Are you in the market for a new air fryer, but not sure which one to choose? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide on the best air fryer for your needs. Fortunately, Consumer Reports has done the research for you, testing and rating various air fryers to help you make an informed decision. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best air fryer according to Consumer Reports, as well as some other top-rated options.
What Makes a Good Air Fryer?
Before we dive into the best air fryer according to Consumer Reports, let’s talk about what makes a good air fryer. Here are some key factors to consider:
Performance
A good air fryer should be able to cook food evenly and quickly. Look for an air fryer with a powerful motor and a large capacity basket to accommodate your cooking needs.
Ease of Use
A good air fryer should be easy to use, with a simple and intuitive interface. Look for an air fryer with a digital touchscreen and preset settings for common foods like fries and chicken.
Cleaning
A good air fryer should be easy to clean, with a dishwasher-safe basket and pan. Look for an air fryer with a non-stick coating to prevent food from sticking.
Price
Air fryers can range in price from under $100 to over $300. Look for an air fryer that fits your budget and meets your cooking needs.
The Best Air Fryer According to Consumer Reports
According to Consumer Reports, the best air fryer is the Philips Airfryer Avance XXL. This air fryer received a perfect score of 100 in Consumer Reports’ testing, with high marks for performance, ease of use, and cleaning.
Philips Airfryer Avance XXL Features
The Philips Airfryer Avance XXL has a number of features that make it stand out from the competition. Here are some of its key features:
- Large capacity basket: The Philips Airfryer Avance XXL has a large capacity basket that can accommodate up to 3 pounds of food.
- Digital touchscreen: The Philips Airfryer Avance XXL has a digital touchscreen with preset settings for common foods like fries and chicken.
- Non-stick coating: The Philips Airfryer Avance XXL has a non-stick coating to prevent food from sticking.
- Dishwasher-safe basket and pan: The Philips Airfryer Avance XXL has a dishwasher-safe basket and pan for easy cleaning.
Philips Airfryer Avance XXL Performance
The Philips Airfryer Avance XXL performed exceptionally well in Consumer Reports’ testing, with high marks for cooking performance and ease of use. Here are some of its performance highlights:
- Even cooking: The Philips Airfryer Avance XXL cooked food evenly and consistently, with no hot spots or undercooked areas.
- Quick cooking: The Philips Airfryer Avance XXL cooked food quickly, with most foods cooking in under 20 minutes.
- Easy to use: The Philips Airfryer Avance XXL was easy to use, with a simple and intuitive interface.
Other Top-Rated Air Fryers
While the Philips Airfryer Avance XXL is the best air fryer according to Consumer Reports, there are other top-rated air fryers worth considering. Here are a few options:
GoWISE USA GW22621
The GoWISE USA GW22621 is a budget-friendly air fryer that received high marks from Consumer Reports for its performance and ease of use. Here are some of its key features:
- Large capacity basket: The GoWISE USA GW22621 has a large capacity basket that can accommodate up to 3 pounds of food.
- Digital touchscreen: The GoWISE USA GW22621 has a digital touchscreen with preset settings for common foods like fries and chicken.
- Non-stick coating: The GoWISE USA GW22621 has a non-stick coating to prevent food from sticking.
Black+Decker HF110SBD
The Black+Decker HF110SBD is a compact air fryer that received high marks from Consumer Reports for its performance and ease of use. Here are some of its key features:
- Compact design: The Black+Decker HF110SBD has a compact design that makes it perfect for small kitchens.
- Digital touchscreen: The Black+Decker HF110SBD has a digital touchscreen with preset settings for common foods like fries and chicken.
- Non-stick coating: The Black+Decker HF110SBD has a non-stick coating to prevent food from sticking.
Conclusion
Choosing the best air fryer can be overwhelming, but with the help of Consumer Reports, you can make an informed decision. The Philips Airfryer Avance XXL is the best air fryer according to Consumer Reports, with high marks for performance, ease of use, and cleaning. However, there are other top-rated air fryers worth considering, such as the GoWISE USA GW22621 and the Black+Decker HF110SBD. When choosing an air fryer, consider factors such as performance, ease of use, cleaning, and price to find the best air fryer for your needs.
Comparison Table
| Air Fryer | Price | Capacity | Digital Touchscreen | Non-Stick Coating | Dishwasher-Safe Basket and Pan |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Philips Airfryer Avance XXL | $300 | 3 pounds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GoWISE USA GW22621 | $150 | 3 pounds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Black+Decker HF110SBD | $100 | 2 pounds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: Prices may vary depending on the retailer and availability.
What is the best air fryer according to Consumer Reports?
The best air fryer according to Consumer Reports is the Philips Airfryer Avance XXL. This air fryer received high ratings for its performance, ease of use, and features. It has a large capacity, allowing users to cook for multiple people at once, and its advanced technology ensures that food is cooked evenly and crispy.
Consumer Reports tested the Philips Airfryer Avance XXL against other top air fryer models, and it came out on top in terms of overall performance. It was able to produce crispy and golden-brown food with minimal oil, and its intuitive interface made it easy to use. Additionally, the air fryer’s large capacity and dishwasher-safe parts make it a convenient addition to any kitchen.
What features should I look for when choosing an air fryer?
When choosing an air fryer, there are several features to consider. First, think about the size of the air fryer and how much food you plan to cook at one time. A larger air fryer may be more convenient for families or for cooking for multiple people, but it will also take up more space in your kitchen. Additionally, consider the type of controls the air fryer has – digital controls can be more precise, but analog controls can be easier to use.
Other features to consider include the air fryer’s power level, the type of basket or tray it uses, and any additional features such as dehydrate or slow cook functions. Some air fryers also come with preset settings for specific types of food, such as fries or chicken, which can make cooking easier. Finally, consider the air fryer’s ease of cleaning and whether it is dishwasher safe.
How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer works by using hot air to cook food, rather than oil. The air fryer has a heating element and a fan, which work together to circulate hot air around the food. This hot air cooks the food evenly and crisps the outside, similar to deep-frying, but with much less oil.
The air fryer’s basket or tray is typically perforated, which allows air to circulate around the food and helps to crisp the outside. The air fryer’s controls allow you to set the temperature and timer, and some models also have additional features such as a dehydrate function or slow cook function. Overall, the air fryer’s combination of hot air and rapid air circulation makes it a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
Is an air fryer healthier than deep-frying?
Yes, an air fryer is generally healthier than deep-frying. Deep-frying involves submerging food in hot oil, which can add a lot of extra calories and fat to your food. In contrast, an air fryer uses little to no oil, making it a much healthier option.
Additionally, the air fryer’s hot air cooking method helps to retain the nutrients in your food, rather than cooking them out with oil. This makes the air fryer a great option for cooking a variety of healthy foods, including vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. However, it’s worth noting that the healthiness of your air fryer cooking will also depend on the ingredients you use and the cooking methods you choose.
Can I use an air fryer to cook frozen foods?
Yes, you can use an air fryer to cook frozen foods. In fact, the air fryer is a great way to cook frozen foods because it can help to crisp the outside and cook the inside evenly. Many air fryer models come with preset settings for cooking frozen foods, such as french fries or chicken nuggets.
When cooking frozen foods in the air fryer, it’s a good idea to follow the package instructions for cooking times and temperatures. You may also need to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the specific food you are cooking and your personal preference. Additionally, be sure to pat dry any excess moisture from the frozen food before cooking to help it crisp up in the air fryer.
How do I clean my air fryer?
Cleaning your air fryer is relatively easy. First, unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely. Then, remove any food debris from the basket or tray and wash it with soap and warm water. The basket or tray is usually dishwasher safe, but be sure to check your air fryer’s manual to confirm.
The air fryer’s exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and any stubborn stains can be removed with a gentle cleanser. It’s also a good idea to clean the air fryer’s pan and any other accessories, such as a splatter guard, after each use. Regular cleaning will help to prevent the buildup of bacteria and food residue, and keep your air fryer in good working order.
What are some common air fryer mistakes to avoid?
One common air fryer mistake to avoid is overcrowding the basket or tray. This can prevent the air from circulating properly and result in unevenly cooked food. It’s better to cook food in batches if necessary, to ensure that each piece has enough room to cook evenly.
Another common mistake is not patting dry excess moisture from food before cooking. This can prevent the food from crisping up properly in the air fryer. Additionally, be sure to follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for your specific air fryer model, and don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to achieve the best results.