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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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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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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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.

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 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.

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

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.  

If you’ve followed the somewhat short history of air fryers, you’ll have seen that Philips were innovators from the outset. Their patented star technology, consistent airflow, and sleek design has secured them a safe spot as a household name.

When Philips launched the 3000 Dual Basket, I was thrilled. They’re a steadfast name in our buying guide for the best air fryers and, with more capacity, two drawers, and versatile settings, they promise a lot, especially for large households with demanding appetites.

I tested the Philips across a range of functions, using it for everything from chips to rice and fish fingers. The results were as impressive as I expected. You’ll want to hear more about it though.

Specifications

Unboxing

As you might expect, the Philips is a big air fryer. It comes with a lot of cardboard packaging, which is easily recyclable and doesn’t take up too much space once it’s all flattened. I love the sleek, modern aesthetic of the Philips. It’s nothing short of beautiful and, for the short time that it was on the countertop, it received a lot of admiring looks. 

I didn’t even need to look up any instructions to get this set up. I rinsed the baskets and plugged in the air fryer. All the icons are self-explanatory, offering adjustable pre-sets, synchronized baskets, and plenty of other useful features.

Who would it suit?

With a dual basket set-up and 9.5-quart capacity, the Philips is practically made for big, busy households. It can cook different foods and synchronize the finish time for them. You’ll also get easy controls, versatility, and speed, for a small price tag too. 

I could list endless different households who would love this, but you’d be safe to assume that you’re one of them. The only people who might want to steer clear are those with compact countertops and small kitchens. Even then, if this replaces your oven, it’s worth clearing some space for.  

What is it like to use?

As I’ve hinted at, Philips designed this for air frying novices but it works like one made for professionals. It’s a real treat. 

You don’t need to do anything before you start frying, in fact, it doesn't even come with instructions, because the whole appliance is incredibly intuitive. You can adjust the temperature in half-degree increments and the time by the minute, so that you can achieve the perfect results, tailored to your tastes.

I put the Philips through our standard series of tests and here's what I found:

Test 1: fries

A classic test for any air fryer is how well it handles chips. I used french fries, from frozen, and poured them straight into the bigger drawer. The pre-set gives your chips 25 minutes at 205. There's no need to wait for any pre-heat, you can just pour them in and they're good to go. 

Halfway through the time, the Philips beeped, reminding me to flip or shake the chips so that they cook evenly. However, when I opened my drawer, I actually thought the chips looked perfect. They were evenly golden across the whole drawer, so I took them out and gave them a taste. They were fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside: absolutely perfect in just over ten minutes.

After letting some of these cool, I used the reheat function to give them a blast of heat. It didn't dry them out, making them leathery, or too crispy, which is rare for most air fryers.

Test 2: roasted vegetables

We always give our air fryers some vegetables to roast, since this is a great indicator of how well it can replace a grill for your peppers, as well as how thoroughly it will cook onions. Again, I used the pre-set which estimated that the vegetables would need 20 minutes at 180. I checked at the half-way beep and my peppers had some brown bubbles appearing, but I wanted to give them a little more time. After another five minutes (the screen timer will count you down), The vegetables were cooked. 

My onions were crispy on the outside and softly tender right through. The peppers were also well cooked with some nice crispy tops. It's a pleasing result.

Test 3: frozen food

The frozen food test is one of the most important ones that we do, because that's where air fryers really excel. If you can use yours to make a quick dinner straight from the freezer drawer, you'll be able to save yourself a lot of time and effort.

I wanted to put the SyncFinish function to the test, so I put some fish fingers in one drawer and fries in the other. You can individually programme each drawer, using the presets and the Philips will align the cooking times so that both parts of the meal finish at the same time.

It only took seventeen minutes, from taking the fish sticks and fries out of the freezer before I had plated this up to taste test. That's super speedy. Plus, you can see that the chips were evenly cooked and, I can attest that the fish sticks were warmed right through. The breadcrumb outside had some nice bite to it, whilst the filling was still moist and hot. It's brilliant.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Philips have thoughtfully made their air fryer baskets dishwasher safe. They're quite big, but if you want to steer clear of the kitchen sink, it's nice to have the option to pack these away and let your dishwasher do the rest.

The touchscreen control panel looks really smart, but it will show up greasy fingerprints. This means that you're probably better off keeping a microfiber cloth nearby so you can wipe away any marks, keeping the air fryer looking beautiful.

Given the sheer size of the Philips, you'll need to invest in this as an air fryer to keep on your countertop full-time. It's worth it if you never use your oven, but I'd do a quick measure of your kitchen to make sure that this won't dominate the sides too much.

How does it rate online?

This is a really new release from Philips, so there's not a huge amount of feedback online from other reviewers. However, I did manage to find some useful customer reviews that unanimously confirm what I already suspected: this is brilliant.

All customers commented on the sleek design of the Philips. Common adjectives used were 'classy' and 'understated'. However, alongside this praise, people always also mentioned that this is huge. One small person with high countertops struggled to see the control panel, but I'm 5 ft (which is pretty tiny) and didn't have any trouble with our tall kitchen countertops. It's worth keeping in mind.

Lots of people also loved how quiet this is. Almost everyone said that it was quieter than their current model. Plenty of people had to double-check that it was even running. 

Lots of people mentioned the cable storage at the back, which doubles up as a safety feature that stops the air fryer vents from pushing up against your wall. Philips doesn't explain this, which means that some people complained that they couldn't push theirs right back. Actually, it's a really smart feature, especially since you can use it to wind the cable around when that's not in use.

How does it compare?

There are increasing numbers of dual-drawer air fryers on the market, so this has a lot of direct competitors. My favorite is the Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer, so it's only fair to compare the two.

Whilst the two are both dual-drawer air fryers, there's much to be made of their differences. The Instant has twin drawers, so they have the same capacity as each other, whereas the Philips has one small drawer and one bigger one. I actually prefer the Philips, since you have the option to only heat a small drawer if you don't have a big air frying task, but I can see where this might be frustrating if you wanted to split things half and half.

Both models are well-built, so I would but them both in the category of a 'durable' air fryer. However, the Philips definitely has the edge over quality. The handles are brushed stainless steel, the drawers feel premium and the overall build quality is, true to Philips' reputation, unbeatable. 

They're both speedy cooks too, although you'll need to wait for the Instant to pre-heat. Once they're running, the clear viewing windows on the Instant give it a slight edge in terms of checking up on your food, since you won't need to open the Instant's drawers to check up on your fries.

You can't go wrong with either air fryer. However, if I was making a choice between the two, I'd put my money on the Philips, especially since they're similarly priced.

Should you buy it?

I'm a little bit in love with the Philips. Not only does it look like a premium air fryer, it performs like one too. At the touch of a button, I could enjoy well-cooked food, quickly. 

It's worth noting that this has a tendency to overcook food, but you can adjust the time settings manually, especially if you like your food less well done. It takes up a lot of space, but, if I had to buy an air fryer right now, I'd be getting this.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens the process for how we test air fryers is meticulous. We make notes on everything from aesthetics and unboxing, to how the model performs across a range of food tasks. We make sure that these are versatile enough to cover a range of different kitchens' needs, that way, we can let you know whether the air fryer is suitable for you. 

Our team then uses our experience to comment on the value of the air fryer, as well as comparing it to other, similar models, so that you know whether you're picking the best on the market and what other options there are out there for you. We'll give you a summary of what we think, so that you have a holistic idea of what to expect from your air fryer before you dive into any purchases.

Knowing how to use your air fryer safely will not only make it last for longer, it can help you towards a healthier life too. You'll already know not to overheat it or use sharp utensils in the baskets, but you might be using an ingredient in your recipes that is doing a lot more damage.

If you haven't invested in one of the best non-toxic air fryers (which are lined with ceramic and stainless steel) you'll need to be careful with what you put in your air fryer. In a recent conversation with Sam Milner, author and air fryer chef, she revealed a surprising ingredient that could be doing some serious damage to your non-stick lining.

We talked about what to look out for, alternative options, and other ways to use your air fryer safely. Milner is full of tips on how to extend the life of your air fryer too, most of which center around keeping the non-stick in pristine condition. Here's everything you need to know.

Why do people think air fryers are toxic?

A year ago, the question 'are air fryers toxic?' went viral on TikTok. I've done a deep dive into it, but if you want the headlines, if your air fryer is used appropriately and remains undamaged it's fine. Issues arise when the non-stick lining in your air fryer basket (often made with forever chemicals, like PTFE and BPA) becomes damaged. If you scrape the basket with a metal fork or abrasive cleaning products, you risk damaging the non-stick and ingesting some chemicals.

Pam Harnett, Registered Dietician and Public Health Expert told me that 'damaged non-stick coating can cause toxins to be released into the air and food. These chemicals can interfere with our hormones. I've seen links between these and several health issues, including reproductive and developmental issues.'

There's no need to panic though. That's an extreme. There are plenty of scientific papers from the National Institutes of Health that say that there's very little evidence that these chemicals will have adverse health effects when ingested in small quantities, but it can never hurt to be cautious and choose non-toxic cookware when you can.

What's the ingredient that's ruining your non-stick?

In a recent interview, Sam Milner, author of The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook, was giving me some pearls of wisdom for how to make your air fryer last longer. Amongst these, Sam mentioned a mistake that we are all making, which is damaging the non-stick of our air fryers.

She said 'People love air fryers because you can crisp up food without using much oil, but these really health-conscious cooks buy those light, low-calorie oil sprays. If you turn them around, these oils have very scary ingredient lists.' The key culprit for damaging your air fryer is an emulsifier called lecithin. When heated, this will slowly break down the non-stick coating inside your air fryer baskets.

There's no need to worry though, Sam has a simple substitute. 'Just use olive oil instead. You can buy 'you can buy olive oil sprays as long as you check the ingredients first. Failing that, buy an oil spray bottle and fill it with extra-virgin olive oil, making your own mist.'

If you don't fancy the full-fat option, Sam says 'balsamic or white wine vinegar are great options, because they'll stop your food from drying out and they'll add flavor too'. Sam has lots of vinegar-based recipes demonstrating how you can make the substitution in her Complete Air Fryer Cookbook. Make sure you check out the balsamic chicken: it's gorgeous.

Other tips for how to use your air fryer safely

Sam is full of suggestions for how to use your air fryer safely. She recommends investing in some silicone cooking utensils since these won't scratch the bottom of your non-stick, ruining your lining.

She says 'In our kitchen, we've got loads of air fryer accessories, but the best ones are silicone baskets. They'll mean that you're not cooking in the bottom of your air fryer baskets, so you're less likely to damage them. Plus, they'll save you on washing up.'

If you ask other experts for advice on how to safely use your air fryer, you'll get a pretty standard list of safeguards:

• Don't overfill your basket: this will stop air from circulating properly, so some parts of your meal will burn before others are even cooked. Plus, it'll make yours much less efficient.
• Don't mix and match: if you have multiple air fryers, don't use the baskets and accessories interchangeably, because they'll be designed to specifically suit the mechanisms of the brand's air fryer.
• Keep an eye on the cooking: it sounds obvious, but some people don't convert the cooking times and end up burning their food beyond savoir. This is why viewing windows can be really handy
• Keep it cool: Megan Hilbert, registered dietician and nutritionist, says 'if you're not air-frying at temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, you don't have much to worry about. Thankfully, most air fryers don't reach over 450 degrees, so this shouldn't ever be an issue. It's worth knowing though.'

Catherine Rall, certified Nutritionist at Happy V, said that 'Your best bet is to invest in an air fryer that doesn't have a synthetic lining. The advantage of a synthetic lining is that it's easy to clean, but if this comes at the expense of your health, it's simply not worth it.'

We've got plenty of suggestions for non-toxic air fryers, which use stainless steel, ceramic, silicone, or organic linings. Luckily, with these, low-calorie oils are safe to use too. Here are my three favorites.

FAQs

What precautions should be taken when using an air fryer?

If you want to keep your air fryer in top condition, you need to make sure that you clean it thoroughly after use. People will also suggest lining it with baking paper or silicone baskets so that you don't leave any stray crumbs behind.

It's also important not to use utensils with sharp ends, because these could damage the non-stick, as will any aerosol sprays. Also, don't let your air fryer overheat, because this can also affect the non-stick.

Is it safe to leave the house with an air fryer on?

Never leave the house with the air fryer on. These are hot appliances and could cause a fire if left unattended. You shouldn't need to leave the house, because air fryers are so speedy, you'll also miss your food being cooked. It's better to stay nearby at all times. Plus, if you're close by, nobody can steal your share of the fries.

There's no better person to ask how to make your air fryer last longer than the author of The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook, Sam Milner. Twelve years ago, she bought one of the first (now considered to be retro) air fryers and used it all day, every day for seven years. She only upgraded when she wanted an air fryer with a bigger basket. Another five years on and that air fryer is still as good as new, so what's her secret?

If, like me, you've invested in one of the best air fryers, you'll want to know what Milner does to keep her air fryers living a long and healthy life. I asked her to tell me everything I need to know to make sure my air fryer can last as long as hers did.

She's got (air fryer) baskets full of expert tips, from advice on how to clean your air fryer to the air fryer accessories that can add years to the life of your baskets. Here's everything she does to keep hers in a pristine state.

1. Look after the lining

So, you've bought a new, shiny air fryer and you can't wait to start cooking. Before you throw in some fries and fish sticks, it's worth taking some precautions over the lining of your baskets. 

Often, your air fryer baskets are coated with a non-stick, which is made of either Teflon or ceramic. If your non-stick is damaged, you won't be able to safely cook with your air fryer any more, because there's a risk that you'll end up ingesting some of the non-stick (this is what sparked the interest in non-toxic air fryers). 

Sam has plenty of tips for preserving your lining, but the first one she told me about was a mistake she often sees people making, on TikTok and in advertising. Milner says 'people love air fryers because you can crisp up food without using much oil, right? But these health-conscious people buy those light oil sprays which, if you turn them around, have very scary ingredient lists. The problem with this is that the chemicals added to the oil damage, an emulsifier called lecithin, slowly break down the coating on your air fryer.'

There's a very simple remedy. 'Just use olive oil instead,' Sam says, 'you can buy olive oil sprays as long as you check the ingredients first. Failing that, buy an oil spray bottle and fill it with extra-virgin olive oil, making your own mist.'

If you really liked your lighter spray, don't worry. Sam says 'balsamic vinegar and white wine vinegar are great alternative options.' She says that you won't get the crispiness from oil, but this provides the wetness that your oil would have done. Milner has lots of vinegar-based recipes demonstrating how you can make the substitution in her Complete Air Fryer Cookbook. My favorite is the balsamic chicken: it's gorgeous.

2. Invest in accessories

The type of oil that you use is only the beginning of ways that you can look after your air fryer basket. Sam says 'If you really want to preserve the lining of your air fryer, one of my biggest and best tips is to invest in air fryer accessories such as the best air fryer liners.'

'In our kitchen, we've got loads of them, but the best ones are silicone baskets. Buy ones that will fit the dimensions of your air fryer basket and they'll mean that you're not cooking in the bottom of your air fryer baskets, so you're less likely to damage them. Plus, they'll save you on washing up.' 

If you can't find the ones for you, rest assured, you've got options. Sam explains 'When I was air frying back in 2013, I didn't have the luxuries of all the accessories on offer now. I used to buy silicone baking mats. You know, the ones you bake cookies on? If you need to, you can cut them into baskets. They're a little imperfect,' she laughs, 'but they get the job done.'

If the silicone baskets and silicone trays aren't serving you, Sam has also cooked with paper liners. She says, 'These are single-use, so they're not particularly great for the environment, but they offer more cooking options if you need them.' 

Sam also suggests that you can use ramakins, casserole dishes, and glass in your air fryer. 'If it's oven friendly, it's air fryer friendly too, just note that these will slow down your cooking time and get hot to handle.'

3. Keep it clean

It's important to keep all parts of your air fryer clean, since burnt grease and residue can be tough to get rid of, especially if you don't want to scratch the insides of your drawer.

These days, most air fryer drawers are dishwasher-safe. If you've used accessories, such as the silicone baskets, these can go in the dishwasher and your drawers will just need a light clean. I wanted to know how Sam cleaned hers. As a chef, she's always experimenting, so I expected to hear some horror stories about burnt oils and chicken that had been blackened beyond savoir.

'I don't really have any of those I'm afraid. I'm a careful chef and I've always used liners inside my drawer, so I've never really had to scrub at my non-stick. The way I cleaned my seven-year-old air fryer was just with warm soapy water. Make sure to look for scrubbers (such as this one from Amazon) that won't scratch your non-stick lining and use them to wipe the insides.' Dish soaps, such as Ecover and Method are always a safe bet if you want a gentle clean of your air fryer basket too.

4. Think about what you cook

Even though air fryers are magic, there are plenty of things that you should not put in an air fryer. Sam has some advice for what to avoid and what it's a good idea to cook if you want your air fryer to last for longer. She says, 'The reason that I use my silicone inserts so often, is that when you cook liquids directly into the bottom of your drawers, it puts a lot more wear-and-tear on the inside of your air fryer. Curries, sauces, soups – all these things won't be doing the longevity of your air fryer any favors.'

'I'm not recommending you limit the recipes that you follow in your air fryer, I'm just saying that if you plan on making something saucy or with a high liquid content, you really should be using an insert and silicone ladles and tongs.'

Be careful with your cooking times too. 'I've seen loads of videos on social media telling people to just take 10% off their normal oven cooking times, but that's just wrong. Say you have a chicken, most sites will tell you to cook it for one hour and forty-five minutes, in my air fryer, a roast chicken only needs forty-five minutes. That's more than half with no pre-heat either. If you hadn't been a cautious cook, you'd have burnt your food and created a lot more cleaning for yourself.'

5. Choose the right one for you

It might seem a little obvious, but if you want your air fryer to last for years, you need to choose one that's going to suit your needs. There's no use skimping and saving on a compact air fryer if you will be feeding all the family with it. Likewise, there's no point buying a dual-drawer, extra-large air fryer if you'll be cooking single-ingredient recipes from it.

'You have a few options to think about when choosing one for you. You could go for an air fryer oven, which lots of people love because you can cook whole chicken, boneless beef, kebabs, and all sorts in it. However, if you're energy-conscious, this is slower and much less efficient. I hate looking at our energy meter when I've got mine running,' explains Sam.

'Single-drawer air fryers are great if you want something simple and easy to use. We take ours with us when we go away on travels or in our motorhome because campsite fuses often have low wattage and these are low enough not to blow any sockets.'

On the other hand, if you want to make a whole meal, dual-drawer air fryers can be really useful. 'It's likely that these drawers will be slimmer and more narrow than a single-drawer air fryer, so you'll struggle to do bigger portions, but if you want to cook two different foods, like curry and naan bread, you can have them cooked to perfection and ready to eat at the same time. I think these are the future of air fryers really, because they're so popular and so versatile. However, just because everyone else has one doesn't mean you should.'

'There's endless other options, such as multicookers which are great for replacing gadgets and taking traveling if you're on the go as well as newer models with a flexible drawer, so you can choose how big your capacity is.' The bottom line is, to evaluate how you'll be using your air fryer this year, next year, and in the next five years and buy the one that suits your needs (if you need some inspiration, I've written a buying guide for the best air fryers).

6. Store it properly

Throwing your air fryer in the cupboard with all your other utensils will likely end up with some bumps, bruises, and scratches. Likewise, if you're not careful with the cord, this is something that can wear through and fray. 

When you're using the air fryer, make sure the cable isn't pressed up against the hot back, since this could damage the cable wiring as well as the interior. If this is somewhere you know you're not great, it's worth investing in a cable tie (such as this one from Amazon) to keep everything in its proper place.

Pick a stable shelf and put your air fryer on that, once it's cooled from cooking. Alternatively, you can keep your air fryer in pride of place on the countertop, just make sure that you keep the exterior clean.

Final thoughts

If you follow Sam's advice, you'll be able to enjoy a long life of air frying. Her six tricks are easy to follow because air fryers are really simple appliances. However, there's a lot of fun that you can have with them too. If you need a place to start, I'd take a look at Sam's book, The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook. It's considered to be a bit of a bible for air fryer advice. She's got tips for everything, from where to start to which accessories to buy, as well as expert advice throughout. In my opinion, it's a kitchen essential.

If you’ve ever wanted to cook two foods simultaneously in your air fryer, a dual-zone model like the Beautiful TriZone Air Fryer is just what you need. A new release from Beautiful, a budget-friendly brand fronted by actress Drew Barrymore, this large air fryer offers more versatility than many other single-basket designs. 

The 9-quart basket of this air fryer can be split into two individual cooking zones, and you can set each side to cook at a different temperature. This makes it possible to cook protein on one side of the basket and a side dish on the other, and they’ll finish cooking at the same time. That's similar to lots of air fryers. However, this model contains an innovation we're starting to see more and more. The basket divider can also be removed for cooking large meals. The brand even claims that the air fryer is big enough to accommodate a 10-pound turkey. 

While it sounds great in theory, I wanted to see if this dual-zone air fryer could earn a spot among the best air fryers. I loved the smaller 6-quart version of this air fryer, so I thought this model stood a good chance. I put it to the test for several weeks and found that while the affordable air fryer does a great job crisping up food, its oversized design can be a little awkward.

Product specifications

Who would it suit?

If you’re looking for a large air fryer that can cook in two zones simultaneously, the Beautiful TriZone is a budget-friendly option to consider. Thanks to its removable divider, you can split its basket into two 4.5-quart sections and cook foods at separate temperatures. It’s a useful feature if you like to cook a main dish and side dish at the same time, and it works pretty well.

However, the caveat is that this air fryer is big and bulky and it takes up a lot of space in the kitchen. If you’re short on space, it’s probably not the best choice, and it’s also awkward to empty due to its extra-large basket. 

Unboxing and set up

The Beautiful TriZone Air Fryer arrived in a large box with Drew Barrymore’s smiling face on the side. It was packaged in molded cardboard and wrapped in a protective layer of styrofoam, and its basket was taped in place to prevent it from shifting around during shipping. I received the appliance in the color 'White Icing,' a pretty off-white hue with a matte finish and gold accents on the handles. There are several other colors available too.

As you might expect from a 9-quart air fryer, the Beautiful TriZone is quite large; in fact, it’s easily the largest air fryer I’ve ever tested. More specifically, this appliance is very wide, spanning almost 20 inches. You'll need to give up more than a foot of countertop real estate. The basket spans the entire length of the appliance, and it has two large handles. You generally need to use both handles to pull the basket out. Otherwise, it tends to pull out crookedly and often gets stuck. 

Once you plug in this air fryer, it has a large touchscreen display across the front. The buttons light up when you turn the appliance on, but they can be a bit hard to see on the light background, though this may not be an issue if you choose a darker color. There are buttons for air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate, as well as a 'Dual Cook' button that lets you program the two baskets separately. All the buttons responded reliably to my touch, but it did take me a little while to figure out how to program in my desired settings.

Test 1: Salmon

The first food I cooked in the TriZone air fryer was two thin salmon filets for dinner. The slices of fish were small enough that they both fit on one side of the basket, so I left the divider in while cooking. I make this recipe often, and I typically bake the fish for around 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

This air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, so you have to add on a few extra minutes. I gave the unit two minutes to preheat, then popped the filets into the basket for 10 minutes on its 'Bake' setting. To my surprise, the fish wasn’t cooked after 10 minutes. Most of the middle was still raw. I ended up putting the filets back in for another five minutes, after which they were cooked through. 

I think the problem was that I didn’t let the air fryer preheat for long enough. Going forward, I gave it five minutes of preheat time, which made for perfect salmon.

Test 2: Drumsticks and Fries

I wanted to try cooking on both sides of the air fryer simultaneously, so I decided to make air fried chicken drumsticks and frozen French fries for dinner. I put the drumsticks on one side of the basket at 400 degrees and the fries on the other at 425.

Even though I was only cooking for two people, the food was crowded in the 4.5-quart baskets. The five drumsticks were touching, and the French fries were layered on top of each other, which isn’t ideal when you want food to crisp up.

It took me a little while to figure out how to program the air fryer to cook in two zones—there’s a “Dual Cook” button on the touchscreen, and then you have to select each basket and input your desired settings. After selecting the temperature for each basket, I set the drumsticks to cook for 25 minutes and the fries to cook for 20, and I started them at the same time.

However, I didn’t realize I needed to press the 'Sync' button to ensure my food finished cooking at the same time, so the fries were done before the chicken was fully cooked. I opted to leave them in the basket for the extra five minutes instead of interrupting the cooking cycle to remove them, so they were more browned than usual. It was also hard to 'shake' the basket to move the fries around. The basket is so big that it’s hard to shake, and doing so also messed up the arrangement of the drumsticks. I ended up stirring the fries around with a spatula instead to ensure they were browned evenly.

Even though I ran into a few bumps while cooking this meal, the food still turned out well. The chicken was super moist and cooked throughout, though it wasn’t as crispy as I would have liked because the basket was crowded. The fries were also well-cooked but they were crispier brown because I left them in for a few extra minutes. 

Test 3: Chicken Bites and Fries

After testing out the Beautiful TriZone air fryer with a variety of different foods, I discovered that one of the best ways to use it is to cook quick, single-serving lunches. In particular, I found that it’s perfect for whipping up a single serving of frozen chicken bites with a side of French fries.

The chicken bites that I like need to be cooked for around 15 minutes at 400 degrees, while the French fries generally need around 20 minutes. Once I figured out how to program the baskets individually, I could put both foods in at once and hit the 'Sync' button. When this setting is activated, the air fryer doesn’t start cooking the chicken right away—instead, it waits until the French fries have 15 minutes left on their timer so both baskets end at the same time.

When I cook this meal, I use the 'Reminder' setting to alert me halfway through the cooking cycle, and I stir up both sides of the baskets to ensure everything cooks evenly. The chicken and fries always come out perfectly crispy when I cook them this way, and it’s much more convenient than having to cook them separately. 

My only complaint is that you can’t just dump the food out of the basket when it’s done cooking. The basket is too large and the divider gets in the way. Plus, the crisper plates tend to fall out if you invert the basket. Instead, it’s easier to pull everything out with a spatula or tongs.

Cleaning

The air fryer basket, divider, and crisper trays are all dishwasher-safe, but the basket is so big that it would take up half the lower rack inside my dishwasher. I found it was more convenient to hand-wash the basket. The inside of the basket has a nonstick coating, so even baked-on food and grease are easy to wipe off with soap and warm water. 

The crisper trays were a bit harder to wash by hand, as they have lots of nooks and crannies that are hard to get into with a sponge. However, they’re small enough that they fit on the top rack of the dishwasher, and they come out of the cycle looking nice and clean. 

How does it rate online?

The Beautiful TriZone Air Fryer is exclusive to Walmart, and well-reviewed by the site’s customers. It has an average rating of 4.3 stars from more than 1,300 reviews, and many people love its reasonable price point and stylish exterior. It also gets positive reviews from people with large families, who say the spacious basket is ideal for cooking in big batches. 

Among negative reviews, people say that the rubber pieces on the basket divider and crisper plates are prone to falling off after several months. Others dislike that the basket doesn’t pull out smoothly, and some say that the finish chips and dents easily.   

How does it compare?

 There are several other dual-zone air fryers you should consider as you shop. The Ninja Foodi DZ401 6-in-1 XL 2-Basket Air Fryer is our top-rated dual-zone model, and unlike the Beautiful TriZone, the Ninja Foodi has two individual 5-quart baskets that are easier to empty. It’s also made with better quality materials and has an easy-to-use control panel, but it’s more expensive, retailing for around $180.

The Instant Vortex VersaZone is another option with a similar design to the Beautiful. It has a large 9-quart basket that can be separated into two sections with a removable divider, and we like that it has one full-basket crisper plate instead of two individual ones. However, it’s significantly more expensive than the Beautiful TriZone, retailing for $200. 

Should you buy it?

If you’re looking for a dual-zone air fryer and don’t want to spend a lot, the Beautiful 9-Quart TriZone Air Fryer is one of the more affordable options out there. It does a good job cooking most foods, and despite its low price point, it’s quite stylish thanks to its colorful matte finish. 

However, it’s not perfect by any means. It takes a while to get used to the controls, and both the appliance and basket are bulky and unwieldy. We found the basket was awkward to empty, and we also don’t like that there’s no preheat function. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you might be better off with a dual-zone air fryer like the Ninja Foodi DZ401, which has two separate baskets that are easier to handle. 

Instant is well known for making some of the best air fryers on the market, and the Instant Vortex Plus covers six functions in one, slick appliance. Normally retailing at $160, you can now snap it up for just $90 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale – if you were thinking about jumping on the air fryer trend, now's the time to do it.

I'm H&G's eCommerce editor. This means that I test air fryers and then shop them for a living (a tough life, I know). Instant's Air Fryers are my favorites. They have dominated our lists of the best air fryers and multicookers for years – and they're not letting up anytime soon. To see one reduced to under $100 is rare, so I imagine this deal won't stick around.

Since testing this when it was released back in 2022, we've been big advocates for the Instant Vortex Plus. This doesn't have the advanced OdorErase technology and viewing window of some other options (I've included them below), but it does an excellent job of the basics. It's quick, compact, and quieter than most air fryers. The best part is that Amazon has now reduced it by 44%.

What's the deal?

Is the Instant Vortex Plus 6 Quart Air Fryer any good?

Before I dive deep into the details of Instant's air fryer, I should say, this isn't sponsored. We independently tested this air fryer and it was love at first fry. We have a lot of praise for the Instant and some critical insights that came up in our expert tests. We discuss how we test air fryers in our dedicated piece.

Air fryers are rarely described as beautiful, but this design is sleek and smart. It's also pretty compact on the countertop, so our experts were impressed from the outset. The boxy control panel is easy to use (and equally easy to mark if you have greasy fingers). It comes with a removable air fryer insert grid for extra versatility.

Instant's newer Vortex Plus boasts a viewing window and OdorErase technology. These are really useful, but I'd consider them to be luxuries rather than essentials. A good air fryer should crisp up bacon, cook fries, and make delicious fish sticks quickly and efficiently. When we put the Instant to the test, that's exactly what we found. 

You don't just need to take my word for it. Out of 66,500 Amazon reviews, the Instant scores an incredible 4.5 stars. People praise the Instant Vortex Plus for its versatility, build quality, speed, and consistency. I also spotted that it consistently scores top marks for value. Now that it's half-price, I don't even know what it scores for value. Something better than words can do justice to.

It's worth noting that the drawers aren't dishwasher safe, so you'll need to hand-wash them or invest in dishwasher-safe inserts (which are also reduced at Amazon, co-incidentally). 

If you're keen to find out more, you can read our full Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer review.

Other options

If you really want an air fryer, but the Instant Vortex Plus isn't quite what you were looking for, don't worry about it. Amazon's got plenty more where that came from and so has Walmart.

Dual drawer air fryers are my favorite kinds: they offer capacity and versatility, perfect for busy homes. Cosori’s 8.5 L model has entered the market in a strong position, ready to take on the likes of the Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 and Instant Vortex Plus.

We’re always keen to test the best air fryers on the market, so our team of experts couldn’t wait to take this to our kitchen to test it properly. So we could really see what the Cosori is capable of, we made everything from fries and grilled vegetables to crispy bacon. Spoiler alert: it's can do an expert job of almost everything.

Whilst the price point is low in comparison to lots of other dual drawer air fryers, the Cosori's performance is top-of-the-game (especially if you eat more bacon than veggies). So, if you've got lots of mouths to feed and a smaller budget to shop with, this might be the air fryer for you.

Specifications

Unboxing

As you might expect from a large, dual zone air fryer, the Cosori Dual Drawer is big. It’s smaller than a microwave, but only marginally, so you’ll need to clear room on your countertops for it. That being said, the Cosori’s design is sleek. The sharp lines and curved corners make this look like a premium air fryer, even though it doesn’t have the price tag to match it. 

As this is a big machine, it comes with plenty of of packaging, designed to keep it looking smart upon arrival. This is a combination of recyclable cardboard (big tick) and non-recyclable soft plastics (big cross). Whilst it would have been nice to have completely recyclable packaging, I understand that it’s not always easy, so the fact that there was some recyclable cardboard is a good start.

Cosori also provide a baking rack, skewer rack, and metal skewers for grilling and rotisseries. This is a nice touch, which isn’t often included with other air fryers, even premium models, so it’s certainly worth celebrating – just ensure you have somewhere to store these extras.

Who would it suit?

The Cosori Dual Zone was designed with busy homes in mind. The deep drawers will cook a whole meal quickly and efficiently. The Sync Finish function, which is becoming increasingly common in models, means you can cook protein and vegetables at the same time without having to worry about timings. It really takes a lot of stress out of the kitchen.

Cosori’s price point also makes this a good option for those shopping on a budget. You can still enjoy the techy, touchscreen luxuries of more premium air fryers, but for less money. Some features are less premium (the drawers can be stiff and the controls aren’t the most intuitive), but they’re worth compromising on to save a hundred dollars.

Whilst the large capacity makes this perfect for big homes, it inevitably comes hand-in-hand with a large footprint. This takes up a lot of space on the countertop, so you’ll need to have deep cupboards or some countertop space that you’re willing to sacrifice for the Cosori. 

What is it like to use?

The Cosori makes a great first impression. It looks good, the touch screen is sensitive and responsive, plus there are lots of well-considered features. Viewing windows are always useful, but what’s even better is that each drawer has independent lighting, so you can switch one on and not the other. The lights will also automatically switch off after 30 seconds to save your utility bills.

However, our experts noticed a few, less convenient quirks to the Cosori, too. The drawers are quite stiff to pull out, especially the first time that you use them. Also, whilst the rubber feet on the crisper trays protects the non-stick, they’re not very smooth to lower in. You’ll need some muscle to properly force them down.

Test 1: Fries

Our experts wanted to maximize on the Dual Zone technology, so tested fries alongside nuggets. We took a look at Cosori’s pre-set guide, which is handily stuck on above the drawers, and saw that they recommend cooking fries for 20-25 minutes. We know that Cosori has a tendency to overshoot on cooking times, so agreed to keep an eye on the chips, checking on them through the viewing window every five minutes. There was also a setting which gave us the chance to opt for a shake reminder, which beeps and flash every five minutes, reminding you to turn your food. We gave this a go, because nobody likes unevenly cooked fries. 

Once we had set up one drawer on the fries setting, we pressed 'sync finish' and the Cosori transferred our cooking instructions across to both drawers. There was no reprogramming necessary, which is really useful if you don't want to waste minutes setting temperatures and functions.

The drawers preheated for six minutes before telling us to add food in. You can turn off the pre-heat function, but you’ll get much less consistent results. Whilst heating, this made some noise (about as much as an extractor fan). Whilst it didn't emit that new air fryer smell, once we had gotten into our tests, we all agreed that this isn't a stealthy cooker. We could smell the fries throughout the whole, large, test kitchen.

At twenty minutes, we decided the fries needed to come out. We could see that they were browning nice and evenly and we didn’t want dry fries, which is what we were worried the extra five minutes would lead to. 

Our team gave the fries a taste test and concluded they were pretty average fries: they were fluffy inside, but erring on dry, and overly crispy on the outside. We wouldn’t complain about them, but they were very forgettable.

Test 2: Nuggets

In the drawer next to the fries, we had a batch of nuggets, cooking at the same temperature for only 16 minutes. We had the same shake reminder and the sync cook setting on, so kept checking on them every five minutes.

Even though Cosori suggested these would only need 20 minutes, we took them out at the 16 minute mark. The breadcrumb exterior was nicely crispy and the nuggets were warmed through. If we were being picky, we might say that these were a little dry, but the whole plate got eaten, so they can’t have been that bad. 

Test 3: Roasted veg

We gave the Cosori a break and came back to it an hour later to cook Mediterranean vegetables (pepper, courgette, aubergine, and onion). We had the option of a fifteen minute pre-heat, but that’s as long as the vegetables needed cooking for, so we decided to use the skip setting and put everything straight in, for 15 minutes, at 350 degrees.

Even though we could see steam coming out the side of the drawers, the viewing windows remained crystal clear and easy to see through. Nine minutes into cooking, our team decided that the vegetables looked crispy enough, so we took the vegetables out.

Even at nine minutes, we thought the vegetables could have had less time. Cosori air fryers are really powerful. The vegetables were crispy and cooked thoroughly and evenly. Some small vegetables had fallen through the crisper tray, which can’t be helped, but it’s worth watching because you could lose a lot of onion or garlic through these slots. 

Cosori also recommends using an oil spray on the non-stick, which our experts thought sounded a little like overkill. There's almost no point in non-stick if you still have to use oil. We didn’t use any initially and found that a few pieces of vegetable did stick to the tray. Lesson learned: manufacturers know best. Although, if you delight in oil free cooking (like me) you might find this a little disappointing. 

Test 4: Bacon

We followed Cosori’s advice to cook bacon at 340 degrees. However, it recommended that we leave our rashers in for ten minutes, which, by the measure of our fries and vegetables, would be far too much.

We kept an eye on the bacon and, at seven minutes, decided that the rashers had crisped up perfectly. The edges were nice and brown and we could see all the fat sizzling (not to mention the delicious smoky smell). After just one mouthful, one of the experts (from our sister brand), Christina, declared: ‘this is the best bacon I’ve ever had in an air fryer’. She has high standards, so that’s real praise. It was crispy without being crumbly: the perfect bacon. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The drawers are both dishwasher safe, but, thanks to the non-stick, they’re also really easy to clean by hand. All the grease from our food ran straight off. If you don’t like the idea of big drawers in your dishwasher, I would recommend placing some silicone inserts, such as these from Walmart inside your drawers. You can put them in the dishwasher and they’re much less bulky. 

We did spot that the touchscreen panel showed up our fingerprints almost straight away. I wouldn’t get rid of the touchscreen panel: it’s a really premium feature, but I would keep a microfiber cloth nearby. You’ll be able to keep it much cleaner. 

As for storage, this is a big air fryer. It has family-sized capacity and quite some weight to it, so I would recommend clearing a space for it on your countertops and leaving it there. If not, you’ll need to dedicate a whole shelf of a deep, low cupboard to the Cosori, which isn’t convenient at all. 

How does it rate online?

On Amazon, this has an average of 4.7 stars from over a thousand reviews. That’s seriously impressive, so it’s clear that this is popular with the people. Everyone praised the capacity and simplicity of the Cosori, scoring it particularly highly on the ‘value’ discriminator. Most reviewers made use of the spacious drawers, cooking separate ingredients at the same time. Plenty of people said that it has made their conventional oven redundant.

People did also say that the design is big and a little clunky. Most people cautioned against the pre-sets as they experienced the same as us; the Cosori is definitely more powerful than it thinks. They also noted that the accessories (skewers and baking tray) are really only suitable for single-servings.

How does it compare?

Most brands have now launched a dual drawer air fryer and some are better than others. The Cosori is probably the cheapest I would go if you still want value for money. We have tested the Ultenic K20, which is even cheaper, but it comes with a ton more compromises. I found it much more fiddly to use, the build quality felt cheaper, and it doesn’t have any viewing windows, which is helpful when you’re new to air frying and want to keep an eye on your food.

More expensive alternatives to the Cosori are the Ninja Foodi and the Instant Vortex. The Ninja, again, doesn’t have useful viewing windows and also doesn’t have a pre-heat function. Even though it’s quick to cook, the lack of the first two features can make it harder to achieve consistent results. If you’re new to air frying, the Cosori is your better bet.

The Instant is a great option if you’re more advanced in air fryers and willing to spend more money. It has OdorErase technology, helping to lessen the lingering smell of fries in your kitchen the morning after dinner. It’s also quick, easy to use, and feels much more premium than the Cosori. The baskets slot neatly, rather than stiffly, into place, for example. However, as I’ve mentioned, it’s much more expensive, so you’ll need to be ready to splurge.

Should you buy it?

If you have a lot of mouths to feed and a capped budget, you can’t go wrong with the Cosori. It has one of the best viewing windows I’ve tested and did a decent job of air frying a range of foods. Plus, you can’t forget Christina’s comment about the unbeatable bacon.

How we test

At Homes and Gardens, we are committed to giving you real-life, representative reviews. That’s why any product that we recommend has been tested by our team of experts in a dedicated test kitchen. We have a series or standardized tests which help us to determine a few things: how effective an air fryer is, whether it is worth the money, and finally, how it compares to other air fryers on the market.

We air fry everything from bacon, fries, Mediterranean vegetables, and nuggets, testing the texture and flavors alongside how easy it is to achieve perfect results. If you're curious to find out more, you can read all the details of how we test air fryers on our dedicated page.

Love your air fryer but hate how it disrupts your kitchen's aesthetic? You're not alone. Many of us face the challenge of balancing functionality and style when integrating modern appliances into our kitchens. The secret lies in seamlessly incorporating your air fryer into your existing design by carefully considering your space and how you use it.

How you organize kitchen appliances such as air fryers really depends on how often you access them. If you are using your air fryer every day, for example, the solution you choose will need to be highly accessible, whereas if you only cook with an air fryer once a week, you can choose a slightly more hidden option.

We asked kitchen and air fryer experts for the best ways to conceal an air fryer in a kitchen – they recommended these six ideas to keep your kitchen counters clear.

How to conceal an air fryer in a kitchen

When choosing a place to conceal your air fryer, it's important to select a spot in your kitchen that is convenient for you to access and use. Consider how often you'd like to use the air fryer, the proximity to electrical outlets, and the overall layout of your kitchen.

1. In an appliance hutch or armoire

'Consider repurposing a small hutch or armoire to house your air fryer,' says Sarah Johnson, appliance expert at Big Air Fryers. 'This is an excellent solution for those who want to keep their kitchen appliances hidden when they are not in use, providing a stylish and functional storage solution.'

When searching for an armoire, make sure it complements your kitchen's style and fulfills your storage needs beyond just concealing your air fryer. Look for one that includes wine storage and cutlery drawers, as these features can prove to be especially useful.

2. Under a kitchen island overhang

'If you have a kitchen island with an overhang, create a custom cubby or shelf underneath to house the air fryer,' recommends Robert Smith at the Culinary Collective Alt. 'This keeps it readily available but out of sight.'

To avoid damaging your kitchen island, look for adhesive-mounted floating shelves with robust weight-bearing capacity or a handy hanging basket with slide-in hooks.

3. In a rolling cart

'Invest in a rolling kitchen cart with a butcher block top and hidden storage,' recommends Sarah Johnson. 'You can place the air fryer on the cart and roll it into a pantry or under a kitchen island when it's not in use.

'This not only conceals the appliance but also adds an element of mobility to your kitchen.' We love this kitchen cart from Walmart, which is best suited to small air fryers rather than double-drawer devices.

Choose a rolling cart that fits the dimensions of your air fryer and has enough storage for any accessories. It's also a great blender storage idea, too.

4. Behind cabinet curtains

If a modern air fryer is disrupting your vintage, English country kitchen scheme, consider hiding it behind cabinet curtains. If you have an open shelf or cabinet, you can easily attach a curtain pole and some cute curtains, like the examples below. This makes your air fryer easily accessible, while bringing a soft vintage vibe to your kitchen.

5. In an appliance garage

Consider investing in or repurposing an appliance garage. These are enclosed compartments with retractable doors designed to house kitchen appliances, and some come with built-in electrical outlets.

This could work well for a large, French door air fryer. When you need to use your air fryer, simply open the doors for easy access; when not in use, close them to maintain a clutter-free kitchen.

6. In a pantry

If you have limited counter space or prefer to keep your kitchen clutter-free, you can store your air fryer in a pantry when it's not in use.

To keep your pantry organized, designate a specific spot for your air fryer and keep other items in that area to a minimum.

If you have a countertop in your pantry, consider installing a socket to make it possible to use your air fryer where it is stored so you don't need to move it every time you want to use it. If you choose to do this, ensure your pantry has proper ventilation to prevent overheating.

7. Choose a stylish air fryer

When air fryers first came on the scene, they were bulky and boring. Appliance design has come a long way and some of the best air fryers 2025 are available in an array of classy colors and sleek, modern designs that you won't want to hide.

Our kitchen appliances editor, Lydia Hayman recommends the retro SMEG combi oven, saying: 'This could even replace the AGA as a focal point in your kitchen. It's packed with the 1950s character of Smeg’s best refrigerators and toasters, and it can roast, steam, bake, air fry and more. It's got bags of vintage charm in a tech-savvy package.'

A final reminder: if you are using your air fryer on the kitchen counter, you should place it on a heat-resistant surface first to avoid damaging your countertops. The experts we spoke to recommended heat-resistant mats, like this one from Amazon.

At the end of the day, you might find it more convenient to just leave your air fryer on the counter if you are using it every day. But if you're hiding it away in one of these hidden spots, just be sure that it is still easily accessible for when you want to use it. If you love crispy, healthy, quick food – that might be more often than you think.

When it comes to gifting, people typically recommend staying away from functional items and appliances – but is an air fryer a good gift?

Professional chefs suggest that these game-changing devices could make ideal gifts for a range of people, from home cooks looking to make cooking simpler to those of us wanting to eat a bit healthier in the new year.

This is why you might want to gift the best air fryer this holiday season, and what you need to consider before buying.

Is an air fryer a good gift?

Anyone who still doesn't have an air fryer is likely holding out wondering, ‘Should you even bother with an air fryer?’ when you have a perfectly good oven at home. However, professional chef Robert Smith, of The Culinary Collective Atl, suggests they have secured their place as one of the many things every home cook should have in their kitchens:

‘From a chef's perspective, air fryers can be a great gift option. They have become popular due to their ability to provide a healthier cooking alternative to deep frying. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, requiring little to no oil, which can result in crispy and delicious results. Air fryers offer versatility as well, allowing you to cook a wide variety of foods such as fries, chicken wings, vegetables, and even desserts. They are also generally easy to use and clean, making them convenient for everyday cooking.

That being said, there are a few things you will want to weigh up before adding one of these to your basket when Christmas shopping.

1. The recipient's kitchen space

There is no denying that despite their practicality, air fryers are huge, making it difficult to organize kitchen appliances, especially in a small kitchen. As such, it is a good idea to think about the size of your recipient's kitchen storage before adding an air fryer to your gift list, says Kara Meyers, founder, and recipe developer at Sweetly Splendid – after all, no one wants a gift that constantly gets in the way. 

‘Air fryers are normally kept out on the counter for ease of everyday use so the size of the air fryer needs to be taken into account. Some air fryers take up a significant amount of space while others are more streamlined and better for smaller countertops.’

2. The size and type of air fryer

A common air fryer buying mistake is not picking an appliance large enough to comfortably fit your average portion sizes in. This can be even harder to guess when you are not buying the appliance for yourself, so consider carefully how big a family you are buying a gift for, and how much they typically eat, urges Jason Phillips, chef and editor at Also The Crumbs Please:

‘A two-person family will, on average, cook less food than a family of four. This will determine the proper size of air fryer the family needs. 

‘The other major consideration is the features that the family is going to use the most. For instance, my personal air fryer is a toaster oven style and I use it for roasting, baking, and dehydrating besides the usual air frying function, so consider the appliance settings before splurging.’

3. Does their cooking style require a quick cooking alternative?

Although the list of things you can cook in an air fryer is growing by the week, it is important to consider if your recipient's cooking style lines up with time-saving devices such as an air fryer, says Anca Toderic, private chef, cookbook author, and founder of The Butter Table.

‘It's an energy and time-saver, making it perfect for busy home cooks. The crispy results without excessive oil also make it a health-conscious choice, ideal for those looking to switch up their eating habits in the new year. Plus, the variety of dishes you can whip up is endless, from crispy veggies to guilt-free fries,’ she begins.

‘However, make sure this aligns with their cooking style. If your recipient prefers traditional cooking methods and relies on them for specific results, an air fryer may be one of those kitchen gadgets that just collect dust.’

FAQs

As someone who put an air fryer on her Christmas wish list last year (the Ninja Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer H&G reviewed, to be exact) and received one as a gift, I can confidently say that I love the appliance and still use it weekly almost a year on. It even pleasantly surprised my partner, who initially thought it would be unnecessary when we have an oven. As a result, we wholeheartedly agree that an air fryer makes a good gift, just as a coffee maker makes a good gift – just maybe ask the person first to be safe.

Stanley Tucci may be best known for his roles in film and TV, but most recently, he's established himself as a force in the culinary world. Naturally, this means we're going to take note of his appliances, starting with his air fryer.  

Of course, Stanley has one of the best air fryers on the market, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, but he's not the only figure to put its ability to the test. Alex, H&G's appliance reviewer, rated four and a half stars after a stint in the test kitchen – but what is it a safe investment?

As Stanley demonstrates, the appliance makes an excellent creamy pasta bake, but it's not the only Italian dish that will impress. 'I really liked the pizza function. It made a genuine difference when heating up a store-bought pizza, and tasted far better than if I'd just heated it up in an oven,' Alex comments.

'The air fryer function is great, if not the best we've ever tested, and made good bacon and roasted vegetables. It also did a pretty good job toasting six slices of bread from frozen.'

If there's a time to invest, it's right now. Stanley's air fryer is discounted for a short time, so we wouldn't recommend waiting to look before investing. 

So why didn't this appliance get all five stars? 'My big criticism of it is the magnetic door. It’s meant to help you pull the rack out of the oven, but I found that if you used the nonstick pizza dish, it was easy for it to stick to the door when you pulled it out thanks to the strong magnets,' Alex says.

'In terms of speed, it’s almost too good. Like most air fryers, it’s very fast to cook food, so there’s a bit of a learning curve to figuring out when your food will be ready.'

If it's good enough for Stanley (and, of course, Alex), we're willing to give this smart cooker a try. We can only hope our bake looks as delectable as the one from Stanley's now Instagram-famous London kitchen.

Some Cyber Week sales will stretch our until Friday. You'll see deep discounts on fashion, home tech, and small and large appliances. What you might not have realized is that you could save some serious money on furniture, too. 

Any one of our shopping experts will tell you that it's the best time of the year to bag furniture at bargain prices. Where Black Friday was more about washers, dryers, and discounted air fryers, I've seen some premium pieces of furniture listed in the Cyber Week sales. A brand new bed frame or sleeper sofa might be more expensive than the latest kitchen gadget, but chances are, you'll get much more use out of these bigger-ticket items.

As a shopping writer, I've spent hours scrolling through countless Cyber Week home deals across all the major retailers. I've curated the perfect selection, with no clutter − just utter luxury and deep discounts.

Unless you've just bought a new home, unfurnished, you won't need to buy every single piece from this list. Something as simple as a bookshelf or side table can refresh a space. Plus, it never hurts to replace tired, old pieces.

Kitchen deals

The kitchen is the heart of any home, so it's worth investing in some true statement pieces. Whether you're cultivating a kitchen bar, maximizing storage, or replacing a few stools, these pieces will work wonders.

Living room deals

The clue is in the name with these rooms: they're made for living in. That's why it's worth buying the coziest couch, plushest rug, and sturdiest set of shelves. I always think it's good to have a blend of textures in these rooms, so if you buy a leather chair, always soften it with a throw or blanket.

Bedroom deals

Investing in rest is always money well spent and these are some of the best deals available this Cyber Week. 

Home office deals

Working from home should be a treat, not a compromise. Having a sturdy desk and comfy chair will work wonders for your productivity. I'd go for less rather than more, because a clear room will help you to keep a clear mind.

Garden and yard furniture deals

Our eCommerce Editor, Emilia, says that now is the best time to buy yard furniture. It's not in season, so there are massive discounts on ludicrously luxurious products. These are some of the best deals around, but Emilia has listed lots more in her deals roundup if you are searching for something specific.

Cyber Week furniture deals FAQs

Final thoughts

I wasn't expecting to see such significant furniture discounts this Cyber Week. It's clearly the season for furniture shopping. I've curated my favorite deals here, but you should take advantage of Wayfair's discounts to make some spectacular savings.

There's a surprising number of things to consider when purchasing an air fryer. While you can often find big deals on the best air fryer brands like Ninja, Cosori, and Philips, it's crucial to make sure you're getting the right model for your needs. After all, you don't want to fall into the common air fryer buying mistakes and find yourself scrambling for a replacement next year.

'When it comes to revolutionizing your energy bills and embracing healthier cooking alternatives, air fryer recipes have taken the culinary world by storm,' comments Sarah Johnson, home appliance expert from Big Air Fryers. 'However, amid the excitement of acquiring this versatile kitchen appliance, many buyers unwittingly make some common mistakes.'

So, before you click 'add to cart', make sure you're choosing an air fryer that suits your cooking habits, family size, kitchen space, and cleaning preferences. With the help of industry experts, I've got everything you need to know – a quick read now could save you a lot of hassle later

Air fryer buying mistakes

'By avoiding common mistakes like ignoring capacity and size, overlooking wattage and power, and neglecting safety features, you can make an informed decision and find an air fryer that aligns with the way you cook,' says Laura Arteaga, founder, writer, and content creator for Six Hungry Feet. 'Choosing the right air fryer can greatly enhance your cooking experience.'

1. Going too big or too small

'One mistake air fryer buyers often make is not paying enough attention to sizes,' says Caio Bersot, shopping expert at Rank-It. 'I've seen people frustrated about having a huge air fryer taking up too much space on their countertops, as well as people frustrated about having to cook things in multiple batches because their air fryer is too small.

A too-small air fryer limits how much you can cook, and may mean you have to cook in batches, which means things take longer. This frustration is one of the main reasons for people to stop using their air fryers altogether, says Laura Arteaga.

To avoid this, you may want to consider an air fryer that has two baskets allowing you to cook your meat in one drawer and vegetables in the other.

'On the other hand, purchasing a large air fryer may occupy excessive counter space, which can be a hassle in smaller kitchens,' adds Laura Arteaga.

Caio Bersot shares three simple questions to ask yourself in terms of picking the right size: How are you going to use it? Where do you plan to place it? How many people are in your household?

It's a personal choice and depends on the space you have available. If you're still unsure, you may like to follow recipe blogger and air fryer expert Samantha Erb's advice: 'I recommend buying an air fryer that is 5 QT and up. At that size, they’re still very affordable and you can still cook a whole chicken.'

2. Not prioritizing ease of use

'Ease of use is a critical factor in any kitchen appliance. Some buyers overlook the importance of a user-friendly control interface when selecting an air fryer,' explains Sarah Johnson.

'Look for models with intuitive controls, presets, and easy-to-read displays. This ensures a seamless cooking experience and helps you make the most of the diverse cooking options available.'

Laura Arteaga agrees, 'Look for features such as an automatic shut-off function, a cool-touch exterior, and a secure locking system to prevent accidental burns and other mishaps.

'Additionally, some air fryers come with overheating protection and non-slip feet for added safety. By prioritizing safety features, you can enjoy the benefits of air frying without compromising your well-being.'

3. Disregarding cleaning and maintenance

Another common mistake when buying an air fryer is overlooking the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. Ignoring proper care can leave your air fryer dirty or, worse, damage the basket lining, forcing you to replace it sooner than expected.

Many air fryers come with a non-stick coating that requires gentle handling. Using abrasive sponges or harsh cleaners can scratch or peel the lining, so it’s best to clean with a soft cloth or sponge. If you prefer more durable options, air fryers with stainless steel baskets can handle more wear, but they should still be soaked and cleaned with non-abrasive materials to avoid scratches.

If you want hassle-free maintenance, you might prefer to invest in the best air fryer liners or look for models with dishwasher-safe components. Brands like Cosori and Philips offer air fryers with parts that can go straight into the dishwasher, making cleanup a breeze. Just be sure to double-check the manufacturer’s instructions, as frequent dishwasher use can sometimes degrade non-stick coatings.

Taking cleaning requirements into account before purchasing will help you enjoy your air fryer for years to come.

4. Overlooking multifunctionality

'While air fryers are celebrated for their ability to create crispy delights with minimal oil, many models offer additional cooking functions. Don't make the mistake of overlooking these versatile features,' advises Sarah Johnson.

Consider air fryers with built-in capabilities such as baking, roasting, and grilling. Investing in a multifunctional appliance can save both kitchen space and the hassle of managing multiple devices. You never know when you'll want to bake a cake in the air fryer, or use it to roast vegetables when your oven is full up for Thanksgiving.

4. Ignoring wattage and power

'A final common mistake is overlooking the wattage and power of an air fryer,' explains Laura Arteaga. 'While certain budget-friendly brands may share a similar exterior aesthetic with well-known brands, their performance might not meet the
standards required for daily or weekly cooking.

'The wattage determines how quickly the air fryer can cook food and how evenly it distributes heat. However, it's important to note that higher-wattage air fryers may consume more electricity.

'Opting for a reputable brand known for its heat distribution and energy-saving features is also a wise choice.'

When to shop the best air fryer deals

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are renowned for the best air fryer deals. 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. After that, Christmas, January sales and Amazon Prime Day will bring more discounts.

When there's a sale on, I round up the best air fryer deals here (only selecting our tried, tested and respected models) so this is the first place to look!

FAQs

Remember, not all air fryers are created equal in terms of the quality of the wattage, components used, such as non-stick baskets, or the durability of the construction.

These can all impact the longevity and safety of the device and the ease of cooking so be sure, before buying, to check the model you choose is high quality.

'If you buy an off-brand air fryer, it can stop working after 2 months and you’re out of that money,' explains Samantha Erb. 'More well-known brands, like Ninja, Cosori, and Instant are more reputable, work more efficiently to get crispy food, and typically have a better warranty if something happens.'

More From Homes & Gardens

Buying Guides

-The Best Air Fryer
-The Best Non-Toxic Air Fryer
-The Best Air Fryer Liners

Reviews

-Cosori Iconic Air Fryer Review
-Ninja Crispi Pro Review

Advice

-How to Conceal an Air Fryer in Your Kitchen
-How to Clean an Air Fryer
-How We Test Air Fryers

It’s the question I’ve been asked more times than I can count – by friends, family, readers, and even fellow food editors. Should I get an air fryer?

After all, take a look at social media for more than a minute and you’re bound to see someone raving about the best air fryers – whether they're using one to make crispy veggie fries for the kids, or clever, five-minute salmon bites for lunch prep.

I was skeptical to begin with. I got my first air fryer as a housewarming gift from my partner, as we’d just moved into a tiny apartment with no oven. I'm a trained cook and I was working for a healthy recipe box company at the time. I was worried that this small, overhyped machine would never stack up to my expectations or suit my needs.

Now, I use my air fryer almost daily to make breakfast egg bites, crispy carbs, and healthy desserts (seriously, the list of things you can cook in an air fryer is longer than you think). I constantly test new product launches for work, too, and air fryer designs only seem to get sleeker, quicker, more multifunctional – and many brands are expanding into non-toxic air fryers, too.

While I genuinely love my air fryer, I’ll be the first to admit – it’s not for everyone. So, who should get an air fryer? Let’s unpack all the pros and cons with some expert advice from consumer journalists, product testers, nutritionists, and chefs.

Do you really need an air fryer?

If you're looking for quick answers, I've summed it up in the bullet points below. You'll find further expert insights from nutritionists, chefs, product testers, and energy-saving specialists further down the page.

Who will suit an air fryer?

• Anyone who enjoys crispy, golden food
• Foodies who want to cook with reduced oil
• Families with young kids who need dinner on the table, fast
• Busy professionals without the time or energy to cook at the stove
• Anyone with a small kitchen that lacks an oven

Who won't suit an air fryer?

• Minimalists (air fryers can create countertop clutter)
• Anybody who hates washing up (air fryers need regular cleaning and more maintenance than ovens)
• Anybody who needs to serve very large portions (sizes can be limited)

What can you make in an air fryer?

Air fryers are famous for crispy quick results on French fries, nuggets, goujons, and tater tots. I can confirm – these guilty pleasures are even more delicious in the air fryer, and ideal for serving quick meals to your kids. But there is a whole lot more your air fryer can do.

I love using mine for roasting crispy asparagus, sweet potato fries and tender roasted aubergines. You can also crisp up frozen breakfast pastries, dehydrate fruit jerky snacks, and make desserts like cookies and brownies if your model has a 'bake' function.'

In 2025, air fryers have become a lot more multifunctional, allowing you to get interesting functions like steam cooking and pressure cooking, too. For example, our product tester Laura, actually replaced her oven and Instant Pot after reviewing the Ninja Combi, proving that with the right air fryer, you can cook almost anything you like.

Does air fryer food taste good?

In short: yes. Take it from Mob Kitchen chef Jodie Nixon, who confesses that she once turned her nose up at air fryers. Now, she swears by them for getting crispier textures and quicker results on her recipes, like baked chickpeas and fake-away chicken tikka.

Air fryers circulate hot air in a way that locks in moisture and creates that perfect crisp exterior. And because they are smaller than ovens and your food is closer to the heating element, it all cooks more evenly and quickly.

This is best exemplified on French fries. I have actually vowed to never cook fries in the deep fryer or oven again, since my Ninja DoubleStack creates great crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors in just 15 minutes. There is no oily residue, either, since you don't need to use much at all.

If your air-fried food tastes bad or burnt, that's most likely down to user error. You will need to adjust timings to avoid overcooking your food in the air fryer, since they are so quick and powerful. If you're just starting out, it's a good idea to try the air fryer recipes provided by your model's manufacturer (there is usually a recipe book included in the box). Plus, check your food and shake the basket a couple of times to ensure well-cooked results.

Are air fryers really faster than convection ovens?

In the battle of air fryers vs. convection ovens, there is one clear winner. Air fryers are quicker to preheat (some models heat up in mere seconds) and the cooking times are speedier, too.

That's because air fryers are much smaller and therefore more efficient than full-sized ovens. They constantly whip hot air around your food rather than relying on ambient heat, and they heat your food from all directions. Air fryers can hit peak temperatures much faster, and because they're smaller, your food is simply closer to the heating element.

Sometimes, I like to make a cooked English breakfast on the weekend, and to save time, I'll air fry the sausages and hash browns. It takes 10 minutes in an air fryer with no oil, where it used to take half an hour or 40 minutes in my oven. If you're looking for the quickest air fryer, I've pitted the most famous brands against each other, and Ninja air fryers are the speediest I have tried so far, since they don't even need to preheat.

Do air fryers actually save money on your utility bills?

One area to be slightly sceptical about is the energy-saving credentials. Air fryers are often touted as reducing your energy consumption. Ben Dhesi, an expert in saving energy, says that 'any utility cost savings are generally minimal and contingent upon usage habits'.

Hypothetically, air fryers are more economical than an oven. 'Air fryers heat much faster, so little preheating is needed; money and energy could be saved at that point,' says Ben. He adds that 'Air fryers also use less oil, so the ingredient savings could offset some energy costs.'

But Ben ultimately told me that 'the shorter cook times likely won't outweigh the wattage difference between a 1200-1400W air fryer versus a 2000-5000W oven'. He concluded that 'while air fryers are more energy efficient for smaller tasks, they likely won't make a significant dent in most households' utility expenses'.

It's definitely cheaper to use an air fryer for your tater tots, rather than firing up a big convection oven for a small task. But ultimately, you'll save a few cents, not the big bucks. Still, every little helps.

Are air fryers healthy?

They can be. I recently interviewed 6 expert nutritionists for their healthy air frying tips, and the consensus was clear. When used correctly, air fryers make it easier to cook with less oil and enjoy delicious whole foods without much effort. Think: frozen veg, crispy chickpea snacks and quick salmon fillets for a lunch box.

But let’s be honest, many people use their air fryers for fries, nuggets, and processed foods (myself included, no shame here). And a French fry is still a French fry, no matter how you cook it. Although nutrition expert at Zoe.com, Fiona Lawson, explains 'the evidence so far suggests that [air-fried foods] have fewer potentially harmful compounds than deep-fried foods,' she caveats this by saying: 'No single way to cook is automatically better all the time. Instead, it’s best to use a range of methods to make a wide variety of foods.'

More importantly, there are some concerns over toxicity. Many models use non-stick coatings that contain PTFE, PFOA, or PFOS chemicals that, if overheated or damaged, might leach into food. We asked medical experts: 'are air fryers toxic?' and they reassured us that the risk is low if you take certain precautions. But if you're worried, look for the best non-toxic air fryers with ceramic or stainless steel cooking surfaces – like the KitchenAid Digital Toaster Oven for example.

Air fryer FAQs

Final verdict: Is an air fryer worth it?

If you value speed and ease in the kitchen (really, who doesn’t?) then yes, an air fryer is worth it.

If you don’t have space or budget, never fear. You can just use your oven – it will just be a little slower, more energy-consuming, and results will be less crispy.

If you love the idea of an air fryer already, but you want a do-it-all appliance to avoid an extra piece of counter clutter, you might prefer one of the best toaster ovens (which can usually air fry, toast, steam, and proof too). You just need to sacrifice some counter space and budget, but it will be worth it for the multifunctionality.

In my opinion, an air fryer suits most people. If you need guidance on which specific model suits you, have a look at our guides to the best air fryers 2025 and the best non-toxic air fryers 2025 – all tried and tested by our team.

Celebrities, they're just like us! Well, at least Brooke Shields is when it comes to kitchen appliances. The actress took to Instagram to share photos of her stylish kitchen, and our experts were quick to point out the notable cooking method on her sleek matte black countertop. Clearly a fan of an air fryer, Brooke Shields uses the Power Air Fryer XL Maxx by Power XL fryer.

Aside from its almost 5000 five-star reviews on Amazon, the most notable thing about this air fryer is its price tag. In fact, the 4-quart version is only $89.99, allowing anyone to emulate Brooke Shields's inimitable style.

We knew Brooke Shields's kitchen was iconic, but this air fryer takes it to the next level. In terms of design, the black, high gloss finish looks excellent in Brooke's black kitchen. The rounded shape is smooth and minimalist, meaning that you'll want to leave this appliance out even when you're not using it. Amazon calls PowerXL, 'the #1 best-selling brand of air fryers in America,' and it's easy to see why.

Brooke's programmable air fryer is available in two sizes, 7 quarts and 4 quarts for all kinds of cooks (though Brooke has the 7 quart edition).  It also features 7 cooking functions, a nonstick fry basket, and a nonstick crisper tray accessory. The One-Touch cooking function makes creative cooking so easy with this airfier, you won't need to disrupt any of your kitchen decor.

Furthermore, all of the easy-clean features mean washing this air fryer is much easier than cleaning a kitchen after more traditional cooking. First, the crisper tray insert catches crumbs and drips to keep the cooking chamber clean. Second, the non-stick coating means that you won't need to do any heavy-duty scrubbing to remove food residue. Finally, the internal parts of the machine are dishwasher safe, meaning that you can throw them in the machine for an easy wash.

If you love Brooke Shields's style, this air fryer is an affordable and functional way to invest in her look without redoing your entire kitchen.

Ninja's products have gone viral: the Creami took TikTok by a storm this summer and their air fryers are a kitchen staple. They've quickly established themselves as a household name for durable, affordable products offering everything from knives to slow cookers.

Ninja's ever-growing Foodi range aims to cover a range of culinary functions, so it's unsurprising that their appliances often end up competing with each other. If both the toaster oven and multicooker can air fry, why buy the air fryer? Our experts have put all the appliances to the test to find out which is best for which functions.

We've included lots of Ninja products in our buying guides including the best grills, air fryers, and slow cookers. When it comes to comparisons, we've got you covered. Here, we've put normal Ninjas against the Foodi range, helping you to find the best for your kitchen needs.

Foodi Flip Mini Oven vs Max XL Air Fryer

Winner: Ninja Foodi Flip Mini Oven

Praised for their compact footprint as well as perfect performance, these two Ninja appliances are designed with small spaces in mind. The Ninja Foodi Flip Mini Oven folds away when not in use, but looks sleek and stylish when it's out on the countertop. The Ninja Max XL is the best compact air fryer in our buying guide; it takes up minimal space, but still offers considerable capacity. 

The obvious difference between these two appliances is their primary function. The Ninja Foodi Flip Mini Oven is a toaster oven and the Max XL is an air fryer. The wide and low silhouette of the Mini Oven says it all: it is brilliant across a range of functions, but is particularly useful for pizza, toast, and flatter bakes. The Ninja Max XL is taller and deeper, perfect for quick, crispy cooking. 

If you look at the list of functions, these two appliances share a remarkable number of them: air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, dehydrate, and reheat. The Mini Oven has a 'toast' and 'bagel' function as extras and the Max XL has a 'Max Crisp' for ultra air-fried food. After our tests, we concluded that the Mini Oven is generally good, but not a specialist in any function. 

As you might expect, the air fryer is better at air frying and catering for a family, but was weaker when it came to baking and bread-oriented options. It also struggled with low and slow bakes and looked much bigger on the countertop than the low-slung Mini Oven.

Foodi 14-in-1 XL vs Foodi 6-in-1 Dual Basket

Winner: Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Air Fryer

For busy households who are short on time, these two appliances are a dream come true. Both favorites amongst our experts, they cover a range of household needs, but in very different ways. It shouldn't be tough to choose the best one for you, because they're brilliant for almost opposite functions. 

The Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 XL was one of the most exciting slow cookers we tested. As you can tell from the name, it has an exhaustive range of functions packed into one, dishwasher safe appliance. It has a 8 quart capacity, so is big enough for batch bakes and big families. We tested it across a range of functions and particularly enjoyed the slower settings: steaming, pressure cooking, and baking (the cinnamon rolls were unreal). However, even when we made fries, we were impressed with the crispy, oil-free results. These took 21 minutes though: with the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, we knew we could more than half the time.

With temperatures up to 450°F and incredible power, the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Air Fryer air fryer boasts not only an 8 quart capacity (the same as the slow cooker), but also a super speedy cooking time. This is the fastest air fryer we've tested, even on other settings, such as baking, roasting, and dehydrating. 

Aside from being an expert in all culinary creations, this has two zones for cooking in, as opposed to the slow cooker's single pot. You could put chicken and wedges in at once and the air fryer will ensure you have a synchronised finish and dinner will be ready at the perfect time.

The bottom line with both these appliances is that they're big, versatile, and incredibly useful. The air fryer is better overall, because it can cook two foods at once in much less time than the multicooker. However, if you'd prefer a slow cook and more of a range of functions, we loved the multicooker.

What are the other Ninja Foodi products?

You'll hear the name 'Ninja Foodi' being used for a range of products. Everything  from grills to soup makers and slow cookers is listed as a 'Foodi'. That's because it's the brand's name for their versatile cookware collection. The Foodi range is designed to give you more cooking options in the kitchen. The Foodi appliances tend to combine multiple functions in one, which is why you can find so many Ninja Foodi Air Fryers, which don't really look like a classic air fryer. There are plenty of other useful characteristics that Ninja include in all their Foodi range, such as non-stick coatings, ensuring easy cleaning as well as cooking.

FAQs

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we are passionate about how we test our appliances. We take every product we recommend to our dedicated test kitchen. There, we put it through its paces, testing it on our standardized tests. We'll also explore any extra features that the machine offers, so that we can tell you if they're genuinely good or a bit of a gimmick. We make notes on other aspects too, so if a product is heavy to lift or too tall for wall cupboards, you'll know about it. If you're interested in finding out more, you can visit our general how we test and detailed how we test air fryers pages.

Final thoughts

It's hard to go wrong with Ninja appliances. They do an excellent job of balancing quality and price. As long as you carefully choose the right Ninja appliance for your home, you're unlikely to feel cheated out of your money. Everyone has their preferences, so it depends on your household needs as to which model is best for you. The Foodi appliances are only a fraction of what Ninja has to offer.

When it comes to air fryers, two names dominate the conversation: it's Ninja vs Instant. Both brands are known for their innovative designs and crispy cooking capabilities, but which one deserves a spot in your kitchen?

As a trained cook and product tester, I've tested the best air fryers from both ranges, comparing their cooking performance, design, and value for money. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate multitasker, a mini machine for a small kitchen, or simply the best bang for your buck, we’ve got the answers to help you make an informed choice.

The headlines are: Instant makes the best value air fryers, but Ninja has the edge overall, with space-saving designs, reliable cooking performances, and a wide range of non-toxic air fryer options. I've compared the top models from both ranges, so I'll take you through the nitty-gritty comparison details below.

Ninja vs. Instant: Best small air fryer

Winner: Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1

If you’re short on space but still want quick air-fried food, there are plenty of compact options to choose from. Ninja and Instant are, of course, two of the best.

The Ninja Pro is the best air fryer we've ever tested in 2025 so far, with four simple but fantastic functions. The Instant Essentials is much more basic, with a singular 'air fry' function and not much else to offer. It has slightly less capacity, but can slide into small corners and it crisps up food very quickly.

Both Ninja and Instant's smallest air fryers will create enough food for couples or small families. On balance, the Ninja Pro has a better performance and more versatility, but the Instant could be a better choice if you're really tight on space and budget. Here's everything you need to know to decide which petite powerhouse you want to feature on your countertops.

Ninja vs. Instant: Best dual drawer air fryer

Winner: Ninja Double Stack

Both the Ninja Double Stack and Instant Vortex Dual Plus are top-tier dual-drawer air fryers, but the Ninja edges ahead with its larger capacity, sleek and ergonomic design, and impressive speed. While it lacks a viewing window, checking food is easy, as it heats almost instantly.

When it first came out in 2022, we rated the Instant Vortex Dual Plus 'five stars' for its ease of use, crispy results, and odor control. It's a strong rival, but has a bulkier design, smaller capacity, and slower performance. That's why many of our expert testers (myself included) own the space-saving Ninja Double Stack.

Ninja vs. Instant: Best non-toxic air fryer

Winner: Ninja Combi

If you're searching for the best non-toxic air fryer, both Ninja and Instant brands offer strong contenders. Models from both ranges have made it into our buying guide; Ninja actually has two models dominating our charts.

When it comes to the question of 'Ninja vs Instant', there is little between them in this arena. Ninja offers more variety in their range of non-toxic air fryers – with smaller, large and multi-functional models to choose from. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro, Ninja Crispi, and the Ninja Combi all use nano-ceramic coatings, which are PFAS-free and very easy to clean.

On the other hand, Instant has just one non-toxic air fryer, but it's a great one. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp uses high-quality stainless steel – which is a lovely, durable material, but it does require a tad more TLC.

Ninja vs. Instant: Best multicooker air fryer

Winner: Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid

Much more versatile than air fryers, multicookers can cover a lot of functions. There's no guarantee that they'll air fry, nor is there any guarantee that they will air fry well, but both the Ninja and the Instant are experts across the board. In fact, we loved the Instant Multicooker so much that it's above lots of single-function air fryers in our estimation.

FAQs

Final thoughts on Ninja vs Instant

Instant tends to offer the cheaper option, but Ninja wins for design, ease of use, and cooking performance.

For those short on space, the Ninja Pro offers the best small air fryer that money can buy. But if you're on a budget, you'll prefer the basic Instant Essentials. If you're looking for dual drawer capacity, the Ninja DoubleStack is the best design we tested. And if you're looking for ceramic-coated options, Ninja has the better offering, with multiple non-toxic options to choose from.

However, if you're interested in a multicooker, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is the best all-singing, all-dancing air fryer and slow cooker. Best known for making the iconic Instant Pot, it's no surprise that multi-functionality is still the brand's bread and butter.

Although Ninja takes the overall prize, you won't go wrong with any of these models in this guide. They are all excellent air fryers that promise crispy, quick food.

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.

In the battle for the best air fryer on the market there is one comparison drawn over and over again: Ninja vs Cosori. Both brands make a range of high-quality, smart air fryers and countertop ovens. These cater to a range of households, but which is better?

Our team of experts have reviewed nearly every Ninja on the market. We've also tested our fair share of Cosoris too, so if you want the experts' verdicts on which you should buy, you're in the right place.

We've compared their best air fryers and countertop ovens. So, if you're trying to narrow down the best air fryers on the market, we've done all the hard work done for you.

What's the difference between Ninja and Cosori?

Ninja is best for big families: Ninja air fryers stand out for their dual-zone cooking technology. The Ninja Foodi and Ninja Double Stack are great for preparing two dishes simultaneously with separate temperature controls. This makes them ideal for big families who need to feed a crowd. Their smaller air fryers (starting at 2 quarts) are often round baskets, which are not super space-efficient.

Ninja also offer models with ceramic-coated air fryer baskets, which are celebrated for being non-toxic. You can read our guide to the best non-toxic air fryers, here.

Cosori is better for couples or smaller families who like smart tech: Cosori, on the other hand, is best known for the powerful, but affordable TurboBlaze range. They are medium size, with square baskets that maximize cooking space. We loved this brand for crispier food at a lower price point. Cosori air fryers can also integrate with smart-home devices like Alexa and Google Assistant for added convenience, so if that's your thing, you'll prefer this brand.

Both Ninja and Cosori are offering some 'limited-time deals' for the holiday season. I've listed the best bargains below – you'll find more comparison points between each model further down the page.

Ninja Dual vs Cosori Blaze II

Winner: Ninja

Busy households will appreciate air fryers that can do it all. The Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Dual Basket air fryer can cook two separate meals at the same time. They can sync finish, meaning you can make hasty, tasty food. The Cosori is also great, and we love the smart functionality, but the Ninja holds more food, cooks faster, quieter, and costs less.

We've put their specifications against each other in a table, but that doesn't tell the full story, so if you want to know more about their functions, there's more information further down.