An air fryer can cook fried foods to crispy perfection with just a fraction of the oil that deep frying or even oven baking requires. From french fries and asparagus to nice juicy burgers and tender steaks, air frying makes a big difference in taste, health, and convenience!
What is an Air Fryer?
Air fryers are basically a compact convection ovens that allows air to circulate. This means quicker cooking and much less fuss. While this appliance is trendy, it seems it is here to stay, and for good reason. Most people you know likely have an air fryer in their home! Air Fryers can come in many forms now, from those that are compact counter top versions, to toaster oven style air fryers, and even new full sized ranges with an air fryer feature.
How to Cook in an Air Fryer
This is the easy part!! It’s no muss, no fuss, and cooks fast! I personally love the Cosori XL 5.8QT. The price is great, and it works like a charm. It’s large enough to fit two good-sized steaks, 4 homemade burgers, or 4 smaller chicken breasts to feed a small family. I even cook a whole chicken in it. Consumer reports have also given very high ratings to:
NuWave 6QT GoWise 5.8QT
Find more info on choosing an air fryer and what to consider before you buy it below.
What Can I Make with the Air Fryer?
You can make almost anything in the air fryer! Chicken breasts, cakes, muffins, boiled eggs, donuts, veggies… the possibilities are endless.
Appetizers: Stuffed mushrooms, most frozen appetizers, jalapeno poppers, shrimp. Side Dishes: Almost anything from A to Z (asparagus to zucchini). Roasted vegetables or potatoes are amazing and easy. Main Dishes: Pork Chops, any cut of chicken with or without bones, meatballs, fish & chips, salmon, and almost any kind of meat including whole chickens and turkey breast. Other: Biscuits, egg muffins, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even “boiled” eggs!!
Choosing an Air Fryer
Take into consideration what size will be needed, as well as what kinds of programmable functions may be desired.
Considerations
I have owned and tested the following, this was a few years ago and I find the newer styles to have a better price point and to cook quicker, more evenly, and crispier! MY TOP PICK FOR AIR FRYERS is the Cosori XL 5.8QT. Pros
large capacity fairly reasonable price easy to clean (dishwasher safe) cooks beautifully
Cons
the screws on the basket come loose and need tightening frequently (3 family members have this one and the same issue) a little bit noisy a bit bulky on the counter (but I feel all brands are) basket gets a little bit difficult to clean between the slats (but it is replaceable, I keep it about a year)
T-Fal Actifry 2-in-1 works for things like wings and fries but is not ideal for more delicate items. This air fryer tosses the items to help ensure even cooking and it also has a tray to set on top for cooking things like burgers or chicken breasts. Breville Smart Oven Air This air fryer is very pricey but cooks a lot at once and can be used as a toaster oven, oven (even holds a 9×13 pan), slow cooker, and an air fryer. I don’t find it works as well as an air fryer as the Cosori above but it’s a good choice if you want an appliance that does many things at once and can feed a larger family. Instant Vortex Air Fryer Oven This is a different type of appliance with way more abilities. It’s good if you’d like to use the rotisserie or cook casseroles it. This version takes up more space than the other options but can be used in lots of ways. Instant Vortex 4 in 1 Very similar to the Cosori above. The basket is a different style as the bottom comes out (not the whole basket). It seems to cook just a little bit hotter than the other options I’ve tried. Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry I actually really like this one. It has a thermometer that will let you know when meat is cooked, and it’s been very accurate. I like the grill option as well, although it’s a bit of a process to clean (it’s not the same as grilling on an outdoor grill though). This one takes up a little bit more counter space compared to the Cosori. This would be my second choice next to the Cosori.
More Great Options
