How Do Air Fryers Work?

When we published our air fryer review, we got some comments about how air fryers are 1. gimmicky and 2. the same as a standard, convection oven. However, we think both of these points are untrue. A standalone, basket-style air fryer will perform differently than a convection oven and even an air fryer toaster oven. Here’s why.

How Do Air Fryers Work? And Why Is It Worth Getting One?

Firstly, air fryers are not fryers at all. They are small convection ovens. Essentially, a convection oven has a fan that blows hot air around for more efficient, even cooking. “That doesn't mean an air fryer and the convection setting on a home oven range are the same in terms of performance—far from it,” says editorial director Daniel Gritzer. “What gives air fryers the convection an edge is their efficiency: an air fryer has a much smaller cooking chamber compared to an oven range relative to their fan sizes. This means an air fryer can heat up much more quickly (often eliminating the need for a pre-heating phase), and it's able to blast the hot around at a much greater rate.” 

Paired with a perforated basket for all-over air circulation, this results in quicker cook times, faster browning, and more all-over crisping. Hence, the “frying” part of an air fryer. Air-fried food will never be deeply crunchy like something out of a deep fryer, but, instead, as nicely browned as a convection oven probably can get it (that is if you get a good air fryer). “In short, air fryers roast better, more evenly, and more quickly than most oven ranges,” Daniel says. Even an air fryer toaster oven isn’t as compact as a basket-style air fryer, so the oven will need to preheat longer and, often, won’t brown or crisp as thoroughly. 

What Are the Downsides to an Air Fryer? 

 Well, like any small electric, countertop appliance, air fryers eat up space (in your kitchen and/or storage). Air fryers also aren’t nearly as big as you might think. Even larger, 6-quart models best serve four people maximum, while smaller, 4-quart models are suited for two to three people. If you were cooking for a crowd, you’d have to do things in batches. However, as Daniel says, “That's the whole point because it's that small capacity that allows the fan to be so effective.”

The Best Air Fryers

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer

$140 at Amazon $120 at Williams-Sonoma $140 at Walmart

Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer

$130 $90 at Amazon $100 $90 at Walmart $90 at Target

As we found when we tested air fryers, not all models offer the same usability and performance (surprise—kidding!). Our favorite air fryers were the Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer and Ninja Air Fryer, Philips Premium Digital Air Fryer. Both of these models crisped food exceptionally well and were easy to program. You can read more about the pros and cons of these specific models—and what air fryers we don’t recommend—in our review. 

FAQs

Is air frying the same as deep frying? 

No, a deep fryer requires a large amount of oil (as in, enough to fully submerge the food). Air frying typically calls for a maximum few tablespoons of oil. With a deep fryer, you’re using hot oil to cook the food. With an air fryer, you’re using what is essentially a very small, efficient convection oven. They are also much easier to clean than most deep fryers.

What air fryer should I buy? 

We tested air fryers and named models from Instant, Ninja, Philips, and Cosori as our top picks. They come in a range of price points and sizes, and each has its pros and cons.

Why We're the Experts

• Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm is the associate commerce editorial director at Serious Eats. She's reviewed kitchen equipment professionally for more than six years and previously worked at America's Test Kitchen and Food52. She's authored many equipment reviews and how-tos for the site, including dinnerware sets.
• Riddley also tested air fryers.