Baking in an air fryer? You bet! While air fryers are famous for their ability to make crispy fries and golden chicken wings with less oil, these versatile kitchen powerhouses are surprisingly adept at baking too. Imagine perfectly baked cookies, moist muffins, or even a small cake, all done faster and often more efficiently than in a traditional oven. If you’re looking for the best air fryer for baking, you’re in the right place.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a selection of top-notch air fryer toaster oven combos that excel in baking. These aren’t just one-trick ponies; they’re multi-functional appliances designed to make your baking adventures simpler and more delicious.
Why Bake in an Air Fryer?
You might be wondering, “Why should I bake in an air fryer when I have a perfectly good oven?” Good question! Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Faster Cooking: Air fryers preheat much quicker than conventional ovens, saving you valuable time. Their concentrated heat circulation also often means shorter baking times.
- Energy Efficiency: For smaller batches or single dishes, using an air fryer consumes less energy than heating up a large oven.
- Even Results: The powerful convection technology ensures heat is circulated evenly, leading to consistently baked goods with often delightful textures.
- Less Heat in the Kitchen: On a hot day, using an air fryer instead of a large oven can keep your kitchen cooler.
- Versatility: Many air fryer ovens come with multiple functions like toasting, roasting, broiling, and dehydrating, making them incredibly useful kitchen companions.
How We Picked the Best Air Fryers for Baking
To find the best air fryer for baking, we focused on several key factors:
- Baking Performance: Does it consistently bake items well?
- Capacity: Is it large enough for typical baking needs without taking up too much counter space?
- Temperature Control & Presets: Accurate temperature settings and useful baking presets are crucial.
- Versatility: Can it handle other cooking tasks efficiently?
- Ease of Use & Cleaning: Simple controls and easy-to-clean components are always a plus.
Now, let’s dive into our top picks!
The Best Air Fryers for Baking – Our Top Picks
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
If you’re after a serious kitchen workhorse that looks as good as it performs, the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a fantastic contender. This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a versatile multi-cooker designed to elevate virtually any meal, from a quick snack to a full roast. Its elegant French doors add a touch of class to your countertop, opening with a single pull, while the interior light lets you peek at your creations without interrupting the cooking process. For serious bakers, its ample capacity and precise temperature control make it a dream come true.
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Key Features:
- Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo for diverse meals.
- Perfectly done toast function with auto-off and indicator light.
- 25 cooking presets including Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Pizza, Pastry, Roast, and more.
- Dual-speed fan with 360° superheated air circulation for golden crisping.
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, fits a 12” pizza or 6-lb chicken.
- Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and interior light.
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Pros:
- Exceptional versatility with numerous cooking functions.
- Large capacity ideal for family-sized meals and baking larger items.
- Stylish French door design enhances kitchen aesthetics.
- Precise toast function ensures consistent results.
- 360° air circulation provides even cooking and crispiness.
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Cons:
- Larger footprint may require significant counter space.
- Can be a higher price point compared to smaller air fryers.
User Impressions: Users rave about this appliance’s ability to handle large quantities and its impressive array of functions, making it a true all-in-one solution. Many appreciate the robust build quality and the consistency of its cooking, especially for baking and roasting, though some note its substantial size as a consideration for smaller kitchens.
Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with 17 Cooking Presets
The Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo is a compact yet powerful appliance that truly lives up to its “marvel” description. With 17 one-touch presets, it makes cooking your favorite breads, meats, and vegetables to crispy perfection incredibly easy. Its smart design features single-pull auto French doors for convenience and style, while still offering plenty of internal capacity. This unit is especially great for those with smaller kitchens or anyone living in “micro living spaces” who don’t want to sacrifice gourmet results.
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Key Features:
- 17-mode oven: Toast, Bake, Dehydrate, Air Fry, and more.
- High-performance 1700 Watt motor for quick cooking.
- Compact design with single-pull auto French doors.
- Large enough to fit a 12” pizza or 6 slices of bread.
- Customizable time, mode, and temperature settings.
- 360° airflow for high-quality, even cooking.
- Includes fry basket, oven rack, baking pan, and crumb tray.
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Pros:
- Impressive versatility with 17 cooking functions.
- Compact footprint ideal for smaller kitchens or dorms.
- Powerful 1700W ensures fast and efficient cooking.
- Easy-to-use touch control panel.
- Even heat distribution for consistent results.
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Cons:
- Capacity might be limiting for very large families.
- Some users might prefer a more traditional dial control.
User Impressions: This Gourmia model often receives high praise for its space-saving design combined with its powerful multi-functionality. Users frequently comment on the convenience of the presets and how well it handles various dishes, including baked goods, making it a highly recommended choice for everyday cooking.
Midea Flexify French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo
The Midea Flexify French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo is a standout choice for those who value efficiency, versatility, and sleek design. Boasting Cyclone Air Fryer technology, it promises 25% faster cooking with 90% less oil, making your baked goods (and everything else!) healthier and quicker to prepare. Its VDE-certified heat evenness, combined with a convection fan and six heat tubes, ensures rapid heating and often eliminates the need for preheating, especially for air frying. This unit truly flexes to meet all your culinary needs.
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Key Features:
- Cyclone Air Fryer for 25% faster cooking and 90% less oil.
- VDE-certified heat evenness with one convection fan and six heat tubes.
- 10 versatile functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Pizza, Reheat, Slow Cook, Dehydrate, and Warm.
- Large 26.4 QT capacity, fits a 12-inch pizza, 6 slices of toast, or 14 chicken wings.
- Precise temperature and time control (5°F increments, 1-minute increments).
- Elegant anti-scald double French doors and large LED digital display.
- Includes crumb tray, air fry basket, baking rack, and baking tray.
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Pros:
- Significantly faster cooking and healthier results with Cyclone Air Fryer.
- Excellent heat distribution eliminates hot spots for even baking.
- Wide range of 10 cooking functions offers incredible flexibility.
- Generous capacity suitable for family meals.
- Elegant design with practical features like anti-scald doors.
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Cons:
- The digital display might have a learning curve for some users.
- French doors require adequate clearance on countertops.
User Impressions: Customers are highly impressed with the Midea Flexify’s cooking speed and efficiency, often highlighting its ability to produce perfectly cooked and baked items. The precise controls and intuitive digital interface are frequently praised, making it a favorite for those who enjoy experimenting with different recipes.
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer + Rotisserie
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer + Rotisserie is a versatile countertop appliance that brings an entire suite of cooking options to your kitchen. Designed to air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, or roast, it promises crispy perfection every time. It stands out by eliminating the need for preheating, thanks to its rapid air heating elements, which cook food quickly, evenly, and healthily with 98% less oil. This extra-large 10-liter capacity unit is perfect for family-size meals or anyone who loves to meal prep.
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Key Features:
- Versatile functions: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, roast.
- No preheating required, rapid air heating elements for fast cooking.
- Healthy cooking with 98% less oil than traditional fryers.
- 17 preset options and easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen.
- Includes three air flow racks, stainless steel rotisserie spit, and drip tray.
- Extra-large 10-Liter capacity for family-size meals.
- Interior lights and extra-large oven window for monitoring progress.
- Removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.
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Pros:
- Exceptional versatility in one appliance.
- Fast cooking without preheating saves time and energy.
- Healthier cooking alternative for fried foods and baked goods.
- Intuitive digital controls and numerous presets simplify operation.
- Large capacity is excellent for families and meal prepping.
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components.
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Cons:
- Tower design might be taller than some counter spaces allow.
- Some specific accessories might need to be purchased separately for certain baking tasks.
User Impressions: This Chefman model is consistently lauded for its large capacity and multi-functionality, with users particularly fond of its rotisserie feature and its ability to quickly and evenly cook a variety of foods. Many appreciate the clear viewing window and interior lights, making it easy to monitor baking progress without opening the door.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Air Fryer for Baking
Choosing the best air fryer for baking depends heavily on your specific needs and kitchen setup. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Capacity: How much are you typically baking? If it’s just a few cookies, a smaller basket model might suffice. But for a small cake or a batch of muffins, a larger oven-style air fryer is ideal.
- Functions & Presets: Beyond air frying and baking, do you need toast, dehydrate, roast, or rotisserie functions? The more presets, the easier it might be to get started.
- Temperature Range & Control: Look for models with precise temperature adjustments and a good range, especially for delicate baking tasks.
- Accessories Included: Does it come with baking pans, racks, or a crumb tray? These can save you from extra purchases.
- Size & Counter Space: Air fryer toaster ovens can be bulky. Measure your available counter space to ensure a good fit.
- Ease of Cleaning: Removable, dishwasher-safe parts are a huge plus for hassle-free maintenance.
- Noise Level: Air fryers can be a bit noisy due to their powerful fans. While not usually a deal-breaker, it’s something to be aware of.
Conclusion
Finding the best air fryer for baking can truly transform your kitchen experience. These versatile appliances prove that you don’t need a huge traditional oven to whip up delicious baked goods. From the ample capacity of the Emeril Lagasse and Midea Flexify to the compact versatility of the Gourmia and the multi-functional prowess of the Chefman, there’s an air fryer oven out there to suit every baking enthusiast.
No matter which one you choose, get ready to enjoy faster preheating, more even baking, and a healthier way to indulge in your favorite treats. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can you bake cakes in an air fryer?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Many air fryer toaster ovens are perfectly capable of baking small cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and brownies. You’ll typically need to use smaller baking pans that fit inside the air fryer basket or oven.
Q2: Is an air fryer better than an oven for baking?
A2: It depends on what you’re baking and your priorities. For smaller batches, faster cooking, and energy efficiency, an air fryer can be superior. It also provides excellent crisping for items like cookies or pastries. For large roasts or multiple trays of cookies, a traditional oven is still more practical.
Q3: What’s the best temperature for baking in an air fryer?
A3: A good rule of thumb is to reduce the recipe’s recommended oven temperature by about 25°F (around 15°C) and reduce the cooking time by 10-20%. However, it’s always best to check your air fryer’s manual or specific recipe guidelines, as models can vary.
Q4: Do I need special bakeware for air fryer baking?
A4: You’ll need bakeware that fits inside your air fryer. Silicone pans, small metal baking tins, and oven-safe glass dishes are good options. Avoid using parchment paper alone without food on top during preheating, as it can fly into the heating element. Consider using air fryer safe paper or silicone liners for easier cleanup.
Q5: What kind of baked goods can I make in an air fryer?
A5: You can bake a wide variety, including cookies, muffins, cupcakes, small cakes, brownies, biscuits, crescent rolls, cinnamon rolls, and even some types of bread. The key is to work with smaller portions that fit well within the air fryer’s capacity.
Q6: How long does it take to preheat an air fryer for baking?
A6: Most air fryers preheat much faster than conventional ovens, usually taking only 3-5 minutes. Some air fryer ovens with specific “no preheat” functions, like the Midea Flexify, might eliminate this step for certain cooking modes, saving even more time.
Q7: Are air fryer accessories like liners helpful for baking?
A7: Yes, accessories like parchment paper liners, silicone baskets, and small baking pans designed for air fryers can be incredibly helpful. They make cleanup a breeze, prevent sticking, and allow for more versatile baking. Just ensure they are food-grade and heat-resistant for air fryer use.