Gear & Equipment

Buying Guides

Reviewed by people who actually use them. No affiliate-first recommendations.

Best Air Fryers (2025)

Basket vs. toaster oven style. What actually matters and what's just marketing.

▸Basket size — 4-6 qt for individuals/couples, 6-8 qt for families, 8+ qt for batch cooking

▸Wattage — 1500W minimum for good crisping, 1700W+ preferred

▸Basket shape — square gives more usable space than round

▸Easy-clean basket — dishwasher safe, non-stick, no tight crevices

▸Temperature range — should go at least 180°F-400°F

▸Preheat speed — good models hit 400°F in 2-3 minutes

▸"Smart" WiFi features (you're 3 feet away)

▸Rotisserie attachments (gimmick, never works well)

▸Built-in recipe screens (always worse than your phone)

▸Air fryer lids for pressure cookers (weak airflow, poor crisping)

The gear that actually improves your air frying, not the junk drawer fillers.

▸Refillable oil mister — ditching aerosol sprays is step one

▸Parchment liners — pre-cut to your basket size, prevents sticking

▸Instant-read thermometer — the only way to know meat is done safely

▸Silicone tongs — won't scratch non-stick coating

▸Wire rack insert — lets you cook two layers for things like bacon

▸Silicone mat — reusable alternative to parchment, dishwasher safe

▸Small baking pan — fits inside for casseroles, egg bites, brownies

▸Skewer rack — great for kebabs and satay

Build a spice collection that covers 90% of air fryer cooking.

▸Garlic powder — goes on literally everything

▸Smoked paprika — instant depth and color

▸Onion powder — the silent hero

▸Black pepper — freshly ground, always

▸Kosher salt — flaky is best for finishing

▸Cayenne pepper — a little goes a long way

▸Italian seasoning — one blend, many uses

▸Cumin — essential for any Tex-Mex or Middle Eastern rub

▸Everything bagel seasoning — vegetables, chicken, fish

▸Gochugaru (Korean red pepper) — warm heat, fruity flavor

▸Za'atar — herby, lemony, works on everything from chicken to toast

▸Nutritional yeast — umami bomb for vegetables