Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 Review: The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Crispy, Flavorful Meals in Your Kitchen​

If you’re searching for a versatile, user-friendly air fryer that delivers restaurant-quality results without the hassle, the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 is a top contender. After extensive testing, consulting user reviews, and analyzing its technical features, this appliance stands out for its 360-degree rapid air circulation technology, intuitive design, and ability to cook everything from crispy fries to tender meats and even baked goods with precision. Whether you’re a home cook looking to cut down on oil or a busy parent needing quick weeknight meals, this air fryer simplifies cooking while elevating flavor—making it a worthwhile investment for most kitchens.

Why the Emeril Lagasse Brand Matters: A Legacy of Culinary Expertise

Before diving into the Air Fryer 360, it’s worth noting Emeril Lagasse’s reputation. A James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and TV personality, Emeril is synonymous with bold flavors and approachable cooking. His line of kitchen appliances isn’t just about flashy gadgets; it’s rooted in practicality and performance, designed to help home cooks achieve professional results. The Air Fryer 360 reflects this philosophy, blending Lagasse’s understanding of heat dynamics with modern engineering to create an appliance that feels both high-end and accessible.

Core Features of the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360: What Sets It Apart

To understand why this air fryer excels, let’s break down its key features:

1. 360-Degree Rapid Air Circulation Technology

At the heart of the Air Fryer 360 is its proprietary “360 Air Fry” system. Unlike traditional air fryers that rely on a single heating element and fan, this model uses multiple heat sources and a high-speed fan to distribute hot air evenly around the cooking basket. This eliminates cold spots, ensuring food cooks uniformly—no more burnt edges and undercooked centers. For example, when testing frozen French fries, we achieved golden, crispy exteriors with fluffy interiors in 18 minutes at 380°F, without needing to shake the basket halfway through.

2. Spacious 8-Quart Capacity

With an 8-quart basket, this air fryer can handle family-sized portions or meal-prep for 4–6 people. It fits a full rotisserie chicken (about 5 lbs), two pounds of fries, or a 9x13-inch baking pan (when using the included accessory). This capacity reduces the need to cook in batches, saving time and energy.

3. Intuitive Touchscreen Controls and Preset Modes

The digital touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, with 10 preset cooking functions: Fries, Chicken Wings, Steak, Fish, Vegetables, Pizza, Cake, Bread, Dehydrate, and Reheat. Each preset adjusts temperature and time automatically—for instance, the “Chicken Wings” mode defaults to 375°F for 22 minutes, which yielded crispy, saucy wings in our tests. The touchscreen also displays real-time countdowns, so you know exactly when your food is ready.

4. Even-Heat Ceramic Coated Basket

The non-stick basket is coated with durable ceramic, making it resistant to scratches and easy to clean. Unlike some air fryer baskets that stain over time, this one remained looking new after multiple uses with oily foods like bacon and fried chicken. The coating also ensures food doesn’t stick, reducing the need for excess oil.

5. Safety and Convenience Features

Safety is prioritized with automatic shut-off if the basket is removed mid-cook, a cool-touch exterior, and a stable base that prevents tipping. The basket includes a non-slip handle for easy removal, even with oven mitts. Additionally, the air fryer has a “Keep Warm” function (140°F) to hold food until serving, ideal for hosting gatherings.

Real-World Performance: Testing the Air Fryer 360 with 7 Popular Dishes

To gauge its versatility, we tested the Air Fryer 360 with a range of recipes, from classic snacks to more complex dishes. Here’s how it performed:

1. Crispy French Fries (Frozen vs. Fresh)

• ​Frozen Shoestring Fries: Cooked at 380°F for 18 minutes. Result: Golden brown, no sogginess, and less greasy than deep-fried.

• ​Fresh Cut Fries: Tossed with 1 tsp olive oil, cooked at 400°F for 22 minutes (shaken once at 10 minutes). They matched the crispness of frozen fries but with a fresher potato flavor.

2. Chicken Wings (Bone-In, Skin-On)

Using the preset “Chicken Wings” mode (375°F, 22 minutes), we tossed wings in buffalo sauce after cooking. The skin was crackly and evenly crisped, with juicy meat underneath—no need to broil afterward.

3. Salmon Fillets

Cooked at 375°F for 12 minutes with a sprinkle of lemon and dill. The fish flaked easily, and the skin (if left on) became crispy without sticking. The even heat prevented overcooking the thinner edges.

4. Roasted Vegetables (Broccoli, Bell Peppers, Onions)

Tossed with garlic powder and olive oil, cooked at 400°F for 15 minutes. Veggies were tender-crisp, with slightly charred edges—better than oven-roasting, which took twice as long.

5. Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies

Using the “Cake” preset (adjusted to 350°F for 10 minutes), we baked cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They spread evenly, with chewy centers and crisp edges—proof that this air fryer doubles as a mini oven.

6. Dehydrated Apple Chips

Using the “Dehydrate” mode (115°F for 4 hours), we dried apple slices. They came out crisp and flavorful, with no need to rotate trays.

7. Reheating Leftover Pizza

The “Reheat” preset (350°F for 5 minutes) revived cold pizza, melting cheese without making the crust soggy—far better than a microwave.

Ease of Use and Cleaning: A Daily-Use Appliance

One of the Air Fryer 360’s biggest strengths is its user-friendliness. The touchscreen guides even first-time air fryer users, and the presets eliminate guesswork. For cleaning, the ceramic basket and crumb tray are dishwasher-safe, though hand-washing with warm soapy water is recommended to extend their lifespan. The exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth, and there are no hard-to-reach crevices where grease can build up.

How It Compares to Competitors

We compared the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 to two popular models: the Ninja Foodi 8-Quart Air Fryer and the Instant Pot Vortex Plus.

• ​Ninja Foodi: While the Ninja offers more accessories (like a rotisserie spit), the Emeril’s 360-degree air circulation cooked food more evenly in our tests. The Ninja also has a smaller window, making it harder to monitor progress.

• ​Instant Pot Vortex Plus: Similar in capacity, the Vortex Plus lacks the Emeril’s preset variety and has a less intuitive interface. The Emeril’s ceramic basket also cleaned up easier.

User Feedback: What Owners Are Saying

Online reviews highlight consistent praise for the Air Fryer 360’s performance. Common positives include:

• “Cooks faster than my old air fryer and nothing sticks.”

• “The presets are a lifesaver for weeknights.”

• “Love that it dehydrates—made beef jerky for the first time!”

Critiques are minor: some note a slight learning curve with temperature adjustments for custom recipes, and a few wish the basket had a larger handle for easier removal. Overall, 89% of Amazon reviewers give it 4 or 5 stars.

Who Should Buy the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360?

This air fryer is ideal for:

• ​Families: Its large capacity and quick cooking times suit busy households.

• ​Beginner Cooks: Presets and an intuitive interface reduce stress.

• ​Health-Conscious Eaters: Crispy results with little to no oil.

• ​Multi-Function Appliance Seekers: It bakes, reheats, and dehydrates, reducing the need for extra gadgets.

Where to Buy and Final Thoughts

The Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 is available at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, typically priced between $120–$150. With a 1-year limited warranty and Emeril’s brand backing, it’s a low-risk purchase.

In summary, the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 delivers on its promise of fast, crispy, and flavorful cooking. Its combination of advanced technology, ease of use, and versatility makes it a standout in the crowded air fryer market. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or adding your first air fryer, this model is a reliable choice that will become a staple in your daily cooking routine.