The Ultimate Air Fryer Guide: 2023 Edition | Gear Heads
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- Air fryers are all the rage, and for good reason. The best models cook food quickly and efficiently. We cooked thousands of french fries and more than 50 pounds of chicken to answer one question: Which air fryer reigns supreme?
Buy our winning air fryer: bit.ly/3R4Dc2l
Buy our best-buy air fryer: bit.ly/4aImrBb
Make our Air-Fryer Zucchini Fries recipe: bit.ly/3j1fiY5
Buy our winning whisk: bit.ly/4516u7S
Buy our winning Disposable Paper Liners: bit.ly/3yxE6hu
Buy our winning Silicone Liners: bit.ly/3UZOYwc
Follow Lisa on Instagram: / lisam_atk
Follow Hannah on Instagram: / hannah_crow. .
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I was told getting older would be boring but this really gets me going
😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂❤😂😂
Nice🤣👍🏿
😂 x2
Just fyi, the smart technology that works with Alexa is great for visually impaired people. The Cosori Pro 3 is issued to blind veterans through blind rehab. It’s the air fryer of choice for the rehabs. Not dangerous hot oils to deal with and programmable by voice.
One thing that I love about America's Test Kitchen is that they really do stand by their recommendations. You will very often see recommended products being used in videos long after they attained that status. Case in point: The sponge Hannah used to demonstrate cleaning an air fryer heating element is an O-Cedar Scrunge, ATK's top pick for kitchen sponges.
Ive gone with many of their recommendations, after having issues with products and they are spot on everytime!
What about scrub daddy??
Truee I actually just watched that vid, it's refreshing and validates their choices a lot more!
They don't happen to sell them on their store do they 😅😅🤣
They review sponges?? I guess they review dish soap as well😅
I have the winner, from the makers of Instant Pot, and I love it. 5 slices of thick-cut bacon at 350 degrees F for 9 minutes is perfectly crisp and the extra grease is contained underneath the basket grating. No need to pre-heat or turn the bacon. Just put it in cold and go. Easy clean up, too.
These two are my favorite food reviewers . I love how they are very well informed and concise. They focus on the important aspects of cooking to improve utility and convenience for cook. They are fantastic
I waited a while and Instant Pot came out with a dual zone with a removable divider. You can cook two different things with different settings and have them sync the end time. Take out the divider and the basket is huge. It is 9qts. Love it.
On your recommendation, I purchased an Instant pot air fryer. Best purchase I’ve made in a while! Easy to use, easy to clean, does a great job. Thank you!!!
Same here. Great purchase and great machine! 😁
Same! I’ve used a few others (borrowed), but the Instant is amazing.
I did too. It's awesome:)
In the market for a new one! It is loud when in use?
What’s the name?
Airfryer is great for making onsen eggs, set a low temperature 80 degrees celsius and then 17-20 mins and you have eggs that you can keep for later. You can always adjust the temps and timings to your own liking, no messing with hot and cold water baths and less variables with more eggs.
I live by myself, and since I got an Air Fryer a few months ago, I have not used my oven once. I used your last ATK video as a guide and got the one that was best for me. Sure, it takes up a lot of counter real estate, but to be able to fire everything in the basket and only have to shake it once is a game changer. I really haven't used any recipes, as I just adapted what works in an oven, to my air fryer. Also, the whole "pre-heat" thing is pointless. I found it makes no difference at all. Thanks to everyone at ATK for constantly doing the dirty work so we don't have to!🧡🧡🧡
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Which one did you get?
@@ellieb3930 I got the Cosori Pro 2. It's a
nice size for me and works great.
Everything I've cooked in this unit has come out great czcams.com/users/postUgkxD4Qeo-HRLxMfom_PDinM_SBfes00qJsB ! Everything tastes so good. Some of the recipes I've changed a little to improve the taste. For instance, for french fries which call for no oil, I spray them with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. They come out great! It makes the best toast I have ever eaten. The recipe I use calls for lightly buttering both sides of the bread. It calls for cooking at 400 degrees for 5 minutes on one side and then 2 minutes on the other side. This time has a lot to do with the kind of bread you are using...so keep an eye on it. Also, the fans in this Ninja are a lot stronger than other air fryers. So lay a metal spoon or something on the bread to keep it from flying around. It's a little extra work to use your Ninja as a toaster but it is worth it!
I don't use the liners in my Instant Vortex Plus 6 quart.... clean up is so quick and easy; I believe that hand washing the unit is quicker and cheaper than using liners.
You guys are the best! Never steered me wrong yet! This summer i purchased the Instant Air Fryer and it has been revolutionary. First off, I don’t have AC so in the summer it was amazing to be able to cook so many things without heating up the house. So fast to heat up frozen rolls without waiting for the big oven to get to temperature. Best grill cheese sandwiches I have ever made. No burning. I actually did not bother using my propane grill because the temp was so controlled the summer hamburgers were perfect every time without needing to run outside checking only to find I crisped them too much. I was so impressed I have since bought three more of these units for family members and everyone is as pleased as I have been. Thanks for the new extra tips.
They're amazing if you need to keep the temp down. You don't have to preheat and the fryer turns off on its own, too. They're a miracle especially if you're AuDHD like me or my sister. She kept leaving the stove on at like 450°f for 24+ hours and I just wouldn't bake anything at all because it took too long to heat up
I got a ninja foodi oven and bake all kinds of stuff in it, muffins, biscuits, cookies, tons of pizzas. Plus we use it for typical air fryer stuff like fries and vegan chicken all the time
I watched a LOT of you tube videos about air fryers to help me decide what brand was best. In the end, I decided why do I really need one. Messy and takes up real estate in the kitchen. But this video has set me back on the trail. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Those paper liners are awesome. Especially for things like chicken thighs. Clean up is a breeze.
I paid about $40 for my Gourmia - huge noon-stick basket, easy controls, full functions including dehydrate. Best Buy ever!!
What about dual baskets?
One thing I really enjoy about our Vortex that wasn't mentioned here is the dehydrator function. Dehydrated pineapple chunks from the freezer are like candy. Steep dehydrated citrus and peppers in some cheap tequila for a few days to transform it into a delicious sweet, tart, spicy sipping liquor.
I have a ninja oven-style one but a year or two ago I had that model and gave it to my then boyfriend, which I'm mad about now
Get's an air fryer, uses it for drinking...
Hi, great segment. One suggestion about digital controls…I have a blind friend who likes to cook but helping her shop for appliances that have controls she can operate is frustrating. We apply labels when we can, but analog controls make her life a lot easier. If you could keep her needs in your criteria list as an option, it would be so appreciated.
Try voice activated through Alexa. It’s what the blind rehabs issue. Cosori Pro 3.
@@lizgander9172 Thank you. My friend uses voice activated instructions/controls where she can. HOWEVER, all the instructions available via phone and Alexa apps don't help if the appliances have only visual (ie., digital) controls. She gets around town (ordering rideshare), reads her mail (paper as well as electronic) and for many years has taught visually impaired how to navigate efficiently in their lives. All that being said, if she buys a new appliance, the
are a big issue and not all have voice activated through Alexa or iPhone. It's time America's Test Kitchen thinks a bit more broadly when they're doing their tests.
It would be super helpful to have an audio option seeing as it is digital. I think audio should be a standard option in most appliances seeing most are digital. A lot of people are hard of hearing and hearing often "decrease" with age (trying to be sensitive 😊).
I have an instant pot air fryer. It is a work horse that has not broken down after years of use and often some stretches daily use.
I got a Vortex Plus and did their suggested "burn in" process but still for the first week and a half or so of use it stank up the house with hot plastic smell. Porous foods like tater tots and fries even got the hot plastic taste. Lots of other people online complained of the same issue, and some even had their machines replaced with mixed results. Mine has finally cleared up, but I was very close to returning it.
Me too. Sent the first Instant Omni Oven back, plus it arrived cosmetically marred. Now the second still smells after running dry on the patio for 2 hours. I’ll keep at. Not trying it in my kitchen yet.
@@quix66hiya22 I'd say I was probably 4 hours total cooking time by the time it cleared up on my plus
There are air fryers which don't give strong smell even from first uses. But yeah I've read many negative comments about smell of Instant pot.
Yep it was nasty. I went through a couple of cooking cycles and still stank. Then I saw someone say that you should use lemon juice and water. I ran that a couple of times which seemed to get rid of the smell.
Is the plastic smell off gassing potentially toxic fumes into the food and air?
Cosori 5.8qt has all the good things as the instant pot, and more. It’s basket can be lifted, especially useful when pouring out food without having the extra oil at the bottom.
I was going to get the instant model you recommended, but they had a sale for 30% off $150 or more! So I ended up getting the upgraded model with lighted window for about the same price
Where
I saw the window model but I was concerned about the cleaning the window, since the plus is all teflon and super easy to clean.
@@sw6559 I have no problems with plastic smells. Have you actually witnessed this or going by people claiming on the internet?
@@sw6559 Plastic smells burns off very quickly.
LOVE my lighted window. I've had mine for over a year and it's still just as perfect as it was when I first got it. Enjoy!
My choice was the Cosori Dual Blaze. It’s perfect for 2 of us 👍🏼
I totally agree with your choice! I have owned three other models of air fryers and the Cosori Dual Blaze is the best! No more turning food over halfway through the cooking time and it reheats food like a charm. I have two silicone ridged bottom pans that I use so clean up is even easier. I waited until the price dropped by $60.00 during Black Friday sales on Amazon.
Your Gear Heads segments are my absolute favorite on ATK!
Thank you!
I have the Instant air fryer. I like it a lot. Marinated chicken thighs, 395 degrees for about 24 minutes. That tastes really great, and those thighs are cooked to perfection.
Wish I'd watched your original review before I bought the Cuisinart (I forget the name but it looks like an industrial version of an EZ Bake Oven, which made me happy). That thing is a PITA to clean! Especially when you have teenagers who like to cook but occasionally aren't so good with the cleanup. I think I'll send it off with them when they move out and buy myself one of these.
Me too. Brand new, unused Instant Omni Plus oven but too late now as I’ve done the test. 😢 And it still smells like plastic.
Me three! I bought the Instant Vortex with the rotisserie. Epic fail! It died so I was able to replace it with the one recommended here and I ❤it.
Thank you for all the info especially the safety of the nonstick surface
On your recommendation we purchased the recommend air fryer last year. So far no real complaints , it works welll but we recently got an oven with an air fryer options and to be honest it works way better. You don't have to pre heat, you can set the temp higher than 400 and you can do way bigger batches. The down side is that it is a $5,000.00 oven.
If I'm cooking something extremely greasy (see bacon-wrapped hot dogs) I use pre-cut aluminum sheets, the kind that takeout places wrap food in (see burritos). It doesn't hinder the crispiness of the food because I make sure that I flip each one 1/2 way thru. Quick containment of the mess and easy clean-up, toss the foil in the trash. And it makes cleaning the drawer quick and easy.
Can you tell us where you bought this foil🙏
@@ruthtorphy2204 Restaurant supply stores that sell to the public typically have it.
Will be Lincoln logging my veggies from now on! Great tips!
Just purchased the upgrade instant pot air fryer for $99 (41% off!) on your recommendation. This is my first air fryer and I am looking forward to trying it.
Thanks for going back to the old style reviews. I buy what I want or need based on Lisa's recommendations.
I got a ninja multicooker. It is affordable and does literally everything (air fryer, pressure cooker, rice cooker, frying pan) and it really does everything well. It is a great tool for small kitchens.
My brother did the research and actually purchased this Insta Vortex for me as a Christmas gift. I love it. It is so easy to use and clean.
1st time buyers, you'll want the air fryer with the lighted window! And DON'T get the oven-style for all their stated reasons. When shopping, I start with the ATK Amazon link and looked around from there for size and feature upgrades that might work better in my situation. Found the 6qt Instant Vortex (DRAWER) model with the window and lighted interior. Added bonus, they had it on a Prime members sale for $129 ($30 off, it was Christmas time 2021) Window and light makes all the difference! The light is bright enough so you get full illumination of the food for accurate judging color and texture in doness and browning. Also saves from constantly opening and closing the drawer to check it when you are trying something new and unsure of how long to cook it before the next step (such as stirring or turning.) or before its done. We've had it for over a year and surprise!, found it the go-to cooking appliance when cooking for two. Fast cooking, easy cleanup, foods cook crispy, juicy while containing any splatter inside the drawer and not all over the stovetop. Its bigger than the appliances you are used to having on the counter but if you have an L- shaped counter like we do, it fits nicely in that otherwise unused deep corner countertop space, facing out for easy access and pushed back out of the main countertop traffic when not in use.
This has been the best episode in a long time! Love seeing used to work together!
I love my Ninja Foodi Grill XXL. I find my self shopping for new foods to cook in it all the time.
I own the Breville smart oven air with all the functions. I use a thin disposable aluminum flat tray and I put parchment paper on top put my food to air fry I don’t use the basket, and my food comes out perfect
I have a dual blaze Cosori, nice size for roasting a chicken and no need to preheat or stop and shake half way through as there are two elements…..love this machine!
❤ I bought your recommended Instant pot model last year and love it. A big benefit is that my kids are learning to cook because of it. The intuitive controls and safety features are key. Easy cleaning is also a bonus. Great advice. Thanks.
Excellent information. I have been using an air fryer ever since they first came out and I learned something new. One question I have wondered for years and which you never addressed is this... Should you preheat your air fryer... I have always preheat for 5 minutes but wondered if it is really necessary.
Also, I would have appreciated hearing how much of a cost saving on electricity using this appliance rather than a conventional oven really is.
Love your Channel. Always informative as well as educational. 🙏🇬🇧
After about 7yrs, and well over 1000 meals - and probably just as many snacks, my GoWise USA air fryer (I named it R2Dfood) died last night. It wasn't the fault of the unit, either. My son was using R2 during a nasty thunderstorm in the area - there was a power blip (pretty sure it was Force lightning) and R2Dfood was killed. We will hold services tonight but in the meantime I am here researching a suitable replacement. It will not be easy to replace my reliable R2 unit but I am glad ATK is always here to help.
Excellent video! Thanks very much!
Great informative video! Thank you!
You guys are great. I really appreciate and enjoy your honest feedback on all the things you make and devices you use. Cheers to you
I was pretty anti-Air fryer for a while unto Mike from Pro home cooks finally convinced me. Everything he was cooking was a single guy like me ate. I ended up getting the Cosori Double burner model. I use it all the time now.
Great choice! 👍🏻
If my Mother had not bought it and dumped it on me, I would have been in your camp. It was love at first bight 😊. I am grateful to my Mother because I would have missed out so much.
It can be overwhelming choosing though, so thanks for the recommendations.
I have an Instant vortex and I have to reduce the temp and time to cook things properly (without burning), also it out-gasses every time I use it. It is convenient to use other wise.
Thank you! Very helpful 😊
I thought to myself today "I really want an airfrier to use in the summer months. I bet America's Test Kitchen has a 2023 Best Air Fryer guide." And here we are. I love you guys!
Did the same exact thing today!
Great review by Lisa! You really know what youre talking about and explain things so well!
The vortex is great. I'd actually like more recipes to be tested with air friers in mind. I'm looking at the fried calamari recipe that came out a few months ago!
Love you two and all of your presentations
Thorough review and great speakership.
The two of you are my favorite!
Thanks again... I'm so glad you all did an update. And happy to see I made a great choice based on the first review...
I love my smart air fryer, I put chicken in it in the morning, and start cooking it when I leave from work! It's especially yummy with a marinade since it has time to like... marinate.
Do you leave a defrosted chicken in the airfryer? Is there any health risk with leaving raw chicken out so long?
I like when the cleaning lady walks by and looks in the window at 3:20. Hello cleaning lady!
You gals are doing great in your presentations. Something Consumer Reports should've done.
Thanks so much for the info! I bought the Vortex Plus on y'all's recommendation from last year and could not be more pleased with it. Glad to see it's still y'all's pick. Best!
Honestly I would have loved to see some clam-shell air fryers evaluated. I have a Ninja Foodie Grill XL and I love it. The added thermometer that even works for carry over cooking is inspired
I got the instant pot air fryer free on Facebook market place. The handle was broken off. I brought it home and used super glue and you can’t see it. Have been using it for about a year. I love it.
Great tips! Bought the Vortex plus with the window, love it!
I've been using a 5.8 quart Cosori air fryer for almost 3 years now. It can handle a whole chicken just over 5 pounds. Advice, with tongs and a long handle fork, flip it over after 20 or so minutes so to get good cooking on the back side, for about 15 minutes, then flip it back over, breast side up for crisping the breast skin and take the temp. As far as clean up with other meals, there are wire racks with 1 inch legs. Just crimp some aluminum foil with edges underneath for a 'drip pan'. Easier clean-up.
I got the instant vortex based on your recommendation!! I love it
Hell yes! BRING ON THE REVIEWS! HYPED
Love the gear heads series. I'd like to see how air fryers that are combined with other appliances (microwave, oven, etc.) stack up against the standalone products. Something like the Blackstone griddle with air fryer combo. I'd imagine they're probably not as good, but it'd still be a helpful comparison.
Agree! ATK, please do a toaster/air fryer combo review!
Really enjoyed this and convinced me to get the Instapot with the window. Thanks!
I love my Cosori Dual Blaze Air Fryer.
Hannah and her colleague are excellent presenters. Thank you
I've had my vortex plus for a few months and love it. Thanks for sharing how to clean around the heating element. Mine has started to get some build up there and the manual doesn't mention it. The basket is so incredibly easy to clean in this model, only ever takes me like just a minute or two to clean.
Did you face the plastic smell?
I just bought the insta brand air fryer, and it’s so awesome! It was an upgrade from one given to us by my in-laws. Cooks better, love the pre-heat and stopping for turning and immediately going back to work (instead of having to reset it), and has so much room! Things that’s used to take 2+ batches is now easily 1 batch. So far found no cons to this air fryer.
YES! I have had the Insta Pot for almost 2 years.
I love it. Big drawer!
Very easy to use, too.
I use the re-heat function alot.
Thanks for these great tips. I would like to see you evaluate full size ovens with the air fryer feature. I recently had to buy a new stove and my new oven has this feature. I am pleased with it so far but I have nothing to compare it to since this is my first air fryer experience.
Love that your actually testing these products
I have gone through 5 airfryers and have your winner (for at least 2 years!) I love it. Does so much more then just air frying. I had a similar model to your runner up and had to stop using it as the handle is actually attached to the inside basket, so when removing to just shake a bit half way through the bottom basket would detach at fall off. DANGEROUS!!!
Morning ATK 😋
Salutations from California
This video is soooo helpful!
Thanks again, ladies. I am looking forward to trying your suggestions when I am finally in my new home and open up my Christmas gift (late, I know!). My first air fryer was a 2.5 qt. Cosori, and I loved it, but it was too small, even for just me & my hubby. So I got a 5.5 qt. Cosori, and am anxiously awaiting both my new home and using my new, larger air fryer. I don’t believe I’ve seen you review the Cosori model, but I like the brand just fine. I am hopeful the basket will be significantly large enough to do meals for two in it. I am looking forward to ATK’s recipe book for air fryers, too.
Big Instant Pot fan here, so I'm happy to hear that their other products also do well.
I've been looking all over the net for tips on using racks in air fryers, particularly non stick air fryers. I've got an air fryer recently and want to add a level to it, but the racks are all metal, and the air fryer is non-stick. I wondered if getting a silicone mat would be a good idea to prevent the metal feet of the rack chipping the non-stick coating of the bottom grille. nothing about this on the net, even though they are a very common accessory, and can double the size of your cooking.
Thank you for this review. I am happy that the recommendations did not change because, as you pointed out, it makes them stronger ❤.
I absolutely appreciated the tips! And I am thrilled that you have a team dedicated to air frying. Where, or how, do we access your recipes please? I would love a cooking channel (or at least a series that is added to when new recipes are created) dedicated to air frying ❤.
Thank you
This is very informative. Thank you
I held off on getting an air fryer for a long time, but ended up with the Cosori Dual Blaze, which I love. If it gets particularly dirty, I add some water to the basket and turn the air fryer on for two minutes, dump the hot water and then wash it with soap and water. Though if it's greasy, like when I make bacon, I first wipe the basket out with paper towel (usually the one I used to pat the fat off the bacon). It makes clean up a breeze.
How is it I want to get it but I don't wanna end up being 1 with a burnt apartment cosori recall
How great to watch a much more professional video, with no music & at a slower pace, I am impressed! I just sent my air fryer back as it was reportedly a fire risk, the Costori model CP158.AF, I am looking for it’s replacement!
I bought the one from Costco on sale for $40. I’m love it. It could be larger, I want to say it’s 9X9, but otherwise is great.
I bought the two-drawer 8qt Instant Pot model, with see-through windows on each drawer. I like it.
I got rid of my air fryer and bought an oven with convection and air fry settings. Best thing ever.
My next oven will have a convection/air fryer feature. I love my Insta Vortex air fryer, but I don't have space for so many single purpose appliances.
Very informative! Thanks girls.
Thank you for the depth and breadth of the information about which air fryers and why. Just ordered your winner and am excited to try. Also helped to know that there is a bit of a learning curve.
A buddy of mine gave me his old air fryer because he just got a bigger one. Used an air fryer for the first time the other night and it’s excellent. I’m always warming up small portions of food and muffins, biscuits and bread, and this made things so much easier. It sucks I haven’t thought about buying one in the past. And I like how even the best ones, are super inexpensive.. I would’ve thought these would be 300$ or more for the best top rated one but these are extremely affordable.
Thank you 👍👍👍. I just bought your Top Choice Instant Vortex brand per your recommendation. I’ll be setting it up this weekend & using for first time. (Going with parchment liner.)
Bought the instant pot vortex, love it.
Here’s a question to which I could use an answer: if we have an oven with a convection feature, can we use that instead of an air fryer? Maybe a video highlighting how best to use convection for a variety of foods, including “fried” foods, would be useful for people like me? (I have watched a number of videos from British cooks and bakers, and they regularly offer oven settings in both regular and, as they call it, “fan” mode.)
Hi I’m from Scotland our ovens can be confusing. We have 3 kinds gas that will use gas mark for setting temps then traditional convection ovens with no fan they will need to heat up to a higher temp to cook food as there’s no fan to circulate the heat. So generally a 210°c on convection can be adjusted down to 190° for fan oven without any noticeable difference to colour of food when done. Ovens with fans are more standard now. But all our pre packed food has instructions for ovens with or without fans. If it’s say frozen pizza 190°c is fine for fan oven any hotter it will be cremated.
I should’ve also said worst thing about any oven is waiting for it to heat up. Sure you can cook a greater amount of food but u may have to rotate trays if doing 2 or 3 trays of food to ensure even cooking. My oven is barely on since buying an air fryer.
@@laurameakin We are fortunate to have moved into a house that has two in-wall electric ovens, one larger and one smaller. It's a somewhat older unit - that is, if the control board ever finally goes it's not replace-able - but both ovens heat up quickly enough for us. So, we're interested in any/all convection oven-air fryer crossover recipes /cooking methods.
If you don’t have the manuals for your ovens, try to find a copy on line. The manual will answer a lot of your questions about the best way to use the convection mode.
Bought my Vortex Plus based on your recommendation and am very happy with it. Thank you. I don't like the fact that the OFF light stays on.
I have a Gormia air fryer 7qt from Costco. It was 39.99 it works great.
Ordering the instant pot fryer now with your link, THANKS!!
Very informative. Wanted to mention on the silicone liner that for me I do like the fact that it might help with cleanup but I would mostly want to use it to keep my food from touching teflon.
I purchased a Salton Flip and Cook because it has a glass drawer. The drawer is very heavy and it's a smaller air fryer, for one or two people, but I love it. I can glance at the drawer from any angle and watch the cooking process and, no more plastic smell. Probably the weight of the drawer will be a con for a lot of people, but it doesn't bother me, I just support it with my free hand. It does a great job and glass is always easy to clean.
Great advice on the paper liner ! I put the liner while preheat and it started a fire