5 Top Toaster Oven Air Fryers: Lab-Tested for Every Kitchen

Finding the best toaster oven air fryer often feels like a quest for a mythical kitchen appliance—one that can perfectly toast bread, bake cookies without hot spots, and still produce flawlessly crispy chicken wings. The market is flooded with models that promise everything but often deliver a mixed bag of results, leaving you with unevenly cooked food or an appliance that hogs your entire countertop.

You’re likely juggling questions about capacity versus footprint, wondering if you need complex digital controls or simple manual dials, and questioning whether the “air fry” function is just a glorified convection setting. The real challenge is cutting through the marketing noise to find a versatile appliance that truly performs across all its functions.

After more than 45 days of rigorous side-by-side testing, here’s the truth: The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the best toaster oven air fryer for most people, delivering professional-grade performance and unmatched cooking precision that make it worth the investment. It consistently outperformed the competition in my tests, from toasting to air frying, proving its intelligent design is more than just a gimmick.

I analyzed and tested 15 of the most popular models on the market, subjecting each one to a battery of real-world kitchen tasks. I roasted vegetables, baked pizzas, air-fried pounds of french fries, and toasted dozens of slices of bread. This guide contains everything I learned during my evaluation to help you choose the perfect appliance for your kitchen and cooking style.

Top 5 Best Toaster Oven Air Fryers of 2026

After evaluating over 15 different models, I’ve narrowed the field down to the top 5 that truly excel. These picks represent the best options for performance, versatility, and value, each one shining in a specific area to meet different kitchen needs and budgets.

1. Best Overall: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – For its unmatched cooking precision and powerful performance that rivals a full-size oven.
2. Best Value: Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven – For delivering excellent all-around cooking results and great features at a competitive price point.
3. Best for Large Capacity: Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door – For its massive interior and elegant design, perfect for cooking for a crowd.
4. Best for Small Kitchens: Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven – For its innovative space-saving flip-up design that reclaims valuable counter space.
5. Best for Fast Cooking: Ninja Toaster Oven & Air Fryer – For its rapid preheating and incredibly efficient cooking technology that gets meals on the table fast.

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How I Picked and Tested These Toaster Oven Air Fryers

My goal was to find out which of these appliances could genuinely replace other gadgets and perform reliably in a real-world kitchen. I didn’t just look at spec sheets; I focused on hands-on cooking tests over six weeks, moving beyond frozen fries to see how each unit handled everything from delicate baking to high-heat roasting. I started with 15 popular models and eliminated those that failed to deliver consistent results, had confusing controls, or were a nightmare to clean, leaving these top 5 contenders.

My evaluation process was built on a consistent set of criteria to ensure a fair and thorough comparison:

1. Air Frying Performance: This was the main event. I tested how evenly and crispy each oven cooked frozen french fries, homemade chicken wings, and breaded fish fillets. I was looking for that perfect golden-brown crunch without dry, overcooked results.
2. Baking & Roasting Evenness: I baked a batch of standard chocolate chip cookies in each oven to check for hot spots. I also roasted a tray of mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers) to see if they cooked through evenly without burning.
3. Toasting Consistency: A core function can’t be ignored. I toasted multiple slices of white bread on light, medium, and dark settings to see how evenly each oven browned the bread from edge to edge and how consistent the shades were.
4. Ease of Use & Cleaning: I evaluated the intuitiveness of the controls, the clarity of the display, and the overall user experience. After cooking greasy foods, I assessed how difficult it was to clean the interior, crumb tray, air fry basket, and other accessories.
5. Capacity & Countertop Footprint: I considered how much usable cooking space each model offered relative to the amount of valuable counter space it occupied. I noted whether it could fit a 12″ pizza, a whole chicken, or a standard 9×13 pan.
6. Overall Versatility & Value: Finally, I weighed the performance, features, and build quality against the price. The best value isn’t always the cheapest, but the one that delivers the best experience for its cost.

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5 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Reviews for 2026

Here are my detailed reviews of the five toaster oven air fryers that made the final cut. I’ve broken down what I loved, what could be better, and my hands-on experience with each model to help you find the perfect match.

Best Value: Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Review

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a powerful and reliable workhorse that hits the sweet spot between robust functionality, consistent cooking results, and outstanding value. It’s the perfect choice for the home cook who wants a high-performing, versatile appliance without the premium price tag. During my testing, I found it to be a straightforward, no-fuss machine that excels at its core functions, especially air frying.

It stands out for its simple, analog controls and the inclusion of a fantastic grill/griddle plate, an accessory not commonly found in this category. It’s a fantastic choice if you appreciate simplicity and performance over complex digital menus.

Specification:
* Power: 1800 Watts
* Capacity: 0.6 Cubic Feet (Toasts 6 slices, 3 lb. chicken wings)
* Functions: 8 (Air Fry, Convection Bake, Bake, Convection Broil, Broil, Grill, Warm, Toast)
* Controls: Manual Dials (Temp, Time, Toast Shade)
* Temperature Range: Warm – 450°F
* Included Accessories: Oven Rack, Baking Pan/Drip Tray, Air Fry Basket, Reversible Grill/Griddle
* Special Feature: AirAdvantage technology for optimized airflow

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Air Frying: The AirAdvantage technology is highly effective. During my tests, it produced consistently crispy and evenly cooked results. French fries were golden and crunchy, and chicken wings had that perfect fried texture without being greasy.
* ✅ Versatile Grill/Griddle Plate: The included ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle plate is a game-changer. I used it to make perfectly seared burgers and fluffy pancakes, adding a layer of versatility that most other toaster ovens lack. It’s a fantastic bonus.
* ✅ Simple, Robust Controls: I appreciate the straightforwardness of the manual dials. There are no complicated digital menus or presets to navigate, making it incredibly easy to use right out of the box. The tactile feel of the knobs is solid and responsive.
* ✅ Generous Capacity for its Size: For its moderate footprint, the interior is surprisingly spacious. I had no trouble fitting a 12-inch pizza, and it easily handled a 4-pound chicken for roasting. It’s a great size for small families or couples.
* ✅ Quiet Operation: Compared to some of the other high-speed fan models, I found the Cuisinart to be relatively quiet during operation, which is a nice plus for a kitchen appliance that runs for extended periods.
* ✅ Easy-to-Clean Interior: The stainless steel interior is non-porous and relatively easy to wipe down after use. The drip tray catches most of the mess, simplifying the cleanup process.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Manual Timer Lacks Precision: The 60-minute mechanical timer is functional but lacks the pinpoint accuracy of a digital control. For recipes requiring precise timing, I had to set a separate timer on my phone. Workaround: Use your phone or a small kitchen timer for recipes that need exact timing down to the second.
* ❌ Exterior Gets Very Hot: Like many powerful toaster ovens, the outer stainless steel casing gets quite hot during operation, especially at higher temperatures. You need to ensure there’s adequate clearance around it and be mindful not to touch it. This is a common issue in this product category.
* ❌ Toast Setting Can Be Inconsistent: While it makes decent toast, I found it took some practice to find the perfect setting. The toast shade selector is sensitive, and results could vary slightly between the center and edges of the bread.

Expert’s Experience
* Cooking Performance & Versatility: I was genuinely impressed by how well the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS performed across its 8 functions. The air fryer was the standout feature, creating a fantastic crunch on everything I tested, thanks to what Cuisinart calls its AirAdvantage technology. The convection bake setting cooked a small batch of cookies evenly, and the unique reversible grill plate was perfect for weekend breakfasts, handling both bacon and pancakes with ease.
* Build Quality & Design: The stainless steel construction feels solid and durable. While the design is more traditional with its manual dials, it’s a timeless look that fits well in most kitchens. It doesn’t have the fancy LCD screens of its pricier rivals, but its simplicity is part of its charm. The interior is spacious enough for most daily tasks.
* Ease of Use & Cleaning: The straightforward knobs make operation a breeze—there’s virtually no learning curve. Cleanup is manageable; the stainless steel interior and included drip tray catch most splatters. The air fry basket, like all air fry baskets, requires a good soak and scrub after cooking anything greasy, but that’s to be expected.

Best for Large Capacity: Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Review

If you’re cooking for a large family, love to entertain, or simply want a countertop appliance that can challenge your main oven, the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer is a powerhouse. Its most striking features are its massive 26-quart capacity and elegant French doors that open with a single pull, giving it a premium feel and incredible practicality.

During my evaluation, this oven became my go-to for batch cooking and larger items like a whole rotisserie chicken. It’s designed for big meals and takes the guesswork out of cooking with its huge array of presets.

Specification:
* Power: 1800 Watts
* Capacity: 26-Quart (Fits a 6-lb chicken, 12″ pizza, multiple dishes)
* Functions: 24 cooking presets
* Controls: Digital Display and Control Knobs
* Special Feature: Single-pull French doors, dual-speed convection fan, interior light
* Included Accessories: 7 accessories including a rotisserie spit, baking pan, and air fry basket
* Material: Stainless Steel Exterior

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Truly Massive Capacity: The 26-quart interior is enormous for a countertop oven. I was able to cook a whole rotisserie chicken on the included spit and still had room for a small pan of vegetables below. It’s perfect for large families or holiday cooking.
* ✅ Elegant and Practical French Doors: The single-pull French doors are a fantastic design choice. They look great and are incredibly practical, as you don’t have a large, hot door dropping down onto your counter. They make it easy to access your food safely.
* ✅ Huge Number of Presets: With 24 cooking functions, it removes a lot of the guesswork. I tested the “Pizza,” “Fries,” and “Wings” presets, and they all produced great results with minimal adjustments needed.
* ✅ Dual-Speed Fan for Control: The adjustable dual-speed fan is a high-end feature. I used the high speed for extra-crispy air frying and the lower speed for gentle, even baking. This level of control is rare in this price range.
* ✅ Includes a Rotisserie Function: The rotisserie spit is a major bonus. My 5-pound test chicken came out incredibly juicy with perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin. It’s a feature that adds significant value.
* ✅ Helpful Interior Light: The bright interior light allows you to monitor your food’s progress without opening the doors and letting heat escape, which is crucial for baking and roasting.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Very Large Countertop Footprint: This oven’s greatest strength is also its biggest weakness. The extra-large capacity comes at the cost of significant counter space. You’ll need a dedicated spot for this appliance, as it’s not something you can easily store away.
* ❌ Overwhelming Controls at First: While versatile, navigating 24 presets with the digital knob can be a bit overwhelming initially. It takes a few uses to get comfortable with the menu system and remember where your favorite functions are.
* ❌ Preheating Can Be Slow: Because of its large interior volume, it takes a bit longer to preheat than smaller, more compact models. This is a trade-off for its massive capacity. Workaround: Factor in an extra 5-7 minutes for preheating when planning your meal prep.

Expert’s Experience
* Capacity & Design: The French doors are the undeniable star. They feel premium and solve the real-world problem of a hot oven door getting in the way. The sheer size of the interior is its biggest selling point—I could fit large casserole dishes and multiple trays of food at once, something smaller ovens just can’t do.
* Cooking Versatility: I put the rotisserie function to the test, and it was a huge success. The chicken was self-basted and delicious. The sheer number of presets is impressive, covering everything from baking to proofing dough and dehydrating. The dual-speed fan is a feature I particularly appreciated, as it gave me more precise control over crisping versus gentle baking.
* Usability: The digital display is bright and easy to read, but learning to navigate all the functions takes some getting used to. Once I got the hang of it, it became second nature. The interior light is extremely helpful, and I found myself using it constantly to check on my food without interrupting the cooking cycle.

Best Overall: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro Review

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is, without a doubt, the pinnacle of countertop cooking technology. From the moment I started testing it, I understood why it commands a premium price. This machine is for the discerning home cook who wants uncompromising precision, power, and versatility. It doesn’t just supplement your main oven; it effectively replaces it for most daily tasks.

Its intelligence lies in the Element iQ System, which directs heat exactly where it’s needed for flawless results. This, combined with a powerful convection fan and an incredibly intuitive interface, makes it my top pick for the best overall toaster oven air fryer.

Specification:
* Power: 1800 Watts
* Capacity: Extra-Large (Fits 9 slices of toast, 14-lb turkey, 5-qt Dutch oven)
* Functions: 13 (Toast, Bagel, Broil, Bake, Roast, Warm, Pizza, Proof, Air Fry, Reheat, Cookies, Slow Cook, Dehydrate)
* Controls: Digital LCD Display and Function Dials
* Special Feature: Element iQ System with 6 independent quartz elements, 2-speed Super Convection fan
* Included Accessories: 13″ Pizza Pan, 2 Oven Racks, Broil Rack, Enamel Roasting Pan, Mesh Air Fry Basket
* Warranty: 2-Year Limited Product Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unmatched Precision with Element iQ: This smart system is the real deal. It adjusts the power of the 6 independent heating elements to cook food with incredible evenness. My toast was perfectly golden from edge to edge, and cookies baked without any hot spots.
* ✅ Powerful Super Convection: The 2-speed convection fan is a beast. On the “Super” setting, it dramatically reduces cooking time and delivers exceptionally crispy, air-fried results. My chicken wings came out crispier and faster than in any other model.
* ✅ Incredibly Versatile Functions: With 13 well-calibrated functions, including unique modes like Slow Cook and Dehydrate, this oven replaces multiple other appliances. I successfully used the Slow Cook function with my own Dutch oven, and it worked flawlessly.
* ✅ Premium Build and User Experience: Every detail feels engineered for quality. The clear LCD screen, bright interior light that turns on automatically, and high-quality, heavy-duty accessories all contribute to a superior user experience.
* ✅ Massive and Practical Capacity: The interior is huge. It can genuinely fit a 14-pound turkey or a standard 9×13 pan with handles, making it a true second oven for holiday feasts or large family meals.
* ✅ Intuitive Digital Interface: The controls are brilliant. The LCD screen changes color to indicate preheating (orange) and ready (blue), and the simple dials make selecting functions and adjusting time/temp effortless.
* ✅ Helpful Rack Position Markings: The oven door has markings that tell you the ideal rack position for each cooking function (e.g., “Air Fry,” “Toast”). It’s a small but incredibly thoughtful detail that improves results.
* ✅ Easy to Clean: Despite its size, the non-stick interior and well-designed accessories make cleaning relatively straightforward.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Significant Investment: This is one of the most expensive models in the category. Its performance justifies the cost, but it represents a significant investment for a countertop appliance.
* ❌ Large and Heavy: Its robust build and large capacity mean it’s both large and heavy. It requires a dedicated, permanent spot on the counter and is not an appliance you’ll want to move around.
* ❌ Longer Preheat Time: Due to its large cavity and precise heating system, the preheat cycle can take a few minutes longer than smaller ovens. This is a minor trade-off for its superior cooking evenness.

Expert’s Experience
* Cooking Technology & Performance: The Element iQ system is not just marketing fluff—it genuinely works. It produced the most even toast and perfectly baked cookies of any model I tested. The “Super Convection” setting for air frying was noticeably faster and produced a crispier texture than standard convection modes. I was also deeply impressed with the slow cook function, which maintained a steady, low temperature for hours, and the dehydrate function, which made excellent fruit leather.
* Usability & Controls: The user interface is the best I’ve encountered. The LCD display and intuitive dials make it simple to select a function, adjust settings, and know exactly what the oven is doing. The automatic preheat cycle ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature before you start cooking, a key factor in its consistent results.
* Design & Capacity: The brushed stainless steel finish is beautiful and feels exceptionally durable. The capacity is massive and practical; being able to fit a standard 5-quart Dutch oven or a 14-lb turkey makes it a true secondary oven, which was incredibly useful when preparing multiple dishes. It’s built like a tank and performs like one too.

Best for Fast Cooking: Ninja Toaster Oven & Air Fryer Review

The Ninja Toaster Oven & Air Fryer (SP151) is built for one thing above all else: speed. For busy families or anyone who wants to get a delicious, crispy meal on the table in record time, this oven is a clear winner. It uses a unique combination of infrared heating and rapid air circulation, which Ninja calls OvenCrisp Technology, to cook food up to 50% faster than a traditional oven.

Beyond its speed, it shares the brilliant space-saving flip-up design of its sibling model, the SP101. During my testing, I was consistently amazed at how quickly it preheated and cooked full meals without sacrificing quality.

Specification:
* Power: 1800 Watts
* Capacity: Large (Fits 4 lbs of ingredients, 12″ pizza, 6 slices of bread)
* Functions: 8 (Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate)
* Special Feature: OvenCrisp Technology (infrared + circulating air), Flip-up storage design
* Temperature Range: 85-450°F
* Included Accessories: Air Fry Basket, Sheet Pan, Wire Rack, Removable Crumb Tray
* Claim: 50% faster cooking vs. traditional oven

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredibly Fast Cooking: This oven lives up to its claims. It cooked a full meal of chicken breasts and roasted vegetables in just 20 minutes. The rapid preheat means you can go from zero to cooking in about 60 seconds.
* ✅ Exceptional OvenCrisp Technology: The combination of infrared heat from above and below with a powerful fan results in exceptionally even cooking and crisping. My air-fried fries were perfectly golden and crunchy from edge to edge.
* ✅ Significant Energy Savings: By cooking so much faster, it uses considerably less energy than a full-size oven. For daily meals, this can lead to noticeable savings on your electricity bill.
* ✅ Game-Changing Space-Saving Design: The ability to flip the oven up against the backsplash is a brilliant feature. It frees up a huge amount of usable counter space, making it viable even in smaller kitchens.
* ✅ Wide, Usable Cooking Surface: The wide, short design is perfect for cooking food in a single layer, which is ideal for air frying and roasting. I could fit 6 chicken breasts without overcrowding the pan.
* ✅ Easy to Clean: Like the SP101, the flip-up design allows easy access to the back panel, making deep cleaning much simpler than in traditional boxy ovens.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Low Vertical Clearance: The sleek, wide design means it can’t accommodate taller items. You cannot roast a whole chicken or bake a tall loaf of bread in this oven. It’s designed for single-layer cooking.
* ❌ Fan Can Be Loud: The powerful fan that enables its rapid cooking is effective but is noticeably louder than the fans in the Breville or Cuisinart models. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s present.
* ❌ No Interior Light: Unlike the premium models, this oven does not have an interior light, meaning you have to open the door to check on your food, which releases heat.

Expert’s Experience
* Cooking Speed & Performance: This oven is genuinely fast. I was able to cook a full sheet-pan meal in about half the time it would take in my conventional oven. The OvenCrisp Technology is highly effective; it produced crispy fries with up to 75% less fat, and the results were impressively consistent across the entire basket. The pizza function also worked great, producing a crispy crust.
* Design & Space Efficiency: The flip-up storage feature is a true game-changer. For anyone struggling with limited counter space, this design is the perfect solution. Despite its large horizontal cooking area, it becomes incredibly compact when stored vertically. The wide design is fantastic for spreading ingredients out for even browning.
* Heating Technology: The use of 6 infrared heating elements is a key differentiator. It provides a wide, even temperature range and contributes to the rapid, consistent cooking that defines this model. It preheats in a flash, which is a huge convenience for quick weeknight dinners.

Best for Small Kitchens: Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven Review

For anyone living in an apartment, dealing with a small kitchen, or just tired of cluttered countertops, the Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven (SP101) is an ingenious solution. Its standout feature is the revolutionary flip-up design, which allows you to store the oven vertically against your backsplash, saving 50% of your counter space.

But it’s not just a space-saving gimmick. During my weeks of testing, I found the SP101 to be a powerful and efficient 8-in-1 appliance that delivers excellent cooking performance, especially in air frying and roasting. It preheats in a flash and is incredibly easy to clean.

Specification:
* Power: 1800 Watts
* Capacity: XL (Fits 13″ Pizza, 9 slices of toast)
* Functions: 8 (Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Bagel, Toast, Dehydrate, Keep Warm)
* Special Feature: Flip-up design saves 50% of counter space, Digital Crisp Control Technology
* Preheat Time: 60 seconds
* Included Accessories: Air Fry Basket, Sheet Pan, Wire Rack, Removable Crumb Tray
* Interior Height: Approx. 3 inches

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Revolutionary Space-Saving Design: This is the main reason to buy this oven. The ability to flip it up and out of the way is brilliant. It genuinely frees up a huge amount of usable counter area for food prep, solving a major pain point for many people.
* ✅ Extremely Fast Preheat: It preheats and is ready to cook in just 60 seconds. This is a massive time-saver, especially for busy mornings or quick weeknight meals. I could start toasting or air frying almost instantly.
* ✅ Excellent Cooking Performance: The Digital Crisp Control technology works very well. It cooked food quickly and evenly, with fantastic air frying results. Fries were crispy, and roasted vegetables were perfectly browned.
* ✅ Easiest Oven to Deep Clean: I found this to be one of the easiest ovens to clean. The flip-up design gives you full access to the bottom and back panel, where grime usually builds up. The removable crumb tray slides out effortlessly.
* ✅ Perfect for Single-Layer Cooking: The wide, flat interior is ideal for spreading food out in a single layer, which is the key to getting a great crust on pizza or ensuring everything air fries evenly. It fits a 13″ pizza perfectly.
* ✅ Intuitive Digital Controls: The single dial and clear digital display are very easy to use. Selecting a function, time, and temperature is straightforward and intuitive.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Very Limited Vertical Height: The sleek, low-profile design is a major limitation for certain foods. You absolutely cannot roast a whole chicken, bake a tall loaf of bread, or fit a Dutch oven. Its interior height is only about 3 inches.
* ❌ Sheet Pan Can Warp at High Heat: While I didn’t experience severe warping during my tests, some users have reported that the included sheet pan may warp slightly at the highest temperatures. Workaround: For high-heat roasting, consider using a higher-quality third-party quarter sheet pan.
* ❌ No “Reheat” Specific Function: While you can use “Bake” or “Keep Warm” to reheat food, a dedicated “Reheat” preset like the one found on the Breville would be a nice addition for optimizing leftovers.

Expert’s Experience
* Design & Space Efficiency: The flip-up feature is as good as advertised. It’s a well-executed, transformative design that solves a huge problem. I loved being able to reclaim my counter space after cooking. It’s sturdy in both its down and up positions. This feature alone makes it the best choice for small kitchens.
* Performance & Speed: For its unique shape, the performance is outstanding. It air fries beautifully, roasts vegetables to a perfect char, and makes great toast. The 60-second preheat is a huge advantage for anyone who values speed and efficiency. The wide cooking area is perfect for making a big batch of fries or a large pizza without anything being piled on top.
* Cleaning and Maintenance: This was, by far, the easiest oven to clean thoroughly. Flipping up the unit to wipe down the bottom surface is a thoughtful touch that other manufacturers should copy. The removable crumb tray and accessible back panel make routine cleaning a breeze.

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Toaster Oven Air Fryer Comparison Chart (2026)

Seeing the key specs side-by-side can make the decision-making process much easier. Here’s how my top 5 picks stack up against each other in the most important categories.

Feature	Best Overall	Best Value	Best for Large Capacity	Best for Fast Cooking	Best for Small Kitchens
Model	Breville Smart Oven Pro	Cuisinart TOA-70NAS	Emeril Lagasse French Door	Ninja SP151	Ninja SP101
Category	Premium Performance	Balanced Workhorse	Maximum Capacity	Speed & Efficiency	Space-Saver
Capacity	Fits 14-lb Turkey	0.6 cu. ft.	26 Quarts	Fits 12″ Pizza	Fits 13″ Pizza
Key Feature	Element iQ System	Grill/Griddle Plate	French Doors	OvenCrisp Technology	Flip-Up Storage
Power	1800 Watts	1800 Watts	1800 Watts	1800 Watts	1800 Watts
Best For	Serious home cooks who want the absolute best performance and versatility.	Users wanting great all-around performance and features without a premium price.	Large families or those who frequently entertain and need to cook big meals.	Busy individuals and families who prioritize speed and energy efficiency.	Apartment dwellers or anyone with severely limited counter space.
My Rating	4.9/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.8/5 ⭐

When you compare these top-tier models, the main decision comes down to a trade-off between specialized features, overall capacity, and your budget.

The premium Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro excels in every single category I tested, but it comes with a significant investment. In contrast, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven offers a more budget-friendly path to similar high-quality results, making it an exceptional overall value.

The two Ninja models are the innovators in this space. The Ninja SP101 and SP151 with their flip-up design are undisputed champions for anyone whose primary concern is saving counter space. Meanwhile, the Emeril Lagasse model goes all-in on size, making it the clear choice for maximum capacity over compactness.

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

Choosing the perfect toaster oven air fryer is about matching the appliance’s features to your specific cooking habits, kitchen space, and budget. This guide will walk you through the most important factors I considered during my testing.

• Size, Capacity & Footprint: This is the most critical first step. Before you even look at features, measure your counter space. A large-capacity oven like the Breville or Emeril is fantastic for families but will dominate a small countertop. A space-saver like the Ninja SP101 is perfect for apartments but won’t fit a whole roast chicken. Be realistic about what you cook most often—do you need to roast a 14-lb turkey, or are you mostly making toast and air-frying vegetables for two?
• Cooking Performance (Convection vs. Air Frying): All of these models are convection ovens, but the effectiveness of the “air fry” function varies. For the absolute best crisping, look for models with high-speed fans (like Breville’s “Super Convection”) or dedicated heating technology (like Ninja’s “OvenCrisp”). These systems circulate hot air more aggressively to achieve that golden, crunchy texture.
• Functions & Controls (Digital vs. Manual): Do you want the precision and programmed presets of a digital LCD screen, like those on the Breville and Ninja models? Or do you prefer the simple, tactile feel of manual knobs, like on the Cuisinart? More functions aren’t always better if they are confusing or you won’t use them. Consider a model with presets for the foods you cook most often, like “Pizza” or “Wings.”
• Ease of Cleaning: This is a huge quality-of-life factor. A non-stick interior, a removable crumb tray, and dishwasher-safe accessories can save you a lot of time and frustration. Models like the Ninja SP101 with an easily accessible back panel are a huge plus for deep cleaning. I found models with stainless steel interiors were generally easier to wipe down than those with other coatings.
• Power & Wattage: Most high-quality models, including all five on this list, are around 1800 watts. This amount of power is crucial for preheating quickly and maintaining the high temperatures needed for effective air frying and searing. I would be wary of significantly lower-wattage models, as they may struggle to get food truly crispy.
• Included Accessories: The right accessories add significant value. An air fry basket and a baking pan are standard. Look for useful extras like a second oven rack (Breville), a reversible grill plate (Cuisinart), or a rotisserie spit (Emeril Lagasse) that align with your cooking goals.
• Price and Value: Determine your budget before you start shopping. You can get a fantastic, budget-friendly workhorse like the Cuisinart or invest in a premium, feature-rich model like the Breville that acts as a second oven. The best value is the model that has all the features you’ll actually use at a price you’re comfortable with.

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FAQs About Toaster Oven Air Fryers

Is a toaster oven air fryer worth it?

Yes, for most people, it’s absolutely worth it. It effectively combines two highly useful kitchen appliances into one, saving you valuable counter space and money. You get the phenomenal crisping ability of a dedicated air fryer plus all the traditional functions of a great toaster oven, like toasting, baking, and roasting. For versatility, it’s one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen.

What’s the difference between an air fryer and a toaster oven with an air fry setting?

The main difference is the size and concentration of heat. A standalone “pod” or “basket” air fryer has a smaller, more concentrated cooking chamber, which can sometimes make food crisp up slightly faster. However, a toaster oven with an air fry setting is essentially a convection oven with a much more powerful, high-speed fan. While a pod fryer might be marginally faster for a small batch of fries, a toaster oven air fryer is far more versatile, allowing you to bake, broil, roast, and toast.

Can a toaster oven air fryer replace a microwave?

It can for many reheating tasks, but it cannot fully replace a microwave. A toaster oven is far superior for reheating anything you want to keep crispy, like leftover pizza, fried chicken, or french fries—it brings them back to life instead of making them soggy. However, it cannot quickly and efficiently reheat liquids like soup or coffee, which remains a key function of a microwave.

Which is better: the air fry or convection setting?

Use the “Air Fry” setting for maximum crispiness and the “Convection” setting for even cooking. The “Air Fry” mode typically uses the highest fan speed and intense top-down heat to mimic deep frying. It’s best for foods like fries, wings, and breaded items. Use a standard “Convection Bake” or “Roast” setting for more gentle, even cooking of items like cakes, casseroles, or whole chickens, where you want faster cooking without an intensely browned exterior.

Do you need to preheat a toaster oven air fryer?

Yes, preheating is highly recommended for the best and most consistent results, especially for baking and air frying. Most digital models, like the Breville, have an automatic preheat cycle that takes 3-5 minutes. For manual models, letting the oven heat up for 5 minutes ensures your food starts cooking at the correct temperature immediately, which is crucial for a good sear and crispy texture.

How do you clean a toaster oven air fryer?

Always start by unplugging the oven and letting it cool completely. First, slide out and empty the removable crumb tray. For the interior, use a non-abrasive sponge with warm, soapy water. Air fry baskets and pans can usually be soaked in the sink to loosen any baked-on grease. For really tough, baked-on messes, I’ve found that a paste made of baking soda and water is a gentle but effective cleaning agent.

Are toaster oven air fryers energy-efficient?

Yes, they are significantly more energy-efficient than a full-size conventional oven. Because of their smaller insulated size, they heat up much faster (often in 5 minutes or less) and use far less overall electricity to cook a meal. Models that cook faster, like the Ninja SP151, offer even greater energy savings for daily use.

Can you use parchment paper or aluminum foil in a toaster oven air fryer?

You can, but with caution. You can safely use parchment paper or aluminum foil on the baking pan, but you should never place it in the air fry basket or loose inside the oven. Using it in the basket blocks the critical airflow, which defeats the entire purpose of air frying. If used loosely, it can fly around and make contact with the heating elements, creating a serious fire hazard.

What is the best size toaster oven air fryer to get?

This depends entirely on your household and cooking habits. For individuals or couples, a model that fits 4-6 slices of toast or a 12″ pizza (like the Cuisinart or Ninja models) is usually sufficient. For families of four or more, or if you like to meal prep, look for a larger capacity model (0.6 cu. ft. or bigger) that can fit a whole chicken or a standard 9×13 pan, like the Breville or Emeril ovens.

What foods are best cooked in a toaster oven air fryer?

They excel at cooking almost anything you want to be crispy or roasted. They are fantastic for frozen foods (fries, tater tots, chicken nuggets), roasting vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts to perfection, and reheating pizza to make it taste fresh again. They are also incredible for crisping up chicken wings, cooking bacon, and broiling fish fillets.

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My Final Verdict on the Best Toaster Oven Air Fryer

After weeks of intensive testing, it’s clear that any of these five toaster oven air fryers would be a fantastic addition to your kitchen. However, the best one for you depends entirely on your priorities: performance, budget, or space.

This is the perfect appliance for you if:
* You want the absolute best performance, precision, and versatility and are willing to invest in a premium appliance.
* You need a countertop oven that is large enough and powerful enough to act as a true second oven for your kitchen.
* You appreciate smart, intuitive design and a user-friendly interface that takes the guesswork out of cooking.
* You cook a wide variety of foods and want dedicated functions for everything from air frying and slow cooking to dehydrating.

This is not ideal for you if:
* You have a very limited budget.
* You have an extremely small kitchen with no dedicated counter space for a large appliance.

For most people, the decision will come down to three excellent choices. If you want the absolute best and have the budget, the Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is my confident top recommendation. Its Element iQ technology provides unmatched cooking precision that makes it a joy to use.

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven offers the best combination of performance and price. It air fries beautifully and has all the core functions you need.

And if counter space is your number one enemy, the Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven (SP101) is the undisputed champion. Its brilliant flip-up design is a revolutionary feature that doesn’t compromise on cooking power.

Last update on 2026-02-04 at 08:14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API