Best Air Fryer Grill Combo For Grilled Food Lovers [2024]

Now, there is no need to buy a bulky outdoor grill. You can enjoy delicious grilled food with these best air fryer grill combo.

For grilled food enthusiasts, having an air fryer with indoor grill is like a dream come true.

It replicates the authentic texture and taste of outdoor grilling in your kitchen.

After research and testing, we've curated a list of the top air fryers with a grilling function.

Before that, one standout option that excited us with its performance during the testing phase was the Cuisinart-TOA-70. Also check best double basket air fryers.

Who Should Buy An Air Fryer With Grill Function?

An air fryer with grilling function is recommended for anyone wanting to grill their food without setting up a big, cumbersome outdoor grill.

It is beneficial if you frequently make grilled food. An air fry grill offers convenience and ease of use.

It also combines multiple functions in one unit, unlike an outdoor grill that is best for grilling only.

Best Air Fryers With Grilling Function

What made the Cuisinart TOA-70 air fryer our top pick in our testing?

Well, its powerful heating element, sleek look, and even cooking, among other features, make it stand out.

The 1800-watt motor operates quietly and does not get on your nerves.

The bright interior light lets you clearly monitor the food's progress without opening the air fryer door.

Though it is best for grilling, its 8 in-built cooking functions don’t confine you to grilling only.

Simultaneously, being a multi-purpose cooking appliance, it helps you reduce clutter on the countertop.

The wide temperature range (80°F to 450°F) makes it equally suitable for grilling and other functions.

The inner space is generous enough to easily accommodate 3 lbs of chicken wings, a 12-inch pizza, or six slices in one go.

With its classic minimalistic design and no-fuss intuitive control panel, the Cuisinart TOA-70 is an excellent countertop appliance for busy households.

It is similar to the Cuisinart TOA-65 in capacity but has a grill function.

Additionally, it is more compact in dimensions, making it easier to fit in a corner.

Now, talking about the downside, at 23.4 pounds, it's one of the heaviest air fryers we tried, making it cumbersome to move around the kitchen.

Meet the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 indoor grill with air fryer, another innovative addition to the splendidly versatile Ninja Family.

This well-designed kitchen appliance can prepare four hamburgers, five to six right-sized thighs, and two medium-sized steaks.

I particularly appreciate the heavy-duty grill plate—it sizzles and sears your food without imparting a burnt taste.

With a maximum temperature of 500°F, it cooks 30% faster than outdoor grills, sparing you the hassle of sourcing charcoal and propane.

However, one downside is the wait time of six to eight minutes before it reaches the optimal cooking temperature.

Complicated controls can also be frustrating when grilling food as it needs precise heat and time.

But, in the case of Ninja AG301, I admire its easy-to-navigate standard oven controls.

This simplicity not only makes cooking hassle-free but also encourages you to try new recipes with confidence.

Additionally, the micro-temperature controls for grill function (Low, med, high, max) are just what I need to achieve perfect browning.

The only caveat is that this air fryer can be loud. If you have light sleepers in the house, make sure to close the kitchen door when it’s working.

Nuwave Brio is the perfect gadget for grilling all kinds of meat and veggies with just a few time and temperature settings.

The air fryer does not heat the entire kitchen, even at the highest temperature settings.

It shuts off when the food reaches the required internal temperature, making cooking considerably easy and error-free.

The unit is large, with 15.5 Qt of cooking capacity.

However, its large size may not fit under kitchen cabinets, requiring a separate table.

For me, the fact that it has a light and a window is a big plus, as I usually prefer to keep an eye on food during cooking.

The temperature range of 50°F-425°F is also reasonable, though not as wide as NUWAVE Bravo’s 50°F-500°F.

On the bright side, most recipe temperature requirements fall in this range.

One feature that stood out for me was its detachable door, which makes cleaning a breeze.

However, it does sometimes partially come out of its hinges, but it is something that’s easy to deal with.

The accompanying accessories are also worth mentioning.

The rotisserie basket is not only good for fries and wings but also perfectly cooks big sausages.

The grill plate is heavy-duty and gives a satisfying sizzle and sear to food items.

The NUWAVE Bravo Air Fryer Oven Pro, 12-in-1, 30QT XL, is designed for large families.

As they say, cooking is an art; the air fryer’s adjustable temperature range (50F to 500F) with Linear Thermal Technology can inspire creativity.

What makes the unit stand out is the remarkable accuracy of the unit’s programmed temperature and timer settings.

For best grilling results, learning to adjust the heat of the upper and lower elements is a must.

Initially, the abundance of buttons, a large digital screen, and an Integrated Digital Temperature Probe might seem daunting.

However, thanks to clear labeling of the buttons, with a bit of practice, navigating the control panel becomes second nature.

The brushed stainless steel body not only looks attractive but also enduring.

In addition, unlike ordinary ovens, this air fryer does not heat up the surroundings.

This aspect makes it a match made in heaven, especially for people living in hotter areas.

However, it is important to know that this air fryer takes up significant space on the countertop, which can be a drawback for some users.

In conclusion, Nuwave offers a blend of versatility, precision, and accuracy that makes it an ideal appliance for cooking enthusiasts.

FG551 is a step up fromthe Ninja AG301 with enhanced features.

Unlike the AG301 Foodi's 5 cooking functions, the Ninja FG551 includes 6 with an additional broil function.

I found the control panel classier and more streamlined.

However, these added features also contribute to the slightly higher price tag compared to the AG301.

With a 4 Qt capacity, Ninja FG551 is better suited for serving 3 to 4 people.

The inclusion of a smart temperature thermometer probe is a notable benefit, helping you achieve precise results with minimal effort.

The air fryer’s lid keeps splatters to a minimum, while the added splatter guard collects the grease and reduces burning and smoke.

The non-stick interior with ceramic coating makes cleaning super easy.

With just a damp cloth, you can effortlessly wipe away food residue, simplifying upkeep.

While this unit boasts sturdy construction, its weight, and bulkiness limit its mobility, reinforcing the need for a dedicated corner.

Overall, considering its array of functions and performance, the Ninja FG551 provides great value for the money, making it a worthwhile investment.

Why You Must Trust Us?

Our team of experts dedicated approx. 93 hours testing the functions and cooking different recipes in more than 15 best air fryers on the market, and came up with this list of top 5 air fryers with grilling functions.

Guide To Choose Right Air Fryer With Indoor Grill

Here are some key points that every buyer must consider before buying an air fryer with a built-in grill.

Footprint Of The Air Fryer

Most airfryers with grilling function come as a countertop appliance. So, you need to consider the unit size against the space on the kitchen counter.

If you have limited counter space, choose a compact air fryer that can easily adjust on the countertop or fits in the kitchen cabinets.

Cooking Capacity

You may prefer a compact air frying unit, but remember that size of the air fryer is connected to the capacity.

If you are a family of 2 to 3 people, you can get a 3 to 4 Qt air fryer. But for bigger families of 4 people and above, you must have at least a 6 Qt air fryer.

With this capacity, you can grill four burgers, and four medium-sized steaks in one go.

On the contrary, opting for a smaller air fryer means you have to cook food in batches which will be extremely time-consuming.

Time And Temperature Settings

You must ensure multiple temperatures and time settings to cover a range of food items.

Some air fry grills also come with preset cooking options to streamline the process.

Easy To Use

Some air fryer combos come with complicated controls and settings. They often waste time by providing you with a complex learning curve.

Therefore, go for a combination of a cooking appliance that is easy to use and comes with a detailed user manual.

Smoke Release

It is common for an indoor grill with air fry to produce some smoke while cooking.

High-quality air fryer units come with smoke filters that reduce the smoke somewhat.

Anyone claiming their appliance is completely smokeless would be an exaggeration.

Cleaning And Maintenance

When buying an fryer grill, ensure the availability of a drip pan or grease collector.

These accessories will collect all the excess grease, making cleaning easier after cooking.

As for the residues and stuck-on food, make sure the accessories are non-stick and ceramic-coated.

FAQs

What air fryers with grill are worth buying in 2024?

Are air fryer grills worth it?

Yes, air fry grills are worth a purchase if you are a fan of grilling food and want to taste grilled meat and veggies, even when setting up an outdoor grill is impossible. An outdoor grill is mostly big; preparing the whole unit is often a hassle for cooking smaller quantities.

Can an air fryer be used as a grill?

Yes, you can conveniently use air fryers as a grill. In fact, because of hot blowing air and consistent temperature, grilled food such as steaks, shrimps, vegetables comes out perfect every time. Air fryers are ideal when you don’t want to heat the whole grilling equipment.

What's better George Foreman grill or air fryer?

Both are good appliances. The air fryer uses hot air, and the George Foreman grill uses hot plates. The latter gives you nice grilling char marks. Still, one cannot deny an air fryer's even heat circulation and multi-functionality.

What is difference between grill and air fryer?

The main difference between a grill and an air fryer is the use of oil. An air fryer can cook food without oil. But the grilling function requires some amount of oil for cooking food. Overall, an air fryer is a much healthier cooking option than a standalone grill, and more fat drippings are cooked in the air fryer, so extra calories somehow leave your food.

Can you put foil in air fryer?

Using foil in an air fryer helps with easy cleaning. Fat drippings fall on the foil instead of the air fryer body. But foil cannot be considered the most suitable option, especially when cooking acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, and marinades with vinegar or lemon juice.

Can I make steaks in air fryer?

Yes, you can make steaks in an air fryer. Like traditionally cooked steaks, the exterior of the air-fried steaks gets seared due to circulating hot air. In fact, some users opine that steaks cooked in an air fryer come out much better than in an iron skillet.

Wrapping Up!

Whether you choose the Cuisinart TOA-70 for its sleek design or the Ninja AG301 Foodi for its heavy-duty grill plate, in the end, it depends on your preferences. Each unit on my list offers a unique set of features to elevate your cooking experience. In addition, they all share the common goal of bringing healthier and more delicious meals to your table. So, consider your cooking style, kitchen layout, available space, and desired functionality before making a choice.