Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy favorites. Among the top contenders, Nuwave stands out for its innovative technology and versatile models. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, there’s a Nuwave air fryer designed to meet your specific needs and simplify your routine.
This roundup cuts through the clutter to present the best Nuwave air fryers available. From compact digital units to multi-functional powerhouses, we break down the key features and benefits of each model to help you make an informed decision for your kitchen.
The Best Nuwave Air Fryers for Your Kitchen
- Nuwave Brio 6-Quart Healthy Digital Smart Air Fryer
- Nuwave Duet Pressure Cook and Air Fryer Combo Cook
- NUWAVE Brio 3-Qt Air Fryer, Touch Screen Digital Controls
- Nuwave Bravo XL Air Fryer Toaster Smart Oven
- Nuwave Brio 8-Qt Air Fryer, Powerful 1800W
- Nuwave Brio 3.75-Quart Digital Air Fryer
- Nuwave Brio 6-Quart Digital Air Fryer
- Nuwave Brio 10-Quart Digital Air Fryer
Nuwave Brio 6-Quart Healthy Digital Smart Air Fryer with Probe
The Nuwave Brio 6-Quart model is engineered for precision. Its advanced system checks the internal temperature 120 times per second, ensuring the setting you choose is the temperature you get for consistent results. This eliminates the guesswork and common temperature fluctuations found in other air fryers.
Featuring a unique cooking chamber and a patented Fry Pan Basket with holes in the walls, it facilitates even heating from all directions for perfectly crispy food. With a temperature range from 50°F to 400°F, 100 pre-programmed recipes, and convenient reheat and preheat functions, it combines smart technology with user-friendly operation.
Nuwave Duet Pressure Cook and Air Fryer Combo
For maximum versatility, the Nuwave Duet combines two popular appliances into one. It functions as a standalone 6-quart pressure cooker, capable of cooking meals up to 70% faster, and a 4-quart air fryer for creating crispy foods with fewer calories. The removable lids make switching between functions simple.
This all-in-one unit can roast, grill, bake, dehydrate, sear, steam, and slow cook. It comes with over 300 pre-programmed cooking functions and allows you to save 240 of your own custom recipes. The Duet is an excellent space-saving solution for kitchens that need multi-functionality without sacrificing performance.
NUWAVE Brio 3-Qt Air Fryer
Ideal for smaller households or limited counter space, the Nuwave Brio 3-Quart air fryer packs professional features into a compact design. Its touch screen digital controls are intuitive, allowing you to adjust time and temperature on-the-fly without restarting the cooking cycle.
It offers precise temperature control from 100°F to 400°F in 5°F increments. Using Linear Thermal technology, the heater remains consistently on during cooking rather than cycling on and off, which promotes more even and efficient results. It’s a straightforward, effective appliance for preparing healthier fried foods quickly.
Nuwave Bravo XL Air Fryer Toaster Smart Oven
The Nuwave Bravo XL is a true countertop powerhouse, combining 12 cooking functions in one 30-quart appliance. It operates as an air fryer, toaster oven, grill, and griddle, making it capable of handling virtually any cooking task. Its large capacity is suitable for preparing meals for a crowd.
With an impressive temperature range of 50°F to 500°F, adjustable in precise 5°F increments, it offers exceptional control. The integrated Linear Thermal technology constantly monitors and adjusts the temperature for perfect results. This is the ultimate choice for those seeking a comprehensive replacement for multiple kitchen appliances.
Nuwave Brio 8-Qt Air Fryer
Balancing high capacity with powerful performance, the Nuwave Brio 8-Quart air fryer is perfect for families. Its 1800-watt power and spacious interior can handle up to 5 pounds of chicken or 3 pounds of wings. The cool white display is easy to read in any lighting condition.
A standout feature is the integrated digital temperature probe, which constantly monitors the internal temperature of your food and automatically stops cooking when the desired doneness is reached. This guarantees perfectly cooked meats every time. The included accessories, like the reversible rack, also facilitate multi-layer cooking and are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Nuwave Brio 3.75-Quart Digital Air Fryer
The Nuwave Brio 3.75-Quart model offers a mid-size capacity that is versatile for singles, couples, or small families. It incorporates the reliable Brio digital controls, allowing for precise temperature and time adjustments. This model is designed to provide the same consistent cooking technology as its larger siblings.
It uses super-heated air to create crispy textures without the need for excessive oil, supporting a healthier cooking style. Its compact footprint makes it a practical addition to any kitchen counter, providing the performance needed for daily meals without taking up too much space.
Nuwave Brio 6-Quart Digital Air Fryer
This 6-quart version of the Brio line provides a standard family-sized capacity for everyday cooking. It features the user-friendly digital interface that Nuwave is known for, making it simple to set the perfect cooking parameters for a wide variety of foods.
With efficient air circulation and consistent heating, it reliably produces crispy fries, juicy chicken, and more. The basket and components are designed for easy cleaning, streamlining your post-meal routine. It’s a solid, dependable workhorse for any busy kitchen.
Nuwave Brio 10-Quart Digital Air Fryer
For large families or those who love to entertain, the Nuwave Brio 10-Quart air fryer offers an extra-large capacity. This model can accommodate substantial portions, making it possible to cook for a gathering or prepare multiple components of a meal at once.
It maintains all the advanced features of the Brio series, including precise temperature control and even air circulation, but on a larger scale. If you frequently need to cook in bulk without compromising on texture or quality, this is the model designed for your needs.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Nuwave Air Fryer for You
With so many models available, picking the right Nuwave air fryer can feel a bit overwhelming. I’ve spent a lot of time testing these appliances, and I can tell you that the best choice really depends on your specific needs and kitchen space. Let’s break down the key factors you should consider before making your purchase.
First, think about capacity. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a compact 2-quart model might be perfect. It heats up quickly and doesn’t take up much counter space. For a family of three or four, you’ll want to look at models in the 5 to 6-quart range. This size is versatile enough for a batch of fries for the family or a whole chicken. For larger gatherings or if you just hate cooking in batches, the extra-large 8 to 10-quart models are a game-changer. They can handle a pizza or a significant amount of food at once.
Next, consider the features. The most basic models have simple dials for time and temperature, which are perfectly effective. However, many of the newer Nuwave air fryers come with digital touchscreens and pre-programmed settings for things like fries, chicken, and seafood. These can be really convenient if you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach. Some of the premium models even have probe thermometers, which I find incredibly useful for ensuring meats are cooked to the perfect internal temperature without guesswork.
Power, measured in watts, is another important factor. A higher wattage generally means the air fryer can heat up faster and cook more evenly. Most home models range from 1000 to 1800 watts. While a more powerful unit can be efficient, it’s not the only thing that determines performance. The design of the basket and the airflow technology are just as crucial for getting that crispy texture we all want.
Finally, don’t forget about your kitchen’s real estate. Air fryers come in various shapes, from tall, round units to more square, toaster-oven styles. Measure your counter space and think about where you’ll store it. Also, check what accessories are included or sold separately. Many of the best Nuwave air fryers on the market come with racks, skewers, or baking pans that greatly expand what you can cook, from dehydrating fruit to baking a cake. By weighing these factors—capacity, features, power, and size—you can find the ideal model that will get used daily in your home.
FAQ
Are Nuwave air fryers easy to clean?
Yes, for the most part. The cooking baskets and trays are almost always non-stick and dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze. I always recommend wiping down the main unit’s exterior and the inside of the heating element area with a damp cloth after it has completely cooled down to prevent any grease or dust buildup. Always check your specific model’s manual, but generally, they are designed for easy maintenance.
What is the main difference between the various Nuwave models?
The main differences come down to size, power, and smart features. You have compact models for small kitchens, large family-sized units, and everything in between. Some have simple analog controls, while others feature digital displays with preset cooking functions. A few of the more advanced models include probe thermometers and dehydrating functions. It’s all about matching the machine’s capabilities to your typical cooking needs.
Can I really bake and roast in an air fryer?
Absolutely. I use mine for way more than just fries. An air fryer is essentially a powerful convection oven, so it’s great for roasting vegetables, baking small cakes or muffins, and even reheating pizza (it gets the crust crispy again!). Many of the best Nuwave air fryers on the market come with additional racks and pans that make these tasks even easier.
How much electricity does a Nuwave air fryer use?
While they are powerful appliances, they are often more energy-efficient than heating a full-sized oven, especially for smaller meals. Because they cook food faster and concentrate heat in a smaller space, the total energy used per cook can be lower. For example, heating a large oven to roast a single chicken uses more energy than an air fryer doing the same job in less time.
Is the non-stick coating on the baskets safe?
Nuwave uses PTFE-based non-stick coatings that are PFOA-free, which is the standard for modern, safe non-stick cookware. To keep it safe, avoid using metal utensils that can scratch the surface and don’t heat the empty basket to extremely high temperatures for prolonged periods. Using wooden, silicone, or plastic tools will help preserve the coating for a long time.