3 Best Digital Air Fryers With Preset Programs You Need to Try in 2026
In 2025, choosing a digital air fryer with preset programs can simplify dinner without sacrificing quality, but with so many options, which one truly stands out? Whether you need a compact 4-quart model or a spacious 8-quart unit, understanding their features, such as touchscreen controls, multiple cooking modes, and safety functions, helps you make an informed decision. After all, the right appliance isn’t just about capacity; it’s about precision and convenience—traits you’ll want to explore further.
Oster Compact Air Fryer, 4-Quart Digital Airfryer
- 10-Preset Digital Functions: Bake, chicken wings, dehydrate, dessert, fish, french fries, meat, reheat, whole chicken,...
- Removable Viewing Window: Lets you monitor cooking process, and removes for easy cleaning.
Looking for an air fryer that is small but useful? The Oster Compact Air Fryer has a 4-quart size. It looks nice with a matte black finish and shiny chrome accents. The clear window on the front lets you see inside while cooking. The digital screen is easy to use and helps you check on your food easily.
This air fryer has 10 preset functions. You can bake, dehydrate, roast a whole chicken, and more. It makes cooking simple and saves time. It uses up to 99.5% less oil than old-style fryers. That means your food is healthier. The inside has a small LED light. There is also a 60-minute timer to help you cook better and more accurately.
This air fryer is good for small kitchens, busy people, or families. It fits well on most counters and offers many ways to cook food.
Here are some pros:
- It has 10 preset options for many kinds of food.
- The clear window and LED light help you watch your food while it cooks.
- It uses very little oil, making your meals healthier.
Some things to consider:
- It is small, so it might not work for big families or large meals.
- The digital buttons may take a little time to learn.
- The small size means you cannot cook very large or many dishes at once.
The Oster Compact Air Fryer is a handy tool for quick, healthy, and easy cooking. It is small enough to fit everywhere and has many options for different recipes.
Chefman 4 QT Air Fryer with Touchscreen Controls
- FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the...
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450°F...
The Chefman 4 QT Air Fryer with Touchscreen Controls is a good pick for small kitchens or small families. It has a compact 4-quart size and a sleek black look that doesn’t take up much space. Its slim design helps it fit easily on countertops. The basket and rack are nonstick and easy to clean in the dishwasher.
It’s simple to use. The digital touchscreen has four preset buttons to help you cook quickly. You can also change the time and temperature to suit your food. The air fryer heats up to 450°F with its Hi-Fry technology, which makes your food crispy with less oil. Safety features like automatic shutoff and shake alerts help you cook confidently.
This air fryer is best for people with small kitchens or small households who want an easy, space-saving way to make crispy, healthier meals.
Pros:
- Small design that fits in tight spaces.
- Easy-to-use touchscreen with preset options.
- Crispy results with little oil using 450°F Hi-Fry.
Cons:
- It might be too small for big families or big batches.
- It doesn’t have many extra cooking modes or accessories.
- Large or thick foods might not cook well due to the size.
Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, XL 8-Qt Family Size
- FRY UP YOUR FAVORITES: Enjoy faster, healthier cooking for popular deep fryer foods like French fries, corn dogs,...
- FOUR-IN-ONE COOKING: This touchscreen air fryer features four functions, including Air Fry, Bake, and Reheat. Our new...
The Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer has a big 8-quart basket. This size makes it great for families or small gatherings. You can cook enough food for 4 to 6 people at once. It uses 98% less oil than regular frying. That means you get crispy fries, veggies, or pizza without all the grease.
This air fryer is easy to use. It has touch buttons for different cooking options. You can also control the heat from 200°F to 400°F. That way, you cook your food just right. It also has safety features like an automatic shutoff and a shake reminder. These keep you safe and help your food turn out perfect.
This air fryer is good for busy families or anyone who wants quick, healthy food. It makes cooking simple and mess-free. Just set the controls, and it does the rest.
Pros:
- Large 8-quart basket for big meals
- Easy touch controls and temperature settings
- Safety features like shutoff and shake reminder
Cons:
- It’s big, so it might take up space on small counters
- Some people find the digital screen a little tricky at first
- Cleaning can take some time because of the big basket and tray
If you want fast, healthy, and tasty meals, this air fryer can be a helpful kitchen tool.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Digital Air Fryers With Preset Programs
When selecting a digital air fryer, it’s crucial to take into account the range of preset options, since more varieties can make daily cooking effortlessly versatile. You’ll also want to evaluate ease of use and the size of the cooking capacity—after all, a tiny unit may be cute but inadequate for family-sized meals. Finally, don’t overlook menu customization features and safety measures; ultimately, a device packed with smart features is only as good as the safety protocols in place.
Preset Variety Options
Choosing a digital air fryer with many preset programs can make cooking easier. Some models have only four presets, while others have more than ten. These presets can include baking, dehydrating, frying chicken wings, or cooking fish. Good presets have the right temperature and time set automatically. This helps you get consistent results every time. Having many options lets you try different foods and recipes. Some advanced air fryers let you change and save your own presets.
But think about what you will use most often. If most of your meals are simple and easy, many presets might not be necessary. Having a lot of presets you never use doesn’t help. So, pick a model with options that match your cooking style. This way, your air fryer is convenient and right for your needs.
Ease of Use
Using a digital air fryer can be easy if it has simple controls and clear settings. When choosing one, look for a model that has a user-friendly digital screen. Make sure the buttons or touch controls are easy to see and press. Clear labels on the preset programs help you pick the right setting quickly. Some air fryers have big touch screens that are simple to use and see. They can guide you through the cooking process better and make less mistakes.
Good preset programs will automatically set the right time and temperature. This makes cooking easier and helps you get good results every time. You don’t have to guess or change settings yourself. Visual signals like icons or small lights tell you what the air fryer is doing. You can see if it’s working, paused, or done. Some air fryers also shut off automatically when finished. Others give a shake reminder to help you turn food over. These features make using the air fryer simple and safe. They are perfect for beginners and everyone who wants easy cooking.
Cooking Capacity Size
Choosing the right size for your air fryer is important. It helps you cook enough food at once and makes sure it fits well on your counter. Air fryers come in different sizes, from 2 to 8 quarts or more.
If you cook for a family or have friends over, go for a bigger one, around 6 to 8 quarts. You can cook whole chickens or lots of food at once. If you live alone or with one person, a smaller air fryer, like 2 to 3 quarts, is better. It takes up less space and uses less energy.
Think about what you usually cook. Don’t pack the basket too full, because food needs room for hot air to move around. Overcrowding makes food cook unevenly.
Choose a size that matches your cooking needs and your space. This way, your kitchen stays neat, and your food turns out just right.
Menu Customization
Menu customization is an important feature when choosing a digital air fryer. It gives you control over how your food turns out. Many air fryers let you change the preset times and temperatures. This turns a regular appliance into a personal helper in the kitchen. Some models also let you save your favorite settings. This is helpful if you make the same dishes often. It saves you time and helps you get consistent results. Being able to create or change presets makes the air fryer more versatile. You can cook many different things, from crispy fries to delicate fish fillets. Touchscreen controls make it easy to adjust settings. Even beginners can use them without trouble. Good menu customization helps your meals turn out just right. It gives you confidence and makes cooking simple. No need to be a chef to get great results. Just like how your Wi-Fi can be easy to use at home, your air fryer should be easy to set up and customize.
Safety Features Included
Safety features are very important when you use an electric air fryer. Make sure the model has an automatic shutoff. This stops the fryer once your food is cooked so it doesn’t overheat or catch fire. Look for a strong lid or basket that locks in place. This stops it from opening by accident during cooking. Some fryers have alarms or alerts that notify you if the basket or door isn’t closed all the way. This adds extra safety. A cool-touch outer surface also helps prevent burns when you move or touch the fryer. Lastly, check if the appliance has safety approval from groups like ETL or UL. These certifications show the fryer meets safety rules. Good safety features make using your air fryer safer and more reliable. They help keep you and your family safe, even when you cook quickly or do many things at once.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning and caring for your digital air fryer is important but easy to forget. Keeping it clean helps it work well and last longer. Look for models with a nonstick inside. This kind of surface is scratch-resistant and easy to wipe clean. You won’t need a toothbrush or long scrubbing brushes.
Remove the baskets and trays and put them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. This makes cleaning quick and simple. Choose a machine with parts that are easy to get at and don’t have tiny spaces. Small cracks can trap food and make cleaning hard.
Some air fryers have built-in cleaning alerts or automatic shutoff. These help you clean the machine better and stay safe. Remember to wipe the control panel with a damp cloth regularly. This keeps the digital parts working properly. Dust and dirt are not good for your air fryer, so keep it clean and neat.
Price & Value
When you pick a digital air fryer with preset buttons, it’s helpful to think about the price and what value you get. Air fryers can cost from about $50 to $200. Cheaper models usually have fewer presets. They work well for basic tasks but don’t have many extra features. Higher-priced air fryers have more presets, longer warranties, and are built to last longer. They often give you better value if you cook a lot or want more options.
Look at your cooking needs. Do you really need 12 presets, or are 6 enough? Comparing the price, features, size, and brand can help you make a smart choice. Sometimes, paying a little more now means you’ll get a machine that lasts longer and works better. It’s better to invest in quality if you want it to be reliable and do more in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Preset Programs Customizable on These Digital Air Fryers?
Yes, on these digital air fryers, you can often customize preset programs. You have the flexibility to adjust temperature and time settings, allowing you to tailor cooking modes to suit your specific preferences and recipes.
How Energy-Efficient Are These Air Fryers With Preset Programs?
These air fryers are quite energy-efficient because preset programs optimize cooking times and temperatures, reducing energy consumption. You’ll notice quicker, more precise results, which help save electricity and make your cooking more eco-friendly.
Do Preset Programs Impact the Overall Longevity of the Device?
Preset programs don’t substantially impact your air fryer’s longevity if you use the device properly and follow manufacturer instructions. Regular maintenance and avoiding constant, prolonged use help guarantee the appliance stays durable over time.
Can These Air Fryers Be Used for Baking or Dehydrating?
Yes, you can use these air fryers for baking or dehydrating. They often come with versatile preset programs that make baking and dehydrating simple, allowing you to prepare a variety of foods quickly and efficiently.
Are Replacement Parts or Accessories Readily Available?
Yes, replacement parts and accessories are generally easy to find for most digital air fryers. You can check manufacturer websites, online retailers, or local stores to purchase spare parts, racks, or trays whenever needed.
Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.