What Are the Different Types of Air Fryers?

Different types of air fryers cater to various cooking needs and kitchen spaces. The primary types include cylindrical basket air fryers, basket-type air fryers, oven air fryers, and paddle-type air fryers. Each type offers unique features and advantages. 

Cylindrical basket air fryers are compact and ideal for small kitchens. Basket-type air fryers are versatile and come in various sizes. Oven air fryers resemble mini ovens and have larger cooking capacities. Moreover, choosing the right one depends on your cooking preferences and available kitchen space.

What Are the Different Types of Air Fryers?

Indeed, several types of air fryers are available on the market, each with unique features and advantages. However, here are 6 main types of air fryers that help you to determine the best fit for your needs:

1. Basket Air Fryers
2. Paddle Air Fryers
3. Pressure Cooker Air Fryers
4. Oven Air Fryers
5. Rotisserie Air Fryers
6. Cylindrical Basket Air Fryer

1. Basket Style Air Fryers

Basket air fryers are the most common ones you’ll find. They have a removable basket inside a round unit. These fryers come in sizes from 2 to 10 quarts, but most are around 4. Despite their small size, they cook food evenly and make it crispy. People like them because they’re easy to use and perfect for everyday cooking.

Pros of Basket Style Air Fryers

• Basket air fryers come in many brands and models, offering plenty of options for buyers. Popular brands include Cosori, Ninja, PowerXL, and T-Fal.
• They have a removable basket that lets you shake the food while cooking, ensuring everything gets crispy without opening the fryer.
• Basket air fryers heat up fast, reaching high temperatures in just a few minutes, much quicker than regular ovens.
• Because of their unique design, they cook food quickly, perfect for making meals in a hurry.
• After you’re done, they cool down quickly. You don’t have to wait long before you can put them away.
• Their shape takes up less space on your kitchen counter, which is excellent for small kitchens.
• Basket air fryers come in a wide price range, so you can find one that fits your budget. They can start as low as $30 and go up to $400 for fancier models.
• Basket air fryers are versatile and can cook many foods, from chicken wings to veggies and desserts. They’re handy for making a variety of dishes.

Cons of Basket Air fryers

• Basket air fryers have a smaller cooking space compared to other types. This limitation means you can’t prepare large meals in one go. If you have a big family or want to cook for guests, you might cook in batches, which can be time-consuming.
• The air might not circulate appropriately if you overcrowd the basket with food, especially meat or vegetables. This results in uneven cooking – some parts might be overcooked, while others remain undercooked. It requires careful placement to ensure everything cooks evenly.
• Basket air fryers lack advanced features in other models, such as rotisserie functions or multiple cooking zones. These fryers might feel slightly restrictive if you enjoy experimenting with various cooking techniques.
• Unlike some air fryers, basket types often lack a viewing window. Checking the progress of your food means pulling out the basket, allowing heat to escape and potentially affecting the cooking process. It makes monitoring your food’s condition a bit challenging.
• To ensure even cooking, you often need to shake the basket manually during the cooking process. While it’s necessary, pulling out the basket frequently can lead to heat loss, extending the cooking time. It demands more attention and effort compared to other types of air fryers.
• Despite being smaller than other air fryer types, basket air fryers still need a decent amount of counter space. If your kitchen area is limited, finding a suitable spot for the fryer might be tricky, and it might even compete for space with other essential kitchen appliances.

2. Paddle Air Fryers

Paddle air fryers are unique because they have a spinning paddle inside, ensuring your food cooks evenly from all sides. They often come with a top window, letting you peek inside without opening the fryer. These fryers are usually medium-sized, great for meals for 2 to 4 people. So, if you want delicious and evenly cooked food for your small family, a paddle air fryer could be your kitchen hero.

Pros of Paddle Air Fryers

• Paddle air fryers need less attention because the paddle inside keeps the food moving evenly. You don’t have to keep checking or shaking the fryer.
• Unlike other fryers, you don’t have to watch your food closely. The paddle ensures everything cooks evenly without your constant supervision.
• You can cook without the trouble of stirring. The paddle does the work for you, making your cooking experience hassle-free.
• Some paddle fryers have removable paddles. This means you can cook larger dishes without the paddle inside, giving you more space for your food.

Cons of Paddle Air Fryers

• Paddle air fryers cost more than basket ones. While basic basket fryers start at $30, paddle ones usually start at over $200, making them pricier.
• Paddle fryers don’t have as much room. They’re about the same size as regular basket fryers (around 4 quarts) but smaller than others. So, you can’t cook as much food at once.
• The paddle inside can sometimes mash up food, like fries or breading on nuggets. You have to be careful not to put too much in, or your food might not turn out as expected.
• It would be best to be careful about how much food you put in. Overloading can lead to uneven cooking and food getting mashed. So, you have to be mindful while cooking.
• Paddle fryers can be noisy because of their moving parts. Additionally, the paddles might need more cleaning and care over time, adding to your workload.

3. Pressure Cooker Air Fryers

Pressure cooker air fryers do two jobs in one: they work as a pressure cooker and an air fryer. This means you can cook your meals fast under pressure and then make them crispy using hot air. It’s like having two kitchen gadgets in a single machine, making cooking quicker and easier.

Pros of Pressure Cooker Air Fryers

• They do two jobs in one. You can use them to cook soups and stews quickly with pressure cooking and then switch to air frying for crispy foods like fries. It’s like having two kitchen gadgets in a single device.
• Just like oven air fryers, these models save space in your kitchen. They combine two essential tools into one, clearing up your countertop for other things.
• If you own a pressure cooker like an Instant Pot, you can upgrade it with an air fryer lid. You don’t need to buy a new gadget, making it a smart and budget-friendly choice.
• The air fryer lid has everything you need – a fan and a heating element. They work together to make your food crispy without lots of oil. Plus, it includes handy accessories like a fryer basket and tray.
• You can make your favorite fried foods healthier with the air fryer function. You get the taste and crunch you love without the guilt of too much oil. It opens up a world of yummy and healthier meal possibilities!

Cons of Pressure Cooker Air Fryers

• Figuring out how to use pressure cooking and air frying features can be a bit puzzling, especially if you’re new to it. If you want it quite perfect, it could take some practice.
• If you often cook for many people, these gadgets might feel a bit small. They’re versatile, but making big meals could be challenging due to their limited space.
• These cool gadgets come at a higher price because of their fancy features. If you’re on a tight budget, the cost might be a concern compared to more straightforward cooking gadgets.
• Keeping these devices clean requires more effort, especially the air fryer parts. You have to be thorough with the cleaning, which can be a bit of a hassle.
• For basic cooking needs, these gadgets are too fancy. A more straightforward device might suit you better if you just want to do simple cooking tasks like boiling or basic frying.

4. Oven Air Fryers

Oven air fryers, or toaster oven air fryers, are like small ovens with big windows in the front. They can do lots of things besides air frying, like toasting, baking, and roasting. They’re great helpers in the kitchen because they make cooking different meals easy and convenient. Just one machine can do so much, saving you time and effort. 

Pros of Oven Air Fryers

• Oven air fryers are incredibly versatile. They can air fry, toast, bake, roast, and dehydrate. It’s like having multiple kitchen gadgets rolled into one.
• If you’re short on kitchen space, these ovens are a game-changer. They help you consolidate appliances, saving precious counters and storage space.
• Unlike smaller basket air fryers, oven air fryers come in various sizes, from 5 quarts to 30 quarts, with an average of around 18 quarts. This means you can cook large meals, perfect for entertaining guests. Some can even cook a 14-pound turkey or 12 muffins at once!
• With their larger cooking surface, you can spread your food, ensuring it cooks evenly. Plus, most models come with racks, allowing you to cook different items simultaneously without flavors mixing.
• Oven air fryers have a clear viewing window to watch your food without opening the door. This means you can prevent burning and ensure your dishes are just right without losing heat.
• You can check on your food without worrying about heat escaping. The viewing window lets you monitor your meal’s progress without disrupting the cooking process.
• These ovens are excellent for hosting parties or family gatherings. Their large capacity and versatility make cooking for a crowd a breeze, allowing you to prepare various dishes simultaneously.

Cons of Oven Air Fryers

• Oven air fryers take more time to cook food than basket air fryers, and the results might not be as crispy. Tests show that foods cooked in basket air fryers tend to be crunchier and done faster.
• Cleaning oven air fryers can be a hassle. The design often leads to splattering, making it harder to clean up the mess. Grease and fat from the food can drip and create a cleaning challenge, especially on the walls and door.
• Oven air fryers are generally more expensive than other types. Their multifunctionality and larger size come with a higher cost. Prices vary widely by brand and model, ranging from $150 to $320 on average.
• They take up a lot of space. Their rectangular shape occupies more counter and storage space than smaller, pod-shaped basket air fryers. For instance, the Cosori oven air fryer is considerably larger than its basket counterpart, requiring 50% more counter space.
• Due to their larger size, oven air fryers might consume more energy, potentially increasing electricity bills.
• When compared in tests, foods cooked in oven air fryers often turn out to be less crispy and flavorful than those made in basket air fryers. The difference in results can impact your overall cooking experience.
• Their bulkiness makes it challenging to find a suitable spot in the kitchen. If you have limited counter space, accommodating an oven air fryer can be difficult, leading to inconvenience in your kitchen layout.

5. Rotisserie Air Fryers

Rotisserie air fryers are great for cooking meats and skewer-friendly sides. They rotate the food while cooking, ensuring everything gets crispy and delicious. Some models, like the Instant Vortex Pro Air Fryer, have a unique basket for items like chicken wings or veggies that can’t be skewered. Plus, they come with a big window, so you can quickly see how your food is cooking. Perfect for making tasty, evenly-cooked dishes!

Pros of Rotisserie Air Fryers

• Rotisserie air fryers ensure consistent air circulation without any obstacles. This means every side of your food gets the same heat level, ensuring even cooking.
• Ideal for cooking meats, the constant rotation helps in self-basting, keeping the inside moist and the outside crispy. It’s like having your meat cooked to perfection automatically.
• You don’t need to flip, stir, or shake your food during cooking. The rotating motion ensures your food cooks evenly without requiring your intervention.
• Most rotisserie air fryers come with a viewing window, allowing you to peek inside without opening the lid. This means you can check your food’s progress without compromising its quality.
• Thanks to the rotation, turning your food manually is unnecessary. It saves you time and effort in the kitchen, making your cooking experience much more convenient.
• Many models offer multifunctionality. For instance, the Instant Vortex air fryer includes a rotisserie spit, basket, and cooking trays, expanding your cooking options within a single appliance.
• The rotating motion of rotisserie air fryers helps retain moisture in the food, ensuring that your dishes remain juicy and flavorful even after cooking. Perfect for succulent meals without the fuss.

Cons of Rotisserie Air Fryers

• These fryers are large, especially because they’re meant for big meats. If your kitchen is small, finding a spot for them can be a bit of a puzzle.
• Finding a place to keep these big fryers can be a headache when you’re not using them. They don’t fit nicely into cabinets or small spaces.
• To put it in perspective, one model needs 256 square inches, and another takes up 91 inches of counter space. That’s quite a chunk, especially in a crowded kitchen.
• These fryers come with a hefty price tag. Basic ones start at $100; good ones can hit $200. You’re paying extra for their size and features.
• Consider how often you’ll use the rotisserie feature. It’s more complicated than just placing food on a tray. You have to tie up large meats for them to cook evenly. If you don’t do this often, it might not be worth the money.
• Getting the rotisserie feature ready involves tricky steps, like tying up the meat. It’s not as easy as using a regular tray, making it less convenient for everyday cooking.

6. Cylindrical Basket Air Fryer

The Cylindrical Basket Air Fryer is a compact kitchen appliance shaped like a cylinder with a basket inside. It cooks food using hot air circulation, producing crispy results with less oil. This type of air fryer is perfect for small kitchens and individuals or couples. Its space-saving design makes it easy to store. 

While it may have a smaller cooking capacity than other types, it’s convenient for those looking to enjoy air-fried delights without taking up too much counter space.

Pros of Cylindrical Basket Air Fryers

• Cylindrical basket air fryers ensure uniform air circulation around the food, leading to consistent and perfectly cooked results.
• Their vertical design allows for more cooking space, simultaneously accommodating larger portions or multiple items, making them ideal for families or gatherings.
• Cylindrical shape saves counter space, making them suitable for smaller kitchens where maximizing space is crucial.
• Beyond air frying, they often offer diverse cooking functions like baking, roasting, and grilling, providing a range of meal options.
• Many models feature removable, dishwasher-safe parts, simplifying the cleaning process and encouraging regular use.
• Faster cooking times and efficient airflow reduce energy consumption, saving time and making them environmentally friendly options.

Cons of Cylindrical Basket Air Fryers

• Cylindrical basket air fryers may struggle with irregularly shaped or larger food items, leading to uneven cooking results.
• Their tall design can be challenging in kitchens with low cabinets or limited vertical space, making placement difficult.
• Due to their height, there’s a risk of these air fryers tipping over if not placed on a stable surface, posing a safety concern.
• Cleaning the intricate parts of cylindrical air fryers can be more time-consuming and challenging due to their unique shape, requiring extra effort.
• Despite efforts to ensure even cooking, some foods might still cook unevenly due to the vertical airflow, requiring careful monitoring and adjustments for consistent results.

Types of Air Fryers: Comparison Chart

Here’s a simple and easy-to-understand comparison chart for different types of air fryers:

Type	Pros	Cons
Basket Air Fryers	Heats up fast, saves space	Can’t cook a lot at once; need to shake food during cooking
Paddle Air Fryers	Even cooking without flipping	Not suitable for large meals; may remove breading from food
Pressure Cooker Air Fryers	Dual-purpose (pressure cooker and air fryer); fits existing pressure cookers.	It takes time to heat, has a bulky design, and has limited options.
Oven Air Fryers	Cooks large batches, versatile	It takes up more space; it can be pricey
Rotisserie Air Fryers	Cooks evenly without effort; great for roasts and chickens	Needs extra space; can be costly
Cylindrical Basket Air Fryers	Saves horizontal counter space with vertical design.	It may not accommodate specific food shapes.

Which Type of Air Fryer is Best for You?

Deciding on the right air fryer for you is about understanding your needs. While all air fryers work similarly, they differ in size, shape, cost, and features.

Firstly, think about what you want to cook. A basket air fryer is perfect if you love fries and crispy snacks. For veggies, a paddle air fryer works wonders. If you plan to roast whole chickens or bigger meals, a rotisserie air fryer is the way to go. An oven air fryer is your best bet for those who want to cook various items at once.

Consider your kitchen space, too. If you have a small countertop, basket air fryers are taller but take less space horizontally. On the other hand, ovens and rotisserie fryers need more surface area.

Your budget matters, too. Basket fryers are affordable, while ovens can be pricier. Remember, prices vary based on the brand and model.

Moreover, choose based on your cooking needs, kitchen space, and budget. An oven air fryer might be the best choice if you want versatility. It replaces multiple appliances, lets you cook more, and ensures even cooking.

Air Fryer Oven Vs Air Fryer Basket

Feature	Basket Air Fryer	Air Fryer Oven
Design	Compact countertop appliance	Larger, resembling a traditional toaster oven
Cooking Capacity	2 to 4 quarts (suitable for 2 people servings)	6 to 32 quarts (ideal for family meals)
Versatility	Primarily designed for air frying	Offers a broader range of cooking functions
Cooking Functions	Focused on air frying with limited additional functions	Can bake, roast, toast, broil, and air fry
Space Requirements	It takes up less counter space	Requires more countertop space
Preheat Time	Generally quicker preheat time	It may have a longer preheat time due to the size
Cooking Speed	Faster cooking due to compact design	Slightly longer cooking times due to size
Ease of Cleaning	Easier to clean due to the removable basket	It may have more components to clean and can be more complex
Price Range (approx.)	$50 – $300	$100 – $500 or more, price varies with size and features
Serving Size	Suitable for small to moderate servings	Ideal for larger servings and family meals
Accessories	Often includes air frying accessories	Typically includes additional cooking racks, trays, or pans
Cooking Performance	Excellent for air frying tasks	Offers versatility for various cooking methods

Read More:

• What is the Difference Between Air Fryer and Air Fryer Basket?
• Is Air Fryer Better Than Cooking?

What Determines the Best Air Fryer Type?

When determining the best air fryer type for your needs, consider these factors:

• Consider the range of cooking methods you frequently use. If you primarily air fry, a standard air fryer is suitable. However, if you enjoy baking, roasting, or dehydrating, opt for an air fryer with those specific functions. Specialized air fryers are available for unique cooking needs.
• Assess your kitchen’s available counter space. Smaller kitchens may benefit from compact air fryer models, whereas larger kitchens can accommodate larger ones. Ensure that the chosen air fryer fits comfortably in your kitchen layout.
• Think about the number of people you typically cook for. If you’re cooking for one or two, a smaller air fryer with a lower capacity is sufficient. Families or those who often cook for guests should consider larger models with higher capacities.
• Establish a budget range for your air fryer purchase. Prices can vary significantly among different types and brands. Find an air fryer that offers the needed features while staying within your budget constraints.
• Research various brands and models before making a decision. Read reviews from other users to gauge reliability, performance, and customer satisfaction. Opt for a brand and model with a positive reputation that aligns with your cooking requirements. 

What Sizes Do the Air Fryers Come in?

Air fryers come in various sizes to accommodate different cooking needs. Common sizes include:

• For 1 Person: Get a 2-quart air fryer, great for single servings or reheating small portions.
• For 2 People (A Couple): Choose a 3-4 quart air fryer to cook meals like fish or chicken with veggies and reheat leftovers.
• For 3-5 People (Family or Share House): Consider a larger 5-7-quart oven-style air fryer with racks to cook for bigger groups without cooking in batches.

FAQs

Final Verdict

There are four main types of air fryers to consider: cylindrical basket, basket-type, oven, and paddle-type air fryers. Each type caters to different cooking needs and kitchen spaces. When selecting the right one for you, think about the dishes you love to prepare, the size of your kitchen, and how often you’ll use it. 

Moreover, explore our comprehensive article to delve deeper into the world of air fryers and make an informed choice. You’ll find valuable insights and tips to make your air-frying experience a true culinary delight.

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