While I do own an air-fryer toaster oven, I barely use the air-fryer function.
Several years ago when air fryers first came on the scene,we tested severalin the EatingWell Test Kitchen.
Our methods included testingfrench fries(both fresh and frozen), cornmeal-crusted chicken and salmon fillets.
Photo: Getty Images
We cooked each item in air fryers and conventional ovens and compared them side-by-side in blind tastings.
Before I get to my very opinionated feelings about air fryers, let’s talk about what they are.
You may have a convection oven, or a convection setting on your oven.
Some new oven models even have an air-fryer setting.
So back to those tests we did.
I’m not going to lie; I was seriously underwhelmed by the results.
It wasn’t a huge difference.
But here’s where the air fryer won, hands down: thatsalmon fillet.
All we did was sprinkle it with salt and pepper and pop it in a cold air fryer.
You may be surprised to hear me say that I do own an air fryer.
I bought a Cuisinart AirFryer Toaster Oven two years ago during a Black Friday sale.
I was already a toaster oven person, and we were ready for a new one.
Why not get one with air-frying capabilities, I thought?
I do have a convection setting on my oven.
But I don’t always want to turn on my oven, especially in the heat of summer.
(We don’t have air conditioning.)
Maybe I’d use the air-fryer setting more in the summer.
But I don’t!
I started to use it to make eggplant Parmesan last summer.
It was going to take me twice as long.
After making a batch of eggplant in there, I turned on my oven.
I’m not mad I bought it.
I use our toaster oven every day.
It heats up pizza really well, returning it to its crispy-crust state.
But, lucky for me, it’s the perfect size to cook three pieces of fish to perfection.
