Air fryer

An air fryer is a small countertop appliance that circulates very hot air rapidly around food in a basket, producing a crisp, browned exterior similar to deep frying but using little to no oil. It is really a small, powerful convection oven shaped like a basket rather than a true fryer, since there is no oil bath involved at all.

Basket capacity varies a lot between models built for a single serving and larger ones meant to feed a family, and in a small kitchen that size difference often decides whether it fits on an already crowded counter or needs to live in a cabinet between uses. Some models overlap heavily with a toaster oven's capabilities, which is worth comparing before buying both.

The most common mistake is overcrowding the basket, which blocks air circulation and leaves food steamed and soft instead of crisp, rather than actually broken equipment. Preheating for a couple of minutes and shaking or flipping food partway through a cook generally fixes uneven browning. Because the units run very hot in a small space, keep clearance around the vents rather than tucking one under a cabinet.