If you’re interested in using an air fryer to dehydrate snacks, you might want a model that allows you to set the timer for longer. The very first recipe I used to test my new kitchen appliance was cauliflower nuggets with a hint of curry powder. I carefully followed the directions by rolling the florets in eggs and breadcrumbs, but I put my fryer to the test by only using a quarter of the oil recommended. After baking the cauliflower at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, it transformed into perfectly golden and crispy nuggets.
Then, in this review, we are talking about the 10-quart Instant Vortex Plus Oven Air Fryer with 7-in-1 cooking modes. Lining the bottom of an air fryer basket with foil may make cleanup easier and help you remove food from the basket when it’s done cooking. You’ll want to make sure the foil doesn’t block air circulation, though. If you want to try air frying, but don’t think you’ll do it often enough to justify investing in a more pricey model, the Chefman 3.7-Quart TurboFry Air Fryer is our budget pick. Its dome shape is compact to save counter space, but the basket easily fits enough food for several people. The black finish is sleek, and the matte model resists fingerprints so it’s easy to keep looking new.
It is not as large as full oven style air fryers, but it is one of the larger square shaped air fryers on the market. You’ll also want to consider what you’ll be primarily cooking in your new air fryer. Some models are really best suited for French fries, but not a lot of other foods.
You can even slide the door off of the appliance to wipe it down. This has a 10-quart capacity, so you’ll have plenty of room when cooking for the whole family, although you’ll be somewhat limited in terms of the size of your rotisserie chicken. Our tester noted the inner pot has some upgraded features compared to other instant pot duo nova Instant Pot models, including side handles and a flat bottom for even cooking. It comes with a number of accessories, including a multi-use cooking rack, nonstick air fryer basket, dehydrate/broil tray, a protective pad for the lids, and a storage cover. The accessories fit inside the cooker for compact storage.
Things that heat relatively well in the microwave do really well at the suggested 280º setting. Items like leftover pizza or french fries reheat really well at 375º. Accompanied with my oven safe, glass storage containers I see myself using this reheat function often.
The beeps on this model compared to other air fryers I’ve tried is quite loud. But, I do not have sleeping babies any more, my pets seem tolerable, so it not really that bothersome. This dual-drawer air fryer stood out for a number of reasons but predominantly for the design features that make it enjoyably easy to use. Both drawers have interior lights that mean ingredients can be checked without opening the drawers and losing the heat inside.
Our tester did warn that it does take a little practice playing around with settings to get the perfect amount of doneness. We cooked French fries, chicken wings, and more, and tested out each appliance’s special features and additional functions beyond air frying. Each air fryer was rated on its ease instant pot duo nova of use, performance, versatility, ease of cleaning, and overall value. For the record, I previously couldn’t commit to a basket style air fryer because it’s a single use kitchen appliances. I feared that it would take up space, not get used nearly often enough, and might not live up to its hype.