Performance and Cooking Results

Air fryers are designed to reduce oil while still making food crisp and flavorful. Performance depends on cook time, appliance power, and how evenly the unit distributes heat.

Cooking Times for Popular Foods

Most air fryers significantly reduce cooking times compared to conventional ovens, especially for commonly prepared foods like french fries, chicken wings, and frozen snacks. For example:

Preheating in most modern air fryers is minimal, often taking under three minutes. Batch sizes can impact total cooking time, so larger air fryers, such as the Ninja Max XL, can handle family portions more efficiently.

For best results, users should shake or flip food halfway to ensure even cooking.

Texture and Taste Compared to Deep Frying

Food made in an air fryer achieves a crisp exterior and tender interior with much less oil. French fries and chicken wings are popular choices, coming out golden and crunchy but lighter in taste and texture than deep-fried versions.

While the crispiness is notable, air fryers rarely duplicate the exact mouthfeel of deep frying due to lower oil absorption. For many items, such as cookies or frozen foods, the difference is less pronounced.

Air frying does reduce greasiness and can produce consistent results, with some models like the Instant Vortex Plus praised for their ability to deliver a satisfying crunch.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Choosing an air fryer that is easy to clean can simplify daily use and keep the appliance performing well. Features like dishwasher-safe baskets and intuitive designs can significantly reduce time spent on cleanup.

Dishwasher-Safe Parts

A key benefit for busy home cooks is an air fryer with dishwasher-safe components such as the basket, tray, and sometimes the pan. Many top air fryers, like models recommended by Good Housekeeping, include a nonstick and dishwasher-safe cooking basket that allows for simple cleaning and added convenience.

Placing these parts directly in a dishwasher eliminates the hassle of scrubbing off grease and crumbs by hand. However, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations, as not all removable parts can withstand dishwasher cycles without long-term damage.

Regularly cleaning these dishwasher-safe parts ensures grease doesn’t build up, helping prolong the life of the appliance and maintain a cleaner kitchen environment. For households valuing convenience and speed, dishwasher-friendly designs are a decisive factor when picking the best air fryer for healthy cooking.

See which air fryers feature easy-clean baskets in this air fryer review and buying guide.

How to Clean an Air Fryer

Hand cleaning an air fryer is straightforward but does require attention to detail. After unplugging and cooling the appliance, users should remove the basket, tray, and pan.

Soaking these parts in warm, soapy water makes it easier to lift off oil, crumbs, and stuck-on food. Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub surfaces, paying extra attention to corners and mesh areas where residue often collects.

Wipe down the inside of the unit, especially the heating element, with a damp cloth—never submerge the main body in water. For persistent odors or stains, a mixture of baking soda and water can help deodorize and lift grime.

Following these steps regularly avoids unpleasant smells and ensures consistently crisp results for air-fried foods. For additional advice on choosing easy-to-maintain models, refer to this Consumer Reports buying guide.

Air Fryer Accessories and Enhancements

Choosing the right accessories expands the performance of any air fryer, enabling cooking methods beyond basic air frying. Add-ons offer ways to optimize space, improve convenience, and tackle new types of recipes.

Cooking Racks and Inserts

Cooking racks and inserts are essential for maximizing capacity and achieving even results in air fryers. Multi-level racks let users cook different foods at once, allowing for separation of proteins like chicken from vegetables such as broccoli or potatoes.

This helps improve airflow, supporting crisp results typical of convection bake features in larger ovens. Stainless steel racks stand up well to repeated use and are easy to clean.

Silicone or metal baking inserts also allow for tasks such as reheating pizza or toasting bread, making it simple to switch between meal types. Some kits come with specialty pans, including cake barrels or muffin cups, perfect for baking or broiling.

These accessories are especially useful when preparing larger meals, holiday dishes, or meals for families.

Additional Features for Versatility

Modern air fryers often support a range of enhancements that expand their functionality. Heat-resistant tongs and grill pans make flipping and removing hot foods safer and more convenient.

Disposable liners offer easy cleanup for foods prone to sticking, such as fish or marinated meats. Some models come with preset functions for convection broil, toasting, dehydration, or even rotisserie cooking, increasing versatility.

Baking kits and pizza pans allow the air fryer to serve as a compact alternative to traditional ovens for items like cookies, pizzas, and casseroles. If choosing accessories, consider durability, dishwasher safety, and compatibility with the specific air fryer model for best results.

Consumer Reports provides a detailed guide to air fryer accessories worth considering.