The Best Air Fryers
Ninja Air Fryer
Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate your food with the Ninja 4 quart air fryer. The cooking basket is made from a nonstick ceramic for ease of cleaning. Includes a crisper plate and a multi-layer rack for additional cooking options. The Ninja has a digital display and is programmable as well. The temperatures can range as low as 105 degrees and up to 400 depending on the setting chosen providing a wide range of cooking options. One critique is that the machine will not auto-shutoff when the basket is removed, however this is likely to ensure you can check on and adjust food as needed while cooking. Just don’t pull the basket out and expect it turn off before the preset time has elapsed. The four quart capacity does limit your ability to cook lots of food at one time but is a great choice for someone making meals for a smaller family. The Ninja’s low temperature setting is ideal for dehydration, a feature you won’t find on many products on the market.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe basket, crisper plate, and multi-layer rack
- Programmable digital base
- Nonstick surface
- Lower temperature dehydrate function
Cons
- No auto-shutoff when basket is removed
Key Features
- 4 quart nonstick ceramic coated basket
- Multi-layer rack
- Crisper plate
Specifications
- Brand: SharkNinja
- Dimensions: 13.6 x 11 x 13.3 inches
- Weight: 4.9 pounds
- Wattage: 1550
Ultrean 4.2 Quart Air Fryer
The Ultrean 4.2 quart air fryer is a great option for those that prefer simple, straightforward settings as it has only five buttons: one for “power”, two for temperature, and two for time. Set the desired temperature and time and you are on your way. No need to stress over — or pay for — additional features. In addition to the five simple buttons is a small LED screen to display the temperature and time. This fryer will heat between 180 and 400 degrees for a range of food options. Not only will it air fry, it will also grill, roast, and bake, all using fewer fats than traditional cooking. The pan is made with a nonstick surface and is dishwasher safe for quick cleanup. The smaller 4.2 quart basket will limit the amount of food that can be prepared at one time, but is great for smaller households.
Pros
- Auto switch off timer
- Nonstick and dishwasher safe
- Simple to understand controls
Cons
- Small capacity
Key Features
- LCD display with manual temperature and time buttons
- Nonstick pan
- Dishwasher safe 4.2 quart basket
- Cookbook included
Specifications
- Brand: Ultrean
- Dimensions: 14.2 x 13.2 x 13 inches
- Weight: 10.05 pounds
- Wattage: 1500
Air Fryer Buying Guide
Don’t let the process of selecting an air fryer overwhelm you; Oola is here to help highlight the key factors you need to consider when deciding between the various products on the market. From size to construction to added features, make sure you are an informed consumer before making your next purchase.
Heat Vents
One feature of every air fryer on the market are the heat vents that ensure the unit does not overheat while cooking. Afterall, air fryers can heat up to 400 degrees which needs to go somewhere. It is crucial to remember that these can put out a significant amount of heat, so ensure you have plenty of clearance around the unit while it is in use, and make certain there is nothing that can melt near this vent such as plastic.
Size
It is important to consider two different sizes when making your purchase: counter space needed and the internal basket capacity. You will want to purchase a fryer that has enough capacity to feed your household in as few batches as possible while limiting the amount of coveted counter space it will take up when in use, or shelf space when in storage. Larger fryers are great for larger families but also come with a larger product that will need somewhere to live. Fryers generally range between just under four quarts to nearly ten, so choose wisely what will work best with your kitchen.
Basket Material
Most air fryers on the market today come with a nonstick basket, however not all nonstick options are created equally. If possible, opt for a nonstick ceramic basket over more common nonstick coatings. While some products claim their nonstick coatings are dishwasher safe, this can be risky as most will peel in the long run. However, nonstick coatings can save you money overall and if cared for well, can last quite a while without issue.
Manual Vs. Touchscreen
Air fryers come in one of two main control setups: manual buttons/dials or a touchscreen. Both are great depending on the user. Manual dials and buttons are great for those who prefer a simple set up: just set the time and temperature and walk away. Others prefer the more modern feel of a touchscreen, most of which include preset configurations for regularly cooked items such as chicken or french fries. Manual controls tend to come equipped on the less expensive models offering a way to save a few dollars if you are looking for an economical option.
