Healthy Cooking with An Air Fryer with Dehydrator

Imagine crispy french fries and healthy dehydrated fruit snacks made in the same appliance. An air fryer with dehydrator makes this a reality. This kitchen appliance isn’t just a trend; it’s a game-changer. It combines two popular cooking methods into one compact device, expanding your culinary horizons.

This guide explores the benefits of owning an air fryer with a dehydrator. We’ll cover top models and delicious recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer user or a curious newbie, we've got something for you. Learn about versatile functionality, time and energy savings, as well as top models to choose from.

Jump to:

• Why Choose an Air Fryer with Dehydrator?
• Top Air Fryer with Dehydrator Models
• What Can You Make in an Air Fryer with Dehydrator?
• Tips for Using Your Air Fryer with Dehydrator
• FAQ's
• Conclusion

Why Choose an Air Fryer with Dehydrator?

An air fryer with a dehydrator saves countertop space and opens up new culinary possibilities. Enjoy healthy, homemade snacks without guilt, right from the air fryer basket. Experience the joy of creating various treats, from crispy fries to dehydrated fruit, all within one appliance.

Healthier Cooking

An air fryer's rapid air technology requires minimal oil, making fried foods healthier. Reducing oil helps maintain moisture and lowers calories compared to deep frying. Experience the satisfaction of enjoying your favorite fried treats with less guilt and fewer calories. Dehydrating food opens new avenues for preservation while ensuring fresh vegetables and fruits remain packed with vitamins and flavor.

Versatile Functionality

These appliances offer various cooking options, from fried chicken to veggie chips, thanks to their convection oven feature. Make beef jerky or dehydrated fruit. An air fryer oven combo with rotisserie, baking, roasting, and dehydrating capabilities provides ultimate versatility for any kitchen scale and cooking style. Imagine grilling, reheating, or dehydrating - all within one appliance.

Time and Energy Savings

Air frying and dehydrating are quicker than conventional methods. You’ll save valuable time and energy in the kitchen. These efficient methods will allow you more time to savor your meals instead of spending excessive hours over a burner cooktop.

Top Air Fryer with Dehydrator Models

Many models are available, but some stand out. Here are six options we recommend for your kitchen appliances collection. Consider the available features and your needs before buying one.

Best Overall

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

This Ninja AF101 Air Fryer offers an embedded dehydrating function. The dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easy. Enjoy the versatility of this 10-in-1 appliance.

Pros:

1. Versatile Cooking Options: The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer offers multiple cooking functions, including air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating, allowing for a wide variety of meal preparations.
2. Crispy Results: With its powerful fan and high heat, this air fryer delivers crispy and evenly cooked food without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
3. Easy to Use: The user-friendly controls and digital display make it simple to set cooking times and temperatures. Pre-programmed cooking functions take the guesswork out of meal preparation.
4. Compact Design: The compact size of the Ninja AF101 makes it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. Its sleek design allows it to fit easily on countertops or in cabinets when not in use.
5. Easy Cleanup: The removable basket and crisper plate are both non-stick and dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and hassle-free.
6. Durable Construction: The Ninja brand is known for its quality, and the AF101 is built to last, ensuring reliable performance over time.

Cons:

1. Limited Capacity: The 4-quart capacity may not be sufficient for larger families or for cooking multiple servings at once. Those who often entertain may find themselves needing to cook in batches.
2. Noise Level: Some users have noted that the Ninja AF101 can be somewhat noisy during operation due to the powerful fan. This might be a consideration for those sensitive to kitchen noise.
3. Learning Curve: While it’s easy to use, there may be a slight learning curve for new users as they adjust cooking times and temperatures for different recipes, particularly when air frying for the first time.
4. No Preheat Function: Unlike some higher-end models, the Ninja AF101 does not have a dedicated preheat function, which may require some users to manually adjust cooking times for optimal results.
5. Price Point: While generally considered affordable, it may still be a bit pricier than basic air fryers on the market, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers.

Also read: A Ninja Foodi XL 14-In-1 Review: Why I Cheated On My Old Air Fryer

Another Great Choice

Chefman ExacTemp™ 12 Quart 5-in-1 Air Fryer

This Chefman ExacTemp™ 12 Quart 5-in-1 Air Fryer delivers high-quality results with digital controls and a temperature probe. Overheat protection enhances safety. It's a great appliance for cooking everything from french fries to fresh vegetables. The nonstick griddle is great for some recipes. You also might find it is easy to use for a deep fryer alternative.

Pros:

1. Large Capacity: The 12-quart capacity is perfect for families or those who love to entertain, allowing you to cook multiple servings at once or prepare large meals with ease.
2. 5-in-1 Functionality: This versatile appliance can air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, and reheat, making it a multifunctional kitchen tool that can replace several other appliances.
3. Precise Temperature Control: The ExacTemp technology ensures accurate temperature control, allowing for consistent cooking results and reducing the chances of overcooking or undercooking your meals.
4. User-Friendly Interface: The digital touchscreen display is easy to navigate, with clearly labeled functions and presets for common foods, making it simple for anyone to use.
5. Easy to Clean: Many parts of the air fryer, including the cooking basket and tray, are non-stick and dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and convenient.
6. Healthier Cooking: The air fryer uses little to no oil, allowing you to enjoy crispy and delicious meals while reducing fat and calorie intake compared to traditional frying methods.

Cons:

1. Size and Weight: While the large capacity is a benefit, it also means the air fryer is bulky and may take up significant counter space. Its weight can also make it cumbersome to move or store.
2. Noise Level: Some users have reported that the air fryer can be relatively noisy during operation, which may be distracting in a quiet kitchen setting.
3. Learning Curve: With multiple functions and settings, there may be a slight learning curve for new users, particularly in understanding how to adjust cooking times and temperatures for different recipes.
4. Price Point: The Chefman ExacTemp may be on the higher end of the price spectrum compared to basic air fryers, which could deter budget-conscious shoppers.
5. Longer Cooking Times: Some users have noted that cooking times may be longer compared to traditional frying methods or even other air fryers, so you may need to plan accordingly.

Best Budget Option

GoWISE USA 7-Quart Air Fryer & Dehydrator

This GoWISE USA 7-Quart Air Fryer & Dehydrator cost-effective option combines air frying and dehydrating. Enjoy the benefits of two appliances in one without breaking the bank. It is a lighter model, perfect for space-saving storage.

Pros:

• Versatility: The combination of air frying and dehydrating functions allows for a wide range of cooking options, from crispy fries to homemade jerky.
• Ease of Use: The digital touchscreen simplifies operation, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced cooks.
• Healthier Cooking: Air frying requires significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, promoting healthier meal preparation.

Cons:

• Size: The 7-quart capacity may be bulky for kitchens with limited counter space.
• Learning Curve: Users may need time to adjust to cooking times and temperatures, especially when using the dehydrator function.

Best With a Toaster Oven

HOMCOM Air Fryer Toaster Oven

This HOMCOM Air Fryer Toaster Oven space-saving appliance combines a toaster oven with air frying, pizza-making, and reheating functions. Expand your recipe options and save counter space. Enjoy quick meal prep without multiple kitchen scales. It offers excellent temperature control and versatility across different cuisines.

This appliance is perfect for frozen foods, vegetables, and meats. Avoid heating the oven for smaller dishes. This appliance also helps maintain a comfortable kitchen temperature. Its versatility appeals to even the pickiest eaters.

Pros:

1. Versatile Cooking Functions: The HOMCOM Air Fryer Toaster Oven combines multiple cooking functions, allowing you to air fry, bake, toast, and broil. This versatility makes it suitable for preparing a wide range of meals and snacks.
2. Compact Design: Its compact size makes it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. Despite its smaller footprint, it still offers ample cooking capacity, making it a great option for smaller households or apartments.
3. User-Friendly Controls: The intuitive control panel and clear display make it easy to set cooking times and temperatures. Many models also feature presets for popular dishes, simplifying the cooking process.
4. Energy Efficient: Compared to traditional ovens, the HOMCOM Air Fryer Toaster Oven uses less energy and heats up quickly, making it a more efficient option for everyday cooking.
5. Healthier Cooking: The air frying function allows you to achieve crispy textures with minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.
6. Easy to Clean: Most parts, including the cooking rack and crumb tray, are removable and often dishwasher safe, making cleanup straightforward and hassle-free.

Cons:

1. Limited Capacity: While it can cook a decent amount of food for a small family, the capacity may not be sufficient for larger meals or bigger families, requiring you to cook in batches.
2. Noise Level: Some users report that the fan can be relatively loud during operation, which may be distracting in a quiet kitchen environment.
3. Learning Curve: New users might experience a learning curve as they adjust cooking times and temperatures for different recipes, especially when transitioning from a conventional oven.
4. Temperature Inconsistencies: A few users have noted that the temperature may not always be as consistent as a traditional oven, requiring some adjustments to get desired cooking results.
5. Bulky Design: Although compact compared to traditional ovens, the appliance can still be bulky for some countertop spaces, making storage a consideration for those with limited room.

Best With a Rotisserie Spit

Emeril Lagasse Power Air Fryer 360

This Emeril Lagasse Power Air Fryer 360 air fryer's rotisserie spit ensures evenly cooked food. It’s a great option for those who enjoy roasting. The open-air system retains food moisture, creating delicious textures. Try creating wonderful waffle maker treats or anything for Mother's Day with this air fryer. It's truly the best overall.

Best With French Doors:

Calphalon® Performance Countertop French Door Air Fryer Oven

This Calphalon® Performance Countertop French Door Air Fryer Oven features convenient French doors for easy viewing. Grill, reheat and dehydrate with ease. This versatile appliance allows for diverse cooking methods and is the ideal air fryer oven grill for all of your grill recipes. Make delicious sandwich maker recipes too.

Pros:

1. Spacious Capacity: The French door design provides a large cooking space, allowing you to prepare multiple dishes at once or cook larger items like whole chickens or multiple racks of vegetables.
2. Versatile Cooking Functions: This air fryer oven combines multiple cooking methods, including air frying, baking, roasting, broiling, and toasting, making it a multifunctional addition to your kitchen.
3. French Door Design: The convenient French door opening makes it easy to access your food without needing to reach over the hot surfaces. It also allows for a wider opening, making it easier to slide in larger dishes or pans.
4. Even Cooking: The Calphalon Performance Air Fryer Oven is designed to provide even heating and cooking results, thanks to its powerful heating elements and fan that circulates hot air effectively.
5. User-Friendly Controls: The digital control panel is intuitive and easy to use, with preset functions for popular dishes, simplifying the cooking process for users of all skill levels.
6. Durable Construction: Made with high-quality materials, this air fryer oven is built to last, ensuring reliable performance over time.

Cons:

1. Size and Weight: While the spacious interior is a benefit, the overall size and weight of the unit can be cumbersome for smaller kitchens, requiring ample counter space and potentially making it difficult to store.
2. Higher Price Point: The Calphalon Performance Air Fryer Oven tends to be on the pricier side compared to other countertop air fryers, which may not fit every budget.
3. Noise Level: Some users report that the fan can be a bit noisy during operation, which might be distracting, especially in quieter environments.
4. Learning Curve: Although the controls are user-friendly, there may still be a slight learning curve for those new to air frying or multifunction ovens, particularly in adjusting cooking times and temperatures.
5. Longer Cooking Times: Depending on the cooking method and food type, some users have noted that the cooking times can be longer than expected, particularly compared to traditional ovens.

What Can You Make in an Air Fryer with Dehydrator?

This appliance offers countless cooking possibilities, from frozen foods to homemade treats. Dehydrate summer vegetables to preserve flavor. Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started. Consider making tasty toaster recipes with this as well.

Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

Enjoy crispy french fries with less fat and grease compared to deep fryers. This classic dish air fries to fluffy perfection.

• Potatoes, cut into fries.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Salt and pepper.

1. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Place them in the air fryer basket.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Sweet and Spicy Beef Jerky

This homemade jerky is a perfect snack.

• Thinly sliced beef.
• Your favorite jerky marinade.

1. Marinate the beef overnight.
2. Arrange in single layers on the dehydrator trays.
3. Dehydrate at 160°F for 4-6 hours, ensuring optimal moisture and texture.

Crispy Dehydrated Apple Chips

These crunchy apple chips are a light and healthy treat that preserves the fruit's natural moisture. Enjoy this simple and healthy snack with no added sugars or excessive processing.

• Thinly sliced apples.
• Cinnamon (optional).

1. Toss apple slices with cinnamon, if desired.
2. Place in single layers on dehydrator trays.
3. Dehydrate at 135°F for 6-8 hours for perfect texture.

Check out some of these additional air fryer recipes: Recipes

Tips for Using Your Air Fryer with Dehydrator

These tips ensure optimal performance and easy cleanup for your appliance. Understand the nuances of timing, nonstick basket preparation, and the role of a nonstick coating in dehydrating.

• Preheat the Air Fryer - Preheating significantly reduces cooking time.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket - Overcrowding restricts airflow and increases cooking time, affecting the dish's quality.
• Shake or Flip Your Food - Use the shake reminder or flip manually for even cooking. Use the Maxx® accessories when preparing Maxx® recipes for better cooking results.
• Clean After Every Use - Regular cleaning prevents food buildup and ensures easy maintenance. Use baking paper for easier cleaning of nonstick baskets.

Conclusion

An air fryer with a dehydrator offers a healthy, enjoyable cooking experience. Air fry crispy treats and dehydrate fruits and vegetables without excess oil or fat. Dehydrator recipes further expand your cooking prowess. So, get to air frying foods in half the time! Happy air frying!