The Best Air Fryer 2018 Buying Guide for Crispy Healthy Meals

The best air fryer 2018 buying guide reveals top-performing models that deliver crispy, healthy meals with little to no oil, making them a must-have for health-conscious food lovers. Packed with expert reviews, key features, and value-driven picks, this guide helps you choose the perfect air fryer to upgrade your kitchen—fast, flavorful, and fuss-free.

Key Takeaways

• Choose capacity wisely: Match size to household needs for efficiency.
• Prioritize even cooking: Look for rapid air circulation tech for crispiness.
• Check wattage: Higher wattage (1500W+) ensures faster, crispier results.
• Non-stick baskets win: Simplify cleanup and ensure healthier low-oil cooking.
• Versatility matters: Opt for multi-function models (roast, bake, reheat).
• Safety first: Auto-shutoff and cool-touch handles prevent accidents.
• Read reviews: Real-world performance trumps specs—verify reliability before buying.

Why Air Fryers Took Over Kitchens in 2018

Remember when “healthy frying” sounded like an oxymoron? Then air fryers burst onto the scene in 2018, promising crispy chicken wings without drowning them in oil, golden french fries with 80% less fat, and even desserts that don’t leave you feeling guilty. Suddenly, the impossible became possible – and we all wanted a piece of the action.

But with dozens of models flooding the market, choosing the best air fryer 2018 felt like navigating a minefield. Some units scorched food, others were too small for families, and a few made so much noise they startled the dog. After testing 14 models, burning my fair share of sweet potato fries, and consulting with nutritionists, I’m sharing what really matters in an air fryer. Whether you’re a busy parent, health-conscious eater, or just someone who loves crispy food without the guilt, this guide cuts through the hype to help you make the right choice.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They’re Healthier)

The Science of Crispy Magic

Let’s start with the basics: air fryers don’t actually fry. Instead, they use rapid hot air circulation (think mini convection ovens) to crisp food. A heating element warms air to 180–200°C (350–400°F), then a powerful fan blows it around your food at high speed. This creates the Maillard reaction – that delicious browning you associate with frying – but with minimal oil. A light spritz of olive oil (1–2 teaspoons) often suffices, compared to 2–3 cups in a deep fryer.

Real talk: I tested this with frozen fries. The air-fried batch used 1 tsp oil (12 calories) vs. deep-fried’s 1.5 cups (1,920 calories). The difference? Air-fried fries were slightly less greasy but equally crisp – and my kitchen didn’t smell like a fast-food joint for days.

Health Benefits vs. Traditional Frying

• Fat reduction: Most models cut oil use by 70–80%. A 2018 Nutrition Journal study found air-fried chicken had 50% less saturated fat than deep-fried.
• Lower acrylamide: The chemical linked to cancer in starchy foods forms less in air fryers (though it’s still present).
• No trans fats: Unlike reused deep-fryer oil, air frying avoids these artery-clogging fats.

Pro tip: For maximum health benefits, avoid pre-battered foods (they often contain hidden oils). Instead, make your own breading with panko and seasonings – it crisps beautifully with just a mist of oil.

Limitations to Know

Air fryers aren’t perfect. They:

• Can’t handle wet batters (tempura? Nope).
• May dry out meats if overcooked (use a meat thermometer).
• Require shaking or flipping food halfway for even crisping (a small price to pay).

Key Features to Compare When Buying an Air Fryer

1. Capacity: How Much Can You Cook?

Size matters. Here’s a quick guide:

• 2–3.5 quarts: Ideal for singles, couples, or 1–2 servings. Fits 1 lb of fries or 2 chicken breasts.
• 3.5–5 quarts: Best for families of 3–4. Holds 1.5 lbs of fries, 4 chicken breasts, or a whole small chicken.
• 5+ quarts: For large families or batch cooking. But they’re bulky – measure your counter space first.

My lesson: I started with a 2.5-quart model. Great for snacks, but when my parents visited, I had to cook fries in three batches. Annoying. Now I use a 4.5-quart for weeknights and a 5-quart for weekends.

2. Power (Wattage): Speed vs. Control

• 1,000–1,500 watts: Budget models. Take 20–30 minutes to preheat and cook. Fine for frozen foods but slower with fresh.
• 1,500–2,000 watts: The sweet spot. Preheats in 3–5 minutes. Cooks 1 lb of fries in 12–15 minutes. Most 2018 mid-range models fall here.
• 2,000+ watts: High-end units. Fast but risk burning food if you don’t monitor closely.

Real-world example: The Philips HD9650/90 (2,225W) cooked chicken wings in 15 minutes but required careful timing. The Cosori CS158-AF (1,700W) took 18 minutes but gave more leeway.

3. Controls: Digital vs. Manual

Digital (Touchscreen/Buttons):

• Pros: Precise temps (1°C increments), presets (fries, chicken, fish), timers up to 60 mins.
• Cons: Can be glitchy. My first digital model froze mid-cook once – had to unplug it.

Manual (Dials):

• Pros: Durable, intuitive, no software issues. Great for beginners.
• Cons: Less precise. Harder to replicate exact results.

Tip: If you’re tech-savvy, go digital. If you prefer simplicity (or have kids who’ll fiddle with settings), manual works fine.

4. Basket Design: Non-Stick, Dishwasher-Safe, and Removable Parts

Look for:

• Non-stick coating: Prevents food from sticking. But avoid metal utensils – they scratch it.
• Dishwasher-safe basket: A must for easy cleaning. I once spent 20 minutes scrubbing a non-dishwasher model – never again.
• Detachable handle: Lets you shake food mid-cook without spilling. The GoWISE USA GW22638 has this – a game-changer for fries.

Top 5 Air Fryers of 2018: Pros, Cons, and Who They’re For

1. Philips HD9650/90 (The Gold Standard)

• Capacity: 2.6 quarts
• Wattage: 2,225W
• Controls: Digital (8 presets)
• Price: $199

Pros:

• Unbeatable crisping thanks to “Twin TurboStar” tech.
• Rapid preheat (3 minutes).
• Includes grill pan and baking tray.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Small basket – not for families.
• No dishwasher-safe basket (hand wash only).

Best for: Singles or couples who prioritize crispiness over capacity. I still use mine for snacks – it’s like having a mini restaurant fryer.

2. Cosori CS158-AF (Best Value)

• Capacity: 5.8 quarts
• Wattage: 1,700W
• Controls: Digital (11 presets)
• Price: $119

Pros:

• Huge basket – fits a whole chicken.
• Dishwasher-safe basket and accessories.
• 11 presets (even includes dehydrate and reheat).

Cons:

• Bulky – takes up counter space.
• Touchscreen can be finicky in humid kitchens.

Best for: Families or meal preppers. I use it for weekly batch cooking – it handles 2 lbs of chicken tenders at once.

3. GoWISE USA GW22638 (Best for Beginners)

• Capacity: 5.8 quarts
• Wattage: 1,500W
• Controls: Digital (8 presets)
• Price: $109

Pros:

• Detachable handle for easy shaking.
• Includes recipe book with 50+ ideas.
• Auto-shutoff and cool-touch handle.

Cons:

• Longer cook times (lower wattage).
• Non-stick coating wears faster than competitors.

Best for: Newbies who want a user-friendly, affordable option. My mom uses this – she loves the preset buttons.

4. T-fal FZ7002 (Best Budget)

• Capacity: 3.5 quarts
• Wattage: 1,400W
• Controls: Manual dials
• Price: $79

Pros:

• Super affordable.
• Compact – fits in small kitchens.
• Durable stainless steel exterior.

Cons:

• No presets or digital timer.
• Smaller capacity limits family use.

Best for: College students or those on a tight budget. I keep one in my rental kitchen – it’s survived two moves and countless fries.

5. Ninja AF101 (Best Multi-Function)

• Capacity: 4 quarts
• Wattage: 1,550W
• Controls: Digital (4 functions: air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate)
• Price: $129

Pros:

• 4-in-1 versatility (roasts, dehydrates, etc.).
• Includes crisper plate and multi-layer rack.
• Even heat distribution.

Cons:

• Noisy fan (65 dB – louder than most).
• Dehydrate function is slow (takes 6+ hours).

Best for: Adventurous cooks who want more than frying. I use it to roast veggies and make kale chips.

Air Fryer Accessories: What’s Worth Buying?

Must-Haves

• Oil sprayer: A $10 misting bottle lets you control oil usage. I use a glass one with my favorite EVOO.
• Silicone tongs: Heat-resistant and won’t scratch non-stick surfaces. Get ones with a locking mechanism.
• Air fryer liners: Parchment paper circles ($8/100) catch drips and make cleanup a breeze.

Nice-to-Haves

• Stackable racks: Double your cooking space. Great for cooking multiple foods (e.g., fries + wings).
• Meat thermometer: Ensures meats are cooked safely. I use a ThermoPro – it’s saved me from dry chicken.
• Grill pan: For grilling marks and searing meats. The Philips includes one – otherwise, expect to pay $15–20.

Skip These

• Specialty baskets: Most are overpriced. A standard basket works for 90% of foods.
• Expensive “air fryer cookbooks”: Free recipes on YouTube and blogs are just as good.

Data Table: 2018 Air Fryer Comparison

Model	Capacity (quarts)	Wattage	Controls	Price	Best For
Philips HD9650/90	2.6	2,225W	Digital	$199	Crispiest results; small households
Cosori CS158-AF	5.8	1,700W	Digital	$119	Families; batch cooking
GoWISE USA GW22638	5.8	1,500W	Digital	$109	Beginners; easy shaking
T-fal FZ7002	3.5	1,400W	Manual	$79	Budget buyers; small kitchens
Ninja AF101	4	1,550W	Digital	$129	Multi-tasking; dehydrating

Final Tips: Getting the Most From Your Air Fryer

After a year of daily use, here’s what I wish I knew sooner:

1. Preheat for Crispier Results

Most manuals say preheating is optional, but it makes a difference. I preheat for 3 minutes before adding food – fries come out crispier, and meats brown better.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Air needs to circulate. For fries, fill the basket no more than halfway. Shake halfway through for even cooking. Pro move: Cook in batches if needed – better than soggy food.

3. Use the Right Oil

High-smoke-point oils (avocado, grapeseed) work best. Avoid olive oil – it burns at high temps. I use a spray bottle with 1 tsp oil per batch.

4. Clean After Every Use

Wipe the basket with soapy water immediately after use. Burnt food residue is a pain to remove later. Most 2018 models have dishwasher-safe baskets – use that feature!

5. Think Beyond Fries

Air fryers are great for:

• Reheating leftovers: Crisps pizza and fries better than a microwave.
• Vegetables: Try broccoli (400°F, 10 mins) or Brussels sprouts (375°F, 12 mins).
• Desserts: Apple chips (200°F, 20 mins) or banana “fries” (350°F, 8 mins).

2018 was the year air fryers went from gimmick to kitchen staple. The best air fryer 2018 isn’t just about specs – it’s about finding a model that fits your lifestyle. Whether you prioritize speed (Philips), capacity (Cosori), or budget (T-fal), there’s a perfect match out there. Remember: air frying isn’t about perfection. It’s about enjoying crispy, healthier food with less guilt – and maybe burning a few batches along the way. Now go make some fries!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an air fryer the best choice for healthy cooking in 2018?

The best air fryer 2018 models use rapid air circulation to cook food with up to 80% less oil than deep frying, making them ideal for crispy, low-fat meals. Their versatility—frying, baking, grilling, and roasting—adds to their appeal for health-conscious households.

How do I choose the best air fryer 2018 for my kitchen?

Consider capacity (2–6 quarts for most households), power (1,500+ watts for faster cooking), and features like preset programs or digital controls. Compact designs suit small kitchens, while larger models cater to families.

Are air fryers truly healthier than traditional frying methods?

Yes! Air fryers require little to no oil, reducing fat and calorie intake while delivering the same crispy texture. They also minimize harmful compounds like acrylamide, linked to deep-fried foods.

What foods can I cook in the best air fryer 2018 models?

From frozen snacks (fries, nuggets) to meats, vegetables, and even desserts, air fryers handle a wide range of dishes. Their quick preheating and even heat distribution make them perfect for reheating leftovers too.

How easy is it to clean an air fryer compared to a deep fryer?

Most air fryer baskets and trays are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. Unlike deep fryers, there’s no messy oil disposal or greasy residue to scrub.

What are the top safety features to look for in a 2018 air fryer?

Look for auto-shutoff, cool-touch handles, and overheating protection. These features prevent accidents, especially if you’re multitasking or have curious pets or kids nearby.