3 Best Air Fryers for Healthy Cooking in 2026
In 2026, the top three air fryers for healthy cooking are practical choices that deliver crispy, flavorful results with minimal oil. The T-fal Infrared Air Fryer impresses with its 6-quart capacity and 7-in-1 functions, heating up in 45 seconds to 750°F for even, juicy meals. The Chefman TurboFry, with a 7-quart basket and 1750W motor, offers fast, high-powered cooking, while the Emeril Lagasse 24QT combines a large capacity with 24 presets for versatile, nutritious meals. If you want precise control over your health-conscious dishes, mastering these models will be worth your attention.
T-fal Infrared Air Fryer, 6 Qt Digital Touch Screen, 7-in-1 Cooking Functions
- QUICK HEAT-UP: This digital air fryer takes 45-seconds to reach 750°F on a carbon fiber heating...
- CRISPY OUTSIDE, JUICY INSIDE: Air fryer oven combo with Infrared Thermal Diffusion Technology....
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL COOKING: Choose from 7 programs—AIR FRY BROIL, ROAST, BAKE, REHEAT, TOAST, CRISPY...
- PERFECTLY SIZED 6 QT AIR FRYER: Designed for full dinners for two, sides for family meals, or a...
- EFFORTLESS, QUIET & EVEN COOKING: This compact air fryer toaster ovens countertop features...
If you want healthier cooking yet still enjoy tasty food, the T-fal Infrared Air Fryer is a great choice for 2026. It has a 6.3-quart size, making enough for family meals. The fryer features 7-in-1 functions: it can air fry, broil, roast, bake, reheat, toast, and give your food a crispy finish.
It heats up really fast—just 45 seconds to reach 750°F. This means your meals cook quicker than in most traditional ovens. The fryer uses infrared thermal diffusion technology. This technology helps food cook evenly and keeps juices locked inside, so your dishes stay juicy and crispy on the outside. You only need a little oil, so your meals are healthier.
The digital touch screen is simple to use. It makes selecting programs easy. The interior is non-stick, so cleaning is fast and simple.
This air fryer is good for small families or anyone who wants quick, healthy meals with less mess.
Pros:
- Heats up in 45 seconds using infrared tech for fast cooking.
- Offers 7 different cooking modes, like baking and roasting.
- Easy digital screen and non-stick parts make cleaning simple.
Cons:
- It’s large and heavy, so you need enough counter space and effort to move it.
- The basket can be heavy when full.
- Maximum temperature is 400°C, so it might not be suitable for very high-temp cooking.
This air fryer helps you cook tasty, healthier food fast. It’s a smart choice if you want something versatile, easy to use, and ready in a hurry.
Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer 7-Qt, 6-in-1 High-Powered Cooking
- SUPERCHARGED CONVECTION POWER: The next evolution in air frying A high-tech DC motor powers this...
- 6-IN-1 VERSATILITY: More than just an air fryer This all-in-one digital air fryer features a...
- EXTRA-CRISPY FROZEN FRIES: Achieve perfectly crisp frozen foods like mozzarella sticks, chicken...
- SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: The narrow design maximizes cooking capacity while saving space for your other...
- FAMILY-SIZED 7-QUART CAPACITY: Cook for up to 6 people in minutes The XL nonstick basket holds large...
The Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer has a big 7-quart size. It is powerful with a 1750W motor. It can do six different things, like air fry, broil, dehydrate, and reheat. This makes it a flexible choice for your kitchen. The large size lets you cook enough food for up to six people, perfect for family dinners. The design is narrow and fits nicely on most counters. An easy-view window helps you watch the food without opening the basket.
Thanks to its strong convection power, your food will cook up to 40% faster. The Shake Reminder feature helps you check and shake the food for even crisping. It replaces several kitchen appliances and still gives tasty, consistent results.
This air fryer is good for people who want quick, even cooking for big meals in a small space.
Pros:
- Very powerful at 1750W for fast cooking
- Large 7-quart size serves up to six people
- Multiple functions like air fry, broil, dehydrate, and reheat
Cons:
- Its narrow shape may not fit in small kitchen spaces
- Digital controls can take a little time to learn
- Works only on 120V, so it may not work in some regions
This air fryer makes cooking easier and faster while helping you eat healthier. It’s a great tool if you want big, tasty meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Emeril Lagasse 24QT Stainless Steel Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
- A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates practically any meal, from air frying quick...
- PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Oven turns off automatically when the toast countown timer ends - no burnt...
- DUAL-SPEED FAN: Golden fried crisping at it's finest with 360º superheated air circulation for your...
- 26-QUART CAPACITY: This Extra-large 26-quart capacity countertop toaster is suitable for preparing...
- STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: A stainless steel exterior provides a beautiful asthetic to any kitchen,...
The Emeril Lagasse 24QT Stainless Steel Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is a big and powerful kitchen appliance. It has a large 26-quart capacity, so you can cook a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza easily. This makes it great for families or when you want to cook a lot at once. It offers 24 different cooking functions, like air frying, baking, roasting, and slow cooking. All these options are easy to use with a simple touchscreen control.
The oven features a dual-speed fan and 360° hot air circulation. This helps food cook evenly and become crispy, all while using less oil. The French doors make opening and checking on your food simple. Inside, there’s a light so you can see your food as it cooks. This oven is practical and flexible for many meals.
Best For: Home cooks and families who want a big, versatile oven that can do many jobs with little effort.
Pros:
- The 26-quart size easily fits large dishes like whole chickens or big pizzas.
- There are 24 cooking options. The touchscreen makes it fast to pick your setting.
- It uses true air frying with hot air that circulates all around food. This makes everything crispy with less oil.
Cons:
- It is heavy, weighing about 26.5 pounds. You should place it in a good spot to move it easily.
- It does not have a nonstick interior, so cleaning may take a little extra effort.
- The interior and accessories are not dishwasher safe. You need to clean them by hand.
This oven is a good choice for anyone who wants a big, multifunctional oven that is easy to use and makes delicious, crispy food.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Air Fryers for Healthy Cooking
When choosing an air fryer, you’ll want to contemplate how much cooking capacity fits your household’s needs, since larger baskets mean more food but also more counter space. Temperature range flexibility is key for healthy cooking, giving you precise control over different recipes, from crisping vegetables to baking fish. Finally, don’t forget to look at ease of cleaning, program versatility, and whether the appliance’s size matches your kitchen setup—after all, nobody wants a bulky gadget that takes over the countertop.
Cooking Capacity Needed
Have you ever noticed how the size of an air fryer really does matter? The capacity determines how much food you can cook at once. A 6-quart air fryer can handle about 3 pounds of chicken. It can serve 2 to 4 people comfortably. If you have a big family or like to host friends, choose an air fryer that is 7 quarts or larger. These can cook enough for 4 to 6 people.
Keep in mind, a bigger basket doesn’t mean it cooks faster. The power and how heat spreads are important too. If your counter space is small, pick a size that fits well in your kitchen. A larger basket makes it easier to cook more food in one go. This means fewer cooking sessions.
However, don’t buy the biggest air fryer hoping it will cook faster. Bigger size with higher wattage and good heat flow makes a better difference. Choosing the right size helps you cook efficiently and easily.
Temperature Range Flexibility
Have you ever cooked vegetables in an air fryer and wondered why some come out crispy while others are soggy? The key is how flexible the temperature range is. A good air fryer can heat from about 70°C up to 400°C. That wide range lets you control your cooking easily. If you want gentle reheating, you can set a low temperature. For crisping or searing, you can turn it up high.
When the fryer heats quickly, in just 45 seconds or less, it saves you time. Quick heating keeps more nutrients in your food. It also means less energy used. Staying at the right temperature helps your food turn out the same every time. Whether you want tender fish or crispy vegetables, a fryer with a wide, reliable temperature range makes it easier.
If the temperature options are limited, your food might not turn out how you want. You may have to settle for less than perfect textures. So, look for an air fryer that heats fast and covers a big temperature range. It will help you enjoy healthy, tasty meals every time.
Ease of Cleaning
When choosing an air fryer for healthy cooking, think about how easy it is to clean. Pick models with nonstick inside surfaces. These make wiping away food messes easier. Also, look for parts that go into the dishwasher. Removable baskets or trays that sit directly in the dishwasher save you time and effort.
Oven-toaster style air fryers are simple to wipe clean outside. They help keep the splatters and fingerprints to a minimum. Check if the interior has good access to corners. This makes it easier to remove grease and crumbs.
Some racks are dishwasher safe, but over time, they might need hand-washing. Nonstick coatings can wear out after many washes. So, choose a model that balances easy cleaning with durable parts.
Versatility of Programs
Thinking about getting a versatile air fryer? Look for one with many cooking options. Good choices include Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Reheat, Toast, Broil, Dehydrate, and a Crispy Finish setting. These programs help you make healthier meals with little oil. They keep foods crispy and tasty without adding extra fats.
Some air fryers come as multi-function units like 6-in-1 or 7-in-1. These can replace other small kitchen appliances. Having fewer gadgets on yourCounter means less clutter and less oil needed for cooking.
Many models have special presets. For example, a “Frozen Foods” button automatically sets the right temperature and time. A “Crispy Finish” program ensures your fries or chicken come out crispy without extra oil. Also, digital controls let you set the time and heat precisely. This helps you get consistent results and prevents overcooking.
A good air fryer with many programs makes cooking faster and easier. It helps you prepare healthier, tasty meals with less effort.
Size and Counter Space
When you pick an air fryer, size matters. You want one that fits well on your counter. Big models, about 15–17 inches deep, can make your kitchen feel crowded. Smaller ones, around 12–14 inches wide, fit easily on most counters.
Think about how much food you want to make. A 6-quart air fryer works for 2 to 4 people. A 7-quart can cook for 4 to 6 people without cramming. If the air fryer is narrow, it may take longer to cook or not fit tall foods.
Check the space around your kitchen. Some models need open space to open the basket. If your counter is small, measure first. Built-in lights and windows inside the air fryer also take up space inside. This can limit what fits inside or makes it harder to see your food.
Pick a size that matches your needs and space. A good fit makes cooking easier and keeps your kitchen comfortable.
Fat Reduction Features
Have you seen how some air fryers make food crispy with just a little oil? That’s because they have special fat reduction features. These fryers use hot air that moves fast, so foods get crunchy without soaking in fat. Some models only need a teaspoon of oil to do the job.
Many air fryers have “no-shake” features. This means they cook evenly without needing you to shake or move the basket. This keeps the food moist and juicy, but cuts down on fat. They can get very hot, up to 450°F, which helps browning the food fast and makes it crispy, kind of like frying but with less fat.
Cleaning is easier, too. Most have nonstick surfaces and parts you can put in the dishwasher. Some air fryers do more than just fry. They can dehydrate foods or roast with low oil. This gives you more healthy cooking ideas.
Speed of Cooking
The speed of cooking is very important when using an air fryer. Models with high wattage, around 1500 to 1750 watts, heat up quickly. This means you spend less time preheating and your food cooks faster. Some air fryers use infrared or strong convection systems. These can heat up twice as fast as regular convection ovens. They are great for busy days when you want to cook food fast.
Many air fryers come with multiple functions. For example, some can bake, roast, and air fry all in one. This saves time because you don’t need different appliances. Some models also have quick heat-up or no-preheat buttons. These features cut down the cooking time even more, especially for small portions.
Digital controls and built-in windows help you watch your food as it cooks. They make it easy to pick the right speed for different foods. Overall, a fast air fryer helps you make healthy meals quickly and easily.
Safety Features
Have you ever wondered if your air fryer is safe to use? Safety features are very important when you cook. Look for air fryers with an automatic shutoff or a timer. These stop the machine from cooking too long and help prevent fires.
Many air fryers have overheat protection. This stops the appliance from getting too hot, which keeps it safe. A cool-touch exterior is helpful too. It stays cool on the outside, so you won’t burn your hands when you touch it.
Certifications like UL or ETL show the air fryer meets safety standards. Check if the feet are non-slip. This keeps the fryer steady and from tipping over. Enclosed baskets and handles help prevent hot food or oil from spilling when you open the basket.
A good door design and handle make it easy and safe to get food out. They help prevent burns.
Good safety features mean peace of mind. They protect you while you cook and keep your kitchen safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Easy Is It to Clean These Air Fryers After Use?
Cleaning these air fryers is pretty simple; most feature removable, dishwasher-safe parts. After cooking, you just take out the basket or tray, wash it easily, and wipe down the interior, saving you time and effort.
Do These Air Fryers Require Preheating Before Cooking?
Most air fryers don’t need preheating, but some models perform better with a quick warm-up. You can usually skip preheating for smaller quantities but preheat for larger meals to ensure even cooking and perfect results.
Are Replacement Parts Readily Available for These Models?
Yes, replacement parts are generally available for these models. You can easily find compatible components through manufacturer websites, authorized service centers, or reliable third-party suppliers, ensuring your air fryer stays in great condition and lasts longer.
Can These Air Fryers Cook Different Types of Cuisine?
Yes, these air fryers can cook various cuisines because they offer multiple settings and adjustable temperatures, allowing you to prepare everything from crispy fries to Asian stir-fries, making them versatile tools for diverse culinary styles in your kitchen.
How Energy-Efficient Are These Models Compared to Traditional Ovens?
These air fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens because they heat up quickly, use less power, and cook food faster, helping you save energy and reduce your electricity bills while preparing healthy meals efficiently.
Hi there! I’m Lilith Smith, the heart and hands behind getrecipes.blog . Cooking has always been my greatest passion, and through this blog, I get to share that love with all of you. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an adventurous new dish from across the globe, I pour my creativity into every recipe I create