You don’t have to live in the South to enjoy the delicious flavor of fried foods. Whether you’re having chicken or mushrooms, there is nothing like that tasty and crispy goodness. But until now, there was a price to pay for loving fried foods, in both fat and calories. So frying up a batch of fish and chips came with side of guilt. But no more, now that Air Fryers are on the market.

Air fryers are a unique technology that uses ultra hot air circulating around the fryer at high speed. This cooks food with that same great fried food taste, but with just a fraction of the oil used for traditional frying. This is huge for those of us who love fried food, and even those that don’t but love cookers that can do many things, including roasting and baking. 

But choosing the right air fryer for your family can sometimes be a daunting task. Is air frying healthy is one of the questions you will ask yourself. You want to make sure you get the right size for your family, and also get one that’s going to last and have all the features you like. But you don’t have to go searching, because it’s already been done for you in this Guide of the best air fryers on the market.

Included is a detailed analysis of the top five and the air fryer review for each one. This will give you all the details on features and size that you need to make an informed decision.

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So let’s get started choosing that perfect hot air fryer!

Different Types of Air Fryers

Many air fryers may have similar features and all cook delicious fried food in a much healthier way. But there are a few different types that you’ll want to know about to help narrow down your search.

Basket Air Fryer

The basket type of air fryer provides you with a separate removable basket, which you can easily use to toss the food during the cooking process. The basket also makes it really easy to get the food right from the fryer to the serving dish or plate in one simple motion. Just a quick flip upside down and your yummy fried goodies are ready to serve.

If you’re cooking battered food like onion rings or donuts, then the basket style ensures that your food stays intact. whereas a paddle style might rub some of the coating off. This type also usually has fewer moving parts, which can potentially lead to a longer lifespan.

They will also tend to look compact and fit nicely on your counter. Some of them have a similar shape and size to a coffee machine. They also tend to be easy to clean as the basket generally has a nonstick quality.

Most can bake as well as fry, grill and roast, so you can even make muffins in it. You will want to check the box for what accessories come with or need to be purchased separately. With a basket type fryer, you may have to occasionally shake or stir your food during cooking depending upon how tightly packet it is in the basket.

Paddle Air Fryer

The paddle type fryer has a stirring mechanism to turn the food for you, which is a really handy feature. It’s like having an extra kitchen helper that stirs the food while you can do something else. These tend to also be known as multi-cookers and give you many options beyond just frying. They are good at cooking things like sauces, risotto, and stir fry due to the mixing paddle.

Some models note to be sure when cooking rice to use the measuring cup that comes with the fryer to ensure it cooks properly. These also tend to be easy to clean, and some are designed to pop out of the base so you can take the food right to the table.

They tend to look like round, deep pods with a lid. There are also super compact and easy to fit in your cupboard or on a counter top. It’s smaller than traditional deep fryer. You will want to be careful with loosely battered foods, as the paddle might scrape off some of the batter.

This type is perfect if you love stir fry, rice, or sauces. You can make them in a snap without having to constantly stand over the stove to keep them stirred.

Countertop Convection Ovens

These types of fryers are another type of multi-cooker that does all sorts of things, such as roasting, baking and steaming…. and of course air frying as well. But you will want to make sure before you buy that air frying is included as one of the functions. Not all countertop convection ovens have that feature. You can also occasionally find a version that has a rotisserie included.

These can cook food quickly, but without the microwave dryness. They can actually double as a small oven so they’re perfect to take on vacation or if you just want to make a small meal. The frying with these is an added bonus, but they’re used for much more.

These can sometimes look like something out of the Jetsons. They will usually consist of an oval bowl on the bottom that will have a basket/tray. that can be used to cook two levels of fried foods – like corndogs on the bottom and tater tots on the top. They’ll have a large arm or lid at the top where the heating action comes from. Like the basket type air fryers, you may need to stir the food, as there is typically no stirring mechanism. These can also be quite compact and easy to store anywhere.

Oil-Less Turkey Fryers

Oil-less turkey fryers give you a way to safely cook fried turkey with a lot less oil and a lot more safely. We all have seen those “don’t do this at home” videos where someone is setting a fire while trying to deep fry a turkey on Thanksgiving. The oil-less turkey fryer has made it much easier serve up this popular treat without having to have your local fire department on standby. When your choosing a deep fryer, make sure its one of the best deep fryers. As to prevent this from happening!

You may be thinking, well okay…just turkey? I’m going to buy a whole appliance, just for one dish? Well, I’ve got good news for you, these fryers also can cook whole chickens, many come with rotisseries, and many of them can also roast and steam as well. So, you can cook up all types of meats and vegetables even though the name may say “turkey fryer.”

They tend to look like large cooking pots, and some have section at the bottom where you can add wood chips to add your favorite smoky flavor to the meat.

There are models that can be used both indoors and outdoors. You can save some back and forth time to the kitchen, or you can get one of the outdoor models.

Top 5 Air Fryer Reviews

Now that you know the different types of air fryers, that knowledge will give you the information you need to make the right choice. Some other key points to consider will be food capacity, type, features, and of course what reviews on air fryers have to say.

I’ve included all the key points below and also made sure to include the Amazon rating information. I havechosen some key tidbits from reviewers to give you a good bit of data to make the best choice the first time.

1. Philips HD9230/26 Digital AirFryer with Rapid Air Technology

Philips was one of the first to introduce air fryers and this one has many excellent and quality features. It has a 1.8 lb capacity, and an adjustable temperature control up to 390 degrees F, and a 60-minute timer with ready signal and auto shut-off. It comes in two color choices, black or white.

It’s at the higher end of the price range of the five, but that’s because of Philips’ exceptional performance in the air frying industry. You know you’re getting an appliance you can trust to last. This fryer also does much more than just frying, you can grill, bake or roast as well. Accessories that you can buy include a grill pan accessory, non-stick baking dish. We have done our in-depth research into the philips air fryer review.

They state that it can make “great tasting fries with 70% less fat!” Some other nice features are that all the parts are dishwater safe for easy clean up. Bonus goodies: It comes with a cookbook of 25 recipes and there is a Philips Airfryer App for both Android and Apple that you can download.

This product has an outstanding 4.3 star rating out of 244 total reviews. With an impressive 84% of reviewers giving it either 5-stars (64%) or 4-stars (20%). One happy reviewer said, “Easy to use and creates superior food. Would suggest to anyone.” Another that uses it daily said, “I suggest the accessories, especially the fry pan and baking pan.” They also purchased it after having a cheaper one and said it “works better and faster and is easier to clean.”

2. T-fal FZ7002 ActiFry Low-Fat Healthy Dishwasher Safe Multi-Cooker

This T-fal fryer is a paddle type with stirring rod. It has a 2.2 lb capacity, and an easy 2-button operation with digital countdown timer with buzzer. It is black with a silver band and has a transparent see-through lid so you can keep an eye on the food while cooking.

It’s at the upper medium end of the price range of the five, and Actify is another well known brand in the household appliances industry. This fryer can cook a wide variety of meals quickly and easily with little to no oil. You want to make sure you use the measuring cup that comes with the unit when making rice to ensure a perfect result.

They state that you can be happy that you can cook 2 pounds of freshly cut French fries that only contain 3% fat. They are still crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The fryer is easy to clean and has a dishwasher safe lid, pan, paddle and filter. Bonus goodies: It comes with a color cookbook of 38 recipes. This product has a 1-year limited warranty.

This product has an impressive 4.2 star rating out of 479 total t fal reviews. With a respectable 77% of reviewers giving it either 5-stars (57%) or 4-stars (20%). One reviewer uses it to cook everything from scrambled eggs to ground pork with sauce and beef broccoli. Another said “We have had this more than a year now. We absolutely love it!” A stir fry aficionado stated that, “the stirring rod is the soul of this product.”

3. GoWISE USA GW22611 GoWISE USA 8-in-1 Electric Air Fryer with Digital Programmable Cooking Settings

The GoWISE air fryer is a basket type with easy to remove inner basket with handle. It has a large 3.2 quart capacity, with eight cooking pre-sets, including Warm-up, Chips, Chicken, Steak, and Fish. There is a cooking timer with up to 30-minutes and temperature control from 176F to 392F. It is available in either black or white.

It’s the most cheap deal at the low end of the price range of the five. It comes with a removable pan with cool-to-touch handgrip and a detachable basket that makes it super easy to transfer food. Safety features include overheat protection and automatic switch-off.

You can use it, just like the others, to cook a wide variety of foods beyond just frying, including cakes and other baked goods. Bonus goodies: You can download a recipe book on the manufacturer’s website.

This product has an impressive 4.1 star rating out of 317 total reviews. With a respectable 77% of reviewers giving it either 5-stars (59%) or 4-stars (18%). One reviewer that uses often said, I don’t have to fry my chicken in oil and it still comes out crispy and is totally delicious.” Another said, “It’s awesome and one of the most used appliances in our apartment kitchen.”

4. Air Fryer by Cozyna, Low Fat Healthy and Multi Cooker with Rapid Air Circulation System

This Cozyna fryer is another basket style and is perfect if you have just a little space. It’s compact yet powerful. It has a 3.2 liter capacity and includes a 30-minute timer and adjustable temperature control up to 392F. It can also be used for combination cooking including frying, trilling, baking, and roasting…all with a tablespoon or l?ess of oil. It comes in black with silver accents.

It’s at the middle of the price range of the five. The manufacturer promises “full flavor, zero guilt.” On average this air fryer requires 70% less oil than a conventional deep fryer.

All parts are dishwasher safe for easy and quick cleanup. They also offer a 30-day money back satisfaction guarantee. It comes with not one, but two impressive cookbooks with over 50 total recipes such as Thai Mushroom and Chicken Meatballs. This product has a 2-year limited warranty. Although not in our best multi cookers comparison its still a great cooker.

This product has an outstanding 4.4 star rating out of 133 total reviews. With a respectable 88% of reviewers giving it either 5-stars (71%) or 4-stars (17%). One review said, “This is the best thing since sliced bread. It tastes just like deep fried.” Another noted that Cozyna’s customer service was “excellent” and that “I love to cook in my Cozyna.”

5. Zelancio Air Fryer with Rapid Air Technology

The Zelancio is similar in size and design to the Cozyna, it’s another basket style. It has a 1.8lb capacity and adjustable temperature control from 175F-400F. It also has a 30-minute timer and automatic shutoff. It comes in black.

It’s at the lower end of the price range of the five. It’s got a really nice feature of a split basket, so you can cook two different foods at one time. It also has the same versatility to fry, bake, grill or roast foods with approximately 70% less oil than conventional frying.

All parts are dishwasher safe for easy and quick cleanup. They note that it’s comparable to the Philips and Cozyna fryers. I did not see any mention of a free cookbook on the Amazon listing or manufacturers’ website. bost likely you could use a general air fryer cookbook for ideas.

This product has an outstanding 4.5 star rating out of 23 total reviews. With a respectable 91% of reviewers giving it either 5-stars (69%) or 4-stars (22%). One review said, “Love it, no nasty smell in the house for hours afterwards.” Another stated it was the perfect size for cooking dinner for two people. Another that’s cooked fried, fish, and vegetables in it said, “Everything came out beautiful and crispy just the way I like them.”

Other Air Fryer Brands to Consider

Beyond the top five, there are other air fryers coming on the market that you may also want to check out. Apart from the top 5 above, the others to consider are Glip, Faberware (see below) Della, Mola and Le Coucou. Some more brands below.

Farberware

This is another well-known brand in the cooking world and they’ve come out with an air fryer that is at the low end of the price range and like the other smaller basket type fryers like the Zelancio and Cozyna. It looks to have a similar capacity, around 1.8lb, and includes two temperature control knobs and indicator lights.

Of course Farberware is best known for their pots and pans. They have built a reputation of value, quality and durability in cookware for over 100 years.

Big Boss

The air fryer style that is a countertop convection oven, and it has a 16-quart model with a lot of size and versatility. It has two trays to cook many foods at the same time, making it a snap to have your fried chicken and hushpuppies ready simultaneously. It cooks three times faster than conventional methods and cooks with the same healthy, little to no oil, method.

Big Boss means appliances with an attitude. They have a distinct retro-look that goes along with the Big Boss name. This is produced by E. Mishan & Son’s a 70-year old family owned business that distributes many “As Seen On TV” products. They strive to bring new and innovative products to the market year after year.

Masterbuilt

Masterbuilt teamed up with Butterball to create a series of electric oil less turkey frying appliances. They’ve made an indoor model that is one you may want to check out if you’ve been thinking about purchasing one of the best turkey fryers. Also if you want a large capacity appliance that can also be used for chicken, and to boil seafood and steam vegetables. It has two sizes, Large (up to a 14lb turkey) or X-large (up to a 20lb turkey).

The Butterball name is synonymous with turkey. You can bet that this Masterbuilt fryer made in collaboration with Butterball was crafted with precision. Their company is well known for manufacturing indoor and outdoor cooking products.

Tips on Choosing That Perfect Air Fryer

Now that you know the types of air fryers, a few brand names on the market, and some key features each one has. Now you’re armed with the decision-making info you need to choose so you know which is the best air fryer to buy. When spending around $100 to $200 on any type of appliance, I know that I definitely want to be happy with my choice. You do not want to end up with something that sits at the bottom of the cupboard and is forgotten until it’s time to do spring cleaning. So here are a few key points below to consider when picking which fryer is the best for your family and one that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

• Size and Capacity: No one wants to get an air fryer that they have to refill three times just to serve their large family dinner. On the flip side, if you’re cooking for two, you don’t want to get a large one that gives you way more capacity than you need. So consider first what size fits your family best. Also whether you want to be able to use it for large family picnics, holidays or other type events. The size/capacity should be your first decision point, and many manufacturers make their air fryers in more than one size.

• Style of Cooking: You now know a bit now about the differences between a basket type, paddle type, and convection or turkey frying type. Take some time to consider which you might like best. This step can really help you zero in on the best airfryer the fastest. Would you like the convenience of a removable basket over that of a constant stirring paddle? If you plan on cooking more popcorn chicken and fries type dishes, then basket style may be better. But if you like to stir fry and cook rice or sauces, then the paddle may be the one you want. Also consider whether you want the versatility and larger capacity of the convection type or oil-less turkey fryer. When considering style of cooking you must also look for the best oil for deep frying.

• Brand Name: Some people prefer to go with a trusted brand name, such as a Philips – who was one of the first to debut the air fryer. Others don’t mind lesser known brands, which tend to cost less. As long as they’re quality and have good rating in the airfryer review section on Amazon. So take a little time to look over the brands and how you feel about each manufacturer. This can further narrow your choice once you’ve chosen the type.

• Reviews: Do thoroughly read through the ratings and reviews. I’ve mentioned a few helpful ones in this guide, but you’ll want to take a look through several. These will give you a good feel for the consensus of buyers on whether this is a good pick for you. Often the reviewers will include helpful tips on using the appliance too, which can be real timesavers.

Want a great overview on Air Frying in general? Philips has a nice overview video on their Youtube channel here:

Conclusion

While air frying may still seem new (it is!), it is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to not only fry foods. With the same great flavor and a fraction of the oil, but also cooking a variety of other types of foods too.

Less fat, less oil, less calories and less time make this an appliance that can definitely become a favorite ‘go to’ for your family. I don’t know about you, but I do often wonder about the effect of microwaves on food. Plus you can’t cook everything in the microwave without it coming out dry or unevenly cooked. So the air fryer is my new best friend in the kitchen and I use it much more now than anything else.

I hope this guide has been helpful for you so you can choose what is the best air fryer, to fit the daily meal needs of your family. Go forth and fry without the guilt!

Product Images Sourced From Amazon.com