5 Best Oil-less Turkey Fryers – Healthier Choice!

From high-capacity fry baskets and accessories to cutting-edge technology units, we find and review the year's top oil-less turkey fryers in the market.
By
Jeremy Bivens
Jeremy Bivens
Research Writer
Jeremy Bivens is a passionate writer and grilling enthusiast. He's been working as a freelance journalist for over 15 years now and has a particular interest in food writing read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Claims that grilling is the art that he has been learning all his life long and is not planning to stop. Has been grilling for as long as he can remember. Author of numerous read more
Last updated: August 16, 2023
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Can you cook a turkey without oil and get the same crispy results? This question will cross your mind when you set out to buy one of the many brands in the market. Luckily, the answer is yes. Technological advancements have revolutionized numerous sectors, and oil-less turkey fryers are among appliances available in the market to make this possible.

In this article, we review the five best oil-less turkey Trusted Source Why is it a thing? Deep-frying a turkey The national popularization of deep-fried turkey was “part of the Cajun cooking craze that started in the late ’70s,” says Rodgers. He says that butane cookers were widely sold in Louisiana as a way to cook crawfish boils en mass outdoors at churches and other outdoor functions. People realized that you could replace water with oil and get a crisp, quick cook, and soon the regional trend evolved into whole-turkey frying. www.usatoday.com fryers in the market and choose Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer as our Editor’s Choice. Size, presets, temperature, power, and warranty are some of the fundamental features that inform our evaluation of the brands we discuss below. These elements are vital in helping you make a well-versed decision when buying a fryer in this category. Read through to the end to familiarize yourself with details on oil-less turkey fryers and know the benefits of having one in your kitchen.

Quick Summary

  • "This unit incorporates the TRU-infrared cooking technology in the design. It is a versatile option with a large capacity and is easy to use."
  • "This fryer has a user-friendly design that guarantees safety for new users. The LED touchscreen makes the process seamless and fast."
  • "The manufacturer avails numerous accessories for this fryer to ensure that you can cook an assortment of meals without any hassle."
  • High-Capacity Choice: NutriChef Digital Air Fryer
    "This is a high-capacity oil-less turkey fryer with a high-capacity and time-setting option. The LCD panel in the design allows for effortless operation."
  • "Power-off protection, ease of use, non-stick basket, and uniform heating are desirable features that consumers like in this fryer."

Top 5 Oil-less Turkey Fryers Reviews 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4526 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.9
Features
  • Size: 16.3 x 20.8 x 23.5 inches
  • Presets: not applicable
  • Temperature: not specified
  • Power: not specified
  • Warranty: not specified

More features: TRU-infrared cooking technology, large capacity, versatile, easy to use, comes with a cover

The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer is among the large capacity units you will encounter when shopping. The cooking basket allows you to fry a whole turkey weighing up to 16 pounds.  The removable drip tray under the heating chamber collects the flavors from the frying turkey to make flavorful homemade gravy on the stove.

This turkey oil-less fryer is from one of the leading manufacturers in this realm. Char-broil brings the best fryers in the market, and this unit from them has many functional and additional features that improve the functionality and performance of the fryer. It is ideal if you want to feed a large family or host parties that include fried turkey on the menu.

    What makes it special?
  • This unit is the TRU infrared cooking technology that ensures you get a crisp and juicy turkey full of flavor. The BTU propane burners are enclosed in the cylindrical cooking chamber, and the infrared heat circles the turkey cooking it evenly. This unit is among the most straightforward to use as it has only two knobs to turn the fryer on and light the burner.
    What cons did we find?
  • The availability of information from the manufacturing company. Info regarding presets, temperature, power, and warranty are not readily available. These features are critical, and you ought to confirm the details from customer support before you order this oil-less turkey fryer. Additionally, the lack of presets limits the applications of this appliance, especially for novice users.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3999 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.0
Features
  • Size: not specified
  • Presets: air fry, toast, roast, broil, bake, dehydrate, reheat, and frozen food
  • Temperature:170-400°F
  • Power: not specified
  • Warranty: one year

More features: LED touchscreen, non-stick detachable basket, user-friendly design, safe to use

Digital oil-less fryers are among the popular models among users. This COMFEE creation has gained popularity since its release into the market for various reasons. The detachable non-stick basket makes cleaning a breeze, and the residue from the cooking process is minimal. The LED touchscreen panel is another sought-after feature that puts this unit in the family of the best oil-less turkey fryers available.

This model differs from others in the market from the same producer thanks to technology. The design incorporates eight preset functions that enable you to cook an assortment of meals without worrying about time and temperature settings. The smart programs include air fry, toast, roast, broil, bake, dehydrate, reheat, and frozen food options. Cooking is made easier and faster with this feature that other units in stores do not have.

    What stands out?
  • This unit is in the temperature range, which goes from 170-400°F, which guarantees the versatility of this air fryer. The LED touchscreen makes it more manageable to use; hence, it is a perfect gift for family and friends looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. The sleek and classy design makes placement in the kitchen or any other setup easier. You get a one-year warranty from the manufacturer for this unit.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The availability of information on the size and power specifications. These details should be available to help the buyer make an informed choice. Several manufacturing defects have been reported, indicating the need for the producer to look into the construction of the unit and reinforce the various parts to ensure that the unit is durable.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9970 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.9
Features
  • Size: 13.53 x 12.74 x 15.4 inches
  • Presets: 8
  • Temperature: up to 400°F
  • Power: 1700W
  • Warranty: not specified

More features: rotating basket, easy-view window, has three metal mesh shelves

This digital air fryer measures 13.53 x 12.74 x 15.4 inches and has multiple uses in the kitchen. It comes with a total of eight presets suitable for beginners who cannot determine the time and temperature settings for the meal in preparation. The temp goes up to 400°F, allowing this fryer to cook a host of meals without any glitch.

The package you receive contains the appliance, a rotating basket, drip tray basket, rotisserie accessories, and three metal mesh shelves. You can roast, air fry, bake pizza, and make sandwiches using this model, among many other functions due to the versatile design that allows for the same. The preset functions are not ideal for everyone, so this unit is the best choice for people looking to explore a variety of recipes as you can manually adjust the settings to fit the recipe.

    Why is it special?
  • The 1700W power feature that the manufacturer is incorporated in the design. It provides for powerful air circulation for fast cooking with minimal or no oil. The easy-view window is another element that makes this unit a favorite among users. This is coupled with a lit interior that allows you to see the food as it cooks. This way, you can get the perfect results without opening the fryer check the food's progress.
    What are the flaws?
  • The improvement of the reheat function. Reviews from previous users indicate that this feature shut down midway through the reheating and did not restart. Some of the accessories are also difficult to install and remove from the fryer making the process unmanageable for some people.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9463 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.0
8.5
4
High-Capacity Choice

NutriChef Digital Air Fryer

Features
  • Size: 13.22 x 12.05 x 15.12 inches
  • Presets: 6
  • Temperature:140-392°F
  • Power: 1800W
  • Warranty: not specified

More features: non-stick fry basket, time setting option, high capacity, LCD panel

If you are looking for a high-power heating element unit, you cannot go wrong with this NutriChef Digital Air Fryer. This model has dimensions of 13.22 x 12.05 x 15.12 inches and a total of six presets that will make your experience painless. The temperature ranges between 140-392°F, allowing you to fry a variety of food with little or no oil.

This 5.3L capacity digital fryer can broil, roast, bake, grill, and barbeque food. The time setting option makes the process simple. The large capacity non-stick fry basket is one of the top features that make this model stand out from the rest in the market. This feature allows you to cook with no oil without worrying about the food sticking on the basket.  The digital LCD panel with touch buttons makes control more accessible and adjusts the time and temp settings.

    What are our favorite features?
  • This digital fryer is how easy it is to use. It comes with six presets and digital control to customize the cooking settings to cater to the recipe you are preparing. The high-capacity frying basket makes this a suitable choice for large families and hosting parties with friends. The 1800W power characteristic of this unit ensures a higher output that cooks food faster and efficiently.
    What could be better?
  • The availability of all relevant information regarding the brand. The non-stick frying basket peel within a short time necessitates replacing it or finding an alternative way to use it without the food sticking on it. The design also has flaws that alter normal functioning. The basket falls out of the pan drawer, and this is a safety hazard.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3717 people in the past 30 days
8.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.0
8.4
Features
  • Size: 16.32 x 12.1 x 14.29 inches
  • Presets: French fries, steak, fish, shrimp, drumstick, cake, chicken, and bacon
  • Temperature:170°F-400°F
  • Power: 1700W
  • Warranty: 2 years

More features: non-stick basket, dishwasher safe, easy to use, knob control, power-off protection, uniform heating

The 5.8 T Bagotte air fryer has an exceptional stainless-steel design that can hold a meal weighing 2.5kgs and satisfactorily serves 3 to 6 people. It is among the top-most-rated oil-less turkey fryers with a 3600 uniform heating hot air feature that aids in retaining the original food flavor. Other desirable features for this appliance include the touch screen and knob control, and it is dishwasher safe.

This unit is an upgrade of the Bagotte 4.5 L model. First, the weight of the two devices varies, with the 5.8T weighing 8.3kgs as compared to 6.8kgs for the 4.5L air fryer. The 5.8 T can serve up to 6 people, while the 4.5L serves four people. Bagotte 4.5 L oven is 1500W while the 5.8T is 1700W, implying that the latter has a better and faster heating capacity.

    What do we love it for?
  • This device allows you to fry your best meal without extreme noise disturbance that may hinder other activities within the home. The digital screen that is part of the design allows for seamless operation. This unit has six preset options that allow you to cook various foods that may be impossible to achieve at home.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • A brand could provide consumers with a power converter as part of the package. Electronic devices that use a minimum voltage of 110v require a step-down power converter to enhance the device's functionalities. It is essential to make this knowledge available to the consumer or include the converter as part of the delivery they receive to guarantee their safety and the unit's functionality.

Things to Consider

Over the years, the need to make work more manageable in the home has led to the invention of energy and time-saving appliances. The most recent release in the market taking the world by storm is oil-less turkey fryers and other varieties that fall in this category. Oil-less fryers have numerous benefits that you stand to reap when you buy one of the many variations available in stores. Knowing the various features to review before purchasing any brand in the market is crucial in helping you pick the ideal option for your kitchen. Below we discuss the key features that you ought to review.

Advantages of Oil-Less Turkey Fryers

5 Best Oil-less Turkey Fryers - Healthier Choice!

Oil-less turkey fryers Trusted Source Deep-Fried Turkey: A Brief Thanksgiving History | Vogue The Cajun chef and personality Justin Wilson was the first person to publicly declare that he’d seen someone deep-fry a turkey back in the 1930s—a process that involves lowering a turkey with a hanger-type apparatus into a giant vat of 400-degree oil heated with propane gas, and cooking it for three to four minutes (a significantly shorter amount of time than a typical oven-roasted version). In Wilson’s heyday in the 1970s, he was one of the only chefs in America to make the crispy Southern delicacy—and did so in something similar to an aluminum crawfish boiler. Until the late 1980s, the recipe pretty much stayed put in its supposed birthplace of Creole country. www.vogue.com are popular across the world for the many benefits the various units have to offer. Most families are investing in the different brands present in virtual and brick-and-mortar stores to promote healthy living among the family members. Here are the top advantages of an oil-less turkey fryer.

  • Safer than deep fryers

For the longest time, people have been using deep fryers for cooking a variety of recipes. The process involves heating oil to a specific temperature before putting it in the food. This poses a safety risk in the home as the oil can spill, splash, or the pan can accidentally fall from the stove. Deep frying presents a host of challenges that the oil-less turkey fryers eliminate. This innovative way of frying removes the use of oil from the cooking process.

  • Easy to use and clean

With a touch of a button, you can start your cooking process when using digital fryers. The other variations in the market have knobs that permit you to access the different functions of the unit. Most of the brands come with preset options that make your work straightforward. Adjustable time and temperature functions allow you to customize the settings to fit the needs of the meal you are preparing. The various oil-less turkey fryers that you will come across have non-stick or stainless-steel accessories that are easy to clean. These are not the only pros of having an oil-less fryer. You get to eat healthier meals within a short time from an appliance that does not take up a lot of space in your kitchen.

Important Features

Before you settle on an oil-less turkey fryer to buy, you should familiarize yourself with the essential features to ensure you get an appropriate unit that will serve your needs. You ought to review the functional and aesthetic aspects of the unit to ensure it fits in your kitchen without upsetting the balance in the room. The design options are numerous, and the one you pick should be easy to use.

Size

Oil-less turkey fryers come in various sizes, and you have to know the suitable dimensions that will fit seamlessly in your kitchen. When reviewing this feature, dive deep into the measurements of the cooking space to determine what you can cook in the unit you buy with ease. The overall dimensions are equally critical. You have to know whether the size you order will fit in the available space in your kitchen. Placement is an essential aspect to bear in mind as it affects the aesthetics of your space. This information is not readily available for units such as the COMFEE Digital Air Fryer.

Confirm the dimensions with the manufacturer’s customer support team before you pay for it.

Material

The material the producer uses to make the oil-less turkey fryer is an aspect you cannot overlook. You have to know if the air fryer is safe to use in the home. Another element that you have to pay attention to is durability. The material the manufacturer uses in the construction dictates the longevity of the unit you purchase. The different parts of the fryer are made using specific components. Evaluate what goes into making both the removable and fixed parts before buying any of the popular models. NutriChef Digital Air Fryer is among the products we review herein with a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design.

The various parts are made with different food-grade materials, and the frying basket has a non-stick coating which is easier to clean.

Preset programs

Not all the units in the market come with preset programs. Some models include this feature to make it more manageable for beginners to access the various functions and explore various recipes without hassle. The number of preset programs varies from one model to the next. If you are looking for a fryer with numerous presets, you may have to spend more. However, this is not always the case. Units such as the Hamilton Beach 11.6 QT Digital Air Fryer that incorporate numerous presets are available at competitive rates, so you do not have to break the bank when you purchase them.

If you buy a fryer with no preset programs, you must adhere to the manual to ensure you buy one with adjustable time and temperature settings.

Design

Fryers in stores fall into two broad categories. Some are basket fryers, while others are convection oven alternatives. It would help if you remembered to check the design to confirm the design of the unit you chose to purchase. Important to note that the two categories cater to a wide variety of brands in the market, but not all the units fall in the two selections. Some manufacturers create versatile options that accommodate different trays and baskets to allow you to cook a diverse range of foods by changing the fryer accessories. Hamilton Beach 11.6 QT Digital Air Fryer is among units that have multiple attachments, including but not limited to a frying basket and three mesh shelves that give you the freedom to exploit the design and cook what you want.

Temperature

Foods cook under different temperatures. The fryer you buy should have settings that allow you to control the temp to ensure that the food is well done before the time is out. Higher temperatures cook food faster, so most fryers you will come across have settings going up to 400°F. If you decide to buy the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer, confirm the temperature ranges as this information is unavailable. Evaluate your diet to know the foods you consume often. This will help you determine the best oil-less turkey fryer to purchase. Another feature that will make it possible for you to determine the fastest option to help you save time is the power specifications. The fryer with the highest power that we review in this article is the NutriChef Digital Air Fryer with 1800W.

Extra features

Additional features that a specific brand has are an intricate factor to keep in mind as you shop. You need to get value for your money, and the functional features may not be enough to make your experience worth the price you pay for a fryer.

Technology is one of the top elements to bear in mind when you set out to find an oil-less turkey fryer for your home.

Manufacturers incorporate relevant cutting-edge technology into the designs to make your work effortless and the process faster. The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer uses TRU-infrared technology that improves the unit’s performance by a wide margin. The COMFEE Digital Air Fryer is another model with an LED touchscreen feature that allows for seamless operation.

Warranty

Manufacturers in this industry give warranties for the different models they bring to consumers. Most brands have a one-year warranty, but some brands have more. The Bagotte Electric Hot Air Fryer has a two-year guarantee. For this reason, a decent chunk of the population is opting for this brand as they have an assurance that any issue arising will be sorted as per the provision of the warranty. Read through the fine print with the terms and conditions to understand what the manufacturer covers. Do not purchase any unit before confirming the warranty details.

Some models come with manufacturer defects that need to be addressed. Buying from a reputable manufacturer is vital if you want to get the best deal available. Power consumption, weight, and ease of use are other vital factors that you should remember to assess before placing your order.

The power output in your kitchen should accommodate the unit you purchase to prevent any accidents in the home or damage to the appliance. Avoid appliances with missing information until you talk to the customer support team to get the relevant information.

FAQ

How do you clean a fryer?

Cleaning a fryer can seem like an easy task, but it is not, especially for those using them for the first time. The different manufacturers provide a user manual with information on the ideal cleaning procedures you should follow when cleaning your fryer. Follow the instruction to the latter to avoid damaging the unit. After every use, wash the removable parts with warm water, soap, and a sponge. For dishwasher-friendly units, you can put the detachable parts in the machine, then dry and store them appropriately once clean. Wipe down the other parts using lint-free cotton to remove any dirt and food residue.

Is it safe to use a fryer?

Yes. Fryers are safer to use than other cooking methods that expose you to fire or hot oil. Oil-less turkey fryers are enclosed, ensuring no splatters of hot juices from the meal you are cooking. Another safety concern that most people have regarding the different brands in the market is whether the manufacturer’s materials are safe for cooking food for human consumption. Before you order a unit, confirm the type of materials in the construction and research whether they are toxic or not. Also, confirm that the brand you buy has the necessary certifications from the relevant control bodies in this industry.

Our verdict

The oil-less turkey fryers we discuss herein are among the top-tier brands you will see as you shop. The prices vary from one unit to the next as dictated by the functional and additional features. The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer is our Editor’s Choice for several reasons. It is a versatile model from a reputable manufacturer that uses the TRU-infrared cooking technology. It has a large capacity cooking basket and a cover that ensures a seamless experience when cooking.

COMFEE Digital Air Fryer is our Best Value pick. It features user-friendly construction and a non-stick detachable basket for an affordable rate. Our third choice is the Hamilton Beach 11.6 QT Digital Air Fryer. It comes with a total of eight presets suitable for beginners who cannot determine the time and temperature settings for the meal in preparation. The temp goes up to 400°F, allowing this fryer to cook a host of meals without any glitches.

References

1.
Why is it a thing? Deep-frying a turkey
The national popularization of deep-fried turkey was “part of the Cajun cooking craze that started in the late ’70s," says Rodgers. He says that butane cookers were widely sold in Louisiana as a way to cook crawfish boils en mass outdoors at churches and other outdoor functions. People realized that you could replace water with oil and get a crisp, quick cook, and soon the regional trend evolved into whole-turkey frying.
2.
Deep-Fried Turkey: A Brief Thanksgiving History | Vogue
The Cajun chef and personality Justin Wilson was the first person to publicly declare that he’d seen someone deep-fry a turkey back in the 1930s—a process that involves lowering a turkey with a hanger-type apparatus into a giant vat of 400-degree oil heated with propane gas, and cooking it for three to four minutes (a significantly shorter amount of time than a typical oven-roasted version). In Wilson’s heyday in the 1970s, he was one of the only chefs in America to make the crispy Southern delicacy—and did so in something similar to an aluminum crawfish boiler. Until the late 1980s, the recipe pretty much stayed put in its supposed birthplace of Creole country.
9,9
Total Score
Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer - Editor's Choice
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