DASH DCAF150GBAQ02 Compact Air Fryer Oven Cooker with Temperature Control, Non Stick Fry Basket, Recipe Guide + Auto Shut Off Feature, Plastic, Aqua

Product Information

Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying and pan frying, so it can provide a lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative that still delivers a crisp texture," says Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CDN."But air fryers are only as healthy as the foods you chose to cook in them. They won’t magically remove saturated and trans fats from your meals.” Whether you're new to air frying or you're a seasoned fryer, this model by Ninja is perfect for any user because it's straightforward to use, cooks food evenly, and is easy to clean. And with its 4-quart capacity, it's medium-sized, meaning can hold a good amount of food without taking up massive amounts of counter space.

Air Fryers of 20233 for Healthier Meals The 8 Best Air Fryers of 20233 for Healthier Meals

Many people don't want to hear it, but you must clean your air fryer after every use. Even if you haven't added oil — but especially if you have — the basket, trays and element can collect grease and get gummy, start to smell or, most critically, put the machine at risk of smoking. If you're not sure an air fryer is right for you, this option is less than half the cost of others on the market, making it a great choice for anyone who doesn't want to invest in an expensive model just yet. We also love this budget-friendly air fryer for folks who live alone or only cook in small batches, as it doesn't take up much counter space and gets the job done without breaking the bank. Items that lie on top of or across each other (e.g. fries) need to be shaken halfway through the preparation time (see section “Settings”) Power: Air fryers are basically countertop convection ovens, and their claim to fame is that they can create a browned, crispy exterior on your food without using much (if any) oil. However, to do this, an air fryer needs to be fairly powerful with a suitable temperature range and a good fan to circulate air around the basket. When testing air fryers, I always look at their wattage — this model is 1,000 watts, which is pretty good for its size — and I make note of how long they take to cook food and if it’s evenly cooked. This model does not have a built-in preheat cycle, so you’ll have to warm it up at your discretion.Digital: If you prefer push-button technology, you'll have to pay a little more for a compact air fryer, but you will get more convenience when it comes to precision, presets, and memory function. Some of the digital models also include a remote. Unplug the fryer and let it cool. Before attempting to clean the fryer, the first step is to unplug it and let it cool for a minimum of 30 minutes. Without any pre-programmed options…you’ll have to use trial and error to learn the most effective ways to cook your food. Many of the options on our list of favorites take the guesswork out of cooking, with preprogrammed settings that allow you to get dinner on the table with just the push of a button. Since air fryers are all about streamlining your cooking routine, you’ll want to pay special attention to selecting a model that makes your life easier, not more complicated. Look for intuitive digital displays, time settings, and just enough bells and whistles for your needs.

Air Fryers | Compact 2 Quart Air Fryer | Dash

After all my testing was said and done, I was really impressed with the Dash Compact Air Fryer. The appliance might be small, but its performance sure isn’t! It boasts 1,000 watts of power — more than enough to cook up all sorts of tasty foods — and the basket is the perfect size to hold one or two portions. (Though, if you have a large family, you’ll end up having to cook your meals in several batches.) Follow all of the manufacturer's recommendations. The best way to clean your compact air fryer after every use is to follow the directions in the owner's manual. If that isn’t available, the following guidelines should work for most units.

Features

Soak fresh potatoes in water for 30 minutes, then add a small amount of oil for a crispier result. Fry your potatoes in the air fryer within a few minutes of adding the oil. We love that the price is comparable to smaller brand models, so we figure—why not splurge a little extra and go for the 10-quart model? Especially when it's incredibly sturdy and built to last, which will save money in the long run. Inexpensive compact air fryers are simple to operate because they don't have much to control. These work with dials: twist one dial to set the temperature and another to set the timer, much like on an inexpensive toaster oven. More expensive models offer a greater amount of control and precision. They may have a few presets for certain types of food and a memory function as well. We have not scored based on baked goods like cake because cake and most other desserts benefit from an even distribution of gentle heat, and most air fryers don't have heating elements on the bottom in addition to on the top (though fruit crumbles and air fryer donuts come out great!).