Are you looking to whip up delicious, crispy meals without drowning them in oil? If so, an air fryer might just be your new best friend in the kitchen! Air fryers have become a game-changer for healthy eating, offering a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite “fried” foods with significantly less fat. But with so many options out there, how do you find the best air fryer for health that truly fits your lifestyle?
We get it – you want convenience, great taste, and most importantly, a healthier approach to cooking. That’s why we’ve scoured the market to bring you a list of the top 7 air fryers that excel in performance while keeping your health goals in mind. From compact wonders perfect for singles to large capacity giants for family feasts, we’ve got something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Why Air Fryers Are Your Go-To for Healthier Cooking
Air fryers work by circulating superheated air around your food, creating a crispy exterior similar to deep-frying but using little to no oil. This means:
- Significantly Less Fat: You can cut down on up to 95% of the oil typically used in deep-frying, leading to fewer calories and less unhealthy fat.
- Retained Nutrients: Unlike boiling or deep-frying, air frying can help retain more of your food’s nutrients.
- Convenience: Many air fryers come with presets and smart features that make healthy cooking quick and effortless.
- Versatility: Beyond “frying,” most models can roast, bake, grill, and even dehydrate, opening up a world of healthier recipes.
Choosing the best air fryer for health means looking for features that support a low-oil cooking approach, offer ample capacity for your needs, and are easy to clean so you can stick to your healthy habits.
Our Top Picks for the Best Air Fryer for Health
Here are our detailed reviews of the top air fryers designed to help you cook healthier, more delicious meals:
1. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast Turbo…
If you’re serious about getting that perfect crisp while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 with its TurboBlaze Technology is a fantastic choice. It’s designed to deliver beyond-crispy results faster than ever, thanks to its powerful fan speed and precise temperature control, all while using up to 95% less oil. This model truly makes it easy to enjoy guilt-free fried foods.
- Key Features:
- Innovative TurboBlaze Technology for faster cooking and ultra-crispy results.
- Powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉.
- Unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°–450°F temperature control for versatility.
- Generous 6-quart square basket, ideal for family meals.
- Operates quietly at less than 53 dB for a comfortable kitchen environment.
- Uses up to 95% less oil than traditional deep frying.
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick cooking basket and detachable accessories.
- Customizable Preheat function.
- Includes a chef-created 30-recipe cookbook and cooking charts.
- Pros:
- Exceptional crispiness and juicy results due to TurboBlaze.
- Very fast cooking times, perfect for busy schedules.
- Large capacity fits a variety of family-sized meals.
- Impressively quiet operation.
- Significantly reduces oil use for healthier eating.
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Cons:
- The advanced controls might take a moment to get used to for some users.
- Preheat feature is customizable, which might be a pro or con depending on preference.
- User Impressions: Users rave about how quickly and evenly this air fryer cooks, consistently producing perfectly crispy foods with minimal oil. Many appreciate its quiet operation and the large basket size, making it a go-to for healthy weeknight dinners.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air…
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a compact powerhouse that truly delivers on its promise of guilt-free fried foods. With its innovative Air Crisp Technology, it circulates superheated air up to 400℉, giving you hot, crispy results with little to no oil – specifically, up to 75% less fat than traditional methods. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable, space-saving option that still packs a punch.
- Key Features:
- Air Crisp Technology for hot, crispy results with minimal oil.
- Large 5-quart nonstick basket and crisper plate, fitting up to 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- Versatile 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Achieves up to 75% less fat compared to traditional deep frying.
- Efficiently cooks frozen foods to a crispy finish in minutes.
- Space-saving design, perfect for smaller countertops.
- Easy to clean with nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate.
- Includes a chef-inspired 20 recipe book and cooking charts.
- Pros:
- Excellent fat reduction for healthier cooking.
- Quickly transforms frozen foods into crispy delights.
- Compact design saves precious counter space.
- User-friendly with essential functions.
- Very easy to clean.
- Cons:
- Slightly smaller capacity than some other models on this list.
- Fewer cooking functions compared to more versatile multi-cookers.
- User Impressions: Customers love the Ninja Air Fryer Pro for its consistent performance, ease of use, and quick cooking times. Many highlight its ability to make crispy chicken wings and fries with significantly less oil, making healthy eating truly enjoyable.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick…
The Chefman 6 QT Air Fryer stands out with its 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY, designed to give your air-fried favorites that perfect, extra-crispy finish. It’s a fantastic option for families of 3-5 people who want healthy, low-fat meals that still taste amazing. Plus, its sleek, narrow design maximizes capacity while minimizing countertop clutter, making it a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen.
- Key Features:
- Digital touch screen display with customizable time and temperature settings.
- Four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals.
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY for an ultimate finishing crunch.
- 6-quart capacity, ideal for serving 3-5 people.
- Cooks healthy, low-fat meals with little-to-no oil.
- LED Shake Notifications remind you to shake food for optimal crispiness.
- Dishwasher-safe 6-quart nonstick basket and rack for easy clean-up.
- Automatic shutoff technology for enhanced safety.
- cETL approved with a 1-year assurance.
- Pros:
- Achieves an exceptional level of crispiness with high heat.
- “Shake” reminder ensures even cooking and crisping.
- Good capacity for mid-sized families.
- Compact footprint despite generous capacity.
- Safety features provide peace of mind.
- Cons:
- Fewer pre-programmed functions than some multi-cooker air fryers.
- Might be a bit bulky for very small kitchens despite its “compact” claim.
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise this Chefman model for its ability to produce incredibly crispy results, especially for things like chicken tenders and fries. The shake reminder is a particularly popular feature, helping users achieve perfectly even browning and texture.
- See it on Amazon here
4. The Skinnytaste Air Fryer Cookbook: The 75 Best Healthy…
While not an air fryer itself, “The Skinnytaste Air Fryer Cookbook” is an invaluable companion for anyone committed to using their air fryer for health. Penned by Gina Homolka, the creator of the wildly popular Skinnytaste blog, this cookbook provides 75 delicious, lightened-up recipes specifically designed for air frying. It’s perfect for discovering new, healthy meals and making the most of your best air fryer for health.
- Key Highlights:
- Features 75 healthy, air fryer-specific recipes.
- Authored by Gina Homolka of the renowned Skinnytaste blog.
- Offers a variety of dishes, from main courses to snacks.
- Focuses on low-calorie, low-fat alternatives for air-fried favorites.
- Provides practical tips for air frying.
- Pros:
- Inspires healthy eating with air fryer-optimized recipes.
- Helps maximize the utility of your air fryer.
- Recipes are generally easy to follow and delicious.
- Great resource for meal planning and expanding your culinary repertoire.
- Cons:
- It’s a cookbook, not an appliance, so it doesn’t “cook” anything on its own.
- Requires you to already own an air fryer to be useful.
- User Impressions: Home cooks absolutely adore this cookbook, noting that the recipes are consistently flavorful, easy to make, and genuinely help them stick to healthier eating habits. Many appreciate the nutritional information provided and how well the recipes adapt to air frying.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster…
If you’re looking for an all-in-one kitchen workhorse that can handle everything from air frying to roasting a whole chicken, the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a phenomenal choice. This unit combines the power of an air fryer with the versatility of a multi-cooker and toaster oven, making it an ideal appliance for families or those who love to entertain. Its elegant French doors and stainless steel exterior add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen.
- Key Features:
- Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo.
- Dedicated “Perfectly Done Toast” function with automatic shut-off.
- 25 cooking presets including Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, Slow Cook, and more.
- Dual-speed fan for optimal crisping with 360º superheated air circulation.
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, suitable for 4–6 people, can rotisserie a 6-lb chicken or bake a 12” pizza.
- Stylish stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and interior light.
- Pros:
- Extremely versatile with a wide range of cooking functions.
- Huge capacity ideal for large families or entertaining.
- Excellent for making healthier versions of roasted and air-fried dishes.
- Looks stunning on the countertop.
- Toast feature with auto-off is a convenient bonus.
- Cons:
- Large footprint will require significant counter space.
- Higher price point due to its multi-functional nature.
- Might be overkill for single individuals or small apartments.
- User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the sheer versatility and cooking power of this Emeril Lagasse appliance. They love its large capacity for big meals and the convenience of having multiple appliances rolled into one, making healthier cooking more accessible for larger quantities.
- See it on Amazon here
6. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving…
For singles, couples, or anyone with limited kitchen space, the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is the perfect solution to achieve healthy, crispy meals. This digital, space-saving wonder lets you enjoy delicious food with little to no oil, cutting down on fat without sacrificing flavor. Its compact design ensures it fits perfectly on any countertop without causing clutter, proving that good things really do come in small packages.
- Key Features:
- Compact 2-quart capacity, ideal for 1-2 people.
- Digital capacitive touch screen display with customizable time and temperature (up to 400°F).
- Cooks food up to three times quicker than a traditional oven.
- Uses little-to-no oil for healthy, low-fat meals.
- Sleek, narrow design maximizes capacity while minimizing countertop footprint.
- Automatic “Shake Notifications” ensure even crisping.
- Nonstick 2-quart basket and rack are dishwasher safe for easy clean-up.
- Automatic shutoff technology for added safety.
- Pros:
- Perfect size for small households or individual portions.
- Extremely compact and space-efficient.
- Makes healthy cooking effortless and fast.
- Shake reminder is a thoughtful touch for optimal results.
- Very easy to clean.
- Cons:
- Too small for family-sized meals.
- Limited functions compared to larger, multi-purpose air fryers.
- User Impressions: Users absolutely love this mini air fryer for its small footprint and efficiency. It’s frequently praised for being perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, or anyone wanting quick, healthy snacks and meals without the bulk of a larger appliance.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Ninja Foodi 10QT 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer, 2…
The Ninja Foodi 10QT 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer is a true innovator, designed for those who need to cook two different foods, two different ways, and have them finish at the same time. This powerhouse eliminates the need for back-to-back cooking, saving you precious time and effort. Its Smart Cook System with an integrated thermometer ensures perfect doneness every time, making it easier than ever to prepare large, healthy meals with ultimate precision.
- Key Features:
- DualZone Technology with two independent 5-quart XL air fryer baskets.
- Smart Finish feature to cook 2 foods 2 ways and finish simultaneously.
- Match Cook feature to easily copy settings across zones for full 10-qt capacity.
- Integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer for precise doneness (rare to well-done).
- IQ Boost optimally distributes power for faster cooking.
- 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate.
- XL 10-quart capacity (2x 5-quart zones), capable of cooking two 6-lb chickens.
- Cooks up to 30% faster than a traditional oven; frozen-to-crispy meals in 30 minutes.
- Easy to clean with nonstick, dishwasher-safe crisper plates.
- Includes a 15-recipe guide.
- Pros:
- Cooks two different dishes simultaneously, significantly saving time.
- Smart thermometer ensures perfect internal temperatures, every time.
- Massive 10-quart capacity is ideal for large families or meal prepping.
- Extremely fast cooking performance.
- Very versatile with 6 cooking programs.
- Easy cleanup.
- Cons:
- Large size requires considerable counter space.
- Higher price point compared to single-basket models.
- Might be overkill for single-person households.
- User Impressions: This air fryer is a game-changer for families and meal preppers. Users are amazed by its ability to cook multiple items at once, praising the Smart Cook System for taking the guesswork out of cooking meats perfectly. Its speed and capacity make healthy family meals a breeze.
- See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Choosing the best air fryer for health is all about finding a balance between capacity, features, and how it fits into your daily routine. Each of these models offers a unique set of benefits, but all are united by their ability to help you prepare delicious, crispy food with significantly less oil than traditional methods. Whether you’re a single professional, a busy parent, or someone who loves to entertain, there’s an air fryer on this list that can transform your cooking habits and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Ready to embrace guilt-free deliciousness? Pick the air fryer that best suits your needs and start enjoying healthier, perfectly crisp meals today!
FAQ Section
Q1: How do air fryers make food healthier?
A1: Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air, which creates a crispy texture similar to deep-frying but uses significantly less oil – often just a tablespoon or two, or even none at all. This drastic reduction in oil means fewer calories and unhealthy fats in your diet.
Q2: What kind of oil should I use in an air fryer?
A2: You don’t need much oil, but if you do use it, opt for oils with a high smoke point like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil. A light spray is usually sufficient to help with browning and crisping.
Q3: Is air-fried food really as crispy as deep-fried?
A3: While it’s not an exact replica of deep-frying, air fryers do an excellent job of creating a satisfyingly crispy exterior. Many users find the results surprisingly close, especially for items like French fries, chicken wings, and vegetables, but with the added benefit of being much healthier.
Q4: How often should I clean my air fryer?
A4: It’s best to clean the air fryer basket and drawer after every use to prevent grease buildup and baked-on food, which can affect performance and hygiene. A quick wipe-down of the interior and exterior is also recommended regularly.
Q5: Can I cook frozen foods directly in an air fryer?
A5: Absolutely! Air fryers are excellent for cooking frozen foods directly, often yielding crispier results than a microwave or conventional oven, and in less time. Just remember to check your food periodically and shake the basket for even cooking.
Q6: What capacity air fryer do I need?
A6: The ideal capacity depends on your household size:
* 1-2 people: A 2-3 quart air fryer is usually sufficient.
* 3-4 people: A 4-6 quart model is a good fit.
* 5+ people or for meal prepping: Look for 6 quarts or larger, or dual-zone models.
Q7: Are there any foods I shouldn’t cook in an air fryer?
A7: While versatile, some foods aren’t ideal for air frying. Very wet batters (like for tempura) can drip and cause smoking. Cheese directly placed in the basket can melt through the holes. Very light seasonings or small, light ingredients can blow around inside the fryer. Also, foods that need to be submerged in liquid (like soup) are obviously not suitable.