I've Been Using Nutribullet's New Compact Air Fryer More Than My Oven—Here's Why

I held out on getting an air fryer for quite a while. It wasn't that I thought the kitchen gadget is a passing trend—I know the hype is real. From quickly transforming foods into crispy bites to roasting last-minute meals to baking breads and cakes, the air fryers are game changers for home cooks. But as someone who lives in New York City, I didn't believe my kitchen had the space to squeeze in one more appliance.

Nutribullet's latest launch, however, has changed my mind. The brand's new Magic Bullet Air Fryer offers the quick-cooking convenience and versatility I've been missing without taking up tons of space on my countertop. Equally impressive? It's only $60.

To buy: Nutribullet Magic Bullet Air Fryer, $60 at nutribullet.com

Known for its popular personal-size blenders, Nutribullet took the same small-but-mighty approach to designing an air fryer. The Magic Bullet Air Fryer only takes up an 8.5-inch-by-9-inch footprint and weighs less than 10 pounds. Yet its 1300-watt motor circulates hot air up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, easily cooking a range of dishes like meatballs, egg rolls, and stuffed French toast. And for air frying inspiration, Nutribullet even included a recipe guide with a variety of snacks, sides, and mains.

The appliance's 2.5-quart capacity is spacious enough to hold a pound of fries or a whole head of cauliflower, which makes it an ideal kitchen helper for one- to two-person households. Plus, it comes with a crisper plate that ensures maximum heat distribution and crunch.

Using the Magic Bullet for the past month has truly impacted my weeknight dinners. I've made juicy drumsticks, blistered broccoli, and crispy-as-heck sweet potato fries in a fraction of the time it would take if I used my full-sized oven. (I think it's also worth mentioning during this scorching summer that the little gadget doesn't heat up my kitchen or set off my smoke alarm, either.) And I was genuinely surprised by how easy it was to clean the nonstick basket and crisper plate.

What also impressed me is just how simple the Magic Bullet is to operate. It has two dials—one for the temperature and one 60-minute timer—and a guide for cooking six different dishes on its lid. Even as an air frying novice, I quickly got the hang of the Magic Bullet process: prep food, put in basket, turn dials, and wait for the ding. The fryer automatically turns off as soon as the timer is done.

And while my main barrier from getting an air fryer in the past was storage space, anyone on a budget will appreciate that the $60 Magic Bullet is an affordable alternative to other models. You truly won't find a more perfect fit—get your own at Nutribullet's site now.