An air fryer is a countertop cooking appliance that combines a heating element and a powerful fan to circulate hot air, similar to a convection oven. Air fryers produce foods that are crispy outside and moist and tender inside without actual frying.

Air fryers on the market today come in two basic styles: those with cooking baskets and those that are like toaster ovens with an air fryer convection feature. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and weights. They are also available at a range of price points, with some small models costing as little as $40 and larger multi-use models running upwards of $300. The proliferation of models and manufacturers has produced a range of features, with many multi-functional units offering cooking options beyond air frying, including roasting, toasting, baking, dehydrating, rotisserie, and more. Some models feature parts that are dishwasher-safe for easy clean up.

Important considerations when choosing an air fryer include how you intend to use it, what foods you intend to cook in it, how many people you plan to feed, how much counter space you have available, and your sensitivity to noise and heat. Since it’s likely to live on your countertop, aesthetics are another factor to consider.