Mainstays Air Fryer Reviews: Why It’s A Must-Buy For Crispy Wins?

If you’re tired of greasy meals and want crispy, healthier food without the hassle, you need the Mainstays Air Fryer in your kitchen. I picked one up on a whim, and it’s transformed how I cook.

t such an affordable price, it’s perfect for beginners or anyone short on space.

Trust me, you’ll wonder how you lived without it—go get yours now and start enjoying effortless, delicious results.

My Experience With The Mainstays Air Fryer

Let me tell you about the first time I unboxed my Mainstays Air Fryer.

It was a rainy afternoon, and I was craving some homemade fries without firing up the oven or dealing with a pot of oil.

The box was compact, just like the fryer itself—a sleek black unit that fits right on my countertop without hogging space.

I plugged it in, and right away, I appreciated how straightforward it was.

No fancy digital screens or a million buttons; just a simple timer dial and temperature knob.

You turn it on, set your time up to 30 minutes, and adjust the heat from about 200 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s analog, which might sound old-school, but for me, it meant less fuss and more focus on the food.

My inaugural test was those fries. I sliced up a couple of potatoes, tossed them in a tiny bit of oil—way less than I’d use for deep frying—and popped them into the 2.2-quart basket.

The nonstick coating made sure nothing stuck, and after 20 minutes at 400 degrees, they came out golden and crunchy. You know that satisfying bite where the outside crunches but the inside stays fluffy? That’s exactly what I got.

No splatters, no smoke filling the kitchen, and cleanup was a breeze—just a quick wipe with a soapy sponge.

Over the next few weeks, I put it through its paces. Breakfast became easier with quick bacon strips that cooked evenly without flipping halfway through. You can hear the fan whirring softly, circulating hot air like a mini convection oven, which is why everything crisps up so nicely. I tried chicken wings next, marinated in my favorite sauce.

They turned out juicy inside with that perfect skin crackle, and I used maybe a teaspoon of oil total. Compared to baking, it was faster—about 15 minutes versus 40 in the oven—and the results were restaurant-quality. Even veggies like Brussels sprouts roasted beautifully, getting those charred edges I love without turning mushy.

One evening, I decided to experiment with frozen foods. You throw in some mozzarella sticks straight from the freezer, set it to 375 degrees for 8 minutes, and boom—melty cheese inside a crispy shell.

No preheating needed most times, which saves you precious minutes on busy days. I live alone, so the small size is ideal; it handles single servings or sides for two without waste. But if you’re cooking for a crowd, you might need to do batches, which isn’t a big deal for me.

What surprised me most was how it encouraged healthier habits. I found myself reaching for it instead of ordering takeout. Salmon fillets cook in 10 minutes with a light seasoning, flaky and moist. I even baked small batches of cookies—yes, it works for that too, though the capacity limits you to a few at a time. The 1150-watt power heats up quickly, and the automatic shutoff gives peace of mind if you get distracted. Overall, this little machine has become my go-to for quick, tasty meals.

It’s not perfect—I’ll get into that later—but for the price, it’s boosted my cooking confidence and cut down on cleanup time. If you’re like me and want something simple that delivers, this is it.

Pros of The Mainstays Air Fryer

From my time using the Mainstays Air Fryer, I’ve pinpointed several strengths that make it stand out, especially if you’re on a budget or new to air frying. Let’s break them down.

• Affordable Price Point You and I both know kitchen gadgets can get pricey, but the Mainstays comes in around $30, making it accessible for anyone. I remember hesitating over more expensive models, but this one proved you don’t need to spend a fortune for solid performance. It delivers crispy results without the premium tag, perfect if you’re testing the waters or outfitting a dorm room. Think about it: for the cost of a few takeout meals, you get a tool that pays for itself in healthier, home-cooked options.
• Compact and Space-Saving Design This thing is tiny—about the size of a coffee maker—which means it fits anywhere. In my small apartment kitchen, counter space is gold, and the Mainstays slides right in without dominating. You can tuck it away in a cabinet when not in use, unlike bulkier models that demand permanent real estate. Its lightweight build makes it easy to move around, so if you’re like me and rearrange your setup often, it’s a win.
• Easy to Use with Simple Controls No complicated apps or touchscreens here; just two dials for time and temperature. I love how intuitive it is—you set it and forget it. For beginners, this simplicity means you start cooking confidently right away, without poring over manuals. I’ve taught friends to use mine in under a minute, and they were off making snacks. It heats up fast too, so you’re not waiting around hungry.
• Nonstick Basket for Quick Cleanup After cooking, the basket pops out and rinses clean in seconds. The nonstick coating means food slides right off, and most parts are dishwasher-safe. I’ve dealt with stuck-on messes in other appliances, but with this, a soft sponge and warm water do the trick. You save time on scrubbing, which lets you enjoy your meal more. Plus, it reduces the need for extra oil, keeping things healthier.
• Produces Crispy, Even Results The circulating hot air technology nails that crunch every time. Whether it’s fries, wings, or veggies, everything comes out evenly cooked. I was amazed at how my chicken turned juicy inside with a perfect exterior—no uneven spots like in a regular oven. For small portions, it’s efficient, using less energy than heating a full oven. You get that fried taste with way less guilt.
• Versatile for Various Foods Beyond frying, it roasts, bakes, and reheats. I’ve made everything from salmon to cookies, and it handles frozen items straight from the bag. You can experiment with recipes, turning simple ingredients into gourmet bites. It’s great for quick sides or full meals, adapting to whatever you’re in the mood for.

These pros have made the Mainstays a staple in my routine, proving budget doesn’t mean compromise.

Cons of The Mainstays Air Fryer

Of course, no product is flawless, and the Mainstays has its drawbacks. I’ve encountered a few issues that might make you think twice, depending on your needs. Here’s what I’ve noticed.

• Limited Capacity for Larger Meals The 2.2-quart basket is great for one or two people, but if you’re feeding a family, you’ll be doing multiple batches. I tried cooking for three once, and it meant waiting while others ate—frustrating. You can’t stack food high without uneven cooking, so portion control is key. For bigger households, this could feel restrictive.
• Basic Analog Controls Lack Precision Without digital presets, you guess timings sometimes. I overcooked veggies a couple of times before getting the hang of it. No built-in recipes or alerts mean more trial and error. If you prefer tech-savvy features like app integration, this feels bare-bones.
• Potential Nonstick Peeling Over Time After months of use, I saw slight flaking on the basket. It’s common with heavy use, but it worries me about longevity. You have to be gentle with utensils to avoid scratches, which adds caution to cleanup. While it hasn’t affected performance yet, it’s something to monitor.
• Noisy Operation During Use The fan runs steadily, creating a hum that’s noticeable in quiet kitchens. It’s not deafening, but if you’re sensitive to noise or cooking while watching TV, it might annoy you. I got used to it, but initially, it stood out.
• Limited Accessories Included It comes just with the basics—no racks or trays for multi-level cooking. You miss out on versatility that pricier models offer. I’ve improvised with foil, but dedicated add-ons would enhance options.
• Shorter Warranty and Durability Concerns With a one-year warranty, it’s not built for eternity. Some users report it failing after a year, which matches my slight wear. If you cook daily like I do, it might not hold up as long as premium brands.

Maintenance Tips For Your Mainstays Air Fryer

Keeping your Mainstays Air Fryer in top shape ensures it lasts and performs well. I’ve learned these through trial and error, so let’s cover them in detail.

• Daily Cleaning Routine After each use, unplug and let it cool. Remove the basket and wash with warm, soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid metal scrubbers to protect the nonstick. Dry thoroughly before reassembling. This prevents buildup and keeps flavors pure.
• Deep Cleaning the Interior Every few weeks, wipe the inside with a damp cloth. For stubborn grease, mix baking soda and water into a paste, apply gently, and rinse. Don’t submerge the unit—focus on accessible areas. This maintains airflow for even cooking.
• Handling the Heating Element The top coil can collect residue. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently clean it when cool. Avoid water here; a dry wipe often suffices. Regular checks prevent smoke or odors during use.
• Basket and Tray Care If dishwasher-safe, run on a gentle cycle. Hand-washing preserves the coating longer. For stuck food, soak in hot soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing. This extends the nonstick life.
• Exterior Maintenance Wipe the outside with a microfiber cloth and mild cleaner. Keep vents clear of dust for proper ventilation. Store in a dry place to avoid moisture damage.
• Preventive Habits Use minimal oil to reduce splatters. Line with parchment for messy foods. Check cords for wear and avoid overloading outlets. These steps keep it safe and efficient.

Following these has kept mine running smoothly—simple habits make a big difference.

Comparison of Mainstays Air Fryer With Other Brands

When I started shopping for air fryers, I looked at several brands before settling on the Mainstays. To give you a full picture, let’s compare it analytically to popular options like Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Vortex. I’ll focus on key aspects to help you decide.

• Mainstays Vs. Bluebow Air Fryers

Bluebow models often come in bigger sizes, like 8.5-quart or even 12-quart versions with visible windows and touchscreens, making them feel more premium on the counter.

I like how Bluebow’s larger baskets handle family-sized portions—think cooking a whole chicken or multiple burger patties without batches—while the Mainstays’ 2.2-quart basket suits solo meals or sides perfectly but limits you if you’re feeding more people.

Bluebow frequently includes presets for fries, steak, or cake, plus extras like built-in lights and 360-degree circulation for even crisping, which gives food that golden edge faster sometimes.

In contrast, Mainstays keeps things analog with simple dials, so you adjust manually, which I find straightforward but less guided for beginners.

On performance, Bluebow’s higher wattage (around 1700W in many models) heats quicker and handles denser foods well, though some users report uneven cooking or parts feeling loose over time. Mainstays cooks reliably for basics like fries or wings with its 1150W power, delivering that crunch I love without overcomplicating things.

Price-wise, Bluebow sits higher—often $60 to $90 on sale—while Mainstays hovers around $30, making it unbeatable for budget-conscious folks. Build quality varies; Bluebow looks sleeker with windows, but reviews mention durability hiccups like doors not shutting right or pieces falling out.

Mainstays feels basic but sturdy enough for daily light use, with fewer bells and whistles to break. If you want space for bigger meals and modern touches, Bluebow pulls ahead, but for simple, no-fuss crisping on a tight budget, Mainstays wins hands down.

• Mainstays Vs. Aeitto Air Fryer Ovens

Aeitto stands out as a full countertop oven combo, with massive 32-quart capacities in their PRO models, plus rotisserie spits, dehydrators, and up to 19-in-1 functions like broiling, proofing dough, or fitting a 13-inch pizza.

It’s a beast for replacing your traditional oven—I’ve seen users rave about roasting whole chickens juicy and golden or dehydrating fruits evenly.

The Mainstays can’t touch that versatility; it’s strictly a compact air fryer focused on quick crisping, not multi-tasking.

Aeitto’s digital controls offer precise presets and dual-cook modes to combine functions, ensuring even heat with less oil, while Mainstays relies on basic knobs that require more watching and tweaking.

Performance-wise, Aeitto’s 1800W power and convection tech produce restaurant-level results across a wider range, like tender interiors with crispy outsides on roasts or baked goods.

Mainstays excels at straightforward tasks—fries, nuggets, veggies—but lacks the space or accessories for bigger projects. Aeitto includes extras like racks, pans, and cookbooks, expanding what you can make, whereas Mainstays comes bare-bones.

Price reflects this: Aeitto runs $200+, positioning it as a serious investment for frequent cooks, while Mainstays is entry-level at a fraction of the cost. Durability seems strong on Aeitto with stainless builds and quiet operation, though it’s bulkier on the counter.

Mainstays is lightweight and easy to store, ideal if you don’t need all those features. Go Aeitto if you’re upgrading to a do-it-all appliance; stick with Mainstays for targeted, affordable air frying without the extras.

• Mainstays Vs. Ninja Flip Up Air Fryer

The Ninja Flip (like the SP151 model) impresses with its unique flip-up design that saves counter space—flip it against the wall when not in use, freeing up 50% more room. It’s got a wider, shorter build for larger batches, plus 8 functions including air fry, roast, broil, bake, and dehydrate.

I appreciate how it uses OvenCrisp tech with infrared and rapid air for edge-to-edge even cooking, making things like pizza or toast come out perfectly without hot spots. Mainstays stays compact but fixed in place, with no flip feature, so it occupies permanent counter space despite its small footprint.

Ninja’s digital controls and presets make it user-friendly for consistent results, while Mainstays’ analog setup is simpler but demands more attention to timing. In performance, Ninja often cooks faster and more uniformly thanks to higher power and better circulation, handling everything from wings to bagels with that pro-level crisp.

Mainstays matches well on basics but might need batches for similar volumes. Build quality feels premium on Ninja—sturdy, reliable, with fewer complaints about longevity—versus Mainstays’ basic but functional construction.

Ninja costs more, usually $150+, as a mid-to-high-end option, while Mainstays delivers great value under $40. If space-saving and versatility matter, Ninja Flip shines; for straightforward, budget air frying without fancy storage tricks, Mainstays holds strong.

These comparisons show the Mainstays shines in simplicity and affordability, while the others bring more capacity, features, or innovation at higher prices. Pick what fits your kitchen and cooking style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, the Mainstays Air Fryer has been a game-changer for my daily meals—affordable, reliable, and fun to use. If you’re seeking crispy results without complexity, this is your pick.

Don’t hesitate; add it to your cart today and elevate your cooking effortlessly.