Top 5 Air Fryers Consumer Reports: Reviews & Expert Buying Guide

Have you ever wished you could eat crispy, delicious fried food without all the oil and mess? Air fryers promise exactly that! They’re the hot new kitchen gadget, and it seems like everyone has one. But with so many different models, brands, and features, how do you pick the best one for your kitchen? Choosing an air fryer can be tricky. You might feel overwhelmed by all the choices. Maybe you’re worried about spending money on something that doesn’t work well. Or perhaps you just want to be sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

That’s where this guide comes in! We’ll break down the world of air fryers, making it easy for you to understand. We will help you avoid common buying mistakes. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to find an air fryer that perfectly fits your needs. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to! Get ready to discover the top-rated air fryers, according to Consumer Reports.

So, are you ready to cook healthier and tastier meals? Let’s dive into the best air fryers on the market, and make sure you make the best choice for your kitchen!

Our Top 5 Air Fryers Consumer Reports Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Air Fryers Consumer Reports Detailed Reviews

1. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1

COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast Turbo Modes, 90–450°F Precise Heat for Even Results, Up to 95% Less Oil*, Roast, Bake, Dry, Reheat, Frozen, Broil, Proof, 120V, TurboBlaze, Grey

Rating: 9.4/10

The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 is a kitchen gadget that does many things. It’s compact but has a large 6-quart capacity. It uses TurboBlaze technology for fast cooking. You can roast, bake, dry, and more! This air fryer gives crispy food with less oil. It’s also easy to clean and comes with a cookbook.

What We Like:

  • The TurboBlaze technology cooks food quickly and makes it extra crispy.
  • The 6-quart basket is big enough for family meals.
  • The air fryer cooks food evenly with precise temperature control.
  • It helps save time, making weeknight dinners easier.
  • It operates quietly, so it won’t disturb you.
  • You can enjoy fried food with up to 95% less oil.
  • The basket and accessories are dishwasher-safe.
  • You can choose to preheat or skip it.
  • It comes with a cookbook with recipes.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the 9-in-1 functionality offers versatility, it may take some time to master all the settings.

This COSORI air fryer is a great choice for anyone who wants to cook delicious and healthy meals. It’s a versatile kitchen tool that is easy to use and clean.

2. COSORI Air Fryer Pro 9-in-1

COSORI Air Fryer Pro 9-in-1, Compact 5QT, 450℉: Half Time & Chef-Grade Cook, One-Wipe Clean Glass Panel, 130+ In-App Recipes with Nutritional Info, Nonstick & Dishwasher-Safe Basket, Gray

Rating: 8.8/10

The COSORI Air Fryer Pro 9-in-1 is a kitchen appliance. It’s a compact air fryer that can cook food quickly. It has many features to make cooking easy and healthy. With this air fryer, you can cook many foods, including meat, chicken, and vegetables. It comes with recipes to help you get started. The air fryer is easy to clean too.

What We Like:

  • Enjoy crispy and juicy food with the 450℉ setting.
  • You can cook many different meals with 9 cooking functions.
  • Meals cook fast, so they are ready quickly.
  • Get help with 130+ recipes and nutritional information in the app.
  • The 5-QT basket holds enough food for a family.
  • It saves space on your counter.
  • Cook healthy food with 85% less oil.
  • Cleanup is easy because the basket is dishwasher-safe.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The compact design might be too small for large families.

This COSORI air fryer is a great choice for people who want to cook healthy and tasty meals. It is easy to use and clean, making it a good addition to any kitchen.

3. Ninja Air Fryer

Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Reheats, & Dehydrates, 4-in-1, Fries, Frozen Food, Veggies, and Juicy Meat, Less Oil, Easy Meals, Healthy Meals, Compact, 4 QT, Grey, AF101

Rating: 9.4/10

The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is a kitchen gadget that does a lot! It can air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate food. It helps you make easy and healthy meals. This air fryer is perfect for cooking fries, frozen foods, vegetables, and meat. It’s a compact size with a 4-quart capacity, making it great for families. It comes in a stylish grey color.

What We Like:

  • Cook food with less fat. You can enjoy your favorite fried foods without as much oil. It removes up to 75% of the fat compared to old-fashioned frying.
  • It has a wide temperature range. You can cook food at temperatures from 105°F to 400°F. This helps you crisp food or dehydrate it.
  • It has a good size. The 4-quart basket can hold up to 2 pounds of fries.
  • It does many things. You can air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate food.
  • You can dehydrate food. Make your own healthy snacks like dried fruit.
  • It is easy to clean. The basket and crisper plate go in the dishwasher.
  • It comes with a recipe book. This helps you get started with cooking.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The appliance exterior is not dishwasher safe and needs to be wiped clean.
  • The 4-quart capacity may be limiting for larger families or gatherings.

The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is a great kitchen tool. It is perfect for people who want to cook healthy and delicious meals quickly and easily.

4. COSORI 11-in-1 Air Fryer Oven

COSORI 11-in-1 Air Fryer Oven , 13Qt Small Footprint Airfryer combo with Rotisserie, Toast, Bake, Roast, Reheat Functions and more, Recipe Book & 6 Accessories Included, Perfect for Small Contertop

Rating: 9.0/10

Tired of a cluttered kitchen? The COSORI 11-in-1 Air Fryer Oven is here to help! This amazing appliance combines an air fryer with a traditional oven. It offers 11 cooking functions in one machine. You can air fry, bake, roast, and even use the rotisserie. It’s perfect for small kitchens and families. This air fryer oven is easy to use and cooks food faster than a regular oven. It also comes with lots of helpful accessories.

What We Like:

  • Effortlessly upgrades your kitchen, simplifying your cooking.
  • Offers 11 different cooking functions, like rotisserie and toast.
  • The 13-quart capacity is great for families, and cooks on two levels at once.
  • Its compact design saves space on your countertop.
  • Cooks food up to 40% faster than traditional ovens.
  • Food is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It uses less oil.
  • Comes with 6 accessories, like a rotisserie basket and air fry tray.

What Could Be Improved:

  • (No cons provided in the features.)

The COSORI 11-in-1 Air Fryer Oven is a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance. It is a great choice for anyone wanting to cook delicious meals quickly and easily.

5. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity

Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, Air Crisp Technology with 400F for hot, 120 Volts, Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate, Grey, AF141

Rating: 8.5/10

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro AF141 is a versatile kitchen appliance. It’s a 4-in-1 air fryer that can air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate food. This air fryer uses Air Crisp Technology. It gets food super crispy with little oil. It has a 5-QT capacity, perfect for families. It also comes with a nonstick basket and crisper plate. This air fryer is designed to be easy to use and clean.

What We Like:

  • Air Crisp Technology makes food extra crispy.
  • The 5-QT capacity is great for cooking larger meals.
  • You can cook up to 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of wings.
  • It has four different cooking functions.
  • You can cook frozen foods quickly.
  • It helps you cook with up to 75% less fat.
  • The nonstick parts are easy to clean.
  • It comes with a recipe book.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some users may need more cooking space.

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro AF141 is a great air fryer for everyday use. It’s a good option for people who want to cook healthier meals.

Air Fryer Buying Guide: Consumer Reports Edition

So, you want to get an air fryer? Great choice! Air fryers cook food crispy without using much oil. This guide from Consumer Reports will help you find the best one for you.

1. Key Features to Look For

What should you look for when buying an air fryer? Here are some key features:

  • Size (Capacity): Air fryers come in different sizes. Small ones are good for one or two people. Bigger ones can cook for a whole family. Think about how much food you usually cook.

  • Controls: Look for easy-to-use controls. Some air fryers have buttons. Others use touchscreens. Make sure you can easily set the time and temperature.

  • Pre-set Programs: Many air fryers have pre-set programs. These programs cook common foods like fries or chicken. They take the guesswork out of cooking.

  • Temperature Range: Check the temperature range. A wider range lets you cook more types of food.

  • Accessories: Some air fryers come with extras. These can be things like baking pans, skewers, or racks. They can make cooking easier.

2. Important Materials

The materials matter! They affect how well the air fryer works and how long it will last.

  • Basket Material: The basket holds the food. Look for a basket made of nonstick material. This makes it easier to clean.

  • Exterior Material: The outside of the air fryer is usually made of plastic or metal. Metal is often more durable.

  • Heating Element: The heating element makes the air hot. It should be made of a durable material.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Some things make air fryers better. Other things make them worse.

  • Build Quality: A well-built air fryer will last longer. Look for sturdy construction. Check the reviews to see if people say it is well-made.

  • Heating Performance: The air fryer needs to heat up quickly and cook food evenly. Check reviews to see how well the air fryer cooks food.

  • Ease of Cleaning: Cleaning should be easy. Removable parts that are dishwasher-safe are great.

  • Noise Level: Some air fryers can be loud. If noise bothers you, read reviews about the noise level.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

How easy is it to use an air fryer? What can you cook in it?

  • Ease of Use: Air fryers are usually easy to use. Most have simple controls. Follow the instructions.

  • Cooking Versatility: You can cook many things in an air fryer. Think fries, chicken, vegetables, and even desserts!

  • Cleaning: Cleaning an air fryer is usually easy. Most have removable, nonstick baskets.

  • Safety: Always follow the safety instructions. Don’t put anything on top of the air fryer when it is on.

Air Fryer FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about air fryers:

Q: What is an air fryer?

A: An air fryer is a small appliance. It cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It makes food crispy.

Q: How does an air fryer work?

A: An air fryer has a heating element and a fan. The fan circulates hot air. This cooks the food.

Q: Is an air fryer healthy?

A: Air fryers use less oil than deep frying. This can make your food healthier.

Q: What can I cook in an air fryer?

A: You can cook many things! Think fries, chicken, vegetables, and even desserts.

Q: How do I clean an air fryer?

A: Most air fryers have removable baskets and parts. You can wash them with soap and water. Some parts are dishwasher-safe.

Q: How much does an air fryer cost?

A: Air fryers have different prices. You can find one for under $100. Some cost more.

Q: What size air fryer do I need?

A: Think about how much food you usually cook. If you cook for one or two people, a small air fryer is good. For a family, you’ll want a bigger one.

Q: What are pre-set programs?

A: Pre-set programs are buttons on the air fryer. They cook common foods like fries or chicken. They take the guesswork out of cooking.

Q: Are air fryers noisy?

A: Some air fryers make noise. Read reviews to see if the air fryer you want is noisy.

Q: What are some important safety tips?

A: Always follow the instructions. Don’t put anything on top of the air fryer while it’s on. Never leave the air fryer unattended while it’s cooking.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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