So, I'm a single guy and I like to cook. Sometimes I want to quickly roast some veggies, or warm up something in the oven, but don't because it's a hassle. I used to have a toaster oven that I gave to my mom, and am thinking about splurging and getting the Breville cadillac of toaster ovens. But I also don't feel like spending that much right now.

Does anyone have a small/cheap air fryer that works well for roasting some veggies, making some fries, cooking up some fish? Or would it be better to just splurge on the Breville? I also have a small apartment, so counter space is somewhat limited.

Thanks

We have the Breville and it's been worth the price. It great for when we don't want to heat the oven and it preheats in no time. We roast veggies in it several times a week. They are obviously useless as a fryer so French fries are no bueno, but they are adequate for heating up previously fried foods or frozen fries

We have a Ninja air fryer xl. Great for reheating things for sure. I actually like leftover pizza out of the air fryer a lot. Wife will make Brussel sprouts and other veggies in it a lot. Also great for frozen food like fries, chicken strips etc. We use it much more than I thought we would. Can definitely cook pork chops, fish, etc.

FIDO*98* said:

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We have the Breville and it's been worth the price. It great for when we don't want to heat the oven and it preheats in no time. We roast veggies in it several times a week. They are obviously useless as a fryer so French fries are no bueno, but they are adequate for heating up previously fried foods or frozen fries

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This. The preheat time is great and it works way better than the big oven for frozen "fried" foods. And it whips ass on pizza.

The only drawback I've found so far is that because of the compact area, it will sometimes come close to burning the tops of biscuits before the middle layers get cooked. Make sure you adjust your cooking time and check earlier because it cooks fast.

I enjoy having it in the kitchen and treat it like any other tool that I use. It's not for everything but there are nights that I don't want to heat the overn for baked potatos etc. and it comes in damn handy. I've done salmon, lobster tails and they've come out better than my convection oven. Played around with an extra strip steak I had and didn't feel like griling on night...no go on that. Reheating Pizza cooking nuggets etc. it's a nice tool.

GAC06 said:

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I didn't realize five minutes to heat an oven was such an issue

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When there are only 2 in a house it doesn't make sense to heat an over for 2 potatos.....

cypress-ag said:

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GAC06 said:

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I didn't realize five minutes to heat an oven was such an issue

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When there are only 2 in a house it doesn't make sense to heat an over for 2 potatos.....

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Agreed, and he lives alone so...

cypress-ag said:

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GAC06 said:

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I didn't realize five minutes to heat an oven was such an issue

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When there are only 2 in a house it doesn't make sense to heat an over for 2 potatos.....

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So it makes sense to buy a new appliance?

So Serious Eats just published their first air fryer recipe.

https://www.seriouseats.com/air-fryer-brussels-sprouts-with-preserved-lemon-caesar-dressing-5213458

Does this mean they will be regularly accepted on TexAgs now?

I didn't say I don't care and I'm not being a smart ass. Of course you could have discussed the topic but instead you posted about me.

Touche. I just tried mine out of curiosity and it took just under 7 minutes to get over 300. The point stands.

I got one for Christmas, which I rely wasn't expecting. It's been nice and convenient. One great aspect of it is its much easier for my kids to use than the oven. They've been sharing recipes with me they want to try. It's been fun.

Cooks surprisingly well. It's been much better to roast a couple of bundles of asparagus and other vegetables than our ovens. Even frozen veggies have come out tasty.

I like having ours.

Completely agree. BUT, what would an alternative name be that would also sell a lot of product?

fav13andac1)c said:

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Completely agree. BUT, what would an alternative name be that would also sell a lot of product?

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Yes, nut juices are called "milks", and there's a lot sold despite not being named properly

fav13andac1)c said:

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Completely agree. BUT, what would an alternative name be that would also sell a lot of product?

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Mini convection oven?

got a Ninja SP101 air fryer for Christmas. So far we've done this...

- heated up sausage balls. stayed crisp, not soggy
- raw chicken tenders (no breading) with parmesan were juicy.
- tater tots were great and crusted well.
- HEB pre-made salmon patties had a great crust.
- HEB pre-cut sweet potato fries were not good.

It takes about 20 seconds to pre-heat. I think our oven takes 7-10 minutes, not five like someone posted above. Overall a great buy for us.

bigtruckguy3500 said:

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GAC06 said:

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I didn't realize five minutes to heat an oven was such an issue

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Thanks for your input. That's kinda what I'm curious about.

My electric oven takes probably 10-15 minutes to get up to 400 degrees, which is what's needed for frozen bagged fries I buy. I think they use a lot more energy, and are less likely to make the kitchen heat up (especially in the summer). I know someone who kept one in their office to heat up their lunch. I believe air fryers, with their convection fans also help cook things faster, and crispier from what I understand.

So, if a small, cheap, air fryer, can work for my needs and makes sense, and is worth getting is my big question.

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Yes,it is worth getting….get one and never look back….

The fact that I own one should tell you they are worth having. If I were single, that would go double. Spring for the Breville and you won't be sorry. They just can't fry food

Correct. They do an excellent job of heating up previously fried food, and a like being able to shake the basket rather than turning over food.

In my limited attempts to batter and fry things, it wasn't great.

For those of you that have a Breville, which model do you have? Smart Oven Air Fryer or the larger Pro? I'm trying to decide between the two. Any advantages for the pro? Single person household.

Air fry bacon. 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes. Might smoke up a little but you'll thank me. This alone is worth getting an air fryer.

I would recommend the air fryer with a basket. The Brevilles all look to be oven style,which aren't near as useful in my opinion.

Ninja makes a good one.

They're great for chicken wings. You may need to flip or rotate halfway, but fantastic wings.

I highly recommend doing these on the patio. They'll smoke up the kitchen pretty good. Cooking outside you don't live with the smell for several days.

cypress-ag said:

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GAC06 said:

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I didn't realize five minutes to heat an oven was such an issue

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When there are only 2 in a house it doesn't make sense to heat an over for 2 potatos.....

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My potatoes take 45 mins in the oven. Another 5 to pre heat is just not a big deal. But I do restaurant quality baked potatoes with outside brushed in oil and then coated in salt and garlic powder so that it crisps up while the middle gets soft.

But I love my air fryer. I only cook bacon in the air fryer now. If we order take out I always put the buns from a burger, anything fried, and veggies in the air fryer for 5 mins before we eat. Gets rid of the soggy quality. I also use it for frozen chicken breasts. 15 mins on 250, then sprinkled with seasoning, 10 mins on 300, flip over and sprinkle other side, 10 more mins on 350. Perfect chicken for the salads I take to work.

Still learning more things to do in it.

I love my air fryer. It is great for finger foods for watching football games. My friends use them to reheat fast food for their kids. Used mine to make tater tots for my teenager on Saturday.