A Game-Changer for Your Kitchen

If you’re into cooking or just want to make meal prep easier, then the Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer could be the kitchen upgrade you’ve been waiting for. I’ve been testing this thing for a while, and let me tell you, it’s impressive. Whether you’re looking to cook healthier meals, or just want to reduce the hassle of traditional cooking methods, this air fryer/toaster oven combo is packed with features that make cooking easier, faster, and more efficient. Plus, it’s big enough to handle almost anything you throw at it.

Big, Bold, and Ready for Anything

The first thing you’ll notice about the Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer is its size. At 26 quarts, this thing is big—bigger than most air fryers on the market. It’s got enough space to fit a whole turkey, bake multiple trays of cookies, or toast a bunch of bagels at once. If you’re someone who cooks for a large family or enjoys hosting, this size is a game-changer. You’ll find yourself using it for everything from daily dinners to big holiday meals.

Now, size can be both a blessing and a curse. While the large capacity is great for cooking a lot of food at once, it does take up significant counter space. If you have a small kitchen, you might need to rearrange a few things to make room for it. That said, it’s worth the space for all the features it offers.

French Doors: Stylish and Functional

One of the standout design features of this air fryer is the French doors. They not only look sleek but are incredibly functional. The doors open with a single pull, so you don’t need to use both hands to access the inside. I didn’t realize how useful this would be until I tried it out, especially when I had my hands full with oven mitts or trays. It’s a small detail, but it makes using this appliance just a bit more convenient.

Cooking Versatility

This isn’t just an air fryer—it’s a convection toaster oven with multiple functions. You can air fry, toast, bake, broil, roast, slow cook, dehydrate, and more. With 24 cooking presets, you don’t have to guess at cooking times or temperatures. Whether you’re frying up some chicken wings, baking a pizza, or dehydrating fruit, there’s a preset for almost everything.

I’ve found the air frying function to be particularly impressive. It delivers crispy results without the need for a ton of oil. I’ve air-fried chicken wings, fries, and even donuts, and they came out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. The convection oven function also works like a charm, especially for baked goods. I made a batch of cookies that baked evenly, and they had that perfect golden-brown edge that’s hard to achieve in a regular oven.

Temperature Control and Cooking Precision

The Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer gives you full control over the cooking temperature, ranging from 85°F to 450°F. That makes it versatile enough to handle a wide range of cooking tasks, from slow cooking a roast to air frying crispy snacks. What I love most is how evenly it distributes heat, thanks to its 360-degree quick-cook technology. You won’t need to rotate your food halfway through cooking—everything cooks evenly on all sides.

When it comes to precision, this unit does a great job. The preset cooking times and temperatures are spot-on most of the time, but if you want to adjust them, that’s easy to do too. It also preheats relatively quickly, cutting down the wait time compared to a traditional oven.

Easy Cleanup

Cleanup is usually the part of cooking we all dread, but the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer makes it pretty easy. The stainless steel exterior wipes down easily with a damp cloth, and the interior is non-stick, so food doesn’t get caked on. Most of the accessories, like the wire rack and baking trays, are dishwasher-safe, which is a huge plus. The crumb tray slides out easily, making it simple to remove crumbs and debris after a toasting session.

However, like with any large appliance, it does require a little extra effort to clean thoroughly if you’re using it frequently. The more you cook, the more you’ll need to clean out the interior to prevent any grease buildup.

Accessories Included

The Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer comes with a bunch of accessories that expand its versatility even more. In the box, you’ll find a crisper tray, rotisserie spit, baking pan, pizza rack, drip tray, and a dehydrator rack. You can basically swap out your oven, toaster, and even your dehydrator with this one appliance.

The rotisserie spit is a great feature. I’ve used it a few times to make rotisserie chicken, and it cooks evenly and stays juicy. The best part is watching the chicken spin while it cooks—there’s something satisfying about that!

Pros and Cons of the Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer

Here’s the rundown after spending quite some time with this air fryer:

Pros:

  • Large capacity: You can cook big meals in one go, perfect for families or entertaining.
  • Versatility: Air fry, bake, toast, broil, roast, slow cook, and more—this unit can do it all.
  • French doors: Easy to open with one hand, which is a nice touch for convenience.
  • Even cooking: 360-degree quick-cook technology ensures food cooks evenly.
  • Easy cleanup: Non-stick interior and dishwasher-safe accessories make it easier to maintain.
  • Rotisserie function: Great for making juicy rotisserie chicken right at home.

Cons:

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the market for a versatile air fryer and convection oven that can handle large meals, the Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer is a fantastic option. Whether you’re looking to cook healthier meals by cutting down on oil, or you need an appliance that can take on multiple cooking tasks, this one does it all. The French doors and sleek stainless steel finish give it a stylish touch, and the cooking performance is top-notch.

The size may be a drawback for some, but if you have the space for it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this appliance more often than your traditional oven. From quick weeknight dinners to elaborate Sunday roasts, it’s designed to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Just be prepared to make some space on your countertop—you’ll need it!

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