Let’s be real for a second. The world of air fryers has exploded, and navigating it can feel like trying to pick a single grain of rice in a silo. But every so often, a name pops up that makes everyone turn their heads: Breville. So, we’re diving deep into this Breville Air Fryer Review to answer the one question that’s probably on your mind: is it actually worth the hype and the price tag? Spoiler alert: it’s not just an air fryer, and that’s both its greatest strength and its most important consideration.
Here at Air Fryer Mart, we’ve tested our fair share of kitchen gadgets. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright disappointing. My first foray into air frying involved a plasticky, drawer-style unit that promised crispy fries but delivered lukewarm, slightly-less-soggy potatoes. It was a learning experience. The Breville, however, is a different beast entirely. It’s a countertop oven that happens to be an incredible air fryer, and understanding that distinction is key.
What’s the Big Deal with Breville, Anyway?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, you need to know that when people talk about the “Breville air fryer,” they’re almost always referring to the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. This isn’t your typical pod-shaped air fryer. It’s a fully-fledged, multi-function countertop oven designed to roast, bake, broil, and, of course, air fry with a level of precision that most standalone units can only dream of.
It operates on a principle that goes beyond just blasting hot air around. Breville uses something they call the “Element IQ System,” which is a fancy way of saying it’s incredibly smart.
“Think of Element IQ like a team of tiny chefs inside your oven,” says Sarah Jenkins, our in-house kitchen appliance expert at Air Fryer Mart. “Instead of one brute-force heating element, it uses multiple smart elements that direct power where and when it’s needed for the specific food you’re cooking. It’s the difference between a sledgehammer and a scalpel.”
This, combined with its two-speed convection fan (including a “Super Convection” setting for maximum crispiness), is what allows it to achieve that coveted golden-brown, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly moist.
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro: A Deep Dive Review
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. We put the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro through its paces to see if it lives up to its premium reputation.
First Impressions: More Than Just an Air Fryer
The moment you unbox this appliance, you know you’re dealing with something substantial. The brushed stainless steel finish feels premium and sturdy, a far cry from the plastic shells of many competitors. It’s big, let’s not sugarcoat it. You’ll need dedicated counter space. But with that size comes a huge advantage: capacity. You can roast a whole chicken, bake a 13-inch pizza, or air fry enough wings for a party without having to cook in multiple batches.
The user interface is another standout feature. The bright LCD screen and intuitive control dials make it ridiculously easy to select one of the 13 preset cooking functions, from “Air Fry” and “Roast” to “Dehydrate” and “Proof.”
The Magic Inside: How Does It Actually Work?
So, how does this beautiful box turn a pile of potato wedges into crispy perfection? It’s all about a smarter approach to air frying.
- Super Convection Technology: Most air fryers have one fan speed. The Breville has two. The “Super” setting creates a more intense, high-velocity vortex of hot air that is perfect for air frying. It actively strips moisture from the surface of food, which is the secret to that unbelievable crunch.
- Element IQ System: As mentioned, this is the brain. When you select “Air Fry,” it knows to blast intense heat from the top elements to brown the food, while the convection fan circulates that heat evenly. For baking, it uses a gentler, more balanced heat. It’s this adaptability that makes it so versatile.
- Thoughtful Design: The included air frying basket is wide and shallow, allowing for a single, even layer of food. This is crucial for proper air frying. Overcrowding is the number one enemy of crispy food, a lesson many of us have learned the hard way.
Putting It to the Test: The Real-World Cooking Experience
Talk is cheap, so we cooked. A lot.
- Classic French Fries: We used the dedicated “Air Fry” preset. The result? Flawless. Golden brown, incredibly crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. They were easily on par with deep-fried restaurant fries, but with a fraction of the oil.
- Chicken Wings: This is often the ultimate test. The Breville rendered the fat from the skin beautifully, creating a shatteringly crisp exterior while the meat remained juicy and tender. No soggy spots, no uneven cooking.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: We switched to the “Roast” function with the convection fan on. The sprouts were perfectly caramelized and tender-crisp in about 20 minutes. The even heat distribution meant no more half-burnt, half-raw sprouts.
- Beyond Air Frying: We also baked a batch of cookies that came out perfectly even, toasted bread better than our standalone toaster, and even dehydrated some apple slices for a healthy snack. This thing is a true kitchen workhorse.
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Our Picks for the Best Air Fryer in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cuisinart Air Fryer, 2.6-Quart Compact Basket Fryer with 3 Cooking Functions to Air Fry, Roast, and Bake, 3 Airfryer Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Parts, AIR-80, Stainless Steel & Black |
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| 2 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4 QT Capacity | 4-in1 Roast, Crisp, Roast, Reheats, & Dehydrates | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Includes 20 Easy & Healthy Recipes | Compact | Grey | AF101 |
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| 3 | Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 4 | CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black |
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| 5 | Instant Pot 4QT VORTEX 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, Air fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate or Reheat, Rosewater, 4 Quarts |
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| 6 | Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer, Large 5-Quart Family Size, One Touch Digital Control Presets, French Fries, Chicken, Meat, Fish, Nonstick Dishwasher-Safe Parts, Automatic Shutoff, Stainless Steel |
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| 7 | Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 8 | Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 9 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141 |
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| 10 | Amazon Basics 3.2 Quart 6-In-1 Air Fryer (Fry, Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate), Non-Stick, with Timer, Auto Shut-Off, Digital Touch Screen, 180-400°F, 1400W, Black/Silver |
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Is the Breville Air Fryer Easy to Clean?
Yes, for the most part, cleaning the Breville is straightforward, especially compared to a traditional oven. The non-stick interior is a big help, and the removable crumb tray at the bottom is a lifesaver.
Here’s a quick checklist for keeping it pristine:
- Always Unplug First: Safety first! Let the oven cool down completely.
- The Crumb Tray: Slide it out, dump the crumbs, and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Do this regularly to prevent build-up.
- Racks and Baskets: The air fryer basket, roasting pan, and wire rack are not typically dishwasher safe (check your specific model’s manual). It’s best to wash them by hand with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge to protect the finish.
- The Interior: For splatters, wipe the inside with a soft, damp cloth. For tougher, baked-on grease, a paste of baking soda and water can work wonders. Avoid harsh chemical oven cleaners.
- The Glass Door: A simple glass cleaner or a solution of vinegar and water will keep the window crystal clear.
The Good, The Bad, and The Crispy: Pros and Cons
No Breville air fryer review would be complete without a balanced look.
Pros:
- Incredible Performance: The cooking results, especially for air frying and roasting, are consistently top-tier.
- Unmatched Versatility: It’s an air fryer, oven, toaster, dehydrator, and more. It can genuinely replace multiple appliances, saving you space in the long run.
- Superior Build Quality: This is a durable, well-made appliance built to last.
- Large Capacity: Perfect for families or anyone who likes to cook in larger batches.
- Intuitive and Smart: The presets and LCD screen make it incredibly easy to get perfect results without a lot of guesswork.
Cons:
- The Price: There’s no getting around it; this is a premium appliance with a premium price tag.
- The Size: It has a significant footprint and is not ideal for very small kitchens with limited counter space.
- Heat Output: Like any powerful oven, it can put out a fair amount of heat, so ensure it has proper ventilation around it.
Who Is the Breville Air Fryer Actually For?
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is not for the casual user who just wants to heat a few chicken nuggets once a week.
This appliance is perfect for:
- Serious Home Cooks: People who value performance, precision, and versatility in their kitchen.
- Families: The large capacity makes it easy to cook meals for four or more people.
- Anyone Looking to Consolidate Appliances: If you want to replace an old toaster oven and get a fantastic air fryer in one go, this is your solution.
- People Who Want the Best: If you subscribe to the “buy it once, buy it right” philosophy and want the best possible air-fried results, the Breville delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes the Breville Smart Oven a good air fryer?
The Breville excels as an air fryer due to its two-speed Super Convection fan, which circulates hot air more intensely than many competitors, and its Element IQ system, which intelligently directs heat for optimal crisping and even cooking.
Can you use parchment paper in the Breville air fryer?
Yes, you can use parchment paper, but it’s crucial to do it safely. Never preheat the oven with parchment paper alone, as it can fly up and hit the heating elements. Always place food on top of the paper to weigh it down before you start cooking.
Is the Breville air fryer noisy?
Compared to many basket-style air fryers, the Breville is relatively quiet. You’ll hear the convection fan running, especially on the Super setting, but it’s more of a gentle whirring sound than a loud, intrusive noise.
Does the Breville Smart Oven get hot on the outside?
Yes, like any countertop oven, the exterior, especially the top and the glass door, will get hot during operation. It’s important to keep it in a well-ventilated area and avoid placing items on top of it while it’s in use.
Is the Breville air fryer worth the money?
If you will use its multiple functions and value superior cooking performance, then yes, it is absolutely worth the money. It’s an investment in a high-quality, versatile kitchen workhorse that can replace several other appliances.
The Final Verdict
After extensive testing and countless crispy meals, our final Breville air fryer review is overwhelmingly positive. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is more than just an air fryer; it’s a command center for your countertop. It challenges the very idea of what a single kitchen appliance can do. While the price and size are significant considerations, the performance, build quality, and sheer versatility make it a worthy investment for any serious home cook. It doesn’t just make your food crispier; it makes your entire cooking process smarter and more efficient.