If you are gluten free, you probably wonder which air fryer is best to use. It will depend on a lot of factors, including if you are the only one who is gluten free, or if the entire household gluten free.
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First, I am sharing information after testing three different brands of air fryers. Two were purchased by me, one was sent to me to try two years ago. I am basing all of the information below on my personal opinions after personally using all three air fryers over the past four years. I was not paid or asked to share my opinions.
There is no specific air fryer brand or model that is marketed as being best for gluten-free, but I will share what I love about air fryers, chat about what foods I like to cook in air fryers, and share a few of my best gluten free air fryer recipes with you.
There are two main types of air fryers, basket-style and oven-style. I own two basket-style air fryers and one oven-style air fryer. I will share my opinions on both styles.
Note the prices of air fryers varies quite a bit depending on the size and features of the air fryer. Air fryers go on sale often, so if the price on Amazon seems high, check back every couple of weeks.
Why are Air Fryers so Great?
If you haven't tried using an air fryer, I can't say enough good about them. Air fryers are popular for several reasons, including:
- Healthier cooking: Air fryers use hot circulating air to cook food instead of deep frying it in oil. This means the food you make is less in fat and has fewer calories than traditional frying methods. These Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets turn out crispy and delicious without frying!
- Convenience: Air fryers are easy to use and require minimal preparation. Simply place your food in the basket, set the temperature and time, and let the air fryer do the rest. It doesn't get any easier than that! Use it for cooking fries like these Air Fryer Waffle Fries.
- Versatility: Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, chicken, fish, and even desserts. I make these Gluten Free Air Fryer Hand Pies in just minutes! You can also make unexpected things like these Gluten Free Dinner Rolls in the air fryer!
- Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less energy than traditional ovens and fryers, making them a more eco-friendly option.
- Quick cooking: Air fryers cook food faster than traditional methods, so you can enjoy your meal in less time. Try this Air Fryer Roasted Fingerling Potatoes recipe. You can make it in a fraction of the time of oven roasting.
If you plan to use an air fryer, it is critical to use the right oil. You need to use an oil with a high smoking point. Read What Air Fryer Oil to Use for the best types to use.
What Air Fryer Features Should I Look For?
Now that you have decided you want an air fryer, here are some of the most important features of an air fryer:
- Cooking capacity and size. How large your family is will help you determine the best size of air fryer to buy.
- Power and wattage.
- Temperature control. You want the controls to be easy to use!
- Cooking presets and modes. Look for simple, easy-to-use controls.
- Timer and automatic shut-off. This feature should be standard on most machines.
- Non-stick coating for easy cleaning.
- Dishwasher-safe parts. And make sure the basket would fit in your dishwasher!
- Safety features like cool-touch exterior and automatic shut-off for overheating.
A non-stick or ceramic-coated basket is preferred because it prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning up easier. Additionally, an air fryer with a removable basket is a good choice, as it allows for thorough cleaning and makes it easier to avoid cross-contamination with gluten.
Basket-Style Air Fryers:
This Ninja Foodi is one of my favorites. You can set different cooking temperatures and times for each side so that you can cook a whole meal easily. Clean-up is effortless too!
- 1. This model has two separate fans and is the only air fryer that I recommend for a household where all members are not gluten free.
- 2. Easy clean-up.
- 3. It cooks food evenly.
- 1. You must clean it very well after cooking meat to avoid any smell when you use it at a later date.
Can You Share an Air Fryer with Non-Gluten-Free Eaters?
The short answer is NO. You need a dedicated gluten free air fryer to prevent cross-contamination of the food with wheat. This is because the fan is inside the air fryer and it can not be cleaned of gluten molecules. Once gluten is in the fan, the air fryer will always be a source of cross-contamination,
If you MUST share an air fryer with someone who eats gluten, I recommend using the Ninja Foodie Air Fryer (pictured above) because it has two separate compartments and two separate fans. This is the only model I know of that has two separate fans.
I had a smaller 3.4-quart Corsori Air Fryer, but they no longer make the one I own. I am recommending the larger version of the air fryer I have. It frequently goes on sale so keep an eye out for sales!
- 1. The size is great for a family of 4.
- 2. Clean-up is really easy.
- 3. It cooks food really well.
- 1. The baskets are dishwasher safe, but tough to fit in our specific dishwasher model.
What are Popular Brands of Air Fryers?
Some popular air fryer brands to consider for gluten-free cooking include Philips, Ninja, and Cosori. These brands offer a range of air fryers in different sizes with non-stick or ceramic-coated baskets, removable baskets, and adjustable temperature controls, which make them a good choice for gluten-free cooking.
The best air fryer for gluten-free cooking will depend on your specific cooking needs, family size, and preferences. Consider the features and specifications of each air fryer before making your purchase, to ensure that you choose the right one for you.
Sizes of Air Fryers:
There are many different sizes of air fryers ranging from 3 quarts up to 8 quarts. The size you buy will vary by your family size. I have a 3.4-quart air fryer and it is best for a family of two. My Ninja Foodie is 8-quarts, combined with the two basket sections. This is perfect for a family of four.
I was given this air fryer to test. Note there is a much cheaper version, also made for Sur La Table that is for sale at Costco.
- 1. Easy to use. The buttons are clear and it is easy to know what cooking times are best for what you make.
- 2. I was impressed by how well it cooked breaded foods.
- 1. Clean-up can get messy because the breading can fall off all over the air fryer and counter when you move the rack.
Oven Style Air Fryers:
I have only tested one oven-style of air fryer, and it is pictured above. I felt like this style of air fryer is nice because the air can really circulate well around the food in this style of air fryer. I used this air fryer to make these Gluten Free Chicken Tenders.
The model also has a rotisserie feature so you can cook a rotisserie chicken in it. I haven't tried that yet, it looked intimidating.
Overall, air fryers are a great tool for people who want to enjoy their favorite fried foods in a healthier way or who are looking for a convenient, versatile cooking appliance.
Popular Gluten Free Air Fryer Recipes:
- My best kid-friendly fish recipe is this Air Fryer Cod. It has a great mild flavor that even my picky eater loves.
- If you are looking for a great appetizer, try these Gluten Free Air Fried Ravioli.
- My whole family loves these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes.
- If it is too cold to go camping, take it indoors making these Gluten Free Air Fryer S'mores!
If you are new to gluten free, I have a ton of great gluten free resources to help you learn more about gluten free living, dining safely in restaurants, baking and cooking tips, and my favorite gluten free flour blends to use.
If you love the recipes you find on my blog, I would love for you to sign up for my newsletter (and get my free gluten free lemon dessert e-cookbook!)
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