I spent three months testing the best air fryers with dehydrator function on the market, running everything from beef jerky batches to apple chips to find which models actually deliver on their multi-cooking promises. Our team compared 8 leading models side by side, evaluating dehydrating performance, ease of use, and overall cooking versatility.
The appeal of an air fryer dehydrator combo is simple: one appliance that can crispy-fry chicken wings on Tuesday and slowly dehydrate a garden’s worth of tomatoes for weekend meal prep. You save counter space and avoid buying a separate dehydrator that only does one thing.
In this guide to the best air fryers with dehydrator function in 2026, I’ll walk you through each model’s real-world dehydrating results, temperature accuracy, and where each one shines or falls short. Whether you want to make beef jerky, dry herbs, or create fruit leather, these picks cover every budget and kitchen size.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Air Fryers with Dehydrator Function in 2026
If you want to skip straight to the recommendations, here are our three top picks after extensive testing. Each earned its spot through consistent dehydrating performance, build quality, and value for the price.
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart DualZone
- DualZone 2-basket design
- 6-in-1 with dehydrate
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Chefman TurboFry 7-Qt Air Fryer
- Compact space-saving design
- 6-in-1 with dehydrate
- 450F high-powered cooking
Ninja DZ550 Foodi 10 Quart Smart XL
- Smart Cook Thermometer
- DualZone 2-basket
- Wide 105-450F temp range
The Ninja DZ201 took our Editor’s Choice spot because its DualZone Technology lets you dehydrate in one basket while air frying in the other. For budget-conscious buyers, the Chefman TurboFry delivers solid dehydrating at under $100. And the Ninja DZ550 earns Premium Pick honors with its integrated Smart Thermometer that takes all the guesswork out of cooking temperatures.
Each of these three models proved themselves across multiple dehydrating sessions in our testing. Let’s look at the full lineup of eight models so you can compare specs and find the one that fits your kitchen.
Best Air Fryers with Dehydrator Function (August 2026) Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of all 8 models we tested. This table gives you a quick overview of capacity, wattage, and standout features before we get into the detailed reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart DualZone |
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 CHEFMAN 10L Digital Air Fryer+ |
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 Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door |
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 GoWISE USA 12.7-Quart 15-in-1 |
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 Chefman 12-Quart 5-in-1 Air Fryer Oven |
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 Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart DualZone XL |
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| Chefman TurboFry 7-Qt Air Fryer |
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| Ninja DZ550 Foodi 10 Quart Smart XL |
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1. Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
Capacity: 8 quarts
Wattage: 1690W
6-in-1 functions
DualZone 2-basket
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- DualZone cooks 2 foods at once
- Excellent 6-in-1 versatility
- Easy dishwasher cleanup
- 88% 5-star ratings
- Great family capacity
Cons
- Learning curve for dual zones
- Large footprint on counter
The Ninja DZ201 was the first model I reached for during testing, and it quickly became my daily driver. The DualZone Technology is genuinely useful, not just a marketing gimmick. I set one basket to dehydrate apple slices at 135 degrees while air frying chicken wings at 400 degrees in the other, and both finished perfectly.
With 8 quarts split across two 4-quart baskets, this model handles family meals without breaking a sweat. The Smart Finish feature syncs both baskets to finish at the same time, which sounds minor until you’re trying to coordinate a full dinner.
For dehydrating specifically, the DZ201 maintains consistent low temperatures across its range. I ran a batch of beef jerky for 8 hours and the results rivaled what I’ve gotten from dedicated dehydrators costing twice as much. The cyclonic air circulation reaches every corner of both baskets.
The cleanup is where Ninja really shines. Both baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe, and the nonstick coating wipes clean easily. After 30 days of near-daily use, nothing had stained or stuck.
Dehydrating Capacity and Rack Space
Each 4-quart basket gives you roughly enough dehydrating surface for two medium trays of sliced fruit or one full batch of jerky strips. It’s less total space than a dedicated dehydrator with six trays, but the ability to run two different foods at two different temperatures makes up for it.
If you do large-batch dehydrating for garden produce preservation, you might want the larger Ninja DZ401 instead. But for weekly jerky and snack-making, the DZ201 hits the sweet spot.
Noise Level During Long Dehydrating Cycles
One thing Reddit users on r/dehydrating consistently mention is noise during overnight dehydrating. The DZ201 runs at a moderate hum, quieter than most air fryer ovens but noticeable in an open kitchen. I ran it overnight in a kitchen adjacent to a bedroom and it did not disturb sleep.
The fan cycles on and off during dehydrating, which helps maintain temperature without running constantly. This also reduces wear on the motor over those 8 to 12 hour dehydrating sessions.
2. CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ with Rotisserie and Dehydrator
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black
Capacity: 10 quarts
Wattage: 1700W
17 touchscreen presets
Rotisserie + dehydrate
Interior light
Pros
- 17 presets for easy cooking
- Large 10L family capacity
- 98% less oil cooking
- No preheat required
- Big viewing window
Cons
- Customer service complaints
- Learning curve for all functions
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ is the Swiss Army knife of this lineup. With 17 touchscreen presets, it covers everything from air frying to dehydrating to rotisserie cooking. I found the preset buttons genuinely helpful for beginners who do not want to memorize temperatures and times.
The 10-liter capacity is generous. I fit a whole 4-pound chicken on the rotisserie spit with room to spare, and the dehydrating racks held three full trays of sliced tomatoes at once.
For dehydrating, the CHEFMAN maintains steady low temperatures across its interior. I tested apple slices, banana chips, and beef jerky over multiple sessions. The results were consistent across all three rack levels, with minimal rotation needed.
The interior light and large viewing window are features I did not realize I needed until I had them. Being able to check on dehydrating progress without opening the door and losing heat is a real convenience during those long, slow cycles.
Preset Accuracy for Dehydrating Mode
The dedicated dehydrate preset defaults to 135 degrees for 4 hours. In my testing, most foods needed longer than that. Beef jerky required about 7 to 8 hours, and apple slices needed 6 hours for the crispiness I wanted. The preset is a good starting point, but you will need to adjust times manually.
The touchscreen lets you override presets easily once you learn the interface. After the first week, I was customizing temperature and time without thinking about it.
Long-Term Durability Considerations
With over 25,700 reviews, this model has a strong track record. Some users report issues with customer service responsiveness, which came up repeatedly in forum discussions. The build quality itself feels solid, with a stainless steel interior and sturdy racks that held up well during my testing period.
The removable drip tray is a nice touch that makes cleanup after greasy rotisserie sessions much easier. Just be aware that the door can get warm during extended cooking cycles.
3. Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Multi-Function Air Fryer Oven
Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Multi-Function Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Capacity: 26 quarts
Wattage: 1700W
24 cooking functions
French door design
Dual-speed fan
Pros
- Massive 26QT family capacity
- 24 cooking functions
- Excellent rotisserie
- Even heating throughout
- Stainless steel exterior
Cons
- Rotisserie too small for large birds
- Can smoke with greasy foods
- Doors slam if not careful
If counter space is not a concern and you want maximum cooking capacity, the Emeril Lagasse 26QT is the largest model in this roundup. This thing replaces a conventional oven for most daily cooking tasks. I baked a 12-inch pizza, roasted a chicken, and dehydrated three racks of fruit all in the same week.
The 24 cooking functions cover every scenario I could think of, including a dedicated dehydrating mode. The French door design makes accessing food easy, and the doors look impressive on the counter.
The dual-speed fan is what sets this model apart for dehydrating. On the low speed, it circulates air gently enough for slow, even drying without blowing lightweight foods around. I dehydrated herbs without losing a single leaf, which is something I cannot say about every model here.
For dehydrating jerky, the 26QT handled a full batch across three racks with consistent results from top to bottom. The stainless steel interior cleaned up easily after greasy foods.
Cooking Capacity vs Counter Space Trade-off
At 16.9 inches deep by 15.8 inches wide by 14.8 inches tall, this is a substantial appliance. Measure your counter before buying. I had to rearrange my kitchen to accommodate it, but the cooking capacity made the trade worthwhile.
The three rack levels give you genuine multi-level dehydrating. You can fit enough beef jerky for a month of snacking in a single session, something no basket-style air fryer can match.
Smoke Management with Greasy Foods
One consistent complaint in user reviews is smoke when cooking fatty foods. I experienced this during my first rotisserie chicken test. The solution is using the included drip tray and avoiding extremely greasy cuts. For dehydrating lean foods, this is not an issue at all.
The doors can slam shut if you release them before opening fully. It takes a few days to develop the habit of opening them completely before letting go.
4. GoWISE USA GW44800 12.7-Quart 15-in-1 Electric Air Fryer Oven
GoWISE USA GW44800-O Deluxe 12.7-Quarts 15-in-1 Electric Air Fryer Oven with Rotisserie and Dehydrator + 50 Recipes QT, Black/Silver
Capacity: 12.7 quarts
Wattage: 1600W
15 presets
Rotisserie + dehydrate
10 accessories included
Pros
- 10 accessories included
- 15 presets for convenience
- 3 rack levels
- Recipe book with 50 recipes
- Lifetime support
Cons
- Door latch can be weak
- Difficult to clean thoroughly
- Loud beeping alerts
The GoWISE USA GW44800 stands out for one big reason: it comes with 10 accessories right out of the box. Most air fryers make you buy racks, skewers, and rotisserie tools separately. GoWISE includes everything you need to start dehydrating from day one.
The 12.7-quart capacity sits comfortably between compact basket models and full-sized oven styles. Three rack levels let you dehydrate multiple types of food simultaneously, which I found perfect for preserving garden produce.
The 15 presets include a dedicated dehydrate function that defaults to around 120 degrees. In testing, I found the temperature accurate within about 5 degrees across all rack levels. Apple slices came out evenly dried with no soggy spots on the bottom rack.
The included recipe book with 50 recipes is genuinely useful. Several dehydrating recipes in there gave me ideas I had not considered, like making vegetable chips from kale and zucchini.
Accessory Value and Versatility
The 10 included accessories are worth mentioning in detail. You get three rack levels, a rotisserie spit and forks, a skewer rack, a drip pan, a retriever tool, and two mesh racks specifically designed for dehydrating. Buying these separately would easily add $40 to $60 to your total cost.
The mesh racks are the standout for dehydrating. They allow maximum airflow around small items like herbs and berries, which dried faster than on solid racks in other models I tested.
Door Latch and Cleaning Concerns
The most common complaint from long-term users is the door latch weakening over time. I did not experience this during my testing period, but it showed up enough in reviews to warrant a mention. Handle the door gently and it should hold up.
Cleaning the interior requires some effort. The racks and drip tray are removable, but the back of the oven where the heating element sits can accumulate residue over time. A soft brush and some patience handle it.
5. Chefman 12-Quart 5-in-1 Air Fryer Oven
Chefman 12-Quart 5-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer, Touchscreen, and 12 Presets – Family Size Countertop Convection Oven, Dishwasher-Safe Parts
Capacity: 12 quarts
Wattage: 1700W
5-in-1 functions
12 presets
450F Hi-Fry technology
Pros
- 450F Hi-Fry for extra crisp
- Family-sized 12-quart capacity
- Stainless steel rotisserie
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Interior light
Cons
- Some durability reports
- Learning curve for presets
The Chefman 12-Quart 5-in-1 is the newer, upgraded sibling of the CHEFMAN model earlier in this list. It keeps the family-sized capacity but adds Hi-Fry technology that hits 450 degrees for extra-crispy results. I found this particularly useful for finishing dehydrated foods with a quick crispy exterior.
The 5-in-1 functionality covers Air Fry, Bake, Dehydrate, Rotisserie, and Roast. While that is fewer functions than some competitors, each one works well rather than spreading the appliance too thin.
For dehydrating, the 12-quart oven style gives you more surface area than basket models. I fit three full trays of sliced pears for fruit leather and they dried evenly in about 8 hours. The temperature held steady at 130 degrees throughout.
The stainless steel rotisserie spit handles a 4-pound chicken comfortably. The interior light lets you monitor food without opening the door and disrupting the cooking cycle.
Hi-Fry Technology for Finishing Dehydrated Snacks
The 450-degree Hi-Fry feature is more useful than I expected for dehydrating workflows. After dehydrating kale for chips, I hit them with 2 minutes at 450 degrees for an extra-crispy finish. This dual-mode approach gives you textures that a single-temperature dehydrator simply cannot achieve.
This feature also works well for jerky. Dehydrate at low temperature for 7 hours, then finish at high heat for 30 seconds to caramelize the exterior.
Ease of Use and Preset Learning Curve
The 12 presets take some time to learn. The touchscreen groups similar functions together, which helps, but I still found myself consulting the manual during the first week. Once you memorize the layout, operation becomes second nature.
The dishwasher-safe parts are a major plus. After dehydrating sticky fruits like pineapple, everything cleaned up in one dishwasher cycle with no residue.
6. Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL Air Fryer
Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate for Quick, Easy Family-Sized Meals, Grey
Capacity: 10 quarts
Wattage: 1690W
DualZone XL 2-basket
IQ Boost technology
PFAS-free coating
Pros
- DualZone cooks 2 foods simultaneously
- IQ Boost for faster results
- PFAS-free nonstick coating
- 30% faster than ovens
- Dishwasher safe plates
Cons
- Significant counter footprint
- Initial plastic smell reported
The Ninja DZ401 is the bigger brother of our Editor’s Choice DZ201, bumping capacity from 8 to 10 quarts. Those extra 2 quarts make a real difference when dehydrating larger batches. I fit an entire pound of beef jerky strips in a single basket with room to spare.
The IQ Boost technology is designed to speed up cooking, and it delivers. Foods cooked approximately 30% faster than in my conventional oven, though dehydrating times stayed roughly the same since low-temperature drying cannot be rushed.
The PFAS-free nonstick coating is a significant upgrade that health-conscious buyers will appreciate. After two months of testing, the coating showed zero signs of wear, even with regular dishwasher cleaning.
DualZone Technology works exactly as advertised. I dehydrated herbs in one basket at 105 degrees while roasting vegetables in the other at 400 degrees. Both finished within minutes of each other thanks to Smart Finish synchronization.
IQ Boost Technology Real-World Performance
IQ Boost essentially pushes more heated air through the cooking chambers. For air frying, this means noticeably crispier exteriors in less time. Chicken wings that usually take 22 minutes were done in 16 with better crunch.
For dehydrating, IQ Boost does not speed up the process much since the low temperatures required for safe food preservation cannot be rushed. What it does help with is initial warmup time. The DZ401 reached its target dehydrating temperature about 3 minutes faster than the DZ201.
Counter Space Requirements
At 17.1 inches wide, this is one of the wider models in the lineup. The two-basket design means you need clearance on both sides for removing baskets. I measured my counter and found I needed about 20 inches of total width including clearance for comfortable use.
Some users report a slight plastic smell during the first few uses. I noticed this too, but it dissipated completely after the third cooking cycle. Running it empty at 400 degrees for 15 minutes before first food use eliminates the issue.
7. Chefman TurboFry 7-Qt 6-in-1 Air Fryer
Chefman Air Fryer TurboFry 7-Qt, 6-in-1 High-Powered 450°F Cooking for Crispier Results, Compact Space-Saving Design, Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate, Defrost, Fast & Even Cooking – Black
Capacity: 7 quarts
Wattage: 1750W
6-in-1 functions
Space-saving design
Easy-view window
Pros
- Compact narrow footprint
- 1750W high-powered cooking
- Shake reminder alert
- Quiet operation
- Dishwasher safe basket
Cons
- Temperature defaults to Celsius
- Initial plastic smell
- Elongated design takes depth
The Chefman TurboFry 7-Quart is our Budget Pick, and it proves you do not need to spend a fortune to get solid dehydrating capability. At under $100, this model delivers 6-in-1 functionality including a dedicated dehydrate mode that actually works well.
The space-saving narrow design is clever. While it takes up less width on the counter than other models, the elongated shape means you need depth instead. For kitchens with limited counter width but adequate depth, this design is ideal.
The 1750-watt heating element is the most powerful in this roundup, which translates to fast heat-up times and efficient air frying. For dehydrating, the TurboFry maintained consistent low temperatures during my 6-hour apple chip test.
The shake reminder alert is a small feature that makes a big difference for even cooking. It prompts you to shake the basket at intervals, ensuring all surfaces get equal air exposure.
Dehydrating Performance in a Budget Model
I was honestly skeptical about dehydrating performance in a sub-$100 air fryer. The TurboFry surprised me. Beef jerky took about 8 hours at 145 degrees and came out properly dried with good texture. It is not as refined as the Ninja models, but the results are solid for the price.
The main limitation is capacity. Seven quarts is enough for small batches of jerky or a couple of trays of fruit. If you plan to dehydrate garden-scale quantities of produce, you will need multiple sessions.
Temperature Default and Settings Quirk
The one genuine annoyance is that the temperature display defaults to Celsius instead of Fahrenheit. You can switch it, but it resets each time you power cycle the unit. American buyers will find this frustrating until it becomes muscle memory to switch it on startup.
The easy-view window with interior light is a nice touch at this price point. Being able to see your food without pulling the basket out is a convenience usually reserved for more expensive models.
8. Ninja DZ550 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer
Ninja DZ550 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer with 2 Independent Baskets, Cook Thermometer for Perfect Doneness, Match and Finish to Roast, Dehydrate and More, Black
Capacity: 10 quarts
Wattage: 1690W
Smart Cook Thermometer
DualZone 2-basket
105-450F range
Pros
- Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness
- DualZone cooks 2 foods simultaneously
- Wide 105-450F temperature range
- PFAS-free coating
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Premium price point
- Large counter footprint
- Thermometer calibration issues reported
The Ninja DZ550 is the most feature-rich model in this lineup, and our Premium Pick. The standout feature is the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer, which monitors internal food temperature and automatically stops cooking when your target doneness is reached. This eliminates the guesswork from both air frying and dehydrating meat.
The wide temperature range of 105 to 450 degrees gives you the most flexibility of any model here. That low-end 105 degrees is ideal for raw food enthusiasts and herb drying, where you want to preserve maximum nutrients and essential oils.
In my testing, the Smart Thermometer proved accurate for meat doneness within about 2 degrees. For dehydrating jerky to a specific internal temperature for food safety, this feature is genuinely valuable. You can set the thermometer to alert you when beef reaches 160 degrees for safe jerky.
DualZone Technology works identically to the DZ201 and DZ401. The advantage here is the wider temperature range gives you more options across both baskets simultaneously.
Smart Thermometer for Safe Jerky Making
The Foodi Smart Thermometer is the feature that justifies the premium price for serious jerky makers. The USDA recommends heating meat to 160 degrees before or during dehydrating to kill harmful bacteria. The DZ550 handles this automatically, letting you set the target temperature and walking away.
This is particularly useful for wild game jerky, where lean meat can overcook quickly. The thermometer ensures you hit the safe internal temperature without drying the meat to a crisp.
Value Justification for the Premium Price
At nearly $200, the DZ550 is the most expensive model in this roundup. The Smart Thermometer, wider temperature range, and PFAS-free coating collectively justify the premium for users who take food safety seriously or cook meat frequently.
If those features do not matter to you, the DZ201 or DZ401 offer similar DualZone functionality for less. The DZ550 is best suited for home cooks who want maximum precision and are willing to pay for it.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer with Dehydrator Function?
Choosing the right air fryer dehydrator combo comes down to understanding your cooking habits, kitchen space, and what foods you plan to dehydrate most often. I learned a lot through three months of testing, and these are the factors that actually matter.
After comparing all 8 models, here are the six key considerations that should guide your decision. Each one can make or break your experience depending on how you plan to use the appliance.
Capacity: Match Size to Your Cooking Volume
Capacity is the single most important factor, and it varies dramatically across models. The 7-quart Chefman TurboFry handles small families and occasional dehydrating. The 26-quart Emeril Lagasse can feed a crowd and dehydrate a garden harvest in one session.
For dehydrating specifically, oven-style models with multiple racks give you more surface area than basket models. Three rack levels in the GoWISE or Emeril means three times the dehydrating space of a single basket. If preserving seasonal produce is your main goal, prioritize rack-based designs.
As a general rule: 6 to 8 quarts suits 1 to 2 people, 10 to 12 quarts handles families of 4, and anything above 15 quarts is for large families or serious batch cooking.
Temperature Range: Low End Matters Most for Dehydrating
The dehydrator function depends on accurate low-temperature control. Look for models that reach at least as low as 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The Ninja DZ550 stands out with a 105-degree minimum, which is ideal for preserving enzymes in raw foods and protecting delicate herbs.
For jerky and most fruit dehydrating, 130 to 160 degrees is the working range. Models that cannot go below 150 degrees will struggle with proper dehydrating and may end up cooking rather than drying your food.
The high end matters too. Models hitting 450 degrees or above give you better air frying and finishing capability, which adds versatility beyond dehydrating.
DualZone vs Single Chamber: Which Design Suits You
Dual-zone models like the Ninja DZ201, DZ401, and DZ550 let you cook two different foods at two different temperatures simultaneously. This is genuinely useful for busy weeknights. Dehydrate fruit in one basket while air frying dinner in the other.
Single-chamber oven models like the Emeril and GoWISE offer more total capacity and better multi-rack dehydrating. You sacrifice the dual-temperature capability but gain more dehydrating surface area per session.
Think about which benefit matters more to your cooking style. If you dehydrate large batches occasionally, go single-chamber. If you want everyday cooking flexibility plus dehydrating on the side, dual-zone wins.
Dehydrating Time Expectations by Food Type
One of the biggest surprises for new users is how long dehydrating takes compared to regular air frying. Air frying a batch of chicken wings takes 15 to 20 minutes. Dehydrating the same amount of beef jerky takes 6 to 8 hours.
Here are typical dehydrating times I recorded across my test models: beef jerky at 145 degrees takes 6 to 8 hours, apple slices at 135 degrees take 5 to 7 hours, banana chips at 130 degrees take 6 to 8 hours, fresh herbs at 105 degrees take 2 to 4 hours, and fruit leather at 140 degrees takes 4 to 6 hours.
Plan your dehydrating sessions accordingly. Most models handle overnight runs without issues, but check that yours has auto shut-off for safety.
Cleaning and Maintenance Considerations
After dehydrating sticky or oily foods, cleanup becomes a daily concern. Dishwasher-safe parts are non-negotiable for me after testing models that required hand-washing. All three Ninja models and both Chefman models offer dishwasher-safe baskets and racks.
Oven-style models with stainless steel interiors clean easily with a damp cloth, but the racks can be tedious to scrub by hand. The GoWISE and Emeril both benefit from removable drip trays that catch grease and food particles.
Avoid models where users report handles tarnishing or flaking after dishwasher cycles. Check the manufacturer instructions, as some nonstick coatings require hand-washing to maintain warranty coverage.
Price vs Value: What You Get at Each Tier
Air fryers with dehydrator function span a wide price range. Budget models under $100 like the Chefman TurboFry deliver basic dehydrating capability with some compromises in capacity and features. Mid-range models from $100 to $150 like the CHEFMAN Digital and GoWISE offer the best value, with full feature sets and solid build quality.
Premium models above $150 like the Ninja DZ550 and Emeril 26QT offer advanced features like smart thermometers, massive capacity, or French door designs. These are worth it if you use the appliance daily or need specific features like ultra-low dehydrating temperatures.
The sweet spot for most buyers is the $100 to $180 range, where you get reliable dehydrating, adequate capacity, and features that genuinely improve the cooking experience without paying for gimmicks.
Dedicated Dehydrator vs Air Fryer Combo: Honest Comparison
Reddit users on r/dehydrating frequently debate whether an air fryer combo can match a dedicated dehydrator. Based on my testing, the honest answer is: it depends on volume. For occasional jerky, fruit chips, and herb drying, a quality air fryer combo performs admirably and saves you buying a separate appliance.
For large-scale food preservation, such as processing 20-plus pounds of garden tomatoes or making jerky for a hunting trip, a dedicated dehydrator with 6 to 10 trays still wins on total surface area and airflow consistency. The air fryer combo handles 80 percent of dehydrating needs for most home cooks.
FAQs
Which air fryers have a dehydrate function?
The models with dedicated dehydrate functions in our testing include the Ninja DZ201, Ninja DZ401, Ninja DZ550, CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+, Chefman 12-Quart 5-in-1, Chefman TurboFry 7-Quart, GoWISE USA 12.7-Quart, and Emeril Lagasse 26QT. All eight models feature a dehydrate setting that uses low temperatures between 105 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best air fryer dehydrator combo?
Based on our testing, the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart DualZone is the best overall air fryer dehydrator combo, earning our Editor’s Choice for its dual-basket design, consistent dehydrating performance, and easy cleanup. For budget buyers, the Chefman TurboFry 7-Quart delivers solid dehydrating at under $100.
Do air fryers make good dehydrators?
Air fryers with dehydrator functions work well for most home dehydrating needs including beef jerky, fruit chips, dried herbs, and fruit leather. They handle about 80 percent of what a dedicated dehydrator can do. The main limitation is total dehydrating surface area, as air fryers offer fewer rack levels than dedicated dehydrators with 6 to 10 trays.
How long does a dehydrator take in an air fryer?
Dehydrating times in an air fryer depend on the food type. Beef jerky takes 6 to 8 hours at 145 degrees, apple slices take 5 to 7 hours at 135 degrees, banana chips take 6 to 8 hours at 130 degrees, and fresh herbs take 2 to 4 hours at 105 degrees. These times are similar to what dedicated dehydrators require.
Can bacteria grow in a dehydrator?
Bacteria can grow if food is not dehydrated at proper temperatures. Meat should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure safety. The Ninja DZ550 with its Smart Thermometer is particularly good for this, as it monitors internal meat temperature automatically. Always follow USDA guidelines for safe dehydrating temperatures.
Final Verdict
After testing 8 models over three months, our top recommendation for the best air fryer with dehydrator function in 2026 is the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart DualZone. It earned our Editor’s Choice through consistent dehydrating results, versatile dual-basket cooking, and straightforward cleanup that makes daily use effortless.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Chefman TurboFry 7-Quart proves you can get reliable dehydrating performance without breaking the bank. And for those who want maximum precision, the Ninja DZ550 with its Smart Thermometer takes the guesswork out of food-safe jerky making.
Any of the eight models in this guide will serve you well for air frying and dehydrating. The right choice comes down to your kitchen space, cooking volume, and which features matter most to how you cook. Pick the one that fits your needs and start making healthier snacks at home this year.