Which is the Best Air Fryer? Non-toxic, affordable, & family-friendly models

Are you on the hunt for the best air fryer? Today, I'll guide you through nine different models that I’ve personally tested in my kitchen. We’ll delve into the pros and cons of basket-style versus oven-style air fryers, identify the most non-toxic options, and review the Instant Pot air fryer lid. For each air fryer, I’ll cover how well they crisp homemade french fries, their initial odor, cooking capacity, and counter space requirements. We'll start with the most affordable models and work our way up. Let's dive in!

1. Nuwave Brio 6-Quart Air Fryer

The Nuwave Brio 6-quart was my first air fryer purchase. It excels at making crispy homemade fries and has a square-shaped basket that holds more food than round baskets. This model is spacious enough for a 5 lb chicken and about 18-20 fries in a single layer. However, its height requires countertop storage, as it doesn’t fit in standard kitchen cabinets. The 4-minute reheat function is a great microwave alternative. The downside is the non-stick coating on the basket’s bottom, which emits a burning plastic smell initially and may flake over time, posing a health risk.

2. Instant Pot Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer

Gifted to me after publishing my cookbook, this model offers a similar capacity to the Nuwave Brio but is easier to clean with a removable insert. It crisps fries well and uses a square basket that holds about 18-20 fries. It also has an initial odor and features a non-stick coating that contacts your food, which might be a concern for some.

3. Ninja Air Fryer (4-Quart)

Recommended by my Instagram followers, this model has a ceramic coating, eliminating the initial odor issue. It’s compact and perfect for small kitchens or cooking for 1-2 people. The round basket holds fewer fries (10-12) compared to the larger models. Its dehydrator function and dishwasher-safe parts add convenience.

4. Yedi Total Package 6-Quart Air Fryer

This model includes various accessories for baking and other adventurous cooking tasks. While it performs similarly to other 6-quart models, the initial odor persists despite the ceramic coating. It’s pricier but might be worth it if you need the extra accessories.

5. Big Boss Air Fryer

Unique with its glass bowl and wire trays, this model has no non-stick coating and no odor. It offers a large capacity and is dishwasher-safe, making it my favorite for non-toxic cooking. It does take up more counter space and is heavier due to the glass bowl.

6. Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

This affordable lid turns your Instant Pot into an air fryer. It doesn’t emit any initial odor and crisps fries well. It’s compact and easy to store, though it has a smaller cooking surface area and is best for small batches or single servings.

7. KitchenAid Air Fryer Oven

This is an affordable oven-style air fryer with multiple settings, including proofing and dehydrating. It crisps fries well but has an initial odor and a smaller capacity compared to other models. It’s easy to clean, especially with a drip pan.

8. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Compact and stylish with a stainless steel design, this model can cook a 12-inch pizza or a 4 lb chicken. It runs hotter than other models, so you may need to adjust recipes accordingly. It has a mild initial odor and lacks specialty features like proofing or dehydrating.

9. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer

The largest and most expensive model, this air fryer offers a wide range of settings, from proofing to dehydrating. It’s ideal for large families, capable of cooking a 13-inch pizza or a 5 lb chicken. It’s my go-to for daily use, though it takes up significant counter space.

Final Recommendations

• Most Non-Toxic: The Big Boss Air Fryer, with its glass bowl and no non-stick coating.
• Best for Large Families: The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, with its large capacity and multifunctionality.
• Best Basket-Style Air Fryer: The Ninja Air Fryer, particularly if you opt for a larger size to avoid initial odors.

I hope this comprehensive air fryer review helps you find the perfect model for your kitchen needs. For more healthy air fryer recipes, check out my other videos and visit my website at Detoxinista.com.