What are the best Black Friday deals on air fryers?
Black Friday is a great time to shop for an air fryer. The popular small kitchen appliance is often marked down by top retailers during the big shopping event, and many of them are made by some of the most trusted brands on the market. However, choosing an air fryer that fits your needs can be tricky. Fortunately, BestReviews can help.
Ahead of Black Friday 2021, simplify your search with this list of fan-favorite air fryers that are likely to be on sale. Read on for the information you need to find an air fryer you’ll love, and sign up for the BestReviews email newsletter to get email alerts about new products and awesome deals, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday markdowns.
How do air fryers fry?
Air fryers work with two main cooking components — a heating element and a fan. Both components work together to deliver rapid hot air that cooks food fast, producing a crispy texture in the process.
Benefits of using an air fryer
There are several key benefits to cooking with an air fryer that are likely to win you over and make this handy appliance your go-to favorite for preparing your favorite meals, sides, snacks and desserts.
- Air fryers are easy to use. Recipes vary depending on what you decide to make, but following a few simple steps will produce delicious results.
- You can prepare lots of different types of food in an air fryer. Although you may think of the basics like French fries and fried chicken when you think of an air fryer, the possibilities are almost limitless. Vegetables, fish, doughnuts, potato chips, pizza, steak, cheese sticks and even bacon are just some of the foods you can prepare in an air fryer.
- A small amount of oil is all you need to air fry. That’s because the hot air does most of the work, and converts the oil into a mist that circulates throughout the unit to fry and crisp the foods you love.
- Fast results will impress you. Another benefit of rapid hot air technology that powers an air fryer is that it cooks quickly, evenly and efficiently.
- Air fryers are easy to clean. The removable basket and grill plate can be washed by hand in minutes. What’s more, these components of some models are dishwasher-safe. Keep in mind that the unit that encases the motor is not submersible, but wipes clean with ease.
Features to consider before buying an air fryer
As you shop for an air fryer this Black Friday, consider these important features before you buy.
Capacity
Air fryers come in a wide range of sizes, from small models with a capacity of a little over a quart to huge fryers with a capacity of 10 quarts or more. The best option for you depends on how much food you need to prepare at once and how many people you plan to cook for.
Wattage
The wattage of an air fryer usually correlates with the size, with larger models typically being more powerful. Expect to find fryers ranging from approximately 800-2,100 watts of power.
Controls
While basic air fryers may have simple temperature and timer dial knobs, feature-rich options have digital control panels with presets and programmable functions.
Nonstick Cook Surface
Quality air fryers have baskets that are nonstick, so food slides out effortlessly and cleanup is a snap.
Multifunctional models
Standard air fryers have a single basket. However, models with dual baskets are available, as well as multipurpose options with ovens and even grills that perform numerous cooking tasks.
Best air fryer deals to expect this Black Friday
Philips Premium Digital Air Fryer
This powerful air fryer reduces excess fat during cooking thanks to the brand’s fat-removing technology. Easy-to-use controls, 3-quart capacity and fast, even cooking make it a customer favorite.
Sold by Amazon
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 2-Basket Air Fryer
This air fryer stands out for its dual basket and dual cooking zones that make it possible to cook two types of food at different temperatures at the same time. With a total 8-quart capacity, it’s perfect for groups and large households.
Sold by Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy’s, Kohl’s and Amazon
The Tasti-Crisp air fryer is the best option for budget-minded shoppers, as it’s one of the most affordable models on the market yet offers user-friendly features like simple controls, fast performance and a 2.6-quart capacity. Its compact design takes up minimal counter or cabinet space.
Sold by Macy’s, Kohl’s, Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond and Wayfair
Tech lovers will appreciate that this smart air fryer is compatible with the VeSync app and can be controlled with a phone. It’s a versatile model with a 5.8-quart capacity and 13 preset functions.
Philips Essential Air Fryer XL
With a generous 6.5-quart basket and a sleek control panel with several presets, the Essential air fryer by Philips is a great choice for anyone who needs to prepare a large amount of food quickly and efficiently. This model also earns praise for how well it produces the perfect crispy finish while reducing fat.
Sold by Sur la Table and Amazon
Instant Pot Instant Vortex Air Fryer
This air fryer features the brand’s EvenCrisp technology that produces delicious food with a light, crispy texture. It has an easy-to-operate digital touch screen with multiple one-touch functions. What’s more, its 6-quart capacity can fit enough food to feed the entire crew.
Sold by Kohl’s, Amazon, Wayfair, Home Depot and Macy’s
Cuisinart Air Fryer Convection Toaster Oven
You’ll appreciate that this model stands out in terms of versatility, as it is an air fryer and toaster oven in one that’s powered by fast-cooking convection technology. The sleek finish looks great alongside stainless steel appliances.
Sold by Amazon, Sur la Table, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Wayfair and Home Depot
This air fryer is both affordable and easy to operate with straightforward controls. The included recipe book is packed with ideas to get you started.
Sold by Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon, Macy’s and Wayfair
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Jennifer Manfrin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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