Nuwave Brio Air FryerEver wish dinner could be crispy and ready before your oven even heats up? That’s why I started using the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer, and it has changed how I cook at home. In just weeks of using it, I’ve tried frozen nuggets, chicken thighs, and salmon, and each came out better than I expected. The built-in temperature probe makes it easy to get food cooked just right, and the presets save me time on busy nights. In this guide, I’ll share how I use it, what I love, and a few tips that make cooking and cleaning easier. Stick with me, I’ll give you my honest take so you can see if the Brio fits your kitchen too.
Table of Contents
What the Nuwave Brio is
The Nuwave Brio Air Fryer is like a faster oven that sits on your counter. It cooks food with hot air, so you get crisp fries or juicy chicken without deep oil. It is made for people who want quick meals with less guessing.
What makes it stand out is the built-in probe. This little tool checks the food inside. I use it most with chicken, and it has stopped me from serving raw meat more than once. The probe shuts the fryer off at the right temp, so dinner is safe every time.
The Brio comes in many sizes. You can get a small 6-quart for snacks or a big 15.5-quart for family meals. It heats from 50° to 400°F. That means you can roast, bake, or sear with one machine. It also has 100 presets. At first I thought that was too much, but I now use it to save my own cook settings.
It runs on 1800 watts, so it is strong but still easy to use. I reach for it when I want fries, wings, salmon, or even cake. It has become the one tool I keep on my counter because it makes meals faster and more fun.
Why I bought the Nuwave Brio
I didn’t pick the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer by chance. My kitchen is small, so I wanted one tool that could do many jobs. I cook for family most nights. That means I need more space than a fryer that only handles fries or snacks.
The big reason I chose it was the probe. I used to trust my oven timer, but I often pulled out chicken that looked cooked yet was raw inside. With the Brio, I just set the probe. It shuts off when the meat reaches a safe temp. That safety gave me peace of mind.
Before this, I used a small air fryer. It was fine for fries or wings. But it was not good for full meals. The basket was small, and I had to cook in shifts. The Nuwave Brio fixed that. It has more room, smart features, and presets that fit how I cook.
Now, it feels less like a gadget and more like a main tool in my kitchen. It does what my oven used to do, but faster. It saves time and removes guesswork. For me, it was the right mix of safety, speed, and space. That made it worth the switch.
Unboxing & First Impressions
What’s in the box
Opening the box felt like a small gift. The Nuwave Brio Air Fryer came well packed. Each part was wrapped tight, so nothing got scratched. Inside, I found the main unit, the fry basket, a tray, the temperature probe, and a quick-start guide. No extra clutter, just what I needed to get started.
Build quality & footprint
The build felt solid from the start. The plastic didn’t bend when I pressed on it. The basket slid in smooth, and the handle felt strong. On my counter, it took about the same space as a toaster oven. If you have a small kitchen, know you’ll need around a foot and a half of space to keep it out all the time.
First run in the kitchen
My first test was frozen nuggets, the quickest way to check an air fryer. The “new appliance” smell faded fast after preheating. When the Brio beeped, I tossed the nuggets in. Ten minutes later, they came out crisp, golden, and way better than oven results. No soggy bottoms, no 15-minute preheat.
That quick run told me two things. One, the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer heats up fast and cooks even faster. Two, the probe and presets were not just hype, they worked. From that moment, I knew this air fryer would stay on my counter for good.
Key features I use every day
Integrated temperature probe, how I use it
The probe is the star of the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer. I put it right into the thickest part of chicken or steak and set the target temperature. Then the Brio does the work. No guessing, no cutting meat to check. When the probe hits the number, the fryer stops automatically.
One night, I cooked bone-in chicken thighs. Normally, I stress about raw spots near the bone. With the probe, I set it to 165°F. The Brio beeped when done. The chicken came out juicy and the skin crisp. That moment made me trust the probe more than my oven thermometer.
Presets & custom memory slots
At first, 100 presets felt like too many. Who needs all that? Then I found I could save my own settings. That is when it really shined. I made a custom slot for salmon (400°F, 8 minutes, probe at 125°F) and another for frozen fries. Now, one button starts dinner.
It’s like having shortcuts on your phone. Once set, you wonder how you cooked before. Presets save time, but custom slots make the Brio feel like it was built for my kitchen.
Preheat, reheat & sear modes
These modes may seem small, but I use them a lot. Preheat helps get even browning on baked goods. Reheat keeps pizza crisp, not soggy like a microwave. Sear mode is my trick for steak. A quick blast makes a golden crust like cast iron.
The Brio makes these modes easy. One button, a short wait, and you’re ready. It’s like having mini tools in one machine, a microwave, oven, and skillet on your counter.
Capacity & versatile cooking (6–15.5 qt models)
I chose a larger model because I cook for family, but even smaller Brio units hold more than you think. The 6-quart fits fries or chicken breasts. The 8-quart can fit a whole chicken. My 15.5-quart is huge. I can cook two trays of wings or roast veggies on one level and meat on the other.
The Nuwave Brio Air Fryer isn’t just for snacks. It is big enough to replace an oven for many meals. On busy nights, I cook a full dinner without heating the kitchen. That space and flexibility keep this machine on my counter every day.
My Step-by-Step Recipe Tests (Real Results)
I test gadgets in my own kitchen. That way, I see what they can really do. So, I tried the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer with a few of my favorite recipes. Each test showed me how it cooks, how simple it is to use, and what makes it stand out.
Test 1: Crispy Fries
Fries are always my first test. The Brio’s probe helped me check doneness without guessing. I tossed frozen fries in, set the temp, and hit start. In 12 minutes, I had fries that were golden outside and soft inside. No soggy ones.
Test 2: Chicken Breasts
This is where the probe really shines. I pushed it into thick chicken breasts, set the target to 165°F, and pressed start. The Brio handled the rest. The chicken came out juicy, tender, and fully cooked. No pink left. That is hard to get right with ovens.
Test 3: Veggie Mix
I tossed broccoli, carrots, and peppers with oil and spice. The Brio roasted them in 10 minutes. The veggies stayed bright, a little charred, and not mushy. That crisp-soft balance is what I like most.
Test 4: Salmon Fillet
Seafood can dry fast. I set the probe to 145°F for salmon. The Brio cooked it just right. The fish was moist, flaky, and full of flavor. No dry edges at all.
What I Like About the Nuwave Brio
After cooking with it for a while, some things really stood out to me. These are the reasons I keep reaching for the Brio instead of my oven or other air fryers.
1. The Smart Temp Probe
This is the game-changer. Most air fryers need you to guess when food is done. With the Brio, I just set the probe to my target temp and relax. No overcooked chicken. No undercooked salmon. It feels like restaurant-level cooking at home.
2. Faster Cooking Times
The Brio is quick. Fries in about 12 minutes, chicken in under 20, veggies in 10. That’s faster than my oven by almost 30%. When I’m hungry and want food on the table fast, this makes a big difference.
3. Even, Crispy Results
Some air fryers cook unevenly. Not this one. Everything I tested, fries, veggies, salmon, came out crisp on the outside and tender inside. That even finish makes food taste better.
4. Easy to Use (and Reuse)
The controls are simple. Big buttons, clear settings, and a bright screen. Even if you’re not “techy,” you’ll get it fast. Plus, the basket cleans up without a fight. I just give it a rinse, and it’s ready for the next round.
5. More Than Just Air Frying
It’s not only for fries or wings. The Brio can bake, roast, reheat, and even dehydrate. I like that I can test new recipes without switching appliances. It saves both space and time in my kitchen.
What Could Be Better
Every kitchen tool has a few weak spots. The Nuwave Brio is no different. I enjoy using it, but here are some things I think could be better.
1. It Can Be Loud
When the fan runs, it makes noise. It’s not too bad, but you’ll hear it if the TV is on. I got used to it, but a quieter sound would be nice.
2. It Needs Space
The Brio is not tiny. It takes a solid spot on the counter. In a small kitchen, it can feel big. I even had to move my toaster to give it room.
3. A Small Learning Curve
The probe is useful, but it takes practice. At first, the buttons and modes felt like a lot. After a few tries, though, it made sense.
4. Not the Cheapest
This air fryer costs more than some others. The price is higher because of the probe and extra features. For me, it’s worth it. But if you’re on a tight budget, it may feel steep.
5. Basket Size
The basket is fine for two or three people. But for a big family, you may need to cook in rounds. It works well in my home, but bigger homes may want more space.
Cleaning, maintenance & common annoyances
Let me be honest—cleaning the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer is not the worst job, but it’s not the easiest either. The basket is non-stick, so most food slides off with a quick rinse. That’s a big win on busy nights when I just want to toss it in the sink and be done. Still, grease has a sneaky way of clinging to the corners. I’ve found myself grabbing a sponge more often than I’d like.
One thing that helps? Lining the basket with parchment paper. It saves time and keeps crumbs from sticking like glue. But here’s the catch—if you forget to poke holes in the paper, the air doesn’t flow right. That means uneven cooking. So, it’s a trade-off. I use it when I know cleanup will be messy, like when I’m making wings or cheesy snacks.
The parts are dishwasher safe, which sounds like a dream. But I learned fast that tossing them in too often wears out the coating. Now, I mostly wash by hand. Warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge do the trick. It takes a few extra minutes, but I’d rather baby the basket than buy a new one.
Noise is another small gripe. The Brio hums louder than some other air fryers I’ve tested. It’s not a jet engine, but it can get a little distracting when you’re trying to watch TV in the same room. Add in the occasional beep from the control panel, and you’ve got a kitchen gadget that likes attention.
Here’s the bigger point: the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer is easy enough to live with. Yes, it has quirks. The basket needs love, the fan can be loud, and the buttons sometimes feel touchy. But these are small things in the bigger picture. For me, the quick cleanup and dependable cooking still outweigh the annoyances.
Should You Buy the Nuwave Brio? Who It’s Best For
So, the big question, should you actually buy the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer? My honest answer: it depends on how you cook and what matters most in your kitchen. If you love fried food but hate the guilt and grease, this air fryer is a game-changer. It takes classic comfort foods and gives them a lighter twist without losing flavor.
I’d say the Brio is best for busy families, college students, or even solo cooks who want quick meals without fuss. I’ve seen parents use it for after-school snacks, and I’ve also watched friends whip up late-night fries in minutes. It feels like having a little kitchen helper that doesn’t complain or clock out.
If you’re someone who values space, convenience, and healthier eating, this air fryer will fit right in. But if you’re cooking for a huge crowd every day, or if you’re picky about super quiet machines, you might want to think twice. It’s not perfect, but it’s reliable, and that’s what makes it worth it for most households.
In short, the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer is perfect for people who want crispy food without the mess. If you’re tired of oily pans and long preheating times, this gadget might just be the upgrade your kitchen needs.
My Final Thoughts
If I had to sum it up, the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer feels like that one kitchen buddy you didn’t know you needed until it showed up. It’s reliable, quick, and makes me look like I know what I’m doing in the kitchen, even on nights when I’m running on fumes. It doesn’t just cook food; it takes away the stress of meal prep.
Of course, no gadget is perfect. The Brio has a little learning curve and isn’t the quietest when running at full blast. But honestly, once you get the hang of it, those quirks fade into the background. For me, the pros outweigh the cons by a long shot.
I’ve tried a lot of kitchen appliances, and many end up collecting dust. The Brio is different, it’s earned its spot on my counter. Whether I’m crisping wings for game night, reheating fries without the soggy mess, or sneaking in late-night mozzarella sticks, it always delivers.
So, would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you want crispy results with less oil, simple controls, and a reliable build, the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer is worth considering. Think of it as an upgrade that makes everyday cooking faster, lighter, and more fun. And if you’re like me, you’ll probably end up wondering how you survived without it.
Nuwave Brio Air Fryer FAQs
Does the Nuwave Brio come with a meat probe?
Yes! It includes an integrated smart thermometer. I use it all the time for chicken and pork. It makes sure your meat is cooked safely without guessing.
What temperature should I cook chicken at?
Set the probe to 165°F. That’s the safe internal temp for juicy, fully cooked chicken. I usually check it near the thickest part.
Can I put parts in the dishwasher?
Most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe. The probe and main unit are not. A quick hand wash keeps them in top shape.
How big is the Nuwave Brio? Which size should I pick?
The Brio comes in 6 qt, 8 qt, and 15.5 qt sizes. I chose the 8 qt, it fits family meals but isn’t too big for my counter.
Are the presets actually useful?
Yes! The 100 presets are good for starters. But for best results, I tweak them with the probe and save my favorite settings.
