Gourmia 5-Quart 12-Function Guided Cook Digital Air Fryer Review

The Gourmia 5-Quart 12-Function Guided Cook Digital Air Fryer delivers exceptional versatility and precision with 12 preset cooking functions and intuitive guided cooking technology. Perfect for busy kitchens, it offers quick, healthy meals with rapid air circulation and a user-friendly digital interface—all in a compact, family-sized design.

Key Takeaways

• Versatile cooking: 12 preset functions simplify meal prep for diverse dishes.
• Guided cooking: Step-by-step digital prompts ensure perfect results every time.
• Spacious capacity: 5-quart basket fits family-sized portions with ease.
• Healthier frying: Uses up to 75% less oil than traditional frying methods.
• Easy cleanup: Non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts reduce post-cooking hassle.
• Energy-efficient: Cooks faster than ovens, saving time and energy costs.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Gourmia 5-Quart 12-Function Guided Cook Digital Air Fryer

Let’s be honest—air fryers have gone from a kitchen gadget novelty to a must-have appliance in just a few years. I’ve tried a few models, from budget buys to high-end brands, but the Gourmia 5-Quart 12-Function Guided Cook Digital Air Fryer caught my eye for one big reason: the promise of guided cooking. If you’ve ever stared at a frozen bag of chicken tenders and thought, “Wait, how long do I cook this again?”—you’re not alone. That’s where this air fryer steps in.

Right out of the box, the Gourmia feels solid and modern. The digital display is bright and easy to read, and the stainless steel accents give it a sleek, premium look that doesn’t scream “cheap appliance.” At 5 quarts, it’s compact enough to fit on most countertops but roomy enough to handle a family-sized meal. I was excited to test it with real-world cooking—not just the manufacturer’s claims. Over several weeks, I used it to cook everything from crispy fries to baked salmon, and even a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Here’s what I found.

Design and Build Quality: Form Meets Function

A Compact Powerhouse with Thoughtful Details

The Gourmia 5-quart air fryer strikes a great balance between size and usability. At 12.5 inches wide and 14 inches tall, it won’t dominate your counter, but it still holds enough food for 2–4 people. The basket slides in and out smoothly, and the non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze—something I appreciate after a long day of cooking.

One thing I love? The cool-touch handle. No more accidental burns when pulling out a basket full of hot fries. The exterior stays relatively cool during use, which is a big plus for safety, especially if you have kids around.

The control panel is intuitive. It’s not overloaded with buttons, and the digital screen clearly shows cooking time, temperature, and function. The 12 preset cooking functions are labeled right on the front: Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Reheat, Pizza, Chicken, Fish, Steak, Vegetables, and Keep Warm. No guesswork—just tap and go.

Guided Cooking: A Game-Changer for Beginners

The “Guided Cook” feature is what sets this model apart. When you select a preset, the screen walks you through each step. For example, choose “Chicken,” and it prompts you to “Place chicken in basket,” then “Press Start.” It even adjusts the time and temperature automatically based on the food type.

I tested this with frozen chicken tenders. The air fryer suggested 18 minutes at 400°F. After flipping them halfway (a reminder pops up!), they came out golden and juicy—no dry edges, no undercooked centers. For someone who often forgets to flip food or overcooks it, this feature is a lifesaver.

Pro tip: Use the guided mode when cooking unfamiliar foods. It reduces stress and improves results, especially if you’re new to air frying.

Performance: How It Handles Real Meals

Crispy Without the Oil: Air Frying Tested

The real test of any air fryer is how well it replicates deep-fried texture with minimal oil. I started with classic frozen french fries—a staple in my house. With just a light spray of oil (about 1/2 tsp per batch), the Gourmia delivered crisp, golden fries in 15 minutes. No soggy centers, no burnt edges.

Next, I tried homemade sweet potato wedges. Tossed with olive oil, paprika, and salt, they came out perfectly caramelized in 20 minutes at 390°F. The convection fan circulated heat evenly, so no hot spots.

For a tougher test, I air-fried bacon. Yes, bacon. I laid the strips flat in the basket and used the “Bake” setting at 375°F for 12 minutes. The result? Crispy, evenly cooked bacon with far less grease than pan-frying. Cleanup was easier, too—no splatter or smoke.

Baking and Roasting: Beyond Just Air Frying

Most people buy air fryers for crispy foods, but the Gourmia 5-quart shines in other modes too. I used the “Bake” function to make a personal-sized chocolate chip cookie (using a small ramekin). At 350°F for 12 minutes, it came out soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges—exactly what I wanted.

For dinner, I roasted chicken thighs with vegetables. The “Roast” preset suggested 375°F for 25 minutes. I added chopped carrots, potatoes, and onions, then placed the chicken on top. After 15 minutes, I flipped the chicken and stirred the veggies. The result? Juicy chicken and tender, flavorful vegetables—no dryness, no need to preheat the oven.

The “Dehydrate” function is great for snacks. I made apple chips by slicing apples thinly and dehydrating them at 135°F for 6 hours. They were crunchy, sweet, and lasted for weeks in an airtight container. Perfect for school lunches or road trips.

Reheating and Keep Warm: Everyday Convenience

Let’s not overlook the “Reheat” and “Keep Warm” functions. I reheated leftover pizza using the preset, and it came out crispy on the outside, melty inside—no microwave sogginess. The “Keep Warm” feature held my dinner at a safe temperature for 30 minutes without drying it out. Ideal if you’re eating late or serving guests.

Tip: Use “Reheat” for leftovers like fried rice, chicken nuggets, or even steamed buns. It’s faster than the oven and better than the microwave.

Ease of Use and Cleaning: Practical Daily Experience

Simple Controls, Minimal Learning Curve

You don’t need a manual to use this air fryer. The digital interface is straightforward: turn the dial to select a function, press “Start,” and that’s it. The guided prompts are clear, and the timer counts down visibly.

I appreciated the auto-shutoff feature. If you forget to take out your food, it turns off after cooking. The beep alert is loud enough to hear from another room but not annoying.

The basket and tray are both dishwasher-safe, which is a huge time-saver. I usually hand-wash them with warm, soapy water, but after a messy meal (like buffalo wings), the dishwasher is a lifesaver.

Cleaning Challenges (and How to Handle Them)

While the non-stick coating is effective, it can scratch if you use metal utensils. I recommend silicone or wooden tools. After cooking sticky foods (like barbecue ribs), a little soaking helps loosen residue.

The interior of the air fryer itself stays clean since most splatter lands on the basket. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth after use. Avoid submerging the main unit in water—only the removable parts are dishwasher-safe.

Pro tip: Line the basket with parchment paper (cut to size) for easy cleanup. Just make sure it doesn’t cover the airflow vents.

Comparing Features: How It Stacks Up

To give you a clear picture, here’s how the Gourmia 5-quart compares to similar models in its price range:

Feature	Gourmia 5-Quart	Cosori 5.8-Quart	Ninja AF101
Capacity	5 quarts	5.8 quarts	4 quarts
Preset Functions	12	13	7
Guided Cooking	Yes	No	No
Dishwasher-Safe Basket	Yes	Yes	Yes
Digital Display	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dehydrate Function	Yes	Yes	No
Price Range	$70–$90	$100–$120	$90–$110

The Gourmia wins on value. While the Cosori has more presets, it lacks the guided cooking feature, which is a big advantage for beginners. The Ninja is compact but smaller and has fewer functions. For the price, the Gourmia offers a balanced mix of size, features, and usability.

Who Should Buy This Air Fryer? (And Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere)

Perfect For:

• Beginners: The guided cooking mode removes guesswork. If you’re new to air frying, this is a great starter model.
• Small to medium households: 5 quarts is ideal for 2–4 people. You can cook a whole chicken (up to 4 lbs) or a large batch of fries.
• Health-conscious cooks: It uses up to 75% less oil than deep frying. Great for cutting calories without sacrificing crunch.
• Busy families: The presets and auto-shutoff make meal prep faster and safer. Reheat leftovers in minutes.

Consider Alternatives If:

• You need a larger capacity: If you regularly cook for 5+, consider a 6-quart or 8-quart model. The Gourmia is great, but it’s not for big families.
• You want advanced features: Some premium models offer app connectivity or more precise temperature controls. The Gourmia is simple and reliable, not tech-heavy.
• You cook mostly small batches: If you’re single or cooking for one, a 3-quart model might save counter space.

I’ve used this air fryer for everything from quick snacks to full dinners, and it’s become a staple in my kitchen. It’s not perfect—no appliance is—but it delivers where it counts: consistent results, ease of use, and versatility.

Final Thoughts: Is the Gourmia 5-Quart Worth It?

After weeks of testing, I can confidently say the Gourmia 5-Quart 12-Function Guided Cook Digital Air Fryer is a solid choice for most home cooks. It’s not the cheapest model out there, but it’s priced fairly for what you get: a well-built, user-friendly appliance that handles a wide range of cooking tasks.

The guided cooking feature is the star. It’s like having a patient sous chef reminding you to flip the chicken or check the fries. For anyone who’s ever overcooked a meal or forgotten a step, this alone is worth the investment.

Performance is reliable. Whether you’re air frying, baking, roasting, or dehydrating, the results are consistently good. The 12 presets cover the basics, and the digital controls are intuitive. Cleanup is easy, and the design is both functional and attractive.

The only real drawbacks are the size (not ideal for large families) and the lack of smart features (like app control). But if you want a no-nonsense air fryer that just works, the Gourmia delivers.

Would I buy it again? Yes. It’s earned its spot on my countertop. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just someone who loves crispy food without the guilt, this air fryer is a worthy addition to your kitchen. It’s not magic, but it’s close enough.

So, if you’re on the fence, take the plunge. Your taste buds—and your waistline—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you cook in the Gourmia 5-Quart 12-Function Guided Cook Digital Air Fryer?

The Gourmia 5-Quart Air Fryer offers 12 preset functions, including air frying, roasting, baking, dehydrating, and reheating. It’s perfect for cooking crispy fries, chicken wings, veggies, and even baking small desserts with minimal oil.

How does the Guided Cook feature work on this Gourmia air fryer?

The Guided Cook function provides step-by-step digital instructions for optimal results, making it ideal for beginners. It adjusts time and temperature automatically based on your selected recipe or preset.

Is the Gourmia 5-Quart Digital Air Fryer easy to clean?

Yes, the non-stick basket and removable tray are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quick and hassle-free. The sleek digital interface also resists grease and wipes clean with a damp cloth.

What makes the Gourmia 5-Quart 12-Function Air Fryer stand out from competitors?

This model combines a compact 5-quart size with 12 versatile cooking functions and the unique Guided Cook technology. Its intuitive digital controls and rapid air circulation system ensure even cooking and energy efficiency.

Can the Gourmia air fryer replace a conventional oven?

While it can’t handle large roasts or multiple trays like an oven, it’s excellent for smaller meals, reheating, and achieving oven-like results faster. It’s a great space-saving alternative for quick, everyday cooking.

Does the Gourmia 12-Function Air Fryer come with a recipe book?

Yes, it includes a recipe book with guided cooking instructions tailored to the air fryer’s presets. Many users also find compatible recipes online that leverage the Guided Cook functionality.