Are you tired of soggy fried foods and wishing for a healthier way to enjoy your favorite crispy treats? A metal air fryer might just be the kitchen upgrade you need! These versatile countertop appliances use superheated air to cook food, giving you that delightful crunch without all the oil. Plus, many models boast sleek stainless steel exteriors, adding a touch of modern elegance to your kitchen.
Beyond just aesthetics, a well-built metal air fryer often offers enhanced durability and performance. They’re designed to withstand high temperatures and frequent use, making them a fantastic long-term investment for busy families and cooking enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re air frying chicken wings, roasting vegetables, baking a pizza, or even toasting bagels, these multi-functional machines can do it all.
We’ve scoured the market to find the top 7 metal air fryers that truly stand out in terms of features, performance, and user satisfaction. Let’s dive in and find the perfect one to help you whip up delicious, healthier meals!
1. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a full-fledged culinary command center for your countertop! The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven brings professional-grade versatility to your home kitchen. Its elegant stainless steel exterior with French doors not only looks stunning but also offers practical benefits, like easy monitoring of your food. With a generous 26-quart capacity, it’s perfect for families and entertaining, handling everything from a rotisserie chicken to a 12-inch pizza with ease.
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Key Features:
- Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo with 25 cooking presets (Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, Pastry, Slow Cook, Roast, Reheat, Keep Warm, and more).
- Perfectly done toast with an automatic shut-off and indicator light.
- Dual-speed fan for 360° superheated air circulation ensuring golden crisping.
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, suitable for 4–6 people, can rotisserie a 6-lb chicken or bake a 12” pizza.
- Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and interior light.
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Pros:
- Extremely versatile with a wide range of cooking functions.
- Large capacity ideal for families and entertaining.
- Stylish stainless steel French door design.
- Precise toast function prevents burning.
- Excellent for rotisserie cooking.
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Cons:
- May take up significant countertop space due to its size.
- Higher price point compared to basic air fryers.
- Learning curve for all 25 presets.
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User Impressions: Users love the sheer versatility and generous capacity of this appliance, praising its ability to replace multiple kitchen gadgets. Many highlight the beautiful stainless steel finish and the convenient French doors, making it a stylish yet highly functional addition to their kitchens.
2. Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, Premium Ceramic
The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer is a true upgrade for anyone serious about healthy, crispy meals. It features innovative TurboBlaze Technology, pushing the fan speed to an impressive 3600 rpm and temperatures up to 450℉, ensuring your food cooks faster and more evenly. What truly sets this metal air fryer apart is its premium ceramic coating on the basket and crisper tray, making it nonstick, durable, and exceptionally easy to clean.
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Key Features:
- TurboBlaze Technology with a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉ for crispy results.
- Unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°– 450°F temperature control.
- Premium ceramic coating on basket and crisper tray for nonstick durability.
- 6-quart square basket designed for family meals while saving countertop space.
- Operates quietly at less than 53dB on the highest fan speed.
- Achieves up to 95% less oil than traditional deep frying.
- Dishwasher-safe ceramic coated components for easy cleanup.
- Customizable preheat function and includes a 30-recipe cookbook.
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Pros:
- Exceptional cooking speed and even results thanks to TurboBlaze technology.
- Durable and easy-to-clean ceramic coating.
- Quiet operation, a big plus for open-plan living.
- Generous 6-quart capacity for family-sized portions.
- Significant reduction in oil for healthier eating.
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Cons:
- Digital controls might require a short adjustment period for some users.
- The 6-quart size, while efficient, may still be large for very small kitchens.
- “Premium” features might come with a higher price tag.
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User Impressions: Customers rave about the speed and efficiency of the TurboBlaze technology, noting how quickly and perfectly food cooks. The ceramic coating receives high praise for its nonstick properties and effortless cleaning. Many also appreciate the quiet operation and the healthier cooking results.
3. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill, 1800W 8-in-1
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill truly lives up to its multi-functional promise, offering an impressive 8-in-1 cooking experience. This premium 1800-watt appliance not only air fries but also toasts, bakes, broils, roasts, and even grills, making it a comprehensive solution for almost any meal. Its stainless steel exterior ensures it’s not only a workhorse but also a beautiful addition to your kitchen, capable of handling large tasks like a 12-inch pizza or a 4-lb chicken.
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Key Features:
- 8 versatile cooking functions: Air Fry, Toast, Convection Bake, Bake, Convection Broil, Broil, Grill, and Warming feature.
- Spacious capacity: toasts 6 slices of bread, air fries 3 lbs. of chicken wings, bakes a 12” pizza, or roasts a 4-lb. chicken.
- Adjustable temperature dial, 60-minute timer/auto-shutoff, and toast shade selector (Warm-450°F).
- AirAdvantage technology with top fan/heater assembly for fast and crispy results.
- Includes oven rack, baking pan/drip tray, air fry basket, ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle, and stainless steel easy-clean interior.
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Pros:
- Exceptional versatility with grill function included.
- Large capacity for various family meals.
- Fast cooking and crisping with AirAdvantage technology.
- Durable stainless steel design with an easy-clean interior.
- Comes with a comprehensive accessory kit.
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Cons:
- Its larger size requires ample countertop space.
- The number of functions might be overwhelming for basic users.
- Manual dials might feel less precise than digital controls for some.
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User Impressions: Owners frequently commend this Cuisinart model for its incredible versatility, particularly loving the grill function for adding extra flavor. The large capacity is a consistent highlight, and the appliance’s durable, attractive stainless steel finish is often mentioned as a plus for kitchen aesthetics.
4. Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer, 8-in-1 Functionality
The Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer is a game-changer for anyone dealing with limited kitchen space. Its standout feature is the ability to flip up and away for compact storage against your backsplash, reclaiming valuable countertop real estate. This innovative metal air fryer doesn’t compromise on functionality, offering 8-in-1 versatility including air fry, roast, broil, bake, pizza, toast, bagel, and dehydrate. It’s incredibly efficient, cooking family meals up to 50% faster than a traditional oven.
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Key Features:
- Unique design allows it to flip up and away, taking 50% less space.
- OvenCrisp Technology for edge-to-edge even cooking.
- 8-in-1 functionality: Air fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate.
- Large capacity (air fry/roast up to 4 lbs, 12” pizza, 6 slices of toast) with a small footprint.
- Prepares quick family meals in as little as 20 minutes.
- 80% more energy-efficient than a full-size oven.
- Achieves up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
- Wide temperature range of 85-450F with 6 infrared heating elements.
- Includes air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack, and removable crumb tray.
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Pros:
- Space-saving flip-away design is ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Extremely fast and energy-efficient cooking.
- Highly versatile with 8 cooking functions.
- Excellent for achieving crispy results with less fat.
- Wide temperature range for various recipes.
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Cons:
- While compact, the upright position might still be tall for some overhead cabinets.
- The front-loading design when flipped down can be different to adjust to.
- The smaller capacity compared to “extra large” models might not suit very large families.
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User Impressions: The space-saving flip design is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, making it a favorite for those with smaller kitchens. Users appreciate its rapid cooking times and the consistently crispy results across all its functions, noting its ability to quickly prepare diverse meals.
5. Cuisinart Compact Air Fryer Toaster Oven, Stainless Steel
For those seeking the benefits of a metal air fryer without sacrificing precious countertop space, the Cuisinart Compact Air Fryer Toaster Oven is an excellent choice. This sleek stainless steel appliance is designed to fit easily on any kitchen countertop, yet it’s surprisingly capable, offering 6 essential cooking functions. It can air fry up to 2.5 lbs of food and even bake an 8-inch pizza, proving that good things can indeed come in smaller packages.
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Key Features:
- 6 cooking functions: Air Fry, Toast, Convection Bake, Convection Broil, Pizza, and Warm settings.
- Compact stainless steel design that fits easily on any kitchen countertop.
- Capacity to air fry up to 2.5 lbs. of food or bake an 8″ pizza.
- Simple operation with a temperature dial, adjustable control, and toast shade selector (Warm-450°F).
- Includes an oven rack, baking pan, and air fry basket.
- Comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent choice for small kitchens or limited counter space.
- Durable and attractive stainless steel finish.
- Simple, intuitive controls for ease of use.
- Versatile for its compact size, handling various cooking tasks.
- Backed by a reliable 3-year warranty.
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Cons:
- Smaller capacity may not be ideal for larger families or meal prepping.
- Fewer advanced features compared to larger, more complex models.
- May require multiple batches for larger quantities of food.
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User Impressions: This compact Cuisinart model is frequently praised for its ability to deliver great air frying results without dominating the kitchen. Users love its stainless steel look and the straightforward controls, making it a user-friendly option for quick meals and smaller households. The quality and warranty are also often mentioned positively.
6. COSORI 11-in-1 Air Fryer Oven, 13Qt Small Footprint
The COSORI 11-in-1 Air Fryer Oven offers a significant upgrade for your kitchen, blending the convenience of an air fryer with the capabilities of a traditional oven, all in a surprisingly compact design. This multi-functional appliance, boasting a robust 13-quart capacity, can handle everything from rotisserie chicken to proofing dough, showcasing its incredible versatility. It’s built to cook 40% faster than traditional ovens while ensuring perfectly crispy and tender results with 360° hot air circulation and up to 85% less oil.
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Key Features:
- 11-in-1 cooking functions including Rotisserie, Pizza, Proof, Toast, and more.
- Large 13-quart capacity, fits 2 lbs of fries, an 8-inch pizza, or 4 lbs of chicken.
- Efficient two-level cooking capability for family meals.
- Compact design (13.5×13.0x14.5 in) maximizes kitchen space.
- Cooks 40% faster than traditional ovens with a simplified control panel.
- Advanced 360° hot air circulation for crispy exteriors and juicy interiors, reducing oil by up to 85%.
- Includes a 6-piece accessory kit (rotisserie basket, fork, air fry tray, food tray, and more).
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Pros:
- Exceptional multi-functionality, replacing several appliances.
- Large capacity despite its small footprint.
- Significantly faster cooking and energy efficient.
- Excellent for healthy cooking with minimal oil.
- Comes with a comprehensive accessory kit for varied cooking.
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Cons:
- The digital interface may take some getting used to for analog control fans.
- While compact, its height might be a consideration under some cabinets.
- The included accessories add to the cleanup process.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are thrilled with the wide array of cooking functions and the impressive speed at which this Cosori oven prepares meals. The ability to cook on two levels simultaneously is a frequent highlight, and its relatively compact size for such a large capacity makes it a strong contender for many kitchens.
7. Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
The Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer is a powerhouse designed for efficiency and convenience, delivering consistently crispy results with minimal oil. Its core Air Crisp Technology ensures that 400℉ superheated air surrounds your food, giving you that perfect crunch. This model stands out for its large 5-quart capacity, comfortably fitting up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings, making it ideal for everyday family meals. Plus, its sleek design helps you save countertop space without compromising on performance.
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Key Features:
- Air Crisp Technology with 400℉ superheated air for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- Large 5-quart nonstick basket and crisper plate, fits up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Achieves up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying methods.
- Efficiently cooks frozen foods to a crispy finish in minutes.
- Space-saving design for maximized countertop utility.
- Easy to clean with nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate.
- Includes a chef-inspired 20-recipe book and cooking charts.
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Pros:
- Excellent at achieving consistently crispy results.
- Generous 5-quart capacity suitable for family use.
- Simple and intuitive controls for ease of use.
- Very easy cleanup thanks to nonstick, dishwasher-safe components.
- Fast and efficient, even for cooking frozen foods.
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Cons:
- Fewer functions compared to multi-oven air fryer models.
- Lacks the specific “toast” or “bake” presets of oven-style air fryers.
- Exterior might get hot during prolonged use.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise this Ninja air fryer for its ability to produce incredibly crispy food quickly and easily. The large capacity is a major hit for families, and the easy cleanup of the nonstick basket makes it a go-to appliance for healthy, weeknight meals. Its straightforward operation is also a common positive highlight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Air Fryers
Q1: Why should I choose a metal air fryer over a plastic one?
A: Metal air fryers, especially those with stainless steel exteriors, often offer enhanced durability and a premium aesthetic compared to plastic models. They tend to be more resistant to scratches and discoloration over time, and many people prefer the sleek, modern look of metal in their kitchen. From a performance standpoint, the interior components are typically metal in both types, but the overall build quality and longevity can sometimes be higher with a metal exterior.
Q2: Are metal air fryers safer or healthier?
A: The primary health benefits of an air fryer come from using significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, regardless of whether its exterior is metal or plastic. However, some prefer metal (like stainless steel) as it’s a non-reactive and durable material. Always ensure any air fryer you choose is BPA-free for parts that come into contact with food.
Q3: What kind of foods can I cook in a metal air fryer?
A: The possibilities are vast! You can air fry classic “fried” foods like French fries, chicken wings, onion rings, and crispy veggies. Many metal air fryer toaster oven combos also allow you to roast a whole chicken, bake cookies or pizzas, toast bread and bagels, broil fish, and even dehydrate fruits. They are truly versatile kitchen appliances.
Q4: How do I clean a metal air fryer?
A: Cleaning is generally straightforward. For the exterior, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For the interior, most baskets, crisper plates, and racks are nonstick and often dishwasher-safe. Always check your specific model’s manual for detailed cleaning instructions. Avoid abrasive scrubbers on nonstick surfaces to prevent damage.
Q5: Are metal air fryers energy efficient?
A: Yes, many air fryers, including metal models, are more energy-efficient than traditional full-size ovens, especially for smaller meals. They preheat much faster and cook food quicker due to their compact size and powerful convection heating, meaning they use less energy over time. Some models even specifically highlight their energy-saving benefits.
Q6: What’s the difference between an air fryer and an air fryer toaster oven?
A: A standard air fryer typically has a basket design, excelling at air frying. An air fryer toaster oven (often with a metal exterior) combines air frying with the functions of a toaster oven, offering roasting, baking, broiling, and toasting capabilities. These are more versatile and can replace multiple kitchen gadgets, but they generally take up more countertop space.
Q7: What should I look for when buying a metal air fryer?
A: Consider capacity (how many people you’re cooking for), available functions (do you just need air fry, or also toast, bake, roast?), countertop space, ease of cleaning (nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts are a plus), controls (digital vs. dials), and of course, your budget. A durable stainless steel finish is also a great aesthetic and longevity feature to consider.
