Contents
The Best Air Fryers in Canada
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” — Virginia Woolf
There is nothing more satisfying than a hearty meal at the end of a busy day. What makes it even better is a minimum effort of preparation. If we observe our current times in order to describe them in a precise manner, it would be efficiency, convenience and effortlessness. Here, we do not discuss all the issues our society goes through. Rather, we want to highlight the fact that modern technologies provide us with an opportunity that our ancestors were not granted. One of them is kitchen appliances that save the overall time of cooking. An air fryer is one of those devices of convenience.
Air fryers became popular for the ability to substitute a deep fryer, a microwave and a conventional oven in some cases. Their versatility covers frying sweet potatoes and French fries, cooking chicken breast and wings, crispening baked potatoes, bacon, and such vegetables as Brussel sprouts and eggplant. You can even experiment with baking a cake, which in the summer months might be an attractive option: no need to turn on a conventional oven and heat the whole kitchen. Are you hungry yet?
Another attractive thing we find about an air fryer is efficiency. Due to its compact size, and quick air circulation an air fryer can cook even frozen food faster than a standard oven. It does not take a long time to heat up, so you can start cooking as soon as you turn it on (although experts suggest you heat the appliance for a few minutes before putting food in the basket.)
With so many options on the market, we decided to select a few top-ranked air fryers in Canada. Buying an air fryer that would respond to different lifestyles, budgets, and cooking requirements might be a confusing task. We created a list of best air fryers in 2024 by keeping in mind major requests consumers have when choosing the right device. You can expect to find affordable air fryers, air fryers for a large family and even compact options ideal for using in a student dorm or an RV.
Our top picks
What to look for in an air fryer
Ability to adjust cooking time/temperature
It is one of the most important factors to keep in mind when you choose/use an air fryer. An air fryer is designed quite differently from your standard conventional oven. That is why one cannot expect to use the same temperature and time frame as per regular recipe. Kitchen guides suggest one simple rule to follow when cooking in an air fryer: lower the temperature by 25 F from your standard recipe. To mention the time of cooking there is no particular rule: every model has its differences. If you just purchased a new air fryer and only get adjusted to cooking in it, simply set a timer to a few minutes longer than you would usually set and check the food time after time. Brains Report said that all tested air fryers took a longer time to cook than most recipes suggest. Considering those aspects, you want to look for such a device that allows convenient and effortless timer and temperature setting option.
Size of the basket (danger of overfilling)
Let us put it this way: if you want your food to be cooked evenly, do not overcrowd an air fryer’s basket. In fact, try not to fill an air fryer more than half. By doing that you won’t end up with an uneven, half-burned dinner. If you often cook for a large group of people or have a big family, make sure to choose a model that has enough space inside. Another thing you can do to cook food evenly is prepare separate batches. The more space for air is available to circulate, the crispier food will be.
Overall size/Appearance
If basket size defines how much food you could cook at once, the overall size of an air fryer has a direct connection to how much space the device would take on your kitchen countertop. Although in some kitchens you might be able to store an air fryer in a pantry, a small apartment space usually does not have that luxury. Therefore, make sure to think through where would you keep an air fryer, the way it will look in your kitchen and how much space it would take. A roomy space on a countertop is also important because an air fryer has a vent in the back. Thus, there must be a distance between a wall and the back of the device.
Foods that can be cooked in an air fryer
Although the selection of foods you can cook in the air fryer is fairly wide, the list still has its limits. Avoid any liquid ingredients that can melt and make the cleaning job much more complicated. Other than that, anything that was meant to be fried can be thrown into an air fryer’s basket. We especially want to highlight foods that come frozen. Think chicken nuggets, fries, fish sticks. Speaking of fish sticks keep in mind that breaded foods make a particularly good choice to cook in an air fryer. While some people risk experimenting with making cookies and even muffins in an air fryer, keep in mind that the batter won’t rise as it would in a conventional oven.
Noise level
Some air fryers are louder than others. Often it depends on the size. The bigger the fan is, the louder the unit can be. If you live in a smaller apartment with thin walls you might want to consider a quieter appliance.
Cooking programs
Some air fryer models are designed to only air fry food while others come with a variety of functions. Most of the air fryers that we selected have not only one basic function, but can also grill, roast and even bake. Thus, depending on your cooking preferences make sure to purchase accordingly. There are many air fryers that have settings for steaks, seafood, fries, chicken and other options.
Timer
For peace of mind, choose an air fryer with a built-in timer. In that case, you can focus on other dinner preparations without worrying about turning the appliance off. Many air fryers come with at least thirty minutes timer: the option that assists in cooking many meals from spring rolls (does not require more than ten minutes) to thicker beef meat (can take up to twenty minutes or even longer).
Air fryer reviews
Features
Dash Compact Air Fryer Oven
A small kitchen is not the only reason that makes one look for compact size appliances. Another important factor can be the number of people in the house. If you are living by yourself, and looking to improve your cooking routine by adding a convenient, efficient device as an air fryer, but do not want to occupy the kitchen countertop with a bulky object, then this Dash Compact air fryer must be the right one for you. In fact, it weighs and takes only half of what a standard air fryer does. Some customers say they even use it in their RV.
The Dash Compact air fryer does not only look sleek and trendy, but uses AirCrisp technology which reduces fat by 70-80%. It is a healthier cooking option compared to deep frying, yet without sacrificing the flavour of cooked food. The device also includes the auto-shut-off function. It prevents overcooking even if you forgot to turn the air fryer off.
Another customer noted Dash Compact was exactly what she was looking for: this is a smaller size appliance and great for two people in an apartment. It cooks quickly and efficiently with absolutely minimal effort. Besides, it is very easy to clean.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Lightweight.
- Auto-off feature.
Cons
- Small capacity.
- Numbering on dials wears off easily.
Best air fryer overall
Features
COSORI Air Fryer
A customer said she ordered the fryer because her family likes to eat finger foods on the weekend, and takeout is getting too expensive, not to mention lacking in quality and taste. The Cosori air fryer is the right way to eat healthier food and use less oil while frying. The Air Crisp Technology cooks with 85% less fat than traditional frying. Yet, as result, you get food with a crispy delicious coating.
The air fryer with four and a half stars and almost fifty-seven thousand reviews on Amazon was designed with smart programming. It includes thirteen cooking functions and is easy to set time and temperature.
Another Cosori advantage is a large capacity. The spacious five-quart baskets can fit a whole five-pound chicken. Thus, it is easy to make food for the whole family or a group of friends in one go. The air fryer comes with a 100-recipe cookbook, so whether you are planning a family dinner on a weekday or hosting a party, there won’t be an issue with meal ideas.
Besides cooking advantages, it is an easy-to-clean appliance. Simply pull out the basket and either clean it with warm water and soap or put it in a dishwasher.
Pros
- Stylish and sleek design.
- Large capacity.
- Non-stick detachable and dishwasher-safe basket.
- Thirteen cooking functions.
Cons
- A large unit.
Best air fryer for a large family
Features
Ultrean Six Quart Air Fryer
One of the most popular requests is an air fryer for a large family. But whether you have three children or like to host friends and family, this Ultrean air fryer might be the right one for you.
What an awesome air fryer, confessed one satisfied customer, it cooks evenly and fast, is easy to clean and has lots of room. She added that she cooked French fries for fifteen minutes and chicken (drum sticks, legs and breasts) in about twenty-five minutes.
A crowded kitchen with items on the stove and countertop does not only irritate, but slows one down, especially when cooking for a large group of people. Ultrean solves that problem by offering seven multifunctional cooking presets which you can use to fry, roast, grill, and even bake simple desserts. (The air fryer comes with a recipe cookbook that makes cooking even easier.)
Besides, the Ultrean air fryer comes with auto-shut-off and overheat protection. In that case, even if you forgot to turn it off, or had to be away from the kitchen, that function will protect your dinner from burning down.
And, to make your life easier and even more convenient, the air fryer comes with an LCD, soft buttons and dishwasher safe accessories.
Pros
- Grease-free cooking
- Seven cooking settings
- Spacious basket
- Auto-shut function
- One year warranty
Cons
- Some customers mentioned that the basket has started flaking of the Felon.
Ultrean Six Quart Air Fryer
Best budget air fryer (best value)
Features
Ultrean Air Fryer, 4.2 Quart
This is another Ultrean model on our list and, with a price of just under $100, we find it the best value air fryer. Just like the six-quart option, this smaller device can fry food with no (or a little) oil without leaving much grease and smell.
Despite a smaller basket size, this air fryer still has many cooking functions that allow you to grill, roast, and bake your favourite food. Ultrean air fryer was designed with an innovative heating system that cooks food evenly.
The main difference between the previously mentioned model and this one is the size. If you are looking for a more compact air fryer that still has an auto switch off timer, contemporary minimal design and dishwasher safe accessories, then go for this Ultrean four-quart air fryer. A customer mentioned he had been using this every day instead of an oven. It provided an even cooking, has a few buttons, a sleek design, and despite a compact size an inside tray is spacious.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Compact and sleek design.
- Auto-shut off function.
Cons
The exterior handle may get too hot.
Best air fryer for family of four
Features
Ninja Foodi Two-Basket Air Fryer with Dual Zone Technology
The main reason we think Ninja Foodi air fryer is an ideal option for a family of four (or more people) is two independent baskets. Although it makes the appliance bulkier than previously selected models, having two baskets allows you to cook two types of foods at the same time.
How convenient! Eight-quart large capacity lets you fit fries and chicken, meat and vegetables in two different sides and select settings accordingly.
This air fryer is a holy grail for my family, said a satisfied customer. It cooks fries, burgers, wings, buns and more. Two baskets make it easier to cook two items at the same time; you do not have to wait for one item to cook before throwing in another. Also, if someone wants to cook something else at the same time, it works as well.
Besides, you can select six customizable programs: air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate.
Ninja took a step further thinking about busy parents cooking and cleaning after dinners, so they made sure to make crisper plates dishwasher safe.
Another customer noted he cannot say enough good things about this appliance. He admits that using this air fryer reduces mess by 90%. He finds himself using it every day for everything. Meat. Vegetables. Whatever. It is just easy to use. Not only that but cleaning up is so simple.
Pros
- Two spacious baskets with match cooking function.
- Extra large capacity.
- Six customizable programs.
- Ideal for a large family
Cons
- Takes a lot of space.
- Higher price.
Other recommended air fryers
Features
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL with Fat Removal Technology
The Philips premium air fryer is known for its fat removal technology that extracts fat and leaves food crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Not only will you eat healthier, but you can also cook for up to six people. The removable basket is seven-quart capacity, so you can fit chicken, fries, vegetables and other delicious meals.
To make the cooking process simpler Philips offers an app (Philips Kitchen +) where you can discover a list of recipes and explore the air fryer’s features.
A customer notes that Philips Premium XXL is a quality product with high-quality performance: you get what you paid for. The first thing she did was download the app for the appliance because this was very helpful in all ways. She added that this XXL can hold a whole meal: at first, she had trouble figuring it out but now she sees more and more potential for it.
Pros
- Spacious basket.
- Comes with an app.
- Ideal for a large family.
- Fat removal technology.
Cons
- Takes a lot of space.
- High price.
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL with Fat Removal Technology
View on AmazonFeatures
T-Fal Air Fryer, Friteuse, Easy Fry, Low Oil
Simple to use, no digital screen or extra buttons to press and figure out, noted a customer. T-Fal air fryer was designed with easy fry technology that leaves food evenly cooked with a crispy coated surface using not at all, or very little, oil.
Although T-Fal offers different air fryer models, this particular one comes at an affordable price and has a decent capacity of four-quart. It also is a multi-functional unit: grilling, roasting and baking in addition to air frying.
One customer said that she cooks meals like chicken, salmon, fries, perogies in this air fryer. Although fries took twice as long as the instructions said to cook (sweet potato fries took forty minutes), all other foods listed in the manual have been pretty accurate.
To make it easy T-Fal air fryer comes with a removable basket that can be thrown into a dishwasher. Try to make sure to clean the basket after every use (either in a dishwasher or with warm water and soap) to keep it in top condition.
Many online reviewers noted how user-friendly the T-Fal air fryer is.
Pros
- Ideal for up to four people.
- Easy to clean.
- Sixty minutes timer.
- Compact size.
Cons
- The instructions booklet is not clear enough.
How we picked the top air fryers
Since air fryers became popular, and many people found them useful in their kitchen, we were not an exception. One of the main reasons we believe in providing valuable information is that we do not only commit to thorough research, but we also use the products that we suggest. It does not mean we tested every single air fryer on the list. However, we based our opinion and chosen models on our own experience with air fryers, as well as other customers’ reviews, buying guides, and Consumer Reports data.
Besides, while Amazon is one of the most convenient ways to shop nowadays, we made sure to select only products that earned at least four stars and many reviews from satisfied customers on multiple retailers. Comparing models, brands and reviews is a job that requires time, and we understand it. That is why writing this guide took the least amount of time compared to fifteen hours of research.
We kept in mind that every consumer leads a different lifestyle and one air fryer that worked for someone might not be the right one for you. We combined, and hopefully met, most requests clients might have, including budget-friendly options, large capacity air fryers, compatibility and even overall design.
Everything you need to know about air fryers
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is essentially a miniature conventional oven, that can be placed on a countertop in your kitchen. Despite the name, an air fryer does not actually fry your food. Instead, it circulates hot air around the food to create a crispy exterior.
How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer is made of two sections. The top sector holds a fan and a heater. The bottom one contains a basket where you place food. When the air fryer is turned on hot air starts rushing down and around food. As the heat circulates it makes the food crispy, however, unlike deep frying, with no use of oil.
What is the best thing to make in an air fryer?
An air fryer gained its popularity because of versatility: the list of foods you can cook and heat up in it is almost limitless. (Although, do not try to cook soup in it.) You can cook any frozen foods in it like spring rolls or vegetables, as well as chicken wings, French fries, bacon. Some people find the way to fry bananas in an air fryer for a quick dessert.
Can I cook chicken wings in an air fryer?
Yes, and they turn out delicious! Simply place chicken wings in the basket so they wouldn’t touch each other. Set the temperature to 360 F and cook for approximately twelve minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another twelve minutes.
Do fries taste good in an air fryer?
You won’t get standard McDonald’s deep-fried fries after cooking potatoes in the air fryer. However, you can expect a crispy coating that in some sense reminds you of the taste of well-baked food. So yes, air fried fries taste good and are much healthier than deep-fried ones.
Does air-fried food taste the same as deep-fried?
No, air-fried food tastes more like well-baked crispy coated food. While deep-fried food often has an oily coating, air-fried food does not.
What are the most popular air fryer recipes?
Unarguably French fries are the most popular food to cook in an air fryer. The second one must be chicken wings.
Where can I find air fryer recipes?
While there are many recipes on the internet, we suggest you check out the Taste of Home website. They have quite a list of recipes dedicated to air frying. One of our favourites is the article that offers forty-three appetizers’ ideas you can cook in an air fryer. You will find easy and delicious suggestions from anything like shrimps to garlic bread and chicken wings.
Air fryer vs convection oven: What’s the difference?
The difference between an air fryer and a convection oven is the way both appliances were designed. An air fryer has a vented heating basket that allows hot air to circulate evenly and provide a crispy food surface. In addition, the compact size of an air fryer reaches the required cooking temperature much quicker than a conventional oven. Meanwhile, a conventional oven is a bigger device that comes with multiple racks and takes longer to heat up due to its size. Also, some people say that it is easier to burn your food in a conventional oven because setting the right temperature might be trickier than in an air fryer.
Air fryer vs deep fryer: What’s the difference?
The deep fryer requires you to fully submerge food into the heated oil. As a result, food turns out greasier with extra calories. (Although we all crave that specific taste time after time!) An air fryer uses circulating hot air to fry food. That method still finishes your chicken wings and fries with a crispy coating, but without using oil.
Where to find the best air fryer deals?
It depends on the season of sales, yet often you can find air fryer deals at Canadian Tire, Costco, Walmart and Amazon.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of air fryers?
We start with advantages. An air fryer is easy to clean, especially compared to a deep fryer, it requires minimal effort. Another advantage is that it does not take up much space on your kitchen counter. However, it could also be a disadvantage. Due to its compact size, an air fryer might not be the right appliance choice for a large family. Besides that, if the temperature and timer were not set up correctly food might turn out dried out or even burned.
Can you use an air fryer to dehydrate food?
Yes, you can dehydrate food in an air fryer and it is a surprisingly easy process. Think about dehydrating fruits, vegetables, making your own sundried style tomatoes, mushrooms, potatoes and even meet pieces.
Are air fryers worth it?
Just like any other items you bring into your life, it’s worth asking whether the next purchase would add something positive into your lifestyle; be it time-saving, convenience, health. An air fryer, frankly, responds to those three requests. It heats up quickly, thus saves cooking time, it fries food without oil, which is responsible for the health part, and it is unbelievably easy to use. Hence, if that is what you are looking for to add to your cooking routine, then an air fryer is worth it. Also, an air fryer is an ideal countertop appliance to heat leftovers. Think about crispy perogies or pizza.
Can you cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Yes, an air fryer is an ideal option to cook frozen food. On busy days you will find how convenient it is to throw a few spring rolls, fries, fish sticks or even flatbread pizza and cook it quickly in an air fryer.
Can you cook ground beef in the air fryer?
It is possible and easy to cook beef in an air fryer. However, you would have to use a pan to keep ground beef together. Simply season meat, break it with a spatula and place the pan into an air fryer’s basket. Set the temperature to 400 F for about ten minutes.
Who invented the air fryer?
Although the idea of an air fryer was introduced back in 1904, it was only at 2010 IFA when an air fryer was selected as one of the top five inventions, presented by Fred van der Weij for Philips and since then started gaining its popularity.
