Air fryers, huh? They're popping up in kitchens everywhere. But what's the big deal? Well, that's exactly what we're here to chat about. Are these hot new appliances really worth the counter space they take up? From the health nuts to the busy moms, and even the novice cooks – everyone can benefit. We'll get into the nitty-gritty of this hot appliance, looking at all the perks they bring to your cooking game. And who knows, by the end, even you might be tempted to jump on this bandwagon.
Also on the menu, are some of our Top Air Fryer models for you to consider. We have a range of choices to suit every type of household and cook, whether you're cooking for one, two, or an entire family! Whether you're a kitchen whiz or you burn water, stay with us as these hot appliances might be everything you've been looking for.
What are the benefits of an air fryer?
Healthier Meals
Now, who doesn't want the crispy goodness of fried food with less of the guilt? Air fryers circulate hot air to cook food, needing significantly less oil. Certain foods such as cheeses or beer battered fish won’t hold up the way they would in a deep fryer, but french fries, wedges, chicken nuggets, and honestly - most things - turn out great. As long as the tray isn’t fully loaded, french fries come out just as crispy as they do in the deep fryer but less oily (and they don’t turn out dry like they would in the oven)!
Convenience
Picture this: tasty food without the mess of dealing with hot oil or the tedious task of scrubbing dirty pans. Better yet, you don’t even have to be in the kitchen as your food cooks. When you’ve had a long day at work, dinner can be as easy as throwing some things in the air fryer and sitting back as you wait for it to cook. It’s not just processed foods that air fryers do well. You can also throw in meat, tofu, veggies, chickpeas, and more to create a well-rounded healthy meal. Plus, most models are super easy to operate – even a kitchen rookie can get it right.
Faster Cooking Time
In a hurry? Don’t sweat it! Air fryers can cook meals much quicker than traditional ovens. Cooking a batch of roasted potatoes in the oven can take up to an hour. In the air fryer, they can be ready to go in as little as 20 minutes! Fully cooked on the inside and crispy on the outside. Whipping up sides or meals like buddha bowls filled with freshly cooked components has never been quicker, easier, or more convenient! Cleaning is quick too. The non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a dream.
Versatility
Don't let the name fool you. They don’t just fry. Depending on the model, they can roast, bake, dehydrate, and even grill. And it’s not just processed ‘fryer’ foods that turn out well in the air fryer. You can cook hard-boiled eggs, fried chicken, chicken nibbles, roasted veggies/potatoes, pork chops, bacon, desserts, and more! As you become increasingly impressed by how things turn out in the air fryer, you may find yourself testing various things in the air fryer and being surprised at the results.
Safety
Air fryers come with built-in timers and auto shut-off functions. No risk of forgetting something in the oven! Plus, there’s less risk of burning yourself too (no hot air singeing your eyeballs when you open the appliance, no hot oil splatters, and no need for oven mittens thanks to an easy to grab handle). Their ease-of-use also makes them a great appliance to get your children into cooking, enabling them to create their own meals or snacks.
1. Ninja Foodi AF100 Air Fryer
If you’re new to air fryers and want to start with something small and simple, try the Ninja Foodi AF100 Air Fryer. This little gem is a magnificent addition for couples, singles, or small families. It boasts a 3.8 liter capacity which can fit about 900g of fries - that’s equal to four servings! It has a wide temperature range, offering you the versatility to preheat, fry, roast, or dehydrate your food, all at the touch of a button. And if you're keen on keeping an eye on your calorie intake, its TenderCrisp technology ensures your meals are super crunchy with minimum oil use. It's also got a sleek design, a handy ceramic-coated nonstick basket and dishwasher-safe parts which makes cleaning a breeze. In short, the Ninja Foodi AF100 delivers compact size without compromising on tasty, healthier meals. It's all awesome in one neat package.
2. Ninja Foodi AF300 DualZone Air Fryer
If greater capacity and convenience is what you need, pick up a Ninja Foodi AF300 Dual Zone Air Fryer. Once you’ve experienced a dual zone air fryer, there’s no going back! This is your best bet if you've got a larger family or love to multitask in the kitchen. One of its attractions is the unique dual-zone technology. It has two separate cooking zones, meaning you can prepare two different dishes at once, each at its own time and temperature. Imagine having your sweet potato fries and your crispy chicken both ready at the same time - culinary harmony at its finest! It boasts a 7.6-liter total capacity, perfect for feeding a crowd. With six customizable programs, a match-cook button to even cook times, and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning, the Ninja Foodi AF300 is a real time-saver designed to cater to your every cooking need.
3. Ninja Foodi AF450 Max XXXL Smart Air Fryer
More capacity and more convenience? Got it! Meet the Ninja Foodi AF450 Max XXXL Smart Air Fryer. As the name suggests, it's the ultimate prince of capacity, perfect for larger families or those who love to host. This mammoth machine has a fantastic 9.5-liter basket, big enough to fit 2kgs of fries or even a whole chicken! It’s not just about size, it's also smart! The Smart Cook system features 5 smart protein settings with 9 doneness levels. The Foodi Smart Probe will precisely monitor your food’s temperature, ensuring your meat is cooked to the perfect level of doneness - no more undercooking or overcooking! Add in its six versatile pre-set cooking programs: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat and Dehydrate. This along with it’s wide temperature range of 40°C - 240°C offers max convenience and versatility.
4. Ninja Foodi OP350 Multi-Cooker
We know counter space is a premium, so if you want something that can do it all, let's talk about the Ninja Foodi OP350 Multi-Cooker. This model is the kitchen all-star you've been waiting for. With its Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Air-Fry, Bake, Roast, Steam, and Grill functions, this isn't just a fryer - it's your culinary best friend! This model is a real crowd-pleaser - whether you're making crispy fries or slow-cooking a stew, it's got you covered. It's equipped with TenderCrisp technology that gives you the best of pressure cooking and air frying all in one. Here's the magic part - the pressure cook function can cook your meals up to 70% faster than traditional methods, and then you can finish off with the air fry function for a perfect crispy golden finish. The Ninja Foodi OP350 Multi Cooker is quite literally a kitchen in a machine.
5. De'Longhi Livenza Air Fryer Toaster Oven
For some, the De'Longhi Livenza Air Fryer Toaster Oven will be the best fit. Offering a twist on the traditional air fryer, this model functions as an 8-in-1 mini-oven - it can air fry, roast, broil, bake, bagel, toast, dehydrate, and even keep your food warm until you’re ready to serve. This is a versatile addition to any kitchen, combining multiple cooking functions in one compact appliance. Whether you need to bake, broil, or roast, it has you covered. Ideal for smaller kitchens or those wanting to minimise clutter, this unit packs a punch with enough room to cook up a feast, be it a 12-inch pizza or a batch of toasty bagels. Cleanup is a breeze too, thanks to its easy-to-maintain design, saving you time after meal prep. The Livenza is a practical solution for everyday cooking needs, offering convenience without compromising on cooking quality or taking up too much valuable counter space.
Are air fryers worth it?
Air fryers offer some impressive versatility and convenience in our kitchens. From hassle-free cooking to healthier meals, the benefits are hard to overlook. Each model - be it the compact Ninja Foodi AF100 or the smart and spacious Ninja Foodi AF450 Max XXXL - brings its own unique strengths, catering to different needs and lifestyles. So are air fryers worth it? Ultimately, it comes down to your cooking habits and needs. Generally speaking, we reckon they live up to the hype. While some foods do fare better with traditional cooking methods, there are plenty of instances where the airfryer will be perfect for your needs!
