Air fryer toaster ovens have become a staple in modern kitchens, combining the convenience of traditional toaster ovens with the health benefits of air frying. With their ability to cook food quickly and evenly while using less oil, these appliances are ideal for anyone looking to enjoy healthier meals without sacrificing flavor. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top seven picks for air fryer toaster ovens available in 2024, each selected based on performance, versatility, and overall value.
Overview of Current Air Fryer Toaster Ovens Trends
The trend towards healthier cooking has surged, making air fryer toaster ovens incredibly popular among home cooks. These innovative appliances allow for a variety of cooking methods, including air frying, baking, broiling, and toasting. As a result, many brands are expanding their lines to include models that offer multiple functions in one unit. This versatility is appealing to consumers who want to maximize their kitchen space while still being able to prepare a wide array of dishes.
In recent years, we’ve also seen advancements in technology that enhance the functionality of air fryer toaster ovens. Many newer models are equipped with smart features such as digital controls, preset cooking programs, and even compatibility with mobile apps. These features make it easier than ever to achieve perfect cooking results, regardless of your skill level in the kitchen. Furthermore, eco-friendly designs and materials are becoming a priority, with more manufacturers focusing on creating energy-efficient products that are PFAS free.
With the ongoing evolution of air fryer toaster ovens, it’s an exciting time for culinary enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to whip up crispy fries, bake delicious cookies, or roast a whole chicken, there’s an air fryer toaster oven that can meet your needs and elevate your cooking experience.
Importance of Choosing the Right Air Fryer Toaster Ovens
Versatility in Cooking Functions
When selecting an air fryer toaster oven, versatility is one of the most critical factors to consider. The best air fryer toaster ovens offer multiple cooking functions beyond just frying; they can bake, broil, toast, and even dehydrate food. This means that you can use them for various recipes, from baking bread to preparing crispy chicken wings.
The more versatile an air fryer toaster oven is, the more likely it will be used regularly, justifying its purchase. For example, my Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven has 8 cooking options, allowing me to experiment with different styles of cooking without needing multiple appliances cluttering my countertop.
Capacity and Size
Another important factor is the capacity and size of the air fryer toaster oven. Depending on your household size or the type of meals you typically prepare, you’ll want to choose an oven that suits your cooking needs. Larger models are great for families or entertaining guests, as they can accommodate whole chickens or larger batches of food.
On the other hand, if you have limited counter space, a smaller unit might be more appropriate. For instance, I recently tested out the COSORI 11-in-1 Air Fryer Oven, which has a compact design but still offers ample cooking space for everyday meals. Finding the right balance between size and capacity ensures that your air fryer toaster oven fits seamlessly into your kitchen setup.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Ease of use is crucial when it comes to any kitchen appliance. Look for air fryer toaster ovens with intuitive controls, clear displays, and preset cooking functions. This feature not only makes cooking easier but also encourages experimentation in the kitchen, allowing you to try new recipes.
Cleaning is another vital aspect to keep in mind. An air fryer toaster oven with removable parts and non-stick surfaces will save you significant time and effort after cooking. For example, the Ninja Flip Toaster OvenAir Fryer I’ve used has a removable crumb tray and dishwasher-safe accessories, making cleanup a breeze after preparing a meal.
Safety Features
Safety should always be a priority when using kitchen appliances. Look for air fryer toaster ovens that have built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off, cool-touch exteriors, and non-slip feet. These features help prevent accidents and ensure a safe cooking environment.
For instance, the Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Stainless Steel Air Fryer I tested includes a safety lock to prevent accidental opening while cooking. Such safety enhancements provide peace of mind, especially for families with children or pets.
Budget Considerations
Lastly, budget is an essential factor when choosing an air fryer toaster oven. While there are high-end models with advanced features, several affordable options perform exceptionally well. It’s essential to find a good balance between price and the features you need.
I’ve found that investing slightly more in a reliable brand often pays off in terms of durability and performance. For example, the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven I purchased may have been a bit pricier, but its efficient cooking capabilities and extensive presets make it worth every penny.
Top Picks Table
| Product Name | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, TOA-70 | $179.95 | Buy Now |
| Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer | $169.99 | Buy Now |
| Ninja Flip Toaster Oven Air Fryer SP151 | $149.99 | Buy Now |
| COSORI 11-in-1 Air Fryer Oven | $99.90 | Buy Now |
| Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven | $142.49 | Buy Now |
| Nuwave Bravo XL Pro with Grill Combo | $139.99 | Buy Now |
| Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Stainless Steel Air Fryer | $164.31 | Buy Now |
Detailed Reviews of Each Product
1. Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, TOA-70
The Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven is one of my top choices due to its impressive capabilities and sleek design. It allows for baking, grilling, broiling, and warming, making it exceptionally versatile. I’ve used it to prepare everything from homemade pizzas to perfectly roasted vegetables, and the results are consistently excellent.
The adjustable temperature control is easy to use, and the large capacity allows me to cook multiple servings at once. Additionally, the stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. Cleaning up is straightforward since the non-stick interior wipes clean easily.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile cooking options | Slightly bulky design |
| Easy to clean | Doesn’t have a rotisserie function |
2. Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer
The Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer is another fantastic option for those who love entertaining. Its generous capacity allows me to cook large meals effortlessly, and the French doors make accessing food a breeze. I was particularly impressed by how evenly it cooked everything, from air-fried wings to baked desserts.
This model comes with several accessories, including a rotisserie kit, which I found incredibly useful. The user-friendly interface simplifies the cooking process, while Emeril’s signature recipes add inspiration. However, it does take up considerable counter space, so be cautious if you have a small kitchen.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large capacity for big meals | Takes up more counter space |
| Includes rotisserie kit | Needs some time to preheat |
3. Ninja Flip Toaster Oven Air Fryer SP151
My experience with the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven Air Fryer has been nothing short of delightful. The unique flip-up design is brilliant for saving counter space. It provides impressive air-frying capabilities alongside traditional toaster oven functions. The air fry basket yields crispy results without excess oil, which I appreciate for healthier eating.
Its easy-to-read display and straightforward controls make cooking hassle-free. I’ve used it for everything from toast to full meals, and it performs excellently across the board. However, the limited interior height might restrict larger items like whole chickens.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Space-saving design | Limited vertical space |
| Excellent air-frying capability | Accessories could be sturdier |
4. COSORI 11-in-1 Air Fryer Oven
The COSORI 11-in-1 Air Fryer Oven is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable yet effective appliance. Its compact footprint is perfect for smaller kitchens, and the multiple functions mean it can replace several appliances. I have made rotisserie chicken, baked goods, and even dehydrated fruits without any trouble.
What stands out is the included recipe book, which helps inspire new ideas in the kitchen. The ease of use and cleaning is also commendable—most parts are dishwasher safe, making post-meal cleanup a breeze.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and affordable | Small cooking space |
| User-friendly controls | Might lack advanced features |
5. Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven has quickly become one of my favorite kitchen appliances. With its improved convection system, it produces quicker and crispier results compared to others I’ve tried. The 100 preset cooking options make it easy for anyone to achieve perfect results without much guesswork.
I appreciate the smart probe feature, which ensures that meats are cooked to perfection every time. Its design is sleek and modern, adding a stylish touch to my countertop. The only downside is that it can be a bit loud during operation, but the results are worth it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smart probe for precise cooking | Can be somewhat noisy |
| Great results with convection system | Slightly pricey |
6. Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill Combo
The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill Combo offers incredible versatility by combining grilling and air frying capabilities. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it cooked burgers and veggies on the grill plate while providing that perfect crispy finish associated with air frying.
The user interface is intuitive, and I loved the ability to program cooking times and temperatures. Cleaning is straightforward, as all parts are removable and can be washed easily. However, this model is a bit heavier than others, which may be a consideration for some users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Combines grilling and air frying | Heavier than other models |
| User-friendly programming | Takes time to figure out all features |
7. Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Stainless Steel Air Fryer
The Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Air Fryer brings an incredible 360° Quick Cook Technology to the table. This appliance excels in efficiency, cooking meals evenly and quickly thanks to its unique airflow design. I’ve utilized its multiple pre-set cooking functions, from baking to slow cooking, all without any complaints.
It’s surprisingly spacious, allowing me to cook meals for my family without needing to run multiple batches. The stainless steel exterior is stylish, and the controls are straightforward. My only critique is that it occasionally requires a longer cooking time than suggested for denser foods.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive cooking efficiency | Longer cooking times for dense foods |
| Spacious interior | Controls may take getting used to |
Conclusion
With the growing popularity of air fryer toaster ovens, it’s no surprise that there are numerous options available to suit different cooking needs, preferences, and budgets. From versatile multi-function appliances like the Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven to specialized units such as the Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer, there is something for everyone.
As you consider which air fryer toaster oven to invest in for 2024, remember to evaluate factors like versatility, capacity, ease of use, safety features, and budget. By carefully assessing your personal requirements, you’ll be sure to find the perfect appliance that not only enhances your cooking experience but also helps you prepare delicious, healthy meals for yourself and your loved ones. Happy cooking!
