7 Best Air Fryers for Family of 4 to Prepare The Perfect Family Meal
Love the goodness of fried food, but need to cut down on your cholesterol? Surprise yourself and your family by preparing your next meal with an air fryer. You can enjoy the crispiness and flavor that comes with fried food without the oil.
Our love of fried food has led to air fryers’ immense popularity. Many kitchen equipment manufacturers have quickly joined in with their own version of this appliance.
How do air fryers work? An air fryer circulates hot air around your food to make it crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. If you’ve been wondering which air fryer to buy, here are 7 of the best air fryers in the market.
The Best Air Fryers for a Family of 4
Any of these air fryers would make an excellent and tasty addition to your kitchen. We review them for you so you can pick the perfect air fryer for your needs. Have a quick read and don’t forget to check out our buying guide towards the end.
COSORI Air Fryer Max XL
Best Value
Key Features
- 11 one-touch presets
- Inclusive of 100 recipes
- Dishwasher safe
- High capacity
- Good value for money
Drawbacks
- Basket can be difficult to detach
- Exterior surface heats up mildly
Specifications
- Capacity: 5.8 Quarts
- Wattage: 1,700 watts
- Temperature range: 170-400°F
- Dimensions: 12.6 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches
- Rating: 4.7 / 5
Why Buy it?
This award-winning COSORI air fryer may just be the best air fryer for your kitchen. With a large capacity of 5.8-quarts, you can air fry a 5-pound chicken and feed the entire family in one go.
For all the health buffs out there, this fryer consumes 85 percent less oil but gives you the same taste as conventional deep frying. With 11 one-touch presets, you can enjoy crispy meat, veggies, desserts, and so much more in no time.
Can’t decide what to cook? This air fryer comes with 100 recipes for whatever strikes your fancy. It lets you select the cooking temperature and time based on your dish. Its non-stick removable basket can also be quickly cleaned in a dishwasher. All in all, this air fryer provides easy utility and great value for money.
Dash DFAF455GBAQ01 Deluxe Electric Air Fryer + Oven Cooker
Best Design
Key Features
- Good price
- Auto shut-off feature
- Easy to use
- Available in attractive colors
Drawbacks
- Manual controls
- Basket can be difficult to detach
- Not dishwasher-safe
Specifications
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Wattage: 1,700 watts
- Temperature range: up to 400°F
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.8 x 14.8 inches
- Rating: 4.6 / 5
Why Buy it?
The Dash Deluxe Electric air fryer with its large 6-quart capacity lets you prepare everything your family loves. Its air crisp technology gives you crunchy treats made with 70 to 80 percent less oil from wings to fries, to appetizers and desserts.
Although it isn’t digitally controlled, all you need to do is adjust the temperature and timer. Worried about overcooking? This model comes with an auto-shutoff feature that ensures your food comes out properly cooked and delicious every time.
This Dash Deluxe air fryer comes in attractive shades of aqua, white, black and red. Even though its parts aren’t dishwasher safe, the basket features a non-stick coating which allows it to be easily cleaned in no time.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
Best Small Air Fryer
Key Features
- Lightweight
- Compact
- 4 one-touch cooking presets
- Quick-cooking
- Dishwasher safe
Drawbacks
- Requires time for preheating
- Is not equipped with extra implements for grilling or baking
Specifications
- Capacity: 4 quarts
- Wattage: 1500 watts
- Temperature range: 105-400°F
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 12.1 x 11 inches
- Rating: 4.8 / 5
Why Buy it?
With a highly versatile and compact design, the Ninja AF101 allows you to prepare different food using 75 percent less oil and a user-friendly interface.
The Ninja Air Fryer comes with four cooking presets ( dehydrate, roast, air fryer, and reheat) that allow you to modify your cooking according to your needs. Prepare your meals on a ceramic-coated crisper plate with a wide range of temperatures. The ceramic coated plate ensures even cooking so you can enjoy food that’s cooked just right every time.
Ninja’s air fryer stands out for its dehydrate mode which allows you to enjoy crispy snacks that have been slowly dehydrated. The parts are non-stick and can be cleaned quickly in a dishwasher. Additionally, its effective side ventilation ensures that you’ll be using your air fryer for a long time.
Ultrean 4.2 Quarts Electric Hot Air Fryer – Best Air Fryer with LCD Display
Key Features
- Easy maintenance and usage
- Scratch-free design
- LCD display and modern design
Drawbacks
- Lacks presets
- Noisy while operating
Specifications
- Capacity: 4.2 quarts
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Temperature range: 180-400°F
- Dimensions: 13.21 x 11.26 x 12.42 inches
- Rating: 4.7 / 5
Why Buy it?
The air fryer from Ultrean comes with a modern LCD design and features that let you grill, bake, roast, and air fry with one appliance. Its unique rapid air technology aids healthy and easy cooking.
The air fryer is equipped with a timer (0-30 mins) and a decent temperature range. You’ll enjoy easier cooking and easier clean-ups. It has a non-stick pan and a removable basket that are compatible with dishwashers. You’ll also receive a book of recipes with every purchase so you’ll never run out of food ideas.
GoWISE USA 8-in-1 Air Fryer XL- Best Air Fryer For Easy Cleaning
Key Features
- Attractive user interface
- Easy cleaning
- No pre-heating needed
- Easy digital controls
Drawbacks
- Basket can be tough to remove
Specifications
- Capacity: 5.8 quarts
- Wattage: 1,700 watts
- Temperature range: 180-400°F
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 12.5 x 11.5 inches
- Rating: 4.6 / 5
Why Buy it?
The GOWISE USA makes frying easier and healthier. It features a sleek and modern-looking touch screen with easy-to-use buttons and functions. The cooking basket is large allowing you to easily feed a family of four within half an hour.
The 8 inbuilt smart controls allow you to cook a plethora of meals like fries, pork, shrimp, cake, chicken, steak, fish, and pizza.
GOWISE includes an alarm function that rings an alarm during the 5th, 10th, and 15th minute while you’re cooking. This model also allows easy cleaning with a basket that only needs to be wiped down with a paper towel.
Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven- Best Heavy Duty Air Fryer Oven
Key Features
- 7 features in one unit
- Minimal to zero preheating required
- Easy cleaning and quick cooking
Drawbacks
- Interior is relatively small compared to its overall size
- Can be smelly
Specifications
- Capacity: 10 quarts
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Temperature range: up to 400°F
- Dimensions: 13.23 x 13.23 x 14.37 inches
- Rating: 4.5 / 5
Why Buy it?
Do you sometimes wish that you can prepare multiple meals at the same time? Say no more. The Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven, lets you roast, bake, and fry different dishes in half the time it would take a traditional oven.
Spend less time in the kitchen with 7 smart functions that you can use to bake, roast, toast, broil, dehydrate, and rotisserie different food.
The Instant Vortex Plus circulates hot air evenly with optimum moisture absorption to ensure delicious flavorful meals. Use the air fryer for meat or desserts without worrying about clean-up. Cleaning is fast and easy since its parts are dishwasher-safe.
NUWAVE BRIO 6-Quart Digital Air Fryer- Best Interior Basket Air Fryer
Key Features
- Easy to cook and clean
- Includes a frying pan
- Efficient preheating and reheating
Drawbacks
- Lacks a viewing window
Specifications
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Wattage: 1,800 watts
- Temperature range: 100-400°F
- Dimensions: 11 x 14.5 x 13.5 inches
- Rating: 4.5 / 5
Why Buy it?
The last one on our list is the air fryer from Nuwave, an air fryer with a front-facing panel. With a massive temperature range between 100 to 400°F, reheat, roast, bake, grill, broil, air fry, and dehydrate without any hassle. All you need to do is change the temperature arrow on the LED display for quick customization.
The unit is known for its patented frying basket. It comes with dividers so you can make and serve two meals at once. There are 6 preset functions that allow you to time your meals and easily reference how much time is needed before the food is ready.
Its preheat and reheat functions are sure to be its most often used features. Set the temperature to cook food, or reheat leftovers to enjoy an easy and convenient meal.
Buyers Guide: How To Pick The Best Air Fryer?
Now that you know our top picks for air fryers, it’s important to know what to consider when picking the right one for you and your family. Let’s take a look at important aspects and features that should influence your buying decision.
Size
Air fryers come in a variety of sizes depending on your dining needs. Here’s how they’re classified by size:
- Small air fryers: 1 to 2 liters
- Medium air fryers: 1.8 to 2.5 liters
- Large air fryers: 5 liters or more
Small and medium air fryers cater to the needs of a family with 4 people. If you need to feed more, opt for a large air fryer. Large fryers can easily cook and roast an entire chicken in minutes.
Wattage and Power Consumption
Air fryers operate on different watts ranging from 800 to 1,500 watts. There are also a couple available that require 1,800 watts and more. Before bringing a fryer home, check if your kitchen can support the connection.
Typically, the higher the wattage, the quicker the temperature rises and cooks. To give you an idea, a 1,500-watt fryer consumes 1 unit of electricity.
Temperature
One of the best features of an air fryer is it lets you alternate between different temperatures for cooking. Most air fryers function well when the temperature touches 400°F and above. Products that come with a wide temperature range, timer, and indicator lights should provide you with sufficient versatility.
Safety Features
Don’t overlook safety features when purchasing an air fryer. A well-insulated unit with steady hand grips and non-slip material is a wise choice. For easy cleaning, opt for air fryers with dishwasher-safe parts.
You should also look for an air fryer with an automatic shut-off feature. This prevents food from becoming overcooked. Additional features you may want to look for in modern air fryers are digital touch screens and cooking presets.
Type
Basket-type air fryers are the most common and easy to use. Some of them are built with twin baskets that let you fry two items together. Air fryers that also function as ovens are another option. Such units are typically bigger and may occupy more counter space.
Frequently Asked Questions
We can’t let you go without answering the most frequently asked questions we encounter about air fryers. Let’s go through them.
What Is The Best Air Fryer?
We recommend the COSORI Air Fryer Max XL. Its high-temperature range and many automatic presents let you prepare a variety of dishes with ease. Read our detailed review to know why this product offers all-around great value.
What Are the Pros and Cons of an Air Fryer?
Air fryers are a healthy alternative to traditional deep frying techniques. These units offer a lot of versatility and facilitate easy cooking. They can be operated with a wide temperature range so you can enjoy different dishes with one appliance.
The only downside to air fryers is they can be expensive while some are difficult to clean. Some models also occupy a larger space and can be noisy when used.
What Can You Cook With an Air Fryer?
Perhaps a better question is, what can’t you cook with an air fryer? Air fryers have emerged as one of the most versatile cooking appliances out there. You can use them to prepare vegetables, meat, desserts, and even frozen treats. Most regular air fryers can fit 2 to 4 servings depending on the food type.
How Do I Clean My Air Fryer?
Most detachable parts of an air fryer are dishwasher-safe. However, this isn’t the case with every model. Don’t forget to take a look at your air fryer’s manual for specific guidelines. Occasionally, you should clean the exterior and the insides of the main fryer with a gentle detergent. Allow it to dry completely before plugging it in for cooking.
Discover the Joys and Flavors of Air Frying
If you love cooking, then you will enjoy having an air fryer at home. You’re not only doing away with all that oil but you’re also preparing dishes with greater efficiency and ease. An air fryer can radically enrich food preparation at your house. Bring home an air fryer and see what we mean.
About the Author
Keren is a regular contributor at Twigs Cafe. When Keren is not actually tapping away at her keyboard, you’ll find her staring into space or drinking copious amounts of coffee.
But make no mistake, she's hard at work even then. Come close enough and you’ll hear the whooshing noise of countless words as they go whizzing by - in her head of course.
