Ever find yourself staring at your kitchen counter, wishing for a magical appliance that could do it all? From perfectly crisp fries to beautifully roasted chicken, and even your morning toast, imagine having one sleek device that handles it all with ease. That dream became a reality for many in 2022 with the rise of the best toaster oven air fryer models, transforming how we approach home cooking. This isn’t just another gadget; it’s a culinary powerhouse designed to streamline your kitchen, enhance your meals, and bring a touch of modern convenience to your daily routine. If you’re looking to upgrade your cooking game, understanding the capabilities of the Best Toaster Oven Air Fryer 2022 models is your first step towards a smarter kitchen.
What Exactly is a Toaster Oven Air Fryer?

At its core, a toaster oven air fryer is a brilliant hybrid appliance that combines the compact utility of a traditional toaster oven with the innovative, health-conscious technology of an air fryer. Think of it as your everyday countertop oven, capable of toasting bread, baking small batches of cookies, and reheating leftovers, but with an added turbo boost. The “air fryer” function works by circulating superheated air around your food at high speeds, mimicking the results of deep frying with significantly less oil. This means you get that irresistible crispy texture on everything from chicken wings to vegetables, without the guilt or the mess of a traditional fryer. The synergy of these two functions in one machine made the best toaster oven air fryer 2022 a standout choice for home cooks seeking efficiency and versatility.
Why Your Kitchen Needed a Toaster Oven Air Fryer in 2022
The demand for multi-functional appliances surged, and the best toaster oven air fryer 2022 models truly delivered, becoming indispensable for a variety of reasons.
Unmatched Versatility: Bake, Broil, Toast, Roast, Air Fry, Dehydrate
The beauty of these machines lies in their ability to handle a remarkable array of cooking tasks. Beyond simple toasting, they excel at baking casseroles, broiling fish, roasting vegetables, and, of course, air frying. Many 2022 models even introduced dehydrating and slow-cooking functions, making them a true all-in-one solution that reduces the need for multiple single-purpose gadgets cluttering your valuable counter space.
Space-Saving Design: One Appliance, Many Functions
For those with smaller kitchens or a desire for a minimalist aesthetic, the compact footprint of a toaster oven air fryer is a huge advantage. Instead of dedicating space to a toaster, a standalone air fryer, and perhaps a small oven, you get all that functionality in one unit. This clever consolidation frees up your counter for prep work or simply a cleaner look.
Healthier Cooking Habits: Less Oil, Same Crispy Results
One of the biggest draws of air frying is the ability to achieve deliciously crispy food with a fraction of the oil typically required for deep frying. This translates directly to healthier meals without sacrificing flavor or texture. The best toaster oven air fryer 2022 units made it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite “fried” foods, guilt-free.
Energy and Time Efficiency: Faster Preheating, Smaller Meals
Heating a large conventional oven for a small batch of fries or a couple of chicken breasts is not only slow but also energy-inefficient. Toaster oven air fryers preheat much faster and use less energy, making them perfect for everyday meals and snacks. This speed and efficiency saves you both time and money on your utility bills, a welcome benefit in any household.
Key Features That Defined the Best Models of 2022
When considering which toaster oven air fryer ruled the roost in 2022, several key features stood out, making certain models truly shine.
Capacity and Footprint: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Not all kitchens or families are created equal. The 2022 market offered a range of sizes, from compact models perfect for single individuals or small apartments to larger units capable of roasting a whole chicken or baking a 12-inch pizza. The best models balanced ample interior capacity with a reasonable countertop footprint, ensuring they fit seamlessly into various kitchen setups.
Cooking Presets and Smart Technology: Convenience at Your Fingertips
Many top-tier 2022 toaster oven air fryers came equipped with intuitive digital controls and pre-set functions for popular dishes like pizza, toast, bagels, fries, and roasts. Some even boasted smart features, allowing you to control them via an app or integrate them into your smart home ecosystem, offering unparalleled convenience and precision.
Temperature Precision and Power: For Consistent Results
For truly exceptional cooking, precise temperature control and adequate wattage are crucial. The leading models in 2022 offered accurate temperature settings and powerful heating elements, ensuring consistent, evenly cooked results, whether you were baking delicate pastries or air frying robust proteins.
Ease of Cleaning: A Practical Consideration
Let’s be honest, no one enjoys cleaning kitchen appliances. The best toaster oven air fryer 2022 designs often featured non-stick interiors, removable crumb trays, and dishwasher-safe accessories, making cleanup significantly less of a chore. This practical aspect is often overlooked but becomes invaluable over time.
Build Quality and Durability: Brands that Stood Out in 2022
Durability and robust construction were hallmarks of the top performers. These appliances were built to last, often featuring stainless steel exteriors and high-quality internal components, promising years of reliable service. Investing in a well-built model meant fewer headaches down the road.
Top Picks from 2022: Models That Excelled
While specific brands can vary, the overall characteristics of the best toaster oven air fryer 2022 models generally fell into a few key categories, each catering to different needs.
The All-Rounder: Balancing Performance and Price
Many mid-range models found the sweet spot, offering excellent air frying performance, reliable baking, and intuitive controls without breaking the bank. These were often praised for their consistent results and robust feature sets that catered to the average family’s daily cooking needs.
The Powerhouse: For Serious Air Frying Enthusiasts
For those who prioritize speed and maximum crispiness, certain higher-end models from 2022 delivered exceptional air frying capabilities, often featuring more powerful convection fans and optimized airflow designs. These were the go-to choices for recreating that deep-fried taste with minimal oil.
The Compact Champion: Perfect for Smaller Spaces
Even with their multi-functionality, some brands managed to pack all the essential features into surprisingly compact forms. These space-saving champions were ideal for dorm rooms, small apartments, or anyone looking to minimize their kitchen footprint while still enjoying all the benefits.
Getting the Most Out of Your Toaster Oven Air Fryer: Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve got your hands on one of the best toaster oven air fryer 2022 models, mastering a few simple techniques will elevate your cooking experience.
Preheat Like a Pro
Just like a conventional oven, preheating your toaster oven air fryer is crucial for even cooking and optimal results, especially for air frying. Give it a few minutes to reach the desired temperature before adding your food.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Air frying works best when hot air can circulate freely around the food. Overfilling the basket or tray will lead to steamed food rather than crispy results. Cook in batches if necessary for the best outcome.
Shake or Flip for Even Cooking
For items like fries, chicken nuggets, or vegetables, periodically shaking the air fryer basket or flipping your food ensures even browning and crispness on all sides.
Cleaning and Maintenance Made Easy
Regular cleaning is key to maintaining your appliance’s performance and lifespan. Wipe down the interior after each use and thoroughly clean the basket/tray. Many removable parts are dishwasher safe, simplifying the process.
Delicious Dishes You Can Create
The versatility of the best toaster oven air fryer 2022 means your culinary imagination is the only limit!
- Crispy Fries and Chicken Wings: The quintessential air fryer dish, achieving a perfect golden crisp every time.
- Quick Pizzas and Toasts: From frozen pizzas to gourmet toasts, it handles them flawlessly.
- Roasted Vegetables and Salmon: Healthy and delicious, with a tender interior and slightly crisp exterior.
- Homemade Cookies and Muffins: Ideal for small-batch baking without heating up your main oven.
Toaster Oven Air Fryer vs. Traditional Appliances: A 2022 Perspective
Understanding where the toaster oven air fryer fits into your kitchen alongside other appliances is essential.
Microwave Ovens: Speed vs. Crispness
Microwaves are unbeatable for reheating speed, but they leave food soft. The toaster oven air fryer, especially the best toaster oven air fryer 2022 models, excels at reheating leftovers to their original crispness, transforming soggy pizza into a delightful treat.
Conventional Ovens: Bulk Cooking vs. Everyday Convenience
Your large oven is still king for holiday roasts or multiple baking sheets. However, for daily meals for one to four people, the toaster oven air fryer is significantly more energy-efficient and faster, making it the practical choice for most cooking tasks.
Dedicated Air Fryers: Space vs. Multi-Functionality
While a dedicated air fryer might offer slightly more optimized air circulation for pure air frying, the toaster oven air fryer combos save significant counter space by rolling multiple functions into one unit. The 2022 models closed the performance gap considerably, making the combo a truly compelling option.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best toaster oven air fryer 2022, you might encounter a few minor hiccups.
Uneven Cooking
This is often due to overcrowding the basket or not flipping/shaking food. Ensure proper spacing and agitation for uniform results.
Excessive Smoke
Smoke can occur if fatty foods drip onto the heating elements or if there’s built-up grease. Clean your appliance regularly and use a drip tray if needed.
Cleaning Stubborn Grease
For tough spots, a paste of baking soda and water can work wonders. Always ensure the appliance is unplugged and cooled before cleaning.
Expert Insight: “The Toaster Oven Air Fryer Changed Everything”
“The best toaster oven air fryer 2022 models weren’t just an incremental improvement; they were a significant leap forward in kitchen versatility and efficiency,” says Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading culinary technology expert. “They offered a unique blend of convenience, health benefits, and performance that truly empowered home cooks to create restaurant-quality meals without the fuss. This single appliance truly redefined the modern countertop, making gourmet cooking accessible and sustainable for everyday life.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are toaster oven air fryers worth the investment?
A: Absolutely! Given their versatility in combining multiple appliances into one, offering healthier cooking options, and saving both energy and time, the best toaster oven air fryer 2022 models proved to be excellent value for money.
Q: How much counter space do they take up?
A: While larger than a standard toaster, they are generally much more compact than having a separate toaster oven and a dedicated air fryer. Sizes vary, so it’s best to measure your available counter space against the product dimensions.
Q: Can I bake a cake in my toaster oven air fryer?
A: Yes, many toaster oven air fryers, especially the higher-capacity models from 2022, can bake cakes, cookies, muffins, and more. Just be mindful of the internal dimensions and adjust baking times as they might cook faster than in a conventional oven.
Q: What’s the difference between convection and air fry settings?
A: All air fryers use convection technology (circulating hot air). However, a dedicated “air fry” setting on a toaster oven air fryer often uses a more powerful fan and higher heat to optimize for crisping, making it ideal for achieving that “fried” texture.
Q: How often should I clean my toaster oven air fryer?
A: For optimal performance and hygiene, it’s recommended to wipe down the interior and clean the cooking basket/tray after every few uses, or immediately after cooking greasy foods. A deeper clean every week or two is also beneficial.
Conclusion
The evolution of kitchen technology brought us some truly remarkable innovations in 2022, and the best toaster oven air fryer stood out as a clear winner. It’s more than just a convenience; it’s a smart investment for anyone looking to optimize their cooking, save space, eat healthier, and enjoy a wider range of culinary creations with less effort. If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of this multi-talented appliance, it’s time to discover how the best toaster oven air fryer can revolutionize your kitchen and elevate your everyday meals. Dive in, experiment with new recipes, and unleash the full potential of this incredible kitchen workhorse!