WikiCompare live prices on fryer across Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, AliExpress, and curated Awin partner merchants. Air fryers dominate — see the 'air fryer' entry. Traditional deep fryers (T-fal, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach $60-150) make actual restaurant-quality fries and wings that air fryers approximate. They're messy, use 2-3 quarts of oil, and stink up the house — most home cooks regret buying one after a few months. Outdoor turkey fryers (Bayou Classic, Char-Broil) are the right tool for Thanksgiving birds. For a single-purpose appliance with great use cases, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro ($450) wins for crispiness and capacity. Click any card to open the seller's product page; we earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions about fryer
Air fryer vs deep fryer?
Air fryer: convection oven that mimics fried texture. Healthier (uses minimal oil), easier cleanup, daily-friendly. Deep fryer: actual oil immersion. Better texture for true 'fried' results but messy + unhealthy. Most home cooks should buy air fryer first, deep fryer only if you specifically want restaurant-quality fries/chicken wings.
What size air fryer for a family?
Family of 4: 6-quart basket. Dual basket (Ninja DualZone — $200) cooks two foods at different temps simultaneously — best for families eating at different times. 8+ quart for families of 5+. Skip 'XXL' models for couples — too big takes more counter space + heats up slower.
Can I make actual fried chicken in an air fryer?
Yes — bread chicken thighs (egg wash + seasoned breadcrumbs), spray with cooking oil, air-fry at 380°F for 25-30 minutes. Texture comes close to deep-fried (crispy outside, juicy inside) without the oil mess. Best results: keep chicken slightly elevated on parchment with holes for circulation. Don't crowd the basket.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, preheat 3-5 minutes at target temp before adding food. Cuts cook time 20-30% + gives crispier results. Many modern Ninja + Cosori models have preheat button — without it, just run empty for 3-5 minutes. Same reason traditional ovens preheat — even cooking from start.
What can you NOT cook in an air fryer?
Wet batter (drips through basket, burns on element). Leafy greens (fly around in convection). Cheese alone (melts through basket). Loose seasonings (blow off). Tall rising bread (hits heating element). Foods needing constant stirring. Most everything else works — meats, vegetables, frozen foods, baked items shorter than 4 inches tall.
Are air fryers safe?
Yes — no oil-fire risk vs deep fryers. Make sure: keep 4+ inches of clearance around back vents, use parchment liners weighted down by food (loose foil/parchment can fly into heating element), don't cook spray-on cooking products inside the basket (clogs sensors). Modern non-stick coatings (post-2020) are safe at air fryer temperatures.