Most people buy the wrong air fryer. Like "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," some are too big, some are too small and some have presets you're never going to use.
There are so many air fryers on the market,
and some are destined to be over-designed and offer you way more than you actually need. If you're buying one with an app and 20 presets, you're probably wasting money.
So before you go shopping, ask yourself these questions: How will I use it? How will I clean it? And where will I store it?
this video to see some of the features you should look for when shopping for an air fryer.
What is the best air fryer?
Size matters. Go for one that fits how much you cook and the space you have to store it. Some models have dual cooking chambers, which will take up more space on your counter or in your cabinet.
Look for an air fryer with a window and an interior light. This allows you to see your food cook without needing to open the basket and let out the heat.
Speaking of the basket, what it's made of is really important. Non-stick is easy to clean. However, glass or stainless interiors can be more durable. Whichever you choose, avoid baskets that have coatings. They can scratch and flake off over time.
The ability to precisely control the temperature is important. Cooking presets are fine, but look for a machine that also lets you customize the temperatures and cook times. This can ensure that your fries don't burn and your meats actually cook. If you are looking for presets, make sure the model includes features you plan to use.
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How to clean your air fryer basket
Regularly cleaning your air fryer basket and rack is important to keep it working properly.
Some air fryer baskets and racks are dishwasher safe. If so, you can add them to your machine. If not, here's how you can clean them by hand:
- Remove the basket and rack from the air fryer.
- Fill the bucket halfway up with warm water and add a couple of drops of dish soap.
- Let it soak for a few minutes.
- Gently scrub the basket and rack with a sponge. Air fryer buckets and racks typically have a nonstick coating on them, so avoid using abrasive cleaning tools.
- Rinse it out and repeat as much as necessary.
How to clean your air fryer coils
Cleaning the air fryer basket and rack is only part of the job. The top of the fryer and the coils are often neglected when it's time to clean. The caked-on gunk, grease and grime can cause bad odors or even affect taste over time.
To clean the coils on your air fryer:
- Spray Dawn Powerwash in a bowl of hot water. Regular dish soap will also work if you don't have Powerwash.
- Dip a sponge in the mixture and gently clean the coils.
- Wipe them down with a damp cloth. Be careful not to get excess liquid inside the fryer.
- A cleaning-only toothbrush can also be used to gently scrub those tough and hard-to-reach spots.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Look for these must-have features when buying an air fryer
