TL;DR — An air fryer is a compact countertop convection oven that uses a powerful fan and a heating element to blast very hot air (usually 300-450°F) around food in a perforated basket, crisping the outside while cooking the inside — with little or no added oil. It is used to “fry” without a deep-fryer’s oil bath (fries, wings, nuggets), to roast vegetables and small cuts of meat, to reheat leftovers so they crisp back up instead of going soggy, and to bake small batches. It is fast and energy-efficient but limited by capacity. For picks, see our best air fryer guide.
The HomeWhisk editorial team researches kitchen equipment by analyzing manufacturer specifications, mechanism design, and aggregated owner reviews from major retailers and cooking communities. Air fryers became one of the most-owned countertop appliances of the decade, but plenty of buyers are still unsure what the thing actually does beyond frozen fries. This guide covers how an air fryer works, everything it is genuinely good for, what it is bad at, and whether “air-fried” food is really healthier. For the models that do it best, see our best air fryer guide.
How an Air Fryer Actually Works
Despite the name, an air fryer does not fry anything. It is essentially a small, turbocharged convection oven. A heating element sits near the top, and a high-speed fan drives the hot air down and around the food at a much higher velocity than a full-size oven’s gentle convection.
Two design features do the real work. First, the food sits in a perforated basket or on a mesh rack, so hot air circulates on all sides at once — top, bottom, and edges — instead of only from above. Second, the cooking chamber is small and enclosed, so it preheats in a minute or two and concentrates intense heat around the food. This rapid, all-around airflow triggers the Maillard reaction (the browning that makes food taste roasted and savory) and crisps surfaces fast, mimicking the golden crust of deep-frying using the food’s own moisture and a light coat of oil rather than a full oil bath.
The Main Things an Air Fryer Is Used For
The appliance earns its counter space across several jobs:
- “Frying” without the oil bath: French fries, chicken wings, nuggets, mozzarella sticks, egg rolls, and other breaded or starchy foods come out crisp with a tablespoon of oil or less. This is the headline use.
- Roasting: Vegetables (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes), chickpeas, and small cuts of meat roast fast with excellent browning and caramelized edges.
- Reheating leftovers: This is a quietly great use. Pizza, fries, fried chicken, and pastries crisp back up in a few minutes, unlike a microwave that leaves them soggy.
- Cooking frozen foods: Frozen fries, dumplings, and appliances’ namesake snacks go from freezer to crisp without preheating a big oven.
- Small-batch baking and toasting: Cookies, small cakes, toasted nuts, and reheated bread work in the right size unit — though for mixing the batter you will still want a best stand mixer or a best blender, since the air fryer only handles the cooking step.
- Quick proteins: Salmon fillets, shrimp, chicken breasts and thighs, bacon, and even a small whole chicken (in a larger basket) cook quickly and stay juicy inside with a browned exterior.
Owners consistently report using it most for weeknight speed and reheating — the small chamber and fast preheat make it more convenient than a full oven for one or two portions. If you fry in real oil often, though, a dedicated unit still does it better; see our best deep fryer guide.
What You Should Not Cook in an Air Fryer
Knowing the limits saves a mess and disappointment:
- Wet or runny batters: Traditional beer-battered fish or corn dogs will drip through the basket before the batter sets. Use a dry breading (flour-egg-breadcrumb) instead.
- Loose light foods: Plain leafy greens, loose herbs, or single slices of cheese get blown around by the fan and can hit the heating element. Weigh them down or skip them.
- Large roasts and whole birds beyond basket size: Anything that does not fit with airflow around it will cook unevenly.
- Foods needing lots of liquid: Soups, stews, rice, pasta, and saucy braises need a pot, not an air fryer.
- Cheese by itself: It melts and drips into the element rather than crisping.
The through-line: the air fryer needs air to circulate and a surface that will not drip or fly. Foods that need boiling, steaming, or a wet batter belong to other tools — a best instant pot for pressure and braising, or a best toaster oven for larger sheet-pan jobs.
Is Air-Fried Food Actually Healthier?
Mostly yes, with honest caveats. Because an air fryer crisps food using circulating hot air instead of submerging it in oil, you use dramatically less fat — often 70-80% less oil than deep-frying, which meaningfully cuts calories and total fat for foods you would otherwise deep-fry. It also avoids repeatedly reused frying oil.
There is a modest bonus: cooking fatty foods like bacon or sausage on a perforated basket lets excess grease drip away from the food. Air frying may also produce less acrylamide (a compound formed when starchy foods are cooked at high heat) than deep-frying, though cooking any starch to a dark brown still forms some — so aim for golden, not burnt.
The caveats are real: air frying only makes food “healthy” relative to deep-frying. A frozen breaded item is still processed whether it is air-fried or deep-fried, and the appliance does not add nutrition. Its genuine benefit is helping you eat crispy foods with far less added oil. It is a lower-fat cooking method, not a health food by itself.
Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven vs. Deep Fryer
Understanding the neighbors clarifies when to reach for it:
- Vs. a convection oven: Same principle (fan-forced hot air), but the air fryer’s small chamber and high fan speed heat faster and crisp more aggressively per square inch. A convection oven wins on capacity — sheet trays, multiple racks, a full meal — while the air fryer wins on speed and single-portion convenience. If you have a good convection oven, you may not need an air fryer, but many people still prefer it for quick jobs.
- Vs. a deep fryer: A deep fryer submerges food in 350-375°F oil for a uniform, ultra-crisp, evenly golden result that air frying cannot fully match on texture. The air fryer trades a little crispness for far less oil, no oil disposal, and easier cleanup. See our best deep fryer guide if authentic fried texture is the priority.
The types of air fryer also matter: standalone basket units (most common, best crisping for small batches), countertop toaster-oven-style units with an air-fry setting (more capacity, better for families), and full ranges with a built-in air-fry mode. For an all-in-one countertop that also toasts and bakes, our best toaster oven guide covers hybrids, and heavy multitaskers may prefer a best instant pot with an air-fryer lid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an air fryer vs. a convection oven?
Both cook with a fan circulating hot air, so an air fryer is really a small, intense convection oven. The differences are size and airflow: an air fryer has a compact chamber and a faster, more powerful fan, so it preheats in a minute or two and crisps food more aggressively, but it holds far less. A convection oven cooks much larger quantities across multiple racks but heats more slowly and browns less intensely per portion. For one or two servings you want crisp and fast, the air fryer wins; for a family meal, the oven does.
Do I need an air fryer if I already have an oven?
Not strictly, especially if your oven has a convection setting, which works on the same principle. But many owners still find the air fryer worth it for speed and convenience: it preheats almost instantly, crisps small portions better, and does not heat up the whole kitchen. If you regularly cook for one or two, reheat leftovers, or make frozen and crispy foods, it saves real time. If you always cook large batches, a good convection oven may cover the same needs without the extra appliance.
Does an air fryer use oil?
Very little or none. Unlike a deep fryer, which submerges food in oil, an air fryer crisps using circulating hot air and needs at most a light spray or a teaspoon or two of oil to help browning and crunch. Naturally fatty foods like wings, bacon, or sausage need no added oil at all, and their excess grease drips away through the basket. This is why air frying can cut fat and calories by roughly 70-80% compared with deep-frying the same food.
Is air-fried food healthy?
It is healthier than deep-fried food, but not automatically “healthy.” Using far less oil cuts significant fat and calories, and dripping away grease from fatty foods helps too; air frying may also form less acrylamide than deep-frying when you cook to golden rather than dark brown. However, the appliance adds no nutrition, and a processed breaded snack is still processed. Think of it as a lower-fat cooking method that makes crispy foods less oily, best paired with whole ingredients like fresh vegetables and lean proteins.
What can you not cook in an air fryer?
Avoid wet or runny batters (they drip through the basket before setting), loose lightweight foods like leafy greens or single cheese slices (the fan blows them into the heating element), and anything needing a lot of liquid such as soups, stews, rice, or pasta. Large roasts or whole birds that block airflow cook unevenly. Stick to foods that are relatively dry on the outside and fit with space for air to circulate; use a pot or pressure cooker for liquid-based dishes.
Are air fryers worth it, or a waste of money?
For most households that value speed and eat crispy or frozen foods, they are worth it — owners cite fast preheating, easy cleanup, and better reheating than a microwave. They are less useful if you rarely eat fried-style foods, cook only large batches, or already rely on a convection oven that does the same job. The honest verdict from aggregated reviews: it is a convenience appliance, not a miracle, and its value depends on whether its speed-and-crisp strengths match how you actually cook.
The Bottom Line
An air fryer is a small, high-powered convection oven that circulates intense hot air around food in a perforated basket to crisp it with little or no oil. It is used for “frying” without an oil bath, roasting vegetables and small proteins, reheating leftovers so they crisp instead of sogging, and cooking frozen foods fast. It is not for wet batters, soupy dishes, or big-batch cooking, and its “healthier” claim holds only against deep-frying. If you cook for one or two, want speed, and like crisp food with less oil, it is a genuinely useful appliance; if you already have a strong convection oven or cook large meals, you may not need it. See our best air fryer, best deep fryer, best toaster oven, and best instant pot guides to find the right fit.
Cosori
Crispy Family Meals Made Easy: Cosori TurboBlaze 9-in-1 Air Fryer 6 Qt PFAS-Free Ceramic
The Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt air fryer uses a 3600 rpm fan and precise 90–450°F control to cook evenly crispy, juicy meals with up to 95% less oil than deep frying. Busy families who want faster weeknight dinners, quieter operation under 53dB, and a non-toxic ceramic basket will get the most value here.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The 5-fan speed system paired with precise temperature control delivers consistent, even results across all nine cooking modes.
- PFAS-free ceramic coating addresses a growing health concern that standard nonstick coatings raise for frequent users.
- The included recipe book with cooking charts, developed by in-house chefs and registered dietitians, gives new users a practical starting point.
- A customizable preheat function lets you optimize results when time allows or skip it entirely for faster, no-fuss cooking.
Cons
- At 6 quarts the unit has a larger countertop footprint, which may be a constraint in smaller kitchens with limited counter space.
- With zero published user reviews at launch, long-term durability of the ceramic coating under daily use remains unverified.
InstantPot
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer: 6-in-1 with EvenCrisp Technology for Crispy Results with 95% Less Oil
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus delivers crispy, golden results across six cooking functions using 95% less oil than deep frying, with EvenCrisp technology ensuring even heat distribution. Home cooks who want healthier fried foods without sacrificing crunch will appreciate the intuitive touchscreen and dishwasher-safe basket that cuts prep and cleanup time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- EvenCrisp technology produces genuinely crispy results that rival deep-fried texture using only a light oil spray or none at all.
- The 6-quart size fits a 4-pound chicken or two pounds of wings comfortably, making it practical for family meals rather than just snacks.
- Overheat protection and auto-shutoff provide safety for busy kitchens where multitasking is constant.
- The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and wipes clean easily, maintaining a polished look on the counter.
Cons
- The 6-quart basket footprint takes up significant counter space, which may be tight in smaller kitchens with limited work surfaces.
- The touchscreen can be sensitive to wet fingers during active cooking, occasionally requiring a wipe before registering inputs.
EmerilLagasse
Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven with 24 Cooking Functions and Rotisserie
This 26-quart air fryer toaster oven replaces multiple appliances with 24 preset functions including air fry, rotisserie, dehydrate, and slow cook, using 360° convection for faster, oil-free cooking. Best for families who want countertop versatility without sacrificing capacity—fits whole chickens and 12-inch pizzas with room to spare.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Massive 26-quart capacity handles full family meals, from whole roasted chickens to multiple sheet pans at once.
- 24 one-touch presets cover everything from air frying and baking to dehydrating and slow cooking without manual temperature adjustments.
- Rotisserie function with included spit and fetch tool delivers evenly cooked, self-basting meats with crispy skin.
- French door design provides wide access and stays cooler to the touch than traditional drop-down doors.
Cons
- Large footprint requires significant counter space—measure before purchasing if your kitchen is compact.
- Learning curve for optimal rack positioning across different cooking modes may require trial and error initially.
Dual Basket Air Fryer for Cooking Two Foods at Once | Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart 6-in-1 with Smart Finish Technology
The Ninja DZ201 uses two independent 4-quart baskets with Smart Finish technology to cook different foods simultaneously so they finish at the same time, eliminating the need to cook in batches. Buy it if you regularly cook full meals for a family and want to air fry a main and side together without timing guesswork.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Two independent heating zones with separate fans mean you can cook chicken at 390°F in one basket while roasting Brussels sprouts at 375°F in the other.
- Smart Finish calculates different cook times automatically so foods started at different moments finish together without manual timing.
- The 4-quart size of each basket fits enough food for 3-4 people per side, making it practical for family dinners without needing multiple batches.
Cons
- The dual basket design takes up significant counter space at roughly 13 inches wide, so measure your kitchen before buying.
- When cooking two different foods, you cannot monitor both baskets simultaneously without opening them separately, unlike a single-basket model with a window.
InstantPot
6-Quart Air Fryer with Clear Window for Monitoring | Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus air fryer combines six cooking functions with a clear window that lets you monitor food without releasing heat. Home cooks who batch-prep meals or feed families will appreciate the 6-quart capacity and customizable presets that remember their favorite settings.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The clear viewing window saves energy and maintains consistent temperature by reducing the need to open the basket mid-cook.
- Customizable program slots let you save frequently used settings for specific recipes instead of manually adjusting every time.
- Six functions in one countertop unit replace multiple appliances for air frying, roasting, broiling, baking, reheating, and dehydrating.
Cons
- The 6-quart capacity may feel cramped for households regularly cooking for more than four people.
- The clear window can fog up with steam during high-moisture cooking, temporarily reducing visibility.
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Cosori Crispy Family Meals Made Easy: Cosori TurboBlaze 9-in-1 Air Fryer 6 Qt PFAS-Free Ceramic
Cosori
Crispy Family Meals Made Easy: Cosori TurboBlaze 9-in-1 Air Fryer 6 Qt PFAS-Free Ceramic
The Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt air fryer uses a 3600 rpm fan and precise 90–450°F control to cook evenly crispy, juicy meals with up to 95% less oil than deep frying. Busy families who want faster weeknight dinners, quieter operation under 53dB, and a non-toxic ceramic basket will get the most value here.
$89.99 at AmazonEditors' Favorite
Color: Dark Gray Size: 6QT Dimensions: 14.4 x 11.8 x 11.9 inches Weight: 13.2 pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowInstantPot Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer: 6-in-1 with EvenCrisp Technology for Crispy Results with 95% Less Oil
InstantPot
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer: 6-in-1 with EvenCrisp Technology for Crispy Results with 95% Less Oil
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus delivers crispy, golden results across six cooking functions using 95% less oil than deep frying, with EvenCrisp technology ensuring even heat distribution. Home cooks who want healthier fried foods without sacrificing crunch will appreciate the intuitive touchscreen and dishwasher-safe basket that cuts prep and cleanup time.
$149.95 at AmazonGreat Value
Special Features: Programmable Output Wattage: 1700 Watts Wattage: 1700 watts Voltage: 120 Volts Control Method: Touch Min Temperature Setting: 95 Degrees Fahrenheit Controller Type: app Max Temperature Setting: 400 Degrees Fahrenheit Air Frying Technology: EvenCrisp™ Smart Home Compatibility: Not Smart Home Compatible Item Dimensions D x W x H: 12.36"D x 14.92"W x 12.83"H Capacity: 6 Quarts Size: 6 qt Material: Stainless Steel Has Nonstick Coating: Yes Is the item dishwasher safe?: Yes Product Care Instructions: Dishwasher Safe Inner Material: Stainless Steel Recommended Uses For Product: Broil Brand Name: Instant Pot Model Name: Vortex Plus Model Number: Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer 6Qt UPC: 857561008866 Global Trade Identification Number: 00857561008866 Warranty Description: 1 Year Manufacturer Manufacturer: Instant Pot Part Number: Vortex Plus 6 Qt with Air Fryer Lid Item Type Name: Air Fryer Included Components: Electric Pressure Cooker with Air Fryer Lid Unit Count: 1.0 Count Best Sellers Rank: #29 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #1 in Air Fryers ASIN: B07VHFMZHJ Customer Reviews: 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (72,061) 4.5 out of 5 stars Color: Stainless Steel Special Feature: Programmable Product Dimensions: 12.36"D x 14.92"W x 12.83"H
Shop NowEmerilLagasse Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven with 24 Cooking Functions and Rotisserie
EmerilLagasse
Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven with 24 Cooking Functions and Rotisserie
This 26-quart air fryer toaster oven replaces multiple appliances with 24 preset functions including air fry, rotisserie, dehydrate, and slow cook, using 360° convection for faster, oil-free cooking. Best for families who want countertop versatility without sacrificing capacity—fits whole chickens and 12-inch pizzas with room to spare.
$199.99 at AmazonSpecial Features: Automatic Shut-Off, Programmable, Temperature Control, Timer Output Wattage: 1700 Watts Wattage: 1700 watts Voltage: 120 Volts Control Method: Touch Min Temperature Setting: 75 Degrees Fahrenheit Controller Type: Touchscreen Max Temperature Setting: 500 Degrees Fahrenheit Air Frying Technology: True Item Dimensions D x W x H: 16.9"D x 15.8"W x 14.8"H Capacity: 24.6 Liters Item Weight: 26.5 Pounds Size: Extra Large Material: Stainless Steel Has Nonstick Coating: No Outer Material: Stainless Steel Is the item dishwasher safe?: No Inner Material: Stainless Steel Recommended Uses For Product: Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Roast Brand Name: Emeril Model Name: Extra Large 26 QT French Door Air Fryer Oven Model Number: 4-00675-02X-VN UPC: 752356835682 Global Trade Identification Number: 10752356835689, 20752356835686 Configuration: Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo with 24 Functions and 7 Accessories Manufacturer: Emeril Lagasse Part Number: 4-00675-02X-VN Item Type Name: Air Fryer Included Components: Rack, Bake Pan, Drip Tray, Crisper Basket, Rotisserie Spit, Fetch Tool Unit Count: 1.0 Count Best Sellers Rank: #1,183 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #4 in Toaster Ovens ASIN: B09B7SB46R Customer Reviews: 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (16,823) 4.4 out of 5 stars Color: Stainless Steel Special Feature: Automatic Shut-Off, Programmable, Temperature Control, Timer Product Dimensions: 16.9"D x 15.8"W x 14.8"H
Shop NowDual Basket Air Fryer for Cooking Two Foods at Once | Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart 6-in-1 with Smart Finish Technology
Dual Basket Air Fryer for Cooking Two Foods at Once | Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart 6-in-1 with Smart Finish Technology
The Ninja DZ201 uses two independent 4-quart baskets with Smart Finish technology to cook different foods simultaneously so they finish at the same time, eliminating the need to cook in batches. Buy it if you regularly cook full meals for a family and want to air fry a main and side together without timing guesswork.
$159.99 at AmazonSpecial Features: Programmable Output Wattage: 1690 Watts Wattage: 1690 watts Voltage: 110 Volts Control Method: Touch Controller Type: Push Button Max Temperature Setting: 450 Degrees Fahrenheit Air Frying Technology: DualZone Technology Smart Home Compatibility: Not Smart Home Compatible Item Dimensions D x W x H: 13.86"D x 15.63"W x 12.4"H Capacity: 8 Quarts Item Weight: 17.9 Pounds Size: 8-QT & DualZone Material: Stainless Steel Has Nonstick Coating: Yes Is the item dishwasher safe?: Yes Product Care Instructions: Dishwasher Safe Inner Material: Stainless Steel Recommended Uses For Product: Bake, Broil, Defrost, Dehydrate, Reheat Brand Name: Ninja Model Name: DZ201 Model Number: DZ201 UPC: 622356564380 Global Trade Identification Number: 10622356564387 Configuration: DualZone 2-Basket, 6-in-1 Program, 8QT Capacity Manufacturer: SharkNinja Part Number: DZ201 Item Type Name: RESPAWN Included Components: (2) 4-Quart Cooking Baskets for 8-Quart Capacity, (2) Nonstick Crisper Plates, 15 Chef-Inspired Recipes and Additional Meal Options & Cooking Charts, Main Unit with 6 Programmable Cooking Functions Unit Count: 2 Count Best Sellers Rank: #224 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #5 in Air Fryers ASIN: B089TQWJKK Customer Reviews: 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (43,318) 4.7 out of 5 stars Color: 8QT GREY Special Feature: Programmable Product Dimensions: 13.86"D x 15.63"W x 12.4"H
Shop NowInstantPot 6-Quart Air Fryer with Clear Window for Monitoring | Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook
InstantPot
6-Quart Air Fryer with Clear Window for Monitoring | Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus air fryer combines six cooking functions with a clear window that lets you monitor food without releasing heat. Home cooks who batch-prep meals or feed families will appreciate the 6-quart capacity and customizable presets that remember their favorite settings.
$129.90 at AmazonSpecial Features: Programmable Output Wattage: 1700 Watts Wattage: 1700 watts Voltage: 120 Volts (AC) Control Method: Touch Min Temperature Setting: 95 Degrees Fahrenheit Max Temperature Setting: 400 Degrees Fahrenheit Air Frying Technology: EvenCrisp Smart Home Compatibility: Not Smart Home Compatible Item Dimensions D x W x H: 12.8"D x 11.8"W x 14.9"H Capacity: 6 Liters Item Weight: 11.4 Pounds Size: 6 quarts Material: Plastic Has Nonstick Coating: Yes Outer Material: Plastic Is the item dishwasher safe?: Yes Product Care Instructions: Hand Wash Inner Material: Not Obtainable Recommended Uses For Product: Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Reheat, Roast Brand Name: Instant Pot Model Name: Vortex Model Number: 140-3088-01 UPC: 810028585027 Warranty Description: Warranty Manufacturer: Instant Pot Part Number: 140-3088-01 Item Type Name: Air Fryer Included Components: Unit, Cooking Tray, and Basket Unit Count: 1.0 Count Best Sellers Rank: #1,692 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #20 in Air Fryers ASIN: B096N3FTZP Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (7,923) 4.6 out of 5 stars Color: Vortex Plus Special Feature: Programmable Product Dimensions: 12.8"D x 11.8"W x 14.9"H
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