9 Best Air Fryers with Steam Function 2026

This compact powerhouse redefines what a budget-friendly air fryer with steam can deliver. With a 6L capacity and 360° rapid air circulation, the NutriChef delivers impressively even cooking—especially for fried favorites like wings and fries—while its integrated steam function subtly boosts moisture retention, preventing dryness in proteins and veggies. The transparent viewing window is a game-changer, letting you monitor browning and crispness without losing heat, a feature often missing in this price range. It’s ideal for small kitchens or singles who want healthier meals without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

In real-world testing, the NutriChef shines in everyday tasks: reheating pizza with a crisp base, air frying frozen tater tots to golden perfection, and gently steaming broccoli to retain color and tenderness. The 1400W heating element ramps up quickly, though it lacks the precision of higher-end models when handling delicate combo-cooking tasks—like achieving both a juicy interior and ultra-crisp skin on chicken. Steam infusion is subtle rather than robust, so don’t expect sous vide-level juiciness. Still, for quick meals and oil-free cooking, it performs reliably and consistently, especially with the 12 preset programs that simplify operation.

Compared to the Nuwave Combi or FOTILE ChefCubii, this model trades advanced moisture control and multi-zone cooking for simplicity and space-saving design. It won’t replace a full countertop oven, but it’s a smart pick for those prioritizing kitchen efficiency over gourmet versatility. While the Nuwave offers superior steam precision, the NutriChef delivers solid core performance at a fraction of the cost, making it a compelling entry point for first-time buyers seeking a no-fuss, compact air fryer with steam.

The Nuwave Combi Steam Oven isn’t just an air fryer—it’s a precision culinary command center that masters the delicate balance between crisp exteriors and succulent interiors. Its COMBO mode, which simultaneously air fries and steams, produces results that feel restaurant-quality: think chicken with crackling skin and juice that pools on the plate. With 120 chef-designed presets and 1°F temperature precision, this oven eliminates guesswork, making it a dream for home chefs who want consistent, foolproof meals. The moisture control from 10–90% is where it truly outshines competitors, allowing you to tailor humidity for everything from flaky pastries to fall-off-the-bone ribs.

During testing, the Nuwave delivered remarkable versatility across scenarios: it air-fried frozen fries to crispy perfection, slow-cooked short ribs with sous vide tenderness (no bags needed), and baked artisan bread with a professional crust thanks to steam-assisted baking. The 50–450°F range and 3.5-quart family-sized capacity handle everything from single servings to weekend meal prep. However, the learning curve is steeper than simpler models, and the interface, while intuitive, demands some exploration to unlock its full potential. It struggles slightly with ultra-thin foods like kale chips, which can over-dry if moisture settings aren’t adjusted.

Pitted against the Ninja Speedi or CIARRA Nosh Oven, the Nuwave stands out as the best overall for those who value gourmet results and precise control. It’s not the fastest or most compact, but it offers unmatched cooking depth in a single appliance. While the FOTILE ChefCubii matches it in precision, the Nuwave’s broader preset library and ease of use make it more accessible to non-enthusiasts. It delivers premium performance with pro-level flexibility, justifying its higher cost for serious home cooks.

For health-conscious cooks, the Nuwave PFAS-Free Steam Oven is a revelation—delivering juicier meats, crisp textures, and clean cooking without toxic coatings. Its standout feature is the smart steam infusion technology, which mimics a chef’s misting spray to lock in moisture during air frying, ensuring every bite of salmon or chicken breast stays tender. The X-Crispy function is a genius touch, using controlled humidity drops at the end of the cycle to create that final golden crunch—no oil needed. With 120 one-touch presets and 50–450°F precision, it’s engineered for those who demand both flavor and wellness in every meal.

Real-world use confirms its strength in moisture-sensitive cooking: steamed dumplings stay plump, roasted vegetables retain their bite, and air-fried tofu gets a satisfying crust without drying out. The 16-quart capacity fits a 5 lb roast or four slices of toast, making it ideal for families. The PFAS-free stainless steel basket is a major win for safety, and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup effortless. That said, the oven takes longer to preheat than rivals like the TOSHIBA, and its steam recovery time between long cooks can lag if the water tank runs low.

When compared to the EDENPEER or CIARRA models, this Nuwave variant prioritizes health and safety without sacrificing performance. It doesn’t have app control like the TOSHIBA, but it beats it in steam customization and material quality. For those seeking toxin-free cooking with gourmet results, it outperforms budget models while matching the FOTILE in precision. It’s the best choice for healthy cooking, blending nutrient retention, flavor, and ease in one powerful unit.

The FOTILE ChefCubii is the engineer’s dream—a precision instrument for those who treat cooking like a science. Its ±1°F temperature accuracy and dual-zone convection system allow independent top and bottom heating, a feature typically reserved for professional ovens. This level of control ensures perfectly risen soufflés, crisp-bottomed pizzas, and evenly roasted meats every time. The Dynamic Steam Balance Technology intelligently regulates humidity across four modes—Quick, Standard, Tender, and Over-Temperature Steam—making it ideal for delicate tasks like proofing sourdough or steaming seafood without sogginess.

In testing, the ChefCubii excelled in precision-dependent tasks: baking custards without curdling, dehydrating fruit leather evenly, and roasting chicken with a crackling skin and juicy core. The 1.1 cu. ft. cavity is spacious enough for a 9” cake or whole fish, and the external water tank allows mid-cook refills without opening the door. However, its 1800W power draw means it heats slowly compared to air fryers, and the 50 presets, while well-designed, don’t match the breadth of Nuwave’s library. It’s overkill for simple frying but unmatched for technical cooking.

Against the TOSHIBA or OUNIN, the FOTILE stands as the best for precision cooking, offering lab-like consistency. While the TOSHIBA wins on smart features, the ChefCubii delivers superior thermal stability and steam control, making it the go-to for bakers and perfectionists. It’s pricier than most, but for those who value accuracy over speed, it’s worth the investment—delivering restaurant-grade results with home appliance convenience.

The Ninja SF301 is a one-pot wonder that redefines speed and simplicity in meal prep. Its Speedi Meals function cooks full dishes—protein, veggies, and carbs—in as little as 15 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. The Steam & Crisp mode is where it truly shines: steaming rice at the bottom while air frying chicken on top, all in one sealed pot. With 12-in-1 functionality, including sous vide, slow cook, and dehydrate, it replaces multiple appliances while keeping cleanup minimal—just one pot and one crisper tray.

In real use, the SF301 delivers fast, family-friendly meals with impressive versatility: creamy risotto, fall-apart pulled pork, and crispy drumsticks all emerged perfectly cooked. The 6-quart capacity fits four chicken breasts, ideal for small families. However, the steam distribution isn’t as refined as in dedicated steam ovens, sometimes leaving food slightly drier than expected. The air fry results are good but not elite—crispy, but not as uniformly golden as the Nuwave or OUNIN.

Compared to the CIARRA or EDENPEER, the Ninja is less about gourmet precision and more about practical, rapid cooking. It doesn’t have a large viewing window or self-cleaning mode, but its SmartSwitch system—letting you toggle between air fry and rapid cooker modes—is genius for layered cooking. For those who hate juggling pots and pans, it’s the best for one-pot meals, offering speed, convenience, and solid performance in a single, compact unit.

The CIARRA Nosh Oven Pro is a space-saving multitasker that punches above its weight in value and versatility. With 11 cooking modes—including ferment, dehydrate, sterilize, and self-clean—it replaces nearly every small appliance on your counter. The 25.4QT capacity is massive, fitting a whole chicken or 13” pizza, while the 33.8oz water tank ensures uninterrupted steam for up to 3 hours. Its rapid steam function locks in moisture beautifully, making it ideal for juicy roasts and fluffy bread, and the built-in steam clean mode dissolves grease with minimal effort.

In daily use, the CIARRA proved incredibly practical: fermenting dough overnight, dehydrating apple slices, and air frying wings with a satisfying crunch. The preset menus take the guesswork out of complex tasks, and the intuitive controls make it beginner-friendly. However, the temperature accuracy lags behind premium models, and the steam distribution can be uneven in large loads. It also lacks app control or dual-zone heating, limiting precision.

Versus the TOSHIBA or FOTILE, the CIARRA wins on value and space efficiency, offering near-luxury features at a mid-tier price. It’s not as precise as the FOTILE or as smart as the TOSHIBA, but it delivers excellent all-around performance for families wanting one appliance to do it all. For those seeking maximum utility without maxing out their budget, it’s the best value for space saving, combining size, features, and affordability in one smart package.

The TOSHIBA Compact Steam Oven is the tech-savvy cook’s dream, blending smart connectivity with solid cooking performance. Its integration with the TSmartLife app allows remote monitoring, real-time adjustments, and automatic recipe updates—perfect for multitaskers who want to start dinner from the office. The 20L capacity is compact yet spacious enough for a whole chicken or six slices of toast, and the 4° anti-drip dome prevents condensation from ruining delicate dishes, a thoughtful detail rarely seen at this price. With 36 preset menus and three steam-baking modes, it balances convenience and culinary control.

In practice, the app works smoothly, and the oven heats quickly with 1900W steam-baking power, producing crispy exteriors and tender interiors. The fermentation function is a standout, offering four precise temps for dough, yogurt, and wine—ideal for home fermenters. However, the steam output isn’t as powerful as the Nuwave’s, and manual mode lacks fine-tuning for advanced users. The glass door stays cool, but visibility is limited compared to full-window models.

Against the Ninja or EDENPEER, the TOSHIBA stands out for smart features and fermentation, though it falls short in air fry crispness. It’s not as versatile as the CIARRA or as precise as the FOTILE, but for those who love automation and remote control, it’s the best smart connectivity option. It delivers modern convenience with reliable performance, making it a smart pick for tech-forward kitchens.

The EDENPEER 12-in-1 Air Fryer is a budget-friendly powerhouse that delivers exceptional value without skimping on core features. Its 7.5QT capacity is among the largest in its class, easily feeding families or hosting small gatherings, while the 1.4L water tank supports extended steaming—perfect for delicate fish or dumplings. The pure steaming function is a rare gem in air fryers, allowing it to double as a full electric steamer, a feature most competitors reserve for pricier ovens. With self-cleaning mode and a large viewing window with internal light, it combines convenience and visibility at an unbeatable price.

In testing, the EDENPEER handled large batches of wings and fries with consistent crispness, and its steam & air fry combo kept chicken breasts juicy. The 12 functions—from dehydrate to steam eggs—make it highly versatile, though some modes feel underdeveloped. The airflow isn’t as uniform as in premium models, leading to slight hotspots. Still, for the price, it outperforms expectations, especially for families on a budget.

Compared to the NutriChef or OUNIN, the EDENPEER offers more capacity and functions at a lower cost. It lacks the smart features of the TOSHIBA or the precision of the FOTILE, but it delivers solid all-around performance for everyday cooking. As the best budget-friendly option, it proves you don’t need to spend big to get steaming, air frying, and multi-functionality in one compact, easy-to-clean unit.

The OUNIN 24L Steam and Air Fryer Combo is a family-sized beast built for those who cook big and cook often. With a 25-quart interior, it can fit a 13” pizza, six slices of toast, or a whole turkey, making it the best for large families seeking one appliance to handle Sunday roasts and weekday air fries alike. The 360° hot air system ensures even cooking, reducing cold spots, while the three cooking modes—steam, convection bake, and steam bake—deliver restaurant-style results: think crispy duck skin with moist meat or golden-brown bread with a soft crumb.

In real use, the OUNIN excelled at batch cooking: roasting a full tray of vegetables, air frying 20 wings at once, and baking a casserole with no flavor transfer. The stainless steel interior is durable and easy to wipe down, and the rotisserie kit adds grilling versatility. However, the steam function is basic, lacking fine humidity control, and the digital panel feels cheap compared to premium brands. Preheating is also slower than expected for its wattage.

Versus the CIARRA or Nuwave, the OUNIN wins on sheer size and included accessories, but it lacks the smart features and precision of higher-end models. It’s not ideal for delicate baking or sous vide, but for high-volume, everyday cooking, it’s unmatched. For those who prioritize capacity and durability, it offers pro-level size with home-kitchen affordability, making it the best choice for feeding crowds.