I’ve been using an air fryer oven for over a year now, and it’s completely changed how I cook. It’s not just about making fries a bit healthier; it’s about having a compact, powerful countertop appliance that can handle roasting a chicken, baking a small batch of cookies, and dehydrating fruit for snacks. The versatility is the real selling point. If you’re tired of juggling multiple appliances or heating up your full-sized oven for small meals, one of these units could be a game-changer for your kitchen.
Finding the right model can be tricky with so many options available. Some are basic and affordable, while others are loaded with smart features and enough capacity for a family. I’ve spent time researching and testing to narrow down the choices. This list focuses on the best air fryer ovens that offer a great balance of performance, capacity, and ease of use, helping you find the perfect fit for your cooking style and kitchen space.
Our Top Picks for the Best Air Fryer Ovens
- Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven
- Instant Pot Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
- GoWISE USA Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- Black Decker Air Fry Toaster Oven
- Breville Smart Oven Air Convection
Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven
I was really impressed with the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven from the moment I started using it. Its standout feature is the Cyclonic Air Technology, which circulates heat with a serious intensity that gives food a crispy finish similar to deep frying but with a lot less oil. It heats up incredibly fast, which is a huge plus when you’re in a rush to get dinner on the table. The interior space is generous, and I found I could easily fit a 12-inch pizza or a whole chicken. The digital interface is straightforward, with dedicated buttons for different cooking functions like Air Fry, Bake, and Broil, making it simple to switch between tasks without any guesswork.
Beyond just air frying, this oven truly functions as a multi-cooker. I’ve used it for toasting bagels evenly, reheating leftovers so they’re crisp instead of soggy, and even dehydrating apple slices for healthy snacks. The included accessories, like the baking pan and air fry basket, are sturdy and easy to clean. My only minor complaint is that its large footprint requires a decent amount of counter space. However, for the amount of functionality it packs in, I think it’s a worthwhile trade-off. It feels like a premium appliance that can replace several others in your kitchen.
Pros
- Powerful and fast heating with cyclonic air technology
- Spacious interior suitable for cooking for a family
- Simple digital controls with multiple cooking functions
Cons
- Requires significant counter space due to its size
- The exterior can get quite hot during use
Instant Pot Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven
As a fan of the Instant Pot brand, I had high hopes for the Omni Plus, and it did not disappoint. This is a seriously smart appliance. The standout feature for me is the integrated app connectivity, which allows you to control the oven and access a library of recipes directly from your phone. It also has an automatic food recognition feature using the included tray; you just tell the app what you’re cooking, and it suggests time and temperature settings. The even heating is excellent, and I’ve gotten perfectly golden results whether I’m air frying wings or baking muffins.
The versatility here is top-notch. It has 11 preset functions, including Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, and even a Proof setting for bread dough. The interior is tall enough to accommodate a whole chicken or a loaf of bread in a Dutch oven. The glass door is a nice touch, allowing you to monitor your food without letting heat escape. While the app is a cool feature, I found the physical controls on the unit itself to be perfectly adequate for everyday use. The main thing to consider is that this is one of the more premium-priced models, but for tech-savvy cooks who want maximum convenience, it’s a fantastic choice.
Pros
- Smart features with app control and recipe guides
- Consistent and even cooking performance
- Tall interior suitable for a variety of cookware
Cons
- Higher price point compared to basic models
- The app can feel like overkill for simple tasks
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven feels like a classic, reliable kitchen workhorse. It has a sleek stainless steel design that looks great on the counter and is built to last. What I like most about it is its simplicity. The dial controls are intuitive; you just turn a knob to select the cooking function (like Bake, Broil, or Air Fry) and another to set the temperature and time. There’s no complicated digital menu to navigate, which is great if you prefer a more hands-on, analog approach to cooking. It preheats quickly and maintains a steady temperature.
In terms of performance, it handles all the standard toaster oven tasks beautifully. I’ve used it to toast bread evenly, bake potatoes, and roast vegetables. The air frying function is effective, producing crispy fries and chicken tenders with minimal oil. It comes with a non-stick air fryer basket, a baking pan, and an oven rack, covering most of your needs. The interior is a good size for smaller households or couples. While it might not have the high-tech bells and whistles of some other models, its straightforward operation and consistent results make it a very solid and dependable choice.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive dial controls
- Durable and attractive stainless steel construction
- Consistent performance for toasting, baking, and air frying
Cons
- Lacks the advanced digital features of some competitors
- Air fry basket capacity is smaller than dedicated air fryers
Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
The Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo strikes a fantastic balance between affordability and modern features. It has a sleek digital display with 13 cooking presets that take the guesswork out of setting time and temperature. I found the “Shake Reminder” feature particularly useful for air frying; it beeps to let you know when to shake the basket for even crisping. The oven heats up rapidly and cooks very evenly, which is essential for both baking and air frying. The included accessories, including the air fry basket, baking pan, and crumb tray, are all non-stick and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
This model is a great size for small to medium-sized families. I was able to cook a meal for four people without any trouble. The interior is wide and gives you plenty of room to arrange food in a single layer for the best air frying results. The exterior stays relatively cool during operation, which is a nice safety feature. While it may not have the premium heft of a Breville, it performs exceptionally well for its price point. It’s a reliable, user-friendly option that delivers on its promises without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- User-friendly digital interface with helpful presets
- Even heating and consistent cooking performance
Cons
- Build quality is good but not as premium as higher-end models
- The digital display can be bright in a dark kitchen
GoWISE USA Air Fryer Toaster Oven
If you’re looking for maximum functionality on a budget, the GoWISE USA Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a standout choice. It comes with an impressive number of presets—I counted over 15—covering everything from air frying and baking to rotisserie cooking if you purchase the optional accessory. The digital touchscreen is responsive and easy to use. For its size, it offers a lot of cooking space, and I was able to prepare a whole meal with multiple components using the different racks and pans provided.
I found the air frying performance to be very good, producing crispy food with little oil. It also works well as a standard toaster oven. The major advantage here is the sheer number of cooking options you get for a very reasonable price. The main downside is that it is a large appliance, so you’ll need to make sure you have the counter space for it. The build is functional rather than luxurious, but it feels sturdy enough for regular use. For families or anyone who wants to experiment with many different cooking styles without a big financial commitment, this is an excellent option.
Pros
- Extremely affordable with a huge number of cooking functions
- Spacious interior great for family-sized meals
- Simple digital controls with clear presets
Cons
- Bulky design requires a lot of counter space
- Construction is more plastic than other models
Black Decker Air Fry Toaster Oven
The Black Decker Air Fry Toaster Oven is a fantastic entry-level model that gets the job done without any fuss. Its compact design is ideal for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or as a secondary oven. Despite its size, it still offers a good amount of space inside for toasting, baking, or air frying
Breville Smart Oven Air Convection
The Breville Smart Oven Air is in a league of its own when it comes to build quality and cooking precision. It’s a significant investment, but from my experience, it performs like a miniature version of a professional oven. The Element IQ system is brilliant; it uses smart algorithms to direct power to different heating elements for optimal results depending on what you’re cooking. For example, when you select the “Air Fry” setting, it focuses intense top-down heat to crisp up food perfectly. The interior is spacious enough to fit a 13-inch pizza or a 9×13 baking dish.
I’ve used this oven for everything from slow-roasting a pork shoulder to quickly air frying frozen appetizers, and the results are always impressive. The LCD screen is clear, and the buttons provide a satisfying tactile response. It includes a pizza pan, wire rack, and an air fry basket, all of which are high quality. The enameled interior is also very easy to wipe clean. This is not just an air fryer; it’s a true countertop convection oven that can handle complex baking and roasting tasks with ease. If you’re a serious home cook and want the best possible performance, this is the model to consider.
Pros
- Superior build quality and precise temperature control
- Spacious interior that replaces a full-sized oven for many tasks
- Intelligent cooking system with specialized settings
Cons
- Premium price tag is the highest on this list
- Large and heavy, not ideal for small kitchens
Buying Guide for the 10 Best Air Fryer Ovens for Versatile Cooking
I’ve been using an air fryer oven for a while now, and it’s honestly changed how I handle meals. If you’re thinking about getting one, it’s more than just a gadget for making crispy fries. The best air fryer ovens are like compact, super-powered countertop ovens that can handle a ton of tasks. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? I’ll walk you through the key things I consider when looking for a model that can do it all.
First, think about size and capacity. This was a big one for me. If you’re usually cooking for one or two people, a smaller model (around 10 quarts) might be perfect. But if you have a family or like to meal prep, you’ll want something larger, maybe 15 quarts or more. Just remember, a bigger oven will also take up more counter space, so measure your spot first.
Next, look at the features. A simple air fryer oven might just have basic dials for time and temperature. That’s fine, but the real versatility comes from preset cooking functions. I use the bake, roast, and dehydrate settings on mine all the time. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking different foods. Also, check the heating element placement. Models with heating elements in the top and bottom, plus a convection fan, tend to cook more evenly than those with just a top element.
Ease of cleaning is non-negotiable. After a long day, the last thing I want to do is scrub a complicated appliance. Look for an air fryer oven with dishwasher-safe racks and a crumb tray. Non-stick interiors are a huge help too. Some even have a self-cleaning function, which is a fantastic bonus.
Finally, consider the controls. You’ll find two main types: digital and analog. Digital touchscreens look modern and offer precise control, which is great for following recipes exactly. Analog dials (the knobs you turn) are straightforward and often a bit cheaper. I prefer digital for its accuracy, but it really comes down to personal preference. By focusing on these areas—capacity, features, cleanability, and controls—you can find one of the 10 best air fryer ovens for versatile cooking that fits your kitchen and your lifestyle perfectly.
FAQ
What’s the main difference between an air fryer oven and a regular toaster oven?
This is a common question. A basic toaster oven is mainly for toasting, baking, and maybe broiling. An air fryer oven does all of that, but it adds a powerful convection fan and a dedicated air fry setting. This fan circulates hot air extremely fast, which is what gives food that crispy, fried-like texture without needing a lot of oil. So, while a toaster oven is good for reheating pizza, an air fryer oven can actually make crispy chicken wings from scratch.
Can I really bake in an air fryer oven?
Absolutely! I bake in mine frequently. Things like cookies, muffins, and even small cakes turn out very well. The key is that the convection heat cooks things faster and can lead to more even browning. You might need to reduce the temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit compared to a traditional oven recipe and keep a close eye on the cooking time. It’s a great way to bake without heating up your whole kitchen.
Are air fryer ovens easy to clean?
Most are designed to be fairly easy, but some are definitely easier than others. The parts that get the dirtiest are the wire racks and the drip tray. The best models have racks and trays that are dishwasher safe, which is a huge time-saver. The interior walls should be non-stick, so a quick wipe-down is usually all that’s needed. I always check the cleaning instructions before I buy any new appliance.
How much counter space do they usually need?
They can vary a lot. Smaller models might be similar in footprint to a standard coffee maker, while larger, full-featured air fryer ovens can be quite substantial. It’s not just about the base; you also need to consider the space needed for the door to swing open. I recommend measuring the space on your counter where you plan to put it, and then checking the product dimensions carefully, including when the door is open.
Is preheating necessary for an air fryer oven?
It depends on what you’re making. For most air frying tasks, like frozen foods or fries, I don’t bother preheating. You just add a minute or two to the cook time. However, for baking or roasting, especially when you want a specific result (like a risen cake or a perfectly seared roast), preheating is a good idea. It helps ensure even cooking from the start. The good news is that they preheat much faster than a conventional oven.
What type of cookware can I use inside?
You can use any oven-safe dish that fits inside with plenty of room for air to circulate. This includes metal baking pans, oven-safe glass dishes, and silicone mats. I use a small round cake pan and a silicone muffin tray in mine all the time. Just avoid using plastic or anything that isn’t rated for high temperatures. The goal is to not block the air flow, so using the provided racks is often the best method.