In this buyer’s guide, we’ll help you navigate the options and choose the best-rated Air Fryer brands that offer the perfect balance of performance, price, and quality.
- What Air Fryer Is Non-Toxic? – Look for BPA-free, PFOA-free, and PTFE-free models like those with ceramic coatings.
- When was the Air Fryer invented? – Philips introduced the modern air fryer in 2010.
- Where Was the Air Fryer Invented? – An inventor in the Netherlands named Fred van der Weij was simply looking for a way to crisp French fries (without deep-frying) when he created the air fryer in 2005.
- Which Air Fryer Is Stainless Steel Inside? – Some Cuisinart and Breville models feature stainless steel interiors.
Top Rated Air Fryer Brands: Which Ones Are the Best?
Which air fryer brand is the best? There’s no single best air fryer for everyone, but a few models consistently stand out in reviews:
- Philips is known for its excellent cooking results and durable build, and it is said to be one of the best-rated Air Fryer brands.
- Ninja is a top choice of air fryer for its versatility; many models also pressure cook, broil, bake, and dehydrate.
- Cosori is for an affordable balance of top fryer performance and features, and gets praise for its user-friendly controls.
Why These Air Fryer Brands?
- Philips pioneered air-fryer tech and offers high-end durability and performance.
- Ninja has become a standout with innovative “multi-function” appliances.
- Cosori hits a sweet spot between price, performance, and features (some models come with ‘smart’ app control).
When choosing which air fryer toaster oven is best, consider capacity, ease of cleaning, and any additional functions you need. Check out our Best Guide to Air Fryer: Everything You Need to Know to learn about key features, benefits, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly. Here’s the basic process:
- Heat Source: A heating coil or element warms air inside the chamber.
- Fan Circulation: A powerful fan rapidly circulates hot air around your food.
- Basket or Tray: Food is placed in a perforated basket or on a tray, which allows hot air to reach all sides.
- Crisping Effect: The constant flow of hot air around the food produces a crunchy exterior similar to traditional frying, but it typically uses much less oil.
Why the Air Fryer is Used: You achieve a crispy “fried” texture with a fraction of the oil and avoid the mess (and smell) of deep frying.
air fryer functions
Now, you’ve likely got a few questions about the ins and outs of air fryer functionality. Find answers to some of the most popular ones below.
- How an Air Fryer Works Without Oil? – It circulates hot air rapidly to crisp food without the need for oil.
- How an Air Fryer Oven Works? – It combines convection heating with high-speed air circulation to cook food evenly.
- How Air Fryer Vs the Convection Oven? – Air fryers are smaller, cook faster, and are designed for crisping, while convection ovens are larger and more versatile.
- How an Air Fryer is Used? – Preheat if necessary, place food in the basket, set the time and temperature, and let it cook.
- How Air Fryer Cook? – A fan circulates hot air around food, creating a crispy exterior and even cooking.
- How an Air Fryer is Different From an Oven? – Air fryers cook faster and crisp food better due to a smaller chamber and stronger airflow.
- How Air Fryer Work? – Air fryers don’t use radiation; they rely solely on convection heating with circulating hot air.
- When To Preheat an Air Fryer? – Preheat before cooking for crispier results unless the recipe says otherwise.
- Can You Open An Air Fryer When It’s On? – Yes, most models pause automatically when opened.
- When Is the Air Fryer Done Preheating? – Usually after 3–5 minutes or when the model beeps or indicates readiness.
If you need any visual guides on how an air fryer works, use the search queries ‘how an air fryer works YouTube’ or ‘how an air fryer works animation’.
Where Can I Place My Air Fryer?
Here are a couple of tips on where to put air fryers.
- Where to Use Air Fryer: You should keep your air fryer at a reasonably safe distance from other appliances.
- Where to Place Air Fryer When Cooking: You don’t need to change where air fryers operate if they’re away from other devices and you have enough room to open the drawers.
Using Your Air Fryer
Find information about using your air fryer below.
- When To Use an Air Fryer? – Use it for quick, crispy results with minimal oil.
- When To Clean an Air Fryer? – Clean it after every use to avoid grease buildup.
- What To Do When You First Get An Air Fryer? – Wash removable parts, run a test cycle, and read the manual.
- When To Replace an Air Fryer? – Replace it if it stops working, has a peeling nonstick coating, or cooks unevenly.
Why is the Air Fryer Not Working?
There could be many reasons why the air fryer stopped working. Let’s go over a few known issues:
- Power Supply Problem – Loose plug, tripped breaker, or faulty outlet.
- Overheating – Automatic shutoff triggered by blocked vents or prolonged use.
- Damaged Components – Faulty fan, heating element, or internal wiring.
- Control Panel Malfunction – Buttons or displays not responding due to electrical faults.
- Blown Fuse – The internal fuse may need replacing after a power surge.
- Lack of Maintenance – Grease buildup or unclean parts affecting functionality.
Are Air Fryers Safe to Use?
Yes, the best-rated Air Fryer brands are generally very safe.
When used correctly, air fryers can be safer than deep fryers, as there is no risk of large amounts of hot oil splashing. What makes the appliance even safer is that many air fryer models switch off automatically when the timer ends.
But of course, you may have some questions lined up about the safety of air fryers. We’re here to answer them!
Are Air Fryers Healthy?
Queries about general air fryer health.
- What Air Fryer Is Safe To Use? – Any BPA-free, PFOA-free model with proper certifications like UL or ETL is safe to use.
- Why Air Fryer Is Bad For Health? – Overcooking or burning food at high heat may produce harmful compounds, but this is avoidable with proper use.
- Why Air Fryer Is Healthy? – It uses significantly less oil, reducing calorie and fat intake while still delivering crispy results.
- Why Air Fryer Is Not Good For Health? – Some concerns arise from nonstick coatings or high-heat cooking, but risks are minimal with reputable models and proper use.
- Will Air Fryer Kill Bacteria? – Yes, cooking to the recommended internal temperature effectively kills bacteria.
- Are Air Fryers Bad For You? – No, they are generally safe and healthier than traditional frying methods when used correctly.
Are Air Fryers Safe in My Kitchen?
In 2025, these are the most common questions about air fryer kitchen safety.
- Will Air Fryer Damage Quartz? – It can if placed directly on the surface without a heat-resistant mat.
- Will Air Fryer Burn the Countertop? – Yes, if the countertop isn’t heat-resistant or there’s inadequate ventilation.
- Will Air Fryer Explode? – No, explosions are extremely rare if the air fryer is used as instructed.
Which Air Fryers Have Been Recalled?
Naturally, anyone would like to know which air fryer is being recalled.
What Air Fryer is Being Recalled: A couple of Cosori and Insignia models have been recalled in the past, but not recently.
Are Air Fryers Toxic?
Air fryers are not considered toxic if they are properly used. But we’ll answer these frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease!
- Can Air Fryer Cause Cancer? – No, but overcooking or charring food can produce harmful compounds.
- Which Air Fryer Is Not Toxic? – BPA-free, PFOA-free, and PTFE-free models like ceramic-coated air fryers are considered non-toxic.
- Which Air Fryer Causes Cancer? – No specific air fryer is known to cause cancer; risks stem from improper cooking practices.
- Why Air Fryer Cause Cancer? – It doesn’t; concerns arise from burning or overcooking food, which may create harmful chemicals.
- Why Air Fryer Smell? – New air fryers may emit a smell due to manufacturing residue, which dissipates after a few uses.
- Why Air Fryer Smell Like Plastic? – The plastic smell often comes from the initial burn-in period when residue from manufacturing burns off.
- Will Air Fryer Cause Cancer? – No, air fryers are safe when used properly and foods are cooked to recommended temperatures.
- Will an Air Fryer Melt Plastic? – No, unless non-heat-resistant plastic is placed inside or near the heating element.
- Will an Air Fryer Burn Paper? – Regular paper can burn, but parchment paper rated for high heat is safe to use.
Which Air Fryer Lasts the Longest?
We understand that purchasing the best-rated Air Fryer brands is a significant investment, and you’d want to know how long it’ll last before it starts to fumble. The time air fryers last depends on manufacturing quality, how much you use them, and how well you care for them.
Arguably, the air fryer brand is what you should think about first. Many already have outstanding reputations for appliances, such as well-known brands like Philips, Ninja, and Cosori, which tend to use sturdy materials.
- Philips: Known for pioneering air fryer tech and durable construction.
- Ninja: This brand’s products often have strong warranties and robust designs, also, to many, it is one of the best-rated Air Fryer brands.
- Cosori: This company also receives good reviews for build quality, making it one of the best-rated Air Fryer brands.
To extend the life of any air fryer, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket to avoid straining the fan.
- Clean the interior and heating element regularly to prevent buildup.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners on non-stick baskets or trays.
- Follow recommended temperatures and times to reduce excess heat stress on internal components.
Air Fryer vs Oven: Which Is Better?
While a traditional oven can technically do many of the same tasks, an air fryer offers key advantages.
Why Air Fryer Instead of Oven?
- Faster Cooking: A smaller chamber and a powerful fan circulate heat quickly, reducing preheating and cooking times.
- Energy Efficiency: Because of the reduced cooking time and smaller size, an air fryer usually uses less energy than running a full-sized oven.
- Crispier Results with Less Oil: Air fryers give food that “fried” crispness without submerging it in oil by design.
- Convenience and Versatility: Most air fryers are compact, easy to set on the countertop, and often come with multiple cooking modes (roasting, baking, dehydrating).
Why Air Fryer is Better Than Oven: We believe the air fryer correlates with the modern lifestyle, creating great meals quickly, efficiently, and more healthily.
Can Air Fryers Replace Ovens and Microwaves?
For small batches, yes, but it cannot fully replace the capacity and versatility of a full-sized oven. Find further answers to similar queries below.
- Can Air Fryer Replace Toaster Oven? – Yes, for most functions like baking, toasting, and reheating, but the capacity may be smaller.
- Can Air Fryer Replace Microwave? – Partially, as it can reheat food and cook small items but isn’t as fast as a microwave.
- Are Air Fryers and Convection Oven The Same? – No, but they both use hot air circulation; air fryers are smaller and cook faster.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Air Fryer
Which air fryer should I buy? Let’s round up our buyer’s guide with tips to remember when purchasing your first or next air fryer.
- Capacity: Decide how many servings you want to make at once.
- Features: Some air fryers are single-function; others include multiple baking, dehydrating, or rotisserie presets.
- Budget: Higher-end models can offer more extended warranties and better build quality, but mid-range models might have the features you need at a lower price.
- Maintenance: Check if baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe to simplify cleanup.
With these points in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect air fryer for your kitchen. Enjoy the crispy, healthier versions of your favourite fried foods!
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryers
We’ll wrap up our guide by answering some of the other commonly asked questions by air fryer enthusiasts.
Is it ‘Air Fryer’ or ‘Airfryer’?
Most manufacturers and retailers use “Air Fryer” as two words, although some brands, such as Philips, use the marketing term “Airfryer” as a single word. Searching queries like “top rated airfryer” or “airfryer top 10” would yield the same results as “top 10 air fryers 2022.”
Are Air Fryer Toaster Ovens Worth It?
There are endless questions you could ask about cooking food in an air fryer. But we’ll answer the most searched queries.
Fries & Potatoes
- Are Air Fryer Potatoes Healthy? – Yes, they are healthier when cooked with minimal oil.
- How to Air Fryer a Baked Potato? – Rub with oil, season, and cook at 400°F for 35–45 minutes.
- What Air Fryer Temp For Fries? – Use 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway.
Toast & Bread
- Can an Air Fryer Toast Bread? – Yes, it can toast bread quickly and evenly.
- Can an Air Fryer Make Toast? – Yes, it works well for making toast.
- Can an Air Fryer Toast a Bagel? – Yes, it can toast bagels effectively.
- Will Air Fryer Toast Bread? – Yes, it toasts bread efficiently.
- Will an Air Fryer Make Toast? – Yes, it can make toast easily.
Chicken
- Are Air Fryer Chicken Wings Healthy? – Yes, air-fried wings are lower in fat than deep-fried versions.
- Can an Air Fryer Cook Raw Chicken? – Yes, raw chicken cooks thoroughly in an air fryer when set to the right temperature.
- Can an Air Fryer Cook Frozen Chicken? – Yes, but allow for slightly longer cooking times.
- How to Air Fryer Chicken Wings? – Season and cook at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- How to Air Fryer Chicken Breast? – Cook at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- What Air Fryer Temp For Chicken Wings? – Use 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
- What Air Fryer Setting For Chicken? – Set to 375°F–400°F depending on the cut and size.
- When Cooking Chicken In Air Fryer? – Your chicken will be ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Will an Air Fryer Dry Out Chicken? – Not if you monitor the time and temperature properly.
Beef
- Are Air Fryer Burgers Good? – Yes, they cook evenly and retain juiciness with a crispy exterior.
- What Air Fryer Setting For Steak? – Use 400°F for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- What Air Fryer Temp For Steak? – Use 400°F for 8–12 minutes, depending on preference.
Fish
- What Air Fryer Temp For Salmon? – Cook at 390°F for 8–10 minutes.
Fruit
- Can an Air Fryer Dehydrate Fruit? – Yes, if the air fryer has a dehydrate setting.
Others
- Are Air Fryer French Fries Healthy? – Yes, they are healthier than deep-fried fries because they use little to no oil.
- Can an Air Fryer Make Popcorn? – Sometimes, but results may vary depending on the model.
- What Air Fryer Setting For Pizza? – Cook at 375°F–400°F for 5–10 minutes.
- Will an Air Fryer Pop Popcorn? – It can, but results may vary, and it’s not always reliable.
Where Can I Find More Air Fryer Reviews?
Online retail sites like Amazon and consumer review platforms like Consumer Reports, The Best Air Fryer by Mace Dent Johnson on the New York Times page or YouTube, such as the Jamie Oliver air fryer channel, are great places to read or watch in-depth air fryer reviews and recipes.
- When Is Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer On? – Check his schedule or YouTube channel for air fryer recipes.
Can I Clean My Air Fryer in the Dishwasher?
Many ask this question alongside what air fryer is easiest to clean. Let’s go over the queries.
- Are Air Fryer Baskets Dishwasher Safe? – Yes, most are, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Are Air Fryer Trays Dishwasher Safe? – Many are dishwasher safe, but confirm in the product manual.
- Can the Air Fryer Basket Go In the Dishwasher? – Yes, if it’s labelled dishwasher safe in the manual.
- Can an Air Fryer Tray Go In the Dishwasher? – Yes, most trays are dishwasher safe, but verify with your model.
What Are Air Fryer Liners and Do You Need Them?
An air fryer liner is an item that provides a non-stick surface for food when cooking. We’ll answer the common questions about air fryer liners:
- Why Air Fryer Liners? – These easy-to-use items can stop food from sticking to the bottom of your fryer, as well as absorb any excess oil.
- Are Air Fryer Liners Parchment Paper? – They are not specifically parchment paper but function similarly.
- Are Air Fryer Liners the Same as Parchment Paper? – Air fryer liners can be made from different materials such as silicon, so are not the same as parchment paper.
- Are Air Fryer Liners Safe? – Yes, parchment-based air fryer liners designed for high temperatures are safe to use.
- Can Air Fryer Liners Go In The Oven? – Yes, parchment-based liners designed for high heat can be used in the oven.
- Can Air Fryer Liners Be Used In The Oven? – Yes, as long as they are rated for the oven’s temperature.
Why Older Air Fryers Still Matter?
Older top-rated models, such as those in the top 10 air fryers lists, often remain great buys because they have proven reliability records and may be available at lower prices once newer versions are released. Post-pandemic air fryers were especially popular as everyone returned to hosting again, so you’ll find products on the ‘top air fryer 2022’ list still at the peak of popularity.
How Easy Is It To Setup an Air Fryer?
Most air fryers require minimal setup – plug it in, place the basket or tray, and run a quick preheat cycle if needed. Just ensure there’s enough ventilation clearance and follow any initial cleaning instructions.
Should I Buy an Air Fryer If I Already Have an Oven?
An air fryer can conveniently supplement smaller batches and crisp faster than a full-sized oven. However, if your oven has a good convection setting and meets your cooking needs, buying an air fryer might be more of a luxury than a necessity.
If you are looking for the best-rated air fryer toaster oven, you should CHECK OUT our list of the best air fryer brands, which includes a breakdown of all the Air Fryers on the market right now!
Once you’ve found the perfect air fryer, why not put it to good use? Check out our 10 Delicious Healthy Air Fryer Recipes to Try Today and start cooking healthier, tastier meals right away!
