My Honest Gourmia Air Fryer Review

As a self-proclaimed foodie and someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, I’ve had my eye on the air fryer craze for a while now. After reading countless reviews and comparing different models, I decided to take the plunge and purchase the Gourmia Air Fryer Oven Digital Display 6 Quart (Model: GAF686). Here’s my honest and detailed review after using it extensively for a couple of months.

First Impressions

– Unboxing and Setup

The Gourmia Air Fryer came well-packaged in a sturdy box. Inside, I found the air fryer unit, a user manual, and a quick start guide. The air fryer itself is sleek, with a combination of black plastic and stainless steel accents. It has a modern look that fits well in my kitchen. The first thing I noticed was the size—at 13.58″D x 11.54″W x 13.2″H, it’s quite large, but the 6-quart capacity is perfect for cooking meals for my family of four.

Setting it up was a breeze. The instructions were clear and straightforward. I simply had to remove all packaging materials, wash the basket and tray, and plug it in. The digital display lit up immediately, showing the various presets and controls.

Features and Specifications

– Key Features

The Gourmia Air Fryer boasts several features that caught my eye:

• 12 1-Touch Digital Presets: This includes settings for fries, wings, fish, bacon, seafood, vegetables, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, toaster, and reheat.
• FryForce 360° Technology: This ensures even cooking by circulating hot air around the food.
• Fat Removal Technology: According to Gourmia, this can remove up to 90% of the fat from the food during cooking.
• Dishwasher Safe: The basket and tray are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.
• Temperature Control and Timer: These features allow for precise cooking, with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 400°F and a timer that can be set for up to 60 minutes.
• Automatic Shut-Off: This safety feature turns the air fryer off when the timer runs out.

– Specifications

• Power: 1500 watts
• Capacity: 6 quarts
• Material: Plastic and stainless steel
• Dimensions: 13.58″D x 11.54″W x 13.2″H
• Color: Black with stainless steel accents

Cooking Performance

– Initial Test Run

To test the air fryer, I started with something simple—french fries. Using the preset, I was able to cook a batch of frozen fries in about 20 minutes. The result was impressive: crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. There was no need to add any oil, and the fries tasted as good as deep-fried ones but without the extra calories.

– Experimenting with Different Foods

Over the next few weeks, I used the Gourmia Air Fryer to cook a variety of foods. Here are some highlights:

• Chicken Wings: Using the wings preset, I cooked a batch of chicken wings. They came out perfectly crispy and juicy. I didn’t need to turn them halfway through cooking, thanks to the FryForce 360° Technology.
• Salmon: I was skeptical about cooking fish in an air fryer, but the salmon turned out moist and flaky with a nice crust on the outside. It took only about 12 minutes at 370°F.
• Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes was a breeze. They came out caramelized and tender, much quicker than using an oven.
• Baking: I even tried baking cookies. The air fryer baked them evenly and they had a nice texture, although I did have to experiment a bit with the timing.

– Versatility

One of the biggest advantages of the Gourmia Air Fryer is its versatility. The 12 presets make it incredibly easy to switch between different types of cooking. Whether I’m roasting a chicken, dehydrating fruit, or reheating leftovers, there’s a preset for that. The ability to manually set the temperature and time also gives me the flexibility to try out my own recipes.

Ease of Use

– Controls and Interface

The digital display is user-friendly with clearly labeled buttons. The presets are a lifesaver, especially when I’m in a hurry and don’t want to guess the right temperature and time for a specific food. The only minor inconvenience I found was that entering the time and temperature manually could be improved with a keypad, but it’s still quite intuitive.

– Preheating and Cooking Time

The air fryer preheats quickly, usually within 3-5 minutes. This is much faster than a conventional oven. Cooking times are also reduced significantly, which is a huge plus for busy weeknights.

– Noise Level

The air fryer is relatively quiet. There’s a gentle hum when it’s in use, but it’s not disruptive. This was a pleasant surprise, as I had read that some air fryers can be quite noisy.

Cleaning and Maintenance

– Cleaning

Cleaning the Gourmia Air Fryer is straightforward. The non-stick basket and tray can be rinsed with soap and water or placed in the dishwasher. I usually just give them a quick rinse unless I’ve cooked something particularly greasy. The exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Because the cooking area is self-contained, there’s minimal mess on the counter.

– Maintenance

The air fryer seems to be well-built and durable. After a couple of months of regular use, it’s still in great shape. I appreciate the automatic shut-off feature, which provides peace of mind. The one-year warranty is also a nice touch, though I haven’t had any issues that required me to use it.

Final Thoughts

The Gourmia Air Fryer has been a fantastic addition to my kitchen. It has made cooking easier, faster, and healthier. The versatility of the 12 presets means I can use it for a wide range of dishes, and the easy cleanup is a big plus. While it does take up some counter space and there are minor inconveniences with the manual controls and door fit, the pros far outweigh the cons.

At its price point, the Gourmia Air Fryer offers excellent value. It’s perfect for anyone looking to simplify their cooking process without compromising on taste or health. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent, or just someone who loves to cook, this air fryer is a worthwhile investment.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It has changed the way I cook and has become an indispensable tool in my kitchen. If you’re on the fence about getting an air fryer, give the Gourmia Air Fryer a try—you won’t be disappointed.