I got an air fryer at Christmas (sale, it was less than $50 at BJs) so I figured worth the try.
* Mine was small, so if you do get one be sure it is sufficient for your needs as you won't use it if you have to cook 2 to 3 batches to feed the family.
* It heats up in 3 minutes, thats a HUGE deal vs. waiting for the oven to pre-heat.
* Actually cooking time about the same but it shuts off automatically so I don't have to worry about overcooking if I get distracted.
* In order to get the crispy coloring, you will have to use some type of oil.. however, if your spritzing it, it will have WAY less oil than obviously frying it..and if you don't spritz it, it won't have the coloring. We just use healthier oil sprays which work fine.
* I'd say the fries are crisper than those in the oven and I was very satisfied with the experience.
* It made decent "fried" chicken and the meat was still moist.
* I like flash fried veggies, so thats my next big adventure.
* They suggest you "shake" the basket midway through to ensure everything is cooked/browned evenly. Similar to "flipping" things 1/2 way through the oven baking process except takes 1/10th the time, you just click to the button to release the basket, slide it out, shake shake, insert it (it stops and restarts automatically and a lot less likely you accidentally burn yourself leaning over a hot oven.
I'm happy with the purchase, I never had the patience to wait 45 minutes for fries (between pre-heating and cooking) so cutting that down to 20-25 is much more likely to happen...plus for some reason its motivated me to make my own fries.
Between that and the instapot, I'm looking forward to not having to turn on the oven at all this summer in the hot muggy months.