I didn't plan on writing about air fryers. My old 5L basket-type one just died after 3 years — stopped heating up one day.
So I needed a new one, and figured I'd try an oven-style this time. My biggest complaint with the basket type? You can't see inside. Put frozen chicken in, set the timer, and basically pray until it beeps.
When I searched "oven air fryer" on Coupang, the iNIC came up first with over 30,000 reviews. Figured that was enough social proof, so I ordered it.
First impressions
The delivery box was bigger than expected. Double-boxed with solid packaging. I'd read some reviews about units arriving dented, so I was worried — but mine came clean.
There's a lot of accessories: wire rack, basket, drip tray, rotisserie skewer, tumble basket... "Am I really going to use all this?" I thought. Three months later, I've used everything except the tumble basket.
Before first use, you need to run it empty at 200°C for 20 minutes to burn off manufacturing residue. It smells a bit, so open a window.
What I've been cooking for 3 months
I use it almost every day. Seriously.
Samgyeopsal (pork belly) the most. Wire rack, 180°C, 12 minutes, flip once, 4 more minutes. The outside gets crispy and the fat drains down. No oil splatter, no range hood on full blast. Just set it and forget it.
Frozen chicken nuggets at 200°C for 15 minutes. Perfect for snacks. Microwave makes them soggy, but the air fryer makes them crispy.
Reheating bread is surprisingly great. Day-old bread at 150°C for 3 minutes comes out like it was just baked. No need for a separate toaster.
The glass window is the best part
This is what I love most about switching to oven-style. The entire front is glass, so you can watch your food cook. There's an interior light too.
With the basket type, I was constantly pulling things out to check, letting all the heat escape. Now I just look through the window. Especially great when grilling fish — you can see the skin puffing up and know exactly when it's done.
All-stainless means easy cleaning
If this were coated, the coating would've peeled off by now. I've been scrubbing it pretty aggressively for 3 months.
Soak in hot water with baking soda for 10 minutes and grease comes right off. You can use a rough sponge without worrying. Run it at 110°C for 5 minutes after cleaning for sanitizing + drying.
The downsides
Back heat is intense. I didn't know at first and put it against the wall. After a week, the wallpaper started yellowing. Keep at least 15cm from the wall.
It's not small. Smaller than a microwave but definitely bigger than basket types. Tight studio kitchens need to plan space.
Crumbs fall through the door gap. Bread and chicken leave fine crumbs that fall through. Put a kitchen towel underneath and you're fine.
Don't trust the preset times. The default settings run a bit hot. First time I did fries on the preset, they were basically charcoal. Start with shorter times and watch through the window.
Three colors available
Black, cream white, and sky blue. I went with white — looks great in the kitchen.
After 3 months of daily use, I have zero regrets switching from basket to oven-style. Glass window + all-stainless + 16L capacity. At the 150,000–170,000 won price range, it's solid value.
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