5 Best Air Fryers for Healthy Cooking: Cook Smarter
As you look for ways to eat healthier in 2025, choosing the right air fryer can make a significant difference. These versatile appliances offer a range of features, from precise temperature control to multiple preset cooking modes, simplifying meal prep while reducing oil use. With capacity options from compact 2-quart models to large 8-quart units, there’s a device for every household size. Understanding their functions and safety features helps you select one that suits your lifestyle, but the best options might surprise you—so, let’s explore what makes them stand out.
Our Place Wonder Oven 6-in-1 Air Fryer & Toaster Oven
- 6-IN-1 COOKING POWER: Air fry, bake, roast, toast, broil, and reheat in one compact countertop oven designed for fast,...
- RAPID HEAT PERFORMANCE: Preheats 75% faster than traditional ovens and cooks efficiently with a dynamic 200–450°F range,...
If you want a kitchen tool that does a lot of jobs, the Our Place Wonder Oven 6-in-1 Air Fryer & Toaster Oven could be a good choice. This small appliance combines six functions: air frying, toasting, roasting, baking, reheating, and broiling. It saves space on your counter because you don’t need many different gadgets. The oven is about 10.6 inches deep, 11.5 inches wide, and 11.6 inches high. It can hold up to 12.7 quarts, so it’s good for meals for small families or for limited kitchen space.
This oven heats up quickly and cooks food evenly using 360-degree air circulation. It also has steam infusion technology, which keeps food moist and tasty. You can set the temperature up to 450°F and use the 60-minute timer to cook your meals perfectly.
Best for: People who want a versatile, space-saving appliance that cooks food fast and healthily. It’s great for small kitchens, apartments, or RVs.
Pros:
- Combines six cooking functions in one device
- Heats up quickly and cooks evenly
- Keeps food moist thanks to steam technology
- Compact and stylish, fits well in small spaces
Cons:
- Parts aren’t dishwasher safe, so you need to clean by hand
- External heat can get hot, so space around it is needed for safety
- Might have voltage issues in some regions or trouble with return policies
This oven makes cooking easier and faster. It helps you prepare healthy meals with less hassle. If you want a small, all-in-one device that can do many tasks, this could be a good pick.
Chefman 7-Qt Air Fryer TurboFry (Black)
- SUPERCHARGED CONVECTION POWER: The next evolution in air frying A high-tech DC motor powers this TurboFry air fryer, cooking...
- 6-IN-1 VERSATILITY: More than just an air fryer This all-in-one digital air fryer features a built-in touchscreen UI with six...
The Chefman 7-Quart Air Fryer TurboFry is a great choice for quick, healthy meals. It has a simple black matte finish and is about 17.36 inches deep, 11 inches wide, and 10 inches tall. This size fits well on most kitchen counters. Its tall, narrow shape makes it easy to cook long foods like salmon or asparagus, making good use of space. The air fryer also has a built-in window so you can watch your food cook without opening the door. This keeps heat inside and helps your food cook evenly. The touchscreen controls are easy to use, and safety features like auto shutoff keep you protected. You can do many things with this fryer: air fry, broil, dehydrate, bake, reheat, and cook frozen foods. This makes it a versatile tool for many recipes.
This air fryer is best for busy families and home cooks. It helps you make healthy meals fast without much effort. It is compact and looks sleek on your counter. The controls are simple, and safety features keep it safe to use.
Some things to keep in mind. The basket gets hot after cooking, so be careful when handling it. Some users wish there were more recipe ideas included beyond online guides. Also, it is made in China and comes with a one-year warranty. This might matter if you want a fryer built to last many years.
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer
- 6 Cooking Functions: Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate all in one sleek appliance with intuitive touchscreen...
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieve the perfect crunch with 95% less oil than traditional deep frying
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer is a great choice for people who want healthy food that is crispy and tasty. It has a sleek look and offers six functions: air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. This means you can do many types of cooking with just one machine. The touch screen makes it easy to select your settings, and there are preset programs for simple use. The clear window on the front allows you to keep an eye on your food without letting heat escape.
Thanks to its EvenCrisp technology, the air fryer makes crispy food using 95% less oil. The 6-quart size can serve up to six people, making it good for families. It heats up fast — usually in just 2-3 minutes — and the baskets are dishwasher safe, so cleaning is quick and simple.
Best for: Busy families and health-conscious people who want fast, versatile cooking with easy cleanup and crispy results.
Pros:
- Combines six functions in one stylish machine
- Heats quickly and saves time
- Easy to check food through the window and simple to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Some users prefer buttons over touchscreens for a more tactile feel
- Grease can build up on the window if used often
- Some reports of fans rattling, but it usually works well
This air fryer helps you make healthy, crispy meals fast. Its simple design and easy cleanup make it a good choice for many kitchens.
NUWAVE Brio 8-Qt Air Fryer
- MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY – Want hotter temperature or need to cook it longer? No problem. Simply adjust on-the-fly....
- HEALTHY FRIED FOOD & EASY CLEANUP - Brio uses super-heated air and an efficient air-flow design to cook crispy delicious...
The NUWAVE Brio 8-Qt Air Fryer is a great choice for anyone who wants healthy food that tastes good and is easy to make. It has a powerful 1800W motor that heats quickly and evenly. The fryer uses Linear T Technology, which automatically adjusts the temperature. You can set it from 50°F to 400°F in steps of 5°F. The outside is made of black stainless steel, which looks nice and lasts a long time. Inside, it is big enough to cook up to 3 pounds of fries, chicken wings, or a whole 5-pound chicken.
This air fryer has a simple digital screen and 100 preset buttons. It also has a smart temperature probe to help you cook food perfectly every time. This makes cooking easy, fast, and accurate.
Best for: families or people who want a versatile air fryer that cooks healthy, crispy meals quickly. The many presets and adjustable settings make it simple to use.
Pros:
- Strong 1800W power with precise temperature control
- 100 preset options for quick cooking
- Large enough for family meals
- Durable design with black stainless steel
- Accessories are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Some users say parts like the door and tray can be fragile over time
- Its tall shape needs extra space and careful placement because of hot air flow
- Some people experience tech issues or warranty problems
This air fryer is easy to use and makes healthy food fast. Its big size and many presets help busy families enjoy tasty meals without fuss. Just keep in mind that some parts may not last forever, and you’ll need some room on the counter.
Emeril Lagasse 26QT Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
- A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates practically any meal, from air frying quick after-school snacks to...
- PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Oven turns off automatically when the toast countown timer ends - no burnt toast! Indicator light is...
If you want a kitchen tool that does many jobs, the Emeril Lagasse 26QT Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo could be a good choice. It has a big space inside — 26 quarts — so you can cook for 4 to 6 people. This oven can air fry, roast, bake, and slow cook. It has 25 different settings, like Roast, Ribs, Pizza, and Slow Cook. The digital buttons are easy to use. It uses hot air to make foods crispy and cooked evenly. The outside is made of shiny stainless steel. It has French doors that slide open smoothly. Inside, there is a light so you can see your food easily.
This oven is great for families or when you invite friends over. It works well for many cooking styles and meals. If you want a stylish and roomy oven, this could fit your kitchen.
Some things to keep in mind: it is large and might take up a lot of counter space. The controls can seem a little tricky at first. You might need extra accessories for some recipes, which can add to the cost.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Air Fryers for Healthy Cooking
When choosing an air fryer for healthy cooking, you’ll want to think about its cooking capacity—whether it can handle your typical meals or batch sizes—and the temperature range, which should be flexible enough to cook various foods evenly. Ease of cleaning is also important, especially if you prefer appliances with non-stick parts or dishwasher-safe components, making maintenance less of a chore. Additionally, consider the size to ensure it fits comfortably in your kitchen, and look for versatile functions that can replace multiple appliances, saving both space and money.
Cooking Capacity Needs
Choosing the right size for an air fryer depends on how much food you usually cook. If you cook for just yourself or one other person, a small air fryer with a 3 to 5-quart capacity works well. It’s great for single servings or small meals.
If you have a family or like to cook larger meals at once, go for a bigger air fryer. Models with a 6 to 8-quart size can cook a whole chicken or a bunch of fries in one go. Keep in mind, larger air fryers take up more space on your counter. But they can save time because they let you cook bigger batches at once.
Choosing an air fryer that fits the amount of food you make helps you cook efficiently. It also makes sure your food cooks evenly and comes out healthy and tasty.
Temperature Range Flexibility
Having a wide temperature range on your air fryer makes cooking easier and better for you. Models that let you set the temperature from 120°F to 400°F give you better control. You can use low heat for gentle tasks like reheating or drying, and high heat for frying and crisping. Some air fryers go as high as 450°F, which is great for searing meat or broiling food. This large range allows you to try different ways of cooking, like steaming or dehydration. Many air fryers have digital sensors that keep the temperature steady, so your food cooks evenly. This helps you avoid overcooking or undercooking, so your meals stay safe and tasty. With consistent heat, your food turns out just right every time. Having flexible temperature options makes your cooking smarter and healthier, letting you make a variety of delicious meals easily.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning an air fryer should be quick and easy. Look for models with baskets, trays, or accessories that can go in the dishwasher. This saves you time and effort. Choose an air fryer with a non-stick coating. This helps food to not stick, making cleanup faster. Removable parts make it simple to rinse or wipe away food and grease. Also, pick a design with easy-to-open doors or trays with latches. This helps prevent spills when you clean. Avoid models with many small crevices or hard-to-reach spots. These areas can trap grease and food, making cleaning harder. Picking a simple, easy-to-clean air fryer helps keep it shiny and ready for your next healthy meal.
Versatility of Functions
Because being versatile is a big plus for modern air fryers, it’s smart to choose models that can do many cooking tasks. Multi-use air fryers can replace other appliances like ovens, dehydrators, or broilers. This saves space in your kitchen and makes cooking easier. These air fryers usually have preset buttons for different functions like air frying, baking, roasting, broiling, reheating, and dehydrating. This lets you cook many healthy meals in one device. Some models can even add features like steaming along with air frying. Combining these functions helps keep food moist and healthy. Having a versatile air fryer means you need fewer gadgets, and you can make a wide variety of foods. Whether you want crispy vegetables, baked fish, or dried snacks, one device can handle it all.
Size and Space Fit
Choosing the right size of an air fryer is easy if you start by measuring your kitchen space. Use a tape measure to check the length, width, and height of the area where you want to put the air fryer. Make sure there is enough room around the appliance so it can breathe and stay cool.
Look at the size of the air fryer itself. Large models, usually 6 quarts or more, work well for families or if you want to cook many servings at once. But these take up more space, so check if your counters or storage areas can fit them easily. Smaller models, under 4 quarts, are good for singles or small kitchens. They save space and are easy to store.
Always leave a little space around the air fryer. This helps air flow better, keeping it safe and preventing it from overheating. When your air fryer fits well and has room to breathe, cooking becomes easier and safer.
Safety Features Considerations
When choosing an air fryer for healthy cooking, safety features are very important. Look for an air fryer with automatic shutoff. This feature turns off the machine after cooking is done. It helps prevent burning food and lowers the risk of fires. Make sure the outside of the air fryer stays cool to the touch. This makes it safe to handle, even when the machine is hot. Check if it has heat-resistant handles. These help you move the air fryer safely.
Safety locks or secure door latches are also a good idea. They stop the door from opening by accident when the air fryer is hot. Also, see if the air fryer has safety certifications, like UL or ETL. These labels mean the appliance has met safety rules and standards.
Good safety features make cooking easy and worry-free. They help you use the air fryer safely every day.
FAQs
Can Air Fryers Eliminate All Types of Fats From Foods?
You can’t eliminate all fats from foods with air fryers, but they reduce unhealthy fats by using less oil. While healthier, some fats remain, so focus on balanced eating alongside your air frying.
Are There Specific Features That Promote Even Cooking in Air Fryers?
To promote even cooking, you want an air fryer with a stirring or rotating basket, multiple cooking functions, and a wide, spacious interior. These features help guarantee consistent heat distribution, giving you perfectly cooked, crispy results every time.
How Energy-Efficient Are Modern Air Fryers Compared to Traditional Ovens?
Modern air fryers generally use less energy than traditional ovens because they heat up faster, cook more efficiently with compact spaces, and often have smart features to optimize energy use, helping you save on electricity bills and cook healthier meals.
Do All Air Fryers Come With Recipe Guides Tailored for Healthy Eating?
Not all air fryers include recipe guides focused on healthy eating. However, many models offer manuals or apps with nutritious recipes, so you can choose those features when selecting a device for healthier cooking options.
What Safety Features Are Important for Safe Air Fryer Use?
When choosing an air fryer, you look for safety features like automatic shut-off, cool-touch exterior, non-slip feet, and secure latches. These features help prevent accidents and guarantee safe, confident cooking every time you use your appliance.
DK Jacks is a passionate food enthusiast, recipe developer, and culinary explorer. With a love for both traditional and innovative flavors, DK brings a fresh perspective to the kitchen. When not experimenting with new ingredients, you’ll find DK capturing food moments through the lens or sharing cooking tips with fellow foodies.🍽️📸✨
Last update on 2026-01-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
