Chicken wings, a popular item for air frying, require a crispy outside and juicy inside. To test different ovens’ air fry abilities, three frozen wings were cooked at 450 degrees F for 30 minutes, with the Ninja Foodi oven winning for the crispiest and juiciest wings. Air-fried french fries also proved popular, with the Breville and Ninja cooking them to a golden brown the fastest without burning. The Breville also excelled in broiling salmon, producing a caramelized crust, while the Ninja was the fastest at making toast. In a baking competition, the Ninja and Breville tied for making the most perfect cookies.
The speed of preheating is a key feature of countertop air fryer ovens, with the Ninja preheating to 350 degrees F in just 50 seconds. The ability to hold an accurate and consistent temperature is vital for baking, with the KitchenAid performing the best in maintaining 350 degrees F with minimal fluctuations. Cleaning and care of these ovens vary, but the Ninja oven’s smart design feature allows for easy access for cleaning due to its compact interior. Regular cleaning is essential, especially when cooking greasy foods like wings in the Ninja oven.
Overall, the Ninja Foodi oven excelled in cooking crispy and juicy wings, golden brown fries, and perfect cookies, while also preheating quickly and maintaining an accurate temperature. The Breville oven also performed well in cooking salmon and making toast, showing consistent results. The Cuisinart oven burnt the edges of fries and overbaked cookies, indicating fine-tuning may be necessary for optimal results. The Crux and Calphalon ovens also showcased good cooking abilities but had slight issues with browning and consistency. Each oven has its strengths and weaknesses, highlighting the importance of choosing the right one for specific cooking needs.
