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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.

David Watsky Senior Editor / Home and Kitchen
David lives in Brooklyn where he's spent more than a decade covering all things edible, including meal kit services, food subscriptions, kitchen tools and cooking tips. Since earning a BA in English from Northeastern in Boston, he's toiled in nearly every aspect of the food business, including as a line cook in Rhode Island where he once made a steak sandwich for Lamar Odom. Right now, he's likely somewhere stress-testing a blender or researching the best way to make bacon. Anything with sesame is his all-time favorite food this week.
Expertise Kitchen tools, appliances, food science, subscriptions and meal kits.
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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).

See at Macy's

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