· Maggie · Reviews/Kitchen · 11 min read
7 Best Air Fryers with Dehydrator Function for Healthy Cooking
Discover the 7 best air fryers with dehydrator function options that combine versatility and convenience for healthier meals and snacks at home
Introduction
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for kitchen gadgets that can shake up your culinary game. Today, we’re diving into the world of air fryers with a twist—they come with a dehydrator function. Imagine the magic of frying with less guilt and preserving your favorite fruits and veggies, all with the same gadget.
In this article, I’m breaking down seven top-notch models that bring these cooking tricks together. Why bother? Well, these nifty appliances are time-savers and space-savers, opening up a world of cooking possibilities right in your home.
By the time we wrap up, you’ll know exactly which one fits your kitchen vibe and cooking style. Whether you’re dreaming of crispy fries or homemade dried mango slices, we’ve got the scoop on the perfect air fryer for you. Ready to get cooking? Let’s do this!
Ninja Air Fryer with Dehydrator Function
Meet the Ninja Air Fryer AF101, your new best friend in the kitchen. This little powerhouse cooks with hardly any oil, making your favorite treats a lot healthier. During my test run, this guy shined in air frying, baking, and even dehydrating. Its 4-quart size is just right for a dinner for two or a small family feast.
What really blew me away was how easy it was to use and clean. The ceramic-coated basket? A dream for quick clean-ups and no-sticking worries. And oh, those fries and chicken wings? Perfectly crispy without the grease drama. The dehydrator feature is spot-on for whipping up healthy snacks like dried apple slices.
Heads up, though—the machine shuts off pretty soon after it finishes cooking, which could be a hassle if you’re juggling multiple dishes. Plus, it’s got a bit of a hum to it, noticeable in a silent kitchen.
Despite a couple of quirks, the Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is a solid pick for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile cooking functions | Shuts off quickly after cooking |
| Easy to clean and maintain | Moderate noise level |
| Produces crispy, delicious food | Smaller capacity than some models |
GoWISE USA 14.7-Quart Air Fryer Grill with Dehydrator Function
Say hello to the GoWISE USA 14.7-Quart Air Fryer, a beast of a machine that’s ready to tackle big meals with ease. It’s not just an air fryer; it’s also a grill and dehydrator. This one’s perfect for family feasts or prepping meals for the week. With dual heating elements, your food cooks evenly, and the rotisserie feature adds that wow factor to your dinners.
The dehydrator is a game changer for making healthy snacks—think fruit chips or beef jerky. It comes with handy accessories that let you try everything from roasting to baking. The downside? The controls can be a bit of a puzzle at first, requiring a few button pushes to get where you need to go.
Cleaning is mostly a breeze, thanks to the stainless steel interior, but watch out for the tricky grease spots. All in all, if you’re looking to expand your cooking repertoire, this air fryer is a steal for its size and functionality.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large capacity for meal prep | Complex user interface |
| Versatile cooking functions | Grease can be tough to clean |
| Includes helpful accessories | Requires multiple button presses |
GoWISE USA 7-Quart Air Fryer & Dehydrator
The GoWISE USA 7-Quart Air Fryer & Dehydrator is all about space and ease. With its roomy design and touch-friendly display, you can fry or dehydrate without breaking a sweat. Those stackable racks? Total game-changer for drying out your favorite fruits and veggies efficiently.
It whips up roasted veggies and proteins like a pro, needing just a smidge of oil for that crispy finish. The preheat feature gets you cooking in no time, perfect for those of us always racing the clock.
But beware: this thing is a bit of a monster on your countertop. Also, while the non-stick coating starts out great, some folks have noticed it wearing down over time. Still, it’s a fantastic tool for those who want the best of both air frying and dehydrating.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large capacity for family meals | Bulky design may take up space |
| Efficient dual functionality | Non-stick coating durability concerns |
| User-friendly touchscreen | Trays can be cumbersome to clean |
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is your go-to gadget for air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating. With a 5-quart capacity, it’s just right for a small family. Its Air Crisp Technology is a winner for getting that crunch without drowning your food in oil.
What I love is how quick it heats up, so you can get cooking straight away. Plus, its raised plate design means your food cooks evenly, saving you from constant stirring. And the dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate make cleanup a no-brainer.
It’s got a tiny hiccup, though—no preheat function. You’ll have to give it a few minutes before diving into your cooking. But that’s a small price to pay for an air fryer that’s this reliable and easy to use.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick heating for fast meals | No preheat function |
| Even cooking with elevated plate | Slightly smaller capacity for large families |
| Easy to clean and maintain |
Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer with Dehydrator Function
Check out the Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1, an air fryer that’s all about versatility. With a generous 10QT size, it’s perfect for cooking a feast. This model keeps your food juicy and flavorful while the intuitive touch controls make it a breeze to use.
Testing it out, I found the air frying was top-notch, giving that crispy finish with way less oil. The dehydrator is a gem too—perfect for those homemade snacks like fruit chips or jerky. And it’s so quiet you can easily multitask without any annoying noise.
A couple of small hiccups: it takes a bit longer to preheat, around 5-6 minutes, and the completion beep is a tad soft, so you might not hear it if you’re in another room. But if you’re all about healthy, quick meals, this fryer is a must-have.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious 10QT capacity | Longer preheating time |
| Versatile 7-in-1 functions | Quiet completion beep |
| Easy-to-use touchscreen controls |
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt
Say hello to the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1. This kitchen wizard handles everything from air frying to dehydrating with ease. Its 6-quart size is perfect for feeding a crowd, and with temperature precision from 90°F to 450°F, you can nail any dish, from crispy fries to dried fruits.
The Turbo mode is a standout feature, cutting down cooking time while keeping flavors intact. And it’s super quiet—you’ll hardly notice it running. Cleanup? A breeze, thanks to the non-stick basket that’s easy to wash.
The only downside is the lack of a shake reminder during cooking, so you’ll need to keep an eye on things yourself. But with its balance of performance and user-friendliness, the COSORI Air Fryer is a fantastic pick for cooks of all levels.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 6-quart capacity | No shake reminder feature |
| Multiple cooking functions | Some users report a plastic smell |
| Quiet operation | Lacks preset cooking times |
Instant Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer with Odor Erase Technology
The Instant Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer is a game-changer with its 6-in-1 capabilities. It doesn’t just fry; it roasts, bakes, broils, reheats, and dehydrates. Cooking performance? Spectacular. It delivers crispy, evenly cooked meals every time. With a 6-quart size, it’s perfect for family dinners or bulk cooking.
A unique feature is the Odor Erase Technology, which keeps your kitchen smelling fresh even when cooking strong-smelling foods. Its user-friendly interface, complete with a viewing window and quick preheat time, makes cooking a breeze. Cleanup is a snap too, thanks to the removable, dishwasher-safe basket.
On the downside, it’s a bit bulky, so it might not fit well in smaller kitchens. Plus, some users have reported display issues over time. But if you want an all-around performer with great odor control, this is the air fryer for you.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 6-quart capacity | Display issues reported over time |
| Excellent cooking performance | Can be bulky for small kitchens |
| Odor control feature |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best air fryer that dehydrates?
Look no further than the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL for the best air fryer that also dehydrates. This kitchen marvel combines air frying with dehydration, letting you create crispy, delicious meals and perfectly dried snacks. Its large capacity and user-friendly design make it perfect for families and meal preppers alike.
Can an air fryer be used as a dehydrator?
Absolutely! Many air fryers come with a dehydration setting or can be adjusted to low temperatures, perfect for drying out fruits, veggies, and meats. Just slice your food evenly, lay it out, and set the temperature to around 120°F to 160°F. Keep an eye on it, though—dehydrating can take a few hours.
What to avoid when buying an air fryer?
When you’re in the market for an air fryer, steer clear of models with low wattage—they might not cook evenly. Watch out for overly complicated controls, too. Simple is often better. And read those reviews! You want a brand that stands behind its product with a solid warranty. Lastly, make sure it’s the right size for your needs without hogging all your counter space.
Can you use an air fryer to dehydrate meat?
Yep, you can dehydrate meat in an air fryer, though it might take a bit longer than a traditional dehydrator. Slice your meat thin, marinate if you like, and set the air fryer to a low temp, around 160°F. Keep the door slightly open to let moisture out, and check periodically until it’s done to your liking.
Why are people getting rid of their air fryers?
Some folks are moving on from air fryers because of their limited capacity or the realization that they aren’t using them as often as they thought. Others miss the texture of traditional fried food. And let’s face it, cleaning up can be a bit of a hassle. It’s all about finding what works best for your cooking style.
What is the downside of an air fryer?
Air fryers are great for healthier cooking, but they do have a few downsides. The cooking capacity is often smaller, which can be a pain for big families. Some people find the taste or texture not quite up to par with traditional frying. Plus, they can be noisy and relatively pricey compared to regular ovens. Cooking times might not be quicker than you’re used to, so there’s a bit of a learning curve.
Conclusion
After putting these air fryers through their paces, I’ve found they each have their own perks and quirks. Here’s a quick rundown of who shines where, so you can find the perfect fit for your kitchen adventures.
Best for Versatility
- GoWISE USA 14.7-Quart Air Fryer Grill - This one does it all, from air frying to grilling. It’s the ultimate all-in-one for those who love to mix things up in the kitchen.
Best for Compact Design
- Ninja Air Fryer, 4-in-1 (AF101) - Got a tiny kitchen? No problem. This compact air fryer packs a punch without hogging space.
Best for Large Capacity
- GoWISE USA 7-Quart Air Fryer & Dehydrator - Perfect for big families or meal preppers who like to cook in bulk.
Best for Cooking Speed
- Instant Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer - If you’re in a hurry, this fryer heats up fast and cooks efficiently, saving you precious time.
Best for User-Friendly Features
- COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 - With super easy controls, it’s perfect whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned chef.
Final Recommendations
For a do-it-all gadget with grilling power, the GoWISE USA 14.7-Quart Air Fryer Grill is your go-to. Need something small but mighty? The Ninja Air Fryer is your new best friend. Got a big crew to feed? The GoWISE USA 7-Quart model has you covered. If speed is your game, the Instant Vortex Plus won’t let you down. And for ease of use, look no further than the COSORI Air Fryer.
Each of these air fryers has something special to offer, so think about what you need most in your kitchen before you decide. Happy cooking!
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