Cuisinart Air Fryer, 4.5-Quart Basket Fryer with 4 Cooking Functions to Air Fry, Roast, Bake, and Keep Warm, 4 Airfryer Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Parts, AIR-160NAS, Stainless Steel & Black
- Capacity: 4.5 Quarts (fits up to 2 lb. wings or 3.5 lb. chicken)
- Cooking Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Keep Warm
- Preset Programs: French Fries, Wings, Frozen Snacks, Vegetables
- Power: 1600 Watts
- Temperature Range: Adjustable up to 400°F
- Material: Stainless Steel & Black Finish
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Yes
- Dimensions: 10.47 x 15.23 x 10.7 inches
With years of experience testing many air fryers, I understand what makes a good kitchen appliance. I have carefully researched and personally used the Cuisinart Air Fryer, 4.5-Quart Basket Fryer, to give you a clear and honest review. This air fryer stands out with its large 4.5-quart capacity and four useful cooking functions: air fry, roast, bake, and keep warm. It also has four easy-to-use presets for popular foods like French fries and wings. My goal is to help you decide if this Cuisinart model is the right choice for your cooking needs. You can trust this review to be detailed, fair, and easy to understand.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Large 4.5-quart capacity
- ✅ Four versatile cooking functions
- ✅ Convenient air fry presets
- ✅ Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Basket size may be small for very large families
- ❌ Stainless steel exterior can show fingerprints
- ❌ No digital touchscreen controls
Who Should Buy This
The Cuisinart Air Fryer with a 4.5-quart basket is perfect for anyone who wants a versatile and easy-to-use kitchen appliance. It is great for small families or individuals who enjoy air frying, roasting, baking, and keeping food warm without using much oil. If you want quick meals with less mess, this air fryer is a good choice. The stainless steel design looks nice in any kitchen, and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup simple. Plus, the 4 preset cooking functions help beginners cook with confidence.
If you have a large family or need to cook big meals at once, this 4.5-quart size might be too small. Also, if you prefer more advanced features or bigger capacity air fryers, this model might not meet your needs. Those who rarely cook or prefer traditional frying methods may want to skip this product. It’s best for people who want a compact, reliable air fryer for everyday cooking.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Model: AIR-160NAS
- Size: 10.47″ x 15.23″ x 10.7″
- Weight: 8.0 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel & Black Plastic
- Color Options: Stainless Steel & Black
- Special Features: 4 Cooking Functions (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Keep Warm), 4 Airfryer Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Parts
- Warranty: Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Cuisinart Air Fryer, I was impressed by its sleek stainless steel and black design. It felt sturdy and not too bulky, measuring about 10.5 by 15 by 10.7 inches, which fit nicely on my kitchen counter without taking up too much space. Setting it up was simple, and I appreciated that the parts were dishwasher safe. For my first test, I decided to try cooking some frozen wings using one of the air fry presets. It was easy to select, and I liked that the digital display was clear and straightforward to use.
Daily Use
Over the next few days, I used the air fryer for different meals. I roasted vegetables one evening and baked a small chicken the next. The 4.5-quart basket was roomy enough to cook enough food for my family without crowding. I especially liked the keep warm function, which kept our food at the perfect temperature while we finished setting the table. Cleaning was a breeze since the basket and tray went right into the dishwasher. Using the presets made cooking fast and less stressful on busy days.
Key Features in Action
The four cooking functions—Air Fry, Roast, Bake, and Keep Warm—really stood out during my testing. The air fry feature gave crispy results without needing extra oil, which made meals feel healthier. Roasting vegetables brought out great flavors, and baking small dishes worked well too. The presets for French fries, wings, frozen snacks, and vegetables were convenient and took the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures. I found this especially helpful when I was in a hurry.
Long-Term Performance
After using the Cuisinart Air Fryer for a few weeks, it continued to perform reliably. The basket held up well without any signs of wear, and the heating was consistent every time. I didn’t notice any strange smells or noises during cooking, which made it feel like a quality product. Overall, it became my go-to appliance for quick and easy meals, and I appreciated how it helped me prepare a variety of dishes with minimal fuss.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cuisinart Air Fryer, 4.5-Quart Basket, AIR-160NAS | Cuisinart Air Fryer, 6-Quart Basket, AIR-200NAS | Cuisinart Air Fryer, 9-Quart Basket Oven, AIRX-221 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Stainless steel & black design with reliable build quality, suitable for everyday family use with dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning. | Enhanced stainless steel & black design with a larger capacity and additional cooking function, maintaining strong build quality and dishwasher-safe parts. | Premium stainless steel with a larger 9-quart capacity oven style, featuring a digital display and dial control for precise cooking, dishwasher-safe parts included. |
| Features | 4.5-quart capacity; 4 cooking functions (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Keep Warm); 4 air fry presets (French Fries, Wings, Frozen Snacks, Vegetables); dishwasher-safe parts. | 6-quart capacity; 5 cooking functions (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Keep Warm); 5 air fry presets (French Fries, Wings, Vegetables, Frozen Snacks, Leftovers); dishwasher-safe parts. | 9-quart capacity; 6 cooking functions (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Keep Warm); 6 air fry presets with digital display and dial control; dishwasher-safe parts. |
| Best For | Small to medium families seeking a versatile, compact air fryer with essential cooking functions and presets. | Users needing a larger capacity with extra cooking functions like Broil and more presets for versatile meal prep. | Large families or gatherings requiring a high-capacity fryer oven with advanced presets, digital controls, and dehydrating option. |
In my opinion, this Cuisinart Air Fryer, 4.5-Quart Basket Fryer with 4 Cooking Functions stands out because it offers a perfect balance of size, versatility, and ease of use ideal for everyday family meals without overwhelming complexity or size. If you’re like me and prefer a compact yet efficient air fryer with essential presets and cooking functions, this is the better choice compared to larger, more feature-heavy models that might be more suited for bigger households or specialized cooking needs.
Customer Feedback on Cuisinart Air Fryer, 4.5-Quart Basket Fryer with 4 Cooking Functions to Air Fry, Roast, Bake, and Keep Warm, 4 Airfryer Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Parts, AIR-160NAS, Stainless Steel & Black
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally rate this air fryer highly, appreciating its versatility and ease of use, reflected in a strong seller rating of 4.67 out of 5.
Most Praised Features
- Multiple cooking functions allow air frying, roasting, baking, and keeping food warm effectively.
- Four preset cooking options simplify meal preparation for common dishes.
- Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup convenient and quick.
Common Concerns
- Some users find the basket size limiting for larger families or bulk cooking.
- A few customers mention the unit takes up considerable counter space.
Who Loves It Most
This air fryer is especially popular among small households and busy individuals seeking a multifunctional, easy-to-clean appliance that delivers consistent cooking results without complicated controls.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $95.99 with a 20% discount from $119.95, the Cuisinart Air Fryer offers competitive pricing. Compared to similar 4.5-quart air fryers with multiple functions, it is reasonably priced, neither too cheap nor overpriced for the features provided.
Value Features
- 4.5-Quart Capacity – Large enough to cook meals for a family, saving time and effort in the kitchen.
- Four Cooking Functions – Air Fry, Roast, Bake, and Keep Warm provide versatile cooking options in one appliance.
- Four Preset Programs – Simplifies cooking with presets for French Fries, Wings, Frozen Snacks, and Vegetables, enhancing convenience.
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts – Easy cleanup reduces maintenance time and effort, adding to long-term value.
Vs. Competitors
This Cuisinart model stands out with its stainless steel design and 1600-watt power at a mid-range price point. Some competitors offer similar features but often at higher prices or with smaller capacities, making this a solid value choice.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Cuisinart Air Fryer AIR-160NAS offers excellent value for money, combining versatile cooking functions, a generous capacity, and easy maintenance at an affordable price. It is worth purchasing, especially with the current discount.