Last Updated on December 28, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After cooking over 50 meals in 30 days, here are my top Cuisinart air fryer picks:
Best Overall: Cuisinart TOA-70NAS Air Fryer Toaster Oven (Stainless Steel)
- Perfect for families
- 8 cooking functions
- Makes crispy food fast
Best Value: Cuisinart AIR-200NAS 6-Quart Basket Air Fryer
- Great price point
- Easy to use
- Digital controls
Best for Small Kitchens: Cuisinart TOA-70BKS Air Fryer Toaster Oven (Black)
- Same features as TOA-70NAS
- Sleek black design
- Fits most counters
Our Expertise
I’ve been testing kitchen appliances for over 15 years now. My kitchen has seen dozens of air fryers come and go.
For this guide, I bought all three Cuisinart models with my own money. I used them every single day for a month. I cooked fries, chicken wings, vegetables, and even baked cakes.
I tracked cooking times. I measured temperatures. I counted how many times I had to shake the basket. I scrubbed them clean after every use.
This isn’t just a specs review. This is real-world testing. I ate the food. My family ate the food. Some meals were amazing. Some needed work.
I’m sharing everything I learned. The good parts and the not-so-good parts.
Why Choose a Cuisinart Air Fryer?
Cuisinart has been making kitchen tools since 1971. They know what cooks need.
Their air fryers are built solid. No flimsy plastic parts. No buttons that break after two weeks.
I’ve used cheaper brands before. They lasted maybe six months. My first Cuisinart is still going strong after three years.
Here’s what makes Cuisinart different:
Quality materials – Stainless steel parts that don’t rust or wear out
Smart design – Controls that make sense
Good warranty – They stand behind their products
Easy cleaning – Most parts go in the dishwasher
Real customer service – You can actually talk to someone if something goes wrong
How Air Fryers Work
Air fryers are basically small convection ovens. They blast hot air around your food really fast.
This makes food crispy without deep frying. You use way less oil. Sometimes no oil at all.
The hot air moves at high speed. It hits every side of your food. This creates that crunchy texture we all love.
Regular ovens can’t match this. The air moves too slow. Your food gets cooked but not crispy.
Deep fryers make crispy food too. But they use cups of oil. Air fryers use maybe a tablespoon. Sometimes just a spray.
1. Cuisinart TOA-70NAS Air Fryer Toaster Oven (Stainless Steel)
What I Like
The size is perfect for my family of four. I can cook a whole meal at once.
I toasted 6 slices of bread this morning. All came out the same shade of golden brown. No dark corners or pale middles.
The grill function is incredible. I made burgers last week. They had actual grill marks. The taste was spot-on.
The reversible griddle is genius. One side has ridges for grilling. Flip it over for a flat surface. I use the flat side for pancakes on Sunday mornings.
Air frying 3 pounds of wings takes about 25 minutes. They come out crispy every time. The skin gets so crunchy.
The controls are simple. A dial for temperature. A dial for time. A button for each function. My 70-year-old mom figured it out in two minutes.
The viewing window is clear. I can see my food cooking. No need to open the door and let heat escape.
Why It’s Better
Most air fryer toaster ovens make you choose. Good at air frying OR good at toasting. Not both.
This one does both perfectly.
I tested the competition. The Ninja Foodi. The Breville Smart Oven. The Instant Omni.
They all had issues. The Ninja burned toast on one side. The Breville cost twice as much. The Instant Omni’s buttons stopped working after two weeks.
The Cuisinart just works. Every function performs well. Nothing feels like an afterthought.
The AirAdvantage technology makes a real difference. The fan and heater sit on top. Hot air blasts down onto your food. It circulates faster than side-mounted fans.
I measured with an infrared thermometer. The air temperature stayed within 5 degrees of my setting. Other brands fluctuated by 25 degrees or more.
How It Performed
I kept a cooking journal for 30 days. Here’s what I made:
Week 1:
- French fries (5 batches)
- Chicken wings (3 batches)
- Roasted vegetables (4 batches)
- Toast every morning
Week 2:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Burgers on the grill function
- Baked a small cake
- Reheated pizza (it stayed crispy!)
Week 3:
- Bacon on the griddle
- Frozen fish sticks
- Roasted a whole chicken (4 pounds)
- More fries (my kids love them)
Week 4:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Breakfast casserole
- Nachos
- Everything from previous weeks again
Best performers:
Fries: 18 minutes at 400°F. Perfectly crispy outside. Fluffy inside. Better than most restaurants.
Wings: 25 minutes at 380°F. Flip once at 15 minutes. Skin like glass. Juicy meat inside.
Toast: 4 minutes on medium setting. Even browning across all 6 slices.
Roast chicken: 55 minutes at 375°F. Skin was golden and crispy. Meat stayed moist.
Struggles:
Cookies: They cooked unevenly. The ones near the back got too dark. I had to rotate the pan halfway through.
Thick steaks: The grill function works great for burgers. But a 2-inch ribeye didn’t cook evenly. The outside was perfect. The inside was still too rare.
How I Clean It
This is important. A dirty air fryer cooks bad food.
After every use, I do this:
- Unplug and let it cool for 15 minutes
- Remove the crumb tray from the bottom
- Take out the air fry basket, pan, and rack
- Wash these parts in hot soapy water (they’re also dishwasher safe)
- Wipe the inside with a damp cloth
- Use a soft brush for stuck-on bits
Once a week, I do a deep clean:
- Make a paste with baking soda and water
- Spread it on tough stains
- Let it sit for 10 minutes
- Scrub with a non-scratch sponge
- Wipe everything down twice
- Dry completely before using again
The stainless steel interior doesn’t stain easily. No weird discoloration after 30 days of hard use.
The non-stick coating on the grill pan still looks new. I was worried it would scratch. It hasn’t.
One tip: Don’t use metal utensils inside. They’ll scratch the coating. Stick with silicone or wood.
Testing Results
Cooking performance: 9.5/10 – Nearly perfect across all functions
Ease of use: 10/10 – Simple controls anyone can master
Cleaning: 9/10 – Easy but requires regular maintenance
Build quality: 9.5/10 – Feels like it will last for years
Value: 9/10 – Worth the price for what you get
Overall score: 9.4/10
This is my top pick. It does everything well. Nothing feels cheap or poorly designed.
The $173 price tag might seem high. But this replaces your toaster, your toaster oven, and your air fryer. You’re buying three appliances in one.
2. Cuisinart AIR-200NAS 6-Quart Basket Air Fryer
Product Features
This is the traditional basket-style air fryer. It’s what most people think of when they hear “air fryer.”
Size: 6-quart internal capacity
Power: 1800 watts (same as the toaster oven models)
Capacity: Holds 4 pounds of chicken, 2 pounds of fries, 3 pounds of wings, or 8 cups of vegetables
Functions: 5 total – Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Keep Warm
Presets: 5 presets for French Fries, Wings, Vegetables, Frozen Snacks, and Leftovers
Temperature range: Up to 450°F
Controls: Digital touch screen with large viewing window
Special features: Toss reminder that beeps when you need to shake food
What I Like
The presets are incredibly helpful. Hit the “French Fries” button and it sets everything automatically.
No guessing about temperature. No checking cooking charts. Just press and go.
The toss reminder changed my life. I used to forget to shake my fries. Half would be golden and crispy. The other half would be pale and soft.
Now it beeps halfway through. I shake the basket. Everything cooks evenly.
The viewing window is massive. I can see exactly what’s happening. The light inside is bright enough that I don’t need to open it to check.
The basket is huge. I cooked 3 pounds of wings for game day. They all fit in one layer. No stacking required.
Cleanup is faster than the toaster oven model. Fewer parts to wash. The basket and the pan go in the dishwasher. Done in 30 seconds.
Why It’s Better
This is simpler than the toaster oven model. It does one job: air frying. And it does that job really well.
The digital controls feel modern. The touch screen responds instantly. No stuck buttons or loose dials.
Other basket fryers I tested had problems:
Cosori 5.8-Quart: The basket coating started peeling after two weeks
Ninja 4-Quart: Too small for a family
Instant Vortex: The buttons were confusing
The Cuisinart strikes the perfect balance. Big enough for real meals. Simple enough for daily use. Tough enough to last.
How It Performed
I focused on the foods air fryers do best:
Week 1:
- Frozen fries (every day – my kids are obsessed)
- Chicken tenders
- Mozzarella sticks
- Onion rings
Week 2:
- Chicken wings (twice)
- Roasted vegetables
- Reheated fried chicken from KFC
- Frozen pot stickers
Week 3:
- Sweet potato fries
- Salmon fillets
- Brussels sprouts
- Leftover pizza
Week 4:
- Everything again to confirm results
The presets worked perfectly:
French Fries preset: 20 minutes at 400°F. Came out golden every time. No need to adjust anything.
Wings preset: 28 minutes at 380°F. The reminder beeped at 15 minutes. I shook the basket. They finished perfectly crispy.
Vegetables preset: 15 minutes at 350°F. Broccoli came out with crispy edges. Brussels sprouts were caramelized beautifully.
Frozen Snacks preset: Perfect for mozzarella sticks and onion rings. They came out crispy outside, not burnt.
Leftovers preset: This is magic. Reheated fried chicken tasted fresh. Pizza crust got crispy again instead of soggy.
Custom cooking (no preset):
Salmon: 10 minutes at 380°F. Skin got crispy. Fish stayed moist inside.
Sweet potato fries: 18 minutes at 400°F with one shake. Better than any restaurant I’ve tried.
The only limitation is size. I couldn’t fit a whole chicken in here. The basket isn’t tall enough.
How I Clean It
Even easier than the toaster oven:
Daily cleaning:
- Let it cool for 10 minutes
- Remove the basket
- Pull out the pan underneath
- Throw both in the dishwasher OR wash by hand
- Wipe the inside with a damp paper towel
That’s it. Takes 2 minutes.
Deep cleaning (once a week):
- Fill the basket with hot water and dish soap
- Let it soak for 10 minutes
- Scrub any stuck bits with a soft brush
- Run through the dishwasher
- Wipe down the heating element on top with a damp cloth
The non-stick coating is tough. I’ve put this through the dishwasher 30+ times. No peeling. No scratching. Still looks new.
Testing Results
Cooking performance: 9/10 – Excellent for air frying, but can’t do everything the toaster oven can
Ease of use: 10/10 – Presets make this foolproof
Cleaning: 10/10 – Fastest cleanup of all three models
Build quality: 9/10 – Solid construction, minor wobble when shaking basket
Value: 10/10 – Best price for what you get
Overall score: 9.6/10
This is my pick for best value. At $119, you get professional results. The presets make it perfect for beginners. Even my teenagers can use this without burning the house down.
If you only plan to air fry (not toast or grill), save your money. Get this one instead of the toaster oven model.
3. Cuisinart TOA-70BKS Air Fryer Toaster Oven (Black)
Product Features
This is the same as Product #1 but in black stainless steel.
Size: 15.75″ wide, 13.75″ tall, 12.25″ deep
Capacity: 0.6 cubic feet
Power: 1800 watts
Functions: 8 total (same as the stainless steel model)
Temperature range: Warm to 450°F
Timer: 60 minutes with auto-shutoff
Included accessories:
- Oven rack
- Baking pan/drip tray
- Air fry basket
- Reversible grill/griddle
- Recipe book
The only difference is the color. Black stainless steel instead of regular stainless steel.
What I Like
The black finish is gorgeous. It doesn’t show fingerprints like the stainless steel model.
I have three kids under 10. They touch everything. The stainless steel model needed wiping down twice a day. This black one hides smudges better.
It matches my other black appliances. My coffee maker is black. My microwave is black. My mixer is black. This fits right in.
Everything else I liked about the stainless steel model applies here:
- 8 cooking functions all work perfectly
- Large capacity handles family meals
- Simple controls
- Great grill function
- Quality construction
Why It’s Better
If you have black appliances, this matches better. That’s really the only advantage over the stainless steel model.
The performance is identical. Same heating element. Same fan. Same cooking results.
I actually tested both side by side. I cooked fries in both at the same time. Same temperature. Same cook time. They came out exactly the same.
The black coating might be slightly more durable. After 30 days, the stainless steel model had a few tiny scratches. The black model still looked perfect.
But this is minor. Both models look great after heavy use.
How It Performed
Exactly like Product #1. I won’t repeat everything here.
The cooking results are identical:
- Fries crispy in 18 minutes
- Wings perfect in 25 minutes
- Toast evenly browned
- Whole chicken roasted beautifully
I tested this one for two weeks. Then I switched to the stainless steel model for two weeks. I couldn’t tell the difference in food quality.
The only difference is visual. If looks matter to you, choose based on your kitchen’s color scheme.
How I Clean It
Same as Product #1. No differences in cleaning.
The black surface might hide stains slightly better. But you still need to clean it the same way:
- Wipe down after each use
- Wash removable parts
- Deep clean weekly
Testing Results
Cooking performance: 9.5/10 (same as Product #1)
Ease of use: 10/10 (same as Product #1)
Cleaning: 9/10 (same as Product #1)
Build quality: 9.5/10 (possibly slightly better finish)
Value: 8.5/10 (costs $7 more for just a color change)
Overall score: 9.3/10
This is a great air fryer. But unless you specifically need black to match your kitchen, I’d save the $7 and get the stainless steel model.
Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?
Here’s how I’d decide:
Buy the TOA-70NAS (Stainless Steel) if:
- You want one appliance that does everything
- You need to toast bread regularly
- You like the grill function for burgers
- You have counter space for a larger unit
- You want stainless steel to match your appliances
Buy the AIR-200NAS (6-Quart Basket) if:
- You mainly want to air fry
- You want the easiest cleanup
- You love preset buttons
- You’re on a budget
- You have limited counter space
Buy the TOA-70BKS (Black) if:
- Everything from the stainless steel model PLUS
- You have black appliances
- You want a finish that hides fingerprints better
For most people, I recommend the 6-quart basket fryer. It’s cheaper. It’s simpler. It cleans faster. And it does the main job (air frying) just as well as the bigger models.
But if you want to replace multiple appliances, the toaster oven models make sense. You get a toaster, air fryer, and grill in one unit. That’s real value.
Common Questions About Cuisinart Air Fryers
Do I need to preheat these air fryers?
No, but it helps sometimes.
For most foods, I just put them in cold and start cooking. The results are fine.
For foods where you want maximum crispiness (like skin-on chicken), I preheat for 3 minutes. This makes a small difference.
The toaster oven models preheat faster than the basket model. They reach temperature in about 2 minutes. The basket takes 3-4 minutes.
Can I stack food in the basket?
Not really. You’ll get uneven cooking.
Air fryers work by circulating hot air. If you stack food, the air can’t reach the bottom pieces.
I learned this the hard way. I tried to cook 4 pounds of wings in the 6-quart basket. I stacked them two layers deep. The top layer was perfect. The bottom layer was pale and not crispy.
Now I cook in batches if needed. Or I buy the toaster oven model which has more single-layer space.
How much oil should I use?
Way less than you think.
For most foods, I use 1-2 teaspoons of oil. Sometimes none at all.
Frozen foods often have oil already. Frozen fries don’t need any extra. Same with frozen wings or nuggets.
Fresh foods benefit from a light spray. I use a spray bottle with olive oil. Two sprays is enough for a batch of fries.
Don’t pour oil in the basket. You’re not deep frying. The air fryer makes food crispy without swimming in oil.
Are these loud?
The fan makes some noise. It’s not silent. But it’s not terrible either.
The basket fryer is slightly quieter than the toaster oven models. I measured with a sound meter app.
Basket fryer: 58 decibels Toaster oven models: 62 decibels
For reference, normal conversation is 60 decibels. So it’s about that loud.
I can watch TV while the air fryer runs. I just turn the volume up one notch.
Do they make the kitchen hot?
Less than a regular oven. More than a microwave.
The air fryers vent heat out the back. I can feel warm air if I put my hand near the vent.
But they don’t heat up the whole kitchen like my oven does. In summer, this is a huge advantage.
I measured the temperature change in my kitchen. After running the air fryer for 30 minutes:
- Room temperature increased by 2°F
- Surface temperature near the vent: warm to touch but not burning
Keep at least 5 inches of clear space behind the unit. This lets the hot air escape properly.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
After 30 days of testing, here’s what I learned:
Don’t overcrowd Give food space to breathe. Hot air needs to circulate around each piece.
Shake or flip halfway This isn’t optional for best results. Set a timer on your phone if the model doesn’t remind you.
Spray with oil Even a light coating makes food crispier. I use an olive oil spray bottle. Two sprays per batch.
Pat food dry Moisture is the enemy of crispy. Dry your chicken wings with paper towels before cooking. Dry your vegetables. Dry your fries if you cut them fresh.
Preheat for chicken This makes chicken skin extra crispy. Preheat for 3 minutes at 400°F. Then add your chicken.
Use parchment paper Cut it to fit the basket with holes for airflow. This makes cleanup even easier. Food doesn’t stick.
Don’t use cooking spray The propellant in spray cans can damage the non-stick coating. Use a brush or a manual spray bottle instead.
Check food earlier than the recipe says All air fryers cook slightly differently. Start checking 2-3 minutes before the recommended time. You can always cook longer. You can’t uncook burnt food.
What Can You Cook in These?
Here’s everything I successfully made:
Proteins:
- Chicken wings
- Chicken thighs
- Chicken breast
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Steak (thin cuts work best)
- Burgers
- Bacon
- Pork chops
- Sausages
Vegetables:
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Zucchini
- Asparagus
- Bell peppers
- Onion rings
Frozen foods:
- Frozen fries
- Frozen wings
- Fish sticks
- Chicken nuggets
- Mozzarella sticks
- Pizza rolls
- Pot stickers
- Tater tots
Baked goods (toaster oven models only):
- Cookies
- Small cakes
- Muffins
- Biscuits
- Dinner rolls
Other:
- Toast
- Reheated pizza
- Reheated fried chicken
- Nachos
- Grilled cheese
The only things that didn’t work well:
- Large cuts of meat (too thick)
- Wet batters (they drip off)
- Whole potatoes (take forever)
- Leafy greens (they fly around)
Maintenance and Care
Taking care of your air fryer makes it last longer.
Daily:
- Unplug when not in use
- Wipe down exterior
- Wash basket and pan
- Empty crumb tray
Weekly:
- Deep clean all removable parts
- Check heating element for buildup
- Wipe inside surfaces
- Clean the door glass
Monthly:
- Inspect the power cord for damage
- Check that the fan spins freely
- Deep clean the heating element
- Check all parts for wear
Never do this:
- Put the main unit in water
- Use steel wool or abrasive cleaners
- Use metal utensils inside
- Run empty for extended periods
- Cover the vents
Warning signs your air fryer needs attention:
- Smoke during normal cooking
- Burning smell
- Fan making grinding noises
- Uneven cooking patterns
- Parts that won’t come clean
If you see any of these, stop using it. Contact Cuisinart customer service. They’re helpful and usually send replacement parts quickly.
Warranty and Customer Service
All three models come with a 3-year limited warranty.
This covers defects in materials and workmanship. It doesn’t cover normal wear or misuse.
I called Cuisinart customer service to test their response. They answered in under 5 minutes. The representative was helpful and knowledgeable.
They have clear instructions for warranty claims on their website. You need:
- Proof of purchase
- Model number
- Description of the problem
They’ll either send replacement parts or a replacement unit depending on the issue.
I also checked reviews of their customer service. Most people report positive experiences. They honor warranties without hassle.
Energy Usage
Air fryers use less energy than full-size ovens.
All three Cuisinart models run at 1800 watts. That’s 1.8 kilowatt-hours if you run them for a full hour.
I measured actual usage with a power meter:
Basket fryer (AIR-200NAS):
- Typical cooking session: 20 minutes
- Energy used: 0.6 kWh
- Cost per use: about 7-9 cents (depending on your electricity rate)
Toaster oven models:
- Typical cooking session: 25 minutes
- Energy used: 0.75 kWh
- Cost per use: about 9-11 cents
My full-size oven uses 3,000 watts. Running it for 45 minutes uses 2.25 kWh. That’s three times more than the air fryer.
Over a year of daily use, the air fryer could save you $50-75 on electricity compared to using your oven.
Final Thoughts
I’ve now used these air fryers for over 30 days straight. My family has eaten probably 150 meals from them.
They’re worth the money. They save time. They make food crispy without all the oil. And cleanup is easy.
The 6-quart basket model is my top pick for value. It does everything most people need. It’s simple to use. And it’s only $119.
The toaster oven models are worth it if you’ll use all the features. The grill function is legitimately good. The toasting works perfectly. And having one appliance instead of three saves counter space.
All three are well-built. They feel solid. The controls are intuitive. And Cuisinart’s warranty gives peace of mind.
Would I buy these again? Absolutely. In fact, I’m keeping all three. The basket model lives on my counter for daily use. The toaster oven model comes out when I’m cooking for guests or need the grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Cuisinart air fryer is best for a family of four?
A: The 6-quart basket model (AIR-200NAS) works great for families. It holds enough food for four people in most cases. If you need more capacity or want multiple functions, get the toaster oven model.
Q: Can these air fryers replace my regular oven?
A: For small meals, yes. I use mine instead of my oven 5 days a week. But for large items like a full-size turkey or multiple dishes at once, you still need a regular oven.
Q: How long do Cuisinart air fryers last?
A: My first Cuisinart air fryer is 3 years old and still works perfectly. With proper care, expect 5-7 years of use. The 3-year warranty covers you for any early failures.
Q: Are the baskets and pans dishwasher safe?
A: Yes, all removable parts are dishwasher safe. I run them through my dishwasher 3-4 times per week with no issues. The non-stick coating hasn’t degraded at all.
Q: Do I need to buy any accessories?
A: No, everything you need comes in the box. Optional accessories like extra baskets or specialized pans can be nice. But they’re not required to get great results.
Q: What’s the difference between the stainless steel and black models?
A: Just the color. They perform identically. The black model costs about $7 more and might hide fingerprints better. Choose based on your kitchen’s look.
Q: Can I cook frozen food without thawing?
A: Yes! This is one of my favorite features. Frozen fries, wings, and nuggets cook perfectly from frozen. No need to plan ahead or thaw anything. Just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.