Looking for a healthier cooking alternative for your family of four? Consider investing in an air fryer! They are all the rage right now because they offer a healthier way to cook food. They use rapid air technology which causes hot air circulation to "air fry" food with little to no oil, resulting in a lower fat content.
But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for your family. There is no such thing as a perfect air fryer! Each one seems to be a little different so deciding which one might be best is mind-boggling. That's why we've done all the research for you!
How We Chose The Best Air Fryers For A Family Of Four
Our first two reviews below are for those with two separate baskets and the capability of cooking more than one type of food at the same time In our next three reviews, we look at those air fryers with only one large basket. Continue reading to learn more about these amazing little appliances that will help you air fry healthy food.
Trying to find the best one for your needs can be a daunting task. With so many different brands and models on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
We've done the hard work for you. By researching hundreds of articles and reviews, we've narrowed down the selection to the five best family-sized air fryers. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or something with more features, we've got you covered.
Why We Love It
Looking for a versatile air fryer that can do it all? Say hello to the Ninja DZ201 Foodi. This powerhouse appliance can roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate – perfect for whipping up family-sized meals or large batches of your favorite snacks.
Plus, it comes with two independent frying baskets so you can cook multiple items at once. And with its Match Cook and Smart Finish feature, you can be confident your food will come out perfectly cooked every time.
But the best part? The Ninja DZ201 Foodi is easy to clean – simply pop the crisper plates in the dishwasher and you're good to go.
What You Should Know
Are you a family of four trying to figure out how to cook multiple foods at the same time? Look no further than this dual-zone two-basket air fryer like the DualZone Technology from Ninja.
Imagine having your own distinct temperature and time control on each side, allowing you to air fry, air broil, air roast, bake, reheat, and even dehydrate all in one appliance.
One reviewer was disappointed in the true capacity stating that the baskets do hold 5 quarts each but with the trays inserted at the bottom the total volume was decreased and not a true 8 quarts.
However, he also stated that using this Ninja was a pleasurable experience in cooking food with its simplicity to use, great quality, and ease to clean with its dishwasher-safe parts.
With options like Smart Finish and Match Cook, you can easily cook two separate dishes that finish at the same time or make a large meal for the whole family. You can easily cook up delicious roasted veggies on one side and fish fillets on the other.
So say goodbye to the headache of cooking multiple dishes in the oven and using up excess oil from traditional frying methods. It's available in sleek gray so it'll fit right into any kitchen decor.
Why We Love It
The Instant Vortex Plus XL with an 8-quart capacity is the perfect kitchen appliance for those who want the best of both worlds. With its very favorable comparison to the Ninja DZ401 Foodi and its syncFinish and SyncCook features, you can be sure that your food will be cooked to perfection each and every time.
Additionally, the ClearCook windows allow you to see the food as it cooks, so you can monitor the progress and ensure that everything is coming along perfectly.
The light buttons above either drawer also illuminate the inside of the appliance as it cooks, so you can easily see what's going on. And with one-touch smart programs, this appliance is extremely easy to use - even for those who are new to cooking. Plus, the non-stick trays and baskets are dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze.
No matter what your cooking needs are, the Instant Vortex Plus XL is sure to exceed your expectations.
What You Should Know
When it comes to air fryers, it can be tough to choose a clear winner. Both the Ninja and the Vortex have received rave reviews from consumers for their ability to cook food evenly and efficiently.
However, there is one key difference that might make your decision easier: the size. The drawers in the Vortex are narrow and deep, meaning you can only fit a smaller amount of food at once compared to the Ninja DZ201 Foodi. This may not be a problem if you're cooking for just 1-2 people, but if you have a family of four or more, you may want to opt for the larger capacity of the Ninja.
Ultimately, both are excellent options, so just consider your own cooking needs before making a decision.
Next, we'll take a look at those with single baskets yet can cook enough food for your family.
Why We Love It
The COSORI Dual Blaze with 6.8 quarts capacity is the smartest and most innovative one on the market. With its VeSync app, you can control this Cosori remotely using your smartphone, Alexa, or Google Assistant. The dual blaze feature ensures even cooking temperatures with its dual heating elements and automatic temperature control. This product is also programmable so you can customize and save up to 12 cooking functions. The roomy basket helps reduce food stacking and makes cleanup a breeze. With all of these amazing features, the COSORI Dual Blaze Air Fryer just may be the perfect addition to your kitchen.
What You Should Know
Keep in mind that dual blaze doesn't mean there are two baskets.
Are you tired of scrubbing dishes after every meal? Look no further than this Cosori air fryer– it's dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. Plus, with the VeSync app, you can scan and cook recipes all with the touch of a button. And you can easily cook enough food for your family with this air fryer in much less cooking time.
Even though the instructions say "no shake" on some meals, you may want to shake or flip the food midway through cooking for optimal crispiness. However, the air outlets on both sides assure that it evenly distributes heat.
Before purchasing, make sure to measure your cabinets – this Cosori air fryer is great for a family of four, but it may not fit in smaller counter space.
Overall, this Cosori Dual Blaze is a convenient and easy way to cook your favorite meals without all the hassle of cleaning up afterward since it is dishwasher safe.
Paula Deen Stainless Steel 10-Qt Digital
Features Touchscreen Control Panel - Easy to Use!
Why We Love It
Southern cooking queen Paula Deen has done it again with her 10-quart digital air fryer. This behemoth of a machine has not only more preset cooking functions than any of her other models but also a large basket that can accommodate family-sized meals. The touchscreen control panel with its LED display is easy and simple to use, and the ceramic non-stick coating makes cleaning very easy. Whether you're frying up some chicken or fish, or just want to bake a big batch of fries, the Paula Deen Stainless Steel 10-Quart is perfect for any occasion.
What You Should Know
This Paula Deen air fryer is available in blue, red, or stainless steel. (We loved the snazzy red.)
With 10 preset cooking functions and an adjustable timer and temperature, you can customize your dish to perfection. And thanks to the automatic shut-off on the timer, you never have to worry about food getting overcooked. The LED display adds a modern touch, while also making it easy to navigate through the different settings. And, this air fryer does come with a recipe book so you can enjoy Paula's famous recipes.
One reviewer mentioned a lack of presets for cooking certain meats, but fear not - the adjustable time and temperature settings allow for maximum versatility in your cooking options.
Why We Love It
Looking for a larger air fryer that can accommodate a family of four? The Ultrean Air Fryer, 9-Quart XL Oven is the perfect solution. This air fryer is easy to clean, with a digital display that is bright and easy to read. The touchscreen makes it easy to navigate, and the bargain price makes it a great value for your money.
What You Should Know
The Ultrean is also one of the best air fryers we found with its versatility. It is a 14” tall convection oven! With 360-degree air circulation and 6 preset options. It will cook your favorite foods quickly with little or no oil.
And don't worry about an initial odor - just follow the instructions to "break in" your air fryer by air frying a lemon a couple of times before first use.
One thing to note, though, at 14 inches tall, this air fryer may not fit under cabinets on your countertop, so be sure to measure your available space before purchasing.
Bertie's FAQ & Guide Section
A lot of people are hesitant to buy a product without knowing more about it. They want to be sure that they're making the right decision. It can be hard to find the answers, especially if you're not sure what to ask.
We've compiled a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions we uncovered during our research so that you can learn more about the best air fryers before making your purchase. This should help you without having to search through a bunch of different sources.
How Do Air Fryers Work?
An air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food. This causes the surface of the food to heat up and create a crispy crust, while the interior remains moist and juicy.
The best air fryers come with a non-stick coating, which is safe to use. However, it's important to keep in mind that high temperatures can cause some of the chemicals in Teflon to release into the air. If you're concerned about this, you can buy one with a ceramic coating instead.
Are Air Fryers Healthy?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The overall healthiness of how an air fryer cooks depends on what you're cooking in them. However, they can certainly be a healthy alternative to deep frying, as they use significantly less oil.
That said, it's important to remember that air fryers are still high in calories, so it's best not to overdo it with them. Try cooking lighter meals like grilled chicken or fish in your air fryer instead of heavier dishes like French fries or chicken wings. By doing this, you'll get the benefits of air frying without all the extra calories.
Is Today’s Teflon Safe?
There is some concern about the safety of Teflon, but so far there is no evidence that it is harmful. Teflon is made from a synthetic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and it has been used in cookware for decades without any known health problems.
However, PTFE can release tiny particles into the air when it's heated. These particles can cause health problems if they are inhaled, so it's important to keep your kitchen clean and well-ventilated when you're cooking with Teflon pans.
What Cooking Spray Is Best?
There are a few different types of cooking spray that can be used in an air fryer. The most important factor is to use a cooking spray that is oil-based and not water-based. Water-based cooking sprays will cause the food to splatter and will not produce as crispy of a result.
Some popular choices for cooking spray include Pam Cooking Spray, Avocado Oil Cooking Spray, and Coconut Oil Cooking Spray. experiment with different types to see which one you like best!
How Do You Make The Best French Fries?
There are a few things you can do to make the best fries:
- Cut the potatoes into thin, even slices so that they cook evenly. We highly recommend the Ninja Food Processor.
- Soak the potatoes in cold water for about 15 minutes before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the potatoes. This will help them cook faster and more evenly.
- Cook the fries at a high temperature (around 400 degrees F) for about 15 minutes.
Voila! Crispy fries without deep frying in oil!
How Do You Make The Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings?
The best way to make chicken wings in an air fryer is by marinating them in a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter before cooking.
If you want to make extra-crispy wings, you can also coat them in some flour, salt, and pepper before cooking. Be sure to shake off any excess flour before placing them in the air fryer.
Cook the wings at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
How Do You Choose The Best Air Fryer?
When looking for the best air fryer, you'll want to consider the size of the unit, the features it offers, and how much food it can cook at once. You also want to make sure that the air fryer has a temperature control so that you can adjust the heat depending on what you're cooking.
Some other things to keep in mind are whether or not the air fryer comes with a recipe book, and if it's easy to clean. Ultimately, the best air fryer is going to be one that meets your needs and fits comfortably in your kitchen cooking space.
What Are The Disadvantages Of An Air Fryer?
There are a few disadvantages of air fryers. The first is that they can be a bit bulky, so they might not be ideal for small kitchens if you don't have much extra cooking space. They can also be a bit noisy, and the fan can make it difficult to hear someone speaking in the same room. Finally, they can be expensive compared to other kitchen appliances.
So what may be the best air fryer for you and your family?
Now that you know the main differences between these five top-of-the-line air fryers, it’s time to make a decision for your own home. You might also be interested in reading our information article on the different types of air fryers and guide to keeping your air fryer well maintained.
If you’re looking for an air fryer with dual drawers so you can cook multiple items at once, our #1 choice is the Ninja DZ201 Foodi. However, if you want an air fryer with a single basket that provides more space for larger meals, we chose the Cosori Dual Blaze with the VeSync App as your go-to option.
Always keep in mind when shopping where you will be placing your new air fryer and make sure you have enough counter space to accommodate it - both depth, width, and height measurements are important.
It's also important to get a heat resistant mat to place under your new air fryer to protect your counter top from any excessive heat it may produce from the bottom.
No matter which one you choose, we know you and your family will love having an air fryer in your kitchen! Bon appetite!
Check out our article on grilling with Air Fryer Grilling pans for super grilling experiences with your new air fryer!
Bertie Bee
And for delicious recipes? Yummm - finger-licking good!
Bertie Bee
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