The best air cooker crisps food with circulating hot air, so you get a fried texture with little or no oil. Our pick is the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS 8-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven, an air cooker that can also toast, bake, broil, and grill.
In this review, we cover what it does well, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
Best Air Cooker: Top Picks Compared
Our top pick for air cookers is the Cuisinart 8-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven 1800W.
Pros
- Eliminates need for multiple kitchen appliances, saving valuable counter space and storage
- Cooks faster and more efficiently than full-size ovens while keeping your kitchen cooler in summer months
- Produces consistently crispy air-fried foods and evenly toasted bread with minimal effort
- Quiet operation and intuitive jog dial controls make it accessible for everyday home cooking
- Durable stainless steel construction with 3-year limited warranty provides long-term reliability
Cons
- Interior cleaning around top heating elements requires careful attention and extra time compared to standard toasters
- Single included baking pan may create workflow bottlenecks when cooking multiple items simultaneously
- Grill function may require 5+ minutes longer than expected for well-done meats, necessitating a meat thermometer for precision
The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS is an 8-in-1 air fryer toaster oven designed for busy households and home cooks who want versatility without clutter. This 1800-watt powerhouse combines air frying, toasting, baking, broiling, grilling, and warming functions in a compact 0.6 cubic foot frame. It's perfect for families, small households, and anyone looking to reduce kitchen appliance footprint while expanding cooking capabilities.
Performance is where this oven truly shines. The proprietary AirAdvantage technology with top-mounted fan and heater assembly creates optimized hot air circulation that delivers crispy exteriors and tender interiors without excessive preheating time. Users consistently report perfectly crispy chicken wings, evenly toasted bread, and roasted chicken that rivals full-size ovens, all while keeping your kitchen significantly cooler. The wide temperature range from 80 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, combined with a 60-minute timer and toast shade selector, gives you precise control over every meal.
Build quality is solid throughout. The stainless steel exterior and interior resist fingerprints and heat marks, while the ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle plate handles both searing and griddle cooking without traditional non-stick coating concerns. The inclusion of five accessories, interior lighting, and a spacious cooking chamber means you have everything needed to start cooking immediately. The jog dial controls are intuitive and responsive, though some users note they require a full clockwise rotation to access certain settings.
The main drawback is cleanup complexity around the top heating elements, which requires careful attention and isn't as straightforward as wiping down a traditional toaster. Additionally, the single included baking pan can create workflow challenges when preparing multiple dishes. The grill function may need 5+ minutes longer than expected for well-done proteins, so using a meat thermometer is highly recommended for consistent results.
Final Verdict: The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS delivers exceptional versatility, consistent cooking performance, and space-saving design at a competitive price point. It's an excellent investment for anyone seeking to replace multiple appliances or upgrade their countertop cooking capabilities. Highly recommended for everyday use.
Power and Temperature: 1800 watts, 120 volts, temperature range 80-450 degrees Fahrenheit with adjustable dial control.
Capacity and Dimensions: 0.6 cubic feet interior capacity, 15.75 inches wide by 12.25 inches deep by 13.75 inches high, weighs 11.5 kg (approximately 25 lbs).
Cooking Functions: Air fry, toast, bake, convection bake, broil, convection broil, grill, and warm mode with 60-minute timer and auto-shutoff.
Controls and Features: Jog dial controller, toast shade selector, interior oven light, programmable settings, and AirAdvantage technology with optimized hot air flow system.
Materials and Accessories: Stainless steel exterior and interior, ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle, oven rack, baking pan/drip tray, and air fry basket included. Limited 3-year manufacturer warranty.
Who Should Buy: This model suits families of 2-4 people, busy professionals seeking quick meal preparation, anyone living in small spaces with limited counter room, and home cooks wanting to avoid heating their full-size oven during warm months.
Best Uses: Air frying frozen foods and wings, toasting bread and bagels, reheating leftovers without drying them out, baking small pizzas and cookies, roasting whole chickens, and grilling vegetables and proteins with the dual-sided grill/griddle plate.
Key Considerations: Ensure you have adequate counter space (approximately 16 inches wide by 12 inches deep). Plan for regular interior cleaning, especially around heating elements. Consider purchasing a meat thermometer for grill cooking accuracy. The single baking pan may require sequential cooking for multiple dishes. Hand washing is recommended for accessories.
Maintenance Tips: Use crumb tray liners to reduce cleanup frequency. Wipe the stainless steel exterior with appropriate cleaners to maintain appearance. Allow the oven to cool completely before cleaning. The ceramic non-stick surfaces are durable but benefit from gentle care to extend lifespan.
Our Best Air Cooker Picks Reviewed
Among the models we reviewed, the Cuisinart 8-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven 1800W stands out, and every pick is judged on performance, features, and value.
- Versatility: Eight cooking functions, including air fry, toast, bake, broil, and grill, can replace several countertop appliances.
- Power: The 1,800-watt element heats quickly and cooks faster than a full-size oven, which also keeps your kitchen cooler in summer.
- Results: Owners report consistently crispy air-fried food and evenly toasted bread.
- Ease of Use: Simple dials and quiet operation make it easy to use every day.
- Build: Stainless steel construction is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
- Drawbacks: Cleaning around the top heating elements takes extra care and time.
Oven-Style vs. Basket Air Cookers
Oven-style models like the Cuisinart hold more food in a single layer and can toast and bake. Basket models heat up faster and are easier to shake mid-cook, but they usually do fewer jobs.
How to Choose an Air Cooker
Choosing the right air cooker comes down to picking a style, checking the capacity, comparing wattage, and looking at cleaning.
- Pick a Style: Choose an oven style for versatility or a basket for speed.
- Check the Capacity: Families need room for a whole meal in one batch.
- Compare Wattage: Higher wattage usually heats faster.
- Look at Cleaning: Removable trays and nonstick interiors save time.
- Measure Your Counter: Leave space for airflow around the unit.
For more options, read our guides to the best air fryer oven and the best air fryer for 2 people.
Cuisinart TOA-70NAS Features in Detail
The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS offers eight functions: air fry, convection bake, convection broil, bake, broil, warm, toast, and a low-heat setting. Its 1,800-watt heating system and convection fan circulate hot air quickly and evenly. The interior fits six slices of toast, a 12-inch pizza, or a 4-pound chicken, so it works as a second oven for busy households.
What Can Do
An air cooker uses a fan to move hot air around food, creating a crisp outside with little or no oil. Beyond fries and wings, it can roast vegetables, bake cookies, reheat leftovers without sogginess, and toast bread or bagels in oven-style models.
Who Should Buy One?
- Families who want healthier versions of fried favorites.
- Cooks who want to avoid heating a full-size oven.
- Small households that want one appliance for many tasks.
Things to Consider
- Oven-style models need more counter space than basket models.
- Air frying in a larger chamber can take a few minutes longer.
- The exterior gets warm, so keep it away from walls and cabinets.
Care Tips
Empty the crumb tray after each use, wash the basket and racks in warm, soapy water, and wipe the interior once it is cool. Avoid abrasive scrubbers on the stainless steel finish.
Cooking Tips
- Preheat for a few minutes for crispier results.
- Spread food in a single layer so air can circulate.
- Lightly coat vegetables with oil for better browning.
- Shake or flip food halfway through.
Safety Tips
Never cover the vents, keep the unit on a heat-resistant surface, and unplug it after use. Use oven mitts when removing racks, since the door and interior stay hot for several minutes.
Is It Worth It?
For most households, yes. It cooks faster than a full-size oven for small meals and replaces several appliances.
Final Verdict on the Best Air Cooker
The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS is our best air cooker pick for home cooks who want one appliance that air fries, toasts, and bakes. Plan a little extra time for cleaning.
Air Cooker FAQs
Common questions from buyers include “Is an air cooker the same as an air fryer?”, “Can it replace a toaster?”, and “Does it use much electricity?”.
Is an air cooker the same as an air fryer?
Yes. Both use fast-moving hot air to crisp food.
Can it replace a toaster?
Yes. It toasts bread evenly.
Does it use much electricity?
It typically uses less energy than heating a full oven.
For more kitchen gear, browse our best air fryers category.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!