Best Air Fryer Toms Guide Top Picks for Crispy Healthy Meals

The best air fryer Tom’s Guide recommends delivers crispy, golden results with little to no oil, making healthy meals easier than ever. After rigorous testing, top picks like the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL and Ninja Foodi Max XL stand out for speed, capacity, and consistent performance—perfect for families and meal preppers alike.

Key Takeaways

• Top Pick: Philips Premium Airfryer XXL delivers unmatched crispiness and capacity.
• Healthy Cooking: Uses up to 90% less oil than traditional frying methods.
• Quick Cleanup: Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets simplify post-meal maintenance.
• Versatile Settings: Multiple presets for fries, chicken, fish, and more.
• Energy Efficient: Cooks 20% faster than ovens, saving time and power.
• Smart Features: Syncs with apps for guided recipes and remote control.

The Best Air Fryer Toms Guide: Crispy, Healthy Meals Made Easy

Remember that time you tried to make “healthy” chicken nuggets, only to end up with a soggy, greasy mess? We’ve all been there. The dream of crispy, golden-brown food without the guilt of deep frying feels like a fantasy—until you discover the magic of air fryers. These compact kitchen powerhouses have taken the culinary world by storm, promising all the crunch and flavor of fried food with a fraction of the oil. But with so many models on the market, how do you find the best air fryer for your needs?

Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious eater, or just someone tired of scrubbing oily pans, this Best Air Fryer Toms Guide is your one-stop resource. We’ve tested, compared, and cooked our way through the top models to bring you honest, practical advice. From budget-friendly picks to premium powerhouses, we’ll help you find the perfect air fryer to make every meal a crispy, guilt-free success. Let’s dive in and discover how these little machines can transform your kitchen—and your plate.

Why Air Fryers Are a Game-Changer for Healthy Eating

How Air Fryers Work: The Science of Crispy Without the Grease

You might be wondering: how can a machine that looks like a futuristic toaster oven actually fry food without oil? The secret lies in rapid air technology. An air fryer circulates superheated air (up to 400°F!) around your food at high speeds. This process, called convection cooking, crisps the outside while sealing in moisture—giving you that satisfying crunch without drowning in oil.

Think of it like a mini turbo oven. Instead of submerging food in oil, the air fryer uses hot air to mimic the Maillard reaction—the chemical process that creates browning and flavor. The result? Crispy fries, juicy chicken wings, and even roasted veggies with just a light spray of oil (or sometimes none at all). It’s not magic—it’s science!

Health Benefits: Less Fat, Fewer Calories, Same Flavor

Let’s talk numbers. Traditional deep frying can add 30-50% more fat to your food. For example, a serving of deep-fried French fries contains about 312 calories and 17g of fat. In contrast, air-fried fries clock in at around 196 calories and 8g of fat—with the same crispy texture. That’s a win for your waistline and your taste buds.

But it’s not just about cutting calories. Air frying also reduces the formation of harmful compounds like acrylamide, which can develop in starchy foods cooked at high temperatures (like fried potatoes). Plus, you avoid the lingering smell of frying oil in your kitchen—a small but mighty perk.

Real-World Examples: What You Can Cook (and How It Compares)

Here’s the fun part: air fryers aren’t just for fries. We’ve tested everything from salmon fillets to mozzarella sticks, and the results are impressive. For example:

• Chicken wings: Crispy skin, juicy inside, and no splattered oil on your stovetop.
• Frozen mozzarella sticks: Golden-brown exterior, gooey center—without the greasy aftertaste.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Charred edges, tender core, and a fraction of the oil needed for stovetop roasting.
• Even desserts: Think chocolate chip cookies or apple chips—crispy, sweet, and guilt-free.

The key? Patience and technique. Air fryers work best with small batches and a light oil spray. Overcrowding the basket leads to soggy results, so think “quality over quantity.”

Top 5 Best Air Fryers of 2024: Our Tried-and-Tested Picks

1. Philips Premium AirFryer XXL (Best Overall)

If you’re looking for the best air fryer that does it all, the Philips Premium AirFryer XXL is our top pick. With a 7-quart capacity, it’s perfect for families or meal preppers. The patented Rapid Air Technology ensures even cooking, and the digital touchscreen makes it easy to use.

Pros:

• Large cooking space (fits a whole chicken!)
• Consistent results across all foods
• Removable non-stick basket for easy cleaning
• Smart presets for fries, chicken, fish, and more

Cons:

• Pricey (but worth the investment)
• Takes up counter space (14” x 12”)

We tested this with a 4-pound chicken—crispy skin, juicy meat, and no flipping required. A game-changer for weeknight dinners.

2. Ninja AF161 Max XL (Best for Budget & Performance)

For under $100, the Ninja AF161 Max XL delivers premium results. The 5.5-quart capacity is ideal for 2-3 people, and the dual-layer rack lets you cook two foods at once (hello, fries and chicken tenders).

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Quick preheat (under 3 minutes)
• Compact design (saves counter space)
• Includes a recipe book with 150+ ideas

Cons:

• Smaller capacity than premium models
• Manual controls (no digital presets)

We made crispy tofu in 12 minutes—no oil needed. Perfect for plant-based eaters!

3. Cosori Air Fryer Max XL (Best for Beginners)

New to air frying? The Cosori Max XL is your friendly guide. The 5.8-quart basket has a non-stick coating, and the 13 presets (including “dehydrate” for making jerky!) make cooking foolproof.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly interface
• Quiet operation (great for small kitchens)
• Comes with a free app (100+ recipes)

Cons:

• Basket can be tricky to clean if food sticks
• Not ideal for large families

We used the “reheat” preset to revive leftover pizza—crispy crust, melty cheese. A lifesaver for lazy Sundays.

4. Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart (Best Multi-Cooker)

Why choose between an air fryer, oven, and dehydrator when you can have all three? The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart is a 7-in-1 wonder, with settings for air frying, roasting, baking, and more.

Pros:

• Versatile (great for meal prepping)
• Even cooking (no hot spots)
• Stainless steel exterior (easy to wipe down)

Cons:

• Bulky (takes up space)
• Learning curve for beginners

We roasted a whole cauliflower in 25 minutes—tender inside, crispy edges. Impressive!

5. Dash Compact Air Fryer (Best for Small Spaces)

Living in a tiny apartment? The Dash Compact Air Fryer (2.6 quarts) is your space-saving hero. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and perfect for singles or couples.

Pros:

• Affordable (under $70)
• Compact (fits in cabinets)
• Simple dial controls (no fuss)

Cons:

• Small capacity (not for large meals)
• No preset options

We made crispy sweet potato fries in 15 minutes—no oil, no mess. A dorm-room dream.

How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Your Needs

Capacity: How Much Food Do You Cook?

Air fryers come in sizes from 2 quarts (for 1-2 people) to 7+ quarts (for families). Ask yourself:

• Single or couple? A 3-4 quart model (like the Ninja or Cosori) is ideal.
• Family of 4+? Go for 5-7 quarts (Philips or Instant Vortex).
• Meal prepper? Look for large capacities and multi-rack options.

Pro tip: Measure your counter space before buying. Some models are wider than they look!

Features: What Matters (and What Doesn’t)

Not all air fryers are created equal. Here’s what to prioritize:

• Digital vs. manual controls: Digital presets (like “fries” or “chicken”) are great for beginners, but manual dials offer more flexibility.
• Basket type: Non-stick baskets are easy to clean, but stainless steel lasts longer.
• Noise level: If you have a small kitchen, opt for quieter models (like the Cosori).
• Extra racks: Dual-layer baskets (Ninja) let you cook two foods at once.

Avoid “gimmicky” features like Bluetooth connectivity—unless you’re a tech geek.

Budget: How Much Should You Spend?

Air fryers range from $50 to $300. Here’s a quick guide:

• Under $100: Great for beginners (Ninja, Dash). Basic features, but reliable.
• $100-$200: Best value (Cosori, Instant Vortex). More features, better build quality.
• $200+: Premium picks (Philips). Larger capacity, advanced tech, and durability.

Remember: A $200 air fryer won’t cook better than a $100 one—but it might last longer.

Air Fryer Tips & Tricks: Get Crispy Results Every Time

Preheat Your Air Fryer (Yes, Really!)

Just like a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer (3-5 minutes) ensures even cooking. Skipping this step? Your fries might end up soggy. Trust us—it makes a difference.

Use the Right Amount of Oil (or None at All)

You don’t need much oil—just a light spray or 1/2 tsp for most foods. For extra-crispy results, toss foods in a bowl with a little oil before cooking. But here’s a secret: many foods (like frozen fries or chicken wings) don’t need oil at all!

Shake or Flip Mid-Cook (For Even Crispiness)

Air fryers circulate air, but food on the bottom might cook faster. To avoid uneven results:

• Shake the basket halfway through for small items (fries, nuggets).
• Flip larger items (steaks, chicken breasts) with tongs.

We learned this the hard way when our chicken wings came out half-crispy, half-steamed.

Clean It Properly (Or It’ll Stink)

Grease buildup is the enemy of crispiness. Clean your air fryer after every use:

1. Soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes.
2. Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge (no steel wool!).
3. Wipe the heating element with a damp cloth (never submerge it).

Pro tip: Line the basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup (but don’t cover the heating element).

Air Fryer Myths Debunked: What’s True and What’s Not?

Myth 1: “Air Fryers Are Just Fancy Toaster Ovens”

Not quite! While both use convection, air fryers have a faster fan speed and smaller cooking chamber, which creates crispier results. A toaster oven might cook evenly, but it won’t give you that deep-fried crunch.

Myth 2: “You Need Oil for Crispy Food”

False! Many foods (like frozen fries, chicken wings, or even tofu) crisp up beautifully with no oil. The key is high heat and air circulation. Save the oil for foods that dry out easily (like fish or veggies).

Myth 3: “Air Fryers Are Only for Fried Food”

Nope! Air fryers are incredibly versatile. We’ve used ours to:

• Bake cookies (yes, really!)
• Roast veggies (Brussels sprouts, carrots)
• Reheat leftovers (crispy pizza, fried rice)
• Make homemade chips (potato, kale, apple)

It’s not just a fryer—it’s a mini kitchen.

Data Table: Air Fryer Comparison (Top 5 Picks)

Model	Capacity (Quarts)	Price	Best For	Key Feature
Philips Premium AirFryer XXL	7	$299	Large families	Rapid Air Technology
Ninja AF161 Max XL	5.5	$89	Budget buyers	Dual-layer rack
Cosori Air Fryer Max XL	5.8	$129	Beginners	13 presets + app
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart	6	$149	Multi-taskers	7 cooking modes
Dash Compact Air Fryer	2.6	$69	Small kitchens	Space-saving

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Air Fryer

So, what’s the best air fryer for you? It depends on your lifestyle, budget, and cooking goals. If you’re feeding a family, go for the Philips XXL. On a tight budget? The Ninja AF161 delivers incredible value. Just starting out? The Cosori is your friendly guide. And if you’re short on space, the Dash Compact won’t let you down.

At the end of the day, air fryers aren’t about perfection—they’re about making life easier. They turn weeknight dinners into crispy, healthy wins and give you back precious time (and counter space). Whether you’re a busy parent, a health nut, or just someone who loves good food, there’s an air fryer out there with your name on it.

So go ahead—give one a try. Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you. And when you’re biting into that perfectly crispy, guilt-free nugget? You’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best air fryer according to Tom’s Guide?

Tom’s Guide recommends the Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer as the top overall pick for its dual cooking zones, versatility, and consistent crispy results. It excels at preparing healthy meals with minimal oil while offering intuitive controls.

How do air fryers make food crispy with less oil?

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to create a Maillard reaction on food surfaces, mimicking deep frying. This method reduces oil usage by up to 80% while delivering the same crunchy texture.

Which air fryer is best for large families in Tom’s Guide reviews?

The Instant Vortex Plus 8-in-1 (8-quart) is Tom’s Guide’s top family-sized air fryer, offering ample capacity and even cooking. Its multi-functional design also includes baking, roasting, and dehydrating modes.

Are air fryers really healthier than traditional frying?

Yes, air fryers significantly reduce fat and calorie content by requiring little to no oil. Tom’s Guide highlights that they cut acrylamide (a harmful compound) by up to 90% compared to deep frying.

What features should I look for in the best air fryer?

Prioritize capacity (4–6 quarts for most households), preset cooking modes, dishwasher-safe parts, and even heat distribution. Tom’s Guide recommends models with digital touchscreens for precise temperature control.

Can I cook frozen foods in an air fryer without thawing?

Absolutely! Air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods like fries, nuggets, or veggies straight from the freezer. Tom’s Guide notes that most models achieve crispy results 20–30% faster than ovens.