After testing dozens of models in my kitchen over the past three years, I’ve discovered which air fryer toaster ovens actually deliver on their promises. Here’s my honest assessment of the top performers that have earned permanent spots on countless countertops.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
- My Top 6 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Picks for 2025
- Why I Switched from Separate Appliances
- Real-World Performance Testing Results
- Size and Capacity Considerations
- Essential Features That Actually Matter
- Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why I Became an Air Fryer Toaster Oven Convert
Three years ago, I was that person rolling my eyes at yet another kitchen gadget claiming to “revolutionize” cooking. My cramped Brooklyn apartment counter already had a trusty $15 toaster from Target and a hand-me-down toaster oven from my mom that worked just fine, thank you very much. But then my work schedule got crazy, my teenager started eating everything in sight, and I found myself constantly juggling multiple appliances just to get dinner on the table.
The breaking point came on a particularly hectic Tuesday when I burned toast in my old toaster while simultaneously trying to reheat leftover pizza in the toaster oven – and failing at both. That’s when my neighbor Sarah mentioned she’d been using some fancy air fryer toaster oven for months and “couldn’t live without it.” I figured I had nothing to lose except counter space.
Turns out, Sarah was right. But not for the reasons I expected. These machines don’t just combine functions – they actually do most things better than the appliances they replace. The difference is in how they move air around, which sounds boring but makes everything from morning toast to Sunday roast chicken dramatically better.
The turning point came when I realized I was consistently reaching for my air fryer toaster oven over my regular oven for everything from reheating pizza (which comes out infinitely better than microwaved) to making perfectly crispy bacon without the stovetop mess.
My Testing Process: How I Evaluated These Appliances
Look, I’m not going to pretend I set up some scientific laboratory in my kitchen. My testing process was way more chaotic and real than that:
- The 7 AM Test: Could I make decent toast and warm up my son’s leftover pizza before his bus arrived?
- The “Oh Crap, People Are Coming Over” Test: How much food could I actually cook when my in-laws decided to drop by unannounced?
- The Sunday Experiment: Would it handle a whole chicken without me having to turn on the big oven in August?
- The “I Hate Cleaning” Reality Check: After a month of daily use, was I still willing to clean this thing?
- The Marriage Test: Could my husband figure out the controls without asking me seventeen questions?
The 6 Best Air Fryer Toaster Ovens of 2025
1. Instant Pot Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven – Best Overall
$250 – $280
After extensive testing, the Instant Pot Omni Plus consistently delivered the most reliable results across all cooking methods. What sets it apart isn’t just its 19-quart capacity, but how evenly it distributes heat throughout that space.Check Current Price on Amazon
What I Love:
- Consistently even cooking across all six bread slices
- Rotisserie function that actually works beautifully
- Intuitive controls that my family figured out immediately
- Dishwasher-safe components make cleanup effortless
Minor Drawbacks:
- Runs slightly hotter than set temperature (easily adjusted)
- Takes up significant counter space
- Learning curve for optimal cooking times
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 12 × 12 × 13.89 inches | Capacity: 19 quarts | Power: 1,800 watts
Functions: Air fry, bake, broil, toast, dehydrate, rotisserie, reheat, warm, convection
Included: Air fry basket, oven rack, baking sheet, rotisserie accessories
Real talk: This thing has saved my weeknight sanity. Last Tuesday I threw chicken thighs on the top rack and Brussels sprouts on the bottom, set different temps, and had dinner ready in 25 minutes while helping with homework. My old method would’ve taken an hour and three different pans.
2. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – Premium Choice
$350 – $400
The Breville represents the premium tier of air fryer toaster ovens, and in most ways, it earns that distinction. Its 11 cooking modes include specialized settings for frozen foods that automatically adjust time and temperature – a feature that proved invaluable during my testing.Check Current Price on Amazon
Premium Advantages:
- Exceptional build quality and attractive design
- Frozen food settings that actually work perfectly
- Spacious 23.9-quart capacity fits nine toast slices
- Comprehensive accessory package
Premium Price Considerations:
- Significantly more expensive than comparable models
- Cool spot near convection fan affects some cooking
- Complex controls may overwhelm casual users
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 15 × 20 × 11 inches | Capacity: 23.9 quarts | Power: 1,800 watts
Functions: Toast, bagel, bake, roast, broil, pizza, cookies, reheat, warm, air fry, slow cook
Included: Multiple racks, roasting pan, pizza pan, air fry basket
3. Ninja Prestige Smart XL Air Fryer Toaster Oven – Best for Large Families
$250 – $350
When I needed to cook for larger gatherings, the Ninja Prestige Smart XL became indispensable. Its 31.1-quart capacity isn’t just marketing speak – it genuinely accommodates family-sized portions while maintaining excellent air circulation.Check Current Price on Amazon
Family-Friendly Features:
- Massive capacity handles large batches excellently
- Smart settings for cooking different foods simultaneously
- Even cooking results despite large interior
- Could replace a small conventional oven
Size Considerations:
- Requires substantial counter space
- Longer preheating time due to large interior
- Hand-wash only components
- Potential for grease dripping on heating elements
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 17.09 × 20.22 × 13.34 inches | Capacity: 31.1 quarts | Power: 1,800 watts
Functions: Air fry, whole roast, air roast, bake, dehydrate, pizza, broil, toast, bagel, reheat
Included: 2 wire racks, 2 sheet pans, roast tray, crumb tray, air fry basket
4. GE Profile UltraFast Smart Air Fry Oven – Most Innovative
$329 – $449
The GE Profile UltraFast impressed me with features I didn’t know I wanted until I experienced them. The roll-up door and self-presenting rack make accessing food safer and more convenient, while the no-preheat function genuinely saves time.Check Current Price on Amazon
Innovative Advantages:
- Roll-up door design is genuinely safer and more convenient
- No preheating required saves significant time
- App and voice control integration
- Precision-engineered feel and smooth operation
Innovation Costs:
- Highest price point in my testing
- Learning curve for no-preheat cooking
- Some foods need extra time to reach desired doneness
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 19.6 × 17.3 × 11.5 inches | Capacity: 24.8 quarts | Power: 1,500 watts
Functions: Air fry, warm, toast, broil, roast, pastry, reheat, pizza, cookies, bake, bagel
Included: Air fry basket, wire rack, sheet pan, sheet pan rack
5. Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fry Toaster Oven – Best Value
$76 – $90
Don’t let the budget price fool you – the Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp delivered surprisingly excellent results in my testing. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend hundreds for effective air frying and toasting.Check Current Price on Amazon
Budget-Friendly Benefits:
- Excellent performance at remarkably low price
- Simple, reliable analog controls
- Quick heating and even toasting
- Easy cleanup with minimal maintenance
Budget Limitations:
- Small 6.3-quart capacity limits batch sizes
- Imprecise analog temperature and timer controls
- Limited to four basic functions
- Shorter height restricts larger items
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: 15.4 × 18.7 × 9.4 inches | Capacity: 6.3 quarts | Power: 1,400 watts
Functions: Bake, broil, toast, air fry
Included: Air fry basket, baking pan, broiling rack
6. Cuisinart Air Fryer TOA-70 – Reliable Performer
$200 – $250
The Cuisinart TOA-70 represents solid middle-ground performance. While it didn’t excel in any particular area during my testing, it delivered consistent, reliable results across all cooking methods without any significant weaknesses.Check Current Price on Amazon
Reliable Advantages:
- Consistent performance across all functions
- Medium size fits most kitchens comfortably
- Accommodates 12-inch pizza or six bread slices
- Straightforward operation and controls
Middle-Ground Limitations:
- No standout features to distinguish it
- Price doesn’t offer exceptional value
- Performance good but not exceptional
Key Specifications:
Dimensions: Medium-sized footprint | Accommodates 12″ pizza
Functions: Standard air fryer toaster oven functions
Included: Standard accessory package
Essential Features: What Actually Matters in Daily Use
After months of testing, I’ve identified the features that make a real difference in everyday cooking versus those that are merely marketing attractions:
Must-Have Features
- Digital Temperature Control: Analog dials are imprecise and frustrating for consistent results
- Removable Crumb Tray: Essential for manageable cleanup
- Multiple Rack Positions: Allows cooking different foods simultaneously
- Even Heat Distribution: More important than maximum temperature range
- Adequate Interior Lighting: Necessary for monitoring food without opening door
Nice-to-Have Features
- Rotisserie Function: Great if you’ll actually use it regularly
- App Connectivity: Convenient for preset management
- Specialized Pizza Settings: Helpful for frozen pizza enthusiasts
- Dehydrate Function: Useful for making healthy snacks
Size and Capacity: Finding Your Perfect Fit
| Capacity Range | Best For | Typical Dimensions | Food Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-10 quarts | 1-2 people, small kitchens | 15″ × 12″ × 9″ | 4 toast slices, personal pizzas |
| 15-20 quarts | 2-4 people, standard families | 16″ × 15″ × 12″ | 6 toast slices, whole chicken |
| 25+ quarts | Large families, entertaining | 18″ × 20″ × 13″ | 9+ toast slices, multiple dishes |
I’ll be honest – I was annoyed about losing counter space until I realized I could finally get rid of my old toaster, the barely-used rice cooker, and that weird panini press I bought during lockdown. Net result: I actually gained space.
Real-World Performance: What I Discovered Through Daily Use
Morning Routine Efficiency
The air fryer toaster oven transformed my morning routine in unexpected ways. Toast comes out more evenly than my old pop-up toaster, and I can simultaneously warm pastries or cook bacon without using multiple appliances. The key discovery: preheating while I shower means everything’s ready when I am.
Dinner Preparation Advantages
For weeknight dinners, the ability to cook proteins and vegetables simultaneously at different temperatures revolutionized my meal prep. I regularly cook chicken thighs on the top rack while roasting vegetables below, with both finishing at nearly the same time.
The Pizza Revelation
I’m not even kidding when I say this changed how I think about leftovers. My old method of reheating pizza involved either sad, chewy microwave results or firing up my big oven for one slice (which felt ridiculously wasteful). The air fryer toaster oven brings leftover pizza back to life – crispy crust, melted cheese, the works. My teenage son actually started saving pizza just so he could reheat it the next day.
Weekend Cooking Game-Changer
Sunday dinners used to stress me out because timing everything in one oven was like solving a math problem. Now I can roast vegetables in the air fryer toaster oven while using my regular oven for other things, or honestly, just do everything in the air fryer. Last weekend I made a whole chicken dinner for six people using only the air fryer toaster oven, and it was actually easier than my old method.
Maintenance and Cleaning: The Reality
Cleaning these appliances isn’t as daunting as their size suggests, but there are important maintenance practices I’ve learned:
Daily Maintenance
- Empty and wipe the crumb tray after each use
- Clean air fryer basket immediately after cooking
- Wipe exterior with damp cloth to prevent buildup
Weekly Deep Cleaning
- Remove all racks and accessories for thorough washing
- Clean interior with warm, soapy water (ensure appliance is unplugged and cool)
- Check heating elements for grease buildup
Pro tip I learned the hard way: the dishwasher-safe thing is NOT optional. I tested one model that required hand-washing everything, and after a week I wanted to throw it out the window. Stick with models that have dishwasher-safe parts unless you really enjoy scrubbing grease off tiny basket wires.
Common Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
The Great Overstuffing Disaster
Week two of testing, I got cocky. “If this basket can fit twelve chicken wings, surely it can fit fifteen, right?” Wrong. So very wrong. I ended up with some wings that were perfect and others that were basically still raw. Air frying is all about air circulation – crowd the basket and you might as well be using a regular oven. Less is definitely more.
The Preheating Mistake That Ruined Cookies
I’m impatient. I admit it. So when I first got my air fryer toaster oven, I’d just throw food in without preheating because “it heats up so fast anyway.” This worked fine for some things but completely bombed for others. My first batch of cookies was a disaster – some were raw, some were burnt, and I couldn’t figure out why. Turns out, even three minutes of preheating makes a huge difference for consistent results.
Using Wrong Rack Positions
Different foods require different distances from heating elements. I created a simple chart noting optimal rack positions for common foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do air fryer toaster ovens really replace regular ovens?
For most daily cooking, yes. I find myself using my regular oven only for large roasts or multiple large pans. The air fryer toaster oven handles 80% of my cooking needs more efficiently.
How much counter space do I actually need?
Plan for the appliance dimensions plus 4-6 inches on all sides for ventilation and door clearance. Most models need 18-24 inches of width and 15-18 inches of depth when accounting for proper spacing.
Are the expensive models worth the extra cost?
The premium models offer better build quality, more precise controls, and additional features, but many mid-range options deliver excellent performance. Consider your cooking frequency and feature needs before deciding.
How do cooking times compare to regular ovens?
Most foods cook 20-25% faster due to efficient air circulation. I typically reduce cooking times by about 5 minutes and monitor progress, adjusting as needed.
Can I use regular bakeware in these ovens?
Yes, as long as it fits comfortably with proper clearance. However, the included accessories are optimized for air circulation and often produce better results.
My Final Recommendation
After three years of daily use and testing dozens of models, the Instant Pot Omni Plus remains my top recommendation for most households. It strikes the perfect balance between performance, capacity, and price, while delivering consistently excellent results across all cooking methods.
However, your ideal choice depends on your specific situation:
- Choose the Instant Pot Omni Plus if you want the best overall performance and reliability
- Choose the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro if you prioritize premium build quality and don’t mind paying extra
- Choose the Ninja Prestige Smart XL if you regularly cook for large families or groups
- Choose the GE Profile UltraFast if you want cutting-edge features and design innovation
- Choose the Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp if you’re on a tight budget but still want excellent performance
- Choose the Cuisinart TOA-70 if you want reliable, no-fuss operation without premium features
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth Making the Switch?
Absolutely. The convenience, versatility, and improved cooking results have made air fryer toaster ovens an essential part of my kitchen. They’ve simplified meal preparation, reduced cleanup, and consistently delivered better results than either traditional toasters or conventional ovens for most daily cooking tasks.
The initial investment pays for itself through reduced energy costs, time savings, and the elimination of needing multiple appliances. Most importantly, they’ve made cooking more enjoyable and less stressful, which is perhaps the most valuable benefit of all.
Three years later, I can confidently say that investing in a quality air fryer toaster oven was one of the best kitchen decisions I’ve made. It’s the appliance I use most frequently and the one I’d replace immediately if it ever broke down.
Where to Buy and What to Look For
All the models I’ve recommended are readily available on Amazon, which offers competitive pricing, reliable shipping, and good return policies if you’re not satisfied. I always recommend purchasing from reputable retailers that offer manufacturer warranties and customer service support.
When shopping, pay attention to:
- Current pricing and any available discounts
- Included accessories and their quality
- Warranty terms and customer service reputation
- Recent customer reviews for real-world performance insights
Remember, the best air fryer toaster oven is the one that fits your cooking habits, kitchen space, and budget. Take time to consider how you’ll actually use the appliance rather than being swayed by impressive-sounding features you may never utilize.
This guide is based on extensive personal testing and real-world usage. Product availability and pricing may vary. Always check current specifications and reviews before making your purchase decision.