Oil Less Deep Fryer Reviews 2021 (Under $200)

Did you know that a single serving of deep fried food increases one’s risk of premature death by a whopping 8%? High in fat and calories, these foods also make you susceptible to chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. But you won’t have to worry about any of that when you check out my oil less deep fryer reviews.

I know how tough it is to resist deep-fried foods! There’s just something so appealing about biting into the crunch of a deep-fried chicken wing. Enter the oil-less air fryer and resist no more! As implied in the name, this is a fryer that cooks food with little to no oil. This way, your food will still be full of flavor and have a crispy finish.

What is an Oil Less Air Fryer and How Does it Work?

This is a cooking appliance that “fries” food using super-hot air and little to zero amounts of oil – in other words, deep-frying without the unhealthy aspect.

Deep fryers work by ‘turbo-heating’ food, whereby they transform frozen foods to ready-to-eat meals by soaking them in a bath of hot oil. Doing so triggers the Maillard reaction, which causes food to gain flavor and turn a nice brown color. Now, while this food tastes crazy delicious, it’s usually drenched in fat; thus, very high in calories and a health hazard.

An oil less air fryer is provides the same benefits – of flavor and texture – but by using less oil. It produces similar results as a deep fryer, but rather than soaking food in oil, an oil-less air fryer barely uses any, or none at all.

So how does this appliance work? Well, it circulates hot air around the food placed inside the chamber. The intensity of this hot air generates a convection effect, which enables the food to cook and turn a brown color.

Benefits of an Oil Less Deep Fryer

Healthier Meals

With an air fryer, you can enjoy tasty fried foods, which are also healthy.  According to a few manufacturers, air fryers result in up to 75% reduction of fat content in food, and it’s easy to see why.

Consider a deep fryer, which requires at least 3 cups of vegetable oil to cook food. By comparison, an air fryer requires only about a tablespoon of oil; this is 50 times less than that of the deep fryer. Or you don’t even have to use any oil at all. It means that you don’t have to worry about the health risks associated with consuming fried foods.

Easier Cleanup

If you dread washing dishes like I do, you’ll appreciate the ease of cleaning provided by this appliance. Unlike with a deep-fryer, an oil-less fryer doesn’t cause oil to splatter all over your cooktop and work area.

The fact that this cooking unit doesn’t utilize oil also means that there isn’t any spent fat to dispose of later. All you need to do is detach the basket, tray, pan, and place them in a dishwasher (if they’re dishwasher safe). Next, dry them completely, put them back to the rightful places and you’re on your way to preparing another tasty air-fried dish!

Safer

Did you know that food service has the highest number of burn victims compared to any other employment sector? According to a report by The Burn Foundation, nearly 12,000 individuals from this industry, suffer burns each year.

A majority of these burn cases are caused by frying oil. This is where oil-less fryers prove handy. Since these appliances barely use any oil, there’s zero risk of getting burnt by frying oil. It makes them a safer alternative to deep fryers, which require individuals to place food items directly into sizzling hot oil.

Versatile

One reason why I advocate for oil-less fryers so much is because of their versatility.

Once you invest in this gadget, you will no longer need half the appliances in your kitchen. With a multi-cooker fryer, you can air fry, roast, reheat, grill, dehydrate and even bake.

Quicker Meals

Have you been looking for an appliance that can cook food incredibly fast? If so, an air fryer is the way to go. It only takes about 4 minutes to reach the desired temperature. Other cooking appliances like deep fryers take up to 30 minutes to reach the same level.

Space-Savers

Are you crunched for space in your kitchen, but would still love to prepare fried foods? Well, an air fryer is just the right appliance for you.

There are numerous compact oil-less fryers on the market. These are capable of cooking delectable fried foods as their larger counterparts, but for a fraction of the size!

Easy to Use

Some kitchen appliances have such sophisticated features that figuring out how to use them is often an uphill task. But not so with oil-less fryers.

These gadgets have only a few controls so navigating them is usually a breeze. The main controls you will find are for switching the unit on/off, regulating temperature and a timer.

Most air fryers also have a number of presets for popular cooking functions such as air-frying, roasting, baking and reheating. The more versatile models will have extra presets for things like rotisserie cooking, dehydrating and dough-proofing. Super-easy meals with the click of a button!

Economical

An oil-less fryer saves you money by taking the place of many other cooking appliances. Instead of purchasing an oven, toaster, grill and baking tin separately, simply buy a multi-cooker air fryer that will offer all these functions.

Quickly Compare Best Oil Less Air Fryers

Product	Capacity	Dimensions	Cooking Functions	Wattage	Warranty
Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Best Overall		15.5 x 16 x 14″	Air fry, broil, warm, bake, broil, toast	1800	3 years
Oster Digital Air Fryer Best Value		16.7 x 15.8 x 14.5″	Air-fry, bake, broil, toast, dehydrate	1700-1800	1 year
Nuwave Brio Air Fryer Budget Pick	6 qt.	16.5 x 15.1 x 13.1″	Air fry, roast, grill, bake, broil, reheat, dehydrate	Adjustable wattage	1 year
Instant Vortex Plus Best Rotisserie	10 qt.	20.2 x 15.7 x 15.1″	Roast, bake, air fry, reheat, dehydrate, broil, rotisserie		1 year
Ninja Max XL Best for Family of 4	5.5 qt.	14 x 11 W x 14.8″	Max crisp, broil, air fry, air roast, reheat, air bake, dehydrate	1750	1 year
GoWise Electric Fryer Best Large Capacity	7 qt.	11.75 x 11.75 x 14″	Air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, grill, reheat, bake, keep warm	1350	1 year
Dash Compact Air Fryer Best Small Air Fryer	2 qt.	10.2 x 8.1 x 11.4″	Air fry, bake, roast, grill	1000
Nuwave Brio 14qt. Digital Air Fryer Commercial Air Fryer	14 qt.	13 x 15 x 16.9″	Air fry, broil, roast, grill, sear, reheat, bake, dehydrate	Adjustable wattage	1 year
Cosori 12-in-1 Smart Fryer Best Smart Airfryer	31.7 qt.	20.1 x 16.5 x 12.1″	Air Fry, rotisserie, pizza, dehydrate, roast, bagel, toast, bake,	1800	1 year

Oil Less Deep Fryer Reviews

Boy, it was hard keeping this list to just 10 oil-less air fryers, as there are quite a few excellent models on the market now. And, refreshingly, they’re not too pricey either, all coming in under $200. Appliance manufacturers have finally realized that consumers really want to be able to serve up healthy meals to their families without breaking the bank.

Figuring out how the different air fryers compare to one another, and how each one stands out in its own way, drove me a bit batty. But finally, after about two solid weeks of research, I came up with my Top 10:

#1: Cuisinart TOA-60 Toaster Oven Airfryer – Best Overall

Have you been looking for a toaster oven / air fryer combo that’s stylish, durable and multi-functional? Well, the Cuisinart TOA-60 is your best bet. Although it’s the most expensive model on my list, it’s got great functionality and comes with a long 3-year warranty – a big plus in my book, hence the “Best Overall” title.

The first thing you will notice about this oil-less fryer oven is its exquisite design. It comes in a beautiful stainless steel frame. Don’t like the stainless steel color? No need to worry as the air fryer is also available in brown or black. It has analog-style buttons, giving it a classic vibe.

The Cuisinart TOA-60 is super easy to use. The four dials at the front make navigating this gadget a breeze.

The first button lets you choose between seven cooking functions, namely air frying, baking, broiling, toasting, warming, convection-baking and convection-broiling.

The second dial lets you set time while the third one allows you to regulate temperature. With the last dial, you can select the toast finish you prefer, i.e., light, medium or dark. With a 60-minute timer and automatic shut-off function, you won’t need to stress about dinner getting burned.

Another thing you’ll appreciate about this air-fryer-oven combination is that it’s reasonably-sized; it measures 15.5 by 16 by 14 inches. So while it won’t take up too much space on your countertop, it still provides enough room to cook a considerable amount of food. According to Cuisinart, it can toast up to six slices of bread, roast an entire 4-lb chicken, and even bake a 12-inch pizza.

PROS:

• Stylish design
• Long 3-year warranty
• Easy to clean stainless steel exterior and non-stick interior
• Easy-to-use analog controls (and slightly more reliable than digital ones, in my humble view)
• Quickly heats up and distributes heat uniformly
• Runs quietly
• Doesn’t take up too much countertop space compared with other oven-design models

CONS:

• On the higher price end compared to other oil-less fryers

Warranty: 3-year warranty – the longest on this list. Check out the manual here.

Best for home chefs looking for a well-equipped and reliable air-fryer. Offering multiple functions, a reasonably-large cooking capacity and fast cooking times, the Cuisinart TOA-60 makes for an excellent investment.

Look at the price of the Cuisinart TOA-60 here

#2: Oster Digital Countertop Air Fryer Toaster Oven – Best Value

Oster is another reputable appliance brand like Cuisinart, and its latest Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven is an excellent contender. It was launched into the market in 2020, so is quite new to the scene, but it already has very positive consumer feedback.

This model is an upgrade of the Oster 2129751, and the main differences are:

• Digital controls instead of analog
• More pre-programmed functions – 12 over 4
• Faster, crunchier results due to RapidCrisp technology
• More compact size, but spacious interior – can fit a 12” pizza vs a 9” pizza

Made from durable brushed stainless steel, inside and out, this elegant-looking countertop oven will last over the ones made from plastic. The same goes with the stainless-steel accessories – basket, rack and crumb tray, which are all dishwasher safe and make for an easy clean-up. Plus, you won’t be worrying about any non-stick surface flaking off into your food.

If you’re often making fries, wings, veggies and pizza, then you’ll find the one-touch preset buttons really handy. But the short 24” power cord is a bit annoying. Have to use a power strip if you want to place it further from a powerpoint.

A note about the timer: it’s not the easiest to deal with, but once you get the knack of it, you’ll be okay. It goes up by 1-minute increments until the 30-minute mark. After that, it goes up by 5-minute increments. So, forget about trying to get a precise time over 30 minutes, such as 42 minutes. Just not possible.

There’s a similar issue with the baking setting, which can’t go beyond 90 minutes. So, if you want to bake something for more than that, you’ll have to come back at the 90-minute mark and set some more time. A bit of a pain, but then again, every appliance seems to have its little quirks.

PROS:

• Compact yet spacious – can bake a 12” pizza and toast 4 slices of bread
• One-touch preset buttons for wings, fries, veggies, and pizza
• Temperature control up to 450 degrees F
• Heats up fast
• 12-hour timer with an auto-shutoff feature
• Made from durable brushed stainless steel, inside and out
• Easy to clean – dishwasher-safe accessories

CONS:

• You only get 1 wire rack, although it can be placed in one of 3 rack positions
• Can get quite hot while cooking, especially the glass door, although the door handle is okay to use
• Short power cord of 24 inches
• No rotisserie option
• Compact for a countertop oven (smaller than the Cuisinart, even), but still larger than the traditional basket-style air fryers

If it’s time to do away with your simple toaster oven and broaden your quick and easy dinner menu, then this value-packed Oster Countertop Air Fryer Oven will have you serving up sweet potato fries, grilled fish, casseroles, pizza, and muffins in no time. You’ll get a 1-year warranty, as well as an instruction booklet with basic recipes to get you started.

Check out the current price of the Oster Air Fryer Toaster Oven

#3: Nuwave Brio 6QT Digital Air Fryer – Budget Pick

Is the Cuisinart or Oster out of your price range? Well, the Nuwave Brio Digital Air Fryer is a practical alternative under $100. For a more budget-friendly price, you’ll get a highly functional appliance that’s also compact and portable. Nuwave’s company motto is “Live Well For Less” and this oil-less deep fryer fits the bill.

Coming in the conventional black-color and basket-style design, the Nuwave Brio is a pretty powerful oil-less fryer. Its wattage ranges from 900 to 1800 watts. But what really sets this air fryer apart is the temperature control setting. It lets you cook at temperatures of between 100 and 400°F, adjusting in intervals of about 5°.

It’s no wonder this air fryer can be used for such a wide range of foods. Whether you want to bake, broil, roast, grill or air-fry, the Nuwave Brio is up to the task of preparing delicious air-fried foods for about 6 to 8 people at once.

This air fryer has a pretty generous interior capacity. Specifically, you’ll get 6 quarts of volume, which is enough to fit 4 chicken breasts, 3 pounds of French fries and at least 2 pounds of chicken wings. The best part is, it’s equipped with a removable basket divider, allowing you to cook two different dishes simultaneously.

PROS:

• Basket divider for cooking different foods at once (removable)
• Maintains a consistent cooking temperature
• Adjustable wattage, can use in dorm rooms and RVs
• Compact and portable
• Access to the Nuwave Cooking Club app with tons of recipes
• Affordable (under $100)
• All removable parts are dishwasher safe

CONS:

• Only the fry basket net is stainless steel; the basket and base tray are PFOA-free non-stick
• Quality of the handle could be improved

Warranty: 1-year warranty

Best for anyone on a limited budget.

Take a look at today’s price for the Nuwave Brio 6QT Airfryer

#4: Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven – Best Rotisserie

Rotisserie cooking has been making a comeback, and it’s easy to see why. This technique blends all the processes that make food finger-licking good. This involves roasting, grilling, smoking and basting.

Now, with a multifunctional oil-less fryer like Instant Vortex, you don’t even have to spend a fortune on an actual rotisserie oven. This appliance comes with its own rotisserie, allowing you to cook foods that are succulent and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

When you tumble-fry your fries and nuggets in the rotating fry basket, you are guaranteed that each piece of food is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. No need to shake or turn the food during cooking.

Coming in a stainless steel body, this air fryer has a very intuitive display. The touch screen panel responds nicely, revealing a ton of settings, such as cooking time, temperature, error messages and handy reminders. It also lets you choose a specific cooking function.

The generous 10-quart capacity of this appliance is another aspect that makes it worth investing in. It enables you to cook a considerable amount of food at once.

PROS:

• High capacity; can be used to cook copious amounts of food
• Good selection of accessories including a rotisserie
• Takes a short time to reheat
• Equipped with EvenCrisp Technology for a crispy finish

CONS:

• Has an unpleasant new appliance smell

Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

If you love to cook your meats using a rotisserie, the Instant Vortex Plus is the ideal oil-less fryer for you, and it’s very reasonably priced.

Click here to see the price on the Instant Vortex Plus

#5: Ninja Max XL 5.5 QT Air Fryer – Best for a Family of 4

Some air fryers have sophisticated controls, which can deter homeowners from buying the appliance altogether. But, there are a few, such as Ninja Max XL, which are incredibly easy to use. With a user-friendly touchscreen display and a non-stick cooking surface, this fryer is perfect for beginners and putting together quick and easy family meals.

Measuring 14 by 11 by 14.8 inches, the oil-less fryer occupies just a small space on your kitchen counter. It also has a capacity of 5.5 quarts, allowing you to prepare food for a regular family of 4. In case you need to prepare more food, you can always opt for the 8-quart model, which comes with two baskets.

Like most of the oil less deep fryers in this review, this one is also multipurpose. So in addition to air frying, it can also bake, air broil, air roast, reheat and dehydrate.

Better yet, it can reach temperatures of up to 450°F, making it suitable for preparing frozen foods. Plus, it has a Max Crisp setting, designed to produce a super crispy coating on your food.

PROS:

• Customizable settings for a seamless cooking process
• Easy to clean – dishwasher safe accessories
• Non-stick coating ensures food doesn’t stick
• Can set the temperature to up to 450°F

CONS:

• In order to get a really crispy finish on your fried foods, you may need to shake the contents of the fryer basket during cooking
• The non-stick coating can result in an unpleasant smell while cooking.

Warranty: 1-year warranty

The Ninja Max XL is a great choice for the average-sized family (4-6 people, depending on the size of their appetites!) It has customizable settings for seamless cooking, and it’s easy to clean with non-stick coated accessories.

Take a look at the price of the Ninja Max XL

SPECIAL MENTION: The Ninja Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer. New in 2020, this 8QT oil less fryer has 2 air fry baskets that can cook at different temperatures. So, you could prepare a main course in one basket, and a side-dish in the next! Talk about convenience 😊

#6: GoWise USA 7QT Electric Air Fryer – Best Large Capacity

Most basket-style oil-less fryers have a capacity ranging from 3 to 5 quarts. But the GoWise Electric Fryer with its 3 stackable racks offers a generous 7 quarts which can comfortably feed around 8 or 9 people. So if you have a large family or are hosting a dinner party, this can be your go-to appliance.

This air-fryer’s design is another feature that sets it apart. It’s available in different color combos, making it suitable for those who like to blend appliances with their interior design. Choose between mint/silver, red/silver and black/silver.

We also like that it offers limitless cooking possibilities. You can prepare dishes using various techniques, at different temperatures and for varying lengths of time. To be a little more specific, the fryer can roast, grill, reheat, bake, air-fry, dehydrate and keep your food warm.  Plus, you have a temperature range of 180 to 400°F to work with.

PROS:

• Consistently provides a crispy finish
• Available in an array of colors
• Generous capacity of 7 quarts
• 3 stackable racks for layered cooking
• Affordable

CONS:

• The interface looks a bit cramped

Warranty: 1-year warranty starting from the purchase date.

Best for anyone cooking food for large family gatherings or entertaining.

Check out the GoWise Electric Air Fryer Here

#7: Dash Compact 2QT Air Fryer Oven – Best Small Air Fryer

If you’re limited on counter space, but would still love to cook fried foods, the Dash Compact Air Fryer is just what you need. At 10.2 by 8.1 by 11.4 inches, this appliance is about the same size as a toaster. Furthermore, it comes in a range of colors, giving you the option to pick one that blends with your kitchen decor.

Given its compact design, it’s not surprising that the fryer has a low capacity. The 1.6-quart volume means it can fry just a small batch of food at a time.

But if you’re looking for simplicity and ease of use, this oil-less fryer doesn’t disappoint. In that regard, it only has two dials: a temperature control and auto-shutoff timer. The timer is a handy feature as it prevents your food from overcooking.

Dash’s proprietary AirCrisp technology is another aspect that makes this fryer unique. The way this works is by circulating hot air, allowing food to cook thoroughly without the need for oil.

PROS:

• Small footprint; perfect for small-sized kitchens
• AirCrisp mechanism reduces fat and retains flavor
• Affordable
• Comes in numerous colors

CONS:

• Small capacity – suitable for 1 to 2 people (depending on how much they eat!)
• Lower wattage of 1000, cooking may take a little longer than more powerful units
• The Teflon coating may flake off with time

Best for Homeowners with small kitchens or apartments. In such cases, you need to make the most of every square footprint; hence, this compact oil-less deep fryer for two is an excellent option.

View today’s price on the Dash Compact Air Fryer

#8: Nuwave Brio Digital 14QT Air Fryer Oven – Commercial Air Fryer

Want to prepare healthier food for your customers? Nuwave’s commercial-grade Brio Digital Air Fryer Oven is the ultimate solution. Plus, you don’t even have to compromise on space. At 13 by 15 by 16.9 inches, this fryer has a smaller footprint than the 10-quart Instant Vortex Plus reviewed above.

It boasts a huge capacity of 14 quarts, enabling you to cook a large amount of food. With 3 stainless steel cooking racks you can prepare different foods simultaneously, and the integrated digital temperature probe means you’ll never accidentally undercook or overcook your meals.

With 100 (yes, 100!) pre-programmed settings, this oil-less fryer takes the guesswork out of preparing the most-commonly fried food items. From burgers to chicken wings and cookies, this appliance lets you cook a whole range of foods at the push of a button, as well as adjust the temperature in increments of 5 degrees. Plus, you can store your own unique settings if you wish. So, if you figure out exactly how golden and crunchy you like your sweet potato fries, save it in your own preset. I love this feature!

Are you planning to work out of a food truck? Or thinking to take your air fryer along with you on an RV trip? Well, there’s no problem due to the Nuwave Brio’s wattage control, the only air fryer on this list to have this unique functionality. You can easily switch between the default 1800W, 1500W or 900W for safe cooking at all times.

PROS:

• Huge capacity makes it a suitable commercial air fryer
• Professional Rotisserie Kit for perfectly even roasting – skewers and basket included
• Consistent cooking temperatures with a built-in digital switch that minimizes fluctuations
• Only a 2-minute pre-heating time
• Integrated digital temperature probe for perfect cooking results
• Wattage control – switch between 1800W, 1500W or 900W
• Easy to clean with stainless steel racks and drip tray that go in the dishwasher, plus removable door
• Automatic shut-off
• Tons of recipes in the Nuwave Cooking Club App

CONS:

• More expensive than smaller units, but still affordable given large capacity (under $160)
• Larger than the basket-design oil-less deep fryers

Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

This is the best oil less fryer for cooking food for large parties. Its advanced features make it suitable for use in cafes, food trucks, RVs, and big family get-togethers.

Click now to see the price of the Nuwave Brio 14Qt Air Fryer

#9: Cosori 12-in-1 Smart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo – Best Smart Oven

For the tech-savvy homeowners, the Cosori 12-in-1 Smart Oven is sure to live up to your expectations. It’s a true combination appliance bringing all the great functionalities of an oven, toaster and air fryer together.

The intuitive control panel with pre-programmed settings are particularly handy for no-fuss chefs: toast, rotisserie, air-fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, make cookies, bagel & pizza, keep warm and even ferment.

Once you’ve connected your smartphone, you can easily make adjustments to temperature, time, and convection fan, plus get notifications and access online recipes which are updated every month. You can even create your own recipes and share them via the app. Smart Chef, here you come!

FYI: You’ll need a 2.4GHz WiFi to access Cosori’s VeSync app, which works with both Alexa and the Google Assistant.

With a capacity of over 30 quarts, this Smart Cosori is an extra large air fryer. But in its defence, it was designed to take the place of a traditional oven. And, in that regard, the fryer is smaller and more compact than an oven (uses less energy too). Also crucial to note is that this gadget comes with a wide range of attachments. These include a crumb tray, food tray, fry basket, rotisserie, and wire rack.

PROS:

• Comes with 12 versatile functions (even ferment!) for easy cooking
• Smart controls, even voice, through VeSync app (compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant)
• Access to chef-created recipes which are updated monthly
• Non-stick interior makes for easy cleaning
• Can hold a substantial amount of food, inc. 13-inch pizza, 6 slices of toast, whole rotisserie chicken
• Interior light to easily check on your food

CONS:

• Can get quite hot, so can’t place under a cabinet
• Only the food tray is dishwasher safe
• Too big to fit on a standard countertop
• Air frying may take a bit longer compared to a standalone air fryer

Warranty: 1-year warranty

Best for Homeowners interested in oil-less fryers with advanced features. It has more pre-programmed settings than any other model, including one for fermenting.

Look at the price of the Cosori Smart Air Fryer now

What To Look For in an Oil Less Deep Fryer

Capacity

The first aspect you should consider entails food capacity. You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money buying one that’s not the right fit for you. Thus, consider the number of individuals you’ll be cooking for with this gadget. If you’re wondering, what size air fryer for a family of 4? Here are some general guidelines:

Size	Capacity	Serving
Small size air fryer	1 to 2 quarts	A single person
	2 to 3 quarts	At least two people
Medium size air fryers	3 to 4 quarts	4 people
	Up to 5 quarts	7 people
Large size air fryers	6 to 10 quarts	8 to 12 people
	> 16 quarts	20 or more people

Size

Equally important to consider is the size of your air fryer. Ideally, you should measure the amount of space available on your countertop. Once you have these measurements, you can start hunting for an air fryer that comfortably fits into that space.

Level of Noise

All air fryers are equipped with a fan, which is responsible for rotating the hot air that causes food to cook. The rotation of this fan during the cooking process generates noise. However, some air fryers are noisier than others, so ensure you test its noise level before purchasing it.

Preheating Time

If you want to get the most out of your air fryer, it’s crucial that you preheat it before cooking. Preheating allows the appliance to get hot. This way, the food starts cooking immediately you place it inside the fryer’s chamber.

Different oil-less fryers will have different preheating times. If you really want to shorten your cook time, ensure you pick a model that does not take too long to heat up.

Safety Features

Air fryers are generally safer to use compared to deep fryers. But even then, there are a few features you should look for to ensure maximum user safety:

• Automatic shut-off: Another safety mechanism you should look for is automatic shut-off. It ensures that food doesn’t overcook and that the fryer itself doesn’t get damaged from overheating.

• Slip-resistant base: A non-slip base is necessary to ensure the appliance doesn’t slip off from where it’s positioned.

• Lid lock: This attachment is meant to keep the fryer completely shut while it’s in operation. This way, there’s no risk of hot ingredients splashing out.

Additional Features

Rotisserie Accessories

Do you like grilled meats? If you do, be sure to invest in an air fryer with a rotisserie. This handy attachment lets you roast meat without having to purchase a rotisserie oven separately.

Digital controls

Air fryers equipped with digital controls might be more expensive compared to those with analog-style dials. But the convenience these digital controls offer is unparalleled. They’re easy to read and navigate, attributing to a user-friendly appliance.

Drip tray

A bottom tray is necessary to collect any fat or food particles that drip from food during the cooking process.

Dishwasher-safe components

Air fryers are already much easier to clean than their deep fryer counterparts. But if you want an appliance that’s incredibly easy to clean and maintain, then select one with dishwasher safe components.

Materials

You’ll also want to consider the material used to construct the air fryer’s basket, especially if you plan to cook at extremely high temperatures. The most common materials to choose from are stainless steel and nonstick (Teflon).

Here, no one material is superior to the other, so it depends on your tastes and preferences. Stainless steel is great if you’re cooking food at high temperatures. On the other hand, a nonstick surface is preferred if you’re preparing dishes that tend to stick to the cooking area.

Adjustable Wattage Control

Wattage has a direct impact on the length of time it takes to cook food. The rule of thumb is that the higher the fryer’s wattage, the faster the cooking time. If you’d like to be able to fine-tune this factor, look for a model that offers adjustable wattage control – the Nuwave Brios on this list both have this functionality.

Extra functions

If you are going to spend a chunk of money on an oil-less fryer, then you want to be sure that you’re getting the most out of it. Thus, check whether it has additional functions such as dehydrating and dough proofing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oil Less Air Fryers

Do you have to use oil in an air fryer?

No, you don’t. The whole point of using an oil-less air fryer is to eliminate the need for oil in your cooking. That said, you can always add a tiny amount of oil, if you want to add an extra crunchy finish to your food.

Do you need to preheat an air fryer?

Yes, it’s advisable to preheat your air fryer before cooking. This cuts back on the time it would take for food to cook.

What foods can you or can’t you cook in an air fryer?

Although certain foods become crunchy and succulent in an oil-less fryer, there are a few that get really messy. Here’s a simple guide on what you can or cannot cook using this appliance:

• CAN – frozen food, chicken parts, bacon, pastries like cookies, brussel sprouts
• CANNOT – broccoli, any food item that’s coated with wet batter, cheese, fresh greens

Crunch Time

The deep-frying cooking technique results in very yummy foods. But, the resulting dishes contain a ton of oil as well. Luckily, there’s one appliance that can help you achieve the crunchy texture of deep-fried food without using too much fat, that is, an oil-less fryer.

If you’re after a fairly compact oil-less air fryer with racks as well as a fryer basket, the Power XL Air Fryer Pro with its 6-quart capacity is perfect for a family of 4 and great for making everyday meals.

But if you don’t want to spend too much, the Nuwave Brio 6QT Digital Air Fryer is a popular basket-design fryer that’s a more purse-friendly alternative. On the same note, the GoWise Electric Fryer is a great option for large families.

If you’re interested in purchasing a really versatile air fryer and multicooker with a 3-year warranty, I recommend the Cuisinart TOA-60 Toaster Oven Airfryer. It strikes a great balance between design and functionality, making it a superb addition to your kitchen.