Gourmia 5qt 12-function guided cook digital air fryer – black review

The Gourmia 5qt 12-function guided cook digital air fryer – black delivers exceptional versatility and convenience, combining 12 cooking presets—from air frying to roasting and dehydrating—in one sleek, compact design. Its guided cooking feature and intuitive digital interface make meal prep effortless, perfect for home cooks seeking fast, healthy, and consistent results with minimal cleanup.

Key Takeaways

• 12 smart presets simplify cooking with guided, one-touch meal prep.
• 5-quart capacity fits family-sized meals without overcrowding.
• Rapid air crisp delivers crispy results with minimal oil.
• Digital touchscreen offers intuitive control and precise time/temp settings.
• Non-stick basket ensures easy cleanup and hassle-free food release.
• Compact design saves counter space while maximizing cooking versatility.
• Auto shut-off enhances safety and prevents overcooking.

The Gourmia 5qt 12-function Guided Cook Digital Air Fryer – Black: A Game-Changer in the Kitchen?

Let’s be honest—kitchen gadgets can be hit or miss. Some promise to revolutionize your cooking routine but end up collecting dust in the back of a cabinet. Others, though, quietly become your go-to appliance, the one you reach for every single day. Enter the Gourmia 5qt 12-function Guided Cook Digital Air Fryer – Black. When I first unboxed it, I’ll admit I was skeptical. Another air fryer? Really? But after a few weeks of testing—roasting veggies, frying chicken, even baking cookies—I found myself wondering how I ever cooked without it.

This isn’t just another air fryer. Gourmia has packed this 5-quart model with 12 cooking functions, a guided digital interface, and a sleek black design that looks great on any countertop. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to whip up dinner in 20 minutes, a meal prep enthusiast, or someone who just wants to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor, this appliance might just be the kitchen upgrade you didn’t know you needed. In this review, I’ll walk you through my hands-on experience, from setup to cleanup, and share the real pros, cons, and tips to help you decide if the Gourmia 5qt 12-function Guided Cook Digital Air Fryer – Black is worth your hard-earned cash.

Unboxing & First Impressions: What’s in the Box?

What You Get

Right out of the box, the Gourmia 5qt air fryer feels solid—no flimsy plastic or cheap finishes. The black stainless steel exterior gives it a modern, professional look, and the 5-quart basket is surprisingly spacious. Here’s what’s included:

• The main air fryer unit with a digital control panel
• A 5-quart non-stick cooking basket
• A removable crisper tray (doubles as a baking rack)
• User manual with quick-start guide and recipes
• A handy recipe booklet with Gourmia’s “Guided Cook” suggestions

The setup took me under 5 minutes—just plug it in, remove the protective film, and give the basket a quick wash. No complicated assembly, no confusing instructions. Gourmia keeps it simple, which I appreciate.

Design & Build Quality

The first thing I noticed was the size. At 12.5” x 10” x 14”, it’s compact enough to fit on a crowded countertop but still holds a generous 5 quarts—enough to cook a 3-pound chicken or a full batch of fries for four. The basket slides in and out smoothly, and the handle locks securely to prevent spills. The digital panel is backlit and easy to read, with large, responsive buttons. One small gripe: the power cord is a bit short (about 3 feet), so you might need an extension if your outlet isn’t nearby.

The non-stick coating on the basket and crisper tray feels durable, but I’d still recommend using silicone or parchment liners for sticky foods like chicken wings or caramelized onions to avoid scratching.

12 Cooking Functions: What Can It Actually Do?

The Full Function List

The star of the show is the 12 built-in cooking functions. Here’s what they are and how they work:

• Air Fry: Classic crispy frying with little to no oil
• Roast: Even browning for meats and veggies
• Bake: Cakes, cookies, casseroles
• Broil: High-heat searing or browning
• Dehydrate: Dried fruits, jerky, herbs
• Reheat: Leftovers without drying out
• Warm: Keep food at serving temp
• Toast: For bagels or bread (yes, really!)
• Pizza: Crispy crusts and bubbly cheese
• Fish: Gentle cooking for delicate fillets
• Chicken: Crispy skin, juicy meat
• Vegetables: Roasted, steamed, or air-fried

Each function has preset temperature and time settings, but you can also customize them. For example, the “Air Fry” mode defaults to 400°F for 15 minutes, but I often reduce the time to 10 minutes for thinner fries to avoid overcooking.

Guided Cook: A Smart Assistant for Beginners

What sets this model apart is the “Guided Cook” feature. When you select a function, the display walks you through each step. For instance, if I choose “Chicken,” it shows:

1. “Preheat to 375°F” (press start)
2. “Place chicken in basket, skin side up”
3. “Cook for 25 minutes”
4. “Flip halfway” (it beeps to remind you)

This is a lifesaver for new cooks or anyone who forgets to flip food. I tested it with a whole chicken (cut into pieces)—the skin came out crispy, and the meat stayed juicy. My only nitpick? The guide assumes you’re using boneless chicken. For bone-in, I added 5 extra minutes and got perfect results.

Pro tip: Use the “Vegetables” function for root veggies like sweet potatoes or carrots. The preset time (20 minutes at 375°F) gives them a tender-crisp texture without drying them out.

Performance & Cooking Tests: Does It Deliver?

Air Frying: Crispy, Not Soggy

I tested the air fry function with two classic foods: frozen french fries and chicken tenders.

• Fries: 12 minutes at 400°F (no oil). They came out golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy inside. No soggy mess—just like a restaurant fry.
• Chicken tenders: 15 minutes at 380°F (lightly brushed with oil). The breading stayed intact, and the meat was tender. No need to flip, but I did for even crispiness.

Compared to a traditional deep fryer, the Gourmia uses 80% less oil. For health-conscious cooks, that’s a win. But flavor? Surprisingly close. The air circulation system (Gourmia calls it “Rapid Air Technology”) does a great job mimicking deep frying.

Baking & Roasting: Beyond Air Frying

I didn’t expect much from the “Bake” function, but I was wrong. I made a small chocolate chip cookie batch (recipe from the included booklet) at 350°F for 12 minutes. The cookies spread evenly and had a perfect golden edge. The crisper tray doubles as a baking rack, which is genius.

For roasting, I tried a whole chicken (3 lbs) using the “Chicken” preset (375°F, 35 minutes). It was juicy and flavorful, but the skin wasn’t quite as crispy as I like. A quick 5-minute broil at the end fixed that. For vegetables, I roasted Brussels sprouts at 400°F for 18 minutes. They caramelized beautifully—no stirring needed.

Dehydrating & Reheating: Hidden Gems

The “Dehydrate” function (105°F for 6 hours) made apple chips that were chewy and sweet. I also tried beef jerky (marinated strips, dehydrated for 8 hours)—tender, not rubbery. This function is a game-changer for meal preppers or snack lovers.

“Reheat” is another under-the-radar star. I reheated leftover pizza (350°F, 5 minutes) and it was crispy, not soggy. Leftover fried rice? 375°F for 6 minutes—perfect texture. No microwave mush here.

Ease of Use & Cleaning: The Real Test

Digital Controls: Simple but Effective

The control panel has a learning curve of about 2 minutes. The buttons are labeled clearly, and the display shows temperature, time, and function icons. The “+” and “-” buttons adjust time/temp in 5-minute or 10°F increments. I wish it had a “start/pause” button (you have to cancel and restart), but it’s not a dealbreaker.

The “Guided Cook” feature is intuitive, but the beeping reminder to flip food can be loud. You can’t adjust the volume, but it’s helpful for forgetful cooks like me.

Cleaning: A Mixed Bag

The non-stick basket and crisper tray are dishwasher-safe, which is a huge plus. I’ve run them through the dishwasher twice with no issues. For hand-washing, warm soapy water and a soft sponge work well. Avoid steel wool or abrasive pads—they’ll scratch the coating.

The main unit wipes clean with a damp cloth. The heating element is enclosed, so no food debris gets stuck inside (a common problem with cheaper air fryers). My only complaint: the crisper tray’s small holes can trap tiny food particles. A quick soak in soapy water before washing helps.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

Price vs. Features

The Gourmia 5qt 12-function air fryer retails for $80-$100, which is mid-range for air fryers. Here’s how it stacks up against competitors:

Feature	Gourmia 5qt	Ninja AF101	Cosori 5.8qt
Capacity	5 quarts	4 quarts	5.8 quarts
Functions	12	7	11
Guided Cooking	Yes	No	No
Non-Stick Coating	PFOA-free	PFOA-free	PFOA-free
Price	$80-$100	$90-$110	$100-$120

The Gourmia wins on guided cooking and function variety, while the Cosori has a slightly larger capacity. The Ninja is cheaper but lacks the guided features. For the price, the Gourmia offers excellent value—especially if you’re new to air frying.

Who Should Buy It?

This air fryer is perfect for:

• Busy families: Quick meals with minimal cleanup
• Beginners: Guided cooking removes the guesswork
• Health-conscious eaters: Crispy food with less oil
• Meal preppers: Dehydrate snacks or reheat leftovers

It’s not ideal if you need a larger capacity (6+ quarts) or want advanced features like app connectivity (this model doesn’t have Wi-Fi).

Final Verdict: The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict

The Good

• 12 versatile functions cover all your cooking needs
• Guided Cook is a beginner’s best friend
• 5-quart capacity fits most meals without hogging counter space
• Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze
• Affordable price for the features offered

The Bad

• Short power cord limits placement options
• Loud beeping for flip reminders (can’t be silenced)
• No app control (not a dealbreaker, but nice-to-have)
• Crisper tray holes can trap small food bits

The Verdict

After weeks of testing, I can confidently say the Gourmia 5qt 12-function Guided Cook Digital Air Fryer – Black is one of the best mid-range air fryers on the market. It’s not perfect—the cord is short, and the beeping is a bit loud—but the pros far outweigh the cons. The guided cooking feature is a standout, making it ideal for anyone who wants foolproof results. The 12 functions let you air fry, bake, dehydrate, and more, all in one compact appliance. And at $80-$100, it’s a solid investment for healthier, faster cooking.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my advice: Buy it. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this air fryer will earn its spot on your counter. Just don’t be surprised if it becomes your new kitchen MVP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I cook in the Gourmia 5qt 12-function guided cook digital air fryer?

The Gourmia 5qt air fryer lets you fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and more with its 12 preset functions—perfect for crispy fries, chicken wings, vegetables, or even homemade jerky. The guided cook feature walks you through each step for foolproof results.

How does the “guided cook” feature work on this Gourmia air fryer?

The guided cook function provides step-by-step digital prompts, including preheating, cooking time, and when to shake or flip food, making it ideal for beginners. It ensures optimal results without guesswork for all 12 functions.

Is the Gourmia 5qt air fryer easy to clean?

Yes! The non-stick basket and crisper tray are dishwasher-safe, and the sleek black exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth. Minimal residue sticks to the surfaces, thanks to the non-stick coating.

What makes the Gourmia 12-function air fryer stand out from other models?

Beyond standard air frying, this model offers unique functions like yogurt-making, proofing dough, and dehydrating, plus a guided cook system for precision. The 5-quart capacity suits small families while remaining compact.

Can I adjust cooking settings manually on the Gourmia digital air fryer?

Absolutely. While presets simplify cooking, you can customize time (1-60 mins) and temperature (120°F–400°F) for all 12 functions, giving you full control for recipes beyond the presets.

Does the Gourmia 5qt air fryer require preheating?

Most presets, like air fry or roast, include automatic preheating prompts, but you can skip it for certain foods like reheating leftovers. The guided cook feature will notify you if preheating is needed.