How to grill in an air fryer — 7 steps for perfect indoor grilling
Want that perfect grilled taste but stuck cooking indoors? It's Get Grillin' week here at Tom's Guide, and your air fryer can deliver surprisingly authentic grilled results with the right technique. While it won't replace an outdoor grill entirely, it comes pretty close — and it's ready to use year-round, rain or shine.
Air fryer grilling works because of intense, circulating heat that mimics the high temperatures of traditional grilling. The compact design creates consistent heat distribution without the hot spots you might encounter on outdoor grills.
While any decent model can grill effectively, the best air fryers excel at maintaining steady temperatures, making timing more predictable and results more reliable once you understand the basics. The key is adapting your technique for this concentrated cooking method.
From proper temperature sequencing to choosing the right oils, these seven essential steps will transform your air fryer into an indoor grilling powerhouse that delivers that grilled flavor every time.
In our Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer review, we rated this Ninja air fryer four-and-a-half stars for the way it totally transforms cooking. DualZone means that if you don't want to use the 7-quart basket, you can turn it into two individual 3.5-quart ones and double up what you cook. Each zone benefits from different cooking temperatures and times making it a great pick for larger families.
Getting the right temperature sequence is crucial for air fryer grilling success. Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F — this creates the intense initial heat needed for proper searing and that coveted charred exterior.
Once your food goes in, immediately reduce the temperature to 380°F for actual cooking. This two-stage approach gives you the initial sear without overcooking the interior. If you have a Ninja Foodi Max dual, don't need to pre-heat.
Air fryers cook much faster than traditional grills due to their efficient heat circulation, so expect cooking times to be roughly half of what you'd use outdoors. The consistent heat circulation in air fryers means no hot spots or temperature fluctuations like you might experience on a regular grill.
Uniform cooking in the confined space of an air fryer depends on two critical factors: consistent food sizing and starting temperature. Cut your ingredients to similar dimensions so everything finishes cooking at the same time.
For proteins, let them reach room temperature before cooking — this ensures even heat penetration from edge to center. Cold meat straight from the refrigerator will cook unevenly, leaving you with overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
Thicker cuts work better in air fryers than thin ones. Since air fryers cook quickly, thicker pieces retain moisture and juiciness better. Thin cuts can dry out before you know it.
This old-school trick works brilliantly in air fryers. Cut a fresh onion in half and rub it directly on your air fryer basket or grill attachment before cooking. The sulfur compounds in onions react with the metal when heated, creating a natural non-stick surface.
This technique serves double duty — it prevents sticking and adds subtle flavor to your food. The onion also helps with cleanup afterward, as you can use it to scrub away any stuck-on bits from the grates.
Don't skip this step, especially when cooking delicate items like fish or marinated foods that tend to stick more readily.
Authentic-looking grill marks aren't just about appearance — they're about flavor too. If visual presentation matters to you, invest in a grill plate attachment designed for your air fryer model.
These attachments feature raised ridges that create the classic crosshatch pattern while allowing juices to drain away from the food. As these juices evaporate, they create additional flavor compounds that enhance the overall taste.
However, if grill marks aren't a priority, you can skip the attachment and still get excellent results. Many modern ovens with convection settings can replicate air fryer cooking if you don't have a dedicated unit.
High-temperature cooking demands oils with high smoke points. Avocado oil and vegetable oil are your best bets for air fryer grilling as they won't break down or create unpleasant flavors at the temperatures you'll be using.
You don't need much oil when air frying. A light coating, just a few teaspoons tossed with your food, is sufficient to prevent sticking and promote browning. Too much oil can actually interfere with the air circulation that makes air fryers effective.
Apply oil to your food rather than spraying it in the basket, as this gives you better control over the amount and distribution.
Air fryers heat up quickly and intensely, which means wooden skewers can burn if you're not careful. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use, just like you would for outdoor grilling.
Standard-length skewers might not fit in compact air fryer baskets, so shorter versions work better. And cut your ingredients to similar sizes when skewering to ensure everything cooks evenly — this is even more important in the confined space of an air fryer.
Metal skewers are another option if you have them, as they don't require soaking and conduct heat to help cook food from the inside out.
Since air fryers can't provide the natural smoke flavor of outdoor grilling, you'll need to create it artificially. Fortunately, the right seasonings can deliver authentic smoky taste that rivals the real thing.
Smoked paprika is your secret weapon — it adds both color and genuine smoke flavor. Liquid smoke works well too, but use it sparingly as a little goes a long way. Other excellent options include smoked salts, chipotle peppers, cumin, and specialized barbecue seasoning blends.
Apply these seasonings generously before cooking, and consider adding a final sprinkle after cooking for extra flavor impact. The intense heat of air frying actually intensifies spice flavors, so don't be afraid to be bold with your seasoning choices.
Air fryer grilling isn't just a substitute for outdoor cooking, it's a legitimate technique that offers its own advantages.
Consistent temperature, faster cooking times, and year-round availability make it an excellent option for anyone who loves grilled food, especially if they don't have a yard (or less space) to grill.
Start with these seven techniques and adjust based on your specific air fryer model and personal preferences. With practice, you'll be turning out perfectly "grilled" food that rivals anything cooked outdoors.
Now that you've learned how to grill in an air fryer, why not explore some of our other articles related to this appliance? Take a look at air fryer dos and don'ts — 7 safety tips I recommend for everyday use and how to clean an air fryer's heating element.
And if you're interested in how to restore your air fryer's non-stick coating, we've got you covered.
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CNET
a day ago
- CNET
The Underrated Method of Making Grilled Cheese That Changed Everything
The air fryer is the perfect appliance to cook up delicious side dishes and game-day snacks but there's one more comfort food it makes perfectly: Grilled cheese that's crispier, cleaner and somehow even better than the frying pan version. I used to swear by cooking grilled cheese in a skillet but once I tried making the classic dish in the air fryer, there was no going back. It delivers that golden, crunchy exterior without drowning your bread in butter and it keeps your kitchen cooler-perfect for those hot summer days when firing up the stove sounds like a bad idea. If you haven't made this switch yet, here's why your next grilled cheese should start in the air fryer. If you're a purist, I salute you, too. The old school method for making grilled cheese is just fine but it's not without flaws. Pan-fried grilled cheeses also tend to fall apart or stick to the pan if they're not cooked and flipped properly and if you don't have the heat up high enough, you'll never get that coveted crunch. If you don't own an air fryer, I recommend Ninja's new glass-bowl model. It's the best we've tested and makes a mean grilled cheese. Below you'll find tips for making the best air fryer grilled cheese of your life. Why the air fryer is a perfect appliance to make grilled cheese As you can plainly see, the air fryer grilled cheese leaves little mess to contend with after preparing. Pamela Vachon/CNET An air fryer is basically a small convection oven with nonstick surfaces, circulating hot air around whatever you put in its basket. Unlike your saute pan or skillet, it cooks from all directions at once and typically in less time. Unlike your oven, it is compact and efficient, heats up quickly and may not even require preheating. Your toaster oven could never do this. While toasted cheese is a possibility (and reheated toaster oven pizza is a revelation), grilled cheese is not. Your toaster oven is not designed to support fat on the underside of whatever you're cooking and you'll end up with a mess too complicated to clean. For your grilled cheese, the air fryer is working on both of the bread surfaces and the cheese all at once, resulting in a quicker melt, which adheres the cheese to the bread slices together making for a much easier flip. (Flipping is still recommended but with far less drama.) The air circulation provides deep crunchiness, not only to the surfaces that received the butter or mayo treatment but to the entire crust. Any inclusions beyond cheese in the interior of the sandwich are also transforming because of the ambient heat. Simply placing a lid on your saute pan or skillet can't achieve the same results, as the components will become steamed and potentially soggy. Here's how I make air fryer grilled cheese Humble ingredients are transformed into something great inside an air fryer. Pamela Vachon/CNET Assemble a grilled cheese as you would otherwise Sliced bread Sliced or shredded cheese (I like American cheese for a basic grilled cheese and a combo of gruyere and cheddar for an upgrade.) Butter or mayonnaise for the outside of the bread slices (dealer's choice) For a basic grilled cheese, you can assemble the sandwich in the basket of your air fryer: bread with buttered side down, followed by sliced or shredded cheese, then topped with the final slice with buttered side up. Be it a simple sandwich or a fancier combination of cheese, bread and fixings, the air fryer makes a crispy, gooey grilled cheese in minutes. Pamela Vachon/CNET Set the heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 3 to 6 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. The already melted cheese will keep your sandwich nicely together during the flip. You can get a lightly golden grilled cheese in less time but I recommend hanging on for 5 to 6 minutes for a deeply crunchy sandwich. Another perk of the air fryer is that you can more easily peek to see where you are without adversely affecting the outcome. The air fryer is best for making fancy grilled cheese Add a fruit element and cured meats for a fancier air fryer sammy. Pamela Vachon/CNET This is where the air fryer really shines in the grilled cheese realm. Every element of an upgraded grilled cheese adds a degree of difficulty when trying to cook in a skillet, much of which is mitigated in the safe confines of an air fryer. Thicker bread. Thicker cheese, like hunks of camembert or brie. And think of all the great grilled cheese ingredients that can be slippery: apple slices, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, pickles, etc. Any grilled cheese with more than two components can be challenging to flip gracefully in a skillet, even for trained cooks. Bag a loaf of good bread and stuff your sandwich with upmarket cheese. Pamela Vachon/CNET To prove a point, I assembled a fancy grilled cheese with camembert, prosciutto and apple slices. (Plus mayonnaise on the exterior, because I was being fancy, and mayo gives your sandwich a little extra tang.) Because of its height, I assembled it fully outside of the air fryer and then carefully placed it in the drawer. Et voila! Pamela Vachon/CNET After 6 minutes of air fryer cooking, the flip was seamless and the sophisticated outcome belies the fact that you spent all of one minute assembling the masterpiece. The exterior of the ham even got a little bonus crisping. So the air fryer invites you to go to town with whatever you can dream up for your grilled cheese: cured or cooked ground meats, grilled veggies, various sauces and relishes -- you name it. An epic grilled cheese variation is limited only by the confines of your imagination. Do I need to preheat an air fryer for grilled cheese? A grilled cheese is a quick-cooking sandwich no matter how you do it so you don't want to add on minutes of additional time for something that only takes minutes to accomplish. That said, while preheating your air fryer may be a waste of time for certain preparations, I think putting it on for just a minute to heat up the nonstick surface that the sandwich sits on is worthwhile to get that golden crust working right away. Are there drawbacks to making air fryer grilled cheese? Depending on your model and size of air fryer, and the shape of bread you choose, it can be tricky to make more than two sandwiches at once, so it might not be the most family-friendly method for making grilled cheese. But for a solo meal or date night, your air fryer is the grilled cheese hack you didn't know you needed.
CNN
5 days ago
- CNN
The best air fryers to take your meals from frozen to golden
The best air fryers we tested Best air fryer: Ninja Crispi Best air fryer runner-up: Cuisinart 6-Quart Basket Air Fryer If there's one thing I can't live without in my tiny kitchen, it's my beloved air fryer. I've tested, reviewed and (over)analyzed many a kitchen appliance and can safely say my air fryer has become a daily necessity. This appliance takes up no more space than a toaster but can do so much more, like whip up crispy snacks and sides (and sweet treats) in minutes. It's a faster, cleaner and healthier alternative to traditional frying, often with just a push of a button. However, with numerous options available, selecting the right air fryer can be overwhelming. To determine which are worth buying, I tested a range of popular air fryer models and 'cooked' (clicked a button) frozen foods, toasted bagels, fried bacon and even baked cookies to evaluate each one for performance, ease of use, features and design. There was plenty of taste-testing involved, and yes, air frying frozen cookie dough is the elite method of baking cookies. Trust me. After all that testing, two models stood out. Whether you're cooking for one, short on counter space or shopping on a budget, there's an air fryer for you. Here's what I found. Related article The best toaster ovens in 2025, tried and testedA post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored) Ninja Crispi The Ninja Crispi is unlike any other air fryer I've tried. It's portable, glass and intuitive, which speaks to me on so many levels. It may be compact, but it delivers the power of a full-sized model in a sleek, travel-ready design. It comes with two TempWare containers, which makes it perfect for prepping portable meals, cooking in batches or sharing with friends. Cuisinart 6-Quart Basket Air Fryer When I think of a classic air fryer, the 6-quart Cuisinart air fryer quickly comes to mind. With its no-preheat cooking, five versatile functions and surprisingly compact build, this air fryer made it a joy to whip up tater tots, toast bread and even roast vegetables. With helpful presets, an easy-to-clean design and features like a toss reminder and automatic warm mode, it makes cooking faster and less stressful. The Ninja Crispi has been tried, tested and loved by many of us at CNN Underscored, and it lives up to the hype. In my latest round of testing, I found it to be the perfect size for prepping meals for one, and great for larger batches thanks to the two included TempWare containers (and yes, you can purchase more glass containers in different sizes on Ninja's site). Both come with storage lids, which makes dealing with meal prep and leftovers incredibly easy. Instead of transferring food from the air fryer to another container (and dealing with crumbs and burned bits), I just popped on a lid and called it a day. The 6-cup container cooked a full meal, specifically coconut shrimp and sweet potato fries in my case, in about seven minutes. It also baked cookies, fried bacon and crisped up baby potatoes in a matter of minutes, all with the push of a button. All that aside, I loved the Crispi for its range. I could use it to reheat leftovers, but moments later, use it to cook an entire 4-pound chicken. And yes, even the 4-quart container is roomy enough to handle a 4-pound chicken (with veggies, too). Even better, both containers are thermal-shock resistant, so you can take them straight from the freezer to the fryer without worrying about damage. One of my favorite features was the 'max crisp' setting, which delivered the satisfying crunch of a full-size air fryer in a much smaller, portable design. The all-in-one system also includes 'bake' and 'recrisp' settings, which came in clutch for reheating leftovers. The PowerPod (the lid) felt intuitive, with clearly labeled functions like Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry and Recrisp. I appreciated that it only used these four settings, unlike other air fryers I tested that had a laundry list of choices. If you're new to air frying, don't worry, the instructions are printed right on the PowerPod, making it very beginner-friendly. The design even includes permanently fixed, heat-safe feet, so I felt confident placing it on any surface. Altogether, the Crispi stood out for its streamlined system that handles everyday cooking, meal prep and reheating without taking up much space, no matter the size of your kitchen. After testing several air fryers, I thought this 6-quart Cuisinart model was one of the most practical for everyday use. It's large enough to cook meals or sides for a few people, but still compact enough to sit comfortably on my countertop. It comes with five cooking functions — Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil and Keep Warm — and what I appreciate most is that it doesn't require any preheating. I can go from prep to cooking without waiting, which saves time, especially on busy nights when I'm in no mood to 'cook.' The air fryer runs at 1800 watts and comes with a limited three-year warranty, which is a solid run for an air fryer. There are also five air fry presets built in: French fries, wings, frozen snacks, vegetables and leftovers. I've used each one, and the presets do a solid job of dialing in the right time and temp without much guesswork. I also liked that it had a 'toss' reminder, which reminded me halfway through the cycle to check in on my food, which I've found especially useful for fries and Brussels sprouts. And oddly enough, this air fryer was excellent at toasting bagels. The digital display is clear and easy to navigate, and the large viewing window (with an interior light) makes it simple to keep an eye on food as it cooks. After the timer runs out, up to 60 minutes, depending on the recipe, the machine automatically switches to a warm mode, so my food stays ready without getting cold or overdone. It also features an auto-pause whenever you remove the basket, which adds an extra layer of safety that I appreciated. The temperature is adjustable up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, yet the unit runs quietly enough that I can still hear myself think while it's on. Cleanup is pretty easy, too. The nonstick basket and plate are both dishwasher-safe, but are simple to hand-wash if you don't have a dishwasher. Overall, this is a smartly designed air fryer that handles various cooking tasks, from quick snacks to full meals, without much hassle. Over several weeks, I tested a range of air fryers in many shapes and forms — glass, dual-basket and even some toaster oven varieties. With each model, I cooked a lineup of everyday side dishes: French fries, sweet potato fries, battered coconut shrimp, pot stickers, tater tots and Brussels sprouts to see how well each air fryer handled real-life meals. Although every model technically air fried, the experience varied widely. Some delivered crisp, evenly cooked results with minimal effort, while others fell short in performance, usability or design. I didn't just cook (and snack). I also looked at setup, ease of use, versatility beyond air frying, design and ease of cleaning. And I didn't only judge based on specs or first impressions; I actually cooked full sides in each fryer and compared texture, crispiness and consistency. I made sure to pay close attention to how well they handled frozen foods, since that's one of the biggest reasons people reach for an air fryer in the first place. Installation and setup: I paid close attention to how easy or difficult the fryer was to get set up. Was it ready to go right out of the box, or did it require any extra steps to make it operational? Did the basket require any special assembly or use any additional trays or wire inserts? Usability: How many other cooking modes and settings does the fryer offer? Does it feature presets or other helpful controls? Most importantly, are these additional cook modes convenient or too much hassle for their own good? Performance: I cooked a serving of each type of frozen food in each fryer, taking note of how evenly everything cooked and how crispy it came out. Capacity: How large is the basket or tray of the fryer? Does the basket/tray size justify the overall size of the entire unit? Is it too clunky or bulky to be convenient enough to store when you're not using it? Overall appearance: An air fryer can be clunky, especially for those without much counter space. I considered how the air fryer would look if it were on display or if it would be more appropriate for an informal dorm room or studio apartment. Ease of cleanup: How convenient is it to clean the baskets and trays? I considered how easy or difficult this was, as well as the post-cooking cleaning process. When I was looking for the best air fryer, I realized there's a lot more to consider than just size or price, although those are two very important factors. In my air fryer research, I looked for a model that didn't use PFAS or other potentially harmful nonstick chemicals. Air fryers get a bad rap for being made with the same substances found in some toxic cookware, but luckily, many newer models are made without such toxins. Another consideration to keep in mind is how easy an air fryer is to use. A clear digital display, simple controls and a toss reminder for flipping food halfway through made a big difference in my experience. I was also on the lookout for air fryers that didn't take up too much counter space. Dishwasher-safe parts were a bonus since I didn't want to spend extra time cleaning up. In short, the best air fryer is one that's easy to use and clean, compact enough to fit even in a small kitchen and made with safe materials. Cosori TurboBlaze I consider the Cosori TurboBlaze a classic air fryer, one designed with a 6-quart basket, a host of cooking settings and, of course, a bulky design. All that to say, the TurboBlaze gets the job done with DC motor technology that cooks meals quickly. I especially loved the locking handle. The Cosori TurboBlaze has nine cooking functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Frozen, Proof, Reheat and Keep Warm. In my testing, I was able to crisp up vegetables, fry up tater tots and even bake cookies, and it handled each dish deliciously. The 6-quart capacity is a good fit for meals and sides for three to five people. Cleanup is quite easy, too. The ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate go straight into the dishwasher, which saves time. The angled control screen is easy to see and use, and while the five fan speeds aren't customizable, they pair well with the different cooking modes to deliver even, well-cooked results. I only wish this air fryer had a window to see food cooking. There's also an automatic shutoff that kicks in if the basket is removed mid-cook or if the unit overheats. It's a helpful safety feature that works quietly in the background. Instant Pot Vortex Plus I was curious to test an air fryer by the popular Instant brand, known for its quick appliances like the Instant Pot. After testing the Instant Vortex Plus, I found it lived up to the name with a solid mix of speed, functionality and convenience. It's a 6-in-1 appliance that let me air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat and dehydrate. I appreciated the ClearCook window paired with an internal light, which made it easy to keep an eye on my food without opening the basket. One standout feature of this Instant air fryer is how fast it preheats. I could go from frozen ingredients to fully cooked meals in minutes, with a temperature range of 95°F to 400°F. The air fryer also includes a visible progress bar and helpful prompts to remind you when it's time to flip or add food. The one-touch smart programs are convenient too. I used them for tater tots, roasted vegetables and cookies without much guesswork. The 6-quart capacity worked well for preparing meals and snacks for four to six people, and cleanup was easy thanks to the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and tray. I also appreciated that the machine runs relatively quietly and uses less energy than my oven, which is helpful on busy weekdays. However, it's important to mention that this product contains PTFE, a type of nonstick coating classified as a PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance). PFAS are a broad group of chemicals found in many consumer products, including cookware, and they've raised health and environmental concerns. Though PTFE is considered inert and stable at normal cooking temperatures, I recommend doing your own research if avoiding PFAS is a priority for you. Beautiful 6-Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer It's no secret that air fryers can be clunky and, frankly, a kitchen eye sore. The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer, however, changes that narrative. It's an undeniably beautiful kitchen appliance, with a sleek touchscreen and even pastel color schemes. The minimalist design of this 6-quart air fryer is a stunning addition to any kitchen countertop. None other than Barrymore could add gold accents to an air fryer. Beyond the futuristic, touch-activated display, the Beautiful 6-Quart Air Fryer is a 1750W stainless steel system that heats food quickly and cools down just as fast. With a 5-pound capacity, it is well-suited for everything from cooking up chicken wings to burgers and even toasting pastries. The adjustable temperature range of 90°F to 400°F functions well for all kinds of recipe ideas, including anything involving roasting, reheating and even dehydrating. The cleanup wasn't as easy as, say, the Ninja Crispi, but the removable crisping tray and pan are both dishwasher-safe and free from perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). One major downside, though, was that the air fryer didn't have a window, unlike other models in my testing pool. Philips 3000 Dual Basket A dual-basket air fryer can be extremely helpful if you multitask in the kitchen. Think roasting vegetables while heating salmon or even baking muffins while warming leftovers. Though the smells may be confusing from a loaded cooking session, the Philips 3000 Dual-Basket Air Fryer is extremely convenient for those needs, although it is quite large for a kitchen countertop. The Philips 3000 Dual Basket is a great appliance for cooking two dishes at once. Better yet? They'll be ready at the same time. This Philips model features one large basket for main dishes and a second, smaller drawer for sides, which was a smart move on Philips' part. This would be a handy air fryer for hosting a dinner with several kinds of sides, or even just ideal for family dinners or smaller, single-portion meals. Just like the Philips single-basket fryer below, this one is engineered with RapidAir Plus Technology, which cooks food evenly, as proven with the crispy coconut shrimp and sweet potato fries. Unfortunately, the touchscreen controls were tricky to navigate. Although it's easier to customize meals with more settings (eight presets, to be exact), it can get awkward when cooking two meals at once. The cleanup wasn't as easy as other air fryers I tested, thanks to the two clunky bins, but all parts are dishwasher-safe and removable. Overall, this is a solid air fryer for those who want to cut down on cooking time and have the counter space to do so. Philips 3000 I couldn't help but test out another Philips air fryer. This Philips 3000 is a single-basket appliance designed with a helpful, bright light and window, which I loved using to peek in on my meal as it cooked. I enjoyed the Rapid Air technology that circulated heat evenly and appreciated its light-up design above all else. With 16 cooking functions including baking, grilling, defrosting, reheating, dehydrating and even fermenting, this air fryer is quite versatile. The touchscreen is more difficult to navigate than on other, more straightforward air fryers, but it comes in handy for things like frozen and fresh fries, chicken drumsticks, fish, vegetables and even cookies. However, you can 'favorite' a function to save a custom preset for quick access. The 7-quart capacity can hold just over 3 pounds of fries or vegetables, which could make it a great air fryer for a large family. But I especially loved the built-in, lighted cooking window that allowed me to spy on food as it cooked. The 'StarPlate' also makes cleaning easier thanks to its nonstick finish, which is also dishwasher-safe. Breville Smart Oven Compact Sometimes, a toaster oven can double as an air fryer, which is the case for the compact Breville Smart Oven. Although it's a great choice for someone looking for a multipurpose, sparkling stainless steel countertop oven, I thought this bulky appliance was a bit more inconvenient than a traditional air fryer. There was plenty to like about this Breville air fryer, but it did have a few drawbacks (and an expensive price tag). I liked its control knob, which was responsive and worked well with the large and bright LED display, making it easy to scroll through and select the cooking mode I needed. The best feature of this model, however, was the removable fryer tray that automatically pulled out, which was helpful when adjusting food without having to grab an oven mitt. This air fryer-oven combo also boasts an impressive 13 cooking functions, making it a great choice if you're looking for a comprehensive cooking machine. It also included a pizza pan, which none of the other oven models did. One downside? Some food items wound up sticking to the mesh tray. This wire tray was also incredibly difficult to clean. For an expensive appliance, this was a deal breaker. Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? Yes, but with caution. Avoid blocking air flow and contact with heated features. Parchment paper is a safer bet, but when in doubt, always check your air fryer's user manual. Are air fryers toxic? Are air fryers toxic? As long as your air fryer doesn't have PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the nonstick coating, it won't be toxic. However, older models were made with these forever chemicals, so be sure to read up on your appliance's specifications. How can you best clean an air fryer? How can you best clean an air fryer? The first step is unplugging your air fryer. You can then soak your basket and tray in warm water with soap and wipe them down with a sponge. CNN Underscored's writers and editors thoroughly review all the products in our testing guides and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team backed by many years of product testing experience to ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to subject matter experts where necessary and ensure we speak about the pros and cons of products. For this article, associate testing writer Carolina Gazal spent weeks cooking and analyzing features of different kinds of air fryers. This entailed several rounds of toasting, roasting, baking and frying all sorts of treats, like bacon, dinosaur nuggets, tater tots and broccoli. Gazal loves to get her hands on the latest kitchen craze and has tested all types of appliances, from the best blenders to the best coffee grinders and even the best ice molds for cocktails.
CNET
19-06-2025
- CNET
Ditching the Frying Pan to Make Grilled Cheese Changed the Game
We already know the air fryer can make delicious fries and buffalo wings, but there's one more comfort food it makes perfectly: Grilled cheese that's crispier, cleaner and somehow even better than the stovetop version. I used to swear by the skillet method, but once I tried making grilled cheese in the air fryer, there was no going back. It delivers that golden, crunchy exterior without drowning your bread in butter, and it keeps your kitchen cooler-perfect for those hot summer days when firing up the stove sounds like a bad idea. If you haven't made this switch yet, here's why your next grilled cheese should start in the air fryer. If you're a purist, I salute you, too. The old school method for making grilled cheese is just fine but it's not without flaws. Pan-fried grilled cheeses also tend to fall apart or stick to the pan if they're not cooked and flipped properly and if you don't have the heat up high enough, you'll never get that coveted crunch. If you don't own an air fryer, I recommend Ninja's new glass-bowl model. It's the best we've tested and makes a mean grilled cheese. Below you'll find tips for making the best air fryer grilled cheese of your life. Why the air fryer is a perfect appliance to make grilled cheese As you can plainly see, the air fryer grilled cheese leaves little mess to contend with after preparing. Pamela Vachon/CNET An air fryer is basically a small convection oven with nonstick surfaces, circulating hot air around whatever you put in its basket. Unlike your saute pan or skillet, it cooks from all directions at once and typically in less time. Unlike your oven, it is compact and efficient, heats up quickly and may not even require preheating. Your toaster oven could never do this. While toasted cheese is a possibility (and reheated toaster oven pizza is a revelation), grilled cheese is not. Your toaster oven is not designed to support fat on the underside of whatever you're cooking, and you'll end up with a mess too complicated to clean. For your grilled cheese, the air fryer is working on both of the bread surfaces and the cheese all at once, resulting in a quicker melt, which adheres the cheese to the bread slices together making for a much easier flip. (Flipping is still recommended but with far less drama.) The air circulation provides deep crunchiness, not only to the surfaces that received the butter or mayo treatment but to the entire crust. Any inclusions beyond cheese in the interior of the sandwich are also transforming because of the ambient heat. Simply placing a lid on your saute pan or skillet can't achieve the same results, as the components will become steamed and potentially soggy. Here's how I make air fryer grilled cheese Humble ingredients are transformed into something great inside an air fryer. Pamela Vachon/CNET Assemble a grilled cheese as you would otherwise Sliced bread Sliced or shredded cheese (I like American cheese for a basic grilled cheese and a combo of gruyere and cheddar for an upgrade.) Butter or mayonnaise for the outside of the bread slices (dealer's choice) For a basic grilled cheese, you can assemble the sandwich in the basket of your air fryer: bread with buttered side down, followed by sliced or shredded cheese, then topped with the final slice with buttered side up. Be it a simple sandwich or a fancier combination of cheese, bread and fixings, the air fryer makes a crispy, gooey grilled cheese in minutes. Pamela Vachon/CNET Set the heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 3 to 6 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. The already melted cheese will keep your sandwich nicely together during the flip. You can get a lightly golden grilled cheese in less time but I recommend hanging on for 5 to 6 minutes for a deeply crunchy sandwich. Another perk of the air fryer is that you can more easily peek to see where you're at without adversely affecting the outcome. The air fryer is best for making fancy grilled cheese Add a fruit element and cured meats for a fancier air fryer sammy. Pamela Vachon/CNET This is where the air fryer really shines in the grilled cheese realm. Every element of an upgraded grilled cheese adds a degree of difficulty when trying to cook in a skillet, much of which is mitigated in the safe confines of an air fryer. Thicker bread. Thicker cheese, like hunks of camembert or brie. And think of all the great grilled cheese ingredients that can be slippery: apple slices, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, pickles, etc. Any grilled cheese with more than two components can be challenging to flip gracefully in a skillet, even for trained cooks. Bag a loaf of good bread and stuff your sandwich with upmarket cheese. Pamela Vachon/CNET To prove a point, I assembled a fancy grilled cheese with camembert, prosciutto and apple slices. (Plus mayonnaise on the exterior, because I was being fancy, and mayo gives your sandwich a little extra tang.) Because of its height, I assembled it fully outside of the air fryer and then carefully placed it in the drawer. Et voila! Pamela Vachon/CNET After 6 minutes of air fryer cooking, the flip was seamless and the sophisticated outcome belies the fact that you spent all of one minute assembling the masterpiece. The exterior of the ham even got a little bonus crisping. So the air fryer invites you to go to town with whatever you can dream up for your grilled cheese: cured or cooked ground meats, grilled veggies, various sauces and relishes -- you name it. An epic grilled cheese variation is limited only by the confines of your imagination. Do I need to preheat an air fryer for grilled cheese? A grilled cheese is a quick-cooking sandwich no matter how you do it so you don't want to add on minutes of additional time for something that only takes minutes to accomplish. That said, while preheating your air fryer may be a waste of time for certain preparations, I think putting it on for just a minute to heat up the nonstick surface that the sandwich sits on is worthwhile to get that golden crust working right away. Are there drawbacks to making air fryer grilled cheese? Depending on your model and size of air fryer, and the shape of bread you choose, it can be tricky to make more than two sandwiches at once, so it might not be the most family-friendly method for making grilled cheese. But for a solo meal or date night, your air fryer is the grilled cheese hack you didn't know you needed.
