Air fryer buying guide

An air fryer, like the name suggests, is a kitchen appliance that fries food using air. The machine is made in a way that allows fast circulation of air inside the appliance. The fast-moving air then facilitates the frying of food. Compared to other fryers, an air fryer cooks better food, which is tastier and less oily.

The good news is that you can use your new appliance to fry almost any food you would fry in oil. For example:

  • Vegetables
  • Chicken
  • Cheese 
  • Doughnuts
  • Fish and 
  • French fries, among others.

Here is what to consider when buying your frying machine.

Wattage

Find out whether your kitchen will support the amount of air that your fryer will consume. Most fryers need 800 to 1500 watts. Ask an expert to recommend the right fryer wattage that you can use in your kitchen.

Temperature 

The temperature setting of your fryer determines the outcome of your cooking. Most fryers will operate at a temperature of 400 degrees or more. You must set the right temperatures before you begin the frying process. It would help if you went for a fryer with smart controls to make your work more convenient.

Safety

A well-insulated fryer is the safest to use. It gives you a better grip on the handles. It should also have a flat surface to avoid slipping. 

If you are looking for the right fryer, here are the top-rated fryers in the US.

Photo by Philips

Philips Premium Airfryer XXL with Fat Removal Technology, Black, HD9630/98

This air fryer is large compared to many others in the market. It also has a flat basket, making it easy to create crisps on the surface of the food you are cooking. It is, therefore, the best model for both French fries as well as chicken tenders. Because of its large size, you can use it when you have a large crowd to feed. It is also the best for large kitchens. It can fry, bake, and grill.

It has an easy to open drawer, and most parts are dishwasher-safe. It is unique in that it can reduce and keep excess fat from food. The fryer heats faster and cooks four times faster than other traditional ovens.

Photo by Elite Platinum

Elite Platinum EAF-1506D 3.5 Qt Digital

The Elite Platinum machine has a shape that makes it look bigger than it is but has a capacity of 3.4 quarts. This model has well-programmed settings. They are also prominent, making it easy for anyone to see and read them without problems. It gives a warning when the time is over.

This model is also easy to clean, produces less noise when cooking, and comes with a 12-month warranty. The machine sells at about USD 96 in most stores.

If you do not have a large storage space, then this machine may give you some challenges.

Photo by Farberware

Farberware HF-919B

Farberware is a less costly machine with prices ranging from USD 49 to USD 61 in most stores. It is also known for its good performance. If you are looking for a machine with less noise, Farberware is the right fryer. You will also enjoy the easy to dial settings that you can see without struggling. It comes with a two-year warranty making it more reliable than many other fryers.

However, you can be sure to spend some time cleaning the food basket. The basket has some corners and crannies that make cleaning quite a task. It is also small and may not feed a large family.

Photo by Ninja Kitchen

The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 

The Ninja air fryer is one of the best to use at home for home fried French fries. It is large with 5.5 quarts capacity. It is easy to use with a sliding basket, an interior made of ceramic materials that make the fryer non-stick. The basket holds firm, even when you tilt or turn the food to put in a plate.

Many of the parts are dish-water safe, and also they are easy to clean. If you do not enjoy washing or have limited time, this is the machine for you. It is easy to set with an indicator for the right temperature to set for different kinds of food.

If you are looking for an air fryer, look for the one that suits your needs. There are different models with different shapes and sizes. 

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