Best 10 NuWave air fryer reviews: 7 Points You Should Concern before buying

The air fryer brand you choose is one of the key factors determining its cooking performance. It is always better to stick with highly reputable brands like NuWave.

NuWave has been making air fryers for some time now. You can trust they know what makes a good one. Their air fryers are famous for being more affordable. But they still pack all the advanced features you get in other expensive brands.

And like any other top brand, they have several air fryer types. Their product catalog includes basket-style air fryers, toaster ovens, and combos. 

This NuWave air fryer review will show you the best 10 types that deserve to try, we will not only talk about their advantages but the drawbacks are also taken into the consideration.

No matter what kind of air fryer you want to buy, you can always find the answer t. So make sure you read till the end, you will see our ultimate guide about how to choose the Nuwave air fryer according to its 7 main features.

Overview of the Nuwave air fryer brand

nuwave air fryer brand

The NuWave air fryers are a product of NuWave, LLC, a kitchen appliances company. It has been in operation since 1993. Besides air fryers, the company also makes several other appliances. Here is a list of some of their other popular products:

  • Ovens
  • Blenders
  • Coffee makers
  • Grills and cookers
  • Cooktops
  • Cookware

NuWave is famous for its direct marketing strategy. The brand has been running some catchy infomercials on TV. And it also has a good marketing presence on social media.

All their air fryers are designed and developed in their Vernon Hills, Illinois headquarters.

What are the 3 types of Nuwave air fryers?

NuWave air fryer cook delicious recipes (6)

While NuWave has dozens of air fryers in the market, most fall into 3 main categories:

  • Basket-style air fryers 
  • Toaster ovens
  • Pressure cooker air fryer combos 

Each type has merits and demerits, which you must know when deciding what to buy.

1. Brio air fryers

The Brio air fryers are the most popular NuWave air fryer type. All air fryers in this category are digital. Although most come with baskets, there are still a few models with shelves. Their biggest advantage is the ease of use and cleaning. They have intuitive digital controls and dishwasher-safe parts. But they typically have a smaller capacity and are not as feature-rich as the other types below.

2. Bravo Air fry toaster ovens

Bravo air fryer toaster ovens offer a larger cooking capacity for families. They are the best NuWave air fryer to get if you want to roast a whole turkey or chicken. Also, they are multifunctional. They can bake, roast, and do much more besides air frying. But, these shelf-style air fryers tend to be pricier. And they take up more counter space.

3. Pressure cooker and air fryer combos

NuWave also makes pressure cookers with air frying capability. These appliances offer the speed and efficiency of a pressure cooker and the crispy results of an air fryer. Also, they have a large cooking capacity and are multifunctional. But, they cost more than basket-style air fryers. Also, using one comes with a steeper learning curve.

10 Best Nuwave Air Fryers – Reviews: small to big

1. NuWave Brio Air Fryer 3qt 

A small and efficient air fryer like the NuWave Brio Air Fryer 3qt is your best if you cook for 1 or 2 people. But despite its smaller capacity, it still packs many fantastic features. And it will be very handy to have around.

Features and Unique Benefits

This 3-quart NuWave Brio air fryer model is for you if you want something for cooking small batches of food. It uses an efficient 1300-watt heating element and high-speed fan to ensure you get the best cooking results. 

Moreover, it has adjustable wattage to allow you to control the power draw. You can choose from 3 settings: 700, 900, or 1300 watts. You are always in control of how your air fryer cooks.

Operating the air fryer should also be a breeze. It uses digital controls with an intuitive touch screen. And there are 6 presets for common foods like frozen french fries and steak. Also, it has an auto Pre-Heat function. This function ensures it reaches the optimal cooking temperature faster.

The NuWave Brio air fryer also supports a wide cooking temperature range between 100˚F and 400˚F. And you can adjust it more precisely in increments of 5˚F to suit what you are cooking.

NuWave provides a recipe book for this air fryer. It should be easy to figure out what to cook and how. You can also get more cooking ideas by downloading the NuWave cooking club app.

One gripe, though, is that this is a small-capacity air fryer. The 3-quart capacity is the smallest on our list. But, it is still good enough for an air fryer for less than 3 people.

NuWave air fryer cook delicious recipes (9)

Cooking Performance and Experience

We love so many things about how this air fryer cooks and don’t even know where to start. But, what impressed us most is that, unlike many other air fryers, it does not dry out your chicken. While it still delivers some of the crispiest chicken you can make in an air fryer, it is still surprisingly juicy.

And there is also a BBQ plate. The plate makes cooking pork chops, steak, and other meat cuts easy. While it will not leave them with perfect grill marks, they cook to perfection in just a few minutes. Just make sure you flip the meat at the right time for even cooking.

Who should buy this air fryer 

Buy this air fryer if you are looking for a highly efficient model for cooking for 1 or 3 people. Also, it is a good buy if you hate waiting for ages for your air fryer to pre-heat as it heats up fast.

2. Nuwave Brio 6-Quart Digital Air 

Nuwave Brio 6-Quart Digital Air Fryer

A family-size air fryer does not always need to take up a lot of counter space. The Nuwave Brio 6-Quart Digital Air proves this. The family-size digital air fryer allows you to cook large batches of food for the family. But it hardly occupies any significant kitchen counter space.

Features and Unique Benefits

Nuwave Brio 6-Quart Digital Air is a powerful air fryer that runs on an 1800-watt heating element. Also, it has a pre-heat function. The pre-heat allows it to reach optimal temperature faster for more even cooking.

Setting up this NuWave Brio air fryer for cooking should also be straightforward. And there is also a bright LCD that makes sure you can clearly see your cooking temperature. If you also factor in the presets for all common dishes, this air fryer is guaranteed to give you an easy time.

With this 6-quart capacity NuWave Brio air fryer, you can cook a 5-pound chicken. Also, it comes with a basket divider to allow you to cook two different foods simultaneously. Moreover, you can further maximize the cooking space by using the reversible rack. The rack allows multi-layer cooking.  

Overall you will also appreciate the ease of cleaning and maintenance. The unit includes a dishwasher-safe basket, and the surfaces are easy to wipe clean.

NuWave air fryer cook delicious recipes shrimp

Cooking Performance and Experience

Although this is a fully functional air fryer, we found that it does a much better job making snacks. It makes some of the crispiest french fries and onion rings and requires very little oil.

You can still prepare the main course for a few people, but it may take longer and require more effort. Even with the reversible rack and basket divider, you may still need to cook the food in several batches.

But, we love how easy the settings are when cooking. It also gets to the optimal temperature quickly.

Who should buy this air fryer

Buy this NuWave Brio air fryer if you want a family-size model that takes up little counter space. Also, it is a good pick if you want something that looks nice and is highly giftable.

3. NuWave Brio 7.25-qt. Air Fryer Oven

NUWAVE Brio 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven

NuWave Brio 7.25-qt. Air Fryer Oven is a space-saving air fryer with a large coking capacity. It is also multifunctional as it supports multiple cooking functions.

Features and Unique Benefits

The compactness of the NuWave Brio 7.25-qt. Air Fryer Oven is one of the first elements that draw attention. Despite being a 7.25-quart air fryer, it looks much smaller. And it hardly occupies any significant kitchen space.

Like other NuWave air fryers in this list, it is also feature-rich. For example, it has a complete set of accessories, including a reversible rack. Also, you get more than 100 pre-programmed presets. This is way more than what many other air fryers provide.

You will always be in control over how your food cooks when using this air fryer. It allows you to adjust the cooking temperature on the fly. And you get a wider cooking temperature range between 50°F and 400°F

The only significant issue with this air fryer is the noise. It is quite loud, and the sound can be annoying before you get used to it. But, this is hardly a deal breaker.

NuWave air fryer cook delicious chciken wings

Cooking Performance and Experience

This NuWave Brio air fryer is a lifesaver if you do not have much cooking time. It does an amazing job both cooking and reheating food. If you have some leftovers in the fridge, you can quickly heat and crisp them.

Overall, the air fryer cooks chicken much better than most other foods. Whether cooking chicken wings or breasts, they will come out super crispy. Moreover, you can tweak settings on the fly. This gives you even more control over how your food cooks.

Who should buy this air fryer

Get this NuWave Brio air fryer if you want a highly convenient appliance with dozens of pre-programmed presets to make life easy.

4. NuWave Duet Pressure Cook and Air Fryer Combo

Nuwave Duet Pressure Cook and Air Fryer Combo Cook

A pressure cooker and air fryer combo like NuWave Duet Pressure Cook and Air Fryer Combo allow you to enjoy faster and healthier cooking. The pressure cooker cuts cooking time while the air frying function cooks with less oil.

Features and Unique Benefits

The NuWave Duet is not just another air fryer/pressure cooker combo. It can also work as a stand-alone 6-quart pressure cooker or 4-quart air fryer. 

Also, it includes more than 300 pre-programmed presets. This is way more than what you get from most other NuWave air fryers and other brands. You can be sure there is a preset for you regardless of what you are cooking.

Besides presets, there are also several advanced features to simplify cooking and ensure efficiency. These features include auto warm, preheat and delay.

The operation should also be hassle-free. The appliance has a simple screen and digital controls. Moreover, the accessories and surfaces have stainless steel or nonstick finish for easy cleaning.

The only thing that NuWave could improve is how the lid goes on and off. It can be a little finicky and requires some patience.

NuWave air fryer cook delicious chicken legs

Cooking Performance and Experience

If you love the speed of a pressure cooker and the convenience of an air fryer, the NuWave Duet will impress you. We love that it cooks faster than your typical pressure cooker. But its 10 air-frying functions are what impressed us most.

While it can crisp food like any other air fryer, it outperforms most models in baking. You can easily make chocolate chip cookies or quickly whip up small cakes. And you can do all this by pressing one or two buttons.

Who should buy this air fryer

Get this air fryer if you want one appliance that does it all. You will hardly ever need to use anything else in your kitchen when you have it.

5. NuWave Brio 6-in-1 8qt Air Fryer Oven Combo

NUWAVE Brio 6-in-1Air Fryer Oven Combo

NuWave Brio 6-in-1 8qt Air Fryer Oven Combo is one of the brand’s most versatile models. It is a good choice if you want to get more from a basket air fryer without spending a fortune.

Features and Unique Benefits

Like most other NuWave Brio air fryers, this model guarantees you get the best cooking outcomes. For starters, you can adjust the time and temperature as the food cooks. You will never have to start the process over.

Secondly, the air fryer uses little to no oil. It has been tested to cook food with up to 75% fewer calories. And so it does not just cook well but also makes your meals healthier.

There is also less hassle when setting it up. The digital controls are highly intuitive, and each button is clearly labeled. Most users can figure out the air fryer without looking at the manual.

NuWave provides several accessories with these air fryers. They include a reversible rack to allow for multi-level cooking. There is also a temperature probe to help keep track of the cooking. And to crown it all, the manufacturer provides an air circulation riser. The riser helps improve air circulation and ensures fat drips away easily.

One complaint, though, is that some buttons’ markings wear off quickly. But you should have mastered all of them by the time they disappear.

NuWave air fryer cook delicious chicken wings

Cooking Performance and Experience

You will love this air fryer if you like crispy foods like french fries and onion rings. It provides extra crispiness you cannot get from many basket air fryers. 

Also, it can air fry these simple foods in a fraction of the time. Better still, you can cook from frozen to crispy perfection, which saves you even more time.

And since this is a basket-style air fryer, it is easy to figure out. There is no learning curve or complicated processes and controls to master.

Who should buy this air fryer

This model is for you if you want a large-capacity NuWave Brio air fryer. You should also buy this air fryer if you are looking for a more intuitive basket-style air fryer.

6. NuWave Brio Healthy 10-quart Digital Air Fryer 

NUWAVE Brio Healthy Digital Air Fryer 10-quart with One-Touch Digital Controls

NuWave Brio Healthy 10-quart Digital Air Fryer includes more advanced features than most models in the Brio line. These features include stage cooking and advanced searing. They give it an edge by ensuring more efficient and convenient cooking.

Features and Unique Benefits

This 10-quart capacity NuWave Brio air fryer is perfect for a larger family. There is enough room to fit an 8-pound chicken or 4 pounds of french fries. Also, the air fryer comes with an adjustable rotisserie kit. And so cooking a whole chicken is a breeze.

Besides the large capacity, the NuWave Brio air fryer heats more evenly. Its unique chamber design ensures the hot air circulates evenly around the food. You can hence be sure of faster and even cooking results.

There are also several convenient functions to improve your overall cooking experience. They include a reheat and preheat button. Others are sear, warm and programmable memory.

With all said, this air fryer needs a better close button. But, this is still a small issue. It does not take anything away from the fact the appliance makes some delightful meals.

NuWave air fryer cook delicious pork chops

Cooking Performance and Experience

This air fryer comes with a learning curve, especially for newbies. Things like searing a steak are easy to mess if you are not keen. But, once you master the technique, you can make perfect steaks in under 20 minutes.

But, making other things like cakes, cookies, and veggies is more straightforward. The presets get the time and temperature spot on. Provided you choose the right one, you will get excellent results consistently.

Who should buy this air fryer

Buy this air fryer if you prefer something with more advanced features. It will make air frying more hassle-free for you.

7. NuWave PRIMO Air Fryer Toaster Oven 12 pounds 

NUWAVE PRIMO Air Fryer Toaster Oven

With an all-around air fryer like NuWave PRIMO, your cooking possibilities are endless. You can cook anything you want and do it in any way you prefer. This makes this air fryer super convenient.

Features and Unique Benefits

The 14.5 quart capacity of the NuWave Primo makes it perfect for families. It has enough space to cook two whole chickens at a go. You can also air fryer several pounds of french fries or chicken wings in one batch.

But, besides holding more food, it cooks it to perfection. The air fryer uses a unique technology that combines conduction, convection, and infrared. It has top and bottom heating elements and allows you to cook much faster using less energy. And it is efficient enough to cook from frozen without defrosting.

You also get more precise temperature control. The air fryer cooks at between 100 and 425°F. And you can adjust the temperature in 1°F increments. Moreover, there is an integrated temperature probe for monitoring the food.

One gripe is that cleaning takes some getting used to, especially the base. But, things get easier as you do it more.

NuWave air fryer cook delicious chicken leg

Cooking Performance and Experience

This appliance is designed to do it all. Regardless of how and what you want to cook, you can be confident of always getting the best results.

That said, it makes some of the best air-fried pizzas. The cheese melts to perfection, and the crust is just as crunchy as it can get. Also, you never have to worry about ending up with a soggy pizza. And to crown it all, you can make massive 12-inch pizzas.

Who should buy this air fryer 

Buy this air fryer if you are looking for something versatile and with a high cooking capacity. It is a perfect choice for large families.

8. NuWave BRIO 14-Quart Large Capacity Air Fryer Oven 

NuWave BRIO 14-Quart Large Capacity Air Fryer Oven

A large capacity air fryer like NuWave BRIO 14-Quart Air Fryer Oven is just what you need if you have a large family. You can easily whip up large meals in a few minutes. And it also packs some impressive features to ensure excellent cooking results.

Features and Unique Benefits

The 14-quart capacity will likely draw many home cooks to this NuWave Brio air fryer. But, they still more to it than this as it also makes some amazing meals. 

The air fryer uses Flavor-Infusion technology to make it easy to air fry all food types. The technology is powerful enough to allow you to cook frozen foods to perfection. And so this model provides a good combination of high capacity and versatility.

NuWave provides some heavy-duty accessories for this air fryer. They include a rotisserie kit and stainless steel racks. Also, the air fryer comes with a temperature probe to help keep track of the food’s doneness as it cooks.

The digital air fryer is also easy to operate thanks to the simple controls and up to 100 presets. And it comes with a recipe book for all your favorite meals. But you can still get more ideas from the NuWave cooking club app.

The only complaint is that the directions are not very clear in some sections. But, this is hardly an issue in this digital age. You can get countless useful videos on YouTube to guide you.

NuWave air fryer cook delicious corn pancake

Cooking Performance and Experience

We are amazed at just how fast this air fryer cooks. It was able to cook a whole 6-pound chicken in just 30 minutes. The chicken was super crispy and perfectly cooked inside without drying out.

Also, other things like frozen fries cook super fast. It takes under 20 minutes to prep and cook the frozen fries to crispy perfection. What’s more, there is a presets for all these common dishes. And so you can cook them at the press of just a couple of buttons.

Who should buy this air fryer

This 14-quart capacity NuWave Brio air fryer is a good buy for anyone looking for a large capacity air fryer with shelves. 

9. NuWave Brio 15.5-Qt X-Large Family Size Air Fryer Smart Oven 

NuWave Brio 15.5-Qt X-Large Family Size Air Fryer Smart Oven

A good family-size air fryer should offer more than just a large cooking capacity. It should also cook fast and efficiently. The NuWave Brio 15.5-Qt Air Fryer Smart Oven provides all this and more.

Features and Unique Benefits

With a 15.5-quart capacity, this NuWave Brio air fryer is a perfect choice if you have a large family. Additionally, it also has 4 rack positions to allow you to cook different food types in one batch.

But perhaps what most of us will love most is the reversible grill plate. The grill plate makes it easy to grill indoors. The air fryer also heats up to 425°F to allow you to sear your steaks. And you can easily track the doneness using the integrated temperature probe.

Besides grilling, this appliance also air fries foods to perfection. Its efficient airflow design ensures the food cooks fast and more evenly. And you can adjust the cooking easily without starting over.

This air fryer can be quite noisy when cooking and produces loud beeps. You should, however, get used to the sound and will hardly even notice it.

NuWave air fryer cook delicious whole chicken

Cooking Performance and Experience

If you have been looking for an indoor grill, you will not go past this one. It makes some of the best steaks. And you never have to worry about filling the kitchen with smoke.

The reversible grill plate gets to the optimal temperature fast and retains heat much longer. As a result, you get the best sear marks. Moreover, the highly efficient air circulation ensures the steaks cook perfectly. 

We also found that this NuWave Brio air fryer makes some excellent french fries. Besides being super crispy, they are not greasy. Greasiness is a common issue with other air fryers.

Who should buy this air fryer

You should buy this NuWave Brio air fryer if you want a high-performing, large-capacity indoor grill. 

10. NuWave BRAVO XL 30-Quart Convection Oven 

NUWAVE Bravo Air Fryer Oven, 12-in-1

A large capacity and multifunctional air fryer like the NuWave BRAVO XL 30-Quart Convection Oven opens you up to endless cooking possibilities. It is the perfect appliance for you if you cook large batches of food for family or guests.

Features and Unique Benefits

The 30-quart extra large capacity highlights this NuWave Bravo air fryer. The capacity is the largest in the NuWave line. Also, it is larger than what many other air fryers from leading brands provide.

Besides cooking more food, the air fryer is also multifunctional. It uses convection heating and can do much more than just air frying. You can use it for baking, rotisserie, toast, and more. It will easily replace most of your kitchen appliances. Given the cooking technology’s efficiency, you can take food from frozen to serving in minutes.

Also, it has a wider temperature range between 50° and 500°F. It can go low enough for slow cooking or high enough to broil food. Better still, you can easily adjust the temperature in 5°F increments. And you should have an easy time tracking the doneness with the integrated digital temperature probe. 

For the drawback, this is more of an oven than an air fryer. But, it can still deliver a decent crisp when air frying.

NuWave air fryer cook delicious recipes

Cooking Performance and Experience

This air fryer oven can cook any food perfectly. You just need to know how to use it correctly. But, it is important to note that there is no one correct way to cook anything. Follow the recipe and tweak it a little until you get the desired results.

The air fryer makes some of the best hamburgers and grilled salmon. The 360-degree air circulation works much better for these recipes. Other things like meatloaf and asparagus also come out perfect in just a few minutes.

Who should buy this air fryer 

Buy this air fryer if you are looking for the largest capacity NuWave air fryer model. It will be the best choice for large families and when cooking for guests.

What to look for when shopping for a NuWave air fryer

Here are some key pointers to consider when deciding which NuWave air fryer to buy.

1. Cooking Capacity

Your air fryer needs to hold enough food for the people you typically cook for. The good news is that NuWave makes their air fryers in several sizes.

They have everything from small 3-quart air fryers to large 30-quart air fryer ovens. You only need to know how many people you cook for and match this to the air fryer.

That said, getting a larger capacity air fryer is always better. Doing so makes the air fryer quite handy when you need to cook more food than usual.

2. Power (wattage)

Your air fryer needs a powerful heating element to generate the hot air that cooks food. The easiest way to tell how much power a NuWave air fryer packs is by looking at the wattage.

Some of the most powerful air fryers from the brand have 1500 to 1800-watt ratings. These air fryers are powerful enough to air fry almost anything.

Other models like the 3-quart NuWave Brio Air Fryer allow you to control the wattage. You can choose from 3 wattage settings: 600, 900, and 1300. With this air fryer, you fully control the power draw. You can adjust it to suit whatever you are cooking.

3. Temperature

You also need to consider the cooking temperature. And here, you should focus more on getting something with a wide temperature range. A wide temperature range makes the appliance more versatile.

An air fryer with a temperature range between 50°F and 500°F or something close should be good enough. Such a model can cook low enough for slow cooking and high enough when broiling.

4. Features

Consider the most useful features for you when deciding which NuWave air fryer to buy.

Do you want something with an integrated temperature probe? Or do you want a programmable model?

It is all up to you and how you intend to use the air fryer. And so it is important to go through all the features before deciding what to buy.

NuWave air fryer cook delicious corn pancake

5. Accessories

NuWave provides accessories depending on the specific model you buy. But, there are some basic accessories that you can expect with most of their air fryers. 

These basics include the air fryer baskets and crisper tray. Some models also have a rotisserie set, and others have a reversible griddle/grill plate.

6. Cleaning and maintenance

You will need to clean and maintain your air fryer to keep it in good working condition. It is important to make sure the model you choose makes things easy.

Something with dishwasher-safe parts makes cleanup a breeze. Other things like a non-stick surface and drip tray also simplify the cleaning process. 

7. Cost

The air fryer price also matters. But the good news is that NuWave air fryers are generally affordable. And this is more so if you compare them to what other top brands offer.

You can expect to spend anything from $80 to $200 to get one of these air fryers. There is something for everyone, so it is all up to your budget.

What makes Nuwave air fryers good?

NuWave air fryers have a lot to offer. But what you get depends on the specific model you choose. Here are some general things that make their air fryers good:

1. They are cheaper

While not the cheapest, NuWave air fryers are more affordable than most premium brands. NuWave has several models retailing for under $100. And even their largest capacity and feature-rich models won’t surpass the $200 mark.

2. Easy to clean

NuWave air fryers are designed to give you an easy time with maintenance. For starters, most of the provided accessories are dishwasher safe. Also, they feature non-stick surfaces and stainless steel finishes. The finish and surfaces are easy to wipe clean. They also do not rust or stain.

3. Highly durable

NuWave air fryers are ruggedly built to offer many years of service. They use heavy-duty plastic and other materials like stainless steel to ensure maximum durability. The company does not use any PFAS or hazardous compounds when making its air fryers.

4. Deliver extra crispy and juicy foods

All NuWave air fryers have a powerful heating element and use highly efficient fans. These air fryers can reach higher temperatures and circulate the hot air efficiently. And so you can be sure of always getting crispier food that remains juicy inside.

5. Highly versatile – they can prepare a wide variety of food types

You can use most NuWave to do the following and much more: 

  • Air fry
  • Bake
  • Roast
  • Broil
  • Defrost
  • Grill
  • Reheat

The company designs its air fryers to be highly versatile. Also, they have presets for these functions or common food types and digital controls to make them easier to use.

Best substitutes to NuWave air fryer

While NuWave has some of the best air fryers, they will still not impress everyone. But here are some other good alternatives:

1. COSORI Pro 5.8QT Air Fryer Oven Combo

cosori_air_fryer

Pros of Cosori air fryer

  • Consistent cooking temperature – This air fryer uses sensors to adjust the temperature automatically. It ensures more consistent cooking by minimizing fluctuations. With NuWave air fryers, you have to make adjustments manually.
  • Square basket design – The square basket allows the air fryer to hold more food. It also gives it a sleeker look than NuWave air fryers.
  • Hundreds of recipes – With this air fryer, you can access over 300 recipes prepared by professional chefs. Most NuWave air fryers hardly provide more than 100.

Cons of Cosori air fryer

  • Narrow temperature range – This air fryer cannot go lower than 170°F. Most NuWave air fryers can go as low as 50°F.

Key Features of Cosori air fryer

Cosori designs this air fryer to deliver some of the most consistent cooking results. It uses an NTC sensor to prevent temperature fluctuations. And it also has a highly efficient hot air circulation system.

You can choose from 13 cooking functions for increased versatility. The presets also speed up cooking. Also, their air fryer comes with a detachable basket designed to cook with up to 85% less oil. And this basket is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Cooking Performance of Cosori air fryer

This air fryer delivers some great results when cooking chicken. Whether it is chicken wings or chicken breasts, it always comes out perfectly. The chicken is super crispy and still moist enough inside. But, it also makes some of the best mozzarella sticks.

2. Instant Vortex Plus 6 Quart Air Fryer Oven

Instant-Vortex-Plus-Air-Fryer-Oven

Pros of Instant Vortex air fryer

  • Fast preheating – This air fryer requires little to no preheating. It will reach the optimal cooking temperature faster than most NuWave air fryers.
  • Even crisping – There is a technology dedicated to ensure even crisping. NuWave air fryers rely on their efficient heating element for this.
  • Quick dehydration – You can use this air fryer to dehydrate almost any food in just a few hours.
  • More safety features – This air fryer has more safety features, including overheating protection.

Cons Of Instant Vortex Air Fryer

  • Strong plastic smell – Compared to the NuWave air fryers, this one seems to have a strong plastic smell when using it for the first time.
  • Sparse instructions – The instructions are also not as good as what you get with a NuWave Brio air fryer or one of their other types.
NuWave air fryer cook delicious whole chicken

Key Features of Pros Of Instant Vortex Air Fryer

Instant Vortex makes this 6-quart air fryer to cater to all your cooking needs. It can dehydrate, bake and do much more. And so it never limits you to air frying. Also, it heats up super fast and hardly requires any preheating.

The air fryer uses EvenCrip technology to deliver a crispy golden finish while keeping the inside tender. Also, you can easily choose your preferred setting using the simple one-touch controls. And this is also a sleek and space-saving appliance that will fit perfectly in any kitchen.

Cooking Performance of Pros Of Instant Vortex Air Fryer

This air fryer can air fry perfectly and has many other cooking functions. But, what we like most is its dehydration capability. It can make perfect beef jerky or apple chips in just a few hours. And there is nothing much to do since there is a preset for this.

If you like both Cosori and Instant Vortex air fryers, we have a detailed comparison here.

Instructions and manual: How to set up and use a NuWave air fryer 

The actual setup of a NuWave air fryer depends on the exact model. But, each air fryer comes with a manual with clear instructions on what to do. 

Here are some general steps to follow to set up and use most NuWave air fryers:

Step 1: Unpack your air fryer

Start by removing all the packaging materials. Also, remove any glue or label on the appliance or accessories.

Step 2: Clean air fryer and accessories

Next, you should clean the accessories. Use a non-abrasive sponger, some warm water, and a mild detergent. You can also put them on the top rack of your dishwasher. But first make sure they are dishwasher-safe.

Step 3: Wipe the surfaces

You should then wipe the interior and exterior surfaces. Use a wet cloth for this. But you should never use anything abrasive or immerse the appliance in water.

Step 4: Preheat to burn packaging oils

The last step in the setup is to preheat to burn the packaging oils. It should take about 10 minutes to do this. This step is crucial if you want to avoid the strong plastic smell.

Step 5: Start cooking

When it comes to the actual cooking, you should start by preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes. Once it is at optimal temperature, you can add your food. Next, press the “Start:” button to begin air frying.

How to preheat a NuWave air fryer

Preheating the NuWave air fryer is also straightforward. Here is what to do:

  • Plug in and switch on your air fryer
  • Press the preheat button if your model has one
  • Select a preset or set the temperature manually
  • Allow the air fryer to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes

NuWave air fryer recipes: 5 best recipes

1. NuWave air fryer chicken wings

use nuwave air fryer to cook chicken wings without smoking

Ingredients: 4 to 5 pounds of chicken wings, cooking spray, favorite chicken wings seasonings, and spices

Total time: 45 minutes

Serving: 6 to 8 people

Nutrition: 539 kcal

Instructions

  • Mix your spices and rub them on the chicken wings. But spray some oil on the wings first to ensure the spices hold 
  • Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes
  • Spray the air fryer basket or tray with oil
  • Add the wings and pop them in the air fryer
  • Cook for 25 to 30 minutes at 325°F  and keep tossing every few minutes
  • Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 8 minutes to finish them off. But remember to toss at the halfway point

2. NuWave crispy air-fried bacon

use nuwave air fryer to cook bacon without-fire

Ingredients: 8 to 12 oz thick-cut bacon

Total time: 10 minutes

Serving: 1 or 2 people

Nutrition: 38 calories

Instructions

  • Place bacon in the basket and make sure it is in a single layer
  • Preheat the air fryer
  • Air fry the bacon for 10 to 15 minutes at 350˚F
  • Place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil
  • Serve and enjoy!

3. Grilled chicken breasts

use nuwave air frye to cook chicken breast

Ingredients: 2 to 3 chicken breasts, cooking spray, poultry seasoning

Total time: 30 minutes

Serving: 2 to 3 people

Nutrition: 296 kcal/breast

Instructions

  • Spray the chicken breasts with cooking oil on each side and season them generously
  • Preheat the air fryer at 360˚F
  • Place the breasts in the air fryer and cook for 9 minutes
  • Flip the breasts and cook them for another 9 minutes
  • Remove and allow them to rest before serving

4. Garlic shrimp

use nuwave air fryer to cook shrimp

Ingredients: 1 pound peeled & de-veined shrimp, minced garlic, unsalted butter

Total time: 15 minutes

Serving: 4 people

Nutrition: 217 kcal

Instructions

  • Pat the shrimps dry and set them aside 
  • Combine butter and garlic and microwave them for 30 seconds
  • Pour the garlic/butter mixture over the shrimp and stir to ensure an even coating
  • Arrange the shrimp in the basket and ensure you do not stack them
  • Preheat the air at 370˚F
  • Cook the shrimp for 8 minutes, and remember to toss them halfway through

5. Air-fried pork chops

use nuwave air fryer to cook pork chops

Ingredients: 2 bone-in pork chops – around 2 inches thick, brown sugar, olive oil, pork chops seasoning, and your favorite spices

Total time: 20 minutes

Serving: 2 people

Nutrition: 230 kcal/serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F
  • Rinse and pat the pork chops dry
  • Mix your dry spices in a bowl 
  • Coat the pork chops with olive oil and rub your spice mix
  • Air fry the pork chops for 12 minutes and flip after 6 minutes

Conclusion

There is no doubt that NuWave makes some of the best air fryers on the market. From our reviews above, they have provided many choices for you. 

Also, you now know what to consider when deciding which model to buy. All that is remaining is to choose one model from our list and complete your purchase today.

So what do you think about the NuWave brand? Do you think their air fryers can work for you? Let me know in the comments sections below.

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