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Air Fryers Dethrone Ovens as the Must-Have Kitchen Appliance
15 Nov
Summary
- Air fryers now in 60% of US homes, usage growing steadily
- Chefs and home cooks praise air fryers for speed, convenience, and healthier cooking
- Air fryer sales surged 76% during the pandemic, reaching $1 billion in revenue
In the past few years, air fryers have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a niche kitchen gadget to a ubiquitous household appliance. As of November 2025, air fryers are now found in roughly 60% of American homes, with usage growing steadily.
The air fryer's rise to prominence is driven by its ability to deliver crispy, flavorful results with a fraction of the oil required for traditional frying. Celebrated chefs like Stephanie Izard and Guy Fieri have become vocal advocates, praising the air fryer's versatility and efficiency. Even home cooks have embraced the technology, using it to quickly prepare everything from roasted chicken to grilled cheese.
The air fryer's popularity surge began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when sales jumped 76% from 2020 to 2021, reaching nearly $1 billion in revenue. This rapid growth has continued, with sales rising another 10.2% last year. The air fryer's compact size, energy efficiency, and ability to replicate the results of traditional ovens have made it an indispensable tool for busy home cooks.
As air fryers continue to disrupt the kitchen appliance market, traditional oven manufacturers have taken notice, incorporating air fryer settings into their latest models. However, standalone air fryers remain the preferred choice for many, offering a more compact and powerful cooking experience.
