What is the Best Air Fryer for Value and Functionality?
The investment in an air fryer is truly an awesome investment for your health. When deciding on the right air fryer for your needs, it’s essential to do proper research and consider factors like your budget and the size requirements of your kitchen. While many air fryers are highly rated, some stand out for their functionality and cost-effectiveness. Let’s explore two top picks and what makes them unique.
Top Picks: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Ninja Dual Air Fryer
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has earned a special place in my kitchen. This air fryer is not only versatile but also incredibly convenient. My favorite story is from a serendipitous event while scavenging on my town’s annual clean-up day. A large-sized stainless steel countertop appliance, which looked like an oven, was discarded because its oven timer wouldn’t start when the door was closed. The original price was around 600 dollars, and it’s still available for about 350 dollars today. It turns out that the timer spring had simply gotten loose over time. With a few adjustments, the air fryer worked flawlessly.
This air fryer offers a plethora of functionalities: it toasts up to 9 slices, has a bagel mode, bakes, broils, air fries, proofs dough, roasts, and warms. It even has a pizza and cookie mode, dehydrating and slow-cooking capabilities, and can handle up to a 14-pound turkey. What makes it stand out is its replaceable elements, a slide-out crumb tray, and the ability to hold up to 4 dehydrator racks.
“It’s versatile and better than a large oven that heats up the whole house,” as I often use it for various meals. Its superior air frying capability ensures that what comes out tastes grilled without the hassle. Plus, it can handle larger foods that other small air fryers might struggle with, such as corn dogs, taquitos, sausages, and even standard supermarket pizzas. Yes, you can air fry a frozen pizza in it!
But my favorite aspect of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is its love for brats. In an air fryer, they taste like they came off the grill! I love it so much that I would buy another one if I ever needed it. This appliance gets my top spot as the best value for an air fryer.
Ninja Dual Air Fryer: A Versatile and Cost-Effective Choice
The Ninja Dual Air Fryer, in my opinion, is the most cost-effective and convenient unit on the market. One of its standout features is its ability to broil, roast, air fry, dehydrate, bake, and reheat. The dual air fryer’s design allows it to cook two separate items simultaneously, using the smart finish control to ensure both drawers finish at the same time, regardless of temperature or time. It also offers the Match Cook control, which allows you to cook both drawers at the same temperature and time. Alternatively, you can choose to use just one drawer without turning on the second one.
With these versatile features, the Ninja Dual Air Fryer becomes a kitchen essential, offering a wide range of functionalities. It’s highly convenient, making it easy to prepare multiple dishes at once without the need for multiple appliances. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or preparing snacks, this air fryer excels in delivering quick and healthy meals.
Conclusion
When considering the best air fryer for value and functionality, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and the Ninja Dual Air Fryer are both excellent choices. While the Breville excels in its extensive range of functionalities and its ability to handle larger foods, the Ninja offers unparalleled convenience and versatility. Both air fryers are cost-effective and provide exceptional value for money, making them a wise investment for any kitchen looking to enhance its cooking capabilities.