Chefman Air Fryer Reviews of 2023 (& 4+ Tested Models)
When it comes to fried food, most of us treat it as a bit of a guilty pleasure. We know it tastes delicious, but we are aware that fried food is rich in fat which is detrimental to our health, if consumed in a high quantity over time.
Luckily, there are many kitchen gadgets out there that make cooking of food more convenient, healthier and time saving and one of these is the air fryer. An air fryer is a type of appliance that crisps up food with very little or no oil at all. Over and above its frying function, an air fryer can be used to toast, bake, reheat, roast and dehydrate foods as you please.
They are extremely versatile appliances and work by circulating hot air around the food, drawing out its moisture and allowing it to get crispy. You think of an air fryer as working as a small little oven with a very concentrated heat source that circulates all around the food.
The fact that very little cooking oil needs to be used and that it is such an effective and versatile little kitchen appliance makes it one of the most popular appliances to have in the kitchen. It is a great choice for the health conscious eater out there.
Origins
The air fryer is nothing new. In fact, it has been around since the 1940s, but just worked a little differently. The idea came from the inventor William L Maxson who invented the Whirlwind Oven.
This oven was an aluminum and steel oven that was powered by either gas, electricity, or kerosene which used a fan to force hot air around food to cook it. This advancement of technology of the time is still what is used today as the basis for modern air fryers.
The disadvantages of these first iterations of the air fryer is that it couldn’t get very hot, and so it was quickly replaced with inventions like the microwave as the go-to kitchen appliance. Later, the principles above are what pushed forward the invention of the convection oven, which are commonplace in any kitchen these days.
Only with its release in 2010, did the air fryer gain in popularity once again. Part of the success of this initial launch was due to the astute marketing efforts by Philips, who were the first out the gate. This included the receipt of a recipe booklet with every purchase and a campaign for healthy eating.
How Air Fryers Work?
Although the word “fry” is in the name, the air fryer does not actually fry the food as you would on a stove top. It is made up of a perforated basket in which the food is placed and which goes into the machine which cooks the food by circulating the hot air through and around the food, creating a forced air or convection effect.
This will ensure that the food cooks evenly and brows on the outside, provided that the air fryer reaches temperatures exceeding 320℉. Air fryers can cook, bake, fry, or roast just about any food you can think of.
Although air fryers are convenient, they cannot cook foods dipped in a liquid batter or sauced items of food. Examples include battered fish or teriyaki salmon.
Another limitation to cooking in air fryers over more conventional methods is that you can only cook or fry small batches of food at any one time. Additionally, you need to leave space between individual items of food to ensure even cooking and browning throughout.
Chefman Air Fryers
There are tons of consumers that are convinced of the air fryer’s capabilities, despite the drawbacks discussed above. Ever since the launch of the Philips Air Fryer back in 2010, there are many other brands who have decided to take the air fryer market by storm.
One of these brands is Chefman, a brand known for its quality and excellent reputation, with their mission to help you become the best chef you can be. Chefman boasts many types of air fryer models, which each have their own features and also work for you if you are on a budget.
Their air fryers come in analog or digital control options. The analogs use knobs to control the heat settings and the digital models use a touch screen, which makes them more expensive.
Additionally, each model by Chefman is unique. From the basics which can do frying, baking and reheating, to others that can dehydrate food items and perform rotisserie cooking.
Although the Chefman air fryers are affordable and reliable in comparison to other air fryer brands, the more features the air fryers have, the more expensive they will be.
This guide covers the best Chefman air fryers on the market so that you will be able to buy the best option for you.
OUR TOP PICK
If you are looking for a small and tidy air fryer and don’t want to invest too much money in your first purchase, the Chefman TurboFry 3.6-Quart air fryer oven could be the right one for you.
This fryer can bake, fry and roast which will give you crispy, crunchy food on the outside and juicy, tender food on the inside. While industry standard air fryers will reduce the oil and fat content of the food cooked in the air fryer is between 75 – 80% less, the Chefman TurboFry 3.6-Quart air fryer oven uses 98% less oil.
That means that the foods cooked are healthy and low-fat. The resultant food is a mix between a deep-fried and baked product, giving you the best of both worlds.
This entry level model from Chefman has a 3.6 quart capacity, which means that it has enough to cook enough portions for between two and three people. This is a lot better than a lot of standard air fryers on the market.
It is small and compact, which means that it can fit comfortably on a kitchen countertop or in a cabinet. Alternatively, it is also perfect for dorm rooms, the office, and even an RV or camping trip. It is a space saver and does the job really well considering its size.
The model itself has a round shape and is sleek with a matte finish, meaning that it doesn't pick up fingerprints and dirt easily. Additionally, it is made from their “cool touch” technology, which will prevent you from burning if you touch it while it is on.
It comes in analog and digital options. On the analog model, it has two knobs to control the temperature and time. Additionally, it has an integrated timer that has a 60-minute time limit, which turns the fryer off when it reaches zero.
This makes cooking super convenient if you are in a hurry or don’t have time to watch the cooker, or if you are just someone who occasionally forgets about food and burns it.
Although on some appliances, dials can feel and look clunky, the Chefman TurboFry 3.6-Quart air fryer oven dials are beautiful to look at and function well. The temperature dial can go from 200℉ to 400℉ and so you can easily select your temperature, depending on the type of food product you are cooking and how you want it to be cooked.
The digital version of the Chefman TurboFry 3.6-Quart air fryer oven is more accurate and precise for selecting the temperature and time you want to achieve, but will obviously be a bit more expensive.
Inside, it has the vented 3.6 quart basket which is lightweight and along with the drip tray, is dishwasher friendly, making cleaning up a breeze. The vented basket is what promotes air circulation and allows for any fat or oil drip to fall onto the tray beneath it so that there is hardly any grease build-up on the basket.
As an additional safety feature, over and above the “cool touch” technology and the automatic shut off feature, the fryer basket must be correctly positioned within the air fryer, or else it will not operate.
This compact air fryer is super affordable, especially if you opt for the analog version. As a bonus, it comes with a full instruction manual and a recipe booklet for ideas, which makes it the perfect addition to any home and is a great one to start out with.
Pros:
- It's the price for what you get.
- Cook food evenly throughout.
Cons:
- Basket is prone to chipping
- Better suited for processed foods like french fries or chicken nuggets.
When testing this product, we loved: its price tag and the size.
This product is also available to buy here (analog) and here (digital).
EDITORS CHOICE
On the other hand, if you have a large family, you will want something that has the capacity to cook more food at the same time. Not only does it maximize on space, it has several features that make this Chefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer XL, a winner to buy.
It is so much more than just an average air fryer. It is a full on convection oven, dehydrator, and rotisserie all in one neat package. When buying this appliance, you are getting multiple appliances in one.
This means that you won’t have to worry about cluttering your kitchen counters or cabinet space with different appliances that perform each of the functions this air fryer can perform on its own.
Because it is digital, it has a big LCD control panel screen which has eight pre-programmed settings that will allow you to cook food automatically, without having to worry about getting the correct time-temperature combination yourself.
These settings include ones for frying, baking, dehydration and a rotisserie function. There are also settings that are optimized for cooking meat, chicken, and shrimp.
The exterior boasts a glossy finish and a window in the door so that you can keep an eye on your food without opening up the air fryer. Inside. There is an interior light which illuminates the food so that you can see exactly what is going on inside.
The Chefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer XL has one of the largest capacities of all air fryers on the market and can help you make food in one go, without using additional appliances. Thus, makes for an easy way to entertain many guests.
The air fryer itself comes with two racks which go on separate levels. This improves cooking capacity, and it means that you can cook a couple of things at the same time, saving you the time and effort of cooking in batches.
Additionally, it includes a rotisserie spit, which is ideal for roasting a whole chicken or a piece of meat. Along with this, there are forks and a retrieval tool as well as a rotating basket which allows you to cook the food evenly throughout.
Furthermore, the basket can be used to roast other foods in a rotisserie style.
Like its smaller counterparts, this model has a drip tray, which is great for cleaning up any oil or grease spills that happen during the cooking process.
If you are keen on making your own snacks, the dehydrator allows you to make vegetable or potato chips and dried fruit with ease.
Although it is one of the most expensive air fryers produced by Chefman, it is well worth the cost if you have a larger family and will save you time and money down the line.
The only drawback to this otherwise stellar model is that several customers have reported that the door has some issues with it where it will randomly pop open during the cooking process.
Pros:
- It is a brilliant multi-functional appliance.
- Pre-programmed settings make cooking super easy.
Cons:
- It is expensive.
- Some issues with the door of the air fryer popping open
When testing this product, we loved: being able to do so much with one appliance!
This product is also available to buy here.
BEST VALUE
If you thought the previous model was impressive, think again. This Chefman 10 Qt. 4-in-1 Air Fryer Oven is an innovation masterpiece. Although it has similar features to the Chefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer XL, it is bigger and better in so many ways.
This Chefman gives you perfectly cooked, low-fat meals in minutes and will allow you to become a high quality chef in minutes. The Chefman 10 Qt. 4-in-1 Air Fryer Oven allows you to bake, dehydrate, rotisserie and air fry all in one.
Additionally, it includes an incredible 17 preset options for you to choose from, taking the think-work out of your cooking and making it an absolute pleasure.
The preset or pre-programmed settings include 7 air fry settings for fries, chicken, fish, meat, vegetables and a manual setting; 5 settings for baking cake, chicken, fish, and vegetables as well as a manual setting and lastly, 7 dehydrate settings for chicken, fish, meat, vegetables, fruit and of course a manual setting.
Also note it has a rotate button intended for rotisserie.
This appliance does not require preheating, but in order to achieve the best results on the food, you should switch up rack positions during the cooking to get the most thorough cooking throughout.
The air fryer itself features a “cool touch” handle, so you do not burn your hands, and a glass window door for viewing inside. With its 10 quart capacity, it is super spacious and can even fit an 8×8 inch baking tray inside.
All the space inside the Chefman 10 Qt. 4-in-1 Air Fryer Oven makes entertaining large groups of people easy and with the auto-shut off function you do not even have to worry about keeping an eye on the food.
As with all Chefman models, all accessories and tools are dishwasher safe and so you won’t be spending hours on the cleanup afterwards.
Potentially, the only downside to this model of Chefman air fryers is that it is quite large and takes up a bit of space on the kitchen counters and inside cabinets. However, with all its functionality and space, it is really an exceptional buy.
Pros:
- The variety of presets makes cooking super easy and fun.
- Being able to bake desserts and cake.
Cons:
- Its large size
When testing this product, we loved: being able to do so much with one appliance but especially the baking presets.
This product is also available to buy here.
RUNNER UP
The Chefman 5 Qt. TurboFry Touch Window Air Fryer is the best of both worlds and is right in the middle in terms of size and functionality. It is 5 quart in size, which means it is perfect for a family of four or five-without taking up the mass amounts of space like the bigger models.
With this air fryer, it is easy to bake, fry and roast food. It has four cooking presets which includes settings to cook meat, fish fries and chicken, along with a default time and temperature setting.
Additionally, it has a shake LED light reminder functionality, which will go on when you need to shake the food in the basket to ensure thorough and even cooking of all of your food types. Furthermore, the models have rapid-cook halogen heating technology.
It has a compact design and sleek matte-black finish which makes wipe-down and cleaning a breeze, along with the dishwasher friendly accessories, the nonstick basket is easy to clean as well.
It has a simple one-touch cooking and intuitive digital control panel, which means you can effortlessly cook your meals within seconds. Furthermore, it also has a viewing window which allows you to keep an eye on your food as it is cooking.
If you don’t have time to keep a constant watch on your cooking, there is an auto shut off functionality to ensure that the food doesn’t burn. This functionality also ensures that the appliance cannot be left on for an extended period of time.
If you have a big family but are short on space, this model is perfect for you! It is compact and will do the job well for any level of cook.
Pros:
- Good value for money.
- ‘Shake’ reminder light.
Cons:
- There have been several customer reviews about the handle of this model being flimsy.
When testing this product, we loved: the shaker feature light to remind us when to shake the food.
This product is also available to buy here.
Best Chefman Air Fryers Buying Guide
There are numerous things you need to consider before buying an air fryer from Chefman.
These include the following:
- Budget
- User experience level (how much of a novice cook you are)
- Capacity needs
- Functionality needs
Now, as far as competitors on the market go, the Chefman air fryers are all reasonably priced and affordable for the value offered. So, depending on what your needs are for the air fryer, you could be happy with any one of the products reviewed above.
If you are a total beginner and are looking for a model to ease you into air frying without spending too much money on it, then the Chefman TurboFry 3.6-Quart Air Fryer Oven is really a great choice. It is small but powerful enough to cook food perfectly every time. It is especially handy if you are a small household and don’t have a ton of space in your kitchen.
Additionally, depending on the amount of functionality you desire, the two bigger models that were reviewed could suit you better, especially if you have a larger household. If you are after all the features under the sun, then the Chefman 10 Qt. 4-in-1 Air Fryer Oven is the model for you.
However, if you want most of the functionality but don’t need as much capacity as the Chefman 10 Qt. 4-in-1 Air Fryer Oven has to offer, then you should consider buying the Chefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer XL.
In terms of meeting in the middle in terms of price, size or capacity and functionality, the best out of all the Chefman models has got to be the Chefman 5 Qt. TurboFry Touch Window Air Fryer.
Whichever air fryer from Chefman that you decide you want to buy, you will not be disappointed either way. The quality of the products and the functionality is world-class.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Use A Chefman Air Fryer?
The food should be seasoned beforehand and then placed inside the Chefman rack, baking pan, basket or spit depending on which model you have and what food you are wanting to cook.
After you have placed the food inside, close the door and again, depending on the model that you have selected, pick your cooking function or time/temperature combination. Once the timer ends, carefully remove the food (it will be hot) and check that it is cooked thoroughly. Serve and enjoy!
Do You Put Oil In A Chefman Air Fryer?
Air fryers made by Chefman have a lot of functionality, and you do not need to put any oil inside the air fryer when cooking food. No matter the type of food, the high temperatures of the fryer and the forced hot air around the food will ensure that it is succulent on the inside and crunchy on the outside.
The Bottom Line
Air fryers are one of the hottest appliances found in kitchens today. The air fryer is an appliance that saves time, is super convenient and makes cooking easy. Having an air fryer in your home takes away the necessity of having three or more different appliances cluttering up your kitchen.
Chefman are brand leaders in the air fryer space. Their mission is to produce the highest quality appliances, with all the functionality you desire in an air fryer, without the hefty price tag; and they do this exceptionally well. They are the preferred brand of choice.
When purchasing an air fryer from Chefman you will be getting a one-year warranty from date of purchase in the rare case anything goes amiss or if there are any faults in the product. Although, in general, the Chefman air fryers are very durable.
There are many models of air fryer by Chefman available on the market and so the above options are just some great options to choose from and there is basically any model to suit your specific needs.
Hopefully after reading this guide, you have a better idea of what Chefman air fryer is the best for you! Happy cooking!
