Types of Air Fryers You Should Know About

Did you know that the air fryer market is $6.38 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow by 10.49% annually between now and 2028?

If you’re considering adding an air fryer to your kitchen, it’s essential to understand the different types available in the market.

There are so many kinds to pick from, based on type, brand, model, etc. It can feel a bit confusing.

In this article, we’ll break down the various types of air fryers, helping you make an informed decision based on your cooking needs and preferences.

Let’s dive in.

5 Types of Air Fryers Available in the Market

1. Basket Air Fryers

Basket air fryers stand out for their versatility and convenience in cooking a variety of foods.

These air fryers have a drawer-like design, with a removable basket where the food is placed for cooking.

This basket slides in and out of the fryer, allowing for easy loading and unloading of food.

One key advantage of basket air fryers is their ability to cook a wide range of foods.

Their straightforward design makes them user-friendly, and they’re more compact than other types of air fryers, making them ideal for smaller kitchens.

The basket air fryers are usually more affordable, providing a budget-friendly option to enjoy air frying on a budget.

Great examples of basket air fryers include;

• Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer
• Instant Vortex Air Fryer

2. Air fryer Ovens

Air fryer ovens combine the functionality of a traditional convection oven with air frying capabilities.

These appliances are larger than basket air fryers, allowing you to cook more food at once or even fit in a whole chicken or a medium-sized pizza.

They come with multiple racks, giving you the flexibility to cook different foods simultaneously.

Air fryer ovens usually have a variety of cooking modes, including air frying, baking, roasting, and toasting.

This versatility makes them a great addition to any kitchen if you’re looking to replace multiple appliances with a single, multifunctional unit.

Some models also come with additional features like rotisserie capabilities, dehydrating functions, and digital control panels for precise cooking.

When considering an air fryer oven, look for features such as capacity, power output, cost, and cooking functions to ensure it meets your cooking needs.

Air fryer oven options you should consider include;

• Instant Vortex Pro Air Fryer
• Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fryer Oven
• CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer

3. Dual Basket air fryers

Dual basket air fryers come equipped with two separate baskets, allowing you to cook different foods at the same time without flavors mixing.

They offer a convenient solution for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, enhancing efficiency in the kitchen.  

This feature is useful when preparing meals with varying cooking requirements or when catering to different dietary preferences in one go.

With dual-basket air fryers, you can enjoy the flexibility of cooking a main dish in one basket and a side dish in the other.

Find this article detailing reasons you need a dual-basket air fryer.

The individual temperature and timer settings for each basket ensure that both items are cooked to perfection simultaneously.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to streamline your cooking process, dual-basket air fryers provide a practical solution.

Dual-basket or 2-basket air fryers often have a larger capacity compared to single-basket models.

Check out this detailed article comparing single and dual-basket air fryers.

Dual basket air fryers are ideal for larger households or occasions where you need to cook substantial amounts of food.

Overall, dual-basket air fryers are versatile and efficient kitchen appliances worth considering for those looking to multitask during meal preparation.

I would recommend the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 2-basket air fryer. I own this 8-quart air fryer that has amazing dualzone cooking technology.

You can also find 10-quart versions of the Ninja dual basket which are the Ninja DZ550 and the Ninja DZ401.

4. Paddle Air Fryers

Paddle air fryers feature a paddle mechanism that continuously stirs the food during the cooking process.

It is an innovative design that revolutionizes the cooking process, offering a unique way to prepare your favorite meals.

This paddle ensures that the ingredients are evenly cooked and coated with the desired seasonings or sauces.

The paddle system in these air fryers also helps to prevent food from sticking together or clumping.

the constant stirring action can help reduce the need for adding extra oil, promoting healthier cooking without compromising on taste or texture.

The T-Fal Actifry Genius+ Air fryer is a good paddle air fryer to consider.

5. Combo Air Fryers

Combo Air Fryers combine the functionality of an air fryer with other cooking methods.

These types include Air Fryer Toaster Ovens, Air Fryer Grills, Instant Pot Air Fryers, and Air Fryer Microwave Ovens.

Each type offers unique features and benefits, catering to different cooking preferences and kitchen needs.

         I. Air Fryer Toaster Ovens

Air fryer toaster ovens combine the benefits of an air fryer and a toaster oven in one appliance.

These devices come with multiple cooking presets, adjustable temperature settings, and a timer for precise cooking control.

The spacious interior of air fryer toaster ovens accommodates larger food items or multiple servings at once.

A good example is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Convection Toaster Oven and the COSORI Smart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo.

       II. Air Fryer Grills

Air fryer grills combine the benefits of an air fryer with a grill, allowing you to achieve that BBQ-like taste and texture on your dishes.

Air fryer grills come with grill plates that can give your food those coveted grill marks while reducing excess fat.

They offer a larger cooking capacity compared to traditional air fryers, making them ideal for preparing meals for a group.

With adjustable temperature controls and various cooking modes, air fryer grills provide versatility in cooking options, ensuring your meals are flavorful and cooked to perfection.

There are different models of air fryer grills. Popular options include;

• PowerXL Grill Air Fryer Combo
• Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL
• Ninja AG301 Foodi

     III. Instant Pot Air Fryers

Instant Pot Air Fryers combine the functionalities of an air fryer with the convenience of an Instant Pot.

These combo air fryers allow you to air fry, bake, roast, reheat, and pressure cook all in one appliance.

This all-in-one appliance saves space in your kitchen and simplifies meal preparation.

Looking to convert your Instant Pot to an air fryer, check out this article.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right air fryer for your kitchen, understanding the different types available is crucial.

Each type offers unique features and functionalities, catering to various cooking preferences and needs.

Whether you opt for the basket-style air fryer, the oven-style, or the other types, match your needs to the appliance.

The key is to consider your cooking habits, kitchen space, and the specific features that matter most to you.

Remember, the best air fryer is the one that aligns with your lifestyle and makes cooking enjoyable and convenient.

Take your time, explore the options, weigh the pros and cons, and find the air fryer that suits you best.