Tired of greasy deep-fried foods but still crave that satisfying crunch? Enter the air fryer, your new kitchen superhero! Specifically, basket air fryers have taken kitchens by storm, offering a healthier, quicker, and incredibly convenient way to enjoy all your favorite fried dishes with a fraction of the oil. They’re compact, powerful, and perfect for anything from crispy fries and chicken wings to roasted veggies and even baked goods.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one? It can be a bit overwhelming, right? Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the legwork for you, diving deep into the features, pros, and cons of some of the top basket air fryers on the market. Whether you’re cooking for one, a busy family, or love to host, there’s an air fryer basket out there that’s just right for your needs.
Ready to transform your cooking game and enjoy delicious, healthier meals without the fuss? Let’s jump right into our top picks!
1. Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, Premium Ceramic…
This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s an experience upgrade! The Cosori TurboBlaze stands out with its innovative technology designed for speed, efficiency, and quiet operation. Boasting a powerful 3600 rpm fan and a unique 5-fan speed system, it guarantees evenly cooked, crispy, and juicy results every time, all while maintaining a peaceful kitchen environment. Its premium ceramic-coated basket isn’t just nonstick; it’s also durable and heat-resistant, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze. If you’re looking for a quiet, high-performance machine that speeds up meal prep for the whole family, this 6-quart square basket air fryer is a strong contender.
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Key Features:
- Innovative TurboBlaze Technology for faster, crispier results
- Powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and 5-fan speed system
- Precise 90°–450°F temperature control
- Premium ceramic nonstick coating on basket and crisper tray
- 6-quart square basket capacity
- Operates at less than 53dB for a quieter experience
- Up to 95% less oil than traditional deep frying
- Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate
- Customizable Preheat function
- Includes a 30-recipe cookbook
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Pros:
- Exceptionally fast cooking times
- Ensures consistently crispy and juicy food
- Large capacity suitable for family meals
- Very quiet operation for an air fryer
- Durable and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick coating
- Healthier cooking with minimal oil
- Helpful recipe book and cooking charts
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Cons:
- May be a higher price point due to advanced features
- Large size might take up significant counter space in smaller kitchens
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User Impressions: Customers rave about the speed and quietness of this model, often highlighting how quickly it heats up and cooks food to perfection. Many appreciate the ceramic coating for its nonstick properties and ease of cleaning, noting it feels much more premium than standard coatings. The large square basket is also a huge hit for families.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast,…
Ninja is a name synonymous with powerful kitchen appliances, and their 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer doesn’t disappoint. Featuring advanced Air Crisp Technology, this machine uses 400℉ superheated air to surround your food, delivering irresistibly hot and crispy results with little to no oil. Its generous 5-quart nonstick basket can handle up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. Beyond air frying, it roasts, reheats, and dehydrates, making it a versatile workhorse for any kitchen. Plus, its space-saving design ensures it won’t hog your precious countertop.
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Key Features:
- Air Crisp Technology for superheated air circulation
- Large 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate
- 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
- Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying
- Efficiently cooks frozen foods to crispy perfection
- Space-saving design for countertops
- Easy-to-clean nonstick basket and crisper plate
- Includes a 20-recipe book and cooking charts
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Pros:
- Achieves excellent crispy texture
- Highly versatile with multiple cooking functions
- Good capacity for medium to large families
- Significantly reduces fat consumption
- Quick and convenient for frozen meals
- Compact footprint for its capacity
- Simple and quick to clean
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Cons:
- Max temperature is 400°F, which some users might find limiting compared to 450°F models
- No viewing window to check cooking progress
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the Ninja’s ability to consistently deliver crispy food. They appreciate its straightforward operation and the convenience of having multiple functions in one appliance. The large capacity is often highlighted as a major benefit for family meals, and the easy cleanup gets a big thumbs up.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick…
The Chefman 6 Qt Compact Airfryer is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen, designed to make healthy cooking fast and easy. What truly sets this model apart is its 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY, allowing you to crank up the heat in the final minutes of cooking for that ultimate, extra-crispy finish on your favorites like chicken tenders and French fries. Its sleek, narrow design maximizes its 6-quart capacity without taking over your counter, and digital touch screen controls with four presets make meal prep a breeze. You’ll even get an audible shake notification halfway through cooking for perfectly even crispiness!
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Key Features:
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY for extra crispy results
- Digital touch screen display with customizable time and temperature
- Four preset functions for one-touch meals
- 6-quart capacity, ideal for 3-5 people
- Sleek, narrow, and compact design
- Healthy cooking with little-to-no oil
- LED Shake Notifications for optimal crispiness
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and rack
- Automatic shutoff technology for safety
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Pros:
- Delivers an excellent crispy finish on foods
- Generous capacity for families
- User-friendly digital controls and presets
- Space-saving countertop design
- Promotes healthier eating habits
- Convenient shake reminder for even cooking
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
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Cons:
- Single basket design means no dual-zone cooking
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features
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User Impressions: Reviewers often mention the impressive crispiness achieved with this air fryer, particularly appreciating the HI-FRY feature. The compact design despite its 6-quart capacity is a frequently lauded point, making it suitable for smaller kitchens. The shake notification is also a popular feature that helps achieve consistent results.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air…
When it comes to multi-tasking and capacity, the Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone Air Fryer is in a league of its own. This is the original air fryer with two independent baskets, allowing you to cook two different foods, in two different ways, at the exact same time – and have them finish together! Its revolutionary Smart Finish feature handles the timing for you, or you can use Match Cook to double your capacity to a full 8 quarts. With 6-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate), this XL air fryer virtually eliminates back-to-back cooking, saving you precious time and effort.
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Key Features:
- Two independent 4-quart baskets with DualZone Technology
- Smart Finish feature to sync cooking times for different foods
- Match Cook button to duplicate settings across both zones
- 6-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
- XL 8-quart capacity (up to 4 lbs of fries or chicken wings)
- Separate heating zones, cyclonic fans, and rapid heaters
- Easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates
- Up to 75% less fat compared to traditional frying
- Wide temperature range from 105°F to 450°F
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Pros:
- Cook two entirely different dishes simultaneously
- Intelligent finish syncing for perfectly timed meals
- Huge capacity perfect for large families or entertaining
- Extremely versatile with many cooking programs
- Significantly reduces overall cooking time
- Easy to clean with nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts
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Cons:
- Larger footprint required for the dual basket design
- Can be a higher investment compared to single-basket models
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User Impressions: This air fryer is a game-changer for many users, particularly those with larger families or who enjoy cooking multiple components of a meal at once. The Smart Finish and Match Cook features are frequently praised as incredibly convenient and effective. People love how it cuts down on cooking time and offers tremendous flexibility.
- See it on Amazon here
5. CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven with Easy…
Looking for dual-basket convenience without the massive footprint? The CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven might be your perfect match. This innovative appliance combines two powerful air fryers into one sleek unit, offering a total of 6 quarts capacity split between two 3-quart baskets. Its dual-zone air fryer technology allows for versatile cooking, meaning you can prepare different dishes simultaneously or switch between baskets with ease. The standout feature is the convenient Sync Finish, ensuring both baskets finish cooking at the same time, along with large viewing windows to monitor your food’s progress without opening the baskets.
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Key Features:
- Dual air fryer with two independent 3-quart baskets (6-quart combined)
- Versatile dual-zone cooking options
- Sync Finish feature to ensure simultaneous completion
- Wide digital temperature range from 200-450°F
- Healthy cooking with little to no oil
- Large viewing windows for monitoring food
- Removable, non-stick coated, dishwasher-safe baskets
- Touchscreen presets for various foods
- Sleek countertop design
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Pros:
- Cook multiple dishes at once with separate settings
- Dishes finish together, streamlining meal prep
- Easy to monitor cooking with clear windows
- Healthy alternative to traditional frying
- Simple cleanup with dishwasher-safe parts
- Compact for a dual-basket model
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Cons:
- Each basket is 3 quarts, which might be small for very large individual items
- Some users might prefer an even larger total capacity
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User Impressions: Customers love the efficiency of cooking two separate items at once, especially with the Sync Finish feature. The viewing windows are a big plus, allowing them to check on their food without interrupting the cooking process. Many find the combined 6-quart capacity sufficient for their family’s needs, and the overall design fits well in modern kitchens.
- See it on Amazon here
6. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving…
Sometimes, smaller is better! The CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is the perfect solution for individuals, couples, or anyone with limited kitchen space. Don’t let its compact size fool you – this little powerhouse can handle any culinary challenge, cooking food up to three times quicker than a traditional oven. Its capacitive touch screen display allows for precise temperature control up to 400°F and customizable cooking times. The square basket maximizes its 2-quart capacity, and its sleek, narrow design ensures it’ll fit snugly on any countertop without creating clutter. It even has automatic shake notifications for perfectly crisp results!
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Key Features:
- Fast and easy cooking with digital touch screen display
- Maximum temperature of 400°F
- Healthy cooking with little-to-no oil
- Space-saving sleek, narrow design with maximized 2-quart square basket
- Ideal for 1-2 people
- Shake Notifications for even crisping
- Nonstick 2-quart basket and rack are dishwasher safe
- Automatic shutoff technology for safety
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Pros:
- Extremely compact and perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or RVs
- Quick cooking times
- Promotes healthy, low-fat meals
- Easy to use digital controls
- Convenient shake reminder
- Effortless cleanup with dishwasher-safe parts
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Cons:
- Very limited capacity, not suitable for families
- Maximum temperature is 400°F
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User Impressions: Users living in smaller spaces or cooking for one or two people absolutely adore this mini air fryer. They appreciate its small footprint, quick cooking performance, and ease of use. The shake notification is a popular feature, helping them achieve consistent crispiness, and the simple cleanup is frequently mentioned as a major benefit.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Sweetcrispy Air Fryer 6QT with Window, Square Airfryer Oven…
The Sweetcrispy Air Fryer is all about convenience and peace of mind. Its standout feature is the clear viewing window, allowing you to peek at your food’s progress without opening the basket and disrupting the cooking temperature. This 6.34-quart air fryer boasts a smart square basket design that maximizes cooking space, making it perfect for family-sized meals. What’s more, it’s made with nontoxic materials, ensuring your meals are prepared in a safe and healthy environment. When you’re done, the non-stick basket and accessories are conveniently dishwasher safe, letting you spend more time enjoying your food and less time scrubbing.
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Key Features:
- Clear Viewing Window to monitor cooking progress
- Large 6.34-quart square basket capacity
- Made with safe and nontoxic materials
- Non-stick basket and accessories are dishwasher safe
- User-friendly features and stylish design
- Maximized cooking space with square basket
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Pros:
- Ability to watch food without losing heat
- Generous capacity for family use
- Assured safety with nontoxic materials
- Very easy and quick cleanup
- Simple and intuitive operation
- Delivers consistently crispy results
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Cons:
- Lacks some of the advanced tech features (like dual baskets or specific HI-FRY modes) found in other models
- Might not have as many pre-set functions as some competitors
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User Impressions: Customers love the clear viewing window, calling it a “game-changer” for monitoring food without guessing. The large square basket is frequently highlighted as offering ample space for various foods. Many appreciate the reassurance of nontoxic materials and the simplicity of cleanup, making it a reliable and fuss-free kitchen appliance.
- See it on Amazon here
8. Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick…
The Chefman 4 Qt Compact Airfryer is a fantastic choice for those needing a versatile machine for 2-4 people. It packs a punch with its 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY, giving you that ultimate crispy finish, especially useful for those last few minutes of cooking. What’s particularly great is the integrated easy-view window on the basket, letting you watch your food turn golden and crispy without opening the drawer. Combine that with intuitive digital controls, four preset functions, and helpful shake notifications, and you’ve got a smart appliance that makes healthy cooking effortless. Its sleek, narrow design ensures it maximizes its 4-quart capacity while keeping your countertop clear.
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Key Features:
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY for superior crisping
- Digital touch screen display with customizable settings and four presets
- 4-quart capacity, perfect for 2-4 people
- Sleek, narrow, and compact design
- Healthy cooking with minimal oil
- Easy-View Window on the basket
- Shake Notifications for even results
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and rack
- Automatic shutoff technology
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Pros:
- Achieves exceptionally crispy food
- Convenient viewing window to monitor progress
- Good size for small to medium families
- User-friendly digital interface
- Space-efficient countertop footprint
- Healthy cooking alternative
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components
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Cons:
- Not suitable for very large family meals
- No dual-basket functionality
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User Impressions: This Chefman model is frequently praised for its ability to produce super crispy food, with the 450°F HI-FRY feature being a highlight. The viewing window is a major hit, allowing users to check doneness without interrupting the cooking cycle. Customers also appreciate the compact design and the convenience of the shake notifications for perfectly cooked dishes.
- See it on Amazon here
9. COSORI Air Fryer Pro 9-in-1, Compact 5QT, 450℉: Half Time…
The COSORI Air Fryer Pro 9-in-1 is a fantastic compact option for those who prioritize juicy, perfectly seared meats and versatile cooking. It boasts a powerful 450℉ max temperature combined with advanced JuiceLock technology, ensuring your chicken is golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy within. With 9 cooking functions specifically tailored for low-carb diets and meat lovers (steak, chicken, seafood, bacon, and more), preparing nutritious meals is a breeze. The 5-quart square basket is spacious enough for 2-3 servings, and you get access to a massive library of 130+ wellness recipes via the included cookbook and VeSync app, complete with nutritional facts.
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Key Features:
- Max 450℉ temperature with JuiceLock technology for crispy and juicy results
- 9 versatile meat-focused cooking functions/presets
- Rapid heating for quick family meals
- 5-quart large capacity for 2-3 servings
- Access to 130+ wellness recipes (cookbook + VeSync app) with nutritional facts
- Compact design suitable for various kitchen sizes
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Pros:
- Excellent at retaining moisture in meats while crisping the exterior
- Ideal for low-carb and meat-centric diets with specialized presets
- Very fast cooking times
- Extensive recipe support with detailed nutritional information
- Good capacity for small families or couples
- High maximum temperature for optimal searing
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Cons:
- May be less ideal for those who primarily cook non-meat items or don’t follow specific diets
- Lacks a viewing window
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User Impressions: Users consistently highlight the exceptional taste and texture of meats cooked in this Cosori air fryer, attributing it to the JuiceLock technology. The specific presets for various meats are highly valued, making cooking effortless. The availability of so many recipes and nutritional facts through the app is also a big draw for health-conscious users.
- See it on Amazon here
10. Gourmia Dual Basket Digital Air Fryer – 10 QT, FryForce…
Go big or go home with the Gourmia Dual Basket Digital Air Fryer! This culinary powerhouse offers a whopping 10-quart capacity, split into two generous 5-quart baskets, making it ideal for large families, entertaining, or serious meal prep. Gourmia’s innovative FryForce 360° Technology ensures powerful heat circulation for golden, crispy food without a drop of added oil, mimicking the delicious crunch of deep frying. Like other top dual-basket models, it features Smart Finish to sync cook times and Match Cook to mirror settings across both baskets. With an angled touchscreen, guided cooking prompts, and PTOA-free, dishwasher-safe nonstick parts, it’s designed for safe, stress-free cooking and effortless cleanup.
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Key Features:
- Massive 10-quart capacity with two independent 5-quart baskets
- Smart Finish to synchronize cook times
- Match Cook to mirror settings across both baskets
- FryForce 360° Technology for crispy results with less oil
- Angled touchscreen with guided cooking prompts
- Nonstick and PTOA-Free crisper trays and baskets
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
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Pros:
- Enormous capacity perfect for large families or entertaining
- Cook two different items with separate settings, finishing simultaneously
- Achieves excellent crispy texture without added oil
- User-friendly digital interface and guided cooking
- Safe materials for peace of mind
- Exceptionally easy to clean
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Cons:
- Requires significant counter space due to its size
- Higher price point due to large capacity and dual-basket features
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User Impressions: This air fryer is a dream come true for users who frequently cook large quantities or multiple dishes. The 10-quart capacity and dual baskets are frequently praised for their efficiency and versatility. Customers love how crispy their food turns out, and the easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe components make maintenance a breeze, even after big meals.
- See it on Amazon here
Ready to Air Fry Your Way to Deliciousness?
There you have it – a comprehensive look at some of the best basket air fryers available today! From compact models perfect for small spaces to super-sized dual-basket powerhouses for feeding a crowd, there’s truly an air fryer for everyone. Each of these models brings something unique to the table, whether it’s advanced crisping technology, intuitive digital controls, or the sheer convenience of cooking multiple dishes at once.
Investing in a high-quality air fryer means enjoying your favorite “fried” foods with significantly less oil, making your meals healthier without sacrificing flavor or that satisfying crunch. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect appliance to bring crispy perfection into your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What exactly is a basket air fryer?
A: A basket air fryer is a compact kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, typically at temperatures between 300°F and 450°F. Food is placed in a removable, perforated basket, allowing the hot air to evenly cook and crisp its surface, mimicking the results of deep frying with little to no oil.
Q2: Are air fryers really healthier than deep frying?
A: Absolutely! Air frying uses significantly less oil (up to 75-95% less) compared to traditional deep frying. This drastically reduces the fat and calorie content of your meals, making them a much healthier alternative for enjoying crispy foods without the guilt.
Q3: How do I clean my basket air fryer?
A: Most air fryer baskets and crisper plates are nonstick and often dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. For best results, allow the basket to cool, then wash it with warm, soapy water or place it in the dishwasher. Wipe the interior and exterior of the main unit with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals that could damage the nonstick coating.
Q4: What foods can I cook in a basket air fryer?
A: The possibilities are endless! Common items include French fries, chicken wings, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, roasted vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts), spring rolls, and even some baked goods like muffins. Many people also use them to reheat leftovers, making them crispy again.
Q5: What size air fryer do I need?
A: The ideal size depends on your household and cooking habits:
* 2-3 quarts: Best for 1-2 people or single servings.
* 4-6 quarts: Good for 2-4 people or small family meals.
* 6-8+ quarts (especially dual-basket): Ideal for larger families (4+ people), entertaining, or cooking multiple dishes at once.
Q6: Can I put aluminum foil or parchment paper in my basket air fryer?
A: Yes, you can use aluminum foil or parchment paper, but with caution. Ensure they are weighted down by food and don’t block the air circulation. Never preheat your air fryer with just foil or parchment paper inside, as they could fly up and touch the heating element, posing a fire risk. Always make sure they are designed for high heat.
Q7: What’s the difference between a single-basket and dual-basket air fryer?
A: A single-basket air fryer has one large cooking compartment, while a dual-basket air fryer features two independent baskets. Dual-basket models allow you to cook two different foods at different temperatures and times simultaneously, often with features like “Smart Finish” to ensure both complete cooking at the same moment. This is great for larger meals or diverse culinary needs.
Q8: Do I need to preheat my basket air fryer?
A: Many modern air fryers, especially the higher-end models, recommend preheating for optimal results, as it ensures food starts cooking at the right temperature immediately. However, some recipes and models allow you to skip preheating for convenience, especially with faster-heating units like the Cosori TurboBlaze. Check your specific model’s manual for guidance.
