Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2017. We have since conducted an updated review of the best air fryers for 2019 (including those not available on Amazon).You can read it here。
When trying to determine the best air fryer for your kitchen, you first need to ask yourself one very important question: Why in the world do you want an air fryer in the first place? Well, when used correctly, air fryers can deliver a golden, crispy exterior and a moist interior to foods, mimicking the effects of deep frying with just a fraction of the oil. In addition, because of their convection cooking—i.e. hot air circulating all around the food—these devices usually cook food in a fraction of the time that roasting and baking take.
If that sounds like a delicious prospect to you, then the next question is: Do you want a traditional tear drop–shaped model, or a toaster oven–style version? If you have the room for it—or if you're also in the market for a new toaster oven—the choice is pretty clear. Toaster oven models may take up more counter space, but they're also more versatile: first—surprise!—they can be used as toasters, plus some air fryers in this style can also bake pizza, dehydrate fruit, bake cakes, and even do slow-cooking, too.
Once you've decided on a style of air fryer, all you need to do is score a top-rated model. Below, you'll find our top six choices, butwe must reiterate: you should not expect the same results from any of these devices that you might achieve by frying in thetraditional manner。If you're totally new to air frying,go hereto read about the best method for using either type. Now, on with the list:
Breville The Smart Oven Air
Dimensions: 17.2 x 21.4 x 12.8–inches
This relative newcomer can accommodate nine slices of bread for toasting, a 12-cupmuffintray, a 13-inchpizza, or a14-poundturkey(hello, Thanksgiving prep!). And, oh yeah, it also air fries. The device features two different fan speeds, an easily programmable timer, and preset functions (adjustable for preference) for everything mentioned above and more. The price is steep, but it may just replace your slow cooker, your dehydrator, your toaster, and—if you're extra-fancy—your broiler and your warming drawer. Bottom line: I've even started using it in place of my regular oven.
BUY IT:Breville Smart Oven Air, $319.95 on Amazon
Philips Avance Collection Digital TurboStar AirFryer
Dimensions: 14.3 x 10.5 x 11–inches
Philips is the originator of the air fryer as we know it today and we think this model from the best-selling brand—which was also the winner ofThe Sweethome's air fryer comparison testearlier this year—is the perfect marriage of size and price. The digital display and programmable timer make it much more user-friendly than some other models. As with any new cooking device, you'll likely experience a bit of trial-and-error when adjusting cooking times and temperatures to your preference, but once you start cooking with it, it's easy to become quickly accustomed to the machine's magical capabilities.
