For years, the air fryer has been the undisputed star of modern kitchens. Compact, fast, and capable of delivering crispy results with less oil, it earned its place on countertops around the world. But kitchen technology rarely stands still. Now, a new generation of multifunctional cooking devices is stepping into the spotlight—promising not just healthier frying, but nine distinct cooking methods that aim to replace several appliances at once. For many home cooks, this could mark the beginning of the end of the air fryer’s reign.
This new all-in-one kitchen device is being positioned as a smarter, more versatile evolution of countertop cooking. Instead of focusing primarily on air circulation for frying, it combines multiple heating technologies, precise temperature control, and intelligent presets to handle nearly every cooking task a modern household might need.
Why the Air Fryer May Be Losing Its Appeal
Air fryers gained popularity for good reason. They cook food quickly, use less oil, and are easy to operate. However, as more people integrate them into daily cooking, their limitations have become clear.
Most air fryers excel at one thing: circulating hot air to crisp food. While some models offer basic roasting or baking functions, results can be inconsistent. Capacity is often limited, making it difficult to cook for families. And many kitchens now have an air fryer sitting next to a slow cooker, pressure cooker, toaster oven, and microwave—each taking up valuable space.
Consumers are increasingly looking for fewer appliances that can do more, rather than a collection of single-purpose gadgets. This shift in mindset has paved the way for the rise of advanced multifunctional cookers.
The Rise of the Nine-Function Kitchen Device
The new device being touted as the “air fryer replacement” doesn’t abandon air frying altogether—it expands on it. Instead of one core function, it integrates nine distinct cooking methods into a single countertop unit. While specific features vary by brand and model, the most common functions include:
- Air Frying
Still included, but enhanced with better airflow systems and more even heat distribution. - Roasting
Designed for meats, vegetables, and whole dishes, offering deeper browning and better moisture retention. - Baking
Capable of handling cakes, bread, pastries, and desserts with stable temperatures and consistent heat. - Grilling
Uses high, direct heat to replicate grill marks and caramelization, often with a special grate or plate. - Dehydrating
Ideal for dried fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even homemade jerky, using low heat over extended periods. - Reheating
A gentler, more even alternative to microwaves that restores texture rather than making food soggy. - Toasting
Replaces the traditional toaster with adjustable browning and the ability to toast more than just bread. - Slow Cooking
Allows meals to cook gradually over several hours, perfect for stews, soups, and tender meats. - Steaming or Sous-Vide-Style Cooking
Some models incorporate moisture or sealed-cooking options for precise, restaurant-quality results.
Together, these functions position the device as a true kitchen workhorse rather than a niche appliance.
What Makes This Device Different?
The key difference lies in technology integration. While air fryers rely almost entirely on convection heat, newer multifunctional devices combine multiple heating elements, sensors, and smart controls. This allows the appliance to adapt its cooking style depending on the selected function.
Advanced temperature sensors adjust heat in real time, preventing overcooking. Some models use dual-zone cooking, letting users prepare two foods at once with different settings. Others feature rotating airflow patterns, humidity control, or intelligent presets that adjust time and temperature automatically.
This level of precision means fewer cooking errors and more consistent results—something air fryers sometimes struggle to deliver beyond simple recipes.
Space-Saving and Cost Efficiency
One of the strongest arguments for replacing an air fryer with a nine-function device is space efficiency. Urban kitchens, apartments, and smaller homes often lack the room for multiple appliances. Replacing three or four gadgets with one multifunctional unit can free up counter space and reduce clutter.
There’s also a financial consideration. While these devices tend to cost more upfront than a basic air fryer, they can eliminate the need to buy additional appliances. When viewed as a replacement for an oven, toaster, dehydrator, and slow cooker combined, the investment becomes easier to justify.
Energy efficiency is another factor. Cooking smaller portions in a countertop device often uses less electricity than heating a full-size oven, especially for everyday meals.
A Shift in How People Cook
The popularity of multifunctional cooking devices reflects a broader cultural shift. Modern home cooks want flexibility, speed, and reliability—but they also want better food quality. Social media, food blogs, and cooking shows have raised expectations. People are no longer satisfied with “good enough” meals; they want crispy, tender, evenly cooked results without professional equipment.
These new devices cater to that demand by simplifying complex techniques. Baking bread, dehydrating fruit, or slow-cooking meat no longer requires separate tools or advanced skills. Preset programs guide users through the process, lowering the barrier to experimentation.
For busy households, this means fewer takeout meals and more home-cooked food without added stress.
Are Air Fryers Really Becoming Obsolete?
Despite the hype, air fryers are unlikely to disappear overnight. They remain affordable, simple, and effective for quick meals. For people who primarily cook frozen foods, snacks, or small portions, an air fryer may still be perfectly sufficient.
However, as multifunctional devices become more accessible and user-friendly, the air fryer’s role may gradually shrink. Instead of being the centerpiece of the kitchen, it could become redundant—especially for those upgrading their appliances or redesigning their cooking space.
In many ways, the air fryer faces the same fate as older single-purpose gadgets that were eventually absorbed into more versatile tools.
Who Benefits Most From the Upgrade?
The nine-function kitchen device is particularly appealing to:
- Families, who need larger capacity and diverse cooking options
- Health-conscious cooks, who want more control over ingredients and methods
- Small-space dwellers, who value multifunctionality
- Cooking enthusiasts, eager to experiment without cluttering their kitchen
- Busy professionals, who want reliable results with minimal effort
For these users, the upgrade isn’t just about replacing an air fryer—it’s about changing how meals are planned and prepared.
Potential Downsides to Consider
No appliance is perfect, and multifunctional devices come with trade-offs. Learning to use all nine functions may take time, especially for those who prefer simplicity. Larger units may still require significant counter space, even if they replace multiple appliances.
There’s also the risk of over-reliance on presets. While convenient, presets don’t always account for personal preferences or ingredient variations. As with any cooking tool, results improve with experience.
Finally, if one multifunctional device breaks, several cooking methods may be lost at once—something to consider compared to having separate appliances.
The Future of Countertop Cooking
The rise of nine-function kitchen devices signals where home cooking is headed: smarter, more compact, and more versatile. As technology improves, future models may integrate app connectivity, AI-driven recipe adjustments, and even voice control.
Rather than focusing on a single cooking trend, manufacturers are designing appliances that adapt to changing habits and preferences. The goal is not just convenience, but confidence—helping people cook better food, more often.
Final Thoughts
Saying goodbye to the air fryer doesn’t mean rejecting what made it popular. Instead, it reflects how quickly consumer expectations evolve. The new generation of multifunctional kitchen devices builds on the air fryer’s strengths while addressing its limitations, offering a level of versatility that aligns with modern lifestyles.
For some, the air fryer will remain a trusted companion. For others, the promise of nine cooking methods in one intelligent device is too compelling to ignore. As kitchens continue to evolve, one thing is clear: the future belongs to appliances that do more, take up less space, and make everyday cooking easier—and better—than ever before.
