B076FPT78K

For the price, I am impressed. Is it perfect? No (more on that below), but pretty great.

I’ve reheated restaurant steak fries and cooked homemade chicken fingers so far, and I was pleased with both.

I hate throwing away food. When we eat out, I ALWAYS have leftovers; at a typical casual place, I probably bring home, on average, about a third of my food … including lots of fries. Unfortunately, reheated fries (indeed, reheated fried things generally) are merely edible … never good. The first thing I cooked was left-over steak fries from a national chain. The machine achieved what a standard oven and a microwave are unable to: reheated fries that are crisp outside and hot and tasty inside … and no mush … at all. (The fries didn’t stay great for long — I had at best 10 good minutes to enjoy them; but I suspect that’s not a shortcoming of the machine, but a fact of life of the chemistry and physics of a twice-cooked potato product. I’m not holding that against the machine … just treating it as something I should keep in mind going forward.)

After that, I dredged five chicken tenderloins in seasoned flour, immersed them in beaten egg, then pressed seasoned panko on them. Results after about 17 minutes (flipping twice): completely-cooked through; juicy; and a crunchy, browned crust. Zero complaints on the chicken.

I mentioned that it’s not perfect; now about that. …

While cooking, there was a slight plastic smell in the kitchen. That didn’t affect the smell or taste of the actual food. I think this is a MINOR issue … a non-issue to me, but some other people might be turned off.

The basket (though larger than typical of those of units at about the same price-point) does limit how much one can cook at any time. It’s ideal for feeding one person or cooking a side dish for a few people (four-ish, I’d say); but preparing an entire meal for more than a couple people would take a long time (multiple batches), particularly if preparing multiple dishes. (I don’t know a lot about these kinds of appliances — don’t know whether it’s possible to get a bigger basket for more money; but my guess is that what makes this process feasible is a small unit … relative to, for example, to the size of an oven.)

Finally, the timer is a bit funky. It’s spring-loaded and analog, and a bit wonky to set precisely. Again, I rate that a minor issue — particularly because (unlike a microwave, for example) an extra minute or two isn’t going take the food from good to inedible (won’t get too dry or chewy).

What I think is best about it: I do like fried foods (fries, cheese sticks, battered veggies, battered chicken and fish), but I HATE frying at home, because the house smells fried for three days (not to mention it’s dangerous to have six inches of 400-degree oil atop the range); … and baking / microwaving frozen pre-fried food is a sad substitute for food that’s actually fried … freshly. There’s no good way (with standard kitchen appliances) to have good deep-fried food at home. THIS machine addresses that problem. That’s what makes it worth having — finally, o can have quality “fried” food at home … safely and without smelling the oil for the three subsequent days.

More expensive units might be better, but this thing is pretty great … within the limitations noted here … and perfect for a nice side of fries! I’d give it 4.5 out of 5, if I could. Given the rating limitations and the price, I lean slightly-closer to 5 than 4.

On the fence about which AF to get? I went with the 1500 Watt Secura because it seemed like $229 was insane to pay for a gadget. I’m so glad I got this. I actually use it EVERY day, often 3x a day. You’ll be looking around your place going, “I can air fry that!!”

This guy sits on my counter. I like leaving room around it for the hot air to blow. This is Florida and as soon as I turn on my oven, the house heats up. Since buying my Secura, I don’t think I’ve tuned my regular oven on at all.

Cleanup is awesome.

I’m happy to cook with oil but using this, there’s no need. I can add a bit towards the end to flavor and get it extra extra tasty. My favorite af thing aside from potatoes has to be air fried green beans.

Secret tips: shake EVERYTHING
Crowding the basket is for amateurs
Keep a pair of silicone coated tongs nearby to flip stuff
If you leave food inside the closed unit the basket too long it steams and doesn’t stay crisp so take it out once it’s done.

The only tiny downside? There’s no actual power button it’s just the timer knob, so you have to drag it back to zero if you are taking stuff out early, which you will because it’s kind of guesswork knowing the time and temp. Also the temp knob is hard to read.

I’m in love with this thing!!!

Never heard about air fryers until recently. Did my research and decided upon the Secura 1500. First time using it I was a little skeptical and not sure what I was doing. So, I first tried something easy. Sweet potato fries, how hard could that be. Well, not only was it easy to do, but the results were beyond my expectations. Truly did last and feel like deep fried potatoes. Then I went on to bigger and better. Did a Cornish hen. Never cooked one in my life, so again I wasn’t sure. Followed the instructions in a recipe book I purchased and success, again! Then I said, OK lets try a pizza. Within 10 minutes prep and 12 minutes cooking I had a great pizza for two. It was so good I tried it again 2 more times using different toppings. I’m hooked. So then I figured lets break the winning streak with an experiment. I purchased a 5lb. frozen turkey breast. I let it thaw, brushed some lite oil mixed with spices on the bird and placed it in the basket. The only problem was the bird was a little too fat and wouldn’t let me close the basket without cutting about an inch off the breast. Once I did that, away she went and about 55 minutes later I had the most delicious, tender and moist turkey dinner. This bird was enough for 4+ adults. Overall I find this style of cooking the easiest and cleanup is a breeze. Most dinner portions are good for 2 – 4 people depending on what you’re making. Oh, did I tell you how much I love this thing? Best appliance I purchased. Well, add that to the Secura milk frother – love that one too, for my after dinner lattes.

This air fryer is very quiet compared to others. All our food is cooking perfect. The basket holds a large amount of food. It takes up a small amount of space on the counter and is shorter than those huge, oversized fryers. The sides are barely warm when in use. I’m very happy with this machine and the classy design.