If you’re new to air frying, choosing the right appliance can make all the difference. Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook delicious, crispy foods with minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. For beginners, the best air fryers should have intuitive controls, easy cleaning, and consistent cooking results. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best air fryers for beginners, considering ease of use, cleaning, and affordability. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose an Air Fryer for Beginners?
If you’re new to cooking or just looking for a simpler way to make delicious meals, an air fryer might be the perfect kitchen companion. Designed for ease of use and versatility, air fryers are beginner-friendly appliances that make cooking healthier, faster, and more enjoyable. Let’s explore why they’re an excellent choice for those just starting out!
1. Simple, Intuitive Controls
One of the biggest advantages of an air fryer for beginners is its ease of operation. Most models feature straightforward temperature and timer dials or digital touchscreens with preset cooking options — no complicated steps or guesswork required. Just set it and forget it!
2. Faster Cooking Times
Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food faster than a conventional oven, making them perfect for people who want quick, hassle-free meals. For beginners, this means less time watching the stove and more time enjoying your food.
3. Healthier Cooking with Less Oil
For those looking to eat healthier, air fryers are a game-changer. By circulating hot air around the food, they create a crispy texture with little to no oil — ideal for making guilt-free versions of fried favorites like fries, chicken, and veggies.
4. Versatile Meal Options
Air fryers aren’t just for frying! You can roast, bake, grill, and even reheat leftovers — all in one appliance. This versatility makes it easy for beginners to experiment with different cooking techniques without needing multiple gadgets.
5. Easy Cleanup
For anyone intimidated by cooking, the cleanup process can be a major deterrent. Luckily, air fryer baskets and trays are often non-stick and dishwasher-safe, meaning less time scrubbing and more time relaxing.
6. Compact and Space-Saving
Air fryers are typically compact, making them perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or apartments. They take up minimal counter space while offering maximum convenience — an ideal setup for someone who’s just starting to build their kitchen arsenal.
7. Safe and Family-Friendly
Unlike deep frying, there’s no risk of hot oil splatters with an air fryer. This makes them a safer cooking option for beginners, families with kids, or anyone who prefers a low-risk way to create tasty meals.
Choosing an air fryer as a beginner isn’t just about convenience — it’s about building confidence in the kitchen. With easy controls, quick cooking times, and healthy results, an air fryer can transform the way you cook and eat, making home-cooked meals something to look forward to.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer
With so many air fryers on the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, understanding the key factors can help you make a smart decision. Let’s break it down!
1. Capacity and Size
- Why it matters: The size of your air fryer determines how much food you can cook at once.
- Small (2–3 quarts): Perfect for singles or couples, great for snacks and side dishes.
- Medium (4–5 quarts): Ideal for families of 3–4 people, handling main courses and larger portions.
- Large (6+ quarts): Best for big families or meal prepping, allowing you to cook multiple servings at once.
- Tip: Consider your counter space — larger models take up more room.
2. Power and Wattage
- Why it matters: More wattage means faster cooking times and higher temperatures.
- Standard range: Most air fryers are between 1,200 to 1,800 watts.
- Tip: Make sure your kitchen outlets can handle the wattage, especially for larger models.
3. Cooking Functions and Presets
- Why it matters: Extra features can make cooking more convenient and versatile.
- Common presets: Fries, chicken, fish, steak, baking, roasting, and reheating.
- Tip: Look for models with intuitive controls — either digital touch screens or manual dials, depending on your preference.
4. Temperature Range
- Why it matters: A wider temperature range gives you more flexibility for different types of cooking.
- Standard range: 180°F to 400°F (82°C to 204°C).
- Tip: If you like to bake or dehydrate, ensure the fryer supports lower temperatures as well.
5. Ease of Cleaning
- Why it matters: No one enjoys scrubbing after cooking.
- Key features: Non-stick baskets, dishwasher-safe components, and removable trays.
- Tip: Check reviews to ensure the coating on the basket is durable and long-lasting.
6. Brand Reputation and Reviews
- Why it matters: Trusted brands often offer better quality, reliability, and warranties.
- Top air fryer brands: Ninja, Philips, Cosori, Instant Pot, and Chefman.
- Tip: Read customer reviews to get real-world insights on durability and performance.
7. Additional Features
- Why it matters: Some air fryers come with bells and whistles that may enhance your cooking experience.
- Nice-to-haves: Shake reminders, dual-basket cooking, dehydrating functions, and Wi-Fi/app connectivity.
- Tip: Don’t pay extra for features you won’t use often — focus on what truly matters for your cooking style.
8. Price and Value
- Why it matters: Air fryers come in a wide range of prices, but a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality.
- Budget models ($50–$100): Great for basic cooking needs.
- Mid-range models ($100–$150): Often offer more presets, digital controls, and larger capacities.
- Premium models ($150+): Typically include smart features, dual cooking zones, and advanced technologies.
- Tip: Set a budget and find the best balance of features and quality within that range.
Choosing the right air fryer is about more than just price — it’s about finding a model that fits your cooking habits, kitchen space, and lifestyle. By keeping these key factors in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying healthier, faster, and more delicious home-cooked meals!
Best Air Fryers for Beginners in 2025
We’ve selected 5 top-rated air fryers that are perfect for beginners. These models offer simple controls, easy maintenance and reliable performance, ensuring a smooth cooking experience.
1. COSORI Lite 4.0-Quart Smart Air Fryer
💡 Quick Review: A compact and beginner-friendly air fryer with smart controls and one-touch presets.
✅ Pros:
✔️ One-touch cooking presets
✔️ Smart WiFi controls via the VeSync app
✔️ Compact design, perfect for small kitchens
❌ Cons:
❌ Smaller capacity (not ideal for large families)
💲 Price: Around $79
2. Ninja AF101 4-Quart Air Fryer
💡 Quick Review: A powerful yet easy-to-use air fryer with a wide temperature range for various cooking methods.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Four cooking functions: air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate
✔️ Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
✔️ 4-quart capacity (good for 2-3 people)
❌ Cons:
❌ Requires preheating for best results
💲 Price: Around $89
3. Instant Vortex 6-Quart Air Fryer
💡 Quick Review: A beginner-friendly air fryer with customizable smart programs and a large capacity.
✅ Pros:
✔️ One-touch smart programs for easy cooking
✔️ Large 6-quart capacity (great for families)
✔️ EvenCrisp technology for better texture
❌ Cons:
❌ Bulkier size
💲 Price: Around $99
4. DASH Tasti-Crisp 2.6-Quart Air Fryer
💡 Quick Review: An affordable, compact air fryer with a simple dial-based control system.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Very easy to use—perfect for beginners
✔️ Compact size for small kitchens or dorms
✔️ Budget-friendly
❌ Cons:
❌ Limited capacity (best for 1-2 people)
💲 Price: Around $59
5. GoWISE USA 5.8-Quart Digital Air Fryer
💡 Quick Review: A spacious air fryer with digital controls and 8 cooking presets.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Large capacity (perfect for families)
✔️ Digital touchscreen with preset programs
✔️ Comes with a recipe book for beginners
❌ Cons:
❌ Takes up counter space
💲 Price: Around $89
Comparison Table: Best Air Fryers for Beginners
| Air Fryer | Capacity | Key Features | Price | Best For |
| COSORI Lite 4.0-Quart | 4.0 Qt | Smart controls, presets | $79 | Smart cooking, small kitchens |
| Ninja AF101 | 4.0 Qt | Multi-function, easy cleaning | $89 | Versatile cooking |
| Instant Vortex 6-Quart | 6.0 Qt | One-touch programs, large capacity | $99 | Family meals |
| DASH Tasti-Crisp | 2.6 Qt | Compact, dial controls | $59 | Small portions, dorms |
| GoWISE USA 5.8-Quart | 5.8 Qt | Digital controls, presets | $89 | Large households |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Beginners
Choosing your first air fryer can feel daunting with so many options on the market, but it doesn’t have to be. As a beginner, focusing on the right features—like user-friendly controls, essential presets, and easy maintenance—can make all the difference.
This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider, helping you find an air fryer that’s simple to use and perfectly suited for your cooking journey.
1. Capacity & Size
- Small (2-3 Qt) – Ideal for individuals or couples
- Medium (4-5 Qt) – Great for small families
- Large (6+ Qt) – Best for big families or batch cooking
2. Ease of Use
- Manual controls (dials) – Simpler but less precise
- Digital touch screens – Easier with preset programs
3. Cleaning & Maintenance
- Look for dishwasher-safe baskets and trays
- Non-stick coatings make cleaning easier
4. Air Fryer vs. Oven vs. Deep Fryer
| Feature | Air Fryer | Oven | Deep Fryer |
| Oil Usage | Minimal | None | High |
| Cooking Speed | Fast | Slower | Medium |
| Healthier Option? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Ease of Use | ✅ Very Easy | ❌ Requires skill | ❌ Risky for beginners |
Tips for Using an Air Fryer as a Beginner
If you’re new to air frying, you’re in for a treat! Air fryers are easy to use, but a few beginner-friendly tips can help you get the most out of your appliance while avoiding common mistakes. Let’s dive in!
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
- Why it’s important: Just like an oven, preheating helps your food cook evenly and get that crispy texture.
- How to do it: Most models have a preheat function, but if not, set the fryer to your desired temperature and let it run empty for 3–5 minutes before adding your food.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
- Why it’s important: Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, and overcrowding prevents even cooking.
- Tip: Cook in batches if you need to — it’s better than ending up with soggy fries or undercooked chicken.
3. Shake or Flip Food Midway
- Why it’s important: Shaking the basket or flipping your food helps it cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- How often: For most foods, once or twice during the cooking cycle is enough.
4. Use a Light Coat of Oil (When Needed)
- Why it’s important: While air fryers use less oil than deep frying, a light spritz of oil can enhance crispiness, especially for breaded items or veggies.
- Tip: Use an oil spray bottle with neutral oils like olive, avocado, or canola oil — avoid aerosol cooking sprays, as they may damage the non-stick coating.
5. Adjust Cooking Times and Temperatures
- Why it’s important: Air fryers often cook faster than ovens, so following traditional oven recipes may result in overcooked food.
- Tip: Lower the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and reduce the cooking time by 20% when converting oven recipes.
6. Clean Your Air Fryer After Every Use
- Why it’s important: Built-up grease or food particles can create smoke and unwanted odors.
- How to do it: Let the fryer cool down, then wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water — most parts are dishwasher-safe!
7. Experiment with Different Foods
- Why it’s important: Air fryers are incredibly versatile — beyond fries and chicken wings, you can cook vegetables, seafood, desserts, and even reheat leftovers.
- Tip: Start with simple recipes, then get creative as you grow more confident.
8. Avoid Using Wet Batters
- Why it’s important: Unlike deep frying, wet batteries don’t work well in an air fryer — they can drip off and create a mess.
- Alternative: Use breadcrumbs, panko, or flour-based coatings for crispy, mess-free results.
9. Use Parchment Paper or Foil (Sparingly)
- Why it’s important: Parchment paper or foil can make cleanup easier, but blocking airflow can affect cooking performance.
- Tip: Only use liners with holes or ensure there’s enough room for hot air to circulate properly.
10. Learn Through Trial and Error
- Why it’s important: Every air fryer is a little different, and the best way to master yours is through practice.
- Tip: Take notes on cooking times and results for your favorite foods — soon, you’ll be an air-frying pro!
Using an air fryer as a beginner is all about experimenting, learning, and enjoying healthier, quicker meals. With these tips, you’ll avoid rookie mistakes and get the most out of your air fryer from day one. Happy cooking!
Conclusion: Which Air Fryer Is Best for You?
With so many great options available, the best air fryer for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like budget, cooking capacity, and ease of use to find the perfect fit. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simplicity or an experienced cook seeking advanced features, there’s an air fryer out there that’s just right for you.
Take your time, compare your options, and get ready to enjoy healthier, tastier meals with ease!
- Best Overall for Beginners: Ninja AF101
- Best Budget-Friendly Option: DASH Tasti-Crisp
- Best for Families: Instant Vortex 6-Quart
- Best for Smart Cooking: COSORI Lite
No matter which model you choose, air fryers are an excellent way to cook healthier meals with ease. Ready to start air frying?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Air Fryers
If you’re thinking about buying an air fryer or just want to get the most out of yours, you’re not alone! Here’s a roundup of the most common questions people have about air fryers — with answers to help you feel like a pro.
1. What is an air fryer and how does it work?
An air fryer is a countertop kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, similar to a convection oven. This creates a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.
2. Are air fryers healthier than deep fryers?
Yes! Air fryers use up to 80% less oil than traditional deep fryers, which significantly reduces fat and calorie content while still delivering crispy, delicious results.
3. What can you cook in an air fryer?
Almost anything! Popular air fryer recipes include fries, chicken wings, vegetables, fish, steak, baked goods, and even reheating leftovers. Some models also have roasting, baking, and dehydrating functions.
4. Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?
No, air fryers are energy-efficient. They typically use 1,200 to 1,800 watts, which is less than most ovens and they cook food faster, saving both time and energy.
5. How do you clean an air fryer?
Most air fryer baskets, trays, and racks are dishwasher-safe. Alternatively, you can wash them with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the machine with a damp cloth after cooling.
6. Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
It depends on the model, but preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispier results. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it at the desired temperature for 3–5 minutes before adding food.
7. Can I cook frozen foods in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers are great for cooking frozen foods like fries, chicken nuggets, and veggies. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly, but no thawing is required.
8. Why is my air fryer smoking?
This can happen if excess oil or food particles build up in the bottom of the basket. Make sure to clean your air fryer regularly, and avoid cooking fatty foods at very high temperatures without a drip tray.
9. Can I use foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?
Yes, but with caution. Make sure foil or parchment paper doesn’t block the airflow, as this could affect cooking performance. Always place the liner under the food and avoid covering the entire basket.
10. How long do air fryers last?
A well-maintained air fryer can last 3–5 years or longer. Regular cleaning and avoiding harsh abrasives on non-stick surfaces will extend its lifespan.
