Toaster Oven Air Fryer Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Model

Choosing the right toaster oven air fryer for your kitchen means balancing size, features, and cooking needs. These models combine the versatility of a traditional toaster oven with the crisping power of an air fryer, allowing you to bake, roast, toast, and fry all in one appliance.

With so many options on the market, it’s important to understand differences in capacity, temperature range, cooking functions, and design so you can pick a model that fits your space and the types of meals you plan to prepare. This guide breaks down the key factors to consider, helping you make an informed decision and find the right toaster oven air fryer for your kitchen.

How to Choose a Toaster Oven Air Fryer

Form Factor

Toaster oven air fryers are popular because they can cook larger meals, but don’t assume every product labeled “toaster oven” online has the capacity or features you expect. Many search results, especially on sites like Amazon, include standard toaster ovens with no air frying function.

When shopping, look for products that specifically mention “air fryer” or “convection oven” in the title, and confirm that they have a true air fry function.

Capacity

One of the biggest advantages of toaster oven air fryers is their larger cooking space. Models smaller than six quarts miss out on this benefit, especially when compared to basket-style air fryers. Typical toaster oven air fryers range from about 10 to 15 quarts (or liters), which is sufficient for most lunch or dinner needs.

For cooking a whole chicken or using a rotisserie function, look for models in the 20+ liter range. Keep in mind that air needs to circulate around your food, so a larger piece of meat requires space on all sides to cook evenly.

Capacity alone isn’t the only consideration for certain foods. For example, while bigger models can fit more food, width and depth matter if you want to cook large frozen pizzas. Some models with slightly smaller overall capacity are wider and can accommodate larger items better.

Temperature Range

Most air fryers cover the standard range for everyday foods like chicken nuggets, fries, wings, bacon, steak, and salmon. But if you want to expand your cooking repertoire, check the extremes of the temperature range.

Low temperatures: For dehydrating foods like dried fruit or beef jerky, look for units that go down to at least 130°F (55°C). For proofing bread, a temperature around 80°F (27°C) is ideal.
High temperatures: To sear steak or brown dishes like French Onion Soup or Crème Brûlée, look for a model that can reach 450°F (233°C).

Models with wider temperature ranges often include presets like Dehydrate, Proof, or Broil, which simplify cooking at these extremes.

Wattage

Wattage determines how quickly and evenly your air fryer heats. Because toaster oven air fryers are larger than basket-style models, they generally require more power. Avoid models below 1,500W, as they may struggle with even cooking or longer preheating times. Most reliable models operate around 1,700–1,800W.

Always check reviews for user experiences with preheating and cooking performance, particularly if the wattage is near the lower threshold.

Controls and Presets

Air fryer controls vary from simple dials to digital panels with LED or LCD displays. Displays make it easier to set precise temperatures and times.

Presets can be helpful, reducing the guesswork for common tasks like Air Fry, Roast, Bake, or Reheat. More advanced presets such as Dehydrate, Broil, or Proof are useful if you plan on experimenting with more specialized recipes. Consider which modes you’ll actually use before choosing a model.

Build and Design

Toaster oven air fryers are typically more robust than basket-style models, often featuring metal interiors rather than exposed plastic. This improves durability but can make cleaning more labor-intensive. Look for crumb trays or removable accessories that are dishwasher safe to simplify cleanup.

All models have a see-through door for monitoring food, though door types vary. Most have a pull-down door, while some offer French doors that swing open to the side. French doors can be easier to clean but may sometimes leak heat—reviews can help identify which models perform best.

Extra Features

One advantage of toaster oven air fryers is the variety of included accessories. These often include multiple trays, mesh fry baskets, casserole dishes, racks, and sometimes rotisserie attachments.

A mesh tray is useful for fries and nuggets, while a casserole dish with a rack is ideal for roasting larger, moisture-heavy items. Some models even include a thermometer that connects to the air fryer to display internal food temperature, which is useful for roasting meat or cooking steak to perfection.

FAQs

What size toaster oven air fryer should I buy?

For everyday meals, a 10–15 quart model is usually enough. If you want to roast a whole chicken or use a rotisserie, look for something in the 20+ liter range. Always check the interior width if you plan on cooking frozen pizzas or baking larger dishes.

Do I need a toaster oven air fryer with a wide temperature range?

If you only plan to make common foods like fries, wings, or chicken, a standard 200°F–400°F (93°C–205°C) range is sufficient. But for more flexibility, look for models that drop as low as 80°F (27°C) for proofing bread or go up to 450°F (233°C) for searing and broiling.

Is wattage really important?

Yes. Toaster oven air fryers are larger than basket models, so they need more power to heat evenly. Aim for at least 1,500W, with 1,700–1,800W being the sweet spot. Lower wattage models may cook unevenly or take too long to preheat.

Are toaster oven air fryers easy to clean?

They require more effort than basket-style models since you have to wipe down the interior. Look for units with removable crumb trays and dishwasher-safe accessories to make cleaning easier. Reading reviews can also help you avoid models with tricky designs.

What accessories are worth having?

A mesh tray is great for fries and nuggets, while a casserole dish with a rack is useful for roasting larger items. If you want to try rotisserie cooking, check if the unit includes a rotisserie attachment. Some high-end models also include a food thermometer for precise results.

Which brands make the best toaster oven air fryers?

Ninja, Instant Pot, and Breville are consistently well-reviewed. Cosori and Our Place also offer reliable models. Stick with established brands that provide at least a one-year warranty, since off-brand models often lack long-term support.