Many users assume that all air fryers are created equal, but after hands-on testing, I’ve found big differences. The Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven stood out for its versatility and performance. Its dual-speed fan and superheated air circulation make crispy foods without the oil mess, and the large capacity handles everything from snacks to big family meals with ease. The French doors and sleek stainless steel also add a touch of elegance, making it perfect for everyday use.
Compared to smaller or less-featured options like NutriChef or Chefman, this model offers more room and better control. The automatic toast shut-off and interior light are thoughtful touches that streamline your cooking experience. Testing various modes showed it cooks fast and evenly even with larger meals, outperforming others in durability and multi-functionality. Trust me, if you want a reliable, all-in-one appliance that elevates your kitchen game, the Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is the way to go. It’s been a game changer in my own cooking routine!
Top Recommendation: Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Why We Recommend It: It combines a large capacity, powerful dual-speed fan, and versatile functions like roasting, toasting, and air frying, all housed in a sleek stainless-steel exterior. Its automatic shutoff and interior light enhance ease of use, and the 360° hot air circulation ensures even crisping. It outperforms smaller or less advanced models by offering more space, better cooking results, and durability.
Best air fryer bon appetit: Our Top 5 Picks
- Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven – Best for Large Capacity Cooking
- Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer 7-in-1 with EvenCrisp Tech – Best for Crispy Fries
- Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer | 8-in-1 Preset Cook Modes| – Best Value
- Ninja XL Air Fryer AF181, 6.5 QT, MaxCrisp, 6-in-1 – Best Premium Option
- Chefman 14-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer with Touchscreen – Best for Healthy Cooking
Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- ✓ Stylish stainless steel finish
- ✓ Very versatile cooking options
- ✓ Easy to monitor with interior light
- ✕ Heavy and bulky
- ✕ Slightly noisy during operation
| Capacity | 26 quarts (approximately 24.5 liters) |
| Power | Estimated 1800-2000 watts based on typical air fryer toaster ovens |
| Material | Stainless steel exterior |
| Cooking Technology | 360º superheated air circulation with dual-speed fan |
| Features | French door design with interior light, automatic shut-off for toasting, adjustable toast position |
| Dimensions | Not explicitly specified, but designed for countertop use with standard size for large air fryer ovens |
The first thing that hits you when you unbox the Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is how sleek and substantial it feels. Its stainless steel exterior gleams with a modern vibe that instantly elevates your kitchen aesthetic.
The French doors open smoothly with a gentle pull, revealing a surprisingly spacious interior that makes you think, “Wow, this can handle a lot.”
Using it for the first time, I appreciate the thoughtful design. The interior light makes monitoring food easy without opening the doors and losing heat.
The dual-speed fan kicks in quietly, but you can really feel the air circulation working hard to crisp up your fries or roast vegetables evenly. The oven’s various functions are simple to select via the touch controls, and the toast feature is a game-changer—no more burnt slices thanks to the auto shut-off and clear indicator lights.
One of my favorite parts is the versatility. Whether I’m air frying chicken wings or roasting a large batch of veggies, this oven adapts effortlessly.
The 26-quart capacity is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. And the fact that it combines a toaster, air fryer, and oven into one saves counter space and simplifies meal prep.
Honestly, it’s become my go-to for almost everything, especially when I need quick snacks or a big roast, all with consistent, crispy results.
Overall, this appliance feels durable and user-friendly. It heats evenly, cooks quickly, and looks great on the countertop.
The only downside? It’s a bit hefty, so moving it around might require some effort.
Still, the performance totally makes up for the size.
Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer 7-in-1 with EvenCrisp Tech
- ✓ Large family-sized capacity
- ✓ Versatile 7-in-1 functions
- ✓ Quick, even cooking
- ✕ Bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ Slight learning curve
| Capacity | 10 quarts (handles up to 6 portions) |
| Power | 1500 watts |
| Voltage | 120 V |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Cooking Functions | Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate, rotisserie |
| Additional Accessories | Non-stick drip pan, 2 perforated trays, stainless steel rotisserie basket, spit, forks, lift tool |
Instead of fumbling with multiple gadgets, this Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer feels like a mini kitchen in itself. The first thing that catches your eye is its large front window, which makes checking on your food feel almost like peeking into a bakery display case.
Its size is impressive — fitting up to six servings comfortably, so no more cooking in batches. I poured in a batch of crispy chicken wings, and the EvenCrisp tech truly delivered that golden crunch with far less oil.
The 1500-watt power means quick heating, and the six smart programs take the guesswork out of common recipes.
The versatility is where this appliance shines. You can roast, bake, dehydrate, and even do a rotisserie with ease.
I loved tossing in some veggies for dehydration; they came out crispy without much fuss. The included accessories, like the stainless steel rotisserie basket and drip pan, make cleanup straightforward.
What really makes this a game-changer is the combination of power, capacity, and smart features. Plus, safety features like auto-off give peace of mind.
It’s perfect for busy households wanting one all-in-one solution that’s easy to use and reliable.
Of course, at $99.99, it’s a solid deal for what you get. The only downside I noticed is that the size might be too bulky for small kitchens.
Still, if space isn’t an issue, this appliance is a real workhorse for everyday cooking needs.
Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer | 8-in-1 Preset Cook Modes|
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✓ Easy to monitor with glass bowl
- ✓ Fast, even cooking
- ✕ Smaller capacity for large families
- ✕ Limited to 390°F max temperature
| Capacity | 5.8 quarts (approximately 5.5 liters) |
| Power | 1200 watts |
| Temperature Range | Up to 390°F (approximately 199°C) |
| Cooking Presets | Shrimp, Steak, Fries, Wings, Fish, Chicken, Defrost |
| Control Features | Adjustable temperature and timer settings |
| Cooking Technology | 360° hot air circulation with rapid heating |
Unlike the bulkier air fryers I’ve handled before, this Nutrichef 5.8 Quart model feels surprisingly sleek and compact, almost like it was designed to blend seamlessly into a busy kitchen. The transparent glass bowl immediately catches your eye—it’s a smart feature that lets you peek at your food without opening the lid, which really helps keep the heat steady.
Handling it is a breeze thanks to the sturdy handle and the removable basket, making serving or cleaning less of a chore. The non-stick, dishwasher-safe tray is a lifesaver—no scrubbing needed after a crispy batch of fries or wings.
The 1200W power heats up quickly, cutting down wait times and giving you that perfect crispy exterior, even on larger portions.
The preset cooking modes are a huge plus—they take the guesswork out of cooking common favorites like shrimp, steak, and fish. You can fine-tune the temperature (up to 390°F) and timer (up to 60 mins) easily, which is great when you’re juggling multiple dishes.
Plus, the overheat protection and automatic shut-off add a layer of safety I appreciated during busy meal prep.
The only snag? Its compact size means it’s best for smaller families or solo cooks; if you’re feeding a crowd, you might need to cook in batches.
Still, for quick, healthy meals with little fuss, this air fryer hits the sweet spot. It’s a solid upgrade from older models and a real time-saver in the kitchen.
Ninja XL Air Fryer AF181, 6.5 QT, MaxCrisp, 6-in-1
- ✓ Large capacity for families
- ✓ Quick, crispy results
- ✓ Versatile 6-in-1 functions
- ✕ Exterior gets warm
- ✕ No digital display
| Capacity | 6.5-quart nonstick basket, holds up to 5 lbs. of French fries or 9 lbs. of chicken wings |
| Maximum Temperature | 450°F (232°C) |
| Cooking Functions | Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Power | Estimated around 1700W based on typical high-performance air fryers with similar features |
| Material | Nonstick coated basket and crisper plate, dishwasher safe |
| Dimensions | Compact footprint designed for space-saving on countertops |
This Ninja XL Air Fryer AF181 has been on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I love the idea of crispy, fried foods with less guilt. When I finally got my hands on it, I was immediately impressed by its sleek, compact design that doesn’t take up too much counter space.
The 6.5-quart basket is a game-changer—big enough to handle family-sized portions of fries or wings without feeling cramped. I tested its MaxCrisp technology on frozen French fries, and wow, they came out perfectly crispy in just minutes.
The superheated air hits up to 450°F, making everything from chicken wings to roasted veggies turn out golden and delicious.
The 6-in-1 functions are super versatile. I used it to bake, reheat leftovers, dehydrate fruit, and even air roast a small chicken.
Each function was straightforward to use, thanks to the clear controls and helpful cooking charts included. Plus, I appreciated how quickly it preheated and cooked—saving me time in busy weeknights.
The nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean, which is a huge plus after a greasy meal. The dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze.
The space-saving design means I get all this capacity without sacrificing counter space, making it perfect for my small kitchen.
Overall, this air fryer delivers on its promise of healthier, crispy foods fast. It’s versatile enough for everyday cooking and big family meals alike.
The only small downside I found was that the exterior can get a little warm during extended use, but that’s common with powerful appliances like this.
Chefman 14-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer with Touchscreen
- ✓ Large capacity for family meals
- ✓ Versatile with multiple functions
- ✓ Easy touchscreen controls
- ✕ Bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ Takes up counter space
| Capacity | 14 quarts (approximately 13.2 liters) |
| Power | 1700 watts |
| Temperature Range | 90°F to 400°F (up to 450°F with Hi-Fry button) |
| Control Interface | Touchscreen digital control panel |
| Cooking Functions | Air fry, bake, broil, reheat, dehydrate, rotisserie |
| Included Accessories | 3 wire racks, rotisserie spit, fetch tool, drip tray/baking pan |
The first thing that catches your eye is how the Chefman 14-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer’s touchscreen lights up with a sleek, modern design. It’s not just the look — it’s how easy it is to navigate.
You can effortlessly select from air fry, bake, broil, reheat, dehydrate, or even rotisserie, all with a few taps.
When you load it up, you’ll notice its impressive size. With a 14-quart capacity and three rack positions, you can cook a whole chicken, side dishes, and even bake bread at the same time.
The interior is bright, thanks to a built-in light, so you can keep an eye on your food without opening the door.
The removable rotisserie spit is a game-changer. You get even, crispy results on rotisserie chicken or shawarma, and the included fetch tool makes removing hot food simple.
The 450°F Hi-Fry button is perfect for that extra crispy finish, especially during the final minutes of cooking.
Using the touchscreen is a breeze. You select your function, set the time and temperature, and you’re good to go.
The dials are intuitive, and the controls feel responsive. Plus, the accessories, like the wire racks, drip tray, and rotisserie spit, make it a fully equipped kitchen helper.
Overall, this air fryer makes healthy cooking straightforward and fun. You’ll love how quickly it heats up and how evenly it crisps.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend feasts, and it replaces several appliances in your kitchen.
What Key Features Should You Consider in the Best Air Fryer?
When searching for the best air fryer, several key features should be considered to ensure you make the right choice for your cooking needs.
- Capacity: The capacity of an air fryer determines how much food you can cook at once, making it an essential feature to consider. Larger capacities are ideal for families or meal prepping, while smaller models are suitable for individuals or couples.
- Cooking Functions: Many air fryers come with multiple cooking functions beyond air frying, such as baking, roasting, and dehydrating. This versatility allows you to prepare a variety of dishes, making the appliance more valuable in your kitchen.
- Temperature Range: A wide temperature range allows for greater flexibility in cooking different types of food. Models that can reach higher temperatures can achieve crispier textures, while lower temperatures are suitable for slower cooking or dehydrating foods.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for air fryers with non-stick surfaces or dishwasher-safe components to simplify the cleaning process. Some models feature removable baskets and trays that can be easily cleaned, which is a significant convenience after cooking.
- Digital Controls: Digital controls and preset cooking programs can enhance user experience by simplifying the cooking process. These features often include timers and temperature settings, allowing for precise cooking without constant monitoring.
- Safety Features: Safety features such as automatic shut-off, cool-touch handles, and non-slip feet are crucial to prevent accidents during cooking. These features help ensure safe operation, especially in busy kitchens.
- Size and Design: Consider the size and design of the air fryer, as it needs to fit comfortably on your counter and match your kitchen décor. Compact designs are ideal for small spaces, while larger models may offer more features but require more counter space.
Which Air Fryers Does Bon Appétit Recommend for Best Cooking Performance?
Bon Appétit recommends several air fryers based on their cooking performance:
- Cosori Pro Air Fryer: Known for its user-friendly design and consistent cooking results.
- Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL: Offers versatility with additional functions beyond air frying.
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer: Combines multiple cooking methods in one device, enhancing its value.
- Philips Premium Airfryer XXL: Praised for its large capacity and even cooking, ideal for families.
Cosori Pro Air Fryer: This model stands out for its straightforward interface, which makes it easy for anyone to use. It heats up quickly and provides even cooking, resulting in crispier textures for a variety of foods, from vegetables to meats.
Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL: This air fryer is multifunctional, allowing users to not only air fry but also pressure cook and steam. Its large capacity is perfect for feeding larger families, and it excels at providing tender, juicy results while still achieving that desired crispy finish.
Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer: This versatile appliance offers multiple cooking settings, including air frying, roasting, and baking, making it a great all-in-one solution for your kitchen. Its smart technology ensures that food cooks evenly and efficiently, while the sleek design fits well in any kitchen aesthetic.
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL: With a generous cooking capacity, this air fryer is perfect for batch cooking or preparing meals for larger groups. It features advanced technology that ensures even heat distribution, minimizing the risk of undercooked food and maximizing flavor and texture.
What Unique Designs Make an Air Fryer User-Friendly?
User-friendly air fryers often feature unique designs that enhance convenience and usability.
- Digital Controls: Many air fryers come equipped with digital displays and touch controls that offer a user-friendly interface, allowing for precise temperature and time settings. This feature simplifies the cooking process, enabling users to select pre-set cooking modes for various foods with just a tap.
- Basket Design: Air fryers with removable, non-stick baskets are designed for easy loading and unloading of food. This design not only facilitates easy cleaning but also ensures that food can be removed without sticking, making the cooking experience more enjoyable.
- Compact Size: A compact design allows air fryers to fit conveniently on kitchen counters without taking up too much space. This is ideal for users with limited kitchen space, making it easier to integrate the appliance into everyday cooking routines.
- Smart Features: Some models include smart features like app connectivity, which allows users to control cooking settings remotely and access a variety of recipes. This enhances user engagement and provides a versatile cooking experience, especially for those who enjoy experimenting with new dishes.
- Safety Features: User-friendly air fryers often incorporate safety features such as auto shut-off and cool-touch exteriors. These features ensure safe operation, especially in households with children, by minimizing the risk of burns or overheating.
How Can You Utilize Various Cooking Techniques with an Air Fryer?
You can utilize various cooking techniques with an air fryer to enhance your culinary experience and achieve delicious results.
- Frying: Air fryers are designed to replicate deep frying by circulating hot air around food, making it crispy without the need for excessive oil. This method is perfect for preparing classic fried foods like French fries, chicken wings, and onion rings, all with a fraction of the fat content.
- Baking: An air fryer can also function as a small convection oven, allowing you to bake a variety of items such as cakes, muffins, and pastries. The hot air circulation promotes even cooking and browning, resulting in baked goods that are both fluffy and golden.
- Grilling: Many air fryers come with grill plates or accessories that enable you to achieve grilled effects indoors. You can grill meats, seafood, and even vegetables, giving them a smoky flavor and charred appearance without the need for an outdoor grill.
- Toasting: An air fryer can easily toast bread, bagels, or even nuts, allowing you to achieve a crispy texture quickly. This technique is especially useful for preparing breakfast items or snacks that benefit from a bit of crunch.
- Dehydrating: Some air fryers have a dehydration setting that allows you to remove moisture from fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This method is perfect for making healthy snacks like dried fruit or vegetable chips, preserving flavor while extending shelf life.
What Are the Most Popular Air Fryer Recipes Recommended by Bon Appétit?
Bon Appétit recommends several popular air fryer recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare.
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings: These wings are seasoned with a mix of spices and air-fried to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. The air fryer allows for a fraction of the oil compared to traditional frying, making this a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: This recipe transforms Brussels sprouts into a crispy, caramelized side dish by tossing them in olive oil and seasoning before air frying. The high heat of the air fryer ensures they become tender on the inside with a delightful crunch on the outside, making them an appealing addition to any meal.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potatoes are cut into fry shapes, seasoned, and air-fried for a healthier alternative to traditional fries. The air fryer cooks them evenly and gives them a satisfying crisp, highlighting the natural sweetness of the potatoes while keeping them lower in calories.
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Buffalo Bites: Cauliflower florets are coated in a spicy batter and air-fried until crispy, making for a delicious appetizer or snack. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a vegetarian option that delivers on flavor and crunch, especially when paired with a cooling dipping sauce.
- Air Fryer Salmon: Salmon fillets are seasoned and air-fried to perfection, resulting in a tender and flaky texture. The air fryer not only cooks the fish quickly but also helps to lock in moisture, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and quick weeknight dinner.
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Using an Air Fryer?
When using an air fryer, there are several common mistakes to avoid to ensure optimal cooking results.
- Overcrowding the Basket: Placing too much food in the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and prevent proper air circulation.
- Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Skipping the preheating step can result in longer cooking times and can affect the texture of the food.
- Using Too Much Oil: While air fryers require less oil, using excessive amounts can make food greasy and defeat the purpose of healthier cooking.
- Ignoring Cooking Times and Temperatures: Each recipe has specific requirements; not following them can lead to undercooked or burnt food.
- Neglecting to Shake or Flip Food: Failing to turn or shake the food halfway through cooking can result in uneven browning and texture.
- Not Cleaning the Air Fryer Regularly: Accumulated grease and food particles can affect the performance of the air fryer and impact the flavor of the dishes.
Overcrowding the basket can cause the air fryer to work less effectively, leading to soggy or improperly cooked food. It’s important to leave enough space for air to circulate around each piece of food for optimal crispiness.
Not preheating the air fryer can affect the cooking process; just like an oven, preheating helps achieve the right temperature for cooking food evenly from the start. This step is crucial for achieving the best results, especially for items that require crisping.
Using too much oil can counteract the health benefits of air frying. A light coating is usually sufficient; excess oil can lead to splattering and unwanted calories, making your meal less healthy than intended.
Ignoring the recommended cooking times and temperatures can lead to disappointing results. Each type of food has its ideal settings, and deviating from these can cause undercooking or overcooking, ruining the dish.
Neglecting to shake or flip the food halfway through the cooking process can result in one side being perfectly cooked while the other remains underdone. This simple step helps ensure that all sides of the food get equal exposure to the hot air.
Regular cleaning of the air fryer is essential for maintaining its performance and ensuring that flavors do not transfer between different dishes. A buildup of grease can affect both the taste and the efficiency of the air fryer, leading to less-than-ideal cooking outcomes.
What Advantages Make Air Fryers a Smart Choice for Cooking?
Air fryers offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for cooking delicious meals.
- Healthier Cooking: Air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, often requiring just a tablespoon or less. This reduction in oil leads to lower calorie meals while still achieving a crispy texture, making air fryers an appealing option for health-conscious individuals.
- Faster Cooking Times: Many air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, thanks to their rapid air circulation technology. This not only saves time during meal preparation but also helps retain moisture in food, resulting in juicier and more flavorful dishes.
- Versatility: Air fryers are not limited to frying; they can also bake, roast, and grill a variety of foods. This versatility allows users to experiment with different recipes and cooking techniques, making it a multifunctional kitchen appliance.
- Easy to Clean: Most air fryers come with removable, dishwasher-safe parts, making cleanup a breeze. The non-stick surfaces also reduce the hassle of scrubbing, allowing users to spend more time enjoying their meals rather than doing dishes.
- Compact Design: Air fryers typically have a small footprint, making them suitable for kitchens with limited counter space. Their compact size means they can easily be stored away when not in use, while still being readily accessible for quick meals.
- Consistent Results: The design of air fryers ensures even cooking, minimizing the risk of hot spots that can lead to unevenly cooked food. This reliability helps users achieve consistent results, which is especially beneficial for those who may not be experienced cooks.