Air fryers: America's Test Kitchen equipment review

Photo: America's Test Kitchen

There's no doubt about it. The last couple years have been the Age of the Instant Pot. But there's a new cooking appliance in town, one that also touts quick countertop convenience - the air fryer. Some home cooks, bloggers and cookbook authors are getting obsessed with air fryers! So, Lisa McManus and her crew of equipment testers at America’s Test Kitchen set out to test them. She shared her thoughts with Managing Producer Sally Swift, and gave us their short list of recommendations.

Recommended Air Fryers (by America's Test Kitchen)

Our favorite air fryer was the most expensive one in our lineup, the Philips TurboStar Airfryer, Avance Digital ($249.95). We loved its slimmer footprint, which maxed out at about 14 inches. Its digital controls were easy to use, and cooking was all-around effortless.

However, if you have 2 more inches of under-cabinet clearance and are willing to sacrifice the intuitive controls, we can recommend the GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart 7-in-1 Air Fryer ($75.15). This drawer-style model also produced great food at a more affordable price; it’s our Best Buy.

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Sally Swift

Sally Swift is the managing producer and co-creator of The Splendid Table. Before developing the show, she worked in film, video and television, including stints at Twin Cities Public Television, Paisley Park, and Comic Relief with Billy Crystal. She also survived a stint as segment producer on The Jenny Jones Show.

America's Test Kitchen

The Splendid Table frequently visits with the test cooks at America’s Test Kitchen to discuss a wide range of topics including recipes, ingredients, techniques and kitchen equipment.