Best Air Fryers in Canada: Top 5 Picks for a Healthy Crunch

Our Reviews of the Best Air Fryers in Canada (May 2023)

Best Overall — Cosori Air Fryer

The Cosori proudly opens my review. This sleek-looking device has everything you might need and can become your indispensable kitchen helper.

Now, this is a rather large model, perfect for couples or big families. It can cook 2 to 5 portions simultaneously. But even though the Cosori requires more counter space, it doesn’t seem bulky. The brushed matte plastic exterior makes this model look stylish and sleek.

It gets even better:

The Cosori has a very sturdy construction. The removable basket is non-stick and dishwasher safe, which eliminates the need to soak and scrub. The handle is insulated and doesn’t get hot. There’s also button protection to prevent accidental removal during cooking.

Another thing that may impress you is the set of features this top-rated air fryer comes with. There are 11 pre-programmed settings for different foods and temperatures. This fryer cooks relatively fast, has a pre-heating function, and can keep your food warm before you take it out.

To sum up, it seems like the Cosori was built to impress. This model is packed with helpful features but offers user-friendly controls and larger batches of food. To me, that’s a perfect combination!

Based on Our Tests

Testing it showed me how incredibly easy the Cosori air fryer's operability is. I liked the availability of 11 preset air frying modes, which go alongside a large tray that allows me to fry large quantities of food at a go.

Second Best Choice — Innsky Air Fryer

Best Family-Size Air Fryer — Kitcher

Best for Fast Cooking — Ultrean

Best Air Fryer Under $100 — Air Fryer by Utopia Kitchen

What Air Fryer Type Do You Need?

When searching for a suitable air fryer in Canada, it’s a good idea to understand the main types you can come across and how they work in general.

Now, there are two main kinds of modern air fryers you can find on the market:

• Tray air fryers (pull-out). These models have either a tray or a basket at the bottom where you should place your food. They are quite easy to disassemble and clean. However, these air fryers don’t allow users to check the cooking process (or stir) without pulling the tray out. This can be unsuitable for some recipes.
• Bowl air fryers. As you can guess from the name, these devices feature a wide bowl where you put the ingredients. The heating element is usually placed on top. This allows users to open the lid and check the progress without interrupting the cooking. It’s also very convenient if you need to stir the food in the process.

Typically, using an air fryer takes more time than cooking with oil. So, in order not to be disappointed after your purchase, read carefully about the cooking time your desired fryer offers. Plus, keep in mind that different types of foods require different amounts of time to cook.

Air Fryer Recipes

Here are some of the most popular air fryer recipes:

• Chicken Wings - Chicken wings can be cooked quickly with little mess or fuss in an air fryer. These wings are great hot or cold. They are best served with a dip, such as sports sauce or ranch dressing.
• French fries - These can be made by placing the sliced potatoes in an air fryer basket and cooking them at 390°F for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until they reach the desired crispness.
• Fried Onion Rings - Air fryer restaurants prepare onion rings by placing them in a large pan, coating them in cornstarch, then cooking them in the air fryer set to 400°F for 10 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until they reach the desired crispness.
• Garlic Bread - You can use pre-made garlic bread dough or make it yourself by using fresh garlic and two pounds of canned biscuits layered with shredded cheese. It is relatively simple to cook the bread in an air fryer. Set the time for 5-8 minutes at 375°F and check on it every 3 minutes until cooked through.

Shop Like a Pro: Factors to Consider When Searching for an Air Fryer

Now, it doesn’t matter whether it’s your first, second, or fifth air fryer. If you want to find the right air fryer in Canada, you need to remember the main factors that make this kind of device suitable for your needs:

• Type. As you already know, there are 2 common types of air fryers. While the difference isn’t that extreme, you still need to figure out which one would be more comfortable for you to use. 
• Size. To understand what size you will need, you should first make sure that you have enough counter space for your new device. Keep in mind that many bowl-styled fryers open upwards. They might not fit under your cabinets. Next, figure out the capacity you require. The majority of air fryers can cook around 4 portions at a time. But if you have a big family, you’ll probably need a bigger device. Keep in mind that you can get the best results when cooking one layer of food at a time, so some users may want to go with an even larger model.
• Controls and features. Simpler models have a rather basic design with just a couple of dials. They are great for those users who don’t usually get along with technology. However, such fryers don’t allow for much customization or extensive control over your dishes. More advanced models with digital controls oftentimes feature precise temperature settings, rotating bowls, and even pre-programmed cooking modes. And finally, auto shut-off is another essential feature that will save your food from overcooking. Keep in mind that each additional feature will affect the price. 
• Power. Those models that work on lower wattage usually have a limited cooking temperature range, which can be an important aspect for many users. Therefore, it’s better to check the wattage before purchasing your new device. Typically, air fryers range from 1,200 to 2,000 watts.
• Ease of cleaning. Luckily, the majority of models come with dishwasher-safe trays or bowls. But since this isn’t always a case, keep in mind that you need to wash your fryer after each use to prevent the build-up.
• Safety. To start with, the cool-touch handles are a must. Also, look for models with a non-slip base — they will be easier to use and can protect you from unwanted spills.
• Budget. Typically, air fryers range from $50 to $500. As I’ve mentioned before, simpler dial-controlled fryers are cheaper but don’t allow for much customization. High-end options will affect your budget more but will also offer extra features. It’s up to you to decide how “stuffed” you want your air fryer to be.
• Noise and smoke. Both may occur when using an air fryer and both may annoy some users. Now, some noise is always possible due to the fan movement during cooking. Plus, an air fryer should notify users when it’s done cooking by making a beeping sound. Some smoke may also be released in the process, even when not using oil to fry the food. Taking these aspects into consideration may prepare shoppers for any surprises when cooking. Additionally, it is possible to pick a quieter and less smoky air fryer by reading other users’ reviews.

Even if you’re frying with air, some smoke may occur. Therefore, it’s better to make sure your kitchen can be easily ventilated, before making a purchase. You could also keep your new air fryer near the range hood.

How Do Air Fryers Work?

Air fryers work like the good old convection ovens. The fan inside makes the hot air circulate around the food, which means it is exposed to heat evenly. As a result, food made using an air fryer is usually crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.

The effect is enhanced (when compared to convection ovens) because air fryers are rather small. The food is cooked in a small chamber, so it’s easier for the hot air to surround it from all sides and cook it evenly (and faster, for that matter).

Are Air Fryers Really Healthy?

The answer would depend on what users plan to put in there. Generally, air fryers are really healthy, but they can be made unhealthy if users cook with a lot of oil. 

After all, oil is what creates that beautiful crust. For some users, a spoon of olive or sesame oil is enough. And that’s the healthy scenario. For others, more oil is better, and that’s not always very healthy.

So, air fryers are as healthy as users make them. Of course, this cooking method is significantly better than deep frying. But users need to remember that the level of “healthy” would depend on what they put into their air fryer.

Are Air Fryers Worth it?

There have been lots of discussions around air fryers recently, mentioning that air fryers are not needed. We need to address several facts here. First of all, air fryers are not arguably pricey and the cost of running them would turn out to be very cheap at the end of the year, as well. So, that is out of the way, since this is an investment in your health. 

Secondly, some people say that if air fryers still use oil, then there is no difference between them and pain frying or deep frying. However, that is not 100% true. Air fryers can use oil if you want to use oil. I cannot imagine how someone would deep fry potatoes with olive oil or sesame oil, but in an air fryer, you have the option of adding some healthy vegetable oil to receive that beautiful and shiny crunch. That is again your choice, and you can choose not to add any oil to the dish, so this argument is out of the way as well. Some people mention that it takes longer for you to cook with an air fryer but we all know that fast does not mean better.

Can You Cook Anything in an Air Fryer?

Many users believe that they can cook pretty much anything in an air fryer. But that’s not entirely true.

Air fryers are ideal for chicken, beef, fish, and vegetables. Users can also make a healthier version of French fries in their air fryer. This cooking method is also suited for frozen foods (such as premade fries or frozen chicken). Frozen pastries can also be cooked easily and fast using an air fryer.

Now, wet batter is not ideal for air fryers. Leafy greens may not be a good idea either, as they are super lightweight and can end up spinning around by the fan instead of being cooked evenly. Air fryers aren’t great for bacon, unfortunately, as the fan can spray the fat all around the cooking chamber. This can make it difficult to clean. Soggy vegetables aren’t that great for air fryers either, as this cooking method does better with dry foods.

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