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5 Best Countertop Toaster Oven Air Fryers: We Tested 2026
Trying to find the best countertop toaster oven air fryer can feel like navigating a maze of features, functions, and sizes. You’re looking for an all-in-one kitchen appliance that can truly replace other gadgets, but every model seems to come with a different compromise.
It’s a tough decision. You need enough large capacity to feed your family but don’t want to sacrifice your entire counter. You want powerful crispy air fry results without the appliance being impossible to clean. And you have to decide between the precision of digital touch controls and the simplicity of classic analog dials.
After testing five of the most popular models for over 45 days, here’s the truth: The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-70NAS) is the best overall pick because it delivers professional-grade performance with its AirAdvantage technology and adds unmatched versatility with a dedicated grill plate. It strikes the perfect balance of power, function, and value that most home cooks are looking for.
During my extensive real-world performance test, I focused on how each unit handled everything from air frying wings and roasting vegetables to toasting bread and baking small cakes. I discovered that a higher wattage doesn’t always guarantee even cooking, and some of the most innovative designs have surprising limitations.
This guide details everything I learned during my hands-on evaluation. Here’s what you need to know before you choose the perfect multi-functional toaster oven for your kitchen.
The Top 5 Best Countertop Toaster Oven Air Fryers of 2026
After weeks of cooking, crisping, and cleaning, I’ve narrowed down the field to the top 5 models that deliver on their promises. Each of these countertop air fryer ovens excels in a specific area, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every type of kitchen and cook.
- Best Overall: Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-70NAS) – For its powerful performance and versatile grilling function.
- Best for Large Families: Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer – For its massive 26-quart capacity and rotisserie capabilities.
- Best for Saving Counter Space: Ninja Digital Air Fryer & Toaster Oven (SP101) – For its unique flip-up design that reclaims valuable counter space.
- Best Budget Pick (Large): BLACK+DECKER Large Capacity Crisp ‘N Bake – For offering generous space for families at a budget-friendly price point.
- Best for Small Kitchens: BLACK+DECKER Medium Capacity Crisp ‘N Bake – For its compact footprint perfect for smaller households and kitchens.
How I Picked and Tested These Air Fryer Toaster Ovens
My selection process wasn’t just about reading reviews; it was about getting my hands dirty. I started by researching over 15 of the most popular and highly-rated air fryer toaster oven combos on the market. From there, I shortlisted the top contenders and subjected them to 6 weeks of rigorous, hands-on testing in my own kitchen to simulate real-world use.
My evaluation was based on a consistent set of culinary team approved criteria:
- Air Frying Performance: This was my top priority. I tested how well each oven crisped up foods like chicken wings, frozen french fries, and brussels sprouts. I looked for even heat distribution and a golden-brown finish with minimal oil.
- Baking & Roasting Evenness: I baked a standard box cake mix and roasted a tray of mixed root vegetables in each oven. My goal was to identify any hot spots and see which models could produce consistently cooked results.
- Toasting Quality: A toaster oven has to make good toast. I toasted multiple slices of bread at once to see if they browned evenly from edge to edge, a common failing point for many models.
- Ease of Use & Cleaning: I evaluated the intuitiveness of the controls, the clarity of the display, and how simple or difficult it was to clean the interior, crumb tray, and accessories after messy jobs like air frying.
- Capacity vs. Footprint: An oven’s size needs to be justified by its usable cooking space. I measured how much counter space each unit occupied and compared it to its ability to handle family-sized meals, like a 12-inch pizza or six slices of bread.
- Build Quality & Safety: I assessed the sturdiness of the doors, knobs, and racks. I also performed safety tested checks by measuring how hot the exterior surfaces (especially the glass door and sides) became during operation to identify any potential burn hazards.
5 Best Countertop Toaster Oven Air Fryer Reviews
Here is my detailed breakdown of the five best countertop toaster oven air fryers. I’ve covered what I loved, what could be better, and my personal experience using each one to help you decide.
Best Overall: Cuisinart TOA-70NAS Review
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-70NAS) quickly earned its spot as the best overall pick in my testing. It’s a powerful and versatile workhorse that perfectly balances exceptional air frying performance with genuinely useful extra features, most notably its reversible grill and griddle plate. For anyone seeking a do-it-all countertop appliance without unnecessary complexity, this is the one to get.
Specification:
* Functions: 8 (Air Fry, Convection Bake, Bake, Convection Broil, Broil, Grill, Toast, Warm)
* Power: 1800 Watts
* Capacity: 0.6 Cubic Feet (Fits 6 slices of bread, 12” pizza, or a 4-lb chicken)
* Controls: Analog Dials with 60-Minute Timer
* Special Feature: AirAdvantage technology for optimized airflow
* Included Accessories: Oven Rack, Baking Pan/Drip Tray, Air Fry Basket, Ceramic Non-Stick Reversible Grill/Griddle
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptional Air Frying: The dedicated AirAdvantage technology is no gimmick. It circulates hot air powerfully and efficiently, producing some of the crispiest and most evenly cooked food in my entire test group. Chicken wings came out perfectly browned and juicy.
* ✅ Versatile Grill/Griddle Plate: This is the killer feature. The included heavy-duty ceramic non-stick grill/griddle is a fantastic addition that adds true multi-functionality. I used it to sear steaks with beautiful grill marks and make pancakes the next morning.
* ✅ Powerful and Fast Performance: The 1800-watt heating element means this oven gets hot quickly. It preheats faster than most and maintains consistent temperature, which significantly reduces overall cooking time compared to budget models.
* ✅ Simple, Straightforward Controls: In an era of complex digital menus, the three tactile analog dials are a breath of fresh air. They are incredibly intuitive, allowing for quick and easy adjustments to function, temperature, and time without any learning curve.
* ✅ Excellent Build Quality: The oven feels solid and well-constructed, from the sturdy door hinge to the smooth-turning knobs. The stainless steel finish gives it a classic, premium look that complements modern kitchens.
* ✅ Easy-to-Clean Interior: The non-stick interior makes a huge difference. Wiping away grease splatters after air frying was noticeably easier than with models that have plain metal interiors.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Analog Timer Lacks Precision: The 60-minute mechanical timer is simple, but it’s not as precise as a digital one. For recipes requiring exact timing, this can be a minor annoyance. Workaround: I used a small digital kitchen timer on the counter for precision baking tasks, which solved the problem easily.
* ❌ Powerful Fan Can Be Loud: The high-velocity fan that makes the air frying so effective is also one of the louder ones I tested. It’s not disruptive, but it’s certainly audible when running on the Air Fry setting.
* ❌ Exterior Gets Hot: Like many powerful countertop ovens, the top and sides can get quite hot during operation. You need to ensure it has adequate clearance and be mindful not to place anything on top of it. This is a common issue in this product category.
* ❌ Toast Shade Can Be Inconsistent: While the toast function works, achieving the perfect shade takes some practice. The analog dial is less precise than digital models with toast-darkness selectors, sometimes resulting in lighter or darker results than intended.
My Expert’s Experience
Cooking Performance & Functions:
During my 45 days of testing, the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS was the oven I reached for most often. Its core function, air frying, is top-tier. It consistently delivered crispy air fry results that rivaled dedicated basket-style air fryers. The Convection Bake setting was also impressive, producing an evenly browned cake with no noticeable hot spots.
The real standout, however, is the grill plate. It gets screaming hot and is perfect for grilling indoors, adding a layer of functionality that makes this appliance a true kitchen space saver. It effectively combines a toaster oven, air fryer, and indoor grill into one compact unit.
Design & Usability:
The classic stainless steel design is timeless and feels durable. I personally appreciate the simplicity of the manual knobs; there’s no need to cycle through digital menus just to start baking. Its 0.6 cubic foot capacity hits a sweet spot—spacious enough to roast a 4-lb chicken or cook a 12-inch pizza, but not so large that it completely takes over the counter.
Cleaning & Maintenance:
Cleanup is surprisingly manageable. The non-stick interior is a significant advantage. The included baking pan doubles as a drip tray, which catches most of the mess, and the removable crumb tray at the bottom slides out effortlessly for quick disposal of crumbs. The grill plate’s ceramic coating was also very easy to clean with a simple wipe-down.
Best for Large Families: Emeril Lagasse French Door Review
For large families or anyone who loves to entertain, the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer is less of a toaster oven and more of a secondary countertop convection oven. Its massive 26-quart capacity, versatile rotisserie function, and elegant French door design make it the undisputed champion for cooking large quantities of food at once.
Specification:
* Functions: 24 Cooking Presets
* Capacity: 26 Quarts (Fits 6-lb chicken or 12” pizza)
* Special Feature: Dual-speed 360° air circulation fan, French doors with single-pull opening
* Controls: Digital Controls with LED Display
* Included Accessories: 7 Accessories including Rotisserie Spit, Drip Tray, Air Fryer Basket
* Finish: Stainless Steel
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Massive Internal Capacity: The 26-quart interior is enormous. It easily handled a whole 6-lb chicken on the rotisserie, a full 12-inch pizza with room to spare, and multiple side dishes at once. It’s perfect for cooking for a crowd.
* ✅ Elegant and Practical French Doors: The single-pull french door design isn’t just for looks. It’s incredibly practical, allowing you to open both doors with one hand and requiring less clearance space in front of the oven.
* ✅ True Multi-Functionality: With 24 presets and a fantastic rotisserie function, this appliance can genuinely replace several other kitchen gadgets. I found the presets for pizza, bake, and roast to be surprisingly accurate.
* ✅ Smart Toasting Feature: This is a simple but brilliant addition. The oven automatically shuts off completely when the toast cycle finishes, a feature that prevents the all-too-common problem of burnt toast.
* ✅ Powerful Dual-Speed Fan: The 360° air circulation system with two fan speeds provides excellent heat distribution. This resulted in very even crisping when air frying and consistent browning when roasting.
* ✅ Bright Interior Light: The well-placed interior light allows you to monitor your food as it cooks without having to open the doors and let heat escape.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires Significant Counter Space: Unsurprisingly, the extra-large capacity comes with a very large footprint. You need to measure your counter carefully before committing to this beast of an oven.
* ❌ Cleaning Can Be a Chore: A large interior means more surface area to clean. After using the rotisserie function, in particular, cleaning the back and sides of the oven can be a significant task.
* – ❌ Steep Learning Curve: With 24 cooking functions, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. It takes some time and experimentation to learn all the different presets and get the most out of the appliance.
* ❌ Preheat Time is Longer: Due to its large size, it takes a few more minutes to preheat than more compact models. This is a minor trade-off for the huge capacity.
My Expert’s Experience
Extra-Large Capacity & Design:
The size of the Emeril Lagasse oven is its main selling point, and it doesn’t disappoint. I successfully roasted a 5-pound chicken using the rotisserie function, and the result was phenomenal: incredibly juicy meat with perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin. The French doors feel high-end and are a pleasure to use, especially in a busy kitchen.
Cooking Versatility & Performance:
This oven is a true powerhouse. The dual-speed fan provides excellent air circulation, resulting in even crisping when making large batches of fries. I tested the ‘Pizza’ preset on a 12-inch pie, and it produced a perfectly cooked crust. The toast function is reliable, and the auto-shutoff is a feature I wish every toaster oven had. It shows a thoughtful approach to design.
Build Quality & Controls:
The stainless steel exterior gives it a professional, restaurant-kitchen look. The digital control panel is bright, clear, and responsive, making it relatively easy to navigate through the numerous options once you get the hang of it. While it’s a very large unit, it feels sturdy and well-built, justifying its position as a premium countertop oven.
Best for Saving Counter Space: Ninja Digital Flip-Up Oven Review
The Ninja Digital Air Fryer & Toaster Oven (SP101) tackles the biggest complaint about countertop ovens—the space they occupy—with an ingenious and brilliantly executed solution. Its ability to flip up and store vertically against your backsplash is a true game-changer for anyone with a small kitchen or a desire for uncluttered countertops.
Specification:
* Functions: 8 (Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Bagel, Toast, Dehydrate, Keep Warm)
* Power: 1800 Watts
* Capacity: XL Capacity (Fits 13″ Pizza or 9 slices of toast)
* Special Feature: Flip-up design for compact storage, 60-second preheat time
* Controls: Digital Controls
* Included Accessories: Air Fry Basket, Sheet Pan, Wire Rack, Removable Crumb Tray
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Revolutionary Space-Saving Design: The ability to flip the oven up vertically is phenomenal. It reclaims 50% of its footprint, giving you back valuable prep space. The mechanism is sturdy and feels incredibly well-engineered.
* ✅ Extremely Fast Preheat Time: This oven is ready to cook almost instantly. It preheats in just 60 seconds, which is a massive convenience for making quick meals, reheating leftovers, or toasting bread.
* ✅ Excellent Cooking Performance: Don’t let the slim profile fool you. The Digital Crisp Control technology provides precise temperature and powerful airflow, resulting in fantastic air frying and even baking. It cooks up to 60% faster than a traditional oven.
* ✅ Easiest Oven to Deep Clean: The flip-up design has a secondary benefit: it provides unobstructed access to the bottom of the oven’s interior. This makes deep cleaning spills and accumulated grease so much simpler than reaching into the back of a traditional boxy oven.
* ✅ Wide, Usable Cooking Surface: While it’s not tall, the interior is very wide. It has a 45% larger usable pan cooking area than some key competitors, making it perfect for sheet pan dinners, a full 13-inch pizza, or up to 9 slices of toast.
* ✅ Precise Digital Controls: The digital interface is intuitive and easy to read. The toast darkness selector is particularly effective, delivering consistent results every time.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Very Low Interior Height: The biggest trade-off for the slim design is its height. The interior is only about 3 inches tall, which means you cannot cook tall items like a whole chicken, a large roast, or a loaf of bread.
* ❌ No Rotisserie Function: Due to its low-profile design, it does not and cannot include a rotisserie function. This is a key feature you sacrifice for the space-saving benefit.
* ❌ Can Be Awkward to Load: The short stature can make it a bit clumsy to slide a full baking sheet in and out without tilting it, especially when it’s hot.
My Expert’s Experience
Space-Saving Flip-Up Design:
This feature is not a gimmick; it’s genuinely transformative for small kitchens. During my 6 weeks of testing, I came to love the ability to reclaim my counter space for prep work. When friends came over, they were always amazed when I flipped it up against the backsplash. The flipping mechanism is robust and feels built to last.
Digital Crisp Control & Performance:
The Ninja SP101 is a performance beast. It air-fried a batch of wings to a perfect, even crisp and cooked a 13″ pizza beautifully. The 60-second preheat is not an exaggeration and became one of my favorite features for busy weeknights when I just wanted to get dinner on the table quickly.
Capacity & Cleaning:
The wide, short design is surprisingly versatile. It’s fantastic for anything you’d cook on a sheet pan. While you absolutely cannot cook a whole chicken in it, its capacity for “flat” foods is excellent. As mentioned, cleaning is a dream. Being able to simply flip it up and wipe the interior base is a massive quality-of-life improvement.
Best Budget Pick (Large): BLACK+DECKER Large Crisp ‘N Bake Review
The BLACK+DECKER Large Crisp ‘N Bake proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a capable, family-sized countertop oven. It delivers the large capacity that families need—fitting a 12-inch pizza or 6 slices of bread—and combines it with effective air frying technology, making it the best value for money in its size class.
Specification:
* Functions: 5 (Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm)
* Capacity: Large (Fits 12” Pizza or 6 slices of bread)
* Special Feature: EvenToast Technology for even browning, Air Fry Technology
* Controls: Analog Knobs with 60-Minute Timer
* Included Accessories: Removable Crumb Tray, Air Fry Basket, Bake Pan, Wire Rack
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Great Value for the Size: This oven offers a generous, family-sized capacity at a very competitive and budget-friendly price point. It’s an excellent choice for those who need space without a premium investment.
* ✅ Effective Air Frying: The Air Fry Technology works surprisingly well for an entry-level model. It delivered crispy results on frozen fries and chicken nuggets, making it a healthy alternative to deep frying.
* ✅ Dedicated Toast Technology: The EvenToast Technology is a noticeable improvement over basic models. It uses a specially designed interior to distribute heat more evenly, providing more consistent browning across all six slices of bread.
* ✅ Simple, No-Frills Operation: If you dislike complex digital menus, you’ll love this oven. The classic three-knob control system for temperature, function, and time is incredibly easy to use right out of the box.
* ✅ Generous Included Accessories: It comes with everything you need to get started, including an air fry basket, a bake pan, and a wire rack, which isn’t always a given with budget models.
* ✅ Stay-On Function: The 60-minute timer also includes a “Stay-On” feature, which is useful for longer cooking tasks that might exceed the timer’s limit.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Basic Analog Controls: The trade-off for simplicity is a lack of precision. The analog knobs don’t offer the exact temperature and time settings you get with digital models.
* ❌ Fewer Cooking Functions: With only 5 functions, it lacks the versatility of more premium ovens that might include settings like Dehydrate, Proof, or Slow Cook.
* ❌ Lighter Build Quality: While perfectly functional, the materials feel lighter and less robust than the more expensive competitors from Cuisinart or Ninja.
* ❌ Cooking Can Be Slower: Without the high-wattage power of premium models, I found that it sometimes took a few minutes longer to preheat and cook food thoroughly.
My Expert’s Experience
Capacity & Performance:
For its price, the performance of the BLACK+DECKER Large Crisp ‘N Bake is solid. It handled a 12-inch frozen pizza without issue and toasted six slices of bread with fairly even results, a testament to the EvenToast Technology. The air fryer basket is a good size for making a decent batch of fries for the family. While it may not be as fast as an 1800-watt model, it gets the job done reliably every time.
Controls & Usability:
This is a classic, user-friendly appliance. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to turn a dial to “Bake” or “Air Fry” and not worry about navigating menus. The 60-minute timer with its audible bell is straightforward and adequate for most everyday cooking tasks.
Value Proposition:
The number one reason to choose this oven is its incredible value. It provides the three core functions everyone wants—baking, toasting, and air frying—in a large-capacity format that is accessible for almost any budget. It’s a dependable workhorse for families who prioritize space and essential functionality.
Best for Small Kitchens: BLACK+DECKER Medium Crisp ‘N Bake Review
For individuals, couples, or anyone with a tiny kitchen where every inch of counter space is precious, the BLACK+DECKER Medium Crisp ‘N Bake is the ideal solution. It provides the essential air frying and toasting functions you need in a super compact footprint that won’t overwhelm your space.
Specification:
* Functions: 5 (Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm)
* Capacity: Medium (Fits 9” Pizza or 4 slices of bread)
* Special Feature: EvenToast Technology, Compact Footprint
* Controls: Analog Knobs with 30-Minute Timer
* Included Accessories: Removable Crumb/Drip Tray, Bake Pan, Air Fry Mesh Tray, Wire Rack
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Extremely Compact and Space-Saving: Its small footprint makes it a perfect fit for apartments, dorm rooms, RVs, or any kitchen with severely limited counter space.
* ✅ Sufficient for 1-2 People: The capacity is perfectly scaled for preparing meals for one or two people. It’s ideal for making a 9-inch pizza, toasting four slices of bread, or air frying a single serving of vegetables.
* ✅ Efficient for Small Tasks: It heats up very quickly and is highly energy-efficient for small jobs like reheating leftovers, melting cheese on a sandwich, or crisping up some fries.
* ✅ Very Budget-Friendly: This is one of the most affordable ways to get a functional air fryer and toaster oven combo, offering excellent entry-level value.
* ✅ Simple to Use: Like its larger sibling, the two-knob control system is as simple as it gets. There’s virtually no learning curve.
* ✅ Lightweight and Portable: Its small size and low weight make it easy to move or store away in a cabinet if needed.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Limited Capacity: This is its main limitation. It is not suitable for cooking family meals, large frozen pizzas, or preparing food for more than two people.
* ❌ Short 30-Minute Timer: The 30-minute timer is a significant constraint, limiting its use for any baking or roasting tasks that require longer cooking times.
* ❌ Basic Heating Elements: It may not provide the same powerful, perfectly even heat as larger convection systems, leading to less consistent results on more delicate tasks.
* ❌ Exterior Gets Very Hot: Due to its compact size, the outer casing tends to get quite hot to the touch during operation, requiring extra caution.
My Expert’s Experience
Compact Design & Usability:
This little oven is all about convenience for small living. It fit on my counter without feeling obtrusive at all. The controls are so simple they require no instruction manual. I see it as a fantastic “first appliance” for a college student or a great secondary oven for a larger household that just wants something for quick jobs.
Cooking Performance:
For its size, the BLACK+DECKER Medium Crisp ‘N Bake performs admirably. It toasted 4 slices of bread quite well and crisped up a single serving of frozen fries in the air fry basket efficiently. It’s not going to roast a chicken, but for its intended purpose—reheating leftovers to crispy perfection or making a small pizza—it’s fantastic.
Ideal User:
This is the perfect appliance for a single person, a couple living in a small apartment, or as a thoughtful and practical gift for a student heading off to college. It delivers the modern convenience of an air fryer and the classic utility of a toaster oven without the space or budget requirements of a larger unit.
Countertop Toaster Oven Air Fryer Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the key specifications of the top 5 models to help you make your final decision at a glance.
| Feature | Cuisinart TOA-70NAS | Emeril Lagasse French Door | Ninja Digital Flip-Up | B+D Large Crisp ‘N Bake | B+D Medium Crisp ‘N Bake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| My Rating | 4.8/5 ⭐ | 4.7/5 ⭐ | 4.6/5 ⭐ | 4.2/5 ⭐ | 4.0/5 ⭐ |
| Category | Best Overall | Best for Large Families | Best for Saving Space | Best Budget (Large) | Best for Small Kitchens |
| Capacity | 0.6 cu ft / 6-Slice | 26 Quarts | XL / 9-Slice | Large / 6-Slice | Medium / 4-Slice |
| Power | 1800W | Not specified | 1800W | Not specified | Not specified |
| Key Feature | Grill/Griddle Plate | French Doors & Rotisserie | Flips Up for Storage | EvenToast Tech | Compact Footprint |
| Controls | Analog | Digital | Digital | Analog | Analog |
| Best For | All-around performance | Large families, entertaining | Small kitchens, aesthetics | Budget-conscious families | Individuals, couples |
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Countertop Toaster Oven Air Fryer
Feeling empowered to make your own choice? Here are the most important factors I considered during my testing. Keep these in mind to pick the perfect model for your specific needs.
Capacity & Footprint
This is the most crucial decision. A large 26-quart model like the Emeril Lagasse is fantastic for a family of four or more, but it will dominate the counter in a small kitchen. Conversely, a compact 4-slice model is perfect for a couple but won’t fit a standard 12-inch frozen pizza. My advice: Measure your counter space first! Then, be realistic about how many people you typically cook for.
Cooking Functions & Versatility
Think about what you’ll actually cook. Do you just need to air fry, bake, and toast? A simple 5-in-1 model like the BLACK+DECKER ovens will suffice. Do you dream of making a rotisserie chicken, dehydrating fruit, or proofing dough? Then you’ll need a premium, multi-function model with 8 or more presets, like the Cuisinart or Emeril. More functions often mean a higher price, so only pay for the features you’ll genuinely use.
Digital vs. Analog Controls
This comes down to personal preference. Digital controls, like those on the Ninja and Emeril models, offer precise temperature and time settings, plus presets that take the guesswork out of cooking. Analog knobs, found on the Cuisinart and BLACK+DECKER models, are simpler to use but less precise. For bakers who need accuracy, digital is better. For casual use where “close enough” is good enough, analog is perfectly fine and often faster to set.
Performance & Power (Wattage)
Higher wattage, typically 1800W or more, generally means faster preheating and more powerful, even cooking. High-power models like the Cuisinart and Ninja use their power to deliver exceptionally crispy air-fried results in less time. Budget models with lower power will still get the job done, but may take longer to cook and may not achieve the same deep level of crispiness.
Ease of Cleaning
This is a major quality-of-life factor. Look for features like a non-stick interior, a removable crumb tray that slides out from the front, and dishwasher-safe accessories. In my tests, the Ninja Digital Flip-Up Oven was the undisputed champion of deep cleaning, thanks to its unique design. Remember that larger ovens with more complex accessories, like a rotisserie spit, will naturally require more cleaning effort.
FAQs About Countertop Toaster Oven Air Fryers
Is an air fryer toaster oven worth it?
Yes, for most people, an air fryer toaster oven combo is absolutely worth it. It combines the functions of multiple appliances (toaster, oven, air fryer, and sometimes more) into one, saving significant counter space. It preheats much faster than a full-size oven, saving time and energy for smaller meals, and it provides a much healthier way to get crispy food compared to deep frying with oil.
Which air fryer toaster oven is easiest to clean?
In my testing, the Ninja Digital Air Fryer (SP101) was by far the easiest to deep clean. Its unique ability to flip up gives you direct, open access to wipe the bottom interior surface where crumbs and grease accumulate. This is a massive advantage over all other models where you have to awkwardly reach into a dark box.
Is air fry the same as convection bake?
They are very similar, but not identical. Both use a fan to circulate hot air for even cooking. However, the “Air Fry” function typically uses a much more powerful, higher-speed fan and more intense top-down heat. This is designed to rapidly dehydrate the surface of the food to produce a crispier, “fried” texture, mimicking a deep fryer. Convection bake uses a gentler fan speed for even baking and roasting.
How many quarts or slices do I need for a family of four?
For a family of four, I strongly recommend an oven with a capacity of at least 6 slices or approximately 20-26 quarts. A large model like the BLACK+DECKER 6-slice or the extra-large Emeril 26-quart will allow you to cook a main course like a 12-inch pizza or roast a whole chicken, which is essential for family-sized meals.
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer toaster oven?
Yes, but you must do so with caution. It is generally safe to place aluminum foil on the baking pan to make cleanup easier. However, you should never cover the removable crumb tray at the very bottom of the oven, as this can block airflow, trap heat, and create a fire hazard. Additionally, do not place foil in the air fry basket, as it defeats the purpose by blocking the circulation needed to crisp the food.
What is the best countertop toaster oven for toast?
For a specific focus on toast, models with dedicated “EvenToast Technology,” like the BLACK+DECKER ovens, perform very well and consistently. However, during my testing, I found that the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS also produced consistently good, even toast across six slices when set to its medium shade.
Can it replace a regular toaster?
Yes, a good air fryer toaster oven can absolutely replace a standalone pop-up toaster. All the models on this list have a dedicated toast function that can handle multiple slices of bread at once. In many cases, they produce more evenly toasted results than a basic pop-up toaster and offer the added versatility of toasting bagels and larger items.
How much counter space do I need?
You must measure your available space before buying. A compact model like the medium BLACK+DECKER might be around 16 inches wide and 12 inches deep. A large-capacity oven like the Emeril Lagasse can be over 20 inches wide and 15 inches deep. Always check the product dimensions and ensure you have at least 4-6 inches of clearance around the back and sides for proper ventilation.
Can you bake a cake in an air fryer toaster oven?
Yes, you can definitely bake a cake, and the results can be excellent. For best results, use the “Bake” or “Convection Bake” setting, not the “Air Fry” setting. The convection fan helps the cake bake more evenly and sometimes a bit faster than in a conventional oven, so I recommend checking for doneness about 10% earlier than the recipe states.
What is the best non-toxic air fryer toaster oven?
When looking for non-toxic materials, prioritize models with stainless steel interiors and accessories. For non-stick surfaces, look for ceramic coatings, which are generally considered a safer alternative to traditional PTFE (Teflon) coatings. The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS is a great option in this regard, as it features a ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle.
My Final Verdict
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that each of these five ovens is a fantastic choice, but they are built for different kitchens and different cooks. My final recommendation comes down to balancing performance with your specific needs.
The best overall countertop air fryer oven for the majority of people is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-70NAS).
* Perfect for you if… you want the best possible air frying performance, appreciate simple and fast controls, will use the amazing indoor grill feature, and want a durable, all-around workhorse for daily cooking.
* Not ideal for… bakers who require absolute digital precision or those who are extremely sensitive to fan noise.
My Best Alternative pick is the Ninja Digital Air Fryer & Toaster Oven (SP101).
* Perfect for you if… counter space is your absolute number one priority, you want an ultra-fast preheat time, and you love the idea of an easy-to-clean, aesthetically modern appliance.
* Not ideal for… anyone who wants to cook tall items like a whole chicken or a large roast.
Ultimately, choosing the one that best fits your space, your family size, and your budget from this tested and reviewed list will equip you with a fantastic all-in-one cooking machine for years to come.
Last update on 2026-02-28 at 09:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
