them with a homemade Italian seasoning and lightly sprayed them with avocado oil.

The app told me to air fry them for nine minutes at 395° Fahrenheit, so I gave it a go. Chicken breasts can be tough in an air fryer because they dry out quickly and can overcook with the high heat, so I was happy to take direction from the Cosori experts. Thankfully, this was the perfect cook to create chicken breasts that were slightly crispy on the outside yet still impressively juicy on the inside.

Of course, I still have two hungry boys to feed, and they like their tenders breaded and fried, so I also made a batch of panko-crusted chicken breasts for the younger, less health-conscious set. I actually turned down the heat to 375° F for these, so the panko didn’t overly brown, and added five minutes to the cook time. This was the right move, and I was rewarded with a perfectly crunchy, caramel brown crust and tender meat.

Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out my Super Bowl wing test. With a house full of teens, I put nearly two pounds of wings in the basket naked. The app suggested Air Fry for 16 minutes at 400 degrees, but it was a bit overcrowded. I ended up having to add about seven more minutes to get crispy, well-cooked wings that I then coated in buffalo sauce while still hot. The empty platter was all I needed to know they were a hit.

Test 3: Vegetables

I decided to try fresh green beans as my vegetable of choice, and after seasoning them with salt and pepper, I lightly coated them in avocado oil. The handy Cosori app suggested I ratchet the temperature up to 415° F and cook them for a brief five minutes.

This was the opposite of what I usually do with air-fried veggies, which is cook them longer on a lower temperature, but I decided to go with the flow. As you can see, they came out lightly browned, and I was impressed with how tender they were – even with the slightly crunchy skin. They were a huge hit with my family, so I will be adding that to my repertoire for weekday dinners.

What It's Like to Use

The Cosori Iconic air fryer is a looker. Its shiny, stainless steel body is super sleek and doesn’t take up too much room on the counter. I live in a Brooklyn apartment, and space is always a consideration, so this made me happy.

I still tend to favor multi-function, oven-forward air fryers because they tend to offer a few extra functions as well as a larger area in the basket for everyday cooking. However, I was impressed with how well this Cosori handled the basics.

The control panel is straightforward, and it's simple to adjust the temperature and time – even while food is cooking. The Shake button is a nice touch, but I didn’t even notice when it lit up, so I could easily do without it.

I wasn’t ready to like the app as much as I did. Most digital companions don’t offer as much utility in my testing experience, but Cosori has nailed it with its easy-to-comprehend function chart, paired with the excellent list of foods in the cooking chart. The level of heat was precise, especially for air frying, and it preheated quickly.

Cleaning and Storage

Because this is a traditional air fryer, it was not hard to keep clean. After every use, I took out the plate and the drawer and washed them by hand, though you can just as easily put them in the dishwasher.

The slick anti-stick ceramic coating also made it even easier to banish any type of fat with a minimum of scrubbing. The stainless steel body did attract quite a bit of fingerprints, but if that’s bothersome, you can just swipe them away with a dry cloth.

There are lots of ways to clean stainless steel without smudges, including using a homemade recipe of two cups of water, a drop of dish soap, and 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil. This will clear those pesky smudges without harsh chemicals.

In terms of storage, I kept the air fryer on my counter, but it is compact enough to tuck away in the pantry if need be.

How Does It Compare?

If you’re in the market for an air fryer that is first and foremost an air fryer, the Cosori Iconic is worth a look. Its stainless steel body makes it feel more premium than the company’s plastic-clad TurboBlaze, available at Amazon, though it’s also significantly more expensive at $249 vs $90. And, unlike the Ninja Crispi Pro I recently reviewed, it’s less fiddly, very easy to clean, and can be more simply moved around and stored.

Amazon customers seem to agree, giving it 4.8 out of 5 stars in nearly 17,000 reviews, with many commenting on the sturdy, upscale build as well as how evenly it cooks food, especially meat and fish. One user even reported that the Iconic’s body generates less heat than plastic air fryers, so their kids could safely touch it while cooking.

My Verdict on the Cosori Iconic Air Fryer

Though my modestly-sized kitchen tends to draw me towards toaster-oven style air fryers, like the recently reviewed Ninja French Door Premier Air Fryer, Convection Oven, and Toaster, the Cosori Iconic’s style and effective, thorough cooking make it an excellent choice for anyone who treasures elegant design, smarter features, and high-end materials.

This design-forward, premium air fryer is an investment, but it checks all the boxes for PFAS-free cooking while looking fabulous in your kitchen. A larger, 6.5-quart basket and consistent hot air make it an excellent vessel to prepare meats, seafood, veggies, and all things fried. Yet, its premium pricetag may pose a problem if you’re looking to save some cash – especially because there’s no toaster feature.

I was especially impressed with the in-depth and easy-to-browse companion app, which takes the guesswork out of the air frying process. The digital monitoring also meant I could turn it on and walk away, which is always a nice option, especially for multitaskers like me.

What to Shop

Next, compare Ninja vs Cosori to help you make the best decision for your home.

I took a punt on a great deal last summer and bought the Ninja Speedi multicooker at a big discount. It was an absolute steal, and I have used it every day since to steam, air fry, and everything in between for easy, fast, lazy lunches whilst working from home.

My model has been discontinued, but I’ve spotted that its upgraded successor, the Ninja Combi with front-opening door and independent trays, is on offer with $50 off at Walmart, so I’m snapping it up.

I love the front-opening functionality on the new one, as the top-opening on my Speedi has been a bugbear in my compact kitchen, as I have to move it forward on my counter to clear the cabinets above when it is in use.

Our in-house chef thoroughly tested the Combi last year and gave it 4.5/5 stars, so I have no doubt it’s one of the best non-toxic air fryers and will be a worthy upgrade in my compact kitchen, which relies on multiple small appliances to get dinner on the table.

This Ninja Upgrade Is Great for Lazy but Nutritious Lunches

The steam function on my Speedi been a game-changer in my household, and the front-opening door of its successor is the only reason I’m upgrading mine to the Combi. Whilst the footprint of the Combi isn't the smallest, the fact that it does so many things and opens forward rather than upwards makes it a wise choice if you're tight on space.

In my small kitchen, the Speedi, which opens upwards from right to left, has to be moved each time I cook so the lid clears the cabinets above. The newer Ninja Combi, currently on offer at Walmart, opens at the front like a conventional oven, allowing easier access, no matter the cabinets above it.

I have been using mine daily to steam cook risotto, cous cous, pasta with vegetables and proteins in one go, and it’s been a total game-changer for me as a disabled working mom.

I cannot be on my feet for more than a couple of minutes with injury and pain because of a genetic connective tissue disorder, which means for years, simple tasks like making meals on the cooker have been off the menu. I simply cannot stand long enough to keep stirring and cooking items that way.

With my Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker, however, that limitation was resolved. Ever since buying mine, when on a lunch break while working at home, I put a cup of cous cous, some water, a stock cube, and frozen vegetables in the non-toxic ceramic pan, and hit 'steam' on the Rapid Cooker setting for about seven minutes. It's the laziest yet nutritious hot meal, especially as I top it with store-bought cooked protein, seeds, and salad toppers.

It’s glorious to be able to access this kind of food again. I just put the ingredients in, hit the right setting, and go and put my feet up while my Ninja makes perfectly textured, cooked-through, ready-to-eat home-made hot lunches.

Why I’m Upgrading to the Combi Now

There are three reasons. First, the door issue, as detailed earlier. The second is that the Ninja Combi is on offer with $50 off at Target right now, making it a more affordable swap. It’s a good investment in my home as our two brilliant Ninja air fryers are in use twice a day, every day, for lunches, dinners, and just about every task to do with cooking food easily, quickly, and with next-to-zero oil.

The third is that my current multicooker is top loading, meaning if I want to check on the items in the deep tray, or give it a mix in rapid cooker mode, I have to lift the air fry crisper layer from the top, and it’s fiddly, not easy to do and often results in something that’s supposed to crisp up falling into the liquid below.

The newer Combi, which our chef tested last year and loved, rating it a 4.5/5, however, is front-loading, with two cooking levels that can be accessed independently. It’s a total win for me on pesky design problems I have been working around since getting the predecessor.

The newer model still has the same ceramic-coated baskets, so I know my family is safe from microplastics or other toxic chemicals leaching into our food during cooking.

The one thing I learned the hard way with my Steami is that the ceramic coating can still be scratched if you make the air fryer mistake, as I did, of using any sort of metal utensil to stir or remove food. I’ll admit I had a brain-splat for a second, and thought the ceramic was all the way through like my trusty Crock-Pot, rather than a coating, and of course, it scratched.

I won’t be doing that again on my new one and have since invested in a set of teak cooking utensils from Amazon.

What to Shop

My small countertop appliances and the accessories I use with them make meal times easy, fast, non-toxic to my family, and keep me off my feet for as long as possible.

They're brilliantly useful for all households that make use of the best slow cookers, best air fryers, and enjoy batch cooking or meal prepping for easier meals.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Switching to silicone food storage can help you be more sustainable at home, as well as reduce your household's contact with potentially harmful microplastics and chemicals.

There is no appliance quite as convenient as an air fryer. Being able to crisp up food more efficiently than an oven in a fraction of the time makes this appliance perfect for busy families who need to simplify midweek dinners.

However, restricted basket sizes can make that convenience feel a little stretched, especially in larger households. That's where the Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer, available at Amazon, comes in.

With a 'uniquely wide' XL basket size and super quick cook times, it is one of our absolute favorite non-toxic air fryers. And with $150 off right now, it's more than worth every penny.

The best air fryers already do a lot to make manic meal times a little more manageable, and are something every home cook should have in their kitchens to make life easier. However, to fit neatly on a counter, the baskets often leave something to be desired.

This is far from the case with the Typhur Dome 2, which we reviewed and gave five stars. Tested by our expert chef, Lydia Hayman, the air fryer was found to be 'seriously impressive,' defying all her expectations.

'The basket is uniquely wide, with enough space to make a traybake for the whole family,' she wrote. 'There’s no need to preheat, so you can go from fridge to plate in minutes. I popped in a full-sized pizza, and it crisped to perfection in eight minutes. You can also use an app to control the 10 cooking modes and get notifications on your phone when the food is ready.'

The big size comes with some big caveats, however. For instance, you may struggle to find a suitable home for it in small kitchen storage, and its wide space-ship dome might make it harder to organize kitchen countertops in a small space.

In this case, you may have to weigh up the pros and cons of sacrificing workspace for cooking convenience, and sticking with something smaller, such as the Bella Fits-AnywhereAir Fryer, from Target (which we rated four stars), and cooking in multiple batches when needed.

In our standard tests, the Typhur Dome performed spectacularly on the fries and roasted vegetable tests, with quiet operation, quick cooking, and perfect results. Lydia shared, 'The fish turned out tender, and thanks to the wide basket, the veg had space to crisp evenly – I definitely could have made a portion for four or five without sacrificing the quality. Plus, 16 minutes is a record time.'

It's secret? Above and below heating. While most air fryers use a top-mounted fan and heating element, the Typhur Dome 2 is inspired by traditional pizza ovens to reduce cooking times by 30% compared to regular fryers. The dual heating elements mounted both top and bottom mean food is cooked more evenly without the need to flip or shake as often.

The real benefit to this beast of a machine is the fact that it makes cleaning a kitchen after dinner a breeze. Unlike traditional non-stick coated air fryers, the Typhur's ceramic basket and crisper plate are both dishwasher safe, meaning no more struggling to hand-wash dishes, especially such large ones in a small sink.

Don't just take our word for it, either. Sharon M, a verified Amazon shopper, shared, 'It's my best investment of 2026. The Typhur Dome 2 has completely changed my feelings about air fryers.'

They list the even cooking as the biggest sell – 'everything (and I mean everything) has come out perfectly,' they shared. 'Typhur Dome will be my go-to choice if I ever need another air fryer. And if a newer, even more innovative model comes out, count me in! Love it!'

For $150 off right now for a limited time at Amazon, the Typhur Dome 2 is more than worth it.

What to Shop

Don't fancy seeing an air fryer on your counter every day? We have rounded up some of the most convenient ways to conceal an air fryer in a kitchen to keep your decor front and center without compromising on practicality.

The last thing you want to be doing on game day is labour away over the stove making food – that's where an air fryer comes in to save the day.

The Ninja Crispi Pro 6-in-1 Glass Air Fryer, from Target, is now $30 off and arrives on game day if you order quickly or pick up from your local store. With super quick, crispy results, non-toxic BPA-free glass construction, and baskets that double as storage, it's perfect for whipping up everything from quick snacks to whole dinners for all.

If you need one of the best air fryers to handle full family-sized snack demands quickly (and without potential toxins), this is the one to get.

Ranked as one of the best non-toxic air fryers, this 'pro' version of the Ninja Crispi (also ranked one of our top air fryers) comes with a larger bowl than its predecessor for batch cooking and mass snack making, and precise temperature control for perfect, fast results every time.

The two 6-quart and 2.5-quart containers are made from BPA-free glass, making this air fryer upgrade one of the best quick tricks for creating a non-toxic home, cutting plastic from your cookware.

Better still, included lids mean you can cook, serve, and store your leftovers all in the same container, making it perfect for quickly dishing up picky bits when the game is in full swing (plus it makes cleaning a kitchen after cooking ten times easier, given that the glass 'baskets' are 100% dishwasher safe, too).

As the countdown to game day enters its final days, the Target sale offers quick in-time for kick-off delivery, so long as you order quickly.

Need it in a pinch? You can also collect yours from your nearest store the same day (so long as they're still in stock).

You can really pack the Crispi's containers full and still get great results, too, Tobey assured in her review. When cooking chicken strips, she noted, 'I got all 1.5 pounds of the chicken in at once, and although I was worried it may not cook as evenly in the crowded bowl, it came out perfectly.'

While you do have to take the whole container out to flip or shake your game-time snacks (and slotting it back in can take a little practice), it's perfect for those big batch cook snacks needed to get through the half-time show.

All in all, the Crispi Pro does a great job of offering up quick, crispy snacks, while also offering the option of baking and roasting, allowing you to pull this jack-of-all-trades out whenever you're hosting, be it game day or Thanksgiving. It's a game day essential that will serve you year-round.

What to Shop

After the demands of game day, work through the three air fryer cleaning tasks you should be doing regularly to keep your appliance in top condition.

The Ninja French Door Premier Air Fryer, Convection Oven, and Toaster is a super-charged, multi-function smart oven that boasts a few extra features and a streamlined French door design. I’ve been testing air fryers in my modestly-sized Brooklyn apartment for over a decade, and this new, PFAS-free Ninja device is the first of 2026 to be put through the paces.

After reviewing several of the best Ninja air fryers, I think this more practical oven is perfect for those who want to do it all in a limited amount of space. I’m a huge fan of multi-functional appliances because, while not tiny, my kitchen does have limited counter space. And because I’m constantly cooking meals and snacks for a family of four, I appreciate having a countertop oven that is not just simple to use, but will also save me time.

The Premier Air Fryer has all the usual suspects when it comes to cooking functions, but it also adds Air Roast, Whole Roast, Reheat, and Pizza to its repertoire. I also like how it bridges the gap with conventional, basket-style air fryers by adding a deeper, 5-qt air fry basket for larger meals.

I tested this kitchen workhorse for a week, and I found that it offers a solid cooking experience – and also works as the best toaster I’ve used in an air fryer yet.

Design & First Impressions

The Ninja Premier Air Fryer is, as advertised, designed with French doors, which open out vertically like a fridge rather than horizontally like an oven. I happen to be in two minds about this: Yes, you get extra space inside the oven, but in my testing of the Midea Flexify French Door Air Fryer, I found that I was more prone to burning my forearms when I reached inside to adjust or remove food. Also, aesthetically, I don’t find this design to be as attractive as the conventional oven door. Even my husband (who hardly steps foot in the kitchen) commented that it didn’t look as nice as the Our Place Wonder Oven Pro I previously reviewed.

Another thing I noticed is that the accessories are, well, fiddly. Out of the three racks and one basket, only one locks into the oven. The others need to be stacked, sometimes two to three on top of each other. So, even though the oven is roomy, it feels like you may lose some space for actual food (though it does bill itself to have the largest air frying capacity in the French door oven market).

As for the controls, I was impressed with how simple and intuitive they are. With six buttons, you simply press power, press Mode, toggle through to your desired function using the Start/Stop knob, then use the Temp and Time buttons to personalize your cooking or toast shade. The digital display is easy to read.

Lastly, the Ninja Premier Air Fryer is compact and easily fits on my counter.

Specifications

Cooking Performance

Test 1: French Fries

Air frying 101 is always frozen French fries for me. So when my teen son woke up on his winter break at noon, and asked for lunch, I poured in half a bag of seasoned spuds and hit Air Fry at 400° Fahrenheit. The one thing I’ve learned about nearly every air fryer/toaster oven I’ve used is that it’s best to start on a lower temperature and ratchet up if need be. I’ve experienced way too many over-fried fries when I go for the full 450°F.

As mentioned earlier, the air fryer basket needs to be stacked on top of both the lower rack and the sheet pan, which made me worry that the hot air would not easily reach the bottom of the basket, and I’d have to stand there and keep shaking it. But, lo and behold, after just 12 minutes and not a single shake, the fries emerged perfectly crispy. It may have been a little finicky to set up, but so far in all my air fryer testing, these were the most evenly cooked results yet.

Just to be sure I'd get similar results with a larger batch, I later took a full bag of fries and filled that deep, 5-quart basket all the way up. I stuck with 400°F, and this time, I did shake them twice in the approximately 20 minutes of cook time, but I was left with the same excellent crispiness.

Test 2: Chicken

I make a ton of chicken. It’s my go-to for at least half of my family's weeknight dinners, and I almost always cook it in my air fryer. So to test, I opened a Trader Joe's package of two bone-in breasts and four legs and decided to use the Air Roast function at 400°F, which Ninja claims uses gentler, circulated hot air to crisp food without drying it out. And, from what I could see, that’s exactly what it does.

I was minimal with my preparations: No extra oil, just salt, pepper, and a little paprika. I set the timer for 30 minutes, and again, stacked all the accessories as suggested, though I did cover the sheet pan in foil so it would be easier to clean up the chicken grease after the fact. I turned the chicken once during the half hour, and when the oven dinged, I was left with what looked like slightly crispy, beautifully browned breasts and legs.

As with the French fries, I was impressed with the circulation of the hot air and how it evenly cooked all parts of the chicken with minimal intervention, keeping the inside moist as well.

Test 3: Vegetables

Cooking veggies in an air fryer is always a slight disappointment. I consistently have high hopes of mimicking restaurant-quality fried vegetables like zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower – but alas, in all the ovens I’ve used, that is still just a dream.

Here, I tried lightly spraying zucchini sticks with avocado oil and using the air fry function at 400 degrees, but per usual, the result was well-cooked, but only slightly crispy. My limp, homemade zucchini fries were yummy, but tasted more like they were broiled. A fine side dish, but not what I was hoping for.

What is it Like to Use?

Once plugged in, you just pick your function, time, and temp, and it’s all shown clearly on the oven’s easy-to-read LCD. Just press the large button to start and the on/off button to end. Even my super lazy teens mastered it in no time. I was also impressed with the quick, 90-second preheat.

As prefaced already, I was less crazy about the stacking of the accessories and still like the idea of locking in the air fryer basket and sheet pan, but after a few tries, I got used to it. And though I thought I wouldn’t be able to cook the same amount of food with the slightly smaller area, that never proved to be a problem throughout my testing.

The only thing I had to get used to was the outward swing of the doors, though maybe because I was used to it from my last dance with the Medea air fryer, there were no awkward burns. I did, however, have to rearrange a few things on my counter (my olive oil and where I kept my fresh garlic cloves) so the doors could swing fully open without hitting them.

How Does it Compare?

I have to admit, I’m a little flummoxed about whether or not I will move this to pole position for my everyday air fryer/oven. It does cook quicker and more evenly than my current favorite, the Our Place Wonder Oven Pro I reviewed, but the latter is definitely more attractive and better designed.

I’m also still not fully sold on the French door of theNinja French Door Premier Air Fryer, which ends up taking up space from other items on my countertop. But it smokes the Midea Flexify French Door Air Fryer in both looks, functions, and cooking results. However, it’s not cheap and is comparable in price to higher-end air fryers.

Cleaning, Maintenance & Storage

It took me a little time to get a handle on how best to keep all the aspects of this oven clean. As I do with all my multi-function air fryers, I wrapped the crumb tray in foil so I wouldn’t have to take it out after every use.

But because the sheet pan needed to be under the second wire rack if I was broiling, baking, or air frying, I also had to make sure that it was covered in foil if I didn’t want to clean it after every use, so that made it easier in general.

As for storage, the compact size allowed me to keep it on my counter, but if you have the space, you could easily store it away as well. All the accessories either went inside or on top of the oven.

Should You Buy It?

Like many Ninja appliances, the Premier Air Fryer is versatile. It’s crafted with everyday use in mind, and the fact that it toasts bread like a dedicated toaster makes it even more useful.

It’s small enough to fit under most counters, so a good purchase for apartment dwellers or anyone with a smaller kitchen. I also give it a shoutout for its large capacity air fryer basket, which can feed groups of hungry kids and which makes it perfect for parties or larger gatherings.

It offers simple, intuitive settings and functions, a compact footprint, and a generously-sized air fryer basket. I was also extremely impressed with how evenly it cooked most things, including regular, old toast.

My one complaint is its design, both the stacking of accessories inside the oven, as well as its decision to go with French doors rather than the more conventional design. And though I think Ninja is an innovative brand, I worry about its durability, as seen from its mixed online reviews and Better Business Bureau complaints.

In the end, however, if you’re looking for a multifunction air fryer/toaster oven for a smaller kitchen that can handle everyday cooking as well as shine during parties and larger gatherings, I’d suggest giving it a proper second look.

How We Test Air Fryers

Our team is made up of expert cooks, home economists, and experienced reviewers. If you're interested in what happens in the test kitchen, you'll find all the details on the 'how we test air fryers' page.

To give you the bullet points, we focus on exceptional cooking performance by air-frying frozen French fries, chicken, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within.

Ease of use is the best part of air frying, so our tests also evaluate the intuitiveness of the controls, basket design, instruction booklet, and the accuracy of recipe presets. We also make sure to explore any special features, like grilling and dehydrating, the capacity, cleaning, and durability.

Finally, when you're making a kitchen investment, price really matters, so we weigh up the air fryer's features and performance to see if it offers good value for money. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you choose an air fryer that looks stylish in your kitchen, as well as being reliable, efficient, and a joy to use.

Next delve into our best non-toxic air fryers.

It feels clichéd, but every January I promise myself to build better habits and get organized for the year ahead. When it comes to cooking, that doesn't just mean eating more vegetables; I'm determined to declutter my kitchen, invest in some non-toxic appliances, and take a healthier approach to cooking. With this in mind, I've been busy researching the best non-toxic air fryers, and I was thrilled to find out that the luxurious Typhur Dome 2 is discounted by $100 on Amazon.

It has to be said: even on sale, this particular air fryer is a hefty investment. Currently, it will set you back $399.95; without the discount, you can expect to pay $499. But, in her Typhur Dome air fryer review, our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia, proudly declared that it's 'worth every penny'. It's huge, non-toxic, and it's even backed by Brooklyn Beckham – so you will get a lot of bang for your buck with the Typhur Dome 2.

I don't often lean towards luxury appliances or buzzy A-lister endorsements, but the Typhur Dome 2 is hard to fault. With a uniquely wide, spacious basket, it's ideal for cooking family meals – or putting a meal prep routine into practice. I've been keen to start batch-cooking healthier recipes, and with no need to use oils or cooking sprays, I'll be on my way to fresh, hearty food in no time. In fact, I don't even need to preheat it, so I really can serve up nourishing meals in a matter of minutes.

There are 15 cooking modes to try, from toasting and grilling to baking, roasting, broiling, and, of course, air frying. The Typhur Dome 2 even offers dedicated settings for pizza, fries, bacon, and steak – and everything can be controlled using an app, so go about my other chores without worrying that my food will be over-cooked.

The Typhur Dome 2 won't just help me eat more healthily; thanks to its PFAS-free, ceramic non-stick interior, it will also make my home less toxic. Being able to replace multiple appliances – from a toaster oven to a grill – with one sleek, non-toxic option is something that I don't take for granted. It's no surprise that this air fryer is more of a luxury purchase than others, but I know it's worth the splurge.

'If you can afford it, you should absolutely buy it,' says Lydia in her review. 'The Typhur Dome 2 is the priciest model I've ever tested, so I was predisposed to be critical. However, it is also the quickest, most spacious, and easiest to use air fryer I've tried.' I'll be making the most of the Amazon discount and adding the Typhur Dome 2 to my countertop lineup, so I really can kickstart those healthy habits for 2026.

Shop More Non-Toxic Air Fryers

If you're starting the year off with a shiny new air fryer, you might be looking for some recipes to try. We asked Lydia exactly what to cook in an air fryer, and she served up some delicious ideas.

I don't know about you, but I'll always be impressed by a kitchen appliance that prioritizes versatility – particularly when it comes at an affordable price. If a piece of kitchenware can do the job of two or three other appliances, I'd say that it's money well spent; and while it's only just hit the shelves, I'm getting rather excited about the Gatebo Microwave Oven and Air Fryer from IKEA.

These days, it's the best air fryers and the best toaster ovens that usually take pride of place on our countertops, and you may wonder whether: do you really need a microwave. However, with a multifunctional appliance like IKEA's Gatebo Microwave Oven and Air Fryer, you can combine the practicality of a traditional microwave with the benefits of an air fryer and grill – saving all-important counter space while you're at it. Compact, contemporary, and at just $200, I have a feeling that it's about to sell out – and fast.

The microwave itself boasts 900 watts of power, with 10 preset cooking times and a defrost mode. But the big selling point of the IKEA Gatebo Microwave Oven of course, is that it also features an air fryer function (with a dedicated tray) plus a grill function, so you can easily get that smoky, oven-grilled flavor without the lengthy cooking time.

One of my goals this year is to nail my meal prep routine, and I think a countertop hero like this will make all the difference. Whether I'm air frying chicken thighs, grilling vegetables, or simply reheating leftovers, the IKEA Gatebo Microwave Oven can do it all. And since I've already stocked up on IKEA's glass food storage containers, I'll be ready to store my weekly meals in style.

Here at Homes & Gardens, we've tested countless microwaves, ovens, and air fryers, and we're always looking for appliances that provide a seamless blend of style and practicality. Although we haven't got our hands on IKEA's Gatebo Microwave Oven and Air Fryer just yet, it's safe to say that we were thrilled about its release: it's not every day that we spot a multifunctional appliance at such an unbeatable price.

What I love most about the IKEA's Microwave Oven and Air Fryer is its streamlined, contemporary look – which is ideal for my small kitchen. I'm definitely lacking in counter space, but I'd be delighted for this microwave oven to claim some of my precious kitchen real estate; and since it does the job of three appliances in one, it's a no-brainer.

Shop More Multifunctional Appliances

Want to really revolutionize your kitchen this year? We asked our Kitchen Editor to pick the most useful appliances she tested in 2025 – from air fryers to coffee machines and juicers,

The Typhur Sync Air Fryer is a solid workhorse that adds a layer of smart cooking technology with its built-in wireless thermometer. Sure, this boxy, shiny black countertop oven offers eight modes in addition to air frying, but its real superpower is simply and easily cooking things like meat, chicken and fish to the perfect temperature and result.

I’ve been testing the best non-toxic air fryers for years now. Though multi-function air fryer toaster ovens are usually more my speed (mainly due to the lack of space in my Brooklyn apartment), I was extremely tempted to keep the Typhur Sync Air Fryer in a prime spot on my counter.

I spent a week putting the Typhur Sync Air Fryer through its paces, and was impressed with how intuitive its controls were, how evenly the air frying feature worked, and most importantly, how its built-in temperature control allowed me to reliably cook things like a whole chicken.

Design & First Impressions

The Typhur Sync Air Fryer is fairly straightforward. It comes with a ceramic-coated PFAS-free air fryer basket, a silicone grill plate, and a wireless probe with a 5-point sensor. Once you unpack the sensor, you just place it into its magnetic case and plonk it onto the charging cradle on the top of the air fryer. You’ll need 30 minutes to completely charge it for the first time.

Though I wouldn’t call the unit small, it’s not oversized and easily fits under my countertop, though the generous 8-qt drawer holds a good amount of food. The Air Fryer Mode controls are touchscreen and light up when you press the power button. Just select a function, adjust the temperature using the arrows, and press start. Typhur suggests using the preheat button before cooking, which takes 4 minutes at 360 degrees with a medium fan. The Probe Mode controls also light up, but they are significantly more complex, and I needed to consult the user manual to get a better understanding of how they work. It didn’t take long to get the gist, however, and I was able to manipulate them as soon as I took the probe out of its cover (more on this later).

Lastly, I downloaded the Typhur Sync Air Fryer companion app. No, you absolutely do not need it, but I did find that it helped me easily search for correct cook times. Also, it allowed me to wirelessly connect my device by pressing the power button for 3 seconds, so I could adjust settings and monitor the temperature from my phone. You can also send push notifications to your phone to let you know when your food is done, and it syncs with the probe when it's in use.

Specifications

Cooking Performance

Test 1: French fries

Testing air fryers is the perfect excuse to eat French fries. Yet, not all air-fried fries are worth the calories. Thankfully, the Typhur Sync Air Fryer is an excellent vessel for what is, hands down, my favorite type of potato. I used the preheat button first, since the manual specifically recommends this for frozen foods.

I used crinkle-cut fries for this test and, after four minutes of preheating, poured a single layer over the grill plate. The default temperature for Air Fry is 360 degrees, so I kept that and checked the app, which suggested a 25-minute timer. The one thing I have learned is that shaking your fries at least twice is the best way to ensure an even cook. So I did. And after about 20 minutes, I opened the drawer to find my lightly browned, gorgeously crispy fries. Per usual, I popped a few in my mouth, then poured the rest into a bowl to feed my teenage sons. This was most definitely a crowd pleaser.

Because the drawer is so deep, I decided to buck my usual one-layer rule and fill it halfway with the crinkle-cut beauties. This time, I ratcheted up the timer to 35 minutes and shook the fries an extra two times during cooking. This proffered the same great-looking, great-tasting fries, which means I can more comfortably cook for my family of four.

Test 2: Chicken Fingers

As always, I air-fried both breaded and unbreaded chicken, and this time, I went rogue and cooked them side-by-side, at the same time. First, I cut my chicken breast into fingers, then sprinkled jerk seasoning on half of them and sprayed them with my trusty avocado oil. The second batch I soaked in buttermilk, rolled in seasoned panko crumbs, and again, generously sprayed with oil.

Though it was tight, I was able to fit the entire 1.5 pounds of chicken fingers in one layer on the grill plate. When I checked the app, it suggested air frying at 355 degrees, and I set the timer at 30 minutes. About 15 minutes in, I pulled open the drawer to find both sides of fingers getting nicely browned on top, so I flipped them all over and put them back in.

As you can see, both types of chicken came out beautifully cooked, though I will say that I have never been able to craft restaurant-style fried chicken in an air fryer (unless I was re-crisping pre-fried, frozen food). But the panko was certainly not soggy, and the meat inside remained juicy. Plus, the larger-sized basket allowed me offer a varied dinner for adults and kids.

Test 3: Whole Chicken

As mentioned above, it’s Typhur’s built-in wireless temperature probe that makes the Sync Air Fryer so special. As soon as you remove it from its case, Probe Mode is automatically triggered, and you can set the wellness temperature directly on the air fryer controls (you can choose from rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, and well done). This is a fantastic option for meat, bone-in chicken breasts, and fish, and depending on what you choose, the probe will update your target temperature and alert you when it’s ready.

However, I decided to try what the company calls Smart Chicken Mode to roast an entire chicken. I kept it simple, massaging my bird with salt and pepper, then stuffing chopped herbs under the skin of the breast. I didn’t bother spraying it with oil, but just gently placed it in the air fryer basket breast down, and slid the probe into the deepest area I could find. I had to fiddle with the angle a few times to get the drawer to close, but it finally worked.

From there, I toggled to the Smart Chicken Mode preset and walked away. Typhur claims this mode works in three stages: a low and slow roast, a browning boost and finally, a rest. About 20 minutes in, I was alerted by my app to flip the chicken. Obviously, this is not the easiest task with a steaming hot whole chicken, but I grabbed my rubber oven gloves, slid out the probe, rather clumsily gave the bird a turn to breast side up, and reinserted the thermometer. Once I slid the drawer back in, it was just another 10 minutes or so before it was done.

The top of my chicken was a little blistered, but the rest was a gorgeous gold brown. And once I carved it up, my family was more than satisfied with how well it was cooked all the way through. I’m looking forward to making this easy recipe a weekly meal and even being able to put away leftovers for lunch.

Test 4: Roasted Vegetables

I tested this air fryer just before Thanksgiving, so I thought it prescient to try some sweet potatoes in the Typhur Sync Air Fryer. I recently tried Misfits Market, the organic, sustainable subscription service for fresh produce and offbeat grocery products, so I was dying to use the flamboyant purple yams sitting on my countertop.

I cut them into quarter-sized slices, dressed them in salt, and sprayed them with just a few spritzes of olive oil. Then I laid them in a single layer on the grill plate and set the air fryer option to 390 degrees. One good shake and 15 minutes yielded some very pretty, and extremely tasty potato discs, which were crunchy on the outside and properly fluffy on the inside. Even my husband, who consistently eschews any type of non-white potato, was popping them in his mouth.

Cleaning & Storage

Hallelujah! All of the Typhur Sync Air Fryer accessories are dishwasher safe. And that even includes the temperature probe. And let me tell you, after cooking a whole chicken in there, the drawer and grill plate needed a thorough cleaning, so all the better that I didn’t have to handwash the grease off them (though you certainly can if you don’t want to wait to run the dishwasher).

My Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The temperature probe is a unique feature, and I have never felt confident preparing an entire chicken in an air fryer before this – not even in my larger, multifunction air fryer toaster oven. My only complaint? I had to make toast using the Bake function and flip it halfway through. My hope is to get my hands on the upgraded Typhur Sync 12-in-1 Multi-Function Oven from Amazon, which includes the probe and a toaster function, though it does cost a good deal more.

At the current price of just $160, I would wholeheartedly suggest looking into the Typhur Sync Air Fryer, which gives you all the perks of precise air frying along with an excellent array of high-end features, and plenty of capacity for feeding a family.

How We Test Air Fryers

Trained cook and Kitchen Appliance Editor at Homes & Gardens, Lydia Hayman, leads our team of expert testers to find the best air fryers for real home cooks.

We're looking for exceptionally crispy cooking performance, speed, ease of use, capacity, versatility, reliability, and good value for money (we give extra points to the best non-toxic air fryers, too).

The tests are standardized across our team and each product to ensure each review is fair and unbiased. You can read more details about how we test air fryers, so you can trust our results.

I love the holidays, I tell myself with a wry smile. Truly, I do. But as the principal cook in my household, the festive season can quickly tip from joyful to chaotic. With casseroles to feed a crowd, cookies vanishing faster than I can bake them, and snacks constantly on demand, the kitchen often feels like a whirlwind.

Enter the Midea Flexify French Door Air Fryer Oven, now $139.87 in the Amazon sales(ending tonight). Sleeker and more refined than typical black-plastic models (and proudly featured in our guide to the best non-toxic air fryers), it is fast, surprisingly spacious, and delightfully accessible. It’s a holiday hero, stepping in when kitchen demands surge – and, I’ll admit, it’s even prettier than my main oven.

Our expert air fryer tester, Tobey, first tested this appliance, and she won me over with her five-star Midea Flexify review. Her photograph of Frozen crinkle-cut fries turning to crispy, golden-brown perfection (with zero oil, might I add) is pretty mouth-watering stuff.

I've had similarly crispy, golden results on holiday cookies, and I made mozzarella sticks last night. They were crispy and oozing inside in 8 minutes, and were quickly gobbled up by the crowd at my house.

Salmon is a weekday staple in my house, too. I've been able to pop six fillets in the Midea Flexify air fryer, give them a light spritz of oil (I use the high-heat avocado spray from La Tourangelle), and have them perfectly cooked and fall-apart flaky in 12 minutes. I serve with microwave rice and salad. It's that easy to make healthy family meals to cut through the holiday indulgence and keep me away from the takeout temptation.

There are two extras I definitely recommend stocking up on if you're air frying your way through the holidays. First, plenty of aluminum foil to cover the crumb tray (it makes cleaning up a hundred times easier). Second, pre-cut parchment paper from Amazon, so you're always ready to bake.

More Holiday Hosting Hacks Our Team Swears By (Now on Sale)

Over the years, our team has developed some kitchen shortcuts to help me out during the busy holiday period. I asked our editors on the Living section, and they swear by these products when the family is home for the holidays.

An air fryer is not just for Christmas. Last January, I was researching the best non-toxic air fryers, and while I was at it, I gathered top nutritionists' air-fryer secrets for healthier cooking.

If you’re already thinking ahead to New Year’s health kicks, the Midea Flexify is a game-changer. But ignore me if you’re not ready to think about anything other than holiday cookies.

Jamie Oliver, the British chef who shot to fame with The Naked Chef back in 1999 and became a household name thanks to his simple, accessible approach to cooking, has teamed up with Tefal to create his very own air fryer – the Tefal Easy Fry. And we’ve spotted it in the Argos sale, now just £99, making it one of the most tempting kitchen gadgets of the season. Air fryers have gone from a niche appliance to an essential countertop companion almost overnight, and it seems like everyone, from busy parents to food enthusiasts, is eager to get their hands on one. They promise crisp, golden results with far less oil, and in a world where convenience often trumps tradition, it’s easy to see the appeal.

Of course, not everyone is convinced. Some cooks prefer the familiar feel of a pan sizzling on the hob or a tray roasting in the oven, and there’s an argument to be made for sticking to classic methods. But when it comes to the best non-toxic air fryers, this one is exceptional. Jamie Oliver has lent his name to it, and with £100 off in the Argos Sale, it’s more approachable than ever.

If you’ve ever wondered what all the fuss is about, this is your chance to see for yourself. The Jamie Oliver Tefal Easy Fry is effortless, versatile, and surprisingly addictive to use. From crisp fries and roasted vegetables to more adventurous recipes like sticky aubergine noodles from Jamie's cookbook (currently on sale for £13 via Amazon), it makes healthy, flavour-packed meals feel simple and fun. For £99, it’s a no-brainer addition to your kitchen, and once you try it, you’ll probably find yourself reaching for it every day.

This air fryer makes a fantastic gift for a whole range of people. It’s perfect for busy parents juggling school runs and dinners, students who want fuss-free meals without relying on takeout, or newlyweds setting up their first kitchen. It’s ideal for anyone who loves experimenting with new recipes, is a fan of healthy eating, or just wants to add a little convenience to their cooking routine. It would also delight foodies who admire Jamie Oliver, aspiring cooks trying to recreate his cookbook recipes, or even grandparents who want a simple way to whip up a quick, tasty meal.

And if you’re treating yourself rather than gifting it to someone else, don’t forget the little extras that make life easier. An air fryer cleaner, like the Dew Air Fryer Cleaner Bundle, is a game-changer for keeping your appliance in top condition.

Everyday Airfryers That Elevate Your Cooking

If you’re wondering what to cook in an air fryer, the answer is practically everything, from crispy fries and roasted veggies to baked oats and so much more. The Jamie Oliver Tefal Easy Fry opens up a world of possibilities, making it easy to experiment, try new flavours, and keep everyday meals exciting.

I have been using an air fryer toaster oven for over five years now. And for the most part, I choose it over my primary oven. As a reviewer with over 15 years' experience of testing kitchen appliances, I’ve cycled through an array of the best non-toxic air fryers, and simply put, the Wonder Oven Pro is the best I’ve used yet.

The original Our Place Wonder Oven captivated many culinary-minded imaginations. Dubbed the 'adult Easy Bake Oven,' it’s cute, it’s pretty, and it went viral on TikTok before selling out in about a week. But as the tester noted in her review, it’s also extremely compact and has a clumsy, analog timer. It might be a good fit for smaller households, but it didn’t feel right for feeding my larger family.

Not only is the new Wonder Oven Pro bigger (large enough to fit a whole chicken or up to three racks), but it also offers a more optimized convection fan for better air frying, along with simple, intuitive touch controls. Plus, it has two extra functions, bringing the total up to 8. But the real beauty of this oven, other than its five, elegant matte colors, is how well it does just about everything. From baking and roasting, to air frying and broiling, to toasting and dehydrating, I put the Wonder Oven Pro through its paces. Here’s why I’m keeping it in pole position on my kitchen counter (for now).

Specifications

Design & First Impressions

I ordered the Wonder Oven Pro in Pistachio, which is a muted mint green that perfectly matches my kitchen tiles. This is one good-looking appliance. As mentioned, it’s a more substantial product than the original Wonder Oven but yet, it also took up less room than the Midea Flexify French Door Air Fryer that I was using before.

Unpacking yielded a handful of accessories, including an air fryer basket, two racks, and a crumb tray made of steel. The back pan is cast aluminum, and like all of Our Place’s cooking products, its non-stick coating is also non-toxic.

The digital controls make the entire thing nearly idiot-proof, and I didn’t even bother to read the instruction manual before I started cooking. Once you tap the power button, all the other functions light up. Just choose from the touchscreen, then adjust the temperature and time with a tap and a turn of the only dial on the oven. It’s funny how something as simple as an innate interface can have such an impact, but it does.

You’ll also notice a round hole with a cap on the top left side of the oven. This is the inlet for the steam-infusion feature. The idea is to pour water into the inlet, which will, in turn, help keep meat and poultry juicier, breads fluffier, and pastries flakier. More on that later.

Cooking Performance

Test 1: French Fries

Frozen French fries are always my first test, because the best air fryers should create crispy, restaurant-quality fries, which in the past came out limp from a conventional oven.

I used Trader Joe’s Handsome Cut Potato Fries, placed them in a single layer in the basket, set the air fryer at 450°F for 20 minutes, and walked away. This was my mistake – the oven cooks way more quickly and powerfully than expected, so the fries burnt and my son rejected them immediately. So, back to the drawing board.

Next, I turned the oven down to 400°F for the same time and stayed close by. About halfway through, I shook the fries and after 20 minutes, I was rewarded by crispy, golden results. They were still a little dark in some places, but still totally teenager-approved.

Test 2: Chicken

Chicken fingers are always on the menu when I test a new multifunction oven, and the first batch was soaked in buttermilk, breaded with herbed panko, and sprayed with avocado oil before being laid in the basket.

I set the air fryer at 425°F for 35 minutes, and after five minutes, I added two capfuls of water to the steam inlet. This made a sizzling noise, but it didn’t blow a puff of steam within the oven that I could see.

I turned the chicken once halfway through, lowered the temperature to 375°F, and the fingers came out looking gorgeous. I can’t say whether the water helped, but the outside did stay crisp, keeping the inside juicy.

My next batch of fingers was sprinkled with salt and kebab seasoning, then sprayed lightly with avocado oil. I ratcheted the oven back up to the hottest 450°F temperature to air fry these. I like my chicken very crisp, so I let them cook for just over 20 minutes. If you prefer a lighter fry, you can either do 20 minutes at 450°F or 15 minutes at 450°F. They paired beautifully with puffy pita, hummus, salad, and a few drops of hot sauce.

Lastly, I decided to try my hand at chicken jerky. I thinly sliced a chicken breast, dusted it with Jamaican Jerk seasoning, and laid it out on a rack. Once I slid it in, I pressed the Dehydrator function, and it cooked it for 12 hours at a super low 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The final product was chewy, delicious, and all-natural. For anyone looking for a low-calorie, yummy way to add some lean protein to their diet, this fits the bill. And I had to stop both my sons from eating the entire batch in one day.

Test 3: Roasted Vegetables

I love my artichokes, and they are the perfect veggie to air fry. I used artichoke bottoms in this test, sprinkled them with salt and lemon juice, sprayed them lightly with olive oil, and spread them out in the basket. Again, I went full throttle and put them at 450°F and set the timer for 15 minutes. I had to keep an eagle eye on them because I wasn’t sure how long it would take for them to cook through, and they got golden brown at around the 10-minute mark.

This is a popular side dish in my home, slightly crispy yet meaty on the inside. This batch made an excellent finger food for a cocktail party. I like to cover them in a showy avalanche of Parmesan cheese and pair them with toothpicks for easy eating when I serve them to company.

Test 4: Focaccia

To try one of the new extra features, I decided to make focaccia from scratch. After refrigerating the dough for 24 hours, I laid it out in the non-stick bake tray and set the Wonder Oven Pr to Proof for an hour. This was absolute magic, and it rose the perfect amount so I could use my fingertips to dimple the dough before adding a mixture of olive oil, salt, chopped thyme, and water to the top.

In the meantime, I switched the Wonder Oven Pro to bake at 450°F, poured three capfuls of water into the steam inlet, and put it back in for 25 minutes. Out came piping hot, homemade focaccia with a golden top and springy, plush insides. This was gobbled up within an hour, but now that I know how easy it is, as long as I have a day’s notice, I can put it on repeat.

Cleaning, Maintenance & Storage

My go-to cleaning cheat for any multifunction oven is to cover the crumb tray in aluminum foil, so I can just take it off and toss it instead of cleaning after every use. This has consistently served my lazy cleaning gene and works just as well here. Unfortunately, that’s where the shortcuts end. Every other accessory must be handwashed, though I’m aching to put the stainless steel racks on a gentle cycle in the dishwasher.

I also tend to put a piece of towel paper on the inside of the door when it’s opened and I’m pulling out a rack, just to catch any grease or crumbs before it gets stuck on the glass. This is especially helpful when I’m taking out bacon or anything breaded. However, you can also just clean it with some glass cleaner and a soft cloth.

As for storage, I’d guess that if you’re spending the money for this larger, higher priced oven, you won’t want to put it away in your cupboard. The Wonder Oven Pro was made to show off (especially in my pretty Pistachio). And even though it’s a hardworking kitchen appliance, it should fit gracefully under most standard kitchen counters.

How Does it Compare?

As you can see from the picture above, the original Wonder Oven is undeniably cute, but it’s nowhere near as advanced as the new Wonder Oven Pro. The older model features analogue dials – charmingly retro, but not ideal for precision. We found it difficult to set accurate cooking times, which is essential when baking something like fish or chicken. It’s also on the smaller side, best suited to one or two people, whereas the new model makes far better use of space. It’s still compact, but now capable of serving a crowd.

If you’re after a more affordable, straightforward fryer that delivers quick results every time, I’d recommend choosing a small-basket air fryer – like our favorite, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro – instead. But if you want an oven that multitasks like a pro and looks good while doing it, the Wonder Oven Pro is the one to beat.

Should You Buy The Wonder Oven Pro?

I’ll admit it: I didn’t expect to like this oven – in its cute, retro design and chic matte colors – as much as I did. But it truly won me over with its pitch-perfect touchscreen, eight cooking modes, powerful convection fan, and steam-infusion features. It’s big enough to cook for a family, yet compact enough to tuck neatly into a countertop corner.

At around $350, the price tag is a little toppy (unless it's on sale), but given its size, versatility, and performance compared to similar models on the market, it offers good value for money. The results were crispier, faster, and more impressive than I expected, and it's non-toxic. Really, what more can you ask for?

How We Test Air Fryers

To test the best air fryers on the market, we focus on exceptional cooking performance. Our team is made up of expert cooks, home economists, and experienced reviewers, We rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen French fries, chicken, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Our team has already tested the market leaders, so we know the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is the best part of air frying, so our tests also evaluate the intuitiveness of the controls, basket design, instruction booklet and the accuracy of recipe presets. We also make sure to explore any special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess the versatility. While we're cooking, we make notes on capacity – essential knowledge if you're looking for a family-sized air fryer.

Cleaning up can be a hassle, so we check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. We also examine for non-toxic materials (stainless steel racks, or PFAS-free crisper baskets) and assess their durability.

After testing, we scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction. If a product is brand new to the market, we make sure to carry out long-term testing and come back to our review after 6 months to add more opinions and fill out the customer ratings section.

Finally, when you're making a kitchen investment, price really matters, so we weigh up the air fryer's features and performance to see if it offers good value for money. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you choose an air fryer that looks stylish in your kitchen, as well as being reliable, efficient, and a joy to use.

When the days get shorter and darker, I find it harder to eat well. By 6 pm, I’m craving takeout and the couch.

Some appliances are designed to make healthy habits easier and more sustainable. Now discounted, the $49.95 the Bella FitsAnywhere Air Fryer is one of them.

Petite, practical, and impressively priced, it’s one of the best non-toxic air fryers our experts have tested. The ceramic EverGood coating lets you crisp vegetables and proteins with minimal oil – and clean up in minutes. No takeout bill, no guilt.

Our expert air fryer tester, Tobey, tested this one for us, and she sang a lot of praise in her Bella FitsAnywhere Air Fryer review. She says: 'I first noticed this air fryer on Demi Lovato's countertop. It looked tiny in her spacious kitchen. I can confirm, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a low-cost, space-saving way to air fry.'

When I asked nutritionists to reveal their air fryer secrets for healthier cooking, they all recommended air frying for quick vegetables and crispy proteins.

The Bella FitsAnywhere Air Fryer easily crisps vegetables, chicken, and tofu in under 15 minutes, helping you eat a more balanced diet. (Top tip: cut veggies into thick chunks, as this model cooks fast and can burn thin slices if you don't keep an eye out).

'Not only does it cook well, it looks great with its soft, rounded edges and colorful options,' Tobey adds, 'It also slips under cabinets and into tight corners, which is great for small kitchens. After a month of testing, I even sent it with my son to college.

Tobey says in her experience, it's best for serving one or two adults, but you can look to the 6-quart Bella FitsAnywhere Air Fryer (also on sale at Walmart) if you need to serve a larger family of four or five.

Our favorite non-toxic air fryers, tried and tested

If you need something larger than this slim, speedy air fryer, you might need to pay a little extra, but these air fryers are reliable options we love (and some are on sale, too).

At just $49.95 for Amazon Prime Day (ending tonight at 11:59pm) this little appliance can pay for itself in a single week of skipping takeout, making healthy, home-cooked meals not only quicker but also cheaper than delivery.

As a cook myself, I've come up with some ridiculously easy air fryer recipes I swear by when I'm tired or busy (like chocolate peanut air-fried bananas and crispy chickpeas), if you need some healthy meal inspiration to get you started.

As a chef and cookware tester, I try hundreds of appliances every year – but very few earn a permanent spot in my kitchen. I only keep kitchenware that genuinely makes my life easier (or my cooking better).

The Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer (now 43% off at Amazon) is one of those rare finds. Lightning fast with powerful crisping power (even better than my actual oven), and spacious capacity.

If you’re looking for one of the best non-toxic air fryers that can handle full family-sized meals and help you out with the dinner rush, this is the one to get.

First off, I use the Typhur Dome 2 air fryer almost every day – not just when I’m hosting fall family sundays. It’s so fast, there’s no need to preheat, and the results are consistently crisp and even.

When I’m hosting, that extra-wide basket is a saviour. It fits a full tray of roast potatoes or vegetables, freeing up my oven for the main course or sides. The low-rise, wide design gives everything space to brown evenly, whether it’s crisping veg or grilling a dish of mac n' cheese to bubbling perfection. It’s also impressively quiet – it never interrupts the flow of conversation when I’ve got people over.

On weekdays, I’ll fill a medium roasting pan with diced vegetables, place it in the Typhur Dome drawer, and roast them for 8-10 minutes until golden. Then I toss in couscous, chickpeas, tomatoes, halloumi, pine nuts, and a spritz of EVOO spray – and five minutes later, I’ve got a golden traybake. I switch up the vegetables and proteins each week. It’s a midweek meal hack that I won't stop talking about.

With 15 cooking modes – including Air Fry, Toast, Grill, Bake, Griddle, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, and Reheat – the Typhur Dome is versatile. It even syncs with an app, so you can monitor cooking progress and get alerts when dinner’s ready (handy, if your eye is distracted by bubbling pots and pans).

Unlike many air fryers which have Teflon coatings, the Typhur Dome has a PFAS-free ceramic crisper plate. You can read more about why that matters in our best non-toxic air fryer buying guide.

Other hosting essentials I love

If you're looking for ease and scale when it comes to holiday hosting or meal-prepping, I rate these cookware gadgets and pantry staples, too. Some are on sale, too.

Yes, it’s pricey, even in the sale. But the Typhur Dome 2 can replace your oven, toaster, pizza oven, microwave, and grill, while being PFAS-free. For me, that combination of performance, capacity, and safety justifies the cost.

If you're keen on these kinds of cooking hacks, Living content editor Martha has tracked down some genius kitchen finds on Amazon, too.

I first noticed the Bella Fits-Anywhere Air Fryer on Demi Lovato's countertop. It looked tiny in her spacious kitchen, so I was curious to see how it would perform in a real-world setting – specifically, my Brooklyn apartment.

Well, it certainly lives up to its 'Fits-Anywhere' name; this air fryer is slim, sleek, and designed to slide effortlessly into tight spaces. But unlike some of the best non-toxic air fryers our team has tested, this model isn’t especially versatile. As a writer and product reviewer with over two decades of experience (and someone who tested the first-ever Philips air fryer back in 2015), I tend to gravitate toward multi-functional air fryer/toaster ovens that can tackle a wider range of cooking tasks.

With an extra-deep PFAS-free (non-toxic, to you and I) ceramic-coated basket, six one-touch presets, and a surprisingly quiet fan, it’s built to do one thing well: air fry. During my month of testing, I even brought it along on a girls’ trip where counter space was limited, and this fall, I’ll be sending it off with my son for his college dorm – proof of just how portable and practical it is. You can see it in Demi's kitchen on TikTok, too.

Specifications

• Size: 11.14 H x 8.22 W x 14.56 D inches
• Capacity: 4 quarts (also available in 6 quarts)
• Weight: 7.27 lbs
• Cooking modes: Air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate
• Materials: Heat-resistant plastic body and EverGood™ Ceramic non-stick coating
• Color options: Seaglass green, Blossom pink, Oatmilk cream, Plum purple, Surf blue
• Retail price: $59.98 at Amazon

Design & first impressions

There’s no denying it: the Bella air fryer is pretty. With its heat-resistant, almost luminous, matte plastic body and rounded design, it’s also petite and extremely lightweight. And because it comes in five different colors (Oatmilk, Plum, Surf, Blossom and Seaglass), you can match it to your kitchen decor as well. I chose the minty Seglass color, which works beautifully with my light green tiles and grey countertops. It also easily fits under standard cabinets, with room to spare, which makes it an excellent choice for college dorms or studio apartments.

It comes with a long, 4-quart basket with an easy-to-grip handle and a crisping tray, which simply inserts. Turn it upside down and you’ll find a clever, indented circle, which allows you to store the cord away or even shorten it if you so desire.

Best of all, the basket is crafted from what the company says is a proprietary ceramic nonstick coating that’s made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead and cadmium. This not only makes it a non-toxic air fryer, but also allows you to clean it up quickly.

What's it like to use?

The Bella Fits-Anywhere Air Fryer is pretty straightforward to use. It has a small digital screen and six preset buttons, all located directly above the drawer. In addition to Air Fry, you can Bake, Roast, Broil, Reheat and Dehydrate.

After you choose your cooking preset (I didn’t use anything other than Air Fry more than once), you can press the single Time/Temperature button to adjust both features using the plus and minus buttons on either side. This step is not so intuitive, and I had to check the included instructions to figure it out.

Bella uses a 1300-Watt heating coil at the top of the drawer and a fan to distribute the air. I found that it heated up quickly, though I ended up sticking to the default of 20 minutes at 400 degrees most of the time, checking my food often by opening the drawer and giving it a shake to redistribute. Because there’s no window to monitor cooking, this seemed easier than guessing how long something would take to crisp up.

Cooking performance

Test 1: Frozen French Fries

French fries are always our first go-to when we test the best air fryers, and I decided to use the thicker, crinkle-cut type. The food gets layered on top of the crisping tray, and as per the instruction manual, I did not overfill the basket. But, that also meant I could only fit about a third of the package of fries, which doesn't go very far if you’re cooking for more than one person (even less if you’re cooking for two teen boys).

I hit the Air Fry button, stuck with the 20 minutes at 400 degrees and pressed start. The first time, I made the mistake of walking away and coming back when the timer went off. This left me with overcooked, burnt fries and I learned my lesson. Once I refilled the basket, I stayed next to the air fryer and shook the fries about every five minutes. It took approximately 15 minutes to turn crispy and golden brown on the outside, while staying light and fluffy on the inside.

Test 2: Vegetables

I also had to try twice with my vegetables. Originally, I used the same thin, uniformly sliced zucchini, onion and jalapenos that I tested with the Midea air fryer, oven sprayed with avocado oil and sprinkled with salt, though I did take the temperature down to 350°F. After about 8 minutes, they were hot, but not crispy. Yet after 12 minutes, they were too crispy and nearly burnt. The difference was the deeper basket, which required thicker-cut vegetables in order to cook evenly.

The second time, I sliced a pepper and some onions, and put them in at 400°F for 20 minutes. After shaking them twice and cooking them on Air Fry for 13 minutes, they were beautifully air-fried, sweet and delicious.

Test 3: Chicken

I make chicken on a weekly basis at home. For the Bella Fits-Anywhere Air Fryer, I cut chicken breast into thick strips, sprayed them with high smoke point oil (I love this avocado oil from La Tourangelle and it's only $5 at Amazon) and sprinkled them with kebab seasoning. Again, I set it for 20 minutes at 400 degrees and checked in with them every five minutes for a shake.

This was simple because after the timer went off, I had beautifully browned, crispy chicken fingers that stayed nice and juicy on the inside. I could throw them in a pita, on a salad or serve for a family dinner with rice and veggies.

Breaded, frozen chicken fingers were next up and I made sure to use four different sized pieces for this test. I didn’t use any extra oil and again put them in for 20 minutes at 400°F with a few basket shakes in between. The result was perfectly moist tenders with a crunchy crust.

Cleaning & Storage

Because the Bella Fits-Anywhere Air Fryer basket and crisping tray are made from non-stick ingredients, cleaning is not tough. But you do need to clean them both thoroughly after every use. I just lifted the crisping tray out of the basket and washed both elements with hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Even baked-on grease was fairly easy to remove. You can also put the crisping tray on the top rack of a dishwasher if you’d prefer – just don’t use any harsh detergents.

As for storage, the best part of the Bella Fits-Anywhere air fryer is that it does just that. I kept it out on my counter and was pleased with how little space it took up. Because it’s so lightweight, you can also easily stow it away and bring it out when you need it. I even threw it in my car and took it upstate to Woodstock, NY with me when I went on a girls’ holiday.

How does it rate online?

The Bella Fits-Anywhere Air Fryer gets 4.5 stars on Amazon, with 80% giving it a 5-star review. Most users fawned over its attractive looks, small size and excellent performance, though some were initially confused that they had to change the time and/or temperature before they hit Start (just like me).

According to one user, 'When I unboxed it and tried to turn it on after washing the tray + metal insert, I got frustrated because I couldn’t figure out why the time and temperature buttons weren’t working. The part that says ‘time/temp’ is a button itself… You have to press that first, then you can choose the time or temperature with the plus and minus buttons.'

Another user was thrilled with its ease of use and design, saying 'I’ve been using it for six months and I love it. Easy to use, easy to clean up after. My coffee maker is taller than it is. Can cook enough food for two people. The modern sleek design fits perfect in my small kitchen, though if you have a big kitchen, it would fit perfect in there too.'

But most of all, Amazon reviewers appreciated that it is both stylish and efficient. However, it was noted that crowding the basket with too much food would affect the cooking performance.

How does it compare?

If you’re looking for a space-saving air fryer, instead of more versatile toaster oven options like the Midea Flexify French Door Air Fryer Oven, the Bella Fits-Anywhere Air Fryer is an excellent choice for design and efficiency.

However, if you opt for performance over style and budget, we suggest checking our best air fryer 2025, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro. It’s slightly wider and larger capacity, but its 5-quart basket easily handles enough food for a family of 3-4, and it always cooks things evenly and quickly. It is well-priced for the performance (though still nearly double the price of the Bella Fits-Anywhere Air Fryer, unless it's on sale).

Should you buy it?

The Bella Fits-Anywhere Air Fryer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a low-cost and space-saving way to air fry. Not only is it great-looking, with its array of colors and soft, rounded edges, but it easily fits under cabinets and into tight corners. I would especially suggest it for dorm rooms or small apartments; I plan on sending it with my son to university come September.

Though its 4-quart basket doesn’t generally cook for more than two adults, it can easily crisp up frozen French fries, chicken and tofu, and help you eat more vegetables if you make sure to cut them thicker or in bigger chunks. You will have to monitor your food as it cooks by pulling out the drawer, but that’s par for the course for most air fryers. All in all, I think it is a perfect air fryer for beginners, students and those looking for clever small kitchen ideas.

As a kitchen product tester, one of the most common questions I get asked is 'What is your favorite appliance?' My go-to recommendation is always one of the best air fryers – they’re a game-changer for saving time in the kitchen. I use mine weekly to whip up quick salmon, roasted vegetables, and homemade fries. However, the response I often hear is: 'I’d love an air fryer, but I just don’t have the space!'

That's where small air fryers step in.... with a couple of caveats. For those cooking for one or two people, a mini air fryer is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for double portions of salmon, chicken, or a hearty side of fries. That said, I wouldn’t really recommend anything under 4 quarts unless you’re okay with cooking very small servings at a time.

Before buying, think carefully about what and how you plan to cook. If you’re asking 'are small air fryers worth it?' the answer is a resounding yes. Below, I’ll go into all the details and break down the pros and cons, so you can decide if a compact air fryer is the right fit for your kitchen and cooking style.

What is a small air fryer?

Small air fryers typically range from 2-4 quarts. I personally recommend a 4-quart capacity, as this will suit most individuals or couples. You will be able to cook 2-3 portions of fish, chicken, vegetables, goujons, fries or mozzarella sticks (not all at the same time, of course!) whereas the lower capacities will be more limiting.

The next thing to note, is that small air fryers tend to lack more versatile features like grilling or dehydrating. They are basic, but ideal for quick crisping or roasting tasks. If you just want an air fryer to help you out with simple side dishes or roasted proteins, a small air fryer should suit you just fine.

If you want to cook bigger portions for a larger family, you'll want to look at a medium or large air fryer (ranging from 5 to 7 quarts). This size allows you to feed around 4-5 people. They tend to come with more functions (like max-crisping or baking), so they have more versatility and can provide better value for money, but they naturally take up more countertop space.

Best Small Air Fryers 2025

There are lots of small air fryers on the market. I don't tend to recommend the 2-quart models, since they really are tiny. These are my top three small air fryers for crispy, delicious food.

What are the benefits of small air fryers?

• They don't hog counter space. Small air fryers are a practical choice for petite kitchens. 
• Can hide in cupboards. If you don't want a bulky air fryer cluttering your kitchen design, smaller air fryers can be tucked away in a kitchen cupboard.
• Very quick: Small air fryers heat up rapidly and cook food faster than large air fryers or combi ovens.
• Lower price: With a smaller size often comes a more affordable price tag, making these air fryers budget-friendly.
• Ideal for snacks: If you just want to cook small portions of crispy chickpeas or single-serve desserts, a small air fryer is really all you need.
• Great for beginners: Their simple functions make them an ideal choice for those new to air frying in general.
• Nice for students: Perfect for dorm rooms or small apartments, compact air fryers offer students an easy, space-saving way to prepare meals.

What are the disadvantages of small air fryers?

• Lack versatility. If you're interested in using your air fryer to make fruit chips, baked desserts, or grilled cheese, you'll want a larger more multifunctional machine. Small air fryers are pretty basic.
• Can't feed a crowd. Small air fryers suit couples or individual eaters. If you want to feed a family, you'll be better off with a large capacity air fryer.
• Limiting. You might not need to make large portions on a daily basis, but you might end up wanting to use your air fryer for a dinner party or batch-cooking session. It's always nice to have the space to scale up a recipe.

Can you get the best of both worlds?

This is my favorite question, because yes, you absolutely can. New models like the Ninja Double Stack are slender in shape, but offer up to 10 quarts in capacity, so you really get bang for your buck. If you're not quite convinced about the mini machines, it could be worth making space in your kitchen and budget for this option.

Our verdict: Is a small air fryer worth it?

If space is a concern but you still want the convenience of an air fryer, a small model is absolutely worth it – provided it suits your cooking needs. For individuals or couples, compact air fryers are perfect for preparing quick, delicious meals. Their smaller size not only saves counter space but also makes them energy-efficient, quick to use, and easy to store in cupboards when not in use.

That said, it’s essential to choose the right size for your personal needs. A model under 6 quarts might not be practical if you plan to cook larger portions or multiple components of a meal at once.

Before making your investment, think about what you’d like to cook and how much space you have to spare. Otherwise, you could always start with a small, affordable air fryer and scale up once you see how brilliant it is.

If you're interested in eating healthier, you'll likely have considered one of the best air fryers. These modern machines have been praised for using very little oil, creating super crispy vegetables, juicy proteins – and getting delicious food on the table quicker than a takeout order.

Certified nutritionist and dietician, Dr. Peter Brukner, says, 'Small changes in our cooking methods can lead to big improvements in our health. The air fryer is a fantastic tool for enjoying crispy foods without the extra calories.'

However, there are some 'do's and don'ts' you should follow to get the healthiest outcome from your air fryer. I've gathered some golden tips from nutritionists, dieticians, and healthy recipe developers, so you can air fry your way to a healthier New Year.

1. Avoid unrefined oils and light aerosol sprays

Most air fryer recipes call for a touch of oil to achieve that crispy finish. However, not all oils are considered healthy for air frying. Mackenzie Burgess, registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices says, 'Steer clear of unrefined oils like flaxseed or walnut oil for air frying, as they can break down under high heat, losing their health benefits and taste.' Dr. Bunker adds, ‘Oils like corn oil or soybean oil are not good for air frying because they can burn at high temperatures and create unhealthy substances.'

You might be tempted to use 'light' aerosol spray oils, but this is a terrible idea for your health. Air fryer chef and author of the Complete Air Fryer Cookbook Sam Milner, explains that these sprays contain an emulsifier called Lecithin, which 'slowly breaks down the coating on your air fryer' and can cause toxic chemicals to leach into your food.

2. Use avocado, olive or coconut oil instead

'Avocado oil has a high smoke point of about 520°F (271°C) which makes it ideal for high heat cooking,' says Tracee Yablon-Brenner, registered dietitian nutritionist and trained culinary professional. 'It is a neutral oil, so it is good for veggies, tofu, meat, and poultry, and it contains vitamin E, which is beneficial for heart and skin health.'

Yablon-Brenner also recommends extra virgin olive oil for its 'anti-inflammatory properties.' However, she warns that it has a medium smoke point of 'about 375°F (190°C) so be mindful not to go higher than 375°F when air frying.'

Finally, Yablon-Brenner recommends refined coconut oil – which sounds delicious. She says, 'Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT's) which may help support weight loss and provide energy. It is best to use it on foods which will compliment the coconut flavor such as sweet potatoes, squash, fish and chicken. Coconut oil is higher in saturated fat, so for people who have high cholesterol it should be used minimally.'

3. Meal prep your protein

Lindsey Malone, an instructor at Mandel Wellness & Preventive Care Pathway at the School of Medicine, says she uses her air fryer to prepare protein-rich meals for the week.

'Batch cooking chicken for the week is my favorite' says Lindsey. 'Thinly slice a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, generously coat with a rub (no added sugars), spray both sides with avocado oil spray, and cook at 400°F for about 8 minutes per side. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.' You can pair the chicken with broccoli and rice, use it in wraps, or add to salads.

I actually do the same thing with my breakfast, making protein-packed egg bites to eat throughout the week. The air fryer replicates the texture of fluffy, sous-vide eggs, the clean-up is minimal and there's no oil or butter needed. In under 10 minutes, you'll save yourself precious time, energy, and meal planning during the week – and effortlessly hit your daily protein intake.

4. Skip the ultra-processed foods

While air fryers are known for delivering crispy-fried textures, all the nutritionists I spoke to warn against ultra-processed foods like mozzarella sticks and chicken nuggets. Dietitian nutritionist, Tracee Yablon-Brenner, explains that these foods often contain unhealthy fats, excess sodium, and preservatives.

Instead, choose lean proteins, like fish, chicken, or turkey breast – as well as plenty of vegetables. You can add tons of flavor with natural spices and sauces. There's plenty of inspiration (including my favorite teriyaki salmon), in this chef's guide to cooking in the air fryer.

5. Go crazy on crispy, wholefood snacks

While it's best to avoid those nuggets and fries, Irene Astaficheva, health coach and founder of the Eated App, says that you can still use the air fryer for quick snacks. She suggests making crispy chickpeas in the air fryer, as 'they’re easy to prepare, satisfying, and packed with protein.' You can try other wholefoods, like nuts and edamame, too.

If you have a sweet tooth, you'll definitely want to check if your air fryer has a dehydrate function. This is brilliant for making healthy sweet snacks, like banana or apple chips with zero added sugar.

6. Get creative with vegetables

All the nutritionists I spoke to recommend eating a rainbow of vegetables, and this is where the air fryer really excels. Air frying is particularly suited to starchy vegetables, like potatoes, parsnips, and carrots, since it achieves a very crispy exterior and a soft interior. Think: crispy potato wedges or sweet potato chips.

I thoroughly recommend asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, tomatoes, and sprouts, too. You just need to coat them lightly in oil and a sprinkle of salt, but you can also add lemon, spices, or herbs for extra flavor.

7. Opt for non-toxic baskets and liners

Tracee Yablon-Brenner advises choosing air fryers with non-toxic basket linings to minimize potential health risks. The same goes for the best air fryer liners, which should always be BPA-free and food-safe.

Yablon-Brenner echoes my research into the best non-toxic air fryers, explaining that non-stick baskets can sometimes contain forever chemicals. She explains that these are 'endocrine disruptors that may affect hormones and cause developmental and reproductive health issues. To reduce risks, use air fryers made with ceramic or metal components instead of plastic parts, especially the basket that touches food.'

8. Remember: it's all about balance

Dr. Brukner reminds us that while air frying is a healthier cooking method, it’s not a cure-all. 'Air frying is not a magic fix. To really eat in a healthier way, it’s good to have a balanced diet with many whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.' In other words, not everything should be air fried. Don't forget the fresh salads, leafy greens, and fruit salsas!

By incorporating these nutritionist air fryer tips, like using avocado oil, meal-prepping that protein, and eating a rainbow of vegetables, you'll be well on your way to maintaining a healthy and delicious diet in 2025.

If you're brand new to air frying and need some more guidance, I've put together a beginner's guide to air frying, here.

I've used air fryers for years and I'm in charge of testing and reviewing them here at Homes & Gardens. That means, I know more about air frying than I ever thought possible. It's getting to the point where I end up talking about them at dinner parties, answering questions and queries from friends and strangers. Not that I'm complaining, it's one of my favorite subjects!

If you've received one of the best air fryers on the market for Christmas, I'm sure you've got a well-written instructions booklet that contains pretty much everything you need to know. But it's always nice to hear some tips from a human being. Here are all the air fryer FAQs I could think of, answered quickly and clearly. Trust me, once you make your first crispy creation, you'll never look back.

What can I cook in the air fryer?

This would be my first question, too. Air fryers are ideal for fast, healthy meals. They heat up in seconds, require minimal oil, and cook quickly.

They're ideal for crispy food. Much better than the oven, in my opinion. Think: French fries, potato wedges, mozarella sticks, fried chicken bites – that kind of thing. But air fryers can do so much more. They excel on proteins like baked tofu, flaky salmon and even breakfast eggs. I often use mine for vegetable side dishes, like roasted tomatoes, courgettes, asparagus, or carrots.

I even made a cake in my air fryer and it went pretty well. If you're looking for recipe inspiration, I've written a chef's guide to the dishes I always cook in the air fryer – from breakfast egg bites to reheated pizza.

How do air fryers work?

Air fryers work like mini convection ovens, circulating hot air to crisp up food quickly, with little to no oil. They use heating elements or coils which generate the heat, then a powerful, high-speed fan blows hot air around the food to cook it.

Do I need to use oil?

It actually depends on what you're cooking. If you're cooking proteins (like, chicken, fish or tofu) or vegetables, I recommend using a light spritz or brush of oil. Otherwise, they tend to dry out.

However, do not use 'light' oil sprays that contain an emulsifier called lecithin. This will slowly break down the coating on your air fryer. Just use olive oil instead, or buy a glass oil sprayer from Amazon and fill it with oil to make your own mist.

Brands like Philips say you don't need oil for frozen French fries, but I find it gives them an extra level of crispiness that I can't resist.

If you’re reheating foods, baking cookies, cakes or fruit, you don't need oil.

Do air fryers need to preheat?

Not all air fryers need to be preheated, so I'd recommend consulting your air fryer's manual to determine the specific guidelines. In most cases, preheating ensures more consistent, golden cooking results and typically takes just a few minutes.

Some speedy air fryers reach high temperatures in seconds anyway, so there's no need to get a head start.

What temperature should I use?

If you're following an oven recipe, you'll need to adjust the time and temperature to suit your air fryer.

You can actually get air fryer conversion tables on Amazon and stick them to your fridge (or hide them away in a cupboard) as a handy reminder. They explain the conversion for pretty much every ingredient you can think of, from bacon to butternut squash.

The general wisdom is that you need to reduce the air fryer temperature to 25°F below the oven temperature in your recipe, then reduce the cook time by 20%, too.

Should I get some air fryer liners?

They're not essential, but I really recommend them. The best air fryer liners not only provide a protective layer to your appliance, they catch residual cooking oil and crumbs to make cleaning quicker and easier. They're much better than tinfoil.

However, I don't recommend perforated paper liners – I go into more detail in my air fryer liner tests, but I found they made no difference to the clean up and actually posed a fire risk.

You could also invest in some silicone air fryer molds or ramekins to make egg bites or desserts. Molten lava cakes are possibly my favorite thing to cook in the air fryer!

Is it true that I need to shake or flip the food?

Again, this depends on which air fryer you're using. But in most cases, yes you do. Ingredients like French fries, sausages or vegetables benefit from shaking or flipping at least once or twice. It gets them evenly browned and crispy. It's actually pretty fun to do, but it does means you can't wander too far from your kitchen when you've got something in the air fryer.

Can you explain the air fryer settings?

If you're transitioning from oven to air fryer for the first time, you might be staring at all those buttons and thinking: 'what on earth?' Never fear, they're simple to navigate when you know how. Let me explain what each setting does. Not every air fryer will have the same options, but this covers the basics.

• Air Fry: The main function, ideal for achieving crispy or golden textures on foods like sausages, chicken, fries, and fish.
• Roast: A slightly lower temperature than air frying, which is nice for roasted vegetables or larger joints of meat.
• Bake: The best option for baking cakes and cookies. It's lower and not as intense as air fry.
• Dehydrate: A very low -heat setting that can slowly air-dry fruit and jerky.
• Reheat: Ideal for warming up leftover pizza until crispy and thoroughly hot.
• Max Crisp: I've mostly seen this on Ninja air fryers. It's a high heat setting for ultra-crispy textures, like fish cakes, fried chicken bites, and breaded food.

Can you use tinfoil in the air fryer?

Yes, if you use it correctly. I've written a full guide to using tinfoil in the air fryer safely, but these are the key takeaways. Make sure the foil doesn't float up and touch the heating element, don't cover your food with foil (it won't get crispy) and never combine acidic food with tinfoil (this causes chemicals to leach and you'll notice a metallic taste).

Are air fryers healthy?

If you want to cut back on the oil and fat in your food, air fryers are great for crisping it while not submerging it in fat. Air fryers are only as healthy as the food you cook in them, but you can be confident that they’re healthier than deep-fat fryers.

How should I clean my air fryer?

Learning how to clean an air fryer is essential for keeping your food as healthy as possible, and the best way to make your air fryer last longer. I asked air fryer chefs and kitchen cleaning experts to tell us exactly how it's done – you'll find all the steps in our guide to cleaning an air fryer safely.

I hope this guide is helpful for getting you started on your air fryer journey. Once you start cooking, you'll never look back. Perhaps next year, you'll be cooking your Christmas dinner in the air fryer.

The air fryer is my secret to being the perfect party host, without much effort at all. With the ability to save energy, cook crispy food quicker than traditional ovens, and save on washing up, it's a hero for low-effort Christmas or New Year celebrations.

One dish that can be easily elevated with an air fryer? The charcuterie board. The secret to a standout board lies in balance: blending sweet with savory, soft with crunchy, and classic with unexpected. The best air fryer can help you to achieve this harmony with ease.

From crunchy nuts to stunning homemade garnishes, this modern kitchen marvel takes your appetizers to a whole new level. As a chef, I’m excited to share my top tips for using your air fryer to create show-stopping charcuterie boards.

My edit of the best air fryers

If you're late to the air fryer party, these are the top three models from my best air fryer list. You can cook delicious dishes in any of these air fryers.

1. Air-fryer baked brie

Baked brie is a crowd-pleasing favorite, and the air fryer delivers that gooey center in record time. I preheat my air fryer to 350°F, then place the brie on parchment paper (which is the best air fryer liner for sticky foods). Once the air fryer is hot, place the brie into the basket and bake for around 7 minutes (or until heated through and gooey inside). Top with a sprig of fresh rosemary and serve alongside crusty bread, figs or crackers.

2. Sweet & spicy nuts

Nothing says cozy like a handful of warm, spiced nuts. With an air fryer, it’s effortless to toast almonds, pecans, or cashews to perfection. Toss two cups of nuts in a bowl with two tablespoons of melted butter, two tablespoons of maple syrup, a pinch of cayenne and salt. Place them on parchment paper, then air fry at 300°F for 10 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through. The result? A golden mix that adds warmth and crunch to your board.

3. Pantry Pasta Chips

A crunchy, unexpected twist. Boil your favorite short pasta (bowties and fusilli work wonderfully). Drain and let the steam run off the pasta until dry. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, a very generous pinch of salt, and a crack of pepper. Air fry at 390°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

The chips come out so crispy and delicious, you'd be tempted to eat them straight away, but they are even better finished with some grated parmesan. This one is my go-to when I'm making appetizers on short notice, since I always have pasta in my pantry.

4. Bacon ribbons

Air-fried bacon twists are my favorite thing to put on a charcuterie board. Take a pack of thick-cut bacon, lay them on parchment paper in the air fryer basket, and twist each slice into spirals. Air fry at 390°F for 8-9 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden. It's so quick, easy, and free from excess grease. They look like twirled holiday ribbons.

5. Dried orange slices

For an easy, natural charcuterie garnish, I use my air fryer to create dried orange slices. Thinly slice one or two oranges, then pat the slices dry with a paper towel. Arrange them in a single layer and air fry at 200°F for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are totally dry. The result is delicately crisp slices with a jewel-like color. Nestle them among your cheeses and meats.

Tips & tricks

To get the crispiest textures, make sure to preheat your air fryer before adding your ingredients. And to reap the rewards of the easy clean up, use parchment paper liners – but just make sure your food is weighty enough to keep the paper anchored to the basket, otherwise this can be a fire risk.

Finally, remember to shake the air fryer basket regularly for small fried ingredients, like the nuts or pasta chips. This will ensure an even, golden crispiness all-over.

Pair your crispy air-fried goodies and gooey baked cheese with cured meats, fresh fruits, and a few seasonal touches like dried oranges, sprigs of rosemary or fresh cranberries. It will be as beautiful as it is delicious.

Christmas dinner is one of the most anticipated meals of the year, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Between juggling oven space, timing multiple dishes to perfection, and dealing with endless washing up, even the most experienced hosts can feel the pressure.

Enter the air fryer – my secret weapon for a stress-free Christmas. This kitchen gadget not only saves time and effort, but delivers delicious, crispy results that will impress your guests. From the crispiest chicken skin to reheated crispy vegetables, these air fryer tricks will help you streamline your festive feast. And if you're already thinking about investing in one just in time for the holidays, we've included some of our tried and tested best air fryers here too.

1. Create air fryer crackling

My first Christmas air fryer hack (that I learned from my mom) is to remove the chicken skin after oven-roasting and place it in the air fryer for crispy, delicious crackling. This is so genius – it’s always my family’s favorite part of the meal!

While your chicken (or turkey) is resting, carefully remove the skin and lay it flat in the air fryer basket (careful not to overlap the pieces). Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes, then flip each piece with silicone tongs and cook for another 5 minutes, until perfectly crisped. No oil or deep-fat frying involved.

2. Roast your vegetables in the air fryer

Trust me, nobody wants boiled vegetables with their Christmas dinner. It’s universally agreed that the most delicious way to enjoy veggies is when they’re golden and crispy on the outside and tender within.

Thankfully, this is the air fryer’s bread and butter. For perfectly roasted carrots or parsnips, chop them into batons and toss with olive oil, a couple of tablespoons of honey, a pinch of salt and pepper. Line the air fryer basket with a parchment paper liner, add the carrots and roast at 180°C (350°F) for 18 minutes. Toss halfway through, until they’re beautifully caramelized and tender.

The same goes for Brussels sprouts: trim, peel away any browned outer leaves, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Place them in a lined air fryer basket, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. You could also add orange zest or bacon bits. Mix everything together with your hands to ensure an even coating, then air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or until golden, crispy, and soft inside.

3. Use your air fryer to reheat dishes

If you’ve made your carrots, sprouts, parsnips or sweet potatoes ahead of time, the air fryer is perfect for reheating them. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F), then place the veggies in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3–5 minutes, shaking halfway through, until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use the 'reheat' setting, if you have a Ninja air fryer that has one. It's a quick and foolproof way to bring your veggies back to life without losing their texture.

4. Cut down on greasy baking dishes by using parchment paper

Cleanup can be one of the worst parts of Christmas dinner, but here’s a simple air fryer trick: use parchment paper liners the air fryer. For example, I'm British and I used to roast my pigs in blankets in the oven, but I always found the clean up was a nightmare, the sausages always took longer than expected and hogged the precious space I needed for roast potatoes and chicken.

In the air fryer, pigs in blankets cook in just 15 minutes, turn out crispier and tastier, and – best of all – cleanup is a breeze. Lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper catches the grease and saves you from scrubbing a sticky, greasy baking dish afterward. You can simply discard the paper once your sausages are ready.

5. Air fry your stuffing balls

This is how I got into using my air fryer at Christmas. I ran out of oven space for a tray of stuffing, so I decided to roll the mixture into balls and air fry them instead.

You can prepare your stuffing well in advance, then, when you’re 15 minutes away from dishing up, pop the balls into the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) until golden and crispy. They’ll have a lovely crunchy exterior while staying soft on the inside.

H&G's edit of the best air fryers

If you're late to the air fryer party, these are the top three models from my best air fryer list. You can cook delicious dishes in any of these air fryers – they're not just for Christmas!

FAQS

Can you cook a Christmas turkey or chicken in the air fryer?

Honestly, I’m the biggest air fryer fan, but I wouldn’t recommend cooking a whole roast chicken in one. Unless you’re working with a very small chicken and the best air fryer for the job (like the Paris Rhone), I’d stick to the traditional oven method. This gives you plenty of space for onions, apples, lemons, and a generous splash of wine to create a delicious gravy – and ensures the meat stays moist and tender.

With these air fryer hacks, you’ll save time, space, and effort – so you can focus on enjoying a stress-free Christmas dinner with your family.

We've been covering the best Black Friday deals for the past few days and none of the prices have hugely changed. However, I was surprised to find a huge discount – in fact, the biggest we've ever seen – on the best air fryer we've tested, the 5-star Instant Vortex Plus for Cyber Monday. I was even more surprised this morning to see that the price is still up, so you may have a few more hours to grab this deal.

So, if you've had your eye on an air fryer in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, we recommend making the most of this excellent deal before Cyber Monday comes to a close.

Here's all you need to know about this air fryer, and whether or not this deal is worth the hype.

What's the deal?

Is the air fryer any good?

This air fryer excels at all the basics and has a couple of extra features that put it head and shoulders above air fryers of a similar type at a similar price point. We tested it alongside two Ninja air fryers and it blew them out of the water on every test, which is especially impressive given that those two air fryers also made it into our roundups of the best air fryers.

In her review, appliance expert Millie said 'Our finished fries were the crispiest and most evenly-cooked of the three air fryers we were testing', and it was a similar story when we tested it on vegetables, chicken, and bacon. It's slower than the Ninja air fryers but makes better food.

It does all of this quietly, never breaking 64dB, which puts it among the quietest air fryers we've tested. Even tiny features are useful; the control dials are on a slope, so you can place this air fryer right under a cabinet and see the time and temperature as you use it.

The bonus features are amazing, too. 'ClearCook' is a grand bit of jargon for a window and an internal light, but most air fryers don't include this as a feature, and it makes it much easier when cooking things like fries and vegetables which are easy to overcook in an air fryer.

Better than that, however, is the 'OdorEase' technology, which removes the smell of cooking food. In her review, expert appliance tester Millie said that 'Even odor-heavy foods such as bacon were not detectible in the air around the air fryer.' The only exception is a tiny smell when cooking moisture-heavy food like vegetables, but you have to get in close to the air fryer to smell this.

What are the drawbacks?

Before you take the plunge, there are a few drawbacks to bear in mind. The first is that it isn't non-toxic. That's not at all to say that this air fryer is dangerous, but that it uses a non-stick coating. If scratched, this coating can release PFOAs (also known as forever chemicals, as they remain in your body for life) that are linked to several health issues. However, this air fryer is no more dangerous than any other non-stick kitchen appliance or tool like a non-stick skillet or muffin tray.

Another drawback is a more general issue with air fryers, which is that the multiple functions are basically all the same. The 'air fry', 'roast', and 'bake' function all use one heating element to cook food at a high temperature. It's not a big issue, but don't think that this some hyper-versatile machine. It can do everything that other air fryers can.

This air fryer may not work for the biggest families, as it has one single air fryer drawer. That means it has half the capacity of two-drawer air fryers. The screen is easily marked with fingerprints, too. While listed as being dishwasher safe on Amazon, Instant recommends that you handwash it, which can be a pain.

However, those are all tiny technical issues. The actual performance of this air fryer can't be faulted. It makes good food fast - that's all you need from an air fryer.

Other deals

This page isn't an ad, and there are some other good deals that you should consider before you buy the Instant.

There's a surprising amount to know about air fryers and it can pay off to learn all the ins and outs. It's worth reading up on the best non-toxic air fryers if you're at all worried about PFOAs and their health impacts.

When asked which Charlie's Angels cast member is best associated with home decor, you'd be correct in answering Drew Barrymore – the actress founded one of the chicest celebrity-owned homeware brands of the century, after all. However, that doesn't mean her Hollywood counterparts haven't shown support for collection.

Most notably, her former co-star, Cameron Diaz, revealed that she can't live without Barrymore's Beautiful Air Fryer (currently reduced on Walmart) – an appliance that's already a cult-favorite here at H&G. It's no surprise, then, that of all the Beautiful By Drew Barrymore products, this one reigns supreme in the actress's kitchen.

The exact air fryer is reduced this Cyber Monday, but we don't expect these reductions to last long – especially since 1000 people have picked up this same model since yesterday. If there's ever a time to follow Diaz's example, it's now.

'It’s so Drew to think of the aesthetic of the kitchen. She’s always saying that every kitchen appliance is either stainless steel or black, and so she made something beautiful enough to sit on your counter that also functions well,' Diaz shared with The Strategist for a series entitled 'What I Can’t Live Without.'

'I always wanted an oven the size of an Easy-Bake that actually worked, and now I have it. It’s really great for cooking smaller meals, like a couple of pieces of chicken or veggies. I just throw it all together in the air fryer, and it’s done in minutes.'

As expected, however, these are not the only Barrymore-designed deals worth picking up this Cyber Monday. We've rounded up three more unmissable discounts (including the exact towels Barrymore uses in her bathroom).

As a food writer and trained chef, I pride myself on giving the best foodie presents. I gifted my mom a Philips dual-drawer air fryer this fall, along with a sleek glass oil spray bottle. It’s been a hit, and she absolutely loves it. However, I'm feeling a pang of regret for not purchasing it in the December sales.

It's my job to track air fryer prices all year round, so I know that this $70 discount on the Philips Airfryer 3000 at Amazon, is a rare, valuable deal.

I actually crowned this Philips model as the best dual-drawer air fryer in my Best Air Fryer 2024 guide. With a large, 9.5-quart capacity and thoughtful dual-basket design, it’s perfect for tired or busy people. You can synchronize your meal, so two dishes are hot and ready at the same time – a feature that has made it a favorite in my mom’s kitchen. Really, you can't put a price on a present that makes your loved ones happy.

Why I bought this air fryer at full price

What I love most about this Philips air fryer is how intuitive it is. There’s no need to sift through a thick manual or figure out complicated settings – it’s designed for novices but works like it was made for professionals.

When I took it to the test kitchen with my fellow tester Laura, we were very impressed with the crispy, delicious results.

Philips has also made clean-up a breeze. Both air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, which is a lifesaver for anyone who dreads post-dinner chores. They’re a bit bulky, but if you have a dishwasher, you can avoid the sink altogether.

My mom loves it and has been experimenting with recipes. She tends to use the smaller basket for fish sticks or salmon fillets, and the larger one for fries or roasted vegetables. Although, she tells me that her attempt at roasted aubergine didn't go well (I agree, this is often a bit dried out in the air fryer without a marinade) however, other than that, this appliance was a major success!

December deal

The accessories I bought too

During the pandemic, I jumped on the air fryer bandwagon and never looked back. In fact, the only time I use my standard full size oven now is when I cook Christmas dinner or a large tray dinner such as lasagna.

I use my air fryer daily, sometimes two or three times a day for quick, tasty, evenly cooked healthy meals for me and my family and even the occasional indoor S’more’s.

That’s why I love a nifty little best air fryer gadget and this brilliant $17 air fryer rack from Amazon solved my one air fryer bug bear: wasted vertical capacity. Now with Black Friday deals a plenty, I've found a cheaper alternative in Walmart's clearance sale.

Why I love my air fryer rack

I have an extra large, one-basket Tower five-in-one 5.6 liter air fryer, available on Amazon, and it lives permanently on my countertop as it’s in constant use. From air frying bacon for crispy brunch sandwiches, to tender salmon fillets cooked to perfection to serve on rice, and even whole roast chickens, nothing escapes my jumbo air fryer.

However the one thing that bothered me when I first got mine, was having to cook two rounds of foods such as fries to feed my family of three. Though the basket has a ton of vertical space and capacity, I found the cooking time increased due to the piled up food and I am disabled so I can’t stand up for long cooking sessions.

I knew the solution would be to have an extra shelf in my air fryer to separate and lift multiple layers of food so I can make use of the vertical cooking space without having to add a lot of cooking time, to ensure everything crisped up or cooked properly.

This BPA free stainless steel air fryer riser shelf from Amazon was the perfect solution.

Now, I can easily cook for my family of three in one go and only have to add an extra 1-3 minutes to crisp up the bottom layer, if that. By the time I’m done serving up the first couple of plates, the final items are ready to go.

Whoever invented these racks deserve a medal if you ask me. I love that it doesn’t rust, is easy to wash and has stayed in perfect condition despite two years of constant use. It fits perfectly in my rounded square air fryer when not in use, too, so no need to find an extra storage space for it.

When purchasing, make sure to measure your inner air fryer basket dimensions and check there is enough clearance between where the top of your food will sit and the heating element of your appliance so you don't end up with a smoky mess on your hands.

A word of caution: watch out for the heat of the stainless steel. I use a long pair of heat resistant tongs, available from Amazon, to move mine in and out of my air fryer and place it on a heatproof silicone trivet from Amazon to protect my glass electric stovetop or kitchen countertops when turning or dealing with the food underneath it. Or, it goes straight into the sink, and I freshen it up when I clean the air fryer basket.

What to shop

I have a number of air fryer accessories I love. Here are my favorite picks that make my life easier when air frying on the daily:

Next learn about our tried, tested and best non-toxic air fryers.

Here at H&G it's no secret that we are big fans of Drew Barrymore's Beautiful line. Her collaboration with Walmart has yielded an assortment of chic (and affordable) home accessories, furnishings, and appliances, and there is one in particular that we adore: the air fryer.

One of the our favorite aspects of the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore line is her iconic air fryer that comes in a variety of colors, from cornflower blue to lavender. However, Barrymore herself has revealed what her new pick is.

'This was my very first Beautiful air fryer, and I've had it since 2019,' Barrymore states in a clip posted to her Instagram page, showing us a white air fryer. 'I am going to upgrade for the first time – I went with the sage green air fryer, it's one of our original colors.'

The sage green is subtle enough to pair with neutral hues (we think it would look particularly fitting in an organic modern or Japandi-style kitchen), while still adding a fresh dose of color thanks to its sheen. We love how it complements Barrymore's teal kitchen, which is accented by a wood spice rack, wood countertops, and white-painted cabinets. The addition of the green air fryer taps into the nature-inspired decor, from its materials to its color palette.

'Green brings a breath of fresh air to any home, evoking feelings of serenity while also offering the energy of a vibrant hue,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'Whether used indoors or out, it’s a color that never fails to create a mood of creativity and comfort. Paired with neutrals, warm woods, or even bold contrasts like coral and gold, green can transform a space, making it feel effortlessly stylish and welcoming.'

As far as the appliance itself goes, the specs are highly appealing, suggesting it's one of the best air fryers on the market. It uses 'TurboCrisp' technology to cook food quickly and evenly, while its five-pound capacity allows for larger quantities of food, such as chicken wings and small roast chickens, to be cooked.

Additionally, the touch-activated display means that clunky dials and knobs are nowhere to be found, giving the air fryer a sleek appearance. And, while, like Barrymore, we love the sage colorway, it also comes in neutrals such as black and cream(as well as in a new floral print for those seeking a dopamine decor-ready appliance).

Ahead of Black Friday, Barrymore has rolled back the price of some of her other favorite products. You can shop some of our favorites below.

The humble cup of tea solves many of life’s problems. The cold nights? Tick. The even colder mornings? Sure. And now, after trying out the tea bag cleaning hack for air fryers myself, I can confirm tea can even help you clean your air fryer.

Whilst handy air fryers cut down cooking times, lower energy usage, and make meals deliciously crispy, it need a good bit of elbow grease to clean the grease away after.

Learning how to clean an air fryer will keep your appliance in good condition so I was invested from the get-go with this hack, and hoped it would help cut through the grease with ease. Spoiler alert: it did, but that’s not to say I’ll be using this cleaning hack again as it was messy.

What is the air fryer tea bag cleaning hack?

Knowing how to clean kitchen grease can be a long and difficult endeavor. Therefore, I had major doubts over the legitimacy of this cleaning hack. Tea? To clean grease? Surely not! But after popping a used tea bag into my dirty air fryer basket and following the steps listed below, the grease disappeared before my eyes.

However, it did come with a 30-minute delay I could have done without, and the tea bag split when scrubbing.

If you are a fan of DIY cleaning solutions, and more patient than me, it's worth trying this tea bag air fryer cleaning hack.

You'll need to:

1. Pop a damp tea bag into the dirty air fryer basket and fill with boiling hot water. You can use whatever bags you have in the house, but if you don't usually stock tea, Twinings English Breakfast Black Tea is top-rated by happy customers for making a great cup of tea so you can enjoy a sip while you wait for the grease to be cut through.
2. Leave the tea bag to sit in the boiling hot water for 30 minutes, then pour out the water, saving the bag.
3. Wipe the tea bag around the basket and rinse it out. It really is that simple.

Tea, in all its guises, has been used domestically for years to help complete a range of household tasks.

For example, did you know that using tea leaves in the garden can help boost your plants’ health? Or that cleaning with tea tree oil can provide you with an all-natural solution to creating a clean and fresh-smelling home?

And now, as I learned for myself, a tea bag can work wonders at making grease disappear.

Everything I learned after trying out the air fryer tea bag cleaning hack

1. It works – but has its limits

I was pleased to find this hacked worked, cutting through the grease in my air fryer. Karina Toner, operations manager at Washington-based Spekless Cleaning, explains, ‘The tea bag cleaning hack can work due to the tannins found in tea. Tannins have natural degreasing properties, which can help break down grease, making it easier to remove.’

However, it is worth noting I tried this hack out on a relatively small amount of grease. So, as Toner notes, ‘While it works for light grease and general upkeep, it may not be strong enough for heavy build-up or deeply embedded grime.’

Instead, Toner recommends cleaning with baking soda to tackle dried grease from an air fryer basket. She says, 'For stubborn spots, mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to the area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub gently.'

Or, if you're keen to learn how to make your air fryer last longer, investing in some air fryer accessories, like liners, is a good place to start.

2. You need to be gentle with the tea bag

I learned the hard way. With this cleaning hack, you’re essentially using a tea bag as you would a sponge – to help you clear up the grease and get rid of the dirt.

At first, I took this literally and ended up splitting the tea bag in my greasy air fryer basket, creating even more mess than there was to begin with. Definitely an air fryer cleaning mistake to avoid.

‘Tea bags can easily tear, especially after being soaked,’ Toner highlights. ‘If they break apart, the tea leaves may scatter throughout the basket, requiring additional cleaning.’ And that it did. This also occurred when testing teabag bathroom cleaning, too.

Using a zero scratch, strong Scotch Brite sponge from Walmart would have been easier.

3. You need to wash (and re-wash)

Now, as a lover of tea, I could drink the good stuff from morning, noon and night. But, after saving up and investing in one of the best air fryers, what I don’t want is my nifty kitchen appliance smelling of tea.

'Depending on the strength of the tea used, a faint tea aroma may linger in the air fryer for a short time, though it typically dissipates after use,’ Toner says.

So if you do intend to try this out, try washing and rewashing your air fryer basket.

My verdict

There is no denying that this ​​cleaning hack works. I’ve seen the results for myself. But personally speaking, I’ll be putting my tea bags to better use by making a cup of tea to drink rather than using them to help me clean my air fryer.

I want to look after my air fryer, you see. That's why I don't put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher and stay away from things you should never put in an air fryer.

While tea bags won't damage my air fryer, for me, the threat of them ripping outweighs the act of cleaning the basket the old-fashioned way – with a good old sponge and some simple washing-up liquid such as Dawn, available from Amazon.

Plus, I'd rather wash up my air fryer basket straight away than let it sit for 30 minutes in the hot water so the tannins can work their magic. After cooking, it's tempting enough to leave washing up until the day after – and this hack just gives me another excuse to do so!

Wondering can you use vinegar to clean grease from an air fryer? Or what common air fryer mistakes you should avoid? Discover the top tips on how to clean this kitchen staple according to experts.

If you’re tired of scrubbing your air fryer basket after every use, you’ve come to the right place. As a trained cook and air fryer obsessive, I’ve tested the best on the market, and now I’ve turned my attention to the accessories that make these handy small kitchen appliances easier to use and clean.

The right air fryer liners not only protect your best non-toxic air fryer and increase its longevity, but also catch residual oil and crumbs, making cleanup faster and less frustrating. In my testing, I tried the most common types of liners, silicone baskets, paper sheets, ceramic, and perforated options, using French fries and other notoriously messy dishes, such as sticky marinades and melted cheese.

Below is a quick list of the ones that performed best. You’ll find options to fit a variety of air fryer sizes, so you can choose the perfect fit for your cooking style and appliance.

The Best Air Fryer Liners at a Glance: My One-Minute Verdict

Of all the air fryer liners I tested, I loved the Pintaur Silicone Air Fryer Liners from Amazon the best for everyday cooking, offering quick and easy clean up and the crispiest results. They are available in rectangular, square, and circular shapes to fit most of the best air fryers on the market.

For single-serve dishes and baking, the Staub 6 Piece Macaron Cocotte Set cam our on top for perfect results and fryer-to-table presentation.

Finally, non-perforated paper liners such as the COSORI paper liners, from Amazon, are ideal for really messy dishes where you don't want to scrub sticky messes from reusable dishes and trays.

Best Silicone Air Fryer Liners (Top for Ninja and Cosori)

I was genuinely impressed with how much I enjoyed using silicone liners. I gravitated toward designs with raised grooves because they delivered ultra-crispy fries and made it effortless to drain away collected cooking oil.

The handles are very convenient, though they do get hot immediately after cooking, so you need to wait a couple of minutes to let them cool enough to handle safely. After lifting the liner, the crisper plate underneath was consistently spotless.

Cleaning is straightforward: They’re dishwasher-safe, and even by hand, it’s easy, though you’ll want to scrub between the grooves. For sticky marinades or melting chocolate, I still prefer paper liners, which handle those messes more effectively.

These silicone air fryer liners are ideal for fries, fish cakes, nuggets, or any crispy breaded foods. Just be sure to measure your appliance trays beforehand to select the correct size. Below, I’ve included my top recommended options:

Best Disposable Paper Air Fryer Liners

Paper air fryer basket liners are undeniably convenient because they’re disposable, making clean up almost effortless for foods like cheesy fries, air fryer s’mores, or cookies. I always opt for food-safe, unbleached paper, which you can simply discard after use.

That said, they do have limitations. Lifting them out when filled can be tricky, and they aren’t ideal for small portions, as lightweight baskets can float around in the hot air, potentially coming close to the heating element, which creates a fire hazard. They also lack perforations or raised grooves to enhance airflow and crispiness. In my tests, I noticed paper baskets underperformed for fries and breaded foods, though the texture difference wasn’t dramatic in every case.

If you want to reduce mess without sacrificing crispiness, here’s a useful hack: Place a paper basket underneath your crisper plate. You still get the benefit of the plate’s airflow, while the basket catches drips and crumbs, saving clean up on the tray itself. Otherwise, I usually reach for silicone liners for most air-frying tasks.

Finally, because paper baskets aren’t reusable, the costs can add up over time. My recommendation is to maintain a mixture of silicone liners, paper baskets, and small ramekin containers. Use paper only for particularly messy meals, and rely on silicone or ramekins for everyday cooking.

I reach for these for cookies, doughs, sticky marinades, and melting air fryer s’mores. Just be sure to measure your air fryer first, so you pick the correct size.

Best Air Fryer-Safe Ceramic Ramekins and Baking Molds

For single-serve desserts such as molten lava cakes, crème brûlée, baked eggs, or smaller portions of dishes such as mini casseroles or soufflés, a reliable set of air fryer–safe ramekins is essential. Their individual size makes portion control simple, and they’re also excellent for meal prep.

I tested porcelain, ceramic, and silicone options. Porcelain and ceramic ramekins handle high heat well and distribute it evenly, ensuring your dishes are air-baked to perfection. Just be sure to check each ramekin’s maximum temperature against your recipe to guarantee safe use, and don’t forget oven gloves when removing them from the fryer.

My personal favorite was the STAUB cocotte dishes from Zwilling. I used them to bake eggs, which made an elegant presentation for guests. I lightly oiled the dish, cracked in the eggs with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and parmesan, and they were perfectly cooked in under 10 minutes.

I also loved the OXO Good Grips Silicone Baking Cups from Amazon. They were ideal for egg bites and muffins, effortlessly releasing from their non-stick surfaces. I didn’t worry about fragility or breakage in the air fryer, and cleanup was a breeze thanks to its dishwasher-safe design.

Silicone vs. Paper vs. Ceramic: Which is Best for You?

The type of air fryer liner you choose ultimately comes down to personal preference and the foods you’re cooking. To make the decision easier, I’ve compared the key factors for each option:

Air Fryer Liners to Avoid

Perforated air fryer liners are often marketed as a way to maintain airflow and improve crispiness, but in my side-by-side tests, they didn’t perform anywhere near as well as the more considered silicone liners with raised grooves. In practice, I saw little difference in how evenly the food crisped, which made the disposable option feel unnecessary.

Any style of flat paper liners was also the most problematic in my testing. Because they’re so lightweight, they can easily shift during cooking if they aren’t anchored by heavier food. On a few occasions, I found them lifting toward the heating element or folding over the food itself, both of which reduce crisping and, in the worst case, pose a fire risk. They also did little to contain the mess. Marinades, crumbs, and oil frequently seeped through to the basket, which meant I still had to wash the air fryer after every use.

To be fair, paper liners do allow excess oil to drain away, which may appeal if you’re trying to reduce oil intake. That said, I’ve found a more reliable approach is to use a fine-mist oil sprayer, such as the Flairosol from Amazon, and cook directly on the air fryer’s crisper plate so any excess oil can collect beneath it. If clean up is the priority, lining the bottom of the basket with a simple paper liner to catch drips works far better than cooking directly on one.

All things considered, I don't believe they are worth the hassle. My top suggestion is to invest in a mixture of grooved silicone and paper baskets, using the hack I have suggested above to create crispy food and easy maintenance on all occasions.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Liners

Are Air Fryer Liners a Fire Hazard?

If used correctly, air fryer liners are safe to use. Parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers are made to handle high temperatures. To ensure safe use, always check that the paper liner’s heat resistance matches your air fryer’s maximum temperature – most are safe up to 425°F (218°C).

Since paper liners are lightweight, you need to place enough food on top to prevent the liner from flying up and contacting the heating element. Never use them while your air fryer is preheating, as this can pose a fire hazard.

Can You Use Aluminum Foil In An Air fryer?

For the most part, yes, you can use aluminum foil in an air fryer. Some air fryer manufacturers warn against it, however, so check your brand's manual first. When placed correctly at the bottom of the air fryer basket, foil can collect grease and breadcrumbs to be disposed of later. However, if not used correctly and placed too close to the heating element, it may pose a fire risk.

Where's The Best Place to Buy Air Fryer Liners?

Amazon, Target, and Walmart have some of the largest collections of air fryer liner types to choose from, making them some of our first ports of call. Plus, they have most of the air fryer accessories I wouldn't be without, such as tongs, spray bottles, and more to improve your cooking experience.

Even when using a liner, it is good practice to clean your air fryer regularly to keep it hygienic, cooking at its best, and to avoid fire risks from oil or debris buildup. When doing so, avoid the most common air fryer cleaning mistakes to get the most out of your machine.

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If you're a food lover like me, your kitchen cabinets might be stuffed to the brim with whisks, blenders and scales – and your counters stacked with back-to-back toasters and air fryers.

Bella, the latest kitchenware brand from the creators of Beautiful by Drew Barrymore, promises to change all that with an almost invisible set of appliances.

The Fits-anywhere™ collection is designed to be slimmer, more streamlined and adaptable than traditionally bulky appliances. The range stars a super-slim air fryer, as well as a foldable griddle, waffle maker, toaster, blender, and coffee maker.

It seems like Bella have thought of everything; the entire collection uses non-toxic ceramic non-stick and it's very affordable at Amazon, too.

Meet the Bella Fits-anywhere™ Slim Air Fryer

To me, the jewel in this collection is the Bella 4QT Slim Air Fryer, available at Amazon. It's not much taller than a cookbook, slotting easily into shelves or cabinets when not in use. Our expert testers were really impressed by the Beautiful Air Fryer, produced by the same parent company, so this bodes well.

The matte design is available in a range of colors, including Oatmilk and Plum. The simple control panel, soft glowing indicator lights and rounded edges are so aesthetically pleasing.

Bella says their new air fryer doesn't need to preheat and you can fit 3.3lbs of fries, veggies or chicken tenders into the long basket. Four quarts is a good size for couples or individuals, with a compact price of $49.99 to match.

I'm equally obsessed with the tiny toaster, which isn't much wider than a cookbook. I have a chunky toaster that I don't have counter space for, so I constantly unload and re-load from my cupboard every time I make toast. I've added this minimalist version on my wishlist.

Is Bella kitchenware non-toxic?

A masterclass in non-toxic cookware, the entire collection uses EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, free from harmful chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium. This means you can enjoy all the benefits of air frying – crispy, delicious meals with less oil – while cooking on a surface that’s safer for your family and the environment.

It's already raking in some good reviews on Amazon, with one customer noting: 'I spent three nights searching for a truly non-toxic air fryer, and after a lot of research, I finally found this gem. I was a bit skeptical at first since it just came out and had no reviews, but it’s incredibly hard to find an air fryer that's purely ceramic without any BPA concerns. Since my very first air fryer was made by Bella, I decided to take a chance on this one – and I'm so glad I did!'

I can’t wait to put it to the test myself and see if it can hold its own against the top contenders in our best non-toxic air fryer guide. Expect a full review soon.

Where to shop Bella Fits-anywhere™ kitchenware?

Whether you're longing for a clutter-free countertop or seeking a fully non-toxic set of appliances, this launch could really revolutionize your kitchen. Here are my top picks (we're just waiting to test them). The range is now available at major retailers including Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Macy’s.

At the end of a long day of work, you need kitchen appliances that can help you make dinner for your family quickly and easily, with very little mess. You also want pieces that look stylish on your countertops and don't take up too much space. The air fryer boom has been wonderful for those of us who prioritize simplicity and aesthetics in our cooking, but not all air fryers are created equal.

Celebrities always have their fingers on the pulse of the best appliances, so when searching for the best air fryer, we turned to an unlikely place: Michael Bublé and Luisana Lopilato's kitchen.

Bublé and Lopilato swear by the Ninja Foodi Os300, one of the most consistently well-rated air fryers, to cook for their family. We spotted the appliance in a recent Instagram video from Lopilato, where she makes her children and their friends an appropriately named 'octopus sausage' (literally hot dogs cut in the shape of an octopus). It makes delicious food in moments.

As per usual, the couple knows what they're doing. Our Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 8qt XL review ranks a very similar appliance to Bublé and Lopilato's at 4.5 out of 5 stars. Contributing Editor Alyssa LeAnne Owens lauds the machine for its wide range of cooking options, all of which work incredibly well. She says that it preheats quickly, and the 'keep warm' function is great for family cooking. Her only criticism is that it takes up too much space on the countertop.

Luckily, for those who want one of the best Ninja air fryers in a more compact size, Amazon is offering up to 40% off of some of its best-selling styles for Prime Day. Though they aren't the exact style used by Bublé and Lopilato, all of Ninja's products are among Homes & Gardens's most loved list of kitchen appliances.

Though Michael Bublé's kitchen might not be the first place you think to look for air fryer inspiration, when his idea is this good, and on sale, how can we resist?

As a trained cook who spends my days testing kitchen gadgets, I've become an agony aunt among family and friends who want to invest in the best air fryers.

My sister is one of those people – she wants a small air fryer for her college apartment. She enjoys healthy cooking, but she's short on time and often ends up ordering takeout. As the appliance matchmaker, I've been eyeing up the best air fryer deals I think will suit her.

One particular steal has caught my eye: the Instant Vortex Plus 4QT Air Fryer, which is now nearly half price at $69.95, down from its original $129.99.

An unexpected bargain in the Amazon Prime Big Deals Day, it's the smaller version of our favorite-ever air fryer (without the window or anti-odor tech). It's simple, sure, but it's perfect for roasting vegetables, small portions of salmon, or French fries.

This air fryer deal is too good not to share, but you'll have to keep your side of the bargain – if you're reading this and you know my sister, don't tell her I got this Christmas gift on sale!

FAQS

Why choose a small air fryer?

Small air fryers are a practical choice for petite kitchens. Typically ranging from 2 to 4 quarts, they are ideal for preparing two or three fish fillets, side dishes or snacks. They are also easy to hide away in cupboards when not in use!

How to choose an air fryer?

With so many designs and styles available, I've created a helpful guide to the different types of air fryers and which one is best for your needs. I've gone for a single basket, small capacity fryer for my sister – since she's an individual who is short on space.

If you're a couple or a family, you'll be better off with a dual-drawer model. I use the Ninja Double Stack at home, which has four cooking levels and can cook an entire meal for two in 15 minutes.

Does an air fryer make a good gift?

I clearly seem to think so! If there's a person in your life who is super busy and they keep saying they want to eat healthy, quick meals – an air fryer is a super thoughtful gift.

I also recommend one of the best slow-cookers as a thoughtful gift for a foodie. They make such cozy, quick meals. My mother has been hinting she'd love an Instant Pot for Christmas, so I'm eyeing up the sale prices as we speak. Personally, I find air fryers a little more fun to use.

When is the best time to buy an air fryer?

The best air fryer deals have finally dropped for Amazon Prime Big Deals Day. If you're investing in your first air fryer, or you want to upgrade to a bigger, better dual-drawer model – now is the time to do it.

I've scrolled through the sales and rounded up the best air fryer deals for you. You can pick up a Ninja, Cosori, Philips, or Instant air fryer with an affordable discount.

When you think of an AGA, you might envision the rustic charm of English country kitchens, but you may also cringe at the hefty price tag and outdated technology. On the other end of the appliance spectrum, the best air fryers are amazingly efficient, but packaged in a functional design that can clash with your kitchen aesthetic.

Enter the Smeg Countertop Air Fry Oven with Steam. I tested this appliance in my home kitchen for a week and truly fell in love. Packed with the 1950s character of Smeg’s best refrigerators and toasters, this oven can steam, bake, air fry and more – offering vintage charm in a tech-savvy package.

So, if you're seeking a cooker that blends beauty with cutting-edge cooking functions (or if you’ve avoided ugly air fryers in the past), then this review is for you.

Smeg Countertop Air Fry Oven: First impressions

When I unboxed the Smeg Countertop Air Fry Oven, it was love at first sight. With its glossy cream finish and swoon-worthy retro design, this appliance brought instant character to my kitchen.

I ran into a couple of small hurdles. It is super heavy. I couldn't lift it to my countertop, so I had to annoy my partner for some assistance. Also, the power cord is disappointingly short. I couldn’t plug it in exactly where I wanted – this was irritating since I had a specific design vision.

Once it was in situ, I was thrilled. There was something magical about how instantly this piece elevated my space. It’s enormous, yes, but you’ll want to show it off to everyone who walks through the door.

Cooking performance

Test 1: Baking

For my first bake, I chose something simple: pain au chocolat made from pre-rolled dough. The oven preheated in just 4 minutes, which is leagues ahead of my traditional oven’s warm-up time. However, I couldn't figure out the built-in timer. I had to rely on my phone to keep track.

The pastries came out soft, though a touch paler than I would’ve liked, and the bottoms weren’t quite golden. I flipped them over and gave them a couple more minutes, and they finally emerged golden and soft inside. The perfect companion to my morning espresso.

Test 2: Steaming

I was so excited about the steam function. There are three to choose from. Pure Steam uses 100% steam to cook vegetables, rice, dumplings, and bao buns. Convection and grill steam are better for gently caramelizing meat with a tender, steaming interior.

For my first test, I steamed a bunch of Tenderstem broccoli and mangetout. When you steam cook, vegetables are exposed to less water, which reduces nutrient loss. Steaming helps preserve color, texture, and flavor. My veggies came out of the oven looking vibrant green and delicious.

I then steamed frozen gyozas. I re-filled the steaming tray with water and within minutes, the dumplings were soft, silky, and piping hot inside. I was super impressed. To add a little extra flavor, I pan-fried them in sesame oil, creating a crispy edge.

Test 3: Air Frying

For an easy Friday night dinner, my partner and I tested the air frying function with frozen French fries. We waited an agonizing five minutes for the preheat – we're used to making chips in the Ninja DoubleStack, which heats up immediately.

Once the oven was ready (with its signature, high-pitched ping) we added the fries and waited around 18 minutes for them to crisp up. The results weren’t quite as quick and delicious as the best air fryers I've tried, but they were still enjoyable.

We also air-fried Padron peppers for our dinner. They didn’t quite achieve the charred effect of more powerful models, but the peppers were tender and flavorful. Overall, the air frying function performs well, albeit less intensely and slower than the market leaders.

Test 4. Steam Baking

One of the standout features of this air fry oven is its steam-baking function. I decided to try making a sponge cake, and the process was incredibly simple. After a quick four-minute preheat, I added water to the steam tray and poured in my cake batter. The result? A light, fluffy, and perfectly moist sponge in just 20 minutes.

As part of my research into can you bake a cake in an air fryer, I also tested the air frying function for the top layer of my cake. The differences were striking, which you can read about in the article. If you’re a passionate baker with a love for patisserie, you’ll truly appreciate the steaming feature. It adds a touch of luxury to everyday baking, resulting in cakes that feel almost professionally crafted.

Ease of use

Despite its many functions, the Smeg Countertop Air Fry Oven is refreshingly straightforward to use. The dial allows you to switch between cooking modes effortlessly.

You can scan the QR code to get visual set-up instructions from Smeg. However, compared to the polished user experience I’ve seen from brands like Dreo and Ninja, it was a little underwhelming. I was expecting something a little bit more helpful, like chef instruction videos or a bespoke recipe booklet.

Cleaning

Cleaning the oven is relatively easy. Smeg recommends using the steam function to loosen any cooking grease or stuck-on food, which is a great idea. The removable trays are too large for the dishwasher, so you'll need to wash them by hand. Personally, I always use parchment paper or liners, so this isn't a problem for me. The sleek exterior makes wiping down a quick task – this is vital, since this appliance will stay rooted to your counter all year round.

Who would this suit?

The Smeg Countertop Air Fry Oven is a great fit for those who appreciate both form and function. If you’re drawn to retro aesthetics and want an appliance that looks as good as it cooks, this is the one.

I think it would add instant character to a plain kitchen, especially city apartments or beach houses that lack a built-in oven. It would also be ideal for a family household that enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, with features like steam baking adding a touch of luxury to everyday meals.

If you're after ultra-crisp air frying or need something for a smaller space, however, you may find yourself looking at more compact, speedier models.

How does it compare?

The main rival to the Smeg Countertop Oven is probably the 5-star rated Café Couture Oven with Air Fry. This offers more advanced smart technology, including Wi-Fi connectivity and customizable cooking modes. We weren't that enamored with its air frying function though.

If you're keen to get an oven that can steam like a professional chef, look to the Fotile Chefcubii. It's half the price of Smeg's oven and we really loved it, although the design was a bit clunky. In fact, if you're not sold on the Smeg, you can read up on all the rivals in our guide to the best countertop ovens.

If you're just looking for an air fryer (and you don't care about looks), you'll want to leave this page immediately and head on over to our best air fryer guide. These are ideal for quick, healthy meals, taking up very little space and heating up rapidly. They are also more budget-friendly, too.

Our verdict

Honestly, I was so reluctant to send this back. There's a huge, Smeg-shaped hole in my kitchen. I've come to view my functionally-designed oven and air fryer with contempt. I suppose I'll have to start saving, because with Smeg's stunning design and sleek cooking performance, comes a relatively steep price tag.

How we test

To test the best ovens and air fryers on the market, we focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a team of trained product testers, home cooks, and appliance experts, we assess each model by toasting, baking, broiling, and more. During these tests, we evaluate how evenly the oven browns and crisps, seeking results that are consistent and perfectly cooked.

Ease of use is essential, so we examine the intuitiveness of the controls, the preheat, and the quality of the instruction booklet. We also assess any special functions, such as grilling or steaming to gauge whether they're gimmicks or actually useful. We then make notes on capacity – important knowledge if you're hoping to cook large portions or use multiple racks.

Since cleaning is often a hassle, we evaluate how easy it is to maintain, checking if the racks and trays are removable and dishwasher-safe. We also scrutinize the materials, looking for durable, quality designs. After testing, we scour customer reviews to check out the reliability and overall satisfaction in the long term.

Finally, when investing in a kitchen appliance, price matters, so we weigh up the features, performance, and design to see if the toaster oven offers good value for money. Our goal is to ensure you select a model that not only performs well, but also looks stylish on your countertop for years to come.

Our list of the best air fryers is dominated by household names like Ninja, Philips, and Instant. Dreo is a relative newcomer. You might recognize the name from the best fans and air purifiers. Now, they've made a bold step into the kitchen with their new spin on the air fryer, and in my opinion, they've propelled themselves straight to the top with one of the best air fryers I have tested in a while.

The Dreo ChefMaker stands out in a crowded field, thanks to its clever algorithm. Once you choose a 'Chef Mode' recipe preset, the algorithm gets to work by combining celebrity chef techniques, food scientist-level precision and high-tech cooking elements to create delicious results. The best part? You don't have to lift a finger – you can send the cooking instructions from your phone and receive notifications via the app.

I was impressed from the start, but to make it into our list of best air fryers, there were more hoops to jump through. I made sure to ask all my usual questions: is it easy to use? Is it well-designed? Is it a nightmare to clean? You'll find all the answers below, but for now I'll just say this: if you’re skeptical about smart cooking technology, I defy you to give the Dreo Chef Maker a go.

Dreo ChefMaker Air Fryer: First impressions

The first thing I noticed about the Dreo ChefMaker was the sleek, premium design. It has a small footprint; slender enough to fit neatly under your kitchen cabinets.

The exterior is almost like a mirror – shiny and luxurious – with a transparent glass basket. I think it would suit modern, sleek countertops, but it's also compact enough to store away in a cupboard if you're maintaining that minimalist look.

Cooking performance

To test the best air fryers on the market, I focus on exceptional cooking performance. I rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen French fries, proteins, and roasted vegetables, before testing out all the special features, too.

Test 1: French Fries

There wasn't a clever, algorithm-based recipe preset for French fries on Chef Mode. Perhaps they're not considered 'cheffy' enough? Instead, I used the Classic Mode, selecting the Air Fry option to cook my fries at 190°C for 10 minutes.

As soon as I pressed the button, the fryer got to work, sizzling away without the need for preheating. In just 10 minutes, I had perfectly crispy, golden fries, and no shaking or flipping required.

I loved the viewing window on the basket and the interior light (which can be switched on and off to save energy). This cleverly allowed me to peek at the cooking progress and prevent overcooking. The fries turned out nicely golden, crispy and fluffy. I'll admit, they didn't quite top the restaurant-quality fries I made using the Ninja Double Stack – but I don't think I'll ever get over those.

Test 3: Roasted vegetables

There are tonnes of recipes for vegetables on Chef Mode, so I selected the asparagus preset. They roasted for 10 minutes (I switched on the light to see them sizzle) and they came out crisp, golden and perfectly tender.

Test 3: Steak

The Dreo Chef Maker is much more than a basic air fryer: it's renowned for cooking steak, which is where the Chef Mode really comes into its own.

Dreo automatically divides the cooking process into four perfectly timed stages. It begins by setting the optimum temperature for your ingredient, then introducing a fine mist for the juiciest textures. After a quick pre-sear, it releases a final burst of rapid heat for that golden brown finish.

I picked up a flank steak from my local butcher, cut it in half, and placed one portion in the Chef Maker. After seasoning the meat, filling the water tank and inserting the temperature probe, I sent over the cooking instructions from the app on my phone. I was shocked to see the estimated cooking time was a whopping 55 minutes – the longest time I've ever seen on a fryer – but at least I had time to relax and watch an episode of my show back on the sofa.

I cooked the other steak half in a frying pan, searing for 2-3 minutes on either side. When it came to the taste test, the results were surprising. The Dreo Chef Maker produced a perfectly caramelized, medium-rare steak. Both juicy and golden, thanks to the steam and sear combination.

I was amazed by how delicious it tasted. Although the pan-fried version took a fraction of the time, the Chef Maker’s steak was definitely more tender, richly-flavored, and worth the wait.

My partner and I agreed we wouldn't use this function all the time – it deprives you of the theatre and excitement of searing steak in the pan. However, the results were effortless, reliable, and if you're not confident in the kitchen, it's a total game-changer. Next, I want to try the lobster tail and salmon fillet functions (I've read rave reviews online).

Test 4: Toast

I wasn't a huge fan of the toast function. I used a slice of wholegrain sourdough (something I toast almost daily for my lunch) and after a slow five minutes, it came out rather pale and dry. If toast is really important to you, check out the KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry instead.

Test 5: Bake

I had a quick 20-minute lunch break – and since speed is really the aim of the game in air frying, I decided to put the Dreo to the test here.

I chose the bake function to make a rather sloppy but adorable, mini pizza pie. It took me 2 minutes to shape my pre-made dough and add toppings. The Dreo chef baked it to perfection in 8 minutes - no waiting for preheating. Lunch was delicious and complete in 10 minutes. My only criticism was that it could have been slightly crisper on the bottom.

Ease of use

The 4.3-inch display panel is sleek and user-friendly, with colorful ingredient illustrations that make the experience a joy (though I did smile at a small typo, 'sweek potatoes').

The screen provides helpful advice, reminding you to 'season your meat' or 'add oil' where needed. If you're ever in doubt, the Dreo app is packed with helpful recipe videos – no need to rifle through instruction booklets.

The app also lets you control the fryer remotely. You can prep the ingredients in the kitchen, put them into the basket, then send the cooking instructions and start command from my phone while lounging on the sofa. This level of convenience is a dream for anyone who values multitasking or simply wants to unwind while dinner cooks itself.

I was so impressed by the recipe presets. I’ve found that with other air fryers I've tested, I need to monitor the process and stop them short to prevent overcooking. Nearly everything I preset I tried on Chef Mode cooked exactly as promised.

It was easy to tip my fries and vegetables out the basket - the handle was comfortable and grippable. However, I did need to use a pair of silicone tongs to remove the scorching hot temperature probe and meat fillet. Thankfully, tongs are already in my collection of air fryer accessories I couldn't live without.

Capacity

With its 6-quart square basket, the Chef Maker is large enough to prepare family-sized portions of fries and veggies. For protein, it can accommodate four chicken thighs, four salmon fillets, two steaks, or one large joint of meat.

You can't prepare an entire meal in the 6-quart basket. If you're looking for this kind of capacity, I recommend choosing a dual-basket air fryer instead, which can cook your fries, veggies and proteins all at once.

Ease of Cleaning

If you're wondering how to clean the Dreo ChefMaker, the removable parts are dishwasher-safe and easy to hand-wash. You can't submerge the cooking probe in water, so you just need to give that a wipe with a damp cloth.

The shiny exterior and glass window attract fingerprints and dust. I'd recommend keeping a microfibre cloth nearby to keep it looking smart.

Design & Durability

The air fryer feels sturdy and reliable (the materials are certainly not cheap) and from what I’ve seen in user reviews, Dreo’s customer service is top-notch.

One reviewer shared a story about an issue with their temperature probe, which was swiftly resolved with a replacement unit. Such responsive and supportive service is a reassuring bonus for anyone considering an investment in this appliance.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews for the Dreo ChefMaker are generally very positive, with an impressive 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Customers rave about its ability to make anyone a gourmet cook. Most reviews mention the steak settings – it's a hit with meat-eaters and grill-fanatics.

How does it compare?

Dreo's combi fryer is definitely at the top of the range. It's the smartest air fryer I've ever tested and it's certainly one of the best-looking, too.

We also rate the Cosori Dual Blaze Air Fryer for its smart features and app connection, but its cooking performance is much slower and louder than the Dreo ChefMaker.

In terms of design, the Dreo is super sleek and the viewing window is a massive bonus. However, Dreo is not unique in this design feature. The Instant Vortex Plus (our favorite air fryer of all time) also benefits from a helpful 'ClearCook' window. In fact, if you don't need any fancy features and you're just looking for a basic air fryer for French fries and nuggets, you'd be better off with the Instant model - it's much more affordable.

Our Verdict

If you love eating delicious, perfectly-cooked meat and seafood, but you're not super confident in the kitchen, the Dreo Chef Maker's smart tech is worth every penny.

I quite often see it discounted in seasonal air fryer sales. I keep track of the prices here, in our guide to the best air fryer deals and you can view the best deals of the day below.

If you're specifically looking for a basic air fryer or a toaster/air fryer combination, I'd skip this one. The toast isn't as delicious as the lobster tail.

How we test the best air fryers

To test the best air fryers on the market, I focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a trained cook and kitchen appliances editor, I rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen French fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Our team has already tested the market leaders, so we know the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is the best part of air frying, so my tests also evaluate the intuitiveness of the controls, basket design, instruction booklet and the accuracy of recipe presets. I also make sure to explore any special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess the versatility. While I'm cooking, I make notes on capacity – essential knowledge if you're looking for a family-sized air fryer.

Cleaning up can be a hassle, so I check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. I also examine for non-toxic materials and durability. After testing, I scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.

Finally, when you're making a kitchen investment, price really matters, so we weighed up the grill's features and performance to see if it offers good value for money. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you choose an air fryer that looks stylish in your kitchen, as well as being reliable, efficient, and a joy to use.

Many of us wait eagerly for spring so that we can bring out our finest floral home decor. But who says that flowers only work for one season?

Drew Barrymore certainly believes that florals should be used for fall, and all year round. At least that's what her latest cookware and kitchen appliance collection indicates. 'Meet Wildflower,' Barrymore captioned a post debuting the new Beautiful by Drew collection on Instagram. She continued, 'Featuring soft florals against a matte black background, our limited-edition floral kitchenware collection is sure to make a statement in your home.'

The Wildflower print is the latest iteration of Beautiful, one of our favorite celebrity home brands, that launched at Walmart in 2021. 'We're on a mission to make everyone's life more beautiful through cooking,' Barrymore, Beautiful's Co-Founder and Creative Director, stated via a press release at the time. 'With my long-standing relationship with Walmart, I knew they were the perfect partner to bring this vision to life. It's an act of love to make something that brings people together and lights them up. I hope this collection inspires others to make more beautiful moments in the kitchen- together.'

Featuring a variety of colored flowers, with pops of green, red, pink, white, and blue, the print is reminiscent of a wild garden, bringing the outdoors inside via these top-of-the-line appliances. The limited-edition print is notably available in select appliances: the air frier, the stand mixer, the slow cooker, and the kettle. Our favorite is the Wildflower air fryer, consistently ranked as one of the best air fryers of the year.

It's giving us some floral room decor ideas. We love how the print adds an accent to the matte black finish on these appliances, and can picture these pairing beautifully atop a modern, marble countertop, or in a more rustic kitchen with wood fixtures.

As always, Barrymore's Beautiful line includes highly affordable prices, with Wildflower appliances ranging from $29.97 to $99.00.

Shop the Beautiful by Drew Wildflower Collection

No matter how you like to cook, adding a touch of style to your kitchen appliance is an easy way to upgrade your kitchen decor. Drew Barrymore's Beautiful Wildflower Collection is a stunning, and accessibly priced place to start.

Last week, I celebrated my birthday and naturally cake was at the top of my agenda. However, I had a few stumbling blocks.

Firstly, the weather forecast predicted a mini heatwave – far too hot to turn on the oven. Secondly, it would just be my partner and me enjoying the cake, so I didn’t want to be left with heaps of leftovers. Lastly, as someone who spends the week testing recipes in the best air fryers, mixers and more, my desire to spend time in the kitchen was running low.

Then it hit me: could I bake a cake in an air fryer? This convenient little appliance is my go-to for quick and easy dinners, but I’d never ventured into the realm of baking. Could it really handle a cake?

During my time at cooking school, I learned the art of traditional baking – and air fryers were nowhere to be seen. Yet, it seemed to tick all the boxes for me. It wouldn’t heat up the kitchen, it's perfect for smaller portions and it preheats in a flash, Plus, I usually find air fryers are a breeze to clean.

Without further ado, I decided to put my air fryer to the test. This week, I happened to be reviewing the SMEG Combi-Steam Oven with Air Fry. This machine can do it all – presenting the perfect opportunity to test and compare the traditional oven and air frying functions.

My verdict? While the air fryer struggles to produce a perfect, patisserie-worthy cake (and it's not totally effortless either) the results were delicious. Here’s everything I learned along the way.

Can you bake a cake in an air fryer?

I experimented with a vanilla sponge cake. I poured a thick batter into two cake tins. I air-fried the bottom layer in the SMEG Combi Oven for 30 minutes.

For comparison, I baked the second layer on the traditional oven setting, which only took 22 minutes. With the leftover batter, I cooked a tiny fairy cake in the slender Ninja Air Fryer. Here are all the tips and tricks I discovered, with some comparison points further down the page.

1. Make sure your cake tins fit in the air fryer

I initially planned to use the Ninja Double Stack air fryer to bake my cake, thinking it would be clever to place each layer in the double drawers. However, my cake tins were too wide to fit into the narrow baskets. I'd recommend checking the capacity of your air fryer basket before you start baking, otherwise you could be left disappointed.

2. Preheat the air fryer

From my research, the general consensus among air fryer bakers is that if your recipe includes baking soda or powder, you need to preheat the air fryer. The initial burst of heat will help your cake to rise. You might find that your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting. My Ninja air fryer doesn't, but it heats up so quickly and powerfully, it worked just fine for my small cupcakes.

3. Adjust the baking time and temperature

If you're following a traditional oven recipe, you'll need to lower the temperature for the air fryer. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so they can cook food faster and at lower temperatures. I read several air fryer cake recipes online which suggested reducing the temperature by about 10-20 degrees from what you'd use in a conventional oven to achieve similar results.

Typically, I bake my sponge cakes at 170 degrees in the fan oven, so I wanted to reduce this to 160 degrees for my air-fried cake. Unfortunately at this point, I realized the SMEG's air fry function starts at a minimum of 180 degrees. I decided to go for it anyway and make the necessary adjustments to the cooking time – which brings me onto my next tip.

4. Be prepared to adapt

Not all air fryers are created equal, which means you’ll need to adapt and improvise. Be prepared for some trial and error as you get to know how your specific air fryer handles baked goods. I found it helpful to check on my cake three times during the cooking process. I set my timer for 30 minutes, then checked every 10 minutes to see how the cake was doing and if I needed to adjust anything.

5. Cover your cake with a lid

Around 10 minutes into air frying, I noticed the top of my cake was turning a deep brown, but the center was still wobbly. I quickly covered the cake tin with a heatproof lid to prevent further browning.

My batter was quite thick, but if you have a thin, runny batter, you might want to cover your cake from the start. This will prevent splattering and the risk of liquid damage in the heating element. You can uncover it in the last few minutes, so the top can get golden brown.

6. Avoid using foil

If you don't have a lid that's the right size, you might think of using foil in your air fryer. Bear in mind that foil can’t be placed loosely – it could blow off and catch on the air fryer's heating element. To keep it secure, you’d need to wrap it around the tin, which would mean lifting the cake out of the air fryer and disrupting the baking process.

7. Check for doneness with a skewer

Since baking in an air fryer is not an exact science, you'll want to check for doneness, rather than rely on cooking times. Insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

The results: oven vs. air fryer

You can see the visual differences between my oven and air fryer sponge cakes in the picture above. The sponge that was baked in the oven (the bottom layer) was light, airy, and delicate. I was very impressed by the SMEG's cake setting – it was almost patisserie quality.

In contrast, the air fryer cake came out noticeably denser, with larger pockets of air bubbles. The top had a swirly brown pattern and wrinkly texture, which was fixed with a generous dusting of icing sugar. It was actually very tall and impressive-looking from the side, compared to its oven-baked counterpart (see below). Though it lacked the feather-light quality of the oven-baked version, it still delivered on taste, offering a more substantial, comforting bite that was equally delicious in its own way.

You might have forgotten by now, but I also made a mini cupcake in the air fryer with the leftover batter. It was lovely but similarly dense, rather than fluffy. You can definitely get more subtle results in the oven.

The air fryer also required more effort. I had to adjust my recipe, which required some brainpower, and I needed to check on it frequently. I had to use a lid to prevent over-browning and this added to my washing up. The air-fried cake also took 10 minutes longer to bake than the oven method. While the air fryer promised convenience, the process wasn't quite as effortless as I'd hoped.

The verdict

My air fryer sponge, with its tall, impressive structure and comforting texture, stands as a testament to the versatility of this kitchen appliance. Though it may lack the ethereal lightness of an oven-baked cake, it certainly made a satisfying treat.

Don't expect perfection – it requires more attention, adjustment and patience than traditional oven baking. But if you’re avoiding the heat of a summer kitchen or curious to experiment, baking in an air fryer is a fun way to explore new culinary possibilities. For a cooking geek like me, it was a true birthday treat.

H&G's favorite baking tools

If you've been inspired to whip up a batch of baked goods, here are our top-rated baking appliances.

Ninja’s wide, capacious Dual-Zone proudly held a top spot in our best air fryer guide for a while. However, with the arrival of Ninja’s extra large, slender, two-tier model – the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer – there's a new kid on the block.

This model is narrow and unassuming, yet each basket contains two cooking levels, allowing you to cook up to four different ingredients simultaneously. On my first test, I cooked French fries, chicken thighs, courgettes, and green beans all at once. With minimal involvement and no preheating required, my dinner was ready in 20 minutes. Truly a game-changer for families, busy individuals, and compact kitchens.

There are a few snags, like instances of uneven browning and racks that are hot to handle. But for me, Ninja's Double Stack is exactly what the best air fryers should be: speedy and reliable for delicious dinners.

Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer: First impressions

The first thing I noticed about the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer is the sleek, svelte shape. It has a small footprint; narrow and slender enough to fit neatly under your kitchen cabinets. It glides effortlessly around the countertop, or you could easily tuck it away in a pantry or tall cupboard if you want it out of sight. I like the matte exterior and brushed silver or copper handles.

Cooking performance

To test the best air fryers on the market, I focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a trained cook and kitchen appliances editor, I rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen French fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. For my first test of the Ninja Double Stack, I followed a meal recommendation from the recipe manual, as it contained all the ingredients I usually test.

Test 1: French Fries

The recipe preset suggested cooking the fries for 20 minutes, with instructions to shake the basket three times during the process. This feels like quite a lot of 'checking in', but I was glad in the end. When I checked at the 15-minute mark, the fries were already perfectly golden (although some at the back were very slightly paler). I decided to stop the timer early, and the results were outstanding.

The French fries were restaurant-quality – crispy on the outside and fluffy within. My partner said they were the best home-cooked fries he’s ever had and I agreed (high praise, as we eat a lot of frozen fries when I'm testing).

Test 2: Chicken thighs

I tipped some green vegetables into the bottom drawer, then slotted over the rack and placed two chicken thighs on top. I used the preset to Air Fry for 20 minutes. The chicken emerged with a crispy, slightly charred skin, which tasted delicious. The meat was juicy but I prefer it a little more succulent. I usually cook chicken thighs in the oven, and I find that makes the meat just a bit more tender.

Test 3: Roasted vegetables

The mixture of green beans and courgettes in the lower drawer turned out beautifully golden and caramelized, almost as if they had been slow-roasted. However, when I tried the same ingredients on the rack, the results were different. The courgettes at the front were charred and crisp, while those at the back remained pale. This uneven result could be due to insufficient shaking (it was tricky on the rack, because slices slipped through the grates!).

Test 4: Sausages

I also cooked some sausages on the rack and noticed the same problem. The heating element is clearly stronger at the front of the drawers. However, my sausages were saved by shuffling them around the rack and flipping two or three times, until every sausage was golden and delicious. I like my sausages really crispy. It usually takes me about 40 minutes to achieve anything close to this result in an oven, but the Ninja did it in 15 minutes (including the preheat) – so all was completely forgiven.

Test 5: Special Features

With six versatile functions – Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate – the Ninja Double Stack XL offers countless possibilities. The Air Crisp function gives breaded or battered foods an extra crunch. I tried it on chicken goujons and nuggets, and was very impressed.

The Bake function allowed me to whip up a delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie recipe from Ninja's manual. The brownies were quite thin and fudgy (rather than gooey, like you achieve in a traditional oven) but the process was very convenient. With no preheating and a slick cleanup, this air fryer is a great baking alternative. Plus, you can fill both drawers with brownie batter and end up with around 20 slices to feed a crowd.

Ease of use

In my experience, Ninja always prioritizes a user-friendly design. The instruction manual is brilliant, packed with recipes, meal-plans and temperature presets, so you can shut your brain off and cook with ease. While the display panel isn’t particularly high-tech, it’s effective and satisfying to use.

The 'match' and 'sync' options are a nice touch. Once you've selected the temperature and time on Basket 1, you can select the 'match' button to duplicate the settings for Basket 2. The 'sync' button allows you to set different cooking times, with a synchronized finish for serving at the dinner table.

Although there are no recipe presets on the display panel itself, this air fryer does come with a handy sticker to remind you of all the basic times and temperatures for meats, fish, veggies and fries. If you remove this sticker, you might be a little lost, so make sure to keep the booklet nearby.

One final note: you need to buy a pair of silicone tongs for this air fryer. The metal racks are hot to the touch, and prevent you from tipping food directly onto your plate. Thankfully, tongs are already in my collection of air fryer accessories I couldn't live without.

Capacity

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer’s 10-quart capacity is more than ample. Ninja say it can feed up to 8 people and cook up to 10lbs of chicken wings. I find it perfect for my partner and I – and I've also used it for entertaining two guests.

The recipe booklet also claims you can fit a 5-pound chicken in one drawer. I didn't try it, but I have my doubts. The drawers look too narrow for that. If you need to roast larger cuts of meat, I'd recommend the Foodi FlexBasket instead.

Ease of Cleaning

If you're wondering how to clean the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer, it has removable parts that are dishwasher-safe and easy to hand-wash. The ceramic non-stick coating on the crisper plates allows food residue to be wiped off with minimal effort – just soapy water and a soft sponge.

Even better, Ninja is an international brand, so there are several compatible basket liners available on Amazon. This is the easiest way to speed up cleaning and make your air fryer last longer. I fell in love with the silicone liners which fit perfectly into each basket.

The exterior, with its matte finish and silver handles, feels almost fingerprint-proof, making it easy to maintain its sleek appearance on your counter, too.

Design & Durability

The build quality of the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer inspires confidence. It's narrow but well-balanced and sturdy. The cool-touch exterior and non-slip feet add to its safety, ensuring that it stays securely in place on your countertop.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews for the Ninja Double Stack XL are generally very positive, with an impressive 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Customers rave about its ability to produce perfectly crispy fries, simplify family meals, and offer effortless cleanup. However, a couple of reviews raise concerns about the price and value for money, as well as the uneven browning I mentioned earlier.

One reviewer praised the non-toxic, ceramic coating on the crisper plates, but was disappointed by the PTFE coating in the drawers. If you're concerned about non-stick coatings, rest assured they are generally safe. They just require some care and maintenance, and you need to pay attention to make sure your air fryer stands the test of time. I've written up everything you need to know about non-toxic cookware in my latest feature.

How does it compare?

I’m currently testing Ninja’s DoubleStack and DualZone models side by side – to give you a clear comparison. I’ll come back here to update you very soon, but for now, it’s shaping up to be a very close call!

Our Verdict

The Ninja DoubleStack is certainly an investment, but I do think it's worthwhile if you're in the market for a large air fryer. With the 10-quart capacity, Ninja’s DoubleStack can feed a crowd, yet it still looks sleek and slender. It makes the crispiest French fries I've ever created – and I can forgive the occasions of uneven browning, for the ease of use and cleanup. I think it's a top choice for families and smaller kitchens.

How we test the best air fryers

To test the best air fryers on the market, I focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a trained cook and kitchen appliances editor, I rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen French fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Our team has already tested the market leaders, so we know the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is the best part of air frying, so my tests also evaluate the intuitiveness of the controls, basket design, instruction booklet and the accuracy of recipe presets. I also make sure to explore any special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess the versatility. While I'm cooking, I make notes on capacity – essential knowledge if you're looking for a family-sized air fryer.

Cleaning up can be a hassle, so I check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. I also examine for non-toxic materials and durability. After testing, I scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.

Finally, when you're making a kitchen investment, price really matters, so we weighed up the grill's features and performance to see if it offers good value for money. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you choose an air fryer that looks stylish in your kitchen, as well as being reliable, efficient, and a joy to use.

The Fritaire Self-Cleaning Air Fryer is on a mission to become one of best non-toxic air fryers on the market – and it has generated a real buzz.

Compared to bog-standard air fryer designs, the Fritaire certainly stuns. I loved its retro charm and glass bowl, which allows you to watch your food crisp as it cooks. The promise of a 'self-cleaning function' also intrigued me. I love the ease and health benefits of air-frying, but I do think cleaning after every use can be irritating. I was eager to see if Fritaire could offer a solution.

I put the Fritaire Self-Cleaning Air Fryer through its paces, testing a variety of dishes like French fries, chicken, and roasted vegetables – as well as the cleaning features, durability and value for money. The results? Fritaire's fryer is undeniably cute, but its performance left me hungry, frustrated, and stacked with washing up.

Fritaire Self-Cleaning Air Fryer: First Impressions

The Fritaire Self-Cleaning Air Fryer has bags of nostalgic charm. It's available in retro orange and blue, as well as classic black or white. A friend saw it in my kitchen and immediately had compliments to pay. The standout feature is the glass bowl, which allows you to watch your food cook and crisp up (more on this below, it's a truly amazing experience).

It's also very lightweight, easy to move around the countertop, and a good size for storing in the cupboard. However, the plastic materials were flimsier than expected for such a high price tag. The box also included five accessories – a rotisserie skewer, French tumbler, attachable spinning motor, air stand, and grabber. These were less stylish, with a similarly flimsy and cheap feel. Awkwardly shaped too, they could clog up an entire drawer by themselves.

Cooking Performance

The best air fryers on our list can cook chips, chicken wings and veggies to perfection – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. The Fritaire had huge promise. I watched the process through the glass bowl – amazed – as food turned golden brown and crispy before my very eyes. But how did it perform in the taste tests?

Test 1: French fries

The first test we put air fryers through is frozen French fries. The Fritaire air fryer comes with a metal French tumbler, which rotates and tosses the fries, so that hot air can reach every side. This is supposed to result in extra crispy chips.

I found it awkward to get the fries into the tumbler opening. I'm used to tossing fries into my air fryer basket straight from the bag. The easy part was selecting the 'fries' recipe preset on the sleek touchscreen, then waiting 22 minutes for them to cook (no flipping or shaking needed, thanks to the tumbler).

Unfortunately, my fries turned out pale and dry. I think the recipe preset was inaccurate. I tried again with a shorter cooking time and a generous spritz of cooking oil (this wasn't recommended by the recipe booklet, but this is standard practice and the fries were calling out for it). This resulted in a slightly better taste and texture, but still lacking in the crispy department.

Test 2: Chicken

Next, I tried chicken thighs, placing them on the wire rack and selecting the preset. This was much easier than fiddling with the tumbler accessory. The chicken skin turned out perfectly crispy and delicious, but the meat inside was overcooked and tough. Again, a sign that the preset cooking times are too aggressive.

Test 3: Roasted vegetables

I'm happy to report, that the veggies I made in the Fritaire were tasty. I didn't bother with the tumbler, placing some broccoli, olive oil and a sprinkle of salt on the rack instead.

I then watched like a hawk through the glass bowl. This is where the visibility was actually helpful, rather than just a fun gimmick. I could see when my veggies were starting to char, which prompted me to remove them.

When you're cooking meats and fish, you're more reliant on accurate timings rather than external looks, to make sure your food is safely cooked and tender inside. For vegetables, you can be much more flexible, which is why this test was more successful. It still didn't beat the market-leading Ninja however – their FlexiFoodbasket is top of our list for making the best-ever roasted vegetables.

Capacity

5-quart air fryers are usually large enough to feed a family, but the bowl shape of the Fritaire Self-Cleaning Air Fryer is quite limiting. The French tumbler can just about make enough fries for two people (although my partner thoroughly disagrees, as he was still hungry after dinner).

The Fritaire comes with a rotisserie spit accessory, so I bought a chicken to roast, but it ended up being way too big to fit inside the small glass bowl. This air fryer can only handle very small chickens. I'm not convinced it's suitable for families or hungry couples.

Ease of use

The best thing about cooking with an air fryer is the convenience. The Fritaire Self-Cleaning Air Fryer embraces a user-friendly design with a sleek, 'one-touch' display panel. The touchscreen and glass bowl light up, making it easy to use at night. I loved the glow it gave my kitchen.

However, the Fritaire is let down by a poorly written instruction manual – surprising for an appliance at this price point. Having tested the best luxury kitchen appliances on the market, I'm accustomed to comprehensive guides that include detailed cooking times, recipe ideas, and even smart app integration. Unfortunately, Fritaire's booklet is confusing and lacks key information, such as the need to add batteries to the motor.

I actually got a tad frustrated with the motor and accessories, which were tricky to attach and use. They also became extremely hot after cooking, as did the glass bowl, which didn't feel very family-friendly. I struggled to get my fries out of the locked metal cage, which was scalding hot and needed to be handled with the grabber. I accidentally burnt myself in the process, which is embarrassing to admit, but worth it if you learn from my cautionary tale!

I find traditional drawer-style air fryers like the Philips Essential far more convenient – you toss in the food, close the drawer, and easily tip out your meal when it’s done. As the saying goes: if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.

Clean-up

One of Fritaire’s main selling points is the self-cleaning function. This requires you to fill the glass bowl with soapy water, set the timer and temperature, then allow the hot air to create a cleaning whirlpool for about 10 minutes. The water and steam capture most of the grease and crumbs at the bottom of the bowl, which you can then pour down the sink.

However, you're instructed to fill the bowl up with a moderate amount of water, which means the whirlpool doesn’t reach the top of the bowl, where cooking fat often splashes. This means you'll probably still need to clean manually. That said, the naturally non-stick glass allows residue to wipe off easily. All in all, the self-cleaning performance is not much more effective than the standard practice of cleaning an air fryer – soaking the air fryer basket in the sink.

Once the bowl is clean, you'll need to scrub the metal accessories, as they're not dishwasher-safe. These mesh attachments are like sieves – infamous in professional kitchens for being troublesome to clean. You'll need a fine brush and some patience to clean the crumbs or grease away.

Durability

The Fritaire Self-Cleaning Air Fryer is Teflon-free, using naturally non-stick materials like glass, instead. This means it's less likely to get damaged by cleaning or utensils, and you can rest easy without fearing the release of toxic chemicals into your food.

While I always appreciate non-toxic materials, the overall build quality doesn't inspire confidence in durability. The motor hinges off the side of the machine and mine needed a little propping up to keep it sturdy and fixed (see below). This was probably just an individual defect, but the overall design felt far from luxurious or reliable. I’ve sensed this is a running theme in customer reviews, too.

Customer Reviews

I’ve seen some great reviews from health-conscious customers, praising the non-toxic materials and health benefits of the Fritaire Self-Cleaning Air Fryer.

People love the visibility of the glass bowl, saying it’s fun and prevents their food from burning. I’ve also seen some good customer feedback on the cooking performance, which I personally don’t agree with, but then again, I'm a trained cook with experience testing the best air fryers in the world, so I do have exacting standards.

Some customers were also disappointed with the self-cleaning bowl, saying ‘The bowl doesn't detach so it's also awkward to clean it manually. None of the attachments are dishwasher-safe and feel very cheap.’ I’ve also seen some customers return the appliance, complaining about faulty parts and plastic taste in their food. All in all, the reviews are a mixed bag.

How does it compare?

When it comes to bold and eye-catching designs, the Fritaire Self-Cleaning Air Fryer certainly stands out in the crowd. Few air fryers on the market can match its vibrant, funky appearance. The only notable competitor in terms of design is Drew Barrymore's Beautiful collection, with its soft lines and bold color options.

Fritaire's glass window design is super impressive, but it's not the only brand with this feature. Instant's Vortex Plus Air Fryer is a better option if you want a viewing window. It boasts a larger 10-quart capacity and a built-in rotisserie function, so you can cook an entire chicken to crispy perfection.

When it comes to cooking performance, the Fritaire can't stand up to the competition. For me, Ninja wins every time, offering similar non-toxic credentials and price points, but with the added benefit of consistently crispy and reliably delicious food. Plus, Ninja is usually compatible with dishwasher-safe accessories, making clean-up a breeze. We've rounded up our favorite Ninja air fryers, if you are looking for a model I would really recommend.

Our Verdict

The Fritaire Self-Cleaning Air Fryer stands out with its retro design, toxin-free materials, and the delightful ability to watch your food crisp in real time. However, the poor cooking performance, fiddly accessories, and cleaning features left me disappointed. Given the relatively high price point, it feels like an impractical purchase.

FAQs

As the final days of summer approach, there's nothing like firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ. The smoky flavors and sharing platters are seasonal highlights. At the same time, many of us are choosing the best air fryers to cook dinner every night – loved for their speed, convenience, and ability to cook with less oil.

But what if you could combine these two culinary pleasures—grilling and air frying—to create BBQ-style dishes with less oil, effort and mess? Can you really achieve those iconic grill marks and smoky flavors, while enjoying the benefits of air frying? I asked the experts – and the answer was a resounding yes. We came up with some top tips for grilling in the air fryer – creating delicious, BBQ-inspired dishes you can make all year round.

How to grill in an air fryer

Air fryers are renowned for producing crispy food with less oil and energy. Many modern models, like the Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill and Cuisinart TOA-70, come with dedicated grill settings and griddle plates to create chargrilled effects. Ideal for grilling indoors or off-season.

Although you don’t get the exact smoky taste of the best outdoor grills, Test Kitchen Director of Cuisinart, Beth Gardner, says 'Air fryers can provide grill marks and results that make them a worthy substitute, with quick heat-up and easy cleanup.'

For those love grilling outdoors but still want to avoid the hassle of coal and greasy cleaning, we highly recommend the Ninja Woodfire Grill. This outdoor air fryer is truly incredible. It's powered by electricity and features a smoking function for delicious BBQ flavor. I loved the removable grill plate, which simplifies cleanup, and it's portable, so you can take this air fryer anywhere.

Even if you're using a basic air fryer without any special grilling features, you can still achieve a grill-style effect by following the chef techniques and tips below.

1. Preheat the air fryer

Just like with traditional grilling, preheating the air fryer helps to achieve a crispy finish and deep color. It only takes a couple of minutes, so make sure to hit the preheat setting, then carefully add your food to the basket.

2. Use a grill plate

For authentic grill marks and a slightly charred texture, use a grill plate attachment if your air fryer has one. You can also find griddle plate accessories on Amazon, which help to mimic the look and feel of traditional grilling.

3. Use smoky spice blends

Harry Miller of the World Champion Barbeque Committee, points out that grilling in the air fryer doesn't use smoke, so you could lose that flame-kissed, smoky flavor. He says, 'A simple workaround is adding some Liquid Smoke to your hamburger patties.' Or, try marinating your meat in a smoky BBQ blend, before grilling in the air fryer.

4. Add a little oil

To get the crispiest, chargrilled finish, you should lightly mist or brush your food oil before cooking. Jay Craddick, executive chef at Humble Baron in Tennessee, recommends using an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil. Definitely make sure to use lecithin-free oil, to avoid damaging the non-stick lining of your air fryer.

5. Flip your food

Flipping BBQ foods like burgers and sausages is essential for achieving evenly cooked, caramelized textures. Air fryers work by circulating hot air, so flipping your food ensures that all sides get exposed to the heat and your BBQ favorites come out golden brown.

6. Turn up the heat

Air fryer chef, Sam Milner, has tonnes of tips for getting the most out of your air fryer, She says, 'For extra crispiness, set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking. This high heat will give your food a delicious, golden crust.'

The best air fryer accessories for grilling

If you’re looking to level up your air fryer game and unlock its grilling potential, the right accessories can make all the difference.

The best air fryer grills

When choosing the best air fryer for grilling, look for models that come with a grill plate or griddle rack to achieve those desirable grill marks. Also, consider the size, capacity and whether you'd prefer to cook outdoors or indoors. Lastly, ease of cleaning is crucial – opt for air fryers with removable, dishwasher-safe parts to simplify cleanup, as that's one of the best parts about grilling in the air fryer.

FAQS

Air fryers have revolutionized cooking food at ease, and speed. With their vast array of settings and their ability to make all sorts of meals, it’s no wonder that air fryers have swept up counter space in kitchens across the country.

However, there are lesser-known risks that come with owning an air fryer that may surprise you. We talked to electricians and appliance specialists to learn about the potential dangers that come with leaving your air fryer or non-toxic air fryer plugged in. After reading what they have to say, you won’t be making this mistake again.

Is it dangerous to leave an air fryer plugged in?

There are many reasons why leaving an air fryer plugged in may invite danger into your home. However, as noted by Paul Karandos, Luxury Appliance Specialist at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, there are fewer electrical dangers around today when it comes to appliances. ‘Most modern-day appliances have a sensor and will automatically shut down if they don’t detect use,’ says Paul. ‘But, that being said, it would be in keeping with best practices of safety and cost-effectiveness to unplug your air fryer after every use.’

To operate effectively, air fryers have to draw large currents of electrical energy. Combine this with the fact they are an appliance that heats up and may also contain oil, and you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for a potential electrical fire.

‘I would say that any heat-producing small appliance – toasters, electric woks, hot plates, hot pots, etc – can be unplugged in your home for additional safety,’ says Bill Gilbert, Technical Writer and Resident Appliance Expert at iFixit.

Kaitlyn Hebert Beauchemin, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at Ninja, agrees with this: ‘Ninja recommends unplugging air fryer units from the wall outlet when they are not in use, as well as before cleaning.’

Unplugging your air fryer is additionally a definite way to ensure that you haven’t left it on by accident. Some models of air fryers can be relatively quiet, easily drowned out by the noise of other appliances in a kitchen or by household chatter. Pulling the plug on this appliance, therefore, removes the worry of it continuing to run hot unnecessarily for an extended period, saving you money, wear and tear on the product, and any possible safety risks.

Should I unplug my air fryer when not in use?

Overall our experts recommend unplugging air fryers when they aren’t in use, even if the risk to your safety may be minimal depending on the appliance. If your air fryer is newer and has a sensor that automatically shuts the appliance down when it’s on standby, for instance, you will have fewer safety risks than if you’re using a worn-out air fryer in a rather old socket. To play it safe, taking the extra few seconds to switch the appliance off entirely and pull out the plug is worth it.

It’s also recommended to keep an eye on your air fryer while it’s in use, too, to prevent food from burning and potentially causing a fire hazard. ‘Ninja recommends monitoring your cooking while an air fryer is plugged in and in use, as well,’ says Kaitlyn.

A way to help monitor your food safely when your air fryer is in use is by setting multiple short timers during the food’s cooking time instead of one long one. This way, even if you accidentally forget about your food in the air fryer, it won’t burn. Your food will also turn out better if on each of these timer breaks you go and give it a toss around in the basket – now every side will be crispy perfection!

So, matters of safety extend beyond purely whether the air fryer is on or off, or plugged in or out. You need to consider whether your appliance is in good enough shape to be cooking food to begin with and, if not, it can be incredibly dangerous to leave plugged in or to use in general.

As Homes & Gardens' kitchen appliance expert and resident chef, I’ve tested dozens of air fryers, bookmarking several with a note: 'A steal if it's in the sales.’ That's why I have created this guide to help you find the best air fryer deals, too.

Whether you’re after a small air fryer for a tiny kitchen, the best air fryer for family dinners, or the best non-toxic air fryer, I've got you covered. I've also tested the best air fryer liners and air fryer accessories, so I know which bundles are worth snapping up, too. Below you will find out how to grab the best air fryer deals, including where to shop and specifically which models to invest in.

Where to shop air fryer deals

These retailers stand out for big bargains and discount codes expert-rated air fryers. We track these sites all year round, but if you want to scroll through the seasonal air fryer deals for yourself, this is a good place to start.

• Amazon: save on big-name brands in Amazon's frequent sales
• Wayfair: free shipping and returns on our favorite fryers
• Walmart: up to $50 off on Ninja, Instant and lesser-known air fryer brands
• Ninja Kitchen: Check here for seasonal discount codes and bundles
• Best Buy: find refurbished and brand new best-sellers on sale
• Target: low-cost air fryers with same-day delivery
• Our Place: check here for deals on non-toxic air fryers and accessories
• QVC: find our favorite Instant models in all shapes and sizes

Our favorite air fryers

Below, you'll find the first air fryers I'd look for in the sales. They are the highest-rated air fryers at the top of our buying guides. We've tested all of them – you can read more about how we test air fryers here.

How to choose the best air fryer deal

Before you snap up an air fryer deal in the sales, first decide on the size that suits you. Here's my guide to choosing:

Small air fryers are a practical choice for petite kitchens. Typically ranging from 2 to 4 quarts, they are ideal for preparing two or three fish fillets, side dishes or snacks. They are also easy to hide away in cupboards when not in use.

A larger, 6-quart air fryer is great for families, allowing you to cook bigger portions for around 4-5 people. They tend to come with more functions (like dehydrating or baking) and they naturally take up more countertop space

If you want to make a full meal in the air fryer, you need a dual-basket air fryer. This design allows you to cook two different dishes at once, saving time, effort, and keeping flavors separate. This option is ideal for big families and busy individuals.

If your kitchen is cluttered with multiple appliances, you might want to replace them with a multifunctional air fryer. These versatile machines can do almost everything, like steaming, grilling, roasting, and more. A cost-effective and space-saving choice.

If you're a health-conscious cook, who wants to prepare worry-free meals, choose one of the best non-toxic air fryers. They are free from potentially harmful non-stick linings, using materials like ceramic or stainless steel instead.

When to shop the best air fryer deals

Amazon Prime Day air fryer deals

It's way too hot to use my oven in summer, so Amazon Prime Day might be my favorite time of year to score the best air fryer deals. Prime Day occurs in mid-July (with a new additional event in October), and it offers deep discounts across Amazon’s wide selection of air fryers and air fryer accessories, too.

Last Prime Day, I spotted savings of up to 40% on my favorite Dreo Chef Maker, as well as sizeable discounts on Ninja, Instant Pot, Cosori, and Philips. If you have Prime membership, you can enjoy perks like early access to lightning deals and additional discounts on select items, too. It's worth knowing that non-members can get a free 30-day trial, so anyone can take advantage of Amazon’s best air fryer deals and enjoy that speedy delivery.

Labor Day air fryer deals

Labor Day isn't just a day off work – it's an excellent time to shop for air fryers, with sales often extending through the entire holiday weekend and into early September. It is the last big sales event before the holiday shopping season; you'll have to wait until the end of November to see discounts this big again.

Back to school air fryer deals

At the end of August and beginning of September, you're likely to see prices drop (just a little) on air fryer models from top brands like Ninja and Instant. If you missed out on the bigger Prime Day or Labor Day savings, this is still a good time to shop. Especially if you're looking for a small, cheap air fryer for a dorm room.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday air fryer deals

Many retailers save the best until last. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are renowned for the best air fryer deals of the year. Major retailers will slash prices, and top kitchen brands will offer substantial discounts and bundles, making these days the perfect opportunity to grab an air fryer deal without overspending. Last year, I saw discounts of up to 50% off on my favorite models (listed above).

If you miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday is a second chance to secure discounts across leading brands like Ninja, Philips, and Cosori. Sometimes, we even see a prolonged 'Cyber Week' – although the savings don't stay quite as high. That's why I wouldn't leave it to the last minute. Black Friday itself is your best chance to find discounts on everything from basic models to high-end, multi-functional air fryers.

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How we find the best air fryer deals

It’s my full-time job to stay on top of the best air fryers all year round. I research the latest models, rigorously test popular machines, and track price trends to identify the best air fryers with standout features, great value, reliable design, and performance. I keep our best air fryer buying guide continually updated, documenting price drops and comparing costs so we’re always prepared for the biggest discounts.

With years of experience, I know which retailers consistently offer the most competitive air fryer deals. Amazon is unbeatable for its vast selection, while Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and Wayfair offer deep discounts. I always check the Ninja Kitchen site too, since they offer seasonal discount codes and sign-up savings. I’m always on the hunt for value-packed bundles that include extras like grill racks, recipe books, or extended warranties, so you can get more from every purchase.

To catch the best air fryer deals, I rely on price-comparison tools. Timing is everything, especially for seasonal sales. Deals go live at different times, so I check early and late in the day to catch midnight drops, restocks, and the day’s best savings. If I see a stunning air fryer deal, I'll update you here.

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FAQS

What is a good price for an air fryer?

I'd expect to pay between $90 - $200 for an excellent air fryer. The best air fryer we've tested, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1, is priced at $119. This is one of the most affordable prices I've seen that doesn't skimp on quality; it is a really good air fryer.

Of course, the prices increase as you scale up in size. Larger air fryers and dual drawer models cost more money, but this is worth it if you need more cooking space to feed a family.

I would hesitate to spend more than $200 on an air fryer. I have tested models that are worth over $300, which are incredibly precise and swish, but their features are often overpriced and unnecessary for most air fryer users.

When is the best time to get air fryer deals?

From my experience, it's a tie between Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. If you want to stock up on accessories too, these shopping holidays are the ideal time to grab a good bundle. Amazon is my go-to retailer for the best air fryer liners and accessories.

What is the most affordable air fryer?

The Instant Essentials air fryer is around $79, and often discounted in the sales throughout the year. It is pretty basic and small, but good quality for an affordable price.

Cleaning a house is time-consuming – there are no two ways about it. So anything that can help us shave off chore time and spend more time doing other things is worth giving a go. 

Given that a professional cleaner spends all day every day tending to their own homes and clients, it makes sense that they have perfected some time-saving cleaning tips so that they can find some downtime in their day. 

We asked them to spill their best cleaning shortcuts for you to try around your home to help clean a house fast without compromising on cleanliness.  

Professional cleaners reveal their cleaning shortcuts

Although it is important to take your time on some cleaning tasks to ensure that they are done correctly and are not rushed (such as cleaning an oven to fully remove grease, or removing stains to prevent them from getting worse), there are some great shortcuts that will help you have a chore-free weekend without compromising on hygiene.  

1. Harness natural cleaning

Chemical cleaners can be great, but if you are low on time and don’t want to take safety and waiting times into consideration, then you might be better off harnessing the power of green cleaning instead, suggests Yessica Bello, a professional cleaner at Bello’s Cleaning. From cleaning with vinegar to cleaning with lemon juice, cleaning with natural ingredients is often more effective, she says. One instance of this is getting rid of limescale and getting rid of hard water stains – two of the most tedious cleaning tasks in any home:

‘One of the simplest hacks that saves a lot of time is using lemons to remove faucet stains. Instead of scrubbing with multiple products, just rub a fresh-cut lemon on the stains and they come off easily, leaving a shiny finish. This method has drastically reduced the time we spend on cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.’

2. Use dryer sheets to dust

Removing dust in a home is a never-ending battle. If you are tired of dusting every few days, try swapping to dusting with dryer sheets, such as Bounce from Walmart, suggests Lina DaSilva, cleaning professional and owner of Toronto Shine Cleaning. ‘They work wonders on baseboards and blinds, picking up dust effectively and leaving a fresh scent, and the anti-static properties help keep dust away longer,’ she explains. 

Don’t forget that using the best air purifier will also help to collect dust from the air and stop it from settling, making cleaning quicker and easier too.  

3. Set up a schedule

Setting up a schedule that breaks cleaning chores down into different days might not sound like it will save you a lot of time, but establishing clear cleaning times will ensure every task is done regularly enough that it doesn't become overwhelming. Staying on top of a task ultimately takes less time overall than having to spend a whole day deep cleaning, says Yessica Bello, professional cleaner:

‘For example, assigning daily tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and dishwashing to different family members ensures a cleaner home without much effort. This helps us maintain cleanliness effortlessly.’ 

You can also try something such as the ‘different day, different room’ housekeeping schedule to tackle tidying, cleaning, and decluttering all in one go.  

4. Keep cleaning supplies on hand

You wouldn’t try a DIY project without having all the right tools first, so don’t try cleaning without all the right cleaning supplies either, says Shari Cedar, CEO of AK Building Services, a leading commercial cleaning company:

‘Have your cleaning supplies and equipment ready to go. You will need a neutral cleaner, a disinfectant, a toilet bowl cleaner, a glass cleaner, and a stainless-steel cleaner for a thorough job. Use microfiber cloths, they are far superior to rags and paper towels.

‘It can also help to make a checklist or a cleaning card system,’ she adds. ‘This helps take the guesswork out of cleaning. With a routine, you ensure everything gets done.’  

5. Use baking tray and air fryer liners

A big time-consuming task when cleaning a kitchen is washing dishes by hand. If you do not have a dishwasher or have non-stick items such as baking trays and air fryer baskets that need to be hand washed, quick cleaning hacks are essential. Will Cotter, cleaning expert and owner of HappyCleans suggests investing in liners for your trays and baskets to cut down on cleaning time significantly:

‘Get disposable thick paper liners to toss after use. Silicone liners are good, too, if you want to be more eco-friendly. Of course, you still need to wash your baskets every now and then, but it won’t take much time and elbow grease since it’s got less grease and food build-up.’

6. Clean greasy items overnight

Another great way to clean kitchen grease is to harness the cleaning power of dishwasher tablets no matter what it is you are cleaning, Will Cotter, cleaning expert continues. For instance to clean burnt stainless steel pans or deep clean oven racks:

‘Get a big container (even the bathtub or big sink works!) and fill it with hot water. Toss in a couple of dishwasher tablets, depending on how dirty your racks are, and let them soak overnight. 

‘After the soak, scrub gently to remove any remaining bits, and rinse well. No harsh chemicals, no elbow grease required.’ 

7. Focus on high-touch paints

If you are in a real rush and don't have much time to clean in a given week, you can cut a few corners and focus on the high touch points – also known as target hygiene, suggests Shari Cedar, commercial cleaning specialist:

‘High touch points and vertical surfaces, like counter tops, faucets, toilet seats are must clean areas. Think about what parts of your home are most likely to accumulate germs and dust. Those areas are a priority. Floors are critical as well, especially if you have pets or don’t remove your shoes inside your home. Think about where you walk each day. Whatever germs or funk you stepped on are now in your home.’

Make sure you still give your home a full clean every so often to avoid dirt building up elsewhere, but this approach can help to stay on top of the most important bits while saving time for rest and relaxation. 

8. Let smart appliances do the work

When trying to save your time when cleaning a house, it pays to invest in smart tech that can do most of the work for you. Picking out the best robot vacuum cleaner, for instance, or using the best washing machines and dryers with timer functions and programmable cycle settings will take a lot of the tedious manual aspects out of your chores.  

FAQs

What is the most efficient order to clean a house?  

When trying to clean a house efficiently, start in the most used spots such as the kitchen and bathroom, and work around these rooms from top to bottom. This will get the hardest tasks out of the way so you can focus on easier areas when your energy is depleted – such as the living room or bedroom. Be sure to always tidy the area first before cleaning so you do not have to clean around items for the best results.  

Of course, if you really want to save time and energy and have the funds, it always helps to hire a professional cleaner to help take some of the load. We took the time to answer some of the most common questions about hiring a cleaner, too, so you can take the guesswork out of such an important investment.