I’m not one to clutter my kitchen with gadgets, but the Mainstays Air Fryer has earned its spot on my counter. It’s compact, affordable, and churns out crispy, delicious food without the guilt of deep frying.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a solo dweller, or just someone who loves a good fry, this air fryer delivers. It’s not perfect, but its value is hard to beat.

Let me take you through my experience, break down the pros and cons, share maintenance tips, compare it to other brands, and answer your burning questions. Trust me, you’ll want one.

My Journey With The Mainstays Air Fryer

When I first unboxed the Mainstays 2.2 Quart Compact Air Fryer, I was skeptical. It’s tiny—barely bigger than a coffee maker—and I wondered if it could handle more than a handful of fries. The sleek black design looked sharp, but I wasn’t sold until I plugged it in.

The first thing I noticed was a faint plastic smell, which I later learned is common with new air fryers. After running it empty at 400°F for 20 minutes, as the manual suggests, the smell vanished, and I was ready to cook.

My first test was a batch of homemade French fries. I tossed some potato wedges in a teaspoon of olive oil, sprinkled salt, and set the fryer to 400°F for 15 minutes. Halfway through, I gave the basket a shake—a habit I’ve since learned is key for even cooking. The result? Golden, crispy fries that rivaled any diner’s. My partner, who’s picky about texture, couldn’t stop munching.

Next, I tried chicken wings, and they came out juicy with a satisfying crunch, no deep fryer required. Even frozen snacks like spring rolls heated up perfectly, crispy on the outside and hot in the center.

The size, though, is a double-edged sword. It’s perfect for me, living alone, or for small households. I can whip up a single serving of wings or a side of roasted veggies without wasting energy on a full oven. But when I had friends over, I had to cook in batches, which was a bit of a hassle.

Still, the simplicity of the controls—two dials for time and temperature—made it easy to use, even for my tech-averse mom when she visited. It’s not a fancy machine, but it gets the job done, and for the price, I was impressed. Over the past few months, it’s become my go-to for quick, healthy meals, and I’ve learned a few tricks to keep it running smoothly.

The Upsides Of The Mainstays Air Fryer

Compact and Space-Saving Design: Living in a small apartment, counter space is precious. The Mainstays Air Fryer is a godsend here. It’s about the size of a large roll of paper towels, fitting snugly in a corner or even a locker, as one user mentioned online. I can leave it out without it dominating my kitchen, unlike bulkier models that feel like they’re staging a takeover. If you’re in a dorm, studio, or just hate cluttered counters, this fryer’s compact size is a huge win. It’s also lightweight, so moving it to a cabinet when needed is no sweat.

Budget-Friendly Price Tag: Let’s talk money. I snagged this air fryer for under $50 at Walmart, and it’s often on sale for even less. Compared to brands like Ninja or Philips, which can run $100 or more, the Mainstays is a steal. For beginners or anyone curious about air frying without committing to a big investment, this is your entry ticket. It doesn’t have fancy presets or Wi-Fi, but it cooks just as well for basic dishes. I’ve made everything from tostadas to brownies (yes, brownies—line the basket with foil), and it hasn’t let me down.

Crispy Results with Minimal Oil: The real magic is how this fryer delivers crispy food without drowning it in oil. I used to think fried food meant greasy guilt, but with the Mainstays, a light spray of oil is enough. My chicken wings come out golden and crunchy, and my fries are never soggy. One user raved about their French fries, and I get why. The 1150-watt heating element and fan circulate hot air like a mini convection oven, crisping the outside while keeping the inside tender. It’s healthier than deep frying, and I feel good about eating my favorite comfort foods.

Easy-to-Use Controls: I’m not a fan of appliances that require a PhD to operate, and thankfully, the Mainstays keeps it simple. Two dials—one for temperature, one for time—let you set it and forget it. No complicated digital displays or cryptic presets. My mom, who avoids anything with more than three buttons, had no trouble using it to reheat leftovers. It’s approachable for all ages, whether you’re a kitchen newbie or just want something straightforward. The nonstick basket also pops out easily, making it a breeze to load and unload.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Toastmaster Air Fryer

The Downsides Of The Mainstays Air Fryer

Limited Capacity for Larger Meals: The 2.2-quart capacity is my biggest gripe. It’s great for one or two people, but if you’re cooking for a family or hosting a game night, you’ll be stuck cooking in batches. I tried fitting a Cornish game hen, as one reviewer did, and it just barely worked after removing the inner tray. For anything bigger, forget it. If you regularly cook for more than two, you might want to look at a 5-quart or larger model. It’s a trade-off for the compact size, but it can be frustrating when you’re feeding a crowd.

Initial Plastic Smell: When I first turned it on, the plastic smell was off-putting. I thought something was wrong, but after reading reviews, I realized it’s normal for new air fryers. It faded after a few uses, but it’s worth mentioning because it caught me off guard. Running it empty at a high temperature before cooking helps, but it’s not the best first impression. If you’re sensitive to smells, be prepared for this break-in period.

No Advanced Features: Don’t expect bells and whistles. Unlike pricier models with digital displays, preset modes, or dual baskets, the Mainstays is bare-bones. You won’t get reminders to shake the food or a window to check progress. I’ve gotten used to setting my own timer to flip food halfway, but it’s a manual process. For some, the simplicity is a plus, but if you love techy gadgets, this might feel too basic. It’s a workhorse, not a show pony.

Keeping Your Mainstays Air Fryer In Top Shape

Clean After Every Use: I learned the hard way that skipping cleanup leads to trouble. After a few uses, grease buildup made my basket sticky, and the fryer started smoking slightly during cooking. Now, I wash the basket and tray with hot soapy water after every use. The nonstick coating makes it easy—most gunk wipes off with a sponge. Avoid abrasive scrubbers; they can scratch the surface. If you have a dishwasher, the basket is safe to toss in, but I prefer hand-washing to preserve the coating. A clean fryer cooks better and lasts longer.

Avoid Parchment Paper Mishaps: One user’s review about a parchment paper fire stuck with me. I was tempted to use liners for easy cleanup, but parchment can block airflow and catch fire if it touches the heating element. Instead, I use aluminum foil for sticky foods like brownies, carefully tucking it to avoid loose edges. Another trick is waxed paper, as one reviewer suggested, but only for low-heat foods and with caution. Stick to the manual’s advice: no liners unless they’re air fryer-specific and perforated.

Preheat for Best Results: Preheating isn’t mandatory, but it’s a game-changer. I run the fryer empty at 400°F for 3-5 minutes before adding food. It ensures the basket is hot, leading to crispier results, especially for fries and wings. The manual doesn’t emphasize this, but I noticed a big difference in texture. It’s a small step that takes your cooking from good to great. Just don’t skip shaking the basket halfway through—uneven cooking is a buzzkill.

Store Properly to Avoid Damage: When I’m not using the fryer, I store it in a dry cabinet to protect the cord and dials. The compact size makes it easy to tuck away, but I avoid stacking heavy items on top to prevent damage. Unplug it after use to avoid wear on the cord. If you’re tight on space, one user mentioned keeping it in a locker, which is genius for dorms or offices. Just make sure it’s cool before storing to avoid trapping heat.

Mainstays Stacks Up Against Other Brands

Ninja: Powerhouse Performance at a Premium: Ninja air fryers, like the 5.5-quart Ninja Air Fryer Max, are the gold standard for many. I’ve tried one at a friend’s house, and it’s a beast. It cooks faster and more evenly than the Mainstays, thanks to its 1750-watt power and larger basket. Chicken wings came out crispier, and the digital controls with presets made it foolproof. But it’s over $100, takes up more space, and feels overkill for solo cooking. The Mainstays matches it for basic frying at a fraction of the cost, but Ninja’s versatility and capacity are hard to beat for families.

Instant Vortex: Feature-Rich but Bulky: The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer is another heavy hitter. Its square basket fits more food than the Mainstays, and the viewing window lets you check progress without opening the drawer. I borrowed one for a week and loved the preheat function and shake reminder. However, it’s pricier (around $120) and bulkier, which was a dealbreaker for my small kitchen. The Mainstays is less sophisticated but gets similar results for fries and wings. If you want advanced features and don’t mind the size, Instant is a step up.

Cosori: Sleek and Smart, but Costly: Cosori’s 5-quart model caught my eye for its sleek design and smart app control. I tested it at a store demo, and the presets for steak and veggies were handy. It’s quieter than the Mainstays and has a larger capacity, ideal for small families. But at $100-$140, it’s a bigger investment, and the app felt gimmicky for everyday use. The Mainstays is less flashy but delivers comparable crispiness for simple dishes. Cosori’s extra features are nice, but I didn’t miss them for my needs.

Philips: Premium Quality, Steep Price: Philips air fryers, like the 3-quart 3000 Series, are known for speed and even cooking. I read reviews praising their compact design and nonstick baskets, which sounded similar to the Mainstays. But when I checked one out, the $150 price tag and fussy touchscreen were turnoffs. The Mainstays is less precise but costs a third as much and handles fries and nuggets just fine. Philips is great for enthusiasts who want top-tier performance, but for budget shoppers, Mainstays holds its own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the most reliable air fryer brand?

Reliability depends on your needs, but Ninja stands out for its durability and consistent performance. I’ve seen Ninja models, like the Foodi DZ550, praised for lasting years with heavy use. Their ceramic nonstick coatings and robust build quality give them an edge. Philips also gets high marks for longevity, though customer service can be spotty. For budget options, Mainstays is surprisingly reliable for the price, based on my experience and user reviews. No major breakdowns after months of use, but it’s not as heavy-duty as pricier brands.

Why are people getting rid of their air fryers?

Some folks ditch air fryers because they’re underwhelmed or pick the wrong model. I’ve read complaints about small capacities, like the Mainstays, frustrating users cooking for families. Others find cleaning a hassle if they don’t maintain it properly—grease buildup is a pain. High-end models with complex features can confuse less tech-savvy users, leading to disuse. And let’s be honest, some expected miracles (like deep-fryer taste with zero oil) and were disappointed. Choosing the right size and managing expectations is key to sticking with it.

Which is the best brand for an air fryer?

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but Ninja often takes the crown for versatility and power. Their models, like the 4-quart Pro, nail crispy results and offer modes like baking and dehydrating. Instant and Cosori are close runners-up, with user-friendly designs and solid performance. I lean toward Mainstays for budget-conscious buyers—it’s not the flashiest, but it delivers where it counts. If you want premium, Philips is a contender, but you’ll pay for it. Pick based on your budget and cooking needs.

What to avoid when buying an air fryer?

Steer clear of models that don’t match your household size. A 2-quart fryer like the Mainstays is great for one or two people but a nightmare for families. Avoid overly complex controls if you’re not tech-savvy—digital displays with tons of presets can be overwhelming. Cheap, no-name brands often lack durability or safety features, so stick to trusted names. Finally, don’t ignore wattage; underpowered models (below 1000 watts) cook unevenly. I’d also skip fryers without nonstick baskets unless you love scrubbing.

Wrapping It Up: Get Your Mainstays Air Fryer Today

After months of crispy fries, juicy wings, and even the occasional brownie, I’m sold on the Mainstays Air Fryer. It’s not the fanciest, but it’s affordable, easy to use, and perfect for small spaces. For singles, couples, or anyone dipping their toes into air frying, it’s a no-brainer. The compact design and wallet-friendly price make it a must-have. Grab one at Walmart, and you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Trust me, your kitchen needs this game-changer.

Mainstays Air Fryer Reviews: Is It Worth It?