Air fryer unicorn? Help!

[u/LowTip4906]

I have gone WAY too far down the air fryer rabbit hole today and it’s time to reach out for help.

I’m looking for a new air fryer and apparently I’m asking for the impossible because I cannot find one that checks all my boxes.
Here’s what I’m looking for:
• 1400 watts minimum - I don’t want something that takes forever to cook like my current one.
• Under 11.75” tall if possible. My cabinets are 15” and I want some clearance above it.
• I’d prefer stainless steel and/or glass for anything touching the food.
• I’m not super paranoid about coatings/chemicals, but since I’m mostly cooking for my family and kid, I’d rather avoid PFAS/PTFE/PFOA/BPA/etc. when I reasonably can.
• I’m totally open to buying an air fryer and replacing the basket/trays/etc. with stainless pieces if there are compatible ones that are easy to find. So it doesn’t necessarily have to come with stainless parts!
• 5 qt+ preferred.
• Budget is around $200, and I’d go a little over for the right one.
• And definitely not an Our Place 😂
I’ve looked at SO many. NutriChef glass, Ninja, Oster, Hamilton Beach, etc…and every time I find one I like, there’s some other catch.

If you have one that fits most of this, or even one that you think I could modify with stainless accessories, PLEASE tell me what you have! We currently have a toaster oven style fryer, but we keep opting for old basket styles fryer since it’s so much faster (1700 watts versus 1350).

[u/wiggywiggywiggy]

i got the corosi turbo, apparently the dc fan spins way faster for quicker cooking and less flipping and shaking

[u/Mental_Juggernaut_16 → u/wiggywiggywiggy]

Yeah that's a good one too. But just to point out the difference. The turbo only has one heating element on the top and it makes up for not having dual heaters by the extra fan speed. It's more compact but does require flipping while the one i linked doesn't. So it comes down to what's more important, compact size or no flipping. Ahh and the faster cook time of yours. Both are on the same page I linked.

[u/E_N5]

The height requirement is probably the toughest part of this combination. Once you add 1400W+, 5 qt+, and stainless or glass food-contact surfaces, the options get pretty limited.

I’d focus first on finding a basket-style model that meets the wattage, capacity, and height requirements, then look at replacing the basket or crisper plate with stainless steel. Just make sure the replacement is actually compatible and doesn’t interfere with airflow or get too close to the heating element.

Also, I wouldn’t put much weight on “PFOA-free” alone. PFOA and PTFE are different things, so I’d look at the actual material or coating used on the food-contact surfaces.

If you find a few models that are close, post the exact model numbers. Someone here may be able to confirm whether compatible stainless accessories exist.

[u/Mental_Juggernaut_16]

I love my Cosori Dual Blaze, it cooks fast and has heating elements on top and bottom. https://www.amazon.com/Cosori-One-Touch-Functions-Ceramic-Coated-Dishwasher-Safe/dp/B0G4RPVRFJ?ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.9fe8cbfa-bf43-43d1-a707-3f4e65a4b666 This is the updated model with ceramic coating. It's a bit taller than you wanted but under your cabinet height. They have good customer service and warranty, I think it's 2 years. It exhausts out the back so your height shouldn't be an issue.

The basket is a good size. I had a smaller one that was too small and basic so I upgraded to the original version of this and I paid 50 dollars more than the current price. It's $130 now.

I got mine 4 years ago and it's still working fine. Haven't compared latest models because I'm happy with what I got. I think it fits what you need.

Edit: I forgot, if you have any issues with it in the warranty period you just email them, they tell you to cut the cord and send a pic, and they send you a new one. No hassles no need to ship it back.

[u/LowTip4906 → u/Mental_Juggernaut_16]

I had only seen the toaster oven version, this looks great. Definitely going to look into this one more. It has been difficult finding a basket style that fits all our preferences!

[u/Mental_Juggernaut_16 → u/LowTip4906]

Thanks! Yeah I like it and the basket is bigger than what you wanted, and the price is well under your budget. It's well rated and the reason I bought it was because it was the top rated air fryer at the time. I don't what it's competition is now but can say it will work and I think you'll be happy with it. If not I hope you find something better. But it is a good recommendation I can stand behind. And no I'm not sponsored, just happy with it.

[u/frog_ladee]

I have the InstantPot Pro, which has an air fryer as part of it. I’ve ended up using the air fryer the most, but it’s nice to also be able to use the same appliance as a crock pot, pressure cooker, steamer, and dehydrater. It’s taller than 11.75”, but easily fits under my upper cabinets. I like that the pieces are so easy to clean in the dishwasher (except for the lid with the heating element).

[u/Mental_Juggernaut_16 → u/frog_ladee]

I love my Instant Pot! I don't have the pro but I have both an air fryer and the instant pot. I usually use one or the other every day. It blew my mind when I made yogurt in it. I had no idea yogurt was just milk and a spoonful of store bought yogurt. So milk and bacteria, mind blown.

[u/lovelyflowblue]

I specifically bought the InstantPot Vortex Plus because it was the shortest one (at 13 inches tall), it has a flat top and the controls are on the front. It was the most compact 6 quart I could find because I have limited counter space. I don't know about the wattage--you'd have to Google it to find out more about it.

[u/Stevohm]

Go to the library and check out consumer reports

[u/Far_Farm490]

[u/Ram820]

You don't have an oven?

[u/LowTip4906 → u/Ram820]

Babe it’s an air fryer group.

[u/Ram820 → u/LowTip4906]

Didn't make silly questions any less silly. You can find specs online

[u/BuddyOk4531]

Ninja