A Comprehensive Comparison: Ninja Air Fryer vs Chefman Air Fryer
In this article, we will compare the Ninja Air Fryer and the Philips Air Fryer, two of the most popular air fryers on the market.Discover the advantages of each and choose the one that best suits your needs.
In recent years, air fryers have become popular kitchen appliances, revolutionizing meal preparation. Therefore, they use rapid air circulation for crispy textures with less oil. Air fryers offer healthier cooking without compromising flavor, making them favorites for health-conscious families. As demand for oil-free cooking grows, Ninja and Chefman air fryers have emerged as top contenders. These models come with advanced technology to preserve flavors and nutrients.
Their appeal is growing, catering to those reducing fat intake while enjoying fried foods. Ninja’s oil-free fryer uses a powerful heating element and ventilation system to minimize frying odors, ensuring a clean kitchen environment. Similarly, Chefman Air Fryer promotes efficient air circulation, delivering crispy output with minimal oil. When choosing between these two models, understanding their differences is key. This comparison will help families, especially those seeking a Ninja air fryer review for large families, make informed decisions that suit their health and cooking needs.
1- Overview of the Chefman Air Fryer
The Chefman Air Fryer is renowned for its Rapid Air technology, which ensures crispy food with less oil, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious cooks. With its modern and sleek design, it combines functionality and aesthetics.
Its refined appearance adds a touch of style to the kitchen while offering great practicality. Users appreciate its versatility, as it can adapt to different tastes and dietary preferences.
The Chefman model also stands out with an award-winning ventilation system that reduces frying odors, enhancing the cooking experience by keeping the kitchen fresh.
The various available basket sizes are suitable for medium to large families, meeting the needs of different households. Additionally, its durability and ease of maintenance are often highlighted, with dishwasher-safe components simplifying daily cleaning.
However, some users point out a limitation regarding the basket capacity, which may be insufficient for large families, especially compared to Ninja models that offer a more generous capacity.
Despite this, the Chefman Air Fryer enjoys an excellent reputation, recognized for its reliability and widely praised by many cooking enthusiasts.
2- Overview of the Ninja Air Fryer
The Ninja Air Fryer is highly valued for its versatility, offering functions such as air frying, roasting, and dehydrating. It adapts to various cooking styles. One of its major strengths is its large cooking capacity, making it ideal for big families and reducing meal preparation time. Additionally, its even cooking technology ensures that meals are well-cooked every time, enhancing the quality of culinary preparations.
The Ninja fryer’s refined design is another strong point, featuring user-friendly controls and a sleek exterior that fits seamlessly into modern kitchens. Consumer reviews particularly highlight its ease of use and efficiency, making it a reliable appliance for many households.
Compared to other brands like the Philips Airfryer, especially in the latest 2025 comparison of air fryers for large families, the Ninja Air Fryer stands out with its advanced features and ergonomic design. It is rated higher than Philips and is an excellent choice for family cooking.
3- Price Comparison: Ninja vs. Chefman
Price plays a key role in selecting the best air fryer. Thus, comparing the prices of Ninja and Chefman fryers helps determine the best option. The Ninja Air Fryer is typically priced competitively, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers while still providing quality performance for large families.
Models such as the Ninja AF101 and Ninja Foodi offer great value for money, combining affordability with advanced functionalities. Their versatility allows users to enjoy multiple cooking modes at a lower cost compared to many other brands.
On the other hand, Chefman Air Fryers, known for their high-quality construction and brand reliability, fall into a higher price range. Notable models like the Chefman TurboFry Touch, 8-quart digital air fryer, and the Chefman Multi-Function Air Fryer with a large capacity and multiple presets, come with distinctive features, such as a sophisticated ventilation system that reduces frying odors, but their price reflects the premium branding rather than significant performance differences.
Finally, considering current market trends, Ninja fryers frequently come with promotional deals and discounts, making them an even more attractive option for those looking to maximize their investment. They are a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers.
4- Feature Breakdown: Unique Offerings of Each Air Fryer
The Ninja Air Fryer offers multiple presets for various cooking styles, catering to diverse culinary needs. Its large cooking capacity makes it ideal for big families or batch cooking, making meal preparation more efficient.
On the other hand, the Chefman Air Fryer stands out with its award-winning ventilation system, which effectively reduces cooking odors for a more pleasant kitchen experience. While both appliances feature sleek designs, the Ninja fryer’s advanced ventilation system minimizes frying odors, making it a more appealing choice for family kitchens where strong smells can be undesirable.
5- What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is an appliance capable of performing various cooking tasks, especially frying, without using oil or using very little. It is a kitchen device primarily designed to prepare meals with minimal fats.
Considering how much nutritionists warn about the calorie content of oil-based cooking, we can be glad that such technology exists.
Indeed, where you would need 1 liter of oil to fry 1 kilogram of potato fries, only 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil are sufficient with an air fryer. It’s a real way to save on the increasingly scarce commodity of frying oil while also preserving your health.
Generally oval-shaped and compact, air fryers are space-saving. Of course, this detail may vary depending on the fryer basket’s capacity. With a futuristic design, they are made from durable, recyclable materials to ensure the appliance’s longevity.
Brands compete with ingenuity to improve the functionalities of air fryers they bring to market. More than just frying without oil, these devices adapt to the realities of today’s households: intuitive control panels, wireless connectivity, recipe books, and preset cooking programs.
In addition to these clever features, air fryers offer a variety of cooking modes: drying foods, baking, and keeping food warm.
This machine alone replaces at least three of your kitchen appliances: the traditional oven, toaster, and microwave. Brands use various marketing strategies to create product ranges that are accessible to all budgets. Prices range from 80 to 300 euros for high-end models.
6- Advantages and Disadvantages of a Fryer
A- Advantages of an Oil-Free Fryer
a- Healthier Cooking
One of the main reasons people buy an air fryer is the promise of healthier meals. Nutrition experts agree that excessive consumption of fats can have long-term negative effects on our health. We tested the oil content in our fries by using freshly cut potatoes with just 2 tablespoons of oil for 500g.
After cooking and placing the fries on paper towels, there was no trace of residual oil. It’s clear that the oil has been evenly distributed within the fries, providing just the right amount of cooking. Therefore, if we can extend our “good” life by eating better, it’s worth not missing the opportunity to enjoy healthier meals.
b- Cost-Effective
While an air fryer may cost 2-3 times more than a traditional oil fryer, it pays for itself over time with savings on oil and electricity. Indeed, by using little to no oil and achieving significant energy savings, the air fryer earns points. It’s your wallet that will thank you in the long run
C- Easy Maintenance
Air fryers are made from materials designed for easy cleaning. The non-stick coating on the cooking basket (and grill, in some models) makes cleaning a breeze. Most air fryers are dishwasher-safe. The non-stick surface prevents food from sticking to the fryer’s walls or base, and the body, often made of hardened plastic, is also easy to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth will do the job.
d- Safe Cooking
Whether you love or hate them, air fryers offer greater safety compared to traditional oil fryers. The design, whether with a drawer or retractable top, ensures that users aren’t exposed to hot oil or steam. This is not the case with a traditional fryer, which may splatter hot oil or emit steam.
e- No Odors and No Heat
The airtight design of the cooking compartment blocks the smell of frying, which can be unpleasant. Some models even include carbon filters on the lid to trap these odors. Furthermore, air fryers don’t heat up the kitchen like a conventional oven, allowing you to use your oven even in summer without discomfort
B- Disadvantages of an Oil-Free Fryer
a- Cooking Time
This is certainly the biggest drawback of an oil-free fryer. Due to its hot air circulation cooking system without oil, fries take longer to cook and brown. Traditional fryers, on the other hand, achieve this more quickly thanks to the combined effect of heat and oil itself.
On average, it takes about 40 minutes to cook one kilogram of fries in an air fryer, whereas deep frying takes nearly half that time. Additionally, the size of the cooking baskets can sometimes be too small to prepare a large batch of food all at once.
b- Price
It is undeniable that the price of an appliance can influence a purchasing decision. An oil-free fryer is more expensive than a traditional fryer. While a traditional fryer can be purchased for an average of 25 euros, an oil-free fryer costs between 80 and 300 euros, depending on the model.
However, as mentioned earlier, buying one is an investment in your health. The money saved when purchasing a traditional fryer may later be spent on healthcare costs.
c-Noise
Like any electrical appliance, an oil-free fryer can produce some level of noise, ranging from mildly annoying ventilation sounds to the ambiance of a busy restaurant. You have to get used to hearing it “speak” while in use.
8- Operation of an Electric Air Fryer
Also known as air fryers, electric oil-free fryers are the result of advanced technologies. This term highlights the unique technology these fryers use to cook without oil. To make fries, oil is typically needed.
However, if the amount of oil used is almost nonexistent, how do the fries cook? To answer this question, we looked into the operation of these futuristic machines.
We learned that the role of oil is replaced by hot air. Even more so, the circulation of hot air around the food on all sides. Hot air instead of oil – this was a clever innovation!
Indeed, while brands compete with marketing formulas to differentiate and sell their products, oil-free fryers manage to achieve frying results thanks to a system of uniform and homogeneous hot air circulation in the cooking basket.
Whether it’s called Rapid Air, Turbo Actifry, or Multifry, this technology boils down to the ability to ventilate hot air over the entire food to cook it.
Depending on the recipe and the type of food, the oil-free fryer can blow hot air between 70°C and 240°C for the most advanced models. Its power ranges from 1300 to 2700 watts.
As for their hardware, oil-free fryers typically feature a frying basket system – with or without a grill – and a body or casing that plugs into a wall outlet.
Whether it’s a drawer-style basket system or one that operates from the top, the use of this cooking appliance involves placing the food to be cooked in the basket and following the instructions on the control panel.
This control panel is usually the command center of the entire appliance. It presents, depending on the brand, various integrated cooking modes and features.
These features revolve around the timer function, preheating, and keeping food warm. As for the cooking modes, they are preset programs for certain recipes that go beyond just fries. You can also cook fish, chicken, meats, vegetables, and even pastries.
9- What Do the Fries Really Taste Like?
To be honest, while looking into the operation of oil-free fryers, we asked the burning question on everyone’s mind… if frying is done without oil, what do the fries taste like?
This concern is justified, because while oil helps achieve golden and crispy fries, it also gives them their great flavor.
So, to get to the bottom of it, we tested fries made with hot air. Our opinion is divided. First, it’s not possible to completely fry fresh fries without oil. You’ll need to add 2 tablespoons of oil for 500g of fries. For frozen fries, they’re already coated with a bit of oil, so they can be fried without additional oil.
As for the taste itself, our verdict is mixed. In fact, if you love authentic fries, oil-free frying might leave you wanting more. Even though the fries are crispy and soft, you might miss the distinctive aroma from the frying oils.
The trick is to add a bit of oil to bring back that unique flavor and season the fries a little before frying.
As for us, we enjoyed the tenderness and golden color of our oil-free fries. They were crispy and crunchy without being dry. Perfect with ketchup, we felt like we were at a fast food joint, but with the bonus of healthier fries. That’s a win already!
10- How to Choose the Right Electric Fryer?
Choosing an oil-free electric fryer can be a real headache when considering the vast number of brands and features that manufacturers offer on the market. We too faced this dilemma, with the goal of finding the right balance between price, features, and culinary habits.
Whether you’re a couple, a large family, a tech enthusiast, a vegetarian, or a flexitarian, whether you enjoy spending time in the kitchen or consider it a chore, everyone can find the perfect oil-free fryer for their needs.
Here are some tips to consider when buying an electric fryer:
a- Size
An oil-free fryer is compact in design, and its size depends on the capacity of the basket. For XXL models, you can expect them to be around 40 to 45 cm wide, and the same for height.
You will understand that if you don’t have enough space on your countertop, it will be difficult to not only place it for use but also store it in a shelf.
For smaller models, 25 to 30 cm in width will suffice. This type of model is ideal for a family of 4. You will be able to place it easily next to your toaster without it overflowing. And storing it after use will be a breeze.
Also, depending on your cooking habits, if you use it daily, storing your air fryer may not be a priority. In that case, opt for a dedicated space for it, as it will become an integral part of your kitchen’s decor.
Also, to avoid it taking up too much space, after washing and drying the parts, make sure to reassemble it properly before storing
b- Price
We can’t say it enough. If you’re planning to get an oil-free fryer to reduce the fat in your fries or to try this alternative cooking method, the price will be an important factor.
It’s worth noting that the price of an air fryer varies depending on the brand, size, and, most importantly, the features it offers.
Now, for just under 80 euros, you can buy a basic air fryer capable of performing simple oil-free cooking functions: timer, thermostat, preheating, and built-in cooking modes.
If you’re looking for a cooking device that connects to your Wi-Fi, can feed more than 7 people, weighs your food, provides online and customizable recipes, keeps your meals warm after cooking, automatically stirs the food, or even dries food, you’ll need to spend a little more than 300 euros.
So, you’re now aware of the price range for air fryers on the market. It’s also important to note that regardless of the cost, an oil-free fryer is a true investment. You’ll certainly enjoy its benefits in the long run.
c- Ease of Use
Are you a fan of new technology? Do you like knowing that your appliances can anticipate your needs? Is hands-free cooking a must for you? If so, we recommend opting for connected oil-free fryer models with built-in cooking programs and intuitive touch or voice controls.
Brands like Proscenic will meet your needs. If you have a large family or enjoy hosting, you might need an XXL oil-free fryer, perhaps one with a dual basket. A basket capacity of 8 to 10 liters will be your ideal choice. Brands like Ninja Foodi or Russell Hobbs might satisfy your needs.
Don’t neglect the power of the device when choosing your air fryer. The higher the performance you require in terms of speed and even cooking, the more attention you should pay to the fryer’s power.
On average, the power ranges between 900 and 2700 watts. For example, to serve 8 people, you might need between 1800 and 2200 watts at 220°C to cook 15 grilled chicken wings in 20 to 25 minutes.
It’s also worth considering that with higher power, certain features like preheating become redundant. With the Ninja Foodi, for example, at 2470 watts of power, there’s no need for preheating
11- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
a- Do all oil-free fryers have an odor filter?
We all know how frying odors can fill the house for a long time after cooking. The oil-free fryer is a solution to this problem. Firstly, it uses very little oil, so even if there are odors, they are minimal.
Also, all brands incorporate adhesive systems that seal everything and prevent heat dissipation. This system also helps keep odors trapped inside the machine.
b- Do the fries taste the same as with a traditional fryer?
No! It’s hard to replicate the taste of fries that have been soaked in oil, and the reason is simple. In fact, the taste of frying that we like is the taste of the oil when it’s heated, not the taste of the food itself.
With oil-free frying, the flavor of the food is more pronounced than the taste of the oil (which is minimal anyway). It may take some time to adjust, but your body will definitely appreciate the healthier and more nutritious food
c- Is the basket susceptible to scratching if washed in the dishwasher?
It’s true that almost all brands now allow machine washing of fryer components to make cleaning easier. However, after long exposure to the dishwasher, there’s a chance the basket may scratch, which could make it harder to separate food from the basket after cooking.
A helpful tip is to occasionally wash the basket by hand with a soft cloth and regular soap.
d- How do I make the fries crispy in an oil-free fryer?
The simplest way is to place the fries in a bowl and completely coat them with oil before putting them in the basket. Avoid sprinkling oil on the fries once they’re already in the basket; the oil won’t spread evenly.
However, reduce your expectations, as the result won’t be identical to fries made in a traditional fryer.
e- Fresh fries or frozen fries? Which gives a better result?
Without a doubt, frozen fries give a better result, and they don’t require as much oil or any at all, unlike fresh fries. Additionally, fresh fries tend to soften and fall apart more easily, making them less crispy and more like steamed potatoes.