Air fryers have become a kitchen staple in American homes because they cook faster, preheat in minutes and cost less to run than a full-size oven. But with models ranging from compact 2 quart baskets to 10 quart dual-basket machines, it is easy to buy the wrong size. This guide covers what to look for and how much you should expect to pay.
Capacity is the most important choice, and the most common mistake is buying too small. As a rough guide:
Food cooks best in a single layer, so a basket that looks big enough on paper may need two batches if you overfill it.
Single basket models are cheaper, take up less counter space and usually have a wider basket, which is better for larger items such as a whole chicken or a sheet-pan style meal. Dual basket models let you cook two foods at different temperatures and times, with a sync function so both finish together. They are ideal for families who want fries and a main at the same time. The trade-off is that each basket is narrower, so they are less useful for one large item.
Most air fryers run between 1,200 and 1,800 watts on a standard 120V outlet. Higher wattage generally means faster heating and crispier results in larger baskets. For a 5 to 6 quart model, around 1,500 to 1,700 watts is typical. Plug it straight into the wall rather than an extension cord, and avoid running it on the same circuit as a microwave or kettle if your breaker trips easily.
At the US average residential electricity rate of roughly 17 cents per kWh (rates vary a lot by state):
The saving per meal is small, but it adds up if you use it most days. In summer there is a second benefit: an air fryer heats your kitchen far less than a 400°F oven, so your AC works less too.
Air fryer toaster ovens look like a countertop oven with racks. They suit people who want to cook several layers at once, toast bread or fit a 12 inch pizza. Multi-cookers combine air frying with pressure cooking or slow cooking, which saves space but usually means a smaller air fry basket. For most households, a dedicated basket-style air fryer remains the simplest choice.
Measure your counter space, including the height under your upper cabinets, and leave a few inches behind the unit for the exhaust vent. Air fryers are discounted heavily on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and during mid-year sales events, so compare prices across retailers on our Sale page before you commit. Photo: Unsplash. Affiliate disclosure: sales365days may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. This does not affect the prices we show or how we rank products.