Welcome to Airfryer House! If you’re deep into the world of air frying, or just dipping your toes in, you’ve probably heard the name Cuisinart. It’s a titan in the kitchen appliance world. But when it comes to air fryers, do they live up to the hype? That’s exactly what this Cuisinart Air Fryer Review is all about. I’ve spent countless hours with these machines, cooking everything from crispy chicken wings to dehydrated apple slices, and I’m here to spill the tea. Is a Cuisinart the multi-tasking hero your kitchen has been waiting for, or just another bulky appliance? Let’s find out together.
What Makes Cuisinart Air Fryers Stand Out?
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room. Most Cuisinart air fryers don’t look like the typical “pod” or “basket” style air fryers from brands like Ninja or Cosori. Instead, Cuisinart has famously combined the air fryer with another kitchen staple: the toaster oven.
This hybrid approach is their secret sauce. Instead of just being a one-trick pony for getting things crispy, a Cuisinart air fryer is a versatile countertop oven that also happens to be a fantastic air fryer. This means you’re getting multiple appliances in one footprint.
As kitchen appliance expert David Chen once said, “The trend is moving towards multi-functionality. Consumers don’t want five different machines cluttering their counters; they want one or two that can do it all. Cuisinart understood this early on.”
This design offers a few key advantages:
- Larger Cooking Capacity: The flat, wide basket or tray allows you to spread food out in a single layer, which is crucial for proper air circulation and achieving that perfect, even crispiness. No more shaking a small basket every five minutes!
- More Cooking Functions: Beyond just air frying, you can bake, broil, toast, and warm. It essentially acts as a second, smaller oven, which is a lifesaver during holidays or big family dinners.
- Better Visibility: The glass door means you can watch your food transform without pulling out a basket and losing heat. You can see your toast browning or your cheese melting in real-time.
A Closer Look at the Most Popular Cuisinart Models
Cuisinart has a few popular models, but two really dominate the conversation: the analog TOA-60 and its digital successor, the TOA-65. Let’s break them down.
The Classic Workhorse: Cuisinart TOA-60
This is the OG, the model that put Cuisinart on the air fryer map. It’s known for its simple, no-fuss analog dials. You turn one knob for temperature, one for the function (Air Fry, Bake, Broil, etc.), and one for the timer. It’s incredibly intuitive.
- Pros:
- Simple to Use: No complicated digital menus. Just turn the dials and go.
- Powerful Performance: This thing gets hot and circulates air like a champ. It delivers consistently crispy results.
- Proven Reliability: It’s been on the market for years and has a strong reputation for being a durable workhorse.
- Cons:
- Mechanical Timer: The timer is a classic “tick-tick-tick” dial. It’s not as precise as a digital timer, and it can be a bit loud.
- Basic Controls: Lacks the presets and fine-tuned control of a digital model.
The Digital Upgrade: Cuisinart TOA-65
The TOA-65 is Cuisinart’s answer to those who wanted the power of the TOA-60 but with modern, digital precision. It features an LCD screen and a simple knob-and-button interface to select your settings.
- Pros:
- Precise Control: The digital timer and temperature settings allow for exact adjustments.
- Helpful Presets: Includes presets for common foods like wings, fries, and nuggets.
- Quieter Operation: No loud ticking timer. It’s a sleeker, more modern experience.
- Cons:
- Slight Learning Curve: While still easy, navigating the digital menu takes a minute to get used to compared to the analog dials.
- Higher Price Point: You’ll typically pay a bit more for the digital features.
|
Our Picks for the Best Air Fryer in 2025
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
|
||
| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp |Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Silver | FG551 |
|
| 2 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4 QT Capacity | 4-in1 Roast, Crisp, Roast, Reheats, & Dehydrates | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Includes 20 Easy & Healthy Recipes | Compact | Grey | AF101 |
|
| 3 | bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 3.3lb Capacity, Oatmilk |
|
| 4 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141 |
|
| 5 | CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black |
|
| 6 | CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven with Easy View Windows, Sync Finish, Hi-Fry, Auto Shutoff, 2 Independent 3Qt Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Frying Baskets, Digital Double Air Fryer - Black |
|
| 7 | Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer, Touchscreen, and 12 Presets - Family Size Countertop Convection Oven, Dishwasher-Safe Parts |
|
| 8 | Chefman Air Fryer TurboFry 7-Qt, 6-in-1 High-Powered 450°F Cooking for Crispier Results, Compact Space-Saving Design, Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate, Defrost, Fast & Even Cooking – Black |
|
| 9 | Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, XL 8-Qt Family Size, One-Touch Digital Control Presets, French Fries, Chicken, Meat, Fish, Nonstick Dishwasher-Safe Parts, Automatic Shutoff, Stainless Steel |
|
| 10 | Chefman TurboFry Touch Dual Air Fryer, Maximize The Healthiest Meals With Double Basket Capacity, One-Touch Digital Controls And Shake Reminder For The Perfect Crispy And Low-Calorie Finish |
|
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Review: Performance in a Real Kitchen
Alright, let’s get down to what really matters. How does it actually cook? I’ve put these machines through their paces in my own kitchen, and here’s the honest breakdown.
How Crispy Does It Get?
In a word: very. The powerful convection fan and broad cooking surface are a dream team for crispiness. French fries (both frozen and homemade) come out golden and crunchy. Chicken wings develop that perfect crackly skin you’d expect from a deep fryer, but with a fraction of the oil. Roasting vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts transforms them, giving them deliciously charred and crispy edges.
The key is to not overcrowd the basket. Because you have more surface area than a typical basket fryer, it’s tempting to load it up, but a single, even layer is your ticket to crispy perfection.
Is It Easy to Use?
Absolutely. For the TOA-60, it’s as easy as using an old-school toaster oven. The TOA-65 adds a few digital steps, but it’s very user-friendly. The real convenience comes from its versatility. On a busy Tuesday night, I can toast some bread for the kids, then immediately switch to air fry some salmon for the adults, all in the same machine. It streamlines the cooking process significantly.
What About the Noise Level?
Like any appliance with a powerful fan, it makes noise. I’d say it’s comparable to a standard microwave or a countertop convection oven. It’s a noticeable “whoosh” sound, but it’s not obnoxiously loud. You can easily hold a conversation in the kitchen while it’s running.
The Cleaning Conundrum
Here’s where I have to be brutally honest. Cleaning a toaster oven-style air fryer is more involved than cleaning a simple non-stick basket. The air fryer basket/tray and the crumb tray are usually dishwasher safe, which is great. However, the interior of the oven itself will inevitably get splattered with grease, especially when cooking things like bacon or burgers.
You’ll need to wipe down the interior walls and heating elements regularly to prevent buildup. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be aware of. It requires a bit more maintenance than a pod-style unit you can just toss in the sink.
Getting the Most Out of Your Cuisinart Air Fryer
To make sure your experience is a great one, follow these simple tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Use the Right Rack Position: The Cuisinart comes with two rack positions. For most air frying, you’ll want to use the top position to get the food closer to the heating element and fan for maximum crispiness.
- Don’t Forget the Drip Pan: Always place the included baking pan on the rack position below your air fryer basket. This will catch any drips or crumbs, making cleanup infinitely easier.
- A Little Oil Goes a Long Way: While it’s “oil-less cooking,” a light spritz of avocado or olive oil on your food will help it brown beautifully and prevent it from drying out.
- Experiment Beyond the Obvious: Don’t just stick to fries and wings! Use it to bake cookies, roast a small chicken, broil fish, or even reheat pizza (it makes the crust unbelievably crispy, way better than a microwave).
Is a Cuisinart Air Fryer Right for You?
This is the ultimate question. The answer depends on your kitchen space and cooking style. Let’s compare it directly to the more common pod-style air fryers.
| Feature | Cuisinart Toaster Oven Air Fryer | Pod-Style Air Fryer (e.g., Ninja, Cosori) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Multi-cooker (air fry, bake, toast, broil) | Primarily air frying and roasting |
| Capacity | Larger, flatter surface | Smaller, deeper basket |
| Best For | Families, multi-taskers, cooking in flat layers | Singles, couples, quick side dishes |
| Footprint | Larger, takes up more counter space | More compact and taller |
| Cleaning | More involved (interior cleaning) | Easier (removable, non-stick basket) |
If you have the counter space and want an appliance that can replace your toaster and act as a second oven, a Cuisinart air fryer is an absolutely fantastic choice. If you’re short on space or only plan to make small batches of fries, a smaller pod-style unit might be a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuisinart Air Fryers
1. Can you use parchment paper in a Cuisinart air fryer?
Yes, but with caution. Never preheat the air fryer with parchment paper inside, as it can fly up and hit the heating element, creating a fire hazard. Only use it when it’s weighed down by food.
2. Does the Cuisinart air fryer get hot on the outside?
Yes, like any toaster oven, the top and sides can get quite hot during operation. It’s important to ensure there is adequate clearance around the unit and to use oven mitts when handling it.
3. What is the main difference between the Cuisinart TOA-60 and TOA-65?
The primary difference is the control interface. The TOA-60 uses analog dials for time, temperature, and function, while the TOA-65 uses a digital LCD screen and a selection knob for more precise control and presets.
4. How do I stop my Cuisinart air fryer from smoking?
Smoking is usually caused by grease buildup on the heating elements or the bottom of the oven. Regular cleaning is the best prevention. If it smokes during cooking, it might be from high-fat foods like bacon; ensure the drip pan is in place to catch the grease.
5. Can it really replace my regular oven?
For many day-to-day tasks, yes! It preheats much faster and is more energy-efficient for smaller meals. It’s perfect for roasting vegetables, baking a small batch of cookies, or cooking a meal for two to four people. It won’t, however, fit a large Thanksgiving turkey.
The Final Verdict: Our Cuisinart Air Fryer Review
After extensive testing and daily use, my final take is this: the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a top-tier kitchen appliance for the right person. Its performance as an air fryer is excellent, delivering crispy, delicious results that rival any dedicated machine. Its true value, however, lies in its incredible versatility. It’s a toaster, a second oven, and a powerful air fryer all rolled into one sleek package.
While the cleaning requires a bit more effort than a simple basket fryer, the trade-off in capacity and functionality is well worth it for many households. If you’re looking to consolidate appliances and maximize your cooking potential, this comprehensive Cuisinart air fryer review concludes that it is a fantastic investment that will earn its place on your counter.