I didn't really want an air fryer, but DS#2 said they love theirs (family of 6), so I bought a full sized one that folds up to save counter space. Turned out it was too big for my kitchen counters anyway, so gave it to DS#1. Got a quite small one for myself - Instant Vortex Mini. It's big enough to do what I want and since there's only DH and me, it's just right. Got it from the big "A". It's fast and fun to use, and the basket goes in the dishwasher. It can air fry, bake, roast and reheat. Simple operation - just one knob and a few press-buttons.

Glad I decided to get it!

I hit up a Black Friday sale for my 2qt air fryer, about 4 years ago. It's large enough to put a burrito in & toast the top. Or toast the cheese on chili-fries. It just takes 45seconds to do most "toasting". Its easy to clean the cooking surface. I usually put foil in it on the tray. I like it!

i bought a little 2 qt air fryer but found it was way too small for my purposes so i gave it to my DIL. she uses it a lot for french fries for my grandson.

i got this one instead and i love it. very simple to use...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096N3FTZP?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

i almost always use the disposable liners which makes everything so much easier to clean.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP8WM9RN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

i eat a lot of chicken so i often fix a whole chicken in the air fryer and use it for sandwiches, salads, etc.

if you like salmon, you will LOVE it in the air fryer. super easy and oh so tasty!!

Littlebug, as you are pre-diabetic, I don’t think an air fryer is something you will find useful. They mostly get used for frying those foods like potato, crispy chicken, and the foods you are likely trying to limit. Look around at photos and you’ll see what I mean.

Nicole’s small Cooks one is offered at JC Penny for about $45, so you could try a small one. I bought a small one from a neighbor who got it at Aldi’s. Its in the back on a cupboard and I keep forgetting about it.

Potatoes, crispy chicken skin, french fries, crisped or reheated pizza slices….

I love these things, but I too am trying to avoid them.

I don't have one. I've just finally bought my first ever toaster oven that I love and use frequently. It has a convection feature that I use consistently - my built in oven has one too that I rarely bother with 😊

A neighbor whose wife has left him mentioned buying the Breville toaster oven like mine and wishing he'd bought one with an air frying feature, I bought him a Ninja brand - he's so helpful, talented, and does much for me. Automotive, electrical, finish carpentry - he can do it all,

He says he uses the Ninja frequently. I haven't used it so couldn't tell you what all the features are or its size but I paid approx $100 on sale and its seemed to have pleased him.

I was considering getting an air fryer for our second home, but everyone on here convinced me to get a Breville oven with an air fryer function instead. I have one in storage at our primary residence and had forgotten what a joy it was to cook in. (We used it when we were without an oven for 8 months due to construction on the gas line in our apartment building.) It is fantastic for all kinds of cooking and perfect size for two people. Well worth the expense.

All the ones shown so far are mostly plastic, I think? I bought one like that and had to return it. I could not stand the burning chemical fumes it put off. I know you said you dont want a toaster oven combo but that's what I bought. It's all stainless so no bad smell. I really like it but it is an air fryer/toaster oven/regular toaster. Mine is a basic model and was about 60 bucks at Walmart. We are happy with it. Black and Decker

Model #TO3217SS

All good points, @petalique! Of course I wouldn’t be doing french fries. The other day I bought frozen sweet potato fries; I baked them in my oven but they came out soggy and and that’s when I started thinking about an air fryer.

I’m interested in cooking veggies (we are fans of broccoli and cauliflower) and meats like boneless skinless chicken breasts.

All very helpful replies so far! Thanks.

Katlan mentioned her model before and when I went to look at Walmart online it was out of stock it is very popular.

You could cook eggplant slices. Roasted Brussels sprouts?

We have a Breville oven-toaster thing with air fryer capability. I never make toast in it, and seldom air fry. But we use it often to re-heat and crisp things. Great for reheating pizza slices, fried foods takeout (gulp); other things. I don’t think I’ve ever used it for baking or roasting a dinner or main meal. But I use it a fair amount.

It is huge, however. It has a dehydrating function, but we’ve never used that.

Mine is a Ninja Pro Air Oven. It does everything except clean itself. I've used it to roast a chicken and a beef roast, air fry veggies and french fries, broiled a steak, toast bread and bagel (separate settings). Haven't tried a pizza yet. I got rid of my toaster and smaller air fryer, because I use this every couple of days for something. It does many more things that I haven't tried (dehydrating, pizza, baking, etc.)

I have the Gourmia basket model 7/8 qt maybe? I chose it because Costco had it on sale once for $39. I liked it enough to buy one as a gift. It has an easy digital interface and it is easy to clean. The comparable model today on amazon is $80.

I can't really suggest any but I can tell you what not to buy. My husband bought a Cuisinart brand air fryer. It was an absolute beast to clean, so I rarely used it. Cleaned it one last time and put it in a trash bin on the corner. Half an hour later, I passed by and it was gone. It's somebody else's problem now. In general, I'm not a fan of appliances that take up counter space.

" I'm not a fan of appliances that take up counter space. "

Add my name to that list.

I have one. I like it, it does what it does well, but I don't use it often enough to allow it precious counter top real estate. I did, however, find a bit of floor room. It sits on a bread board, and when I want it, I remove the basket, making it lighter, and always use proper lifting techniques. It's not that heavy anyway.

I broke down and got an inexpensive air fryer a couple of years ago to see what all the fuss was about. It is so much better than the oven for home made fries and sweet potato fires, roasted potatoes, and super crispy crackling on a pork belly roast. I never had much success with these until I got the air fryer.

I just ordered a little Ninja Crispi from Costco. I dont need a big one. to be honest, I dont need any more appliances but so many people like them i want to try it.

Costco is $25 less than Amazon’s sale price, so i figured Id give it a try.