Square-basket air fryers might be on the rise, but pod-shaped models aren't going down without a fight. I've seen countless of them in the past, and they continue to prove why they're the torchbearers in the league.
Well, a contender has just joined the game, and I'm here to see if it has what it takes to topple the top names in the game. To do that, we'll need an in-depth Crux Air Fryer review.
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Overview of the Crux Air Fryer
The relatively new Crux Air Fryer is made of stainless steel with a 3-quart capacity, feeding about two to four people per meal.
It's 15 inches wide and 14.7 inches tall, with a depth of 15 inches. This pod-shaped air fryer comes with a dishwasher-safe pan and cooking tray, both of which include a nonstick coating.
The Crux Air Fryer is powered by a 1200-watt engine with a total weight of 5.5 lbs.
Specifications
Dimensions | 15.11"D x 15.11"W x 14.68"H |
Weight | 5.51 pounds |
Power | 1200 watts |
Maximum Temperature | 400ºF |
Capacity | 2 Quarts |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Display | Digital Control |
Functions | Air Fry, Broil, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate |
In-Depth Review
Here's a quick summary of my experience with the Crux 3QT Air Fryer.
Performance and Food Taste
Crux air fryers have always made an impression on me, and this 3-QT digital air fryer is no different. After using the unit for several days, I realized Crux really stepped up its game.
The Crux 3QT Air Fryer comes with Turbo Crisp Technology, ensuring that everything I air fry, from French fries to chicken wings, is as crispy as possible.
There are two things I love about this; firstly, every food that comes out of the basket is delicious. Secondly, I can enjoy them without guilt.
This kitchen appliance guarantees your food contains 88% less fat and up to 65% fewer calories. Now, these are just numbers, but when you try it yourself, you'll realize you can eat healthy without compromising taste.
Design and Features
Overall Appearance and Construction
The Crux 3QT Air Fryer includes five cooking options, the usual ones in most air fryers like air fry, roast, broil, and bake.
However, its wider temperature range (170° F to 400° F) allows it to have a dehydrate function (since you need at least 160° F to 170° F to dehydrate foods).
Aside from the Turbo Crisp Technology, it also has Crux's signature Circular Heat Technology. This allows the hot air to circulate faster inside the air fryer, which results in a quicker preheat.
Size and Layout
As I've mentioned, the Crux 3QT Air Fryer can feed two to four people per batch. Its spacious basket can hold up to 2.4 pounds of food. It's the perfect size for a small family or those who live alone.
Another thing I absolutely love about this air fryer is its size. It's designed to fit in smaller spaces, so it won't take up a lot of room on your kitchen countertop.
However, I have to say I disagree with Crux's decision to make this a pod-shaped air fryer. As you may have already known, square baskets make it easier to fit more food on its surface area than round ones.
Nonetheless, Crux is still a good brand, and you'll find many other options in their catalog that feature square baskets, like the Crux x Marshmello 3.0 QT Air Fryer.
Ease of Use
It's worth noting that Crux stepped away from their traditional manual dials with this air fryer. I like that it has digital controls, making it easy to set the right time and temperature with just a few taps and meet my recipe's requirements.
When it was time to clean up, Crux did not disappoint. I just leave the unit on my counter top, remove the basket and crisping tray, and toss them in the dishwasher.
Both accessories are dishwasher safe and include a nonstick coating, so baked-on grease will never see the light of day. They're also PFOA-free, ensuring that everything I cook on this unit is free of harmful chemicals.
Additional Features
What's good food if it isn't safe? Aside from the absence of chemicals, Crux ensures operating this machine will not put you or your family at risk.
It comes with a built-in auto-shutoff feature. If nobody's using the device for more than 30 minutes, the air fryer turns itself off. One point for safety, and another for energy-saving.
Price and Value
All of these excellent features come at a great price. The Crux 3.0 Air Fryer is relatively more affordable than other air fryers, not just from Crux but other brands, too.
For this price tag, you'd probably only get manual dial air fryers from other brands with no presets. But Crux values your money, which is why this digital air fryer is among the cheapest in the same category.
Therefore, the Crux Air Fryer is worth your money as long as a 3-quart capacity is the appropriate size you need for your home.
How to Clean
Air fryers make our lives easy, but Crux air fryers make them a breeze. Aside from quick food preparation, cleanup is a walk in the park. Got a dishwasher at home? Just toss the basket and crisping tray in there, and you're good to go.
On the other hand, you may also use dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge for a more aggressive (but gentle) cleaning. (Or maybe try that Tiktok trend for cleaning your air fryer and see if it works.)
What We Like
- durable, stainless steel exterior
- nonstick coating
- less fat, fewer calories
- five cooking functions (with dehydrate)
- wide temperature range
- fast preheat
- digital
- dishwasher safe
- PFOA-free
- auto-shutoff feature
- affordable
What We Don't Like
circular baskets have a smaller surface area than square baskets
Alternatives
If the Crux 3QT Air Fryer did not meet your expectations, don't worry. I still have a few options up my sleeve.
Dash 3QT Aircrisp Pro Digital Air Fryer
Dash is a popular brand for compact air fryers, and its 3QT Aircrisp Pro Digital Air Fryer is proof of why. It's the perfect alternative if you need a smaller unit since it's only 12 by ten by 13 inches big.
It's within the same price range as the Crux 3QT Air Fryer (albeit a tad more expensive) and comes with an auto-shutoff feature, a digital display, a recipe guide, and eight presets.
Dreo DR-KAF002 Air Fryer
The Dreo DR-KAF002 Air Fryer is significantly more expensive than the Crux 3QT or Dash Aircrisp but has a wider temperature range.
It can go as high as 450° F and as low as 100° F. This versatility allows you to cook all kinds of meats in your air fryer. It also has a shake reminder, nine cooking functions, and a recipe book.
BELLA 2.9QT Touchscreen Air Fryer
The BELLA 2.9QT Touchscreen Air Fryer almost has the same price tag as the Crux 3QT Air Fryer. It also has five cooking functions and nonstick dishwasher-safe accessories, but a slightly more powerful engine.
The main reason why I included this on my alternative list is its aesthetic. If you're tired of stainless steel or plain black air fryers, this unit comes in matte red, blue, and white.
Wrapping Up
That concludes my Crux Air Fryer review. I hope this has given you helpful insights into whether or not this unit deserves a spot in your kitchen.
If you want to read more reviews, learn more about air fryers, or check out some of my recipes, feel free to visit Also The Crumbs, Please.
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