Instant Vortex Mini 2-Quart Air Fryer AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron The Vortex Mini performed as well as the Cosori in our compact air fryer testing. Air Fryer FAQs What is an air fryer? What makes an air fryer an air fryer is a built-in convection fan that blows the hot air around the food to crisp it up. So, technically speaking, yes, air fryers are simply small convection ovens, but the most classic form of air fryer isn't really oven-shaped. For the purposes of this review, we’ve included both toaster ovens that contain convection, or “air fryer” settings and the classic basket-containing air fryers.