REASONS TO BUY
Small and easy to move
Programmable presets
REASONS TO AVOID
Small control panel
Lackluster and slightly burnt potatoes
Dash Tasti-Crisp Review
A basic air fryer for solo cooking with convenient programmable presets
Credit: Dash
RELATED: Best Air Fryers of 2024
Our Verdict
The Dash Tasti-Crisp air fryer offers a compact solution for solo cooks or those with limited counter space. While it boasts some convenient features like a top handle for easy movement and programmable presets, its performance in our cooking tests was decidedly average. It fried subpar potatoes and donuts that weren't crispy and produced chicken with a good texture but wasn't especially juicy or bursting with flavor. The small size, which is a boon for storage, also means a limited cooking capacity that may not suit everyone's needs. The user interface, though simple, is hampered by a small control panel that some users might find frustrating. On the plus side, the unit is relatively easy to clean, which is always a welcome feature in an air fryer.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product Dash Tasti-Crisp | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Air Fryer |  An Excellent Mid-Volume Model |  Best Air Fryer on a Budget | ||
| Price | $70 List $59.99 at Amazon | $140 List $79.99 at Amazon | $130 List $89.99 at Amazon | $70 List $69.99 at Amazon | $60 List $59.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A small air fryer with average cooking performance and basic options | A high-performing and multi-functional device with an outstanding design | Its versatility allows it to cook a wide variety of foods well and it's quite easy to use | Good cooking performance for a reasonable price | A below average air fryer that is challenging to clean |
| Rating Categories | Dash Tasti-Crisp | Instant Vortex Plus | Ninja Air Fryer | Ultrean Air Fryer | Instant Vortex Mini |
| Cooking Performance (35%) | |||||
| User Friendliness (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Cleaning (20%) | |||||
| Temperature Accuracy (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Dash Tasti-Crisp | Instant Vortex Plus | Ninja Air Fryer | Ultrean Air Fryer | Instant Vortex Mini |
| Measured Dimensions | 8.6"L x 11"W x 10.7"D | 11.5"L x 13.3"W x 12.8"D | 13.6"L x 11"W x 13.3"D | 13.2"L x 11.3"W x 12.4"D | 9"L x 11.3"W x 11.2"D |
| Capacity | 2.6 qt | 6 qt | 4 qt | 4.2 qt | 2 qt |
| Accessories | None | None | None | None | None |
| Power Consumption | 1000 watt | 1700 watt | 1550 watt | 1500 watt | 1300 watt |
| Max Outside Temperature | 164 | 146 | 160 | 154 | 129 |
| Measured Cooking Area | 49 sq in | 87.8 sq in | 53.5 sq in | 59.2 sq in | 45.6 sq in |
| Time to Preheat to 400F | 3:13 | 2:31 | 4:25 | 2:37 | 1:55 |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Dash Tasti-Crisp air fryer is an ideal compact solution for solo cooks or those with limited counter space, featuring a convenient top handle for easy movement. Its programmable presets simplify the cooking process, while the unit's small footprint makes it perfect for kitchens where storage is at a premium.
Performance Comparison
This compact air fryer has a 2.6 quart capacity.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Cooking Performance
In our cooking tests, the Dash Tasti delivered mixed results. This places it below average compared to other models we've tested.
This unit burned our sweet potatoes.
Credit: Lesley Robinson
When preparing fries, we noticed the corners started to darken prematurely, forcing us to remove them at the 13-minute mark. Unfortunately, the fries weren't crispy at all, falling short of the golden, crunchy exterior we look for in air-fried foods. Our donut test revealed similar inconsistencies. While the donuts were brown, they lacked the crispy, flaky exterior we desire. The interior was fully cooked but slightly chewy, indicating they were overcooked. We also noticed uneven browning, with one side darker than the other, likely due to oil residue on the crisping tray.
The chicken, on a positive note, came out juicy, though not quite as tender as what we experienced with other models. Despite this, it was still very tasty and enjoyable.
Tater tots presented another mixed result. They had a very thin crispy exterior, but the interior was soft without achieving the fluffy texture we prefer. We also observed uneven browning, which seems to be a recurring issue with this model.
User Friendliness
The Dash Tasti-Crisp was in the middle of the pack in this test, reflecting its basic functionality and some design limitations. The interface is simple, featuring a small screen and programmable presets, which can be a plus for users who frequently cook the same items.
The Dash Tasti has a clear display.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
We appreciate that the unit can be opened easily with one hand, requiring no bracing. However, the overall build quality doesn't feel premium. More concerning is the manufacturer's warning that silicone pieces on the crisper tray may fall off into food, posing a potential choking hazard.
Our testers liked this handle on top of the Dash Tasti-Crsip.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The air fryer lacks some convenient features found in higher-end models, such as a preheat function, shake alarm, or angled display. It does offer presets for fries, chicken, meat, and fish, though these have a limited temperature range.
Our testers found the display screen to intuitive to use, but rather small.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
One standout feature is the three programmable preset buttons. While basic, this can be a nice touch for users who stick to cooking a few favorite items regularly.
We are impressed by the 6-in-1 functionality, which allows for a range of cooking methods to suit various dishes and preferences. Simply select a setting in the easy-to-use control panel, and you can quickly switch between settings.
Air Fry: Healthier frying with less oil.Roast: Perfect for meats and vegetables.
Bake: Treat yourself to cakes and pastries.
Broil: Ideal for topping off dishes with a crisp.
Reheat: Gently warms leftovers while retaining texture and taste.
Dehydrate: Create your own dried fruits and snacks.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the Dash Tasti-Crisp is relatively straightforward. The exterior wipes down easily, and we found the drawer to be particularly simple to clean. The crisper plate, while not the best we've seen, cleans up reasonably well. Some oil did get stuck in the corners of the plate's ridges, but it wasn't too difficult to remove with a dish brush.
The non-stick coating, while not top-tier, performs adequately and doesn't hold onto oil excessively. A nice bonus is that the drawer is dishwasher safe, according to the manual. Given its small size, it should fit in most dishwashers, adding to the convenience factor.
We found the Dash Tasti-Crsip to be rather easy to clean and we like that the drawer is dishwasher safe.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Temperature Accuracy
Temperature accuracy is where the Dash Tasti-Crisp stumbles significantly. While it showed consistency in our tests, it consistently undershot the programmed temperature by an average of 13 degrees Fahrenheit. This inaccuracy can lead to longer cooking times or undercooked food if not accounted for. Also, our external temperature test revealed that the front of the unit reached a scorching 164 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keeping the food a consistent temperature is key to good cooking performance.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Dash Tasti-Crisp?
The Dash Tasti-Crisp is best suited for individuals looking for an affordable, compact air fryer primarily for single-serving meals. Its small footprint makes it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space or for those who prioritize easy storage. However, its average performance makes it hard to recommend universally.
What Other Air Fryers Should You Consider?
For those sticking to a budget but desiring better performance, we recommend the Ultrean air fryer. It consistently performs well across all our tests and offers a higher capacity, making it suitable for cooking larger portions or for small families. If you're in the market for a more versatile appliance, consider the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. This unit doubles as both an air fryer and a toaster oven, making it an excellent choice if you're short on counter space but don't want to compromise on functionality.
—
Lesley Robinson and Mallory Paige
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