What’s the Best Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo? | Top Picks & Performance Comparison
Kitchen counters can get crowded fast with all the gadgets we use these days. That’s why combo appliances like toaster oven air fryers have become super popular! These handy machines can toast bread, bake cookies, roast chicken, and air fry crispy foods all in one device. After spending months testing different models in my own kitchen and talking with hundreds of home cooks about their experiences, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect toaster oven air fryer for your needs. Whether you’re cooking for a big family or just need something small for your apartment, these picks will help you save space while making delicious meals.
Top Brands Worth Your Money
Not all toaster oven air fryers are made the same way. Some brands really stand out when it comes to quality, features, and value. Let’s look at the best ones you can buy right now.
Breville: Premium Performance
Breville makes some of the best toaster oven air fryers if you’re willing to spend more for top quality. Their appliances are built to last with strong materials and smart designs. The controls are very easy to use, with clear digital screens that show exactly what’s happening with your food.
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is their best model. It has 13 cooking functions including air fry, toast, bagel, bake, roast, and even slow cook. The inside is big enough for a 14-pound turkey or a 9 x 13 baking pan. It also has special technology that makes sure heat spreads evenly throughout the oven. While it costs more than other brands, people who own it say it’s worth every penny because it can replace so many other kitchen gadgets.
Ninja: Best Overall Value
Ninja makes toaster oven air fryers that give you a lot for your money. They pack in tons of features at prices that won’t break the bank. Ninja models often have unique designs that let them do more than just the basics.
The Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven is a customer favorite because it’s powerful but doesn’t take up too much space. It has a special design that lets you flip it up against your backsplash when not in use, saving valuable counter space. It can fit 9 slices of toast at once or a 13-inch pizza. The air fry feature works really well, making crispy foods with very little oil. It also heats up super fast, which is great when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait.
Cuisinart: Reliable Classic
Cuisinart has been making kitchen appliances for a long time, and they bring all that experience to their toaster oven air fryers. These models are known for being reliable workhorses that last for years without problems. They might not have all the fancy features of newer brands, but they do the basics really well.
The Cuisinart TOA-60 is their most popular model. It has a simple design with easy-to-use dials instead of digital controls. Some people prefer this because it’s simpler and there are fewer electronics that could break. It’s big enough for a 12-inch pizza or 6 slices of toast. The air fryer works well for making crispy french fries, chicken wings, and other foods that taste best when fried but without all the oil.
Instant Pot: Smart Features
The same company that makes the famous Instant Pot pressure cookers also makes great toaster oven air fryers. Their models often have smart features that make cooking easier, like preset programs for different foods and cooking methods.
The Instant Omni Plus 11-in-1 is their standout model. It has 11 different cooking functions including air fry, broil, bake, roast, dehydrate, and even proof (for bread dough). It comes with a rotisserie feature for perfect chicken every time. The digital controls are easy to use, and it even sends notifications to your phone when your food is ready if you use the app. For all the features it includes, the price is quite reasonable.
Cosori: Budget-Friendly Option
If you want a good toaster oven air fryer without spending a lot, Cosori is a brand worth looking at. Their models give you the most important features at lower prices than the big-name brands. They’ve gained a strong following because they perform well despite costing less.
The Cosori CO130-AO is a great budget pick. It offers 12 cooking presets and has enough space for a 13-inch pizza. The air fryer function works surprisingly well for the price, and it heats up quickly. While it might not last quite as long as premium brands, many users say it’s an excellent value for what you pay.
Key Features to Consider
When shopping for a toaster oven air fryer, there are several important features that will help you decide which model is right for your kitchen.
Size and Capacity
Toaster oven air fryers come in different sizes, and picking the right one depends on how much food you usually cook and how much counter space you have.
Small models are good for 1-2 people and can usually fit 4 slices of toast or a 9-inch pizza. They take up less counter space but might be too small if you cook for more people.
Medium models are the most popular size and work well for most families. They can usually fit 6 slices of toast or a 12-inch pizza. They’re a good balance between cooking space and counter space.
Large models are best for big families or people who entertain often. They can fit up to 9 slices of toast, a 14-inch pizza, or even a whole chicken. Just know that they will take up quite a bit of your counter.
Measure your counter space before shopping, and think about what foods you cook most often to help choose the right size.
Cooking Functions
The best toaster oven air fryers can do more than just toast and air fry. Here are some useful functions to look for:
- Toast: Basic toasting with different darkness levels
- Air Fry: Uses hot air to crisp food with little or no oil
- Bake: For cookies, cakes, and other baked goods
- Broil: High heat from the top for melting cheese or finishing dishes
- Roast: For meats and vegetables
- Dehydrate: Removes moisture for making dried fruits or jerky
- Reheat: Warms leftovers better than a microwave
- Pizza: Special setting for perfect pizza crust
- Slow Cook: Low and slow cooking like a crock pot
- Rotisserie: Rotating spit for juicy, evenly cooked meat (only on some models)
More functions give you more flexibility, but don’t pay extra for functions you’ll never use.
Heating Technology
How a toaster oven air fryer heats up and distributes that heat affects how well it cooks your food.
Convection heating uses fans to circulate hot air for even cooking. All air fryers use this, but some do it better than others. Look for models with multiple heating elements and strong fans.
Some premium models have “smart” heating that adjusts during cooking for better results. For example, Breville uses “Element IQ” technology that directs heat where it’s needed most for each cooking method.
Preheating time is also important. Some models can take 5 minutes or more to heat up, while others are ready in just 1-2 minutes. Faster preheating saves time when you’re hungry!
Controls and Ease of Use
There are two main types of controls on toaster oven air fryers:
Digital controls with LCD screens are more precise and often have more features. You can set exact temperatures and cooking times. They’re great if you like precision and don’t mind a slight learning curve.
Dial controls are simpler and more straightforward. Some people prefer them because they’re easier to use and don’t have electronics that might break. However, they can be less precise.
Also look at the interior light and window size. A good view of your food helps prevent burning and lets you check progress without opening the door and losing heat.
Comparison of Top Models
Here’s how the best toaster oven air fryers compare to each other:
| Brand & Model | Size | Capacity | Cooking Functions | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro | Large | 14″ pizza, 9 toast slices | 13 | Element IQ heating, slow cook, dehydrate |
| Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven | Medium | 13″ pizza, 9 toast slices | 8 | Flip-up storage, 90-second preheat |
| Cuisinart TOA-60 | Medium | 12″ pizza, 6 toast slices | 7 | Simple dial controls, durable build |
| Instant Omni Plus 11-in-1 | Large | 12″ pizza, 6 toast slices | 11 | Rotisserie, app connectivity |
| Cosori CO130-AO | Medium | 13″ pizza, 6 toast slices | 12 | Budget-friendly, fast heating |
| KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven | Medium | 12″ pizza, 6 toast slices | 9 | Even heat technology, streamlined design |
| Black+Decker Crisp ‘N Bake | Small | 12″ pizza, 4 toast slices | 5 | Most affordable, compact size |
Please visit model links to know latest market prices.
Performance in Real Kitchens
How these appliances work in everyday use matters more than their fancy features. Here’s what real users say about how these toaster oven air fryers perform at common tasks.
Toast Quality
For making perfect toast, the Breville and Cuisinart models come out on top. They produce the most even browning on both sides of the bread. The Ninja can toast more slices at once, but sometimes the middle slices don’t brown as evenly as the outer ones.
Budget models like the Cosori and Black+Decker make decent toast but might have more uneven results or require you to flip the bread halfway through for even browning.
Air Frying Results
The Ninja and Instant models produce the crispiest air fried foods that taste closest to deep-fried. Their powerful fans circulate air very effectively. The Breville also works great for air frying but takes slightly longer to get the same crispiness.
All models make good air fried foods with less oil than traditional frying, but the less expensive models might require more shaking or turning of food for even results.
Baking Performance
For baking cookies, cakes, and other treats, the Breville stands above the rest. Its heating technology creates the most even results, similar to a full-sized oven. The Cuisinart also bakes well, especially for its price point.
The Ninja heats up the fastest but sometimes bakes a bit too quickly on the bottom, so you might need to place items on higher racks or adjust cooking times. The budget models can bake successfully but may require more attention and rack rotation for even results.
User Tip: No matter which toaster oven air fryer you choose, using the right rack position is key to good results. Most models come with guidelines about which rack to use for different cooking methods – follow these carefully!
Installation and Space Considerations
Unlike regular toaster ovens, toaster oven air fryers need more clearance around them for proper air circulation. Plan to leave at least 4-5 inches of space behind and above the unit.
Most models get very hot on the outside during use, so they shouldn’t be placed under cabinets or near walls. The Ninja is an exception with its flip-up design specifically made to save space when not in use.
These appliances are quite heavy (15-30 pounds) and should be placed on sturdy countertops. Once you find a good spot, you probably won’t want to move it often.
Don’t forget about the power needs. These appliances use a lot of electricity (usually 1500-1800 watts), so they should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip. Make sure your kitchen circuit can handle the load, especially if you run other high-power appliances at the same time.
Best Value Options
If you’re looking for the best overall value, here’s how these models stack up:
The Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven offers the best balance of price, features, and performance for most people. It doesn’t cost as much as premium models but delivers excellent results and saves space with its innovative design.
The Cuisinart TOA-60 is the best value for people who prefer simple controls and want a durable appliance that will last many years. It costs about the same as the Ninja but has a more traditional design and control system.
For those on a tight budget, the Cosori CO130-AO gives you the most features for the lowest price. While it may not be as durable as higher-priced models, it performs well enough for most cooking tasks.
If price is no object and you want the very best, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is worth the splurge. It’s essentially a small second oven that can handle almost any cooking task you throw at it.
FAQ About Toaster Oven Air Fryers
Can a toaster oven air fryer really replace my regular oven?
For many tasks, yes! These appliances can handle about 80% of what a regular oven does if you get a medium or large model. They work great for most day-to-day cooking needs like making dinner for 2-4 people. However, they can’t replace a full-sized oven for big holiday meals or baking multiple items at once.
How much counter space do I need?
Medium-sized models typically require about 16-19 inches of width, 15-16 inches of depth, and 11-12 inches of height. Remember to allow for additional clearance around the unit (about 4-5 inches) for proper air circulation and safety. The Ninja model with the flip-up feature needs more height clearance when open, but takes up less depth when stored.
Do these use a lot of electricity?
Yes, they use about the same electricity as a regular toaster oven (1500-1800 watts). However, they use much less energy than heating up a full-sized oven, so you might actually save on your electric bill if you use it instead of your main oven for smaller meals.
Are they hard to clean?
Most models have non-stick interiors and removable crumb trays that make cleaning fairly easy. Air frying can sometimes create more mess than traditional cooking methods, but many models come with dishwasher-safe accessories. The Ninja and Instant models are generally considered the easiest to clean because of their removable back panels.
How long do toaster oven air fryers typically last?
A good quality model should last 3-5 years with regular use. Premium brands like Breville and Cuisinart often last longer, with many users reporting 5-8 years of reliable service. Budget models might have shorter lifespans, typically 2-4 years. Proper cleaning and maintenance will help any model last longer.
