Christmas Gift Idea - An Air Fryer?

We're a family of 10 and use our Ninja 10-in-1 XL constantly. It can handle many things more quickly than the main oven, or with better results. And several times a week, both are running at capacity for hours. The AF is not quite the capacity of a second full oven, but it saves us from having to purchase one. 

Edit: should have mentioned that our main oven also has convection/air-fry. We still get a ton of use out of the Ninja.

XM isn't worried about cleanup. When you have 8 good kids, the things just get washed. IYKYK

Get one. I’ll have four fried chickens and a Coke. And some dry white toast, please.

We got one and it doesn’t get used a lot, but it works great for hand cut French fries.  Can’t have steak frites without the real thing.

I have a convection oven so I always thought it would be redundant to get an air fryer. The air fryer is smaller, though, so you could get a concentrated convection experience in there. When I think of fried foods, a lot of them have some kind of coating which gets crisp (the exception being french fries). But chicken or fish usually have either a bread crumb coating or a batter coating. What's the texture like of protein that's put in the air fryer without a coating? Or do you use a coating? 

We use our air fryer almost daily. Oven and Webber Grill are used about 10% of what they were formerly used. There is only the two of us at home nowadays, but I think if there were more people in the house we would still use frequently.  

I use mine constantly for things like vegetables, potatoes, and frozen chicken of various types.

All I know is don’t buy an instant pot that doubles as an air fryer. We got one for the football season and the air fryer lid already quit working. The pressure cooker side still works. I tried a warranty claim and was denied because, well, who the hell knows. In all honesty I think they’re overated. We had some off the wall brand for a few years and I wasn’t impressed with what we cooked. 

We have one.  With 4 kids 14 and under it is a huge help for dinner.  Much easier to make chicken nuggets, pizza bites, etc than placing them in the oven.  Pro tip, they make special parchment paper to go in the basket of the air fryer which makes clean up so much easier.

I thought Santa was our UofM President, Warde insurance, and #1 fan.

We had a microwave which doubled as an air fryer. I can count on one hand the number of times we used it.

I have an air fryer and it's awesome. It's easier to clean than a conventional oven and cooks faster. A couple of words of advice:

1. Get a large box style, similar to a toaster oven. You can fit way much more inside

2. Some female advice: please make sure you aren't buying it as a gift for a specific person unless they either request it or like that sort of thing as a gift.  You and your couch/doghouse will thank me later 😆 

I can cut to the chase for you on this: it depends on how creatively you will use it.  If you just want it for things like chicken nuggets and fries, it's most likely not worth the space it'll take up and you won't use it enough.  But if you are the type who is willing to try new things creatively, it'll be your new kitchen best friend.  We use ours almost every day, and almost never for things like chicken nuggets and fries. We have the Ninja Foodi XL and it's a brilliant addition for the reasons precious few here have noted: it'll do things better than either your oven or your grill (think: meats).  Yes, meats.  

I've worn out Webers in my life - I love to grill that much - but I actually prefer this (caveat: the grill is still great/necessary for the experience of the grill, and for BIG events/items, but for every day the Ninja wins hands down). Ribeyes, chicken thighs, pork chops, you name it. The nice thing about the Foodi is that you can do them two different ways, which come out a bit different (both great): (1) the true "air fry" feature and (2) the "grill" feature.  And some things are better on one than the other. Prior to the Foodi we did have a traditional air fryer, and it was really good, but the added versatility of the Foodi is what makes this particular product an essential cooking item for us (because things like chicken and pork chops come out awesome on either feature, but something like steak is better on the grill feature, as air fry doesn't quite get there for the sear, whereas salmon is legit the best I've ever had when done on "air fry"). Another unexpected awesome on "air fry" mode: bread/rolls.  You're not living until you have crescent rolls (yes, the ones that come in a tube) made in an air fryer (330 degrees for 5 minutes).

Which again makes the first point: it comes down to how creatively you will use it. Oh, and a tip: plug it in and run it outside instead. As awesome as Brussel sprouts are in an air fryer, you house smelling like that for way longer than you would like is... not. If this was helpful, happy to answer any questions, as I truly enjoy being creative with trying new things on ours. Truly, though, I would start with my first sentence as the "discerning question" of whether it makes sense for you.

I love my air fryer but it really only serves one purpose in our household…wings.  
 

I love to make smoked wings on my Traeger but for the life of me could not crisp them up at the end, enter the air fryer.  Life changing and some of the greatest wings you will ever have in your life.  Get one, you won’t regret it.  
 

XM, Merry Holidays.

We have both an air fryer and a Tovala oven. We bought the air fryer rack for fhe Tovala and it sucks by comparison. We were trying to recoup some counter space, but failed. We use both regularly, but the air fryer just does a better job. It's just Mrs. Attack and I, so it isn't huge but it gets the job done. (TWSS)

That being said, be careful. There was just a huge recall...

https://www.clickondetroit.com/consumer/help-me-hank/2023/12/19/more-than-300k-air-fryers-recalled-for-burn-hazard/

Happy Shopping!

My wife and I have been on team air fryer for about 5 years now.  You won't be cooking up the larger meals you mentioned, but it works great for quick leftover heat-ups, snack foods and the like.  We really don't use the microwave or toaster anymore (except for the occasional microwave popcorn).  They typically have several useful features in addition to air frying, such as baking and toasting.  Count me as a vote in favor of the air fryer.  Oh, and Merry Christmas XM!

Air fryers are nice. They cook things quickly and keep the meat moist. They also heat up leftovers quite well - much better than a microwave, for instance. 

Air fryers are awesome. IMPORTANT NOTE: Most “fryer” type foods are still unhealthy, even without oil. I gained 20 pounds eating delicious mozzarella sticks and fries and such after getting an air fryer. Lesson learned. 

XM,

If you are seriously considering an air fryer or an Instapot as a Christmas gift, then, regardless of your area of specialty, I would recommend retaining an excellent divorce attorney.

I got an air fryer for Christmas a couple of years ago.  I think it's great.  I use it all the time.

I use the air fryer attachment to my Instapot all the time. It's pretty small though and if I had a bigger kitchen/more storage space I'd definitely get a larger countertop one. 

It's just a convection oven. Use your oven. When you need a new one, get one with convection if you don't already have a fan setting. 

Too many comments to wade through them all, but did want to offer you a few cents worth of opinion. Apologies if much/most/all of this is already trodden ground...

An air fryer's name is a bit of a misnomer. I saw a few comments in here about people wanting it to do more of the work of a fryer... only healthy. I guess? But to those people, do you think of your oven as that too? Because, as a few others have stated, an air fryer is basically a small convenient convection oven. That's how it should have been branded. "Air fryer" is a cute novelty concept, and people who go into it with that line of thinking, will likely find theirs in the appliance graveyard sooner rather than later.

As for our household... it's a decent 2 to 3 times a week appliance. I don't plan meals around it, but I've also figured out how to integrate it into things that I cook.  For instance, I make a mean white chicken chili.  I want my chicken to be cooked and pulled, but I like to be smart about my time management. So recently, I've taken to heavily seasoning and par-cooking (maybe 4/5ths of the way) my chicken in the air fryer, then taking it out, pulling it, and putting it into the chili to slow cook. It doesn't overcook. It allows me to precook and sautee my vegs, and then do a perfect merge.

Other various uses for me: french fries easier faster, frozen foods that are good for a pinch (i'm a big proponent of frozen proteins at Aldi, fried fish filets, or whatever. They're great for random quick protein 'snacks'), chicken thighs that go INTO recipes... I don't love proteins as entrees in them, but I don't guess I love too many 'baked' meats in general. I did a pretty decent 'brussels sprouts crack' in there, but it took me a bit to figure out the right shave of the sprouts so they'd cook evenly. 

PRO TIP:  buy a couple silicone rubber liners for food items that are liquidy/saucy/drippy to ease cleaning. Fries and frozen crab cakes or whatever can go straight in the pan. But anything else, I like to use one of these. Just makes cleanup easy and will extend the life of the appliance greatly. LINK  These are cheap and convenient. Once they get 'gross' after 6 months, throw them away and buy two more for ten bucks. 

PRO TIP 2: resist the temptation to overload. Less is more in the word of swirling convection air. It goes quick, so two batches isn't a bad thing.

Last note... we got married young and poor. We're 20+ years past that now. I think some people's opinions of whether or not you can buy an appliance for your wife is based on their own specific personal relationship?  I got BMo (never been called that a day in her life and wouldn't respond to it lol) a nice air fryer for Christmas maybe 3 years ago. She thinks it's great. She asked for a steam vac for her birthday in October. She likes these things, but I also randomly feed the sneaker addiction that she has (that I created) throughout the year as well. When you've been married as long as you have, my assumption is you know how, when, why and what to spoil her with. And what gift would ever offend.  :)

Pros: -cooks chicken perfectly

-cooks turkey burgers nicely

-great for the winter when you can’t freeze your ass off grilling outside

Cons: -sucks to clean

-tends to not get cleaned right after then stinks

-stinks up the house

-cooks steaks too evenly for my taste (I prefer the way a grill cooks outside-in)

Inconclusive: 
-I’ve actually never fried things in it (I’m sure it works fine though)

Outstanding gift idea. I strongly recommend the Ninja XL with the Max Crisp setting. I use this appliance damn near every day.

A second comment -- I think an appliance for Christmas is great if it's one your wife has expressed interest in. If my husband got me a good ice cream maker, I'd be happy, for example (I have a cheap one). It sounds like air fryers are just small convection ovens. My double ovens are both convections. One is smaller than the other (it's also a steam oven) and I use it a lot. It browns quickly because of the air that circulates throughout. I wonder if the word "fryer" is a misnomer; it's more of a browner and crisper (if the food has a penchant for getting crisp, like fries). The smaller the oven, the quicker it's going to cook things, which is why I like my smaller convection oven. It heats up really fast and cooks really fast. I have to think the air fryers have that same advantage. Anyway, good luck with your decision. There's some good information here to help you decide. 

Get it.  I refused for a while and someone got us one as a gift and it’s fantastic.

They are great.  Well worth the money.  I don't do anything intense with it, like baking raw meats etc, but I do use it for reheating pizza, baking frozen french fries, baked potatoes, heating up frozen chicken nuggets, etc.  The food comes out perfect and it is really fast.  Much faster than waiting for our large oven to preheat.  And because it is much smaller than the oven, it probably saves a non-negligible amount of energy.

We got one a few years ago and still use it all the time. I just made some nachos in it about 20 minutes ago. We almost never use our oven and microwave now. For us it’s a great item. 

Overall, a great device - it's a touch niche but it does those niche things excellently. 

Excellent for quick roasting - you want nice roast vegetables and don't want to wait 40 minutes in the oven? Air fryer will do it in 10. 

We have a Phillips air fryer. Love it. It’s especially good with seafood! The website seriouseats has a good rundown on the best ones. 

Ninja dual. Life changing. 

XM,

What a great question.  Thanks for asking.  I've learned a lot from the replies that you received.

I got a small air fryer a couple of years ago for Christmas and after the initial excitement, it has been relegated to the basement.  I didn't realize until this thread that we must have received a very small air fryer.  We have about 20 people over for our big events and there is no way that this thing can keep up with that many people.  The most important thing for you to consider is the size of the machine.  Make sure that you get one that can handle your crew.  You will need something a little more substantial than mine.  42-27 and 1VaBlue1 talked about air fryers that I didn’t even know existed.  I’m anxious to check one of these big dogs out myself.  We have always loved what the fryer could do, but we have always been disappointed in the size of the batches that ours could accommodate.  I am surprised to learn about these monster air fryers.  I think that they would be perfect for us.  Thanks again for bringing this subject up.

The things you learn on this blog…

Go Blue XM and Merry Christmas!

4:44

Instapot is a game changer and the air fryer attachment works well too.  

The kids have moved out and it is my wife and I at home. We use our air fryer 3-4 times a week and love it. Super convenient and less cleanup 

We got a ninja one with 2 big “drawers” on the front. It has earned its counter space and I’d bet gets used multiple times a day on most days. Great little investment IMHO. BTW, my Mrs just confirmed that it will be instantly replaced if it fails. 

I have a fairly large one that cuts down significantly on cook time and preheating time than the oven. I love it, and it’s much better at reheating food than a microwave. We don’t keep it on the counter because it is kind of a counter hog.

one thing I’ve recently considered - is it cost inefficient because it uses electricity besides natural gas, and probably a lot at that?