When it comes to air fryers, one name keeps popping up in every kitchen conversation: Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360. Promoted by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse himself, this appliance claims to replace multiple kitchen gadgets while cooking faster, healthier, and more evenly.
But does it really live up to the hype, or is it just another overpriced kitchen toy? In this detailed Emeril Air Fryer 360 Review, we’ll dive into its features, performance, pros, cons, and real customer experiences to help you decide whether it deserves a spot on your countertop.
Table of Contents
What Is the Emeril Air Fryer 360?
The Emeril Lagasse Power Air Fryer 360 is not your average air fryer. It’s a 12-in-1 countertop convection oven that combines the power of air frying, baking, roasting, toasting, and even slow cooking, all in one stainless-steel machine.
Manufactured by Tristar Products (the same brand behind PowerXL appliances), this air fryer is designed to mimic a full-size oven but in a compact form. It’s ideal for people who want restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Features of Emeril Air Fryer 360
Before jumping into performance and verdict, let’s look at what makes this air fryer stand out:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 12 Cooking Functions | Air fry, toast, roast, bake, broil, pizza, reheat, slow cook, bagel, dehydrate, rotisserie, and warm. |
| Five Heating Elements | Provides 360° all-over heat for even cooking. |
| LCD Digital Display | Easy-to-read control panel with temperature and timer settings. |
| Stainless-Steel Build | Durable and stylish, designed to match modern kitchen aesthetics. |
| Temperature Range | Adjustable from 120°F to 450°F. |
| Capacity | It can fit a 12-inch pizza or a 4-pound chicken. |
| Accessories Included | Crisper tray, baking pan, drip tray, rotisserie spit, and pizza rack. |
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Emeril Air Fryer 360 looks like a premium toaster oven with a brushed stainless-steel finish. It’s sturdy, sleek, and feels like a professional appliance rather than a typical air fryer.
The LCD is bright and intuitive, while the knob-based control panel makes it easy to switch between different functions. However, it’s a bit larger and heavier than traditional air fryers, measuring about 15″ x 19″ x 10″. So, it does take up some counter space.
Elegant, functional, and built to last, but not for tiny kitchens.
Emeril Air Fryer 360 Performance Review
Let’s get to the heart of the review: how well does the Emeril Air Fryer 360 actually cook?
Air Frying Performance
This is where the unit shines. Thanks to its five heating elements and powerful fan, the 360° hot air circulation ensures even crisping without the need for much oil. French fries, chicken wings, and onion rings come out golden brown with a satisfying crunch.
The result? Crispy outside, juicy inside, just how an air fryer should perform.
Baking and Roasting
It performs surprisingly well as a mini convection oven. Cookies bake evenly, and roasted veggies or chicken turn out flavorful and tender. The rotisserie attachment is a big bonus for anyone who loves juicy roast chicken.
Toasting and Reheating
Toast settings are accurate, though it takes slightly longer than a pop-up toaster. Reheating leftovers is fast and keeps food crispy instead of soggy (a big win compared to microwaves).
Dehydrating
If you’re into homemade snacks like dried fruit or jerky, the dehydrator function works decently, but it’s slow. Expect several hours for full dehydration.
Excellent cooking quality overall, though preheating can take a bit longer than expected.
Energy Efficiency and Speed
Because it uses convection heat and a small cooking space, the Emeril Air Fryer 360 is more energy-efficient than a full oven. Most meals cook 25–40% faster than a traditional oven.
The only downside is that it requires preheating for certain dishes, unlike smaller basket-style air fryers that heat up instantly. But once it’s hot, the results are consistently impressive.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning kitchen appliances can be a dealbreaker for many, but here, Emeril’s design team did a fair job.
The crisper tray, baking pan, and drip tray are all removable and dishwasher-safe. The interior is nonstick-coated, which helps with wiping away grease and crumbs.
That said, the interior is relatively deep, and you might need to reach in to clean the corners properly.
Easy to maintain if you clean right after use. Delaying can make stuck-on grease harder to remove.
Pros and Cons of the Emeril Air Fryer 360
Let’s sum up what works well and what could be improved.
Pros:
- 12 versatile functions for almost every cooking style.
- Even cooking with 360° heat circulation.
- Large capacity, fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- High-quality stainless-steel design looks premium.
- Rotisserie and dehydrator options are great bonuses.
- Simple control panel with digital display.
- Healthier cooking uses up to 70% less oil.
Cons:
- Takes up counter space, not ideal for small kitchens.
- Preheating is required for some recipes.
- The fan can be noisy at higher settings.
- Slightly expensive compared to basic air fryers.
- Some accessories feel lightweight and may need replacement over time.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 typically ranges from $199 to $249, depending on the model (standard or deluxe) and retailer. You can find it online on Amazon, Walmart, or the official Emeril Lagasse website.
While it’s not the cheapest air fryer out there, the price makes sense when you consider it replaces multiple appliances, an oven, toaster, air fryer, dehydrator, and rotisserie in one.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Here’s a glimpse of what real users are saying:
- Amazon (4.5/5 stars): Most users love its versatility and even cooking results. A few complained about the noise and the learning curve.
- Walmart (4.3/5 stars): Positive feedback on build quality and cooking performance.
- YouTube Reviews: Chefs and food vloggers often praise its crisping ability and temperature precision.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly:
“It’s like having a mini professional oven right on your counter. I rarely use my main oven anymore.”
Emeril Air Fryer 360 vs Other Air Fryers
| Feature | Emeril Air Fryer 360 | Ninja Foodi DualZone | Instant Vortex Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Functions | 12 | 6 | 7 |
| Capacity | 4 lb chicken | 8 qt dual baskets | 6 qt |
| Build Quality | Stainless Steel | Plastic/Metal | Plastic/Metal |
| Rotisserie Option | Yes | No | No |
| Dehydrator Option | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$ |
While competitors like Ninja Foodi and Instant Vortex are great for smaller households, the Emeril Air Fryer 360 wins on capacity, versatility, and durability. It’s more of a multi-function oven than a typical air fryer.
Who Should Buy the Emeril Air Fryer 360?
This air fryer is ideal for:
- Families who cook regularly need an all-in-one appliance.
- Home chefs who want to experiment with roasting, rotisserie, and baking.
- Health-conscious eaters who prefer oil-free, crispy meals.
- People with limited oven space or looking to downsize from full-sized ovens.
However, if you live alone or mostly reheat frozen snacks, a smaller and cheaper basket-style air fryer might be more practical.
Tips to Get the Best Results
- Preheat the unit for 3–5 minutes before use.
- Don’t overcrowd the tray; air needs room to circulate.
- Use parchment liners for easier cleanup.
- Rotate trays halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Experiment with temperatures; every food type behaves differently in air fryers.
Wrapping up
After testing and analyzing all aspects, here’s the honest verdict:
Performance: 9/10
Design & Build: 9/10
Ease of Use: 8.5/10
Value for Money: 8/10
The Emeril Air Fryer 360 isn’t just another kitchen gadget; it’s a full-fledged countertop oven. If you’re serious about cooking and want one device that can replace several appliances, this is an excellent investment.
It’s powerful, versatile, and stylish, though it comes at a slightly higher price and needs some counter space. But if you value quality, it’s absolutely worth it.
FAQs
Q1. Is the Emeril Air Fryer 360 worth the money?
Ans: Yes, it offers great versatility and cooking performance, making it worth the investment for regular home cooks.
Q2. Can I cook frozen foods directly?
Ans: Absolutely. You can air fry frozen fries, nuggets, or fish sticks without thawing.
Q3. How big is the Emeril Air Fryer 360?
Ans: It’s about 15″ high, 19″ wide, and 10″ deep, similar to a large toaster oven.
Q4. Does it come with a recipe book?
Ans: Yes, it includes a recipe guide with dozens of Emeril Lagasse’s personal recipes.
Q5. Can it replace a microwave?
Ans: Not completely, but it reheats food more crisply than a microwave.
Q6. Is it noisy?
Ans: The fan makes some noise, but it’s not too loud compared to other convection appliances.
Q7. Does it need preheating?
Ans: Yes, preheating for 3–5 minutes improves cooking results.
Q8. Can I bake cakes in it?
Ans: Yes, it bakes cakes, cookies, and pastries evenly.
Q9. What’s the warranty period?
Ans: Typically, 1 year, depending on where you buy it from.
Q10. Where can I buy the Emeril Air Fryer 360?
Ans: You can find it on Amazon, Walmart, or directly from Emeril’s official website.
