Costco runs are legendary, filling our pantries with delicious bulk buys perfect for families and meal prep. But let’s be honest, sometimes those frozen nuggets, spring rolls, or even juicy sausages need a little something extra to go from good to gourmet. Enter the air fryer – your secret weapon for transforming everyday items into crispy, golden perfection with minimal oil.
An air fryer isn’t just another kitchen gadget; it’s a game-changer, especially when it comes to preparing the best Costco foods for air fryer cooking. It circulates superheated air to give you that deep-fried texture without the guilt, making healthy cooking effortless. From frozen fries to rotisserie chicken, your air fryer can elevate almost anything you bring home from the warehouse.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right appliance to maximize your Costco haul? We’ve rounded up 7 top air fryers and essential accessories that are perfect for tackling all your bulk cooking needs. Get ready to unlock new levels of flavor and convenience!
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a powerhouse multi-cooker designed to handle practically any meal, big or small. With its elegant French doors and generous capacity, it’s perfect for whipping up everything from quick after-school snacks to roasting a whole chicken for a family gathering – making it ideal for large Costco items. Its versatility ensures you can tackle a wide range of dishes with ease.
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Key Features:
- Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo
- Perfectly done toast function with auto-shutoff
- 25 cooking pre-sets for various meals (Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, etc.)
- Dual-speed fan for 360º superheated air circulation
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity (fits 6-lb chicken, 12” pizza)
- Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and interior light
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Pros:
- Extremely versatile with numerous functions
- Large capacity handles big family meals and large Costco buys
- Precise toasting feature prevents burning
- Stylish design adds aesthetic appeal to the kitchen
- Easy monitoring with interior light and French doors
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Cons:
- Larger footprint may require more counter space
- Higher price point compared to basic air fryers
- Learning curve for all 25 presets might take time
User Impressions: Users rave about its multi-functionality, often replacing several appliances. The large capacity is a consistent favorite for big families, though some note its countertop presence. The crisping ability for frozen items like fries and chicken wings is highly praised.
Silicone Air Fryer Basket Liners Square – 2Pcs Reusable
Say goodbye to messy cleanups with these ingenious silicone air fryer basket liners! Designed to keep food residue away from your fryer basket, these reusable pots are a game-changer for easy maintenance. Made from food-grade silicone, they’re heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe, saving you valuable time and energy after cooking up those delicious Costco treats.
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Key Features:
- Effectively keeps food residue away from the fryer
- Completely dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Premium, BPA-free, food-grade silicone (up to 450°F/230°C)
- Silicone lines for better air circulation and even heat distribution
- Designed with handles on both sides for easy lifting
- 8.5-inch side length, suitable for 9-inch+ air fryers
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Pros:
- Drastically reduces air fryer cleaning time
- Reusable and eco-friendly alternative to parchment paper
- Promotes even cooking with smart design
- Convenient handles for safe handling
- Durable and long-lasting material
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Cons:
- Requires measuring your air fryer to ensure fit
- Can sometimes affect crispiness slightly if overloaded
- May take up storage space
User Impressions: Customers love the convenience and how much easier cleanup becomes. Many appreciate not having to scrub their air fryer baskets anymore. The durability and reusability are also frequently highlighted.
Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer | 8-1 Preset Cook Modes
The Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer offers precise cooking results for a variety of dishes, from shrimp to fries, with its 8-in-1 preset cook modes. Its powerful 1200W heating element ensures fast cooking, while the 5.8 QT capacity is generous enough for family portions, making it great for your standard Costco frozen meals. The transparent window and LED touch screen provide excellent control and monitoring.
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Key Features:
- 8-in-1 cooking presets for common foods (Shrimp, Steak, Fries, Wings, Fish, Chicken, Defrost)
- Adjustable temperature control (up to 390°F) and timer (up to 60 min)
- Powerful 1200W heating element for fast heating
- 5.8 QT food capacity
- Non-stick & dishwasher-safe tray for easy cleaning
- Automatic shut-off & overheat protection for safety
- 360° hot air circulation technology
- LED touch screen and transparent window
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Pros:
- Quick and efficient cooking
- Good capacity for family meals without being overly bulky
- Easy to clean with non-stick, dishwasher-safe components
- Transparent window allows food monitoring
- Safety features provide peace of mind
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Cons:
- Temperature maxes out at 390°F, slightly lower than some models
- Limited to 8 presets, though manual control is available
- Some users wish for a higher wattage for even faster cooking
User Impressions: Users frequently praise its quick cooking ability and how easy it is to clean. The transparent window is a big hit, allowing them to check on food without opening the basket. It’s often recommended for its value and reliability.
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact but Large 6 Qt
This COSORI Air Fryer is a compact yet spacious 6-quart marvel, perfect for maximizing cooking space without cluttering your kitchen. Featuring Turbo Blaze Technology for lightning-fast cooking and a 9-in-1 versatility (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, etc.), it’s an excellent alternative to multiple appliances. Enjoy your favorite fried foods with up to 95% less oil, making those Costco spring rolls or chicken wings guilt-free and unbelievably delicious.
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Key Features:
- Lightning-fast cooking with Turbo Blaze Technology
- 9-in-1 versatility (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm)
- 5-fan speed airflow system for golden, crispy results
- 6-quart capacity in a compact design
- 100+ app recipes with nutrition facts
- Up to 95% less oil for healthier frying
- Customizable preheat program
- Dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and detachable components
- Wide temperature range: 90°F–450°F
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Pros:
- Incredibly versatile, replaces multiple kitchen appliances
- Achieves excellent crispy textures with minimal oil
- Large capacity in a small footprint
- Helpful app with recipes and nutritional info
- Easy cleanup with dishwasher-safe parts
- Wide temperature range for diverse cooking
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Cons:
- App connectivity might not appeal to all users
- Some initial plastic smell reported by a few users
- Preheat option can add a few minutes to cook time
User Impressions: Consistently praised for its speed and how well it crisps food. Users appreciate the compact size combined with a generous capacity. The app recipes are a bonus for those looking for cooking inspiration.
Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick
The Chefman 6 QT Compact Air Fryer offers fast and easy cooking with its digital touch screen and four preset functions. What sets it apart is the 450°F HI-FRY Technology, perfect for achieving an extra-crispy finish on your air-fried favorites like Costco’s famous chicken tenders or frozen fries. Its sleek, narrow design maximizes capacity while minimizing countertop footprint, making it a stylish yet practical addition to any kitchen.
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Key Features:
- Digital touch screen display with four preset functions
- 450°F HI-FRY Technology for extra crispiness
- Stylish and compact design with 6-quart capacity
- Healthy cooking with little-to-no oil
- Easy-view window to monitor cooking progress
- Audible shake notifications for even cooking
- Dishwasher-safe 6-quart nonstick basket and rack
- Automatic shutoff technology for safety
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Pros:
- Achieves exceptional crispiness at higher temperatures
- Compact design saves countertop space
- Easy monitoring with the integrated window
- Shake notification ensures perfectly even results
- Simple cleanup with dishwasher-safe components
- Ideal for serving 3-5 people
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Cons:
- Only four preset functions compared to others
- Basket shape might not be ideal for unusually shaped items
- Some users prefer more detailed temperature control steps
User Impressions: Customers love the crispy results, especially the HI-FRY feature. The easy-view window is a standout, and the shake reminders are highly appreciated for perfect cooking. Its sleek design also earns points for kitchen aesthetics.
Chefman TurboTouch Easy View Air Fryer, The Most Convenient
Meet the Chefman TurboTouch Easy View Air Fryer, touted as the world’s fastest, healthiest, and most convenient way to cook. This 8-quart capacity air fryer maintains a small footprint while still allowing you to cook comfort food favorites and mouthwatering meals for the entire family. Its convenient easy-view window lets you watch your food fry to your ideal finish, while intuitive digital controls and built-in functions make cooking a breeze.
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Key Features:
- Convenient easy-view window to monitor food
- Four built-in cooking functions (chicken, fish, steak, French fries)
- Adjustable temperature control (200-400°F)
- Intuitive digital control for seamless operation
- Built-in LED reminder for shaking food
- 8-quart basket capacity with compact countertop footprint
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and accessories
- Matte black exterior for striking presentation and easy wipe-down
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Pros:
- Large 8-quart capacity, great for family-sized portions of Costco items
- Easy-view window is a significant convenience
- Simple and intuitive digital controls
- Shake reminder ensures even cooking
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- Compact design for its capacity
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Cons:
- Temperature range caps at 400°F, potentially limiting some recipes
- Only four specific presets, less versatile than others
- Some users found the digital interface less responsive than expected
User Impressions: Reviewers consistently highlight the large capacity and the easy-view window as their favorite features. The shake reminder is often mentioned as a helpful touch for perfectly crispy results. It’s considered a reliable workhorse for everyday meals.
Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo 17 cooking presets
The Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo is a versatile kitchen marvel with 17 cooking presets, designed to toast, bake, dehydrate, air fry, and more in a fraction of the time. This powerful 1700W oven features stylish French doors and a compact footprint, yet it’s spacious enough to fit a 12” pizza or up to 6 slices of bread. It’s perfect for micro living spaces like apartments or RVs, ensuring you can still enjoy premium dishes wherever you go.
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Key Features:
- 17-mode cooking oven (Toast, Bake, Dehydrate, Air Fry, etc.)
- Easy 1-Touch Control Panel with 17 preset options
- Powerful 1700 Watt oven with French doors
- Compact space-saving design with ample capacity (12” pizza, 6 slices of bread)
- Customizable time, mode, and temperature settings
- 360° air flow for high-quality, even cooking
- Includes fry basket, oven rack, baking pan, & crumb tray
- Great for micro living spaces (lofts, apartments, RVs)
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Pros:
- Exceptional versatility with 17 cooking modes
- Powerful and efficient 1700W performance
- Stylish French doors and compact design
- Large capacity despite its smaller footprint
- Provides even cooking with 360° airflow
- Comes with useful accessories
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Cons:
- Requires more counter space than a dedicated basket air fryer
- Can be louder than some standard air fryers
- Some users find the control panel less intuitive initially
User Impressions: Users love the sheer number of cooking options and its ability to handle multiple tasks. The Gourmia is praised for its even cooking and its suitability for smaller living spaces that still need multi-functionality. It’s a solid choice for transforming those best Costco foods for air fryer cooking into delicious meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best Costco foods for air fryer cooking?
Many popular Costco items shine in the air fryer! Some top picks include:
* Kirkland Signature Chicken Bakes: Cook from frozen until golden and crispy.
* Frozen French Fries/Tater Tots: Achieve ultimate crispiness.
* Chicken Wings (fresh or frozen): Get that perfect crispy skin.
* Spring Rolls/Egg Rolls: No more soggy results!
* Potstickers/Dumplings: Crispy bottoms and tender insides.
* Mozzarella Sticks: Perfectly melted cheese with a crunchy coating.
* Pizza (slices or mini pizzas): Reheat for a fresh-baked taste and crispy crust.
* Taquitos/Flautas: Crispy shells without deep frying.
* Prepared Meats: Reheat sausages, meatballs, or even a slice of rotisserie chicken for renewed crispiness.
How do I air fry Costco frozen foods?
Most Costco frozen foods are perfect for the air fryer. Generally:
1. Preheat your air fryer (if recommended by your model or recipe).
2. Arrange frozen food in a single layer in the basket, don’t overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
3. Spray lightly with oil if desired for extra crispiness (not always necessary).
4. Cook at the recommended temperature (usually 350-400°F) for frozen foods, shaking or flipping halfway through.
5. Check for doneness and adjust time as needed.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer for Costco meals?
While not strictly necessary for all items, preheating your air fryer (usually for 3-5 minutes at the cooking temperature) is highly recommended. It helps ensure more even cooking, faster cooking times, and a crispier finish, especially for frozen items like fries or chicken nuggets from Costco.
Are air fryers healthy for cooking Costco items?
Yes! Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying because they use significantly less oil (often just a tablespoon or two, or none at all). This means you can enjoy the crispy texture of your favorite Costco comfort foods with far less fat and calories, contributing to healthier eating habits.
How do I clean my air fryer after cooking greasy Costco foods?
For easiest cleanup, clean your air fryer after every use.
1. Unplug and let it cool completely.
2. Remove the basket/tray and wash it with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Many baskets are dishwasher safe.
3. Wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any grease or crumbs.
4. For stubborn, baked-on grease, soak the basket in hot soapy water or make a paste with baking soda and water.
Using silicone liners (like one of the products reviewed) can also significantly reduce cleaning effort.
Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer with Costco products?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil in an air fryer, but with caution.
* Ensure the foil is securely placed and doesn’t cover too much of the basket, allowing for proper airflow.
* Do not let it touch the heating element.
* Avoid using it with acidic foods (like tomatoes or citrus) as it can react with the aluminum.
Parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers are often a safer and more convenient alternative.
What accessories are best for air frying Costco foods?
Beyond the air fryer itself, a few accessories can enhance your cooking experience:
* Silicone Liners: As reviewed, these are excellent for easy cleanup and protecting your basket.
* Spray Bottle for Oil: Allows for even, light coating of oil.
* Tongs: Essential for flipping and removing hot food.
* Meat Thermometer: Ensures meats are cooked to a safe internal temperature, especially for larger Costco cuts.
* Muffin Cups/Ramekins: For cooking individual portions or preventing leakage.
Armed with the right air fryer, you’re ready to conquer the best Costco foods for air fryer cooking and transform your everyday meals into crispy, delicious masterpieces. Happy air frying!