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Most air fryers promise to simplify the process of conventional cooking while offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods. We tested some of the best-rated large air fryers currently available to see if they lived up to the hype. Were they as convenient as some people assert? Could they create foods with the same crispy exterior that we get from fare cooked in deep fryers? We air-fried a variety of foods to find out if these appliances could cook as much as their manufacturers claim and, most importantly, if they could do it well.
- BEST OVERALL: Cosori Dual Blaze 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: GoWise USA 5.8-Quart 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer
- UPGRADE PICK: Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL
- BEST TOASTER OVEN: Cuisinart Digital AirFryer Toaster Oven
- BEST WITH PRESSURE COOKER: Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 Smart XL Pressure Cooker Fryer
- BEST FOR ENTERTAINING: Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
- BEST ROTISSERIE: Instant Vortex Pro 10-Quart Air Fryer Oven
- ALSO CONSIDER: KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven With Air Fry
How We Tested the Best Large Air Fryers
Before we began testing, we researched the most sought-after large air fryers and discovered that the best models are determined by their power and functionality. These models have ample capacity and power. Capacity on this list, depending on manufacturer specs, ranges from 5.8 to 29.9 quarts, and power ranges from 1,500 to 1,800 watts. To ensure that our lineup contained the best large-capacity air fryers, we also chose products that are capable of a variety of cooking methods, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 480 degrees Fahrenheit.
We tested these air fryers for more than 85 hours with 80 pounds of food, whipping up game-day faves like chicken wings and french fries as well as such healthier options as chicken breasts, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli. We also baked cookies (where possible) and air-fryer donuts—though the last could not compete with the real deal. Plus, we tested as many special features, such as a rotisserie spit, as possible.
We rated the finished food on appearance, texture, and taste and tallied the totals for each product. Then we rated products on ease of use and care according to a rubric and combined those results with our food ratings to create rankings for this list.
With the right recipes—and occasional trial and error—all of these products cook great food, so these rankings are very close. It came down to whether an air fryer could consistently produce a variety of great foods and overall ease of use. While all of them turned out great wings, not all of them made great broccoli. All proved generally easy to use, but not all of them are easy to use straight out of the box. We also found that while all of these products can cook large amounts of food, our results were better when we opted for less than the max recommended amounts. That said, they all can cook multiple servings (including an entire chicken).
Our Top Picks
While standard air fryers often don’t have the capacity to cook enough food at once to feed the average nuclear family, the best large air fryer can deliver several servings of deliciously crisp foods for the entire household. We put the following models through rigorous testing. Here’s what makes each one of these large air fryers the best of the best.
Best Overall
Cosori Dual Blaze 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer
With a square-shaped design, the Cosori Dual Blaze provides 6.8-quart capacity that can hold several servings of a variety of foods—even an entire chicken. This appliance boasts six cooking functions, including air-fry, broil, and bake, which default to a specific temperature. For more convenience, it features six food presets for everyday items, like steak, chicken, and french fries, that automatically set cooking temperature and time. The air fryer can reach temperatures between 170 degrees and 400 degrees Fahrenheit and boasts a power output of 1,750 watts.
Upon unpacking the Cosori air fryer, we immediately liked its subdued modern style. Its matte-gray finish and cube-like shape unobtrusively suit a variety of kitchen decor styles and stood in contrast to the shiny black egg-shaped models that we also tested. We also appreciated the easy-to-understand control panel—no strange food icons to decipher. That alone made it much more intuitive to use.
Its user manual provided all we needed to get started quickly. It gave us cooking tips and a list of temps and times for commonly cooked foods. We cooked several servings of everything from chicken nuggets to Brussels sprouts, and this model prepared them all just about perfectly.
With its dual heating elements, this model heats up fast. That’s why we liked the “Pause” button so much—just a touch and we were able to check on food in progress. We also appreciated the handy app, which let us know when food was ready—helpful at times when we had to leave the kitchen.
Our four servings of frozen skinny fries were indistinguishable from restaurant french fries, and the Brussels sprouts were crisp and tender as well. The skin on our chicken wings was perfectly golden brown and deliciously crispy, and while the insides were a tad dry, we’re confident that reducing the cooking time by a minute or so less than the 20 minutes the recipe recommended would render juicier meat.
The nonstick basket and crisper plate practically rinsed clean with just water, but when some oil and food did stick, this residue came off without issue in the dishwasher. Though the pan takes up a good amount of space in the dishwasher, its crisper plate doesn’t use more room than a regular plate—less than other air fryers that have both a pan and basket to clean.
For its fast heat up and cooking, intuitive controls, easy cleanup, attractive design, and moderate price, the Cosori Dual Blaze easily topped our list.
Read our full review:Cosori Dual Blaze 6.8 Quart Smart Air Fryer
Product Specs
- Capacity: 6.8 quarts
- Wattage: 1,750 watts
- Number of presets/functions: 12
Pros
- Intuitive design with clearly labeled buttons are easy to understand and use
- No separate accessory required for baking as pan can be used without crisper plate
- Nonstick basket and tray clean easily either in dishwasher or by hand
- Syncs to app that offers additional recipes and alerts users when cooking is done
Cons
- Large pan takes up nearly ¼ of dishwasher
- Heats very quickly, so some foods may become overdone if not monitored
Get the Cosori large air fryer at Amazon or Cosori.[Editor’s Note: This model, CAF-P583S-KUS, was not a part of the Cosori’s voluntary air fryer recall in February 2023.]
Best Bang for the Buck
GoWise USA 5.8-Quart 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer
The GoWise USA 5.8-quart air fryer is a budget-friendly appliance that can tackle eight popular foods, including french fries, pizza, pork, chicken, steak, and more. It boasts a power output of 1,700 watts and can reach hot air temperatures between 180 degrees and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
With so many air fryers to test, we really appreciated that the GoWise USA air fryer came with a quick-start sheet that clearly and quickly explained how to use this product ASAP—no downloading instructions or sifting through pages of safety warnings. It also helped that we didn’t rely solely on the presets, often opting for recipes instead, because deciphering some of the icons proved challenging. While a few icons were not clear at all, with the quick-start guide and recipes in hand, we were able to cook in no time, and the results were pretty great.
The GoWise USA turned out frozen chicken nuggets with crunchy perfection and gave fresh chicken wings a crispy exterior and juicy interior just as easily. We also cooked four servings of frozen french fries, which came out a tad uneven. Some fries were perfectly crisp and others a bit softer. Overall, however, we were happy with the results this air fryer produced, and, as with the Cosori, we appreciated the pause button that allowed us to check our food during cooking.
After cooking, we did have to hand-wash the pan and basket, but fortunately not much stuck to the surfaces. For us, the main downside to this model was removing and replacing the pan, which was tricky. After several uses, we realized that tilting the unit a bit made this easier, but it still did not function as smoothly as we would have liked. All in all, though, these were minor inconveniences for a product that cooked good food fast—especially for the money.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 5.8 quarts
- Wattage: 1,700 watts
- Number of presets/functions: 8
Pros
- Includes a quick-start guide so users can get cooking right away; no need to study a huge manual
- Includes a cookbook with 100 recipes, plus additional recipes on the app
- Compact design won’t take up too much precious counter space
Cons
- Air-fryer basket and pan not dishwasher-safe
- Pan and basket do not glide out smoothly and may require a strong tug to remove/replace
- Some icons for preset cooking options are not intuitive
Get the GoWise large air fryer at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or GoWise USA.
Upgrade Pick
Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL
This air fryer by Philips provides a 7.7-quart capacity that can cook several servings of a variety of foods. It reaches between 100 degrees and 400 degrees Fahrenheit and boasts a power output of 1,725 watts. The comprehensive appliance features five one-touch programs that make it easy to cook appetizers, chicken, meat, fish, and desserts. It also offers a “keep warm” mode so food stays warm until it’s time to eat.
After unpacking and setting up the Philips, we liked that the user manual had more than two pages of commonly cooked foods with corresponding temps and time ranges, listed by icon. That made it easy to get cooking quickly and adjust our recipes if necessary. Although we generally prefer words to icons, the icons on the Philips were fewer and clearer than those on the GoWise USA.
In our tests, we found that this air fryer tended to take the full recommended cooking times and occasionally more. However, this attribute resulted in some of the juiciest chicken wings that we had in testing—so we were just fine with that! The Philips still yielded a perfectly golden brown skin as well. Fries and Brussels sprouts came out beautifully, too—all evenly cooked. While cooking, as with other models, we liked the pause feature on the dial as it afforded us greater control during cooking.
We also appreciated that the pan and basket slide out smoothly along a track. This meant we didn’t have to set the pan on the counter before removing the basket, which was necessary with other models. This Philips seemed solid and built to last, which may explain its spendier price tag.
Cleaning was a bit cumbersome, as we had to remove the pan, the fat reducer, and the basket, all of which took up nearly half of a dishwasher. That said, these components came out of the dishwasher spick-and-span—even when some flour from our flour-dredged chicken breasts stuck to the basket. For evenly cooked air-fried food and a sturdy build, the Philips is tough to beat.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 7.7 quarts
- Wattage: 1,725 watts
- Number of presets/functions: 6
Pros
- Cooks gently so there is less risk of dried-out, overdone food
- Drawer track holds pan in place so users can remove fry basket separately
- Easy-to-read controls and display
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar models
- 3 items to clean—pan, tray, and air-fry basket—take up a lot of dishwasher space
Get the Philips large air fryer at Amazon or Crate & Barrel.
Best Toaster Oven
Cuisinart Digital AirFryer Toaster Oven
Cuisinart’s AirFryer is a convenient and versatile air fryer toaster oven. This feature-rich appliance is capable of 13 different functions, including air-frying, baking, broiling, toasting, and warming. Plus, it has five air fryer presets. It measures 14 inches tall by 15.75 inches wide by 14 inches deep, making this air fryer large enough to toast six slices of bread, bake a 12-inch pizza, and roast a 4-pound chicken. The 18-quart interior provides a nonstick surface and an oven light.
A single dial controls several cook presets, temperature, and time, while five buttons allow users to start and stop cooking, turn on the light, and select the Air Fry, Convection, and Frozen cook options. This stainless steel toaster oven air fryer includes an oven rack, an air-fryer basket, and a baking pan. Hand-washing is recommended to prolong the life of these components.
Though we had a rough start with this air fryer that resulted in some burned fries, we ended up liking this model more than other toaster oven options. Once we learned that it ran a bit hot, we simply kept an eye on the food and pulled it as soon as it looked done—which was sometimes sooner than the recipe called for. Our second batch of fries, for instance, only took 7 minutes to cook compared to the 10-minute default, and our sugar cookies took only 9 minutes to cook compared to the 13 minutes recommended on the package.
However, perhaps because it ran hot, this powerful convection oven browned foods beautifully. It cooked 2 pounds of chicken wings to golden-brown perfection, and it did the same for a whole 3.5-pound chicken, roasting it in just 50 minutes with no preheating time. It air-fried broccoli well in just 13 minutes (compared to 20 to 25 minutes in a conventional oven), creating crispy florets and tender stems. It even made great toast in just 4 minutes—less time than other toaster ovens on this list.
We also liked that it has a dual cook function, which is great for foods or recipes that require slower cooking at first and then require crisping or browning. We simply pressed the Dual Cook button and the LCD screen prompted us to set a cook time and temp for the first stage and second stage of cooking.
The Cuisinart Digital AirFryer cooks at speeds comparable to basket air fryers because most options (except bake and pizza) don’t require preheating. Plus, it offers convenient toaster oven options, such as bake and toast. It’s a great air fryer and handy toaster in one sleek, small appliance.
Read our full review:Cuisinart Digital AirFryer Toaster Oven
Product Specs
- Capacity: 18 quarts
- Wattage: 1,800 watts
- Number of presets/functions: 18
Pros
- Powerful heating browns foods beautifully and cooks quickly for a toaster oven model
- Stainless steel exterior gives it a high-end look likely to complement most kitchens
- Dual cook function allows users to use cook using 2 methods
Cons
- Runs hot; users must watch food closely until they are more familiar with this model
Get the Cuisinart large air fryer at Amazon, Wayfair, or Best Buy.
Best With Pressure Cooker
Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 Smart XL Pressure Cooker Fryer
This handy kitchen appliance can simultaneously cook every component of a meal thanks to the included double rack, which allows users to layer meats and veggies. It also features 14 settings including air-fry, pressure cook, and slow cook, all of which can easily be set with the touch LED display. Additionally, Ninja’s TenderCrisp technology first pressure cooks foods to lock in juices and then creates a crispy finish.
This air fryer features dishwasher-safe parts, including the 8-quart ceramic-coated pot, a 5-quart crisping basket, and a double rack. Users can manually set temperatures between 80 degrees and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. A recipe book is included. We were grateful for the recipe book when we started testing the Ninja Foodi because this product is in a category of its own. Unlike the basket air fryers or toaster oven air fryers, this one is designed like a pressure cooker, which made it less straightforward for us to use right off the bat.
However, that unique design enables this product to cook a whole chicken in just 45 minutes, which is faster than other products on this list. We used the TenderCrisp setting for a 3.5-pound chicken and were amazed with the quick results. The meat was tender and juicy and the skin was a crisp, golden brown. We also appreciated the thermometer probe. We set the chicken to cook to 170, as recommended by the Ninja recipe, and the Foodi beeped when it hit that temp. We double-checked it with our own thermometer and the Foodi was on the mark.
The Foodi was also the only product on the list that accommodated a full 28-ounce bag of shoestring fries and cooked them all perfectly. The recipe book overstated how many wings the Foodi could handle, however. Our 2 pounds of wings, though fully cooked, were unevenly browned, despite tossing them a couple of times. That uneven browning could likely be remedied by cooking only a single layer of wings.
That said, the Foodi churned out plenty of delicious foods in our tests, air-frying everything from chicken nuggets to Brussels sprouts to near perfection. Part pressure cooker, part air fryer, the Foodi combines two of the most popular cooking methods in one great small appliance.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 8 quarts
- Wattage: 1,760 watts
- Number of presets/functions: 14
Pros
- Thermometer probe allows for continuous cooking so users needn’t check on food
- Unique tender-crisp setting pressure cooks food quickly and finishes on air fry for a crispy exterior
- Ample amount of included accessories for cooking main dishes and sides all at once
Cons
- Not intuitive to use and may require manufacturer-specific recipes for users to get familiar with product
Get the Ninja large air fryer at Amazon or Ninja.
Best For Entertaining
Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
The Breville offers “super” convection technology. By “super,” the manufacturer means two speeds for the convection fan and six quartz heating elements controlled with smart Element IQ. Fan control lets users adjust the speed based on what’s being cooked, so foods prone to drying out easily, for example, can be cooked on a lower fan speed. Element IQ automatically adjusts the temperature of each heating element to maintain even cooking temperatures.
This oven’s large capacity and the fact that it air-fries make cooking for a crowd a cinch: It is spacious enough to hold a 14-pound turkey or function as a 5-quart Dutch oven. In addition, it has 13 cooking functions that range from proofing, air-frying, and baking to dehydrating, slow cooking, and warming.
While it has an extra-large capacity, at 21.5 inches wide, this toaster oven air fryer easily took up the most counter space of all the air fryers on this list. That size also makes it a true second oven for any kitchen, however. We cooked more than 10 pounds of food in this model, which was more than any on the list.
In addition to its impressive size, we liked the intuitive control knobs and easy-to-read markings on the glass door that showed us where to place racks for each type of cooking. While the Breville’s design was user-friendly, it lacked a handy air-fry chart for popular foods that nearly every other model had. That required recipe searches on our part for basic fare like french fries and chicken nuggets.
Once we had the right recipes in hand, however, we found this model so easy to use. Its magnetized door pulled the rack out a few inches when we opened the door. This proved a nice touch for cooks wearing cumbersome oven mitts, as it made removing the basket and pans much easier. We were also impressed with the pizza pan. Though we only used it to reheat a large, New York-style pizza slice, we couldn’t believe how perfectly it crisped the crust, both the bottom and the edge. It tasted fresh from the pizzeria—which made waiting for the oven to preheat worth it.
While this toaster oven air fryer was not the fastest cooking, it did cook foods very evenly and it never overcooked anything. For those who like to entertain a crowd and get their foods just right, the Breville is a great air fryer and small oven.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 29.9 quarts
- Wattage: 1,800 watts
- Number of presets/functions: 13
Pros
- Large capacity can hold 2 chickens or a small turkey, making it perfect for large dinner parties
- Easy-to-read markings and intuitive controls make it very user-friendly
- Comes with a variety of useful cooking accessories including pizza and roasting pans
- Magnetic door pulls out oven rack so users don’t have to reach far inside to grab food
Cons
- Exterior gets extremely hot, particularly the glass, so users must be cautious
- Does not include a cooking guide for commonly air-fried foods
- Requires preheating for some settings, which makes for longer total cook times
Get the Breville large air fryer at Amazon, Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, or Breville.
Best With Rotisserie
Instant Vortex Pro 10-Quart Air Fryer Oven
The Instant Vortex Pro air fryer oven is a large 1500-watt air fryer that can roast a whole chicken in its 10-quart interior. In addition to the rotisserie and air-fry functions, it can also roast, bake, proof bread, dehydrate, broil, toast, and reheat for a total of nine functions, ranging in temps from 90 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It conveniently includes a drip pan, two baking trays, a rotisserie basket, and the rotisserie spit, forks, and lift, all of which are dishwasher-safe.
This was the first oven-style air fryer that we tested, so after testing basket-style air fryers, we liked the familiar ovenlike look and functionality of the Instant Vortex. All we had to do was plug it in, touch the screen, and all of its functions were immediately visible and understandable. To gauge if we needed to adjust our recipes, however, we had to find cooking temps and time for common foods, which was not available in the manual or app (without creating a login), so we had to hunt it down on the Instant site.
Unlike the control panel, cooking with this air fryer took a little getting used to, partially because we could cook on two trays. While this allowed us to fit a decent amount of food, we had to keep a close eye on everything because the burner cooks food on the top faster than the one on the bottom. Sometimes we had to swap trays sooner than when the machine prompted us and sometimes we just used one tray, which was a bit easier.
The rotisserie on this model truly stood out as the rotation made a visible difference in the browning of the chicken. An air fryer cylinder basket that attaches to the rotating prongs proved equally impressive with french fries, creating an even crisp without having to toss them halfway through cooking.
We also really liked the proofing option on this model. Our donut dough rose much higher and more evenly than dough that was in a warm room. Baking in this model was a nice, easy option as well, given that its drip tray could double as a small cookie sheet. Overall, this model cooked air-fryer essentials really well. For its unique versatility and small footprint—it’s the smallest of the air fryer ovens on this list—this is a great option.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 10 quarts
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Number of presets/functions: 9
Pros
- Intuitive control panel with all 9 cooking options
- Despite small footprint, it has 2 trays to handle a lot of food
- Proof (for rising dough) and bake options offer greater versatility
Cons
- Information on cooking common foods in app and on website, but not in manual
- Trays are difficult to pull out with oven mitts on
- Preheating is necessary and adds to total cooking time
Get the Instant Vortex Pro air fryer at Amazon, The Home Depot, Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, or Instant.
Also Consider
KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven With Air Fry
The KitchenAid countertop oven features nine useful cooking settings: dehydrate, bagel, toast, air-fry, bake, broil, reheat, keep warm, and proof.
With a 22.2-quart capacity, this air-fry toaster oven can accommodate a 9- by 13-inch baking pan, which is included, and also comes with an air-fry basket, removable drip and crumb tray, and removable metal rack to whip up a variety of culinary creations.
We liked that this model gave us multiple references for commonly air-fried foods. Cooking times and temps were on the box, on a quick reference sheet, and in the manual. These references, together with an easy-to-use presets dial, a time and temp dial, and large digital display, made it a snap to start cooking right away.
While having to wait a few minutes for preheating made us impatient, we were impressed with how well this countertop oven cooked the variety of foods we put in it, browning a whole chicken beautifully and gently baking sugar cookies. This model also has decent capacity and is able to accommodate 2 pounds of wings or 30 chicken nuggets at once.
Though not as fast as the Cuisinart or as spacious as the Breville, this air fryer toaster oven is a multifunctional appliance worthy of any busy kitchen.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 22.2 quarts
- Wattage: 1800
- Number of presets/functions: 9
Pros
- Includes a cooking chart in the user guide for commonly air-fried foods, so users can get started right away
- Bakes sweets as gently and evenly as a full-size oven
- Intuitive controls and large LED display for temp and time are user-friendly
Cons
- Air-fry requires preheating, which makes for longer total cook times
Get the KitchenAid large air fryer at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, or KitchenAid.
Jump to Our Top Picks
ALSO TESTED
Westinghouse Dual-Zone Air Fryer
When considering large air fryers, we wanted to test a dual-zone model, which gives users the option of cooking two different foods two different ways, having them ready at the same time. Unfortunately in testing, the Westinghouse couldn’t even cook two batches of the same food consistently. When we put broccoli in each side of the fryer using the same temperature and time, one side was overcooked and the other side was undercooked.
We also disliked the 12 icons for the presets. Not only were they incredibly small, some icon images were hard to decipher. We had to refer to the manual quite often to ensure we chose the right icon. It also didn’t seem to have the same power as other models as it struggled to consistently crisp foods such as french fries or chicken wings. And if it can’t cut the mustard on air-fried faves like wings and french fries, it’s not up to snuff for this list.
What to Consider When Choosing a Large Air Fryer
As opposed to smaller options, large air fryers offer different features that satisfy a wide variety of preferences. Keep these top shopping considerations—from size and power to safety features and cleaning options and more—in mind when shopping for the best large air fryer for your family.
Size and Capacity
The amount of food air-fryer ovens can cook is determined by the number of quarts it can hold. For an air fryer to be considered large in size, it should have a capacity of at least 4 to 6 quarts, which holds about enough servings for a family of four. Size is also an important consideration, as it will dictate how convenient it is to store the air fryer when not in use. Most large air fryers aren’t bigger than 15 by 20 inches.
Power
When choosing the best air fryer, considering the power level is also crucial. To crisp foods as promised, a high-quality large air fryer should have a power output of at least 1,200 to 1,500 watts. Air fryers typically require less power to operate in comparison to oil fryers and toaster ovens. That said, users should be aware of how much power they’re drawing from one circuit breaker.
Because these small appliances draw a lot of power, they should generally be the only appliance running on one outlet, or even a circuit. In other words, running a microwave and an air fryer on the same circuit may cause it to trip. For reference, most residential circuits are 120 volts and are either 15 or 20 amps; 15-amp circuits can supply up to 1,800 watts of power and 20-amp circuits can supply up to 2,400 watts of power. Keep in mind that multiple outlets are powered by one circuit. Often, kitchens have multiple circuits, and users may be able to relocate one or two appliances to keep from overloading a single circuit.
Temperature Control
An air fryer is traditionally designed to heat various foods to between 150 degrees and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, though toaster oven air fryers, like those listed above, can range from as low as 80 degrees to as high as 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Most air fryers provide users the ability to control and fine-tune the exact temperature via simple plus or minus control buttons or a rotary knob. They typically also offer preset temperatures designed to cook different foods.
Presets and Functions
Presets are cooking and temperature settings that are preprogrammed into the air fryer to properly and safely cook specific foods. It is common to have presets for steak, poultry, seafood, frozen foods, desserts, vegetables, and more. These settings make cooking foods as simple as pushing a button, with little research or know-how necessary when cooking.
In addition to these handy presets, which users can often customize to suit their own needs, many air fryers offer a variety of cooking functions that include air-fry, bake, broil, roast, keep warm, proof, toast, and more. Depending on the model, these functions can redistribute heat and/or increase fan speed to cook food optimally. Once a function is chosen, a user can then adjust temperature and time as necessary.
Additional Features
Air fryers are not only designed to air-fry; many also have additional features that can come in handy in a busy family kitchen. There are air fryers that provide a rotisserie function, accessories for cooking pizza, a pause button, preheating options, and sometimes even a “keep warm” mode to store food at the perfect temperature until mealtime. An air fryer is a single kitchen appliance that can replace the need for many gadgets and free up kitchen cabinets.
Safety
In a family environment, the best large-capacity air fryers are safer than a traditional oil fryer, since there is no risk of touching hot oil or spilling and splashing that oil to cause injury. However, as with any kitchen appliance that reaches high temperatures, strict safety considerations should be followed.
Be sure to read through the user manual before using an air fryer. It is also imperative to unplug the air fryer when not in use and to monitor it closely to ensure children are not left alone with it during use. The glass windows on oven-style air fryers can get extremely hot, so users should take care to keep little fingers away.
Ease of Cleaning
Thankfully, cleaning an air fryer does not require the hassle of disposing of large quantities of messy oil. Simply remove the frying basket, used trays, and lids, and then hand-wash the air fryer with soap and warm water.
Some components may be dishwasher-safe. Before cleaning an air fryer, protect the electrical components, which should not be submerged in water. It is also recommended to avoid using a scouring metal pad because it can scratch the air fryer.
FAQs
Do you have lingering questions about large air fryers? Check out these answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the best large-capacity air fryers for family cooking.
Q. How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer uses hot air circulated by a high-speed fan to simulate frying foods without the mess and added calories of excess oil. Air fryers use from 70 to 80 percent less oil than traditional deep fryers; they are essentially a small convection oven that crisps the food to give an array of foods a desirable crunch. It is possible to cook vegetables, chicken wings, french fries, meats, desserts, and more in an air fryer, making it an extremely versatile tool for a family.
Q. How big is a large-capacity air fryer?
A large-capacity air fryer typically can hold at least 4 to 6 quarts, generally enough to feed a family of four people. An extra-large air fryer has a capacity of 8 or more quarts.
Q. How do you use an air fryer?
To use an air fryer, first apply a light coat of oil to the food you wish to fry. Next, set the desired temperature and preheat if needed; then place the food in the air fryer basket, shake the basket every 5 to 10 minutes, and cook as long as required.
Q. How do you preheat an air fryer?
To preheat an air fryer, simply turn it on and set it to the desired temperature. An air fryer does not typically need much time to preheat, and this step can often be skipped altogether in place of adding a few more minutes to the cooking time.
Q. How do you clean an air fryer?
Wait for an air fryer to cool before cleaning. Then remove the basket or racks and hand-wash with soap and hot water. Some air fryer components are dishwasher-safe. Be sure to consult the user manual before cleaning an air fryer for the first time.
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Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Meet the Tester
As an Editor at BobVila.com, Beth Cranston designs the testing guidelines and rubrics for the product reviews team. She has been a writer and editor for over a decade, with a focus on all things home since 2017, covering everything from kitchen design ideas to electrical plans. An avid home cook, she believes that everyone should know how to reverse sear, that deglazing is the best way to clean a pan, and that no appliance should collect dust.
Additional research provided by Brittany Varano.