compact air fryers

Air fryers are taking the fast kitchen gadget world by storm, with newer versions reinventing the way people can prepare their favorite fried food into something healthier and even more delicious. Versatile tools that cook your favorite dishes, air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, which means using less oil. We are a doorstep away from 2024, so it is no wonder the market is filled with a wide variety of air fryers, each featuring their own set of features and capabilities. It really will get overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right air fryer from so many. Whether you are looking for a multi-functional air fryer with advanced cooking features, a small air fryer for your tiny spaces, or a large air fryer to cater to your whole family, then there is one air fryer that awaits you. Looking deep into the best air fryers of 2024: their features, benefits, and ideal use. We will help you find the perfect air fryer for your kitchen, from the multifunctional Instant Vortex Plus to the capacious Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. Get set to make informed choices and enhance your cooking game with these best-in-class air fryers.

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. With numerous options available in 2024, finding the right air fryer can be daunting. Here, we review some of the best air fryers on the market, highlighting their unique features and best uses to help you make an informed decision.

1. Instant Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer

Versatility and Family Meals

(Image Credit: instant)

Why It’s Ideal: The Instant Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer is perfect for families and those who love to cook a variety of dishes. Its large capacity and multiple cooking functions make it an incredibly versatile kitchen appliance.

• Features:
  • Multiple Cooking Functions: This air fryer can broil, dehydrate, crisp, roast, reheat, and bake, making it suitable for a wide range of recipes. Whether you’re making crispy fries, dehydrating fruit, or roasting a chicken, this device can handle it all.
  • App Integration: With over 100 recipes available through the app, you’ll never run out of cooking ideas. The app provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring perfect results every time.
  • Dishwasher Safe: The dishwasher-safe basket and tray make cleanup a breeze, saving you time and effort.
  • Stainless Steel Design: Its durable stainless steel construction not only ensures longevity but also adds a sleek, modern touch to your kitchen.
  • Affordable Options: Priced at $129.95 for a new unit and $92.48 for a used one, it offers great value. Plus, Amazon provides free returns for added peace of mind.

2. Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

Large Meals and Advanced Cooking

(Image Credit: Breville)

Why It’s Ideal: The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is ideal for those who need to cook large meals and want advanced cooking capabilities. Its large interior and intelligent cooking system make it a standout choice.

• Features:
  • Element iQ System: This system uses smart algorithms to distribute power where it’s needed, ensuring food cooks evenly and efficiently. This technology adjusts the cooking process in real-time for perfect results.
  • Super Convection Technology: Enhanced convection technology circulates hot air throughout the oven, reducing cooking time by up to 30% and ensuring even heat distribution. This is particularly useful for air frying and roasting.
  • 13 Cooking Functions: Includes toast, bagel, broil, bake, roast, warm, pizza, proof, air fry, reheat, cookies, slow cook, and dehydrate. This wide range of functions makes it a versatile tool that can replace several kitchen appliances.
  • Spacious Interior: The oven’s interior is large enough to fit a 14-pound turkey, making it perfect for family gatherings and holiday meals.
  • High-Quality Build: Constructed with a brushed stainless steel exterior, the Breville Smart Oven is both stylish and durable, designed to withstand frequent use.

3. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

Health-Conscious Individuals

(Image Credit: Ninja)

Why It’s Ideal: The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is designed for those who want to enjoy fried foods with less fat. Its advanced frying technology makes it a healthier option.

• Features:
  • 4-Quart Capacity: Ideal for small to medium-sized families, this air fryer can handle up to 2 pounds of fries, ensuring there’s enough for everyone.
  • Ceramic-Coated Nonstick Basket: Ensures easy food release and cleanup. The basket and crisper plate are both dishwasher safe.
  • 75% Less Fat: Uses up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
  • Wide Temperature Range: Allows you to cook at temperatures from 105°F to 400°F, suitable for a variety of dishes. This range supports gentle dehydration as well as high-heat crisping.
  • Easy to Clean: Dishwasher-safe parts make maintenance simple and hassle-free.

4. Nuwave Brio Air Fryer Oven

Monitoring Food While Cooking

(Image Credit: Nuwave)

Why It’s Ideal: The Nuwave Brio Air Fryer Oven allows you to monitor your food without interrupting the cooking process, thanks to its internal light and digital controls.

• Features:
  • Super-Heated Air Technology: Uses rapid air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly, producing crispy and delicious results with little to no oil.
  • Internal Light: Allows you to monitor your food as it cooks without having to open the door, ensuring consistent cooking temperatures.
  • Digital Controls: Easy-to-use digital controls let you set the exact temperature and cooking time, ensuring precise results every time.
  • Large Capacity: With a spacious interior, this air fryer oven can accommodate large meals, making it suitable for families.
  • Multiple Accessories: Comes with a variety of accessories, including a rotisserie basket, baking pan, and crisper tray, enhancing its versatility.

5. GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Digital Air Fryer

Beginners and Budget-Conscious Buyers

(Image Credit: GoWISE)

Why It’s Ideal: The GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Digital Air Fryer is perfect for those new to air frying and those on a budget. Its user-friendly interface and affordable price make it an excellent choice for beginners.

• Features:
  • 4 Cooking Functions: Can fry, bake, grill, and roast with little to no oil, offering a healthier way to prepare your favorite foods.
  • Digital Controls: Easy-to-use button controls for setting the time and temperature, ensuring precise cooking.
  • Recipe Book: Comes with a recipe book that includes 50 recipes, providing plenty of ideas to get started.
  • Easy to Clean: The nonstick basket and pan are dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple.
  • 3.5 Liter Capacity: Compact size is perfect for small kitchens and singles or couples.

6. Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer

Cooking Multiple Dishes Simultaneously

(Image Credit: Ninja)

Why It’s Ideal: The Ninja DZ201 Foodi Air Fryer is perfect for those who want to cook multiple dishes at once. Its dual-zone technology allows for two different foods to be cooked simultaneously, saving time and effort.

• Features:
  • DualZone Technology: Features two independent frying baskets, allowing you to cook two different foods simultaneously. Each basket can have different settings, so you can air fry chicken in one and roast vegetables in the other.
  • 6 Cooking Functions: Includes air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate, providing versatile cooking options.
  • Match Cook & Smart Finish: Syncs the settings for both baskets to finish cooking at the same time or allows for different cooking times.
  • 8 Quart Capacity: Large total capacity of 8 quarts, with each basket holding up to 4 quarts, making it ideal for large families or entertaining.
  • Easy to Clean: Both baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher safe, ensuring easy cleanup.

7. Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven – 6-Qt Basket Stainless Steel Air Fryer

Ease of Use and Cleaning

(Image Credit: Cuisinart)

Why It’s Ideal: The Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven is ideal for those who prioritize ease of use and cleaning. Its straightforward design and dishwasher-safe parts make it user-friendly and low maintenance.

• Features:
  • 5 Cooking Presets: Includes roast, bake, broil, air fry, and keep warm, offering versatile cooking options.
  • Temperature Control: Adjustable temperature settings allow for precise cooking.
  • Dishwasher-Safe Parts: The 6-quart basket and other removable parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless.
  • Stainless Steel Construction: Durable and stylish, this air fryer oven looks great in any kitchen.
  • Customer Ratings: Highly rated by customers for ease of use, cleaning, and flavor, indicating a reliable performance.

8. DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer

Small Spaces and Quick Meals

(Image Credit: Dash)

Why It’s Ideal: The DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer is perfect for those with limited kitchen space or who need to prepare quick meals. Its compact design and efficient cooking make it a convenient choice.

• Features:
  • Compact Size: With a 2.6-quart capacity, this air fryer is ideal for small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms.
  • Analog Timer: Features a simple analog timer and automatic shut-off for ease of use.
  • Quick Cooking: Cooks food in minutes, making it perfect for quick snacks and meals.
  • Easy to Clean: The nonstick fry basket is dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleanup process.
  • Customer Feedback: Praised by customers for its value, ease of cleaning, taste, and size, making it a popular choice.

9. CHEFMAN Small Air Fryer Healthy Cooking

Healthy Cooking in Small Batches

(Image Credit: CHEFMAN)

Why It’s Ideal: The CHEFMAN Small Air Fryer is designed for individuals or small households who want to cook healthy meals without using a lot of oil. Its compact size and efficient cooking make it ideal for small batches.

• Features:
  • Healthy Cooking: Uses little to no oil, making it a healthier option for frying foods.
  • 3.6-Quart Capacity: Suitable for singles or small families.
  • Nonstick Basket: The black, matte-finish nonstick basket is dishwasher safe, ensuring easy cleanup.
  • Dual Control Temperature: Features a 60-minute timer and automatic shut-off for precise and safe cooking.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Highly rated for its healthy cooking, ease of use, and compact design.

10. Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Air Fryer

Comprehensive Cooking and Accessories

(Image Credit: Emeril)

Why It’s Ideal: The Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Air Fryer is perfect for those who want a comprehensive cooking experience with a variety of accessories. Its multiple cooking functions and included accessories make it highly versatile.

• Features:
  • 360° Quick Cook Technology: Uses super-heated air to cook food evenly and quickly, providing crispy results with little to no oil.
  • XL Capacity: Large enough to cook meals for the whole family.
  • 12 Pre-Set Cooking Functions: Includes air fry, bake, roast, broil, rotisserie, dehydrate, toast, reheat, and more, making it a versatile kitchen appliance.
  • Variety of Accessories: Comes with a rotisserie basket, baking pan, crisper tray, and more, enhancing its versatility.
  • Protection Plan: Optional protection plan available for added peace of mind.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Air Fryer

Choosing the right air fryer can be overwhelming given the plethora of options available. Here are some key factors to consider to help you make an informed decision:

1. Capacity
   • Small Capacity (up to 3 quarts): Ideal for singles or couples who don’t cook large quantities.
   • Medium Capacity (3 to 5 quarts): Suitable for small families or those who cook for 2-4 people.
   • Large Capacity (over 5 quarts): Best for larger families or those who entertain frequently.
     
     
2. Cooking Functions
   • Basic Functions: Frying, baking, roasting, and reheating are common functions in most air fryers.
   • Advanced Functions: Some models offer additional functions like dehydrating, broiling, slow cooking, and steaming.
   • Presets: Look for air fryers with multiple presets for different types of food (e.g., chicken, fish, vegetables).
     
     
3. Ease of Use and Cleaning
   • User Interface: Digital displays and intuitive controls make it easier to operate.
   • Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Removable parts that are dishwasher safe can significantly ease the cleaning process.
   • Nonstick Coating: Baskets and trays with nonstick coatings prevent food from sticking and make cleaning easier.
     
     
4. Build Quality and Design
   • Material: Stainless steel models are durable and stylish, while plastic models can be lighter and more affordable.
   • Design: Consider the footprint and storage options. Larger models might require more counter space.
     
     
5. Price
   • Budget Models: Priced under $100, these are great for beginners or those on a budget.
   • Mid-Range Models: Priced between $100-$200, offering a good balance of features and quality.
   • Premium Models: Priced over $200, these come with advanced features and higher build quality.

Air fryers are not just for making crispy fries; they can be used to prepare a variety of healthy and delicious meals. Here are some top healthy recipes you can try with your air fryer:

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

• Ingredients:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs

• Instructions:
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
  • Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

• Ingredients:
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

• Instructions:
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
  • Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

How does an air fryer work?

An air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food. It has a heating element and a powerful fan that circulates the hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer similar to frying but with significantly less oil.

What can you cook in an air fryer?

You can cook a wide variety of foods in an air fryer, including fries, chicken wings, vegetables, fish, and even baked goods. Some air fryers also have additional functions like roasting, grilling, and dehydrating.

Are air fryers healthy?

Air fryers can be a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. They use little to no oil, reducing the fat and calorie content of fried foods. Additionally, air fryers can cook a variety of nutritious foods, making it easier to maintain a balanced diet.

How do you clean an air fryer?

Most air fryers have removable parts like the basket and tray, which are often dishwasher safe. For parts that are not dishwasher safe, you can wash them with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Always ensure the air fryer is unplugged and cooled down before cleaning.

Which air fryer is the best for a family of four?

For a family of four, a medium to large capacity air fryer (3 to 5 quarts or more) is recommended. The Instant Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer and the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro are excellent choices due to their versatile cooking functions and large capacities.

Can you bake in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake in an air fryer. Many air fryers have a baking function that allows you to make cakes, muffins, cookies, and more. The even heat distribution in an air fryer ensures that baked goods cook evenly and come out perfectly every time.

In summary, air fryers are the kitchen appliance to have for a healthier and more convenient way of cooking in 2024. And hey, busy parent, health-conscious, or foodie explorers looking to try new recipes—there’s an air fryer for you. Starting with the very versatile Instant Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer, moving on to the innovative Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, or the affordable GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Digital Air Fryer, each model has different features to suit different tastes and cooking styles. To make your choice, simply think about capacity, cooking functions, ease of use, and budget. And not to forget, there is a variety of healthy and yummy foods to enjoy by cooking with an air fryer. We hope that our guide has been of value to help you make an informed choice, and that as you learn more in the air frying world, you find these devices to make meal prep easy and guilt-free.