The Best Air Fryer Oven, and How to Choose the #1 Type for Your Home Kitchen.

The best air fryer oven for your needs, amongst the many models, brands, and types on the market, can be easily determined. But the last thing you want to do is suffer from the confusion that comes with wading through the vast array of options. Luckily, it’s quite simple to determine the best air fryer oven once you consider your own personal needs and the basic types available for purchase.

When considering parameters for purchasing an air fryer, consider factors such as volume, whether to opt for a basket or not, functionality, and whether to choose digital controls or analog.  Price will likely be a deciding factor, considering that more expensive models can cost hundreds of dollars. 

What is an air fryer convection oven?

The first thing in making the right choice in this popular new appliance is to understand exactly what an air fryer is. Essentially, it’s a countertop convection oven that circulates superheated air with the aid of a fan spinning inside the oven.  This blows the hot air around the food, heating it up quickly and evenly.  The result of using this style of cooking is similar to deep frying or roasting at high temperatures.

The difference is that this method of cooking uses a small fraction of the oil of a deep fryer.  So less oil means fewer calories, less fat, and generally a healthier result. A good air fryer can achieve up to 75% less fat than other appliances.

Basket, or air fryer oven?

This is where the simplicity of making an informed choice begins, as there are two basic model types that will be best suited to your personal needs. The first is also the most well-known model, the basket air fryer, which features a removable drawer and fry basket that resembles a traditional deep fryer.  The second is an air fryer oven, which resembles a traditional toaster oven and features racks and trays where food is placed while hot air is circulated from above.

Counterspace is valuable!

The primary difference between these two types lies in the counterspace they occupy.  An air fryer convection oven takes up more space in your kitchen, but can also make larger batches of food at once.  The more traditional type of basket fryers are more compact and heat up quicker, while taking up less space.

The best air fryer oven has flexibility

Another important factor in choosing between these two main types is the versatility and functionality of each.  A dual basket air fryer, when compared to one with a solo basket, can be used to cook two different types of food at once.  For example, you could crisp up some broccolini in one basket while you cook a salmon fillet in the other. This might be ideal for smaller groups who want to make quick, easy home meals.

The best air fryer oven on the market will have more functions than your typical basket fryer. They will take up more space, but can also bake, broil, toast, and be used as a rotisserie. If you have a family or enjoy cooking for friends, these appliances can quickly and efficiently rotisserie a whole chicken.

The bottom line

So, it all boils down to the amount of counter space you want to give up and the functionality you want to have.  If you’re a hard-working professional who needs quick, healthy meals done at home, a basket fryer may be in order.  If you have a small family or enjoy entertaining at home, the best air fryer oven would fit the bill.  No matter what you choose, you’ll be in for amazingly executed meals made at home.