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This $78 Air Fryer and Convection Oven Is Big Value (Save $97)

It's our favorite budget countertop oven that's also an air fryer and it's on sale now.

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david-watsky-headshot
David Watsky Senior Editor / Home and Kitchen
David lives in Brooklyn where he's logged more than a decade writing about all things edible, including meal kits and meal delivery subscriptions, cooking, kitchen gear and commerce. Since earning a BA in English from Northeastern in Boston, he's toiled in nearly every aspect of the eats business from slicing and dicing as a sous-chef in Rhode Island to leading complex marketing campaigns for major food brands in Manhattan. These days, he's likely somewhere trying the latest this or tasting the latest that - and reporting back, of course. Anything with sesame is his all-time favorite food this week.
Expertise Kitchen tech, cookware, small appliances, food innovation, meal delivery and meal kits.
David Watsky
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Crux

I first put a Crux hybrid air fryer and toaster oven on my countertop about three years ago. Almost immediately, my microwave and big convection oven went into hibernation. I was using this thing for everything -- toasting, roasting, reheating. Plus, it has a formidable air fryer function for making chicken wings, french fries and the sort. Start your own love affair with a Crux Digital six-slice air fryer for just $78 at Macy's, down from the sticker of $175. (Although, you can often find it for around $100).

I tested this model for several weeks and I liked the Crux enough to name it my favorite budget countertop toaster and air fryer in an in-depth test I did of a few popular models. It preheats incredibly quickly, and the air-frying function cooks stuff faster and crispier than your oven ever will. Seriously, don't walk away once it's on or you'll come back to a cajun crust. 

A few drawbacks: The air-fryer setting is a little on the loud side but since it cooks so quickly, that's easy to let slide. Also, for whatever reason, the trays and racks tend to get stained faster than some models I've used, so I'd suggest using protective foil whenever possible. 

Read more: Best Toaster Oven for 2022


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