The Top Ten Best Air Fryers of 2020

Let’s face it: we all want the delicious taste and texture of deep fried foods without the calories or guilt. Unfortunately, other traditional cooking methods don’t quite measure up. Food cooked in an oven can’t match the crispy, delicious outside and juicy inside of food that is deep fried in oil.

That’s where the air fryer comes in. Air fryers are designed to achieve results similar to a deep fryer by replacing deep fryer oil with circulating hot air. Are the results comparable to a deep fryer? Dive into the At Least We Fried guide to the best air fryers to find out!

The Best Air Fryers of 2020

Our top pick overall is the Black and Decker Air Fryer. Black and Decker is a trusted brand, and this product is proof of why they are so trusted. Easy to clean with a simple, adjustable thermostat, the Black and Decker Air Fryer is a nice mixture of features and quality. Ultimately, the final product is as good you’ll find with an air fryer.

Black and Decker Air Fryer

The Black and Decker Air Fryer is a sturdy, easy to use unit that provides some of best food quality available. The highlights of this model are the dual convection fans. With double the fan output, the surface of your food is more likely to get the crispy texture we all love. The Black and Decker Air Fryer also comes with an extended timer, automatic safety shutoff, and a split basket that allows you to cook two separate dishes at once.

Every unit has tradeoffs, of course. The Black and Decker Air Fryer is on the smaller side, only preparing enough food for 1-2 people at a time. The display on this unit is analog, which means you won’t have a precise reading of the temperature as it heats up. Altogether, these issues aren’t enough to bump the Black and Deck Air Fryer from the top of our list.

Philips XL Airfryer HD9240

A close second is the Philips XL Airfryer. Like the Black and Decker Air Fryer, the Philips Xl Air Fryer has a helpful 60-minute timer with an automated on/off setting. This unit is well reviewed, and most consider it to have food quality that rivals most other air fryers. The biggest draw for the Philips XL Air Fryer is its large capacity. Large enough to comfortably feed four people, this fryer has one of the largest capacities of any unit we’ve reviewed.

There are two major drawbacks, however. The first is the price. While you certainly get what you pay for, this unit is easily at the upper end price-wise. For some, it simply doesn’t make financial sense to invest so much money in an air fryer. The second drawback is the size. With large food capacity comes a large need for counter space. If your kitchen is limited space-wise, this might not be the unit for you. Outside of these drawbacks, this unit is one of our favorites.

T-fal ActiFry

T-fal is well known for their kitchen gadgets. In fact, they make one of our favorite deep fryers. T-fal knows their air fryers as well, as the ActiFry has one of the best designs out there. This unit’s claim to fame is the built-in paddle that turns your food as it cooks. Most units require that you shake the basket or manually flip your food so that it cooks evenly. The ActiFry does that for you. It has a large food capacity and most of the parts are dishwasher safe.

The biggest downside of the T-falActiFry is the lack of an adjustable thermostat. The unit simply has an on/off switch which heats up to approximately 338 degrees Fahrenheit when activated. The ActiFry has a timer like other units, but instead of an automated shutoff, it merely has a buzzer that sounds when the timer expires. Despite these issues, the T-falActiFry lands comfortably at three on our list.

Philips Airfyer HD9220

The standard Philips Airfryer is the most popular model of air fryer on the market. It’s not hard to see why: it offers a good blend of performance and features while not being too hard on the wallet. What’s more, Philips is a brand most people know and trust. This analog air fryer is noted for its durability and is one of the best values you can get for an air fryer.

One downside to this unit is the lack of a digital display. The analog display may last longer, but it doesn’t provide an accurate read of the cooking temperature inside the Philips Airfryer.

GoWISE 4^th Generation Electric Air Fryer

The GoWISE 4^th Generation Electric Air Fryer is a sleek model that takes advantage of the digital display with multiple pre-set cooking options and a digital thermostat. The basket has a unique design that allows it to be removed after use without struggling to open the air fryer. The unit also has an automatic shutoff, although the timer only lasts 30 minutes.

The biggest complaint regarding the GoWISE 4^th Gen is the wire basket. While perfectly fine for French fries or other solid foods, the basket leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to food with marinades or other liquid components. Reviewers have also found that while the final product is solid, it does not achieve the same crunchy exterior as other models like the Philips XL or the Black and Decker Air Fryer.

Avalon Bay AirFryer

Sleek and compact, the Avalon Bay AirFryer delivers strong performance despite its relatively smaller size. The Avalon Bay model achieves the quality that is comparable to any other air fryer on the market thanks to its intelligent design and rapid air circulation.

There are few flaws with this model. The biggest drawback is the size; it is too small to feed more than one or two people. While the Avalon Bay AirFryer does have a timer, it only goes to 30 minutes and doesn’t have an automatic shutoff. What’s more, the timer doesn’t pause when you open the fryer while cooking to shake the basket. This is a solid pick and arguably the best value for your money.

Della Electric Air Fryer

The Della Electric Air Fryer is simple to use, with clearly marked analog controls. This unit ranks highly for the straightforward design and low cost. This unit is a bargain, especially considering the quality of food it puts out. Despite its small size, the Della Electric Air Fryer comes with plenty of accessories including tongs, a divided basket, and grilling tray.

While it may not produce the quality of food that some higher-priced models can, the Della Electric Air Fryer is still well-reviewed. A smaller unit, the Della Electric Air Fryer is best for feeding one or two people at a time.

Big Boss Air Fryer

]It’s not hard to guess where the Big Boss Air Fryer gets its name: its enormous food capacity! This monster of an air fryer can hold 16 quarts and is able to cook two separate dishes at the same time. The Big Boss Air Fryer’s design is different from egg shape most air fryers use. The Big Boss has an adjustable thermostat that tops out at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This unit uses a combination of halogen, convection, and infrared heat when cooking. It also includes lots of accessories that make air frying large batches of food possible.

Despite so many pluses, this model has enough downsides that it sits near the bottom of our list. First and foremost, the Big Boss Air Fryer is unique in using a large glass bowl. The problem is the bowl gets extremely hot, making the unit unsafe to touch while it is operating. There are also reports that the flat bottom of the bowl hampers air flow, which can lead to some food cooking less thoroughly than others. Combined with the large amount of counter space you need, the Big Boss Air Fryer may not be the best option for everyone.

Air Fryer by Cozyna

The Air Fryer by Cozynais a solid air fryer. However, it tests the boundaries of the idea that you get what you pay for. It’s not to say this unit is bad; most reviews are positive and it produces food quality that is perfectly fine. If you’re looking for an air fryer to use on occasional when feeding one or two people, this one is perfectly fine once you get the hang of using it. It is easy to use as well as simple to clean. Best of all, it has a 2-year warranty that is one of the best on the market.

The biggest problem for this unit, and the one that has it sitting at #9 on our list, is that for the same price you can get an air fryer that is more reliable and offers much more in the way of features. This air fryer may suit your needs, but you can probably do so while spending less money.

Power Air Fryer XL

The Power Air Fryer XL brings a lot to the table, including the best cooking power and a ton of features. It has a sleek design and an easy-to-use digital interface. The Power Air Fryer XL operates at 1700 watts, which is close to the maximum most electrical systems in the United States can handle. It also advertises itself as being able to bake, steam, saute, and grill your food in addition to air frying it. With so much to offer, why is it so low on the list?

The major knock on this unit is a design flaw that really makes using it a hassle. Because of a shoddy design, the basket tends to expand during cooking. Many reviews report the issue is so pervasive the basket will lodge in the air fryer, and you’ll be unable to remove your food until the fryer cools down. While it has a ton of features and cooks food well, this design flaw coupled with a higher price than most air fryers might scare many people away.

Best Air Fryer Buying Guide

What is an air fryer and how do they work?

Unlike deep fat fryers that cook food by submerging it in hot oil, an air fryer instead uses hot, circulating air. A typical deep fryer uses large amounts of oil, while an air fryer uses little to no oil at all. Outside of these differences, the methods are similar.

Air fryers are able to achieve a crispier texture than ovens due to a fan that circulates the hot air within the fryer. The fan causes the hot air to bounce off the interior of the appliance, which applies heat evenly across the food. The hot air is able to reach into every nook and cranny of the food, starting what is known as the Maillard reaction. The end result is crispy, delicious food!

Advantages and disadvantages of an air fryer

Advantages

1. One of the major advantages of using an air fryer is time. Not only do these fryers cook food quickly; they also take a fraction of the time to heat up that ovens require.
2. Many air fryers are strong multitaskers. While more basic models only have an air frying function, others are capable of roasting, baking, and more.
3. Air fryers can save on the cost of cooking thanks to their limited use of cooking oil. Sautéing and deep frying are heavily reliant on costly oil. That money can be put to a different use thanks to an air fryer!
4. Air frying is one of the healthiest methods of cooking. While cooking oil often adds to the texture of food, it can also add to the calories. The best air fryers give you performance similar to a deep fryer without the health tradeoffs.
5. Safety is another major benefit for using an air fryer. While the food is cooked at a high temperature, the exterior of air fryers are cool to the touch.

Disadvantages

1. Lower-wattage models don’t always have the heat output necessary for crispy food. These models can produce food that is comparable to that of an oven.
2. Air fryers can be pricy, especially given that they can be a niche product for some. For many, air fryers are used only for fries or frozen foods. That doesn’t make for a cost effective appliance for some.
3. Air fryers are typically large compared to their food capacity. Some models take up an inordinate amount of counter space.

What to consider when buying an air fryer?

Brand

Just like with any other appliance, the brand name on the front of the air fryer can matter. Sure, there are high-quality air fryers out there developed by companies you’ve never heard of. However, many of these well-known brands have earned their reputation for building quality air fryers. Some familiar names are also major players in the air fryer market, including Black + Decker, DeLonghi, Secura, and more.

Size

The physical size of an air fryer is something some consumers never consider. This is a mistake given the wide range of sizes air fryers now come in. You should consider the available space in your kitchen carefully before making a purchase. You’ll need an air fry that will fit on your counter or in your cabinet.

Capacity

Air fryers run the spectrum when it comes to food capacity. Some smaller units are ideal for feeding one person at a time, while others have the food volume to cover small to medium groups of people. Think about your intended use before selecting an air fryer.

Wattage

Maintaining the appropriate cooking temperature is an important part of using an air fryer. Units with more wattage are able to put out and maintain more heat.

Features

One area where fryers can differ greatly is features. Some air fryers have sleek digital interfaces with adjustable thermostats and rotating baskets. Others are merely analog devices that have to be shaken manually to prevent burning. For the most part, the price of an air fryer goes up with the number of features.

Price

As always, price is a factor. Air fryers start around $60 and can go up into the hundreds. As always, your price range is entirely up to you. If you intend to use the air fryer to frequently feed large groups you might want a bigger model. If you only intend to make yourself fries every month or two you can likely get away with a less expensive unit.

Warranty

It never hurts to consider the warranty. The shortest warranty we’ve encountered was only 60 days, which is concerning. On the high end, warranties for the best air fryers will go up to 2 years.

Air Fryer Tips

1. Preheat your air fryer. Typically, an air fryer will be ready after five minutes of preheating.
2. Don’t overfill the basket. If you stuff too much food into your air fryer there won’t be enough room to circulate the heat.
3. Cook frozen food on lower temperatures.
4. Brush a small amount of oil on the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
5. Don’t add oil to your food if the recipe doesn’t call for it
6. Don’t use oil in your air fryer if the instructions tell you the unit doesn’t need oil
7. If the air fryer doesn’t have automated paddles, shake the basket during cooking every few minutes.
8. Clean the air fryer thoroughly as cooked fat will accumulate at the bottom of your fryer.
9. If cleaning before use, always be sure to thoroughly dry water from the air fryer before use.

Conclusion

In the end, there are so many great air fryers to choose from. If you want something that will feed a ton of people, your best bet is the Big Boss Air Fryer. Looking for the best value? We recommend the Della Electric Air Fryer. And the best air fryer overall? Without question the Black and Decker Air Fryer.

If you found the At Least We Fried top ten best air fryers of 2020 Guide useful sound off in the comments! Looking for something different? Be sure to check out our reviews for the best deep fryer and best turkey fryer!