Gourmia 5qt 12-function guided cook digital air fryer review – Is it worth the hype

The Gourmia 5qt 12-function guided cook digital air fryer delivers exceptional versatility and precision, making it a standout in its price range with 12 cooking presets and intuitive guided cooking. Its rapid air circulation ensures crispy, evenly cooked meals with minimal oil, while the compact 5-quart design fits seamlessly into most kitchens—offering great value for health-conscious home cooks.

Key Takeaways

• 12 smart presets simplify cooking with guided step-by-step instructions.
• 5-quart capacity fits family meals without overcrowding.
• Rapid air circulation ensures crispy results with minimal oil.
• Digital touchscreen offers intuitive control and easy monitoring.
• Dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup quick and hassle-free.
• Compact design saves countertop space despite generous capacity.
• Energy-efficient cooks faster than conventional ovens, saving time.

Why the Gourmia 5qt 12-Function Guided Cook Digital Air Fryer Is Making Waves

Let’s be honest—air fryers have become the kitchen superheroes of the 21st century. They promise crispy, golden food with little to no oil, and they’ve somehow made “healthy” and “tasty” coexist. But with so many models flooding the market, it’s hard to know which one actually delivers. That’s where the Gourmia 5qt 12-function guided cook digital air fryer enters the chat. It’s sleek, it’s smart, and it’s got a name that sounds like a futuristic cooking lab. But does it live up to the hype? Or is it just another overpriced gadget collecting dust on your counter?

I’ve had my fair share of kitchen gadgets that looked great online but failed the real-world test. Remember that “revolutionary” spiralizer that turned carrots into sad, soggy noodles? Or the sous vide machine I used once and never touched again? So when I unboxed the Gourmia air fryer, I was skeptical. But after weeks of testing—roasting, frying, baking, and even dehydrating—I’m ready to share the good, the bad, and the slightly greasy truth. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep pro, or someone who just wants to cook faster and healthier, this review will help you decide if this air fryer is worth the investment.

Design and Build: Sleek, Compact, and Surprisingly Sturdy

First Impressions: It’s a Looker

The Gourmia 5qt 12-function guided cook digital air fryer doesn’t look like your average kitchen appliance. It has a modern, matte black finish with soft-touch buttons and a digital display that’s easy to read. The design is minimalist—no flashy logos or clunky knobs. It’s compact enough to fit on a small countertop (about 12” x 12”), which is a win if you’re working with limited space. The handle on the basket is ergonomic, and the non-slip feet keep it steady even when the basket is full.

One thing I loved right away: the guided cook feature. Unlike basic air fryers with just a few preset buttons, this one walks you through cooking steps on the screen. For example, when I selected “frozen fries,” the display showed: “Preheat to 375°F. Add fries. Shake at 5 minutes.” It’s like having a sous chef in your kitchen—minus the attitude.

Materials and Durability: Built to Last (With One Quirk)

The body is made of high-quality plastic that feels sturdy, not cheap. The inner basket is non-stick and dishwasher-safe, which is a must for anyone who hates scrubbing. The crisper plate is also removable, making cleanup a breeze. I’ve dropped the basket a few times (oops), and it hasn’t dented or warped—a good sign of durability.

But here’s the one downside: the exterior gets warm during use. Not dangerously hot, but enough that you don’t want to touch it. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if you have curious kids or pets. Also, the cord is a bit short (about 3 feet), so you’ll need an outlet nearby. Not a huge issue, but it’s something to keep in mind if your kitchen layout is tight.

Features and Functions: More Than Just an Air Fryer

12 Functions That Actually Make Sense

The Gourmia 5qt 12-function guided cook digital air fryer lives up to its name—it’s not just an air fryer. It’s a multitasking machine with presets for:

• Air fry
• Roast
• Bake
• Grill
• Reheat
• Dehydrate
• Warm
• Toast
• Broil
• Slow cook
• Sauté
• Keep warm

Most of these are self-explanatory, but a few stand out. The dehydrate function is a game-changer if you love making your own dried fruit, jerky, or even kale chips. I tried it with apple slices, and they turned out perfectly crisp in 6 hours. The slow cook and sauté modes are less common in air fryers, so they add serious versatility. I used the sauté function to brown onions before air-frying chicken breasts—no need to dirty a pan.

The Guided Cook System: A Beginner’s Dream

Here’s where Gourmia sets itself apart. The guided cook feature is like a built-in recipe app. Select a function (e.g., “chicken wings”), and the display gives step-by-step instructions. For example:

• “Preheat to 390°F.”
• “Add wings to basket. Do not overcrowd.”
• “Cook for 15 minutes. Shake at 7 minutes.”
• “Check internal temp: 165°F.”

This is huge for beginners or anyone who struggles with timing. I tested it with frozen mozzarella sticks—something I usually overcook or burn. The guided cook nailed it: crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. No guesswork. No stress.

Digital Controls: Intuitive but Not Perfect

The touchscreen is responsive, and the icons are clear. You can adjust time and temperature manually, or stick with the presets. One cool feature: the delay start. Need dinner ready when you get home? Set it to cook in 2 hours. The keep warm mode is also handy for busy families.

But the touchscreen isn’t flawless. It’s a bit sensitive—sometimes it registers a tap when you just brush against it. And the display can be hard to read in direct sunlight (like near a kitchen window). Small gripes, but worth mentioning.

Performance: How It Cooks (And What It Does Well)

Air Frying: Crispy, Not Soggy

Let’s cut to the chase: how does it air fry? In a word: excellent. I tested it with:

• Frozen french fries (crispy in 12 minutes)
• Homemade sweet potato fries (perfect texture, no oil)
• Chicken wings (crispy skin, juicy inside)
• Fish sticks (golden and flaky, not rubbery)

The 5qt basket holds enough for 2–3 people (or 1 hungry teenager). The fan circulates heat evenly, so there’s no need to flip food halfway through—though the guided cook reminds you to shake the basket for even cooking. The non-stick coating works well. Nothing stuck, even sticky BBQ wings.

Baking and Roasting: Surprising Versatility

Air fryers aren’t just for fried food. I used the bake function for chocolate chip cookies—yes, cookies! They spread perfectly, with a chewy center and crisp edges. The roast function handled a 1.5lb pork tenderloin beautifully. It stayed juicy, with a nice crust. For veggies, I roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts. They caramelized without burning, thanks to the even heat.

One tip: for baking, reduce the time by 2–3 minutes vs. a conventional oven. The air fryer works faster. I learned this the hard way when my first batch of brownies came out slightly overdone.

Dehydrating: A Hidden Gem

The dehydrate function (set to 135°F) is a standout. I made:

• Apple chips (6 hours)
• Beef jerky (8 hours)
• Zucchini chips (4 hours)

All turned out perfectly. No need for a separate dehydrator. Just slice, lay flat in the basket, and let it run. The only downside? The fan is a bit loud during dehydration (about 65 dB). It’s not unbearable, but you might not want to run it overnight.

Ease of Use and Cleanup: Where It Shines (And a Few Hurdles)

Setup: Plug-and-Play (Mostly)

Getting started is easy. Unbox, wash the basket and crisper plate, and plug it in. The guided cook walks you through preheating for most functions. No manual required—though I’d still recommend reading it for advanced tips (like using parchment paper to prevent sticking).

The only setup quirk: the basket can feel a bit stiff at first. After a few uses, it loosens up. Also, the non-stick coating is durable, but avoid metal utensils. I used silicone tongs and spatulas, and everything came out fine.

Cleanup: Dishwasher-Safe, But…

The basket, crisper plate, and drawer are all dishwasher-safe. I ran them through my dishwasher after cooking greasy chicken wings—no warping, no peeling. For quick cleanups, a damp sponge does the trick. The non-stick coating is truly non-stick.

But the exterior needs wiping down after use. Grease splatters can stick to the matte finish, especially near the vents. I used a damp microfiber cloth and a mild cleaner—no harsh chemicals. It takes 2 minutes, but it’s a step you can’t skip if you want to keep it looking new.

Noise Level: Not a Whisper, But Not a Jet Engine

The fan is noticeable but not obnoxious. It’s quieter than a microwave but louder than a toaster. During air frying, it’s about 60 dB—like a normal conversation. During dehydration, it hits 65 dB. If you’re sensitive to noise, run it during the day. At night, it might disturb light sleepers.

Value and Competition: Is It Worth the Price?

Price Point: Mid-Range, Not Budget

The Gourmia 5qt 12-function guided cook digital air fryer sits in the $80–$120 range, depending on sales. It’s pricier than basic models (like the Dash Compact) but cheaper than premium ones (like the Ninja Foodi). For the features, it’s a solid value. You’re paying for the guided cook system, 12 functions, and the 5qt capacity—all of which justify the cost.

How It Stacks Up to Competitors

Here’s a quick comparison with popular models:

Feature	Gourmia 5qt Guided Cook	Ninja Foodi (5.5qt)	Cosori Air Fryer (5.8qt)
Functions	12	11	13
Guided Cooking	Yes	No	No
Basket Size	5qt	5.5qt	5.8qt
Dehydrate	Yes	Yes	Yes
Slow Cook	Yes	Yes	No
Price	$80–$120	$120–$150	$90–$130

The Gourmia wins on guided cooking—a feature no competitor offers. The Ninja has a larger basket but costs more. The Cosori has more presets but lacks slow cook and guided instructions. For beginners or tech-averse cooks, Gourmia’s guided system is a major selling point.

Who Should Buy It?

This air fryer is perfect for:

• Beginners who want step-by-step help
• Small families (2–3 people)
• Health-conscious eaters who want crispy food with less oil
• Meal preppers who love dehydrating or slow cooking

It’s less ideal for:

• Large families (the 5qt basket is too small for 4+ servings)
• Tech enthusiasts who want app connectivity (no Wi-Fi or app here)
• Minimalists who only need basic air frying

Final Verdict: Is the Hype Justified?

After weeks of testing, I’m convinced: the Gourmia 5qt 12-function guided cook digital air fryer is worth the hype—but with a caveat. It’s not perfect, but it delivers where it counts: ease of use, versatility, and consistent results. The guided cook system is a revelation for anyone who’s ever overcooked fries or underbaked cookies. The 12 functions cover almost every cooking need, from air frying to dehydrating. And the 5qt size hits the sweet spot—big enough for a meal, small enough to store.

The downsides are minor. The exterior gets warm. The touchscreen is a bit sensitive. The fan is loud during dehydration. But none of these are dealbreakers. Compared to cheaper models, you’re paying for smarter features, not just flashy looks. Compared to pricier models, you’re saving money without sacrificing performance.

Here’s my advice: if you’re a first-time air fryer buyer, this is the one to get. The guided cook takes the stress out of cooking. If you’re upgrading from a basic model, the extra functions (like slow cook and sauté) will make your life easier. And if you’re like me—someone who values convenience without sacrificing quality—it’s a kitchen upgrade you won’t regret.

So, is it worth the hype? Yes. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s practical, reliable, and genuinely innovative. In a market flooded with copycat air fryers, Gourmia’s guided cook system stands out. It’s not just another gadget—it’s a tool that helps you cook better, faster, and with less stress. And honestly? That’s the real win.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Gourmia 5qt 12-function guided cook digital air fryer stand out?

The Gourmia 5qt air fryer combines versatility and ease of use with its 12 preset cooking functions and intuitive guided cook interface. Its compact 5-quart capacity suits small to medium households while delivering crispy results with little to no oil.

Is the Gourmia 5qt air fryer worth the hype for beginners?

Yes, especially for beginners—the guided cook digital display provides step-by-step instructions, reducing guesswork. The pre-programmed settings for fries, chicken, and baking make it simple to achieve consistent results every time.

How does the 12-function feature work in this Gourmia air fryer?

The 12 functions include air frying, roasting, baking, dehydrating, and more, all accessible via the digital touchscreen. Each setting automatically adjusts time and temperature, so you get optimal cooking performance without manual input.

Can the Gourmia 5qt digital air fryer replace other kitchen appliances?

It can effectively replace a toaster oven, conventional air fryer, and dehydrator, saving counter space. However, its 5-quart capacity may not suffice for large families needing full oven replacement.

Is the Gourmia 5qt air fryer easy to clean?

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

How does the guided cook feature improve the cooking experience?

The guided cook digital system walks you through preheating, flipping, and adding ingredients with on-screen alerts. This feature ensures perfectly cooked meals, even if you’re new to air frying or multitasking in the kitchen.