Cutaway view of an air fryer showing the DC motor and internal fan airflow system

Why DC Motor Air Fryers Are More Efficient & How 5 Fan Speeds Improve Results

Written by: Serena Tan

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Time to read 4 min

DC motor technology is a major step forward in air frying. It enables precise and adjustable airflow control to easily manage how powerfully the hot air circulates, giving you more control over texture, moisture, and browning than a single-speed air fryer. This creates a cooking experience that’s more consistent, more versatile, and more efficient. You’ll find DC motors in Cosori models like TurboBlaze™ 6.0-Quart Air Fryer and Iconic™ Stainless Steel 6.5-Quart Smart Air Fryer.

What Is It?

Every air fryer relies on a fan to move hot air around the basket. That airflow is what creates even cooking and crisp finishes. Temperature and time matter, but airflow shapes results. When you can control airflow with precision, you can cook with more intention and reliability.

That’s where DC motor technology and multi-speed fans come in.

DC Motor Technology Explained: The Power Behind Precision

What a DC Motor Does in an Air Fryer

A DC (direct current) motor powers the fan with greater control than traditional motor systems. Instead of operating like an on/off switch, a DC motor supports smooth performance across different output levels, which allows an air fryer to adjust airflow more accurately depending on what you’re cooking.

In practical terms, DC motor technology allows airflow to be dialed in to specific needs.

Why a DC Motor Is Better Than an AC Motor

Many traditional air fryers use AC (alternating current) motors. They work well for basic air frying, but they typically offer less flexibility for precise fan control. A DC motor brings advantages you’ll notice in everyday use:

  • Precision airflow control: Supports more accurate fan-speed changes
  • Efficient operation: Delivers strong performance while staying energy conscious
  • Smoother cooking consistency: Helps maintain reliable results for every type of cook
  • Greater versatility: Airflow control beyond just crisping

A DC motor gives the air fryer the ability to cook with increased range and enhanced consistency.

Illustration of a DC motor powering precise airflow control inside an air fryer

TurboBlaze vs. Iconic

Cosori’s DC motor is featured in TurboBlaze and Iconic—two air fryers built around stronger airflow and greater control. TurboBlaze is designed for fast, high-power performance, while Iconic emphasizes premium materials, precision, and versatility with multi-speed airflow control.

Feature Iconic™ TurboBlaze™
Retail Price $249.00 $119.99
Materials
  • Stainless Steel Structure
  • Tempered Glass
  • Nonstick, Ceramic-Coated Basket & Crisper Plate
  • Nonstick, Ceramic-Coating Basket & Crisper Plate
Motor DC Motor
5 Fan Speeds
DC Motor
5 Fan Speeds
Warranty 5-Year Limited Warranty 2-Year Limited Warranty
Capacity 6.5 Qt 6 Qt
Dishwasher-Safe ✔️ ✔️


5 Fan Speeds: How Airflow Shapes Results

Why 5 Fan Speeds Are Better Than 1

Most air fryers run on a single fan speed. That keeps things simple, but limits what the appliance can do. Different foods need different airflow intensities. A delicate bake doesn’t achieve the desired results from the same aggressive airflow you’d use to prepare wings or roasted veggies.

With 5 fan speeds, you can match airflow to the result you want, whether that’s gentle heat retention, even baking, or maximum crisping.

Visual representation of five fan speeds controlling airflow intensity in an air fryer

How Fan Speed Affects Cooking Results

Fan speed changes the cooking environment in a very direct way:

  • Lower fan speeds keep airflow gentle, helping preserve moisture and protect delicate textures.
  • Medium fan speeds create balanced circulation for even cooking and controlled browning.
  • Higher fan speeds move hot air faster, pushing surface moisture away for deeper browning and crisping.

This is why airflow control is such a game-changer: it influences texture as much as temperature does.

How to Use Iconic’s 5 Fan Speeds

Iconic’s preset fan speeds are designed to support real cooking techniques, so the setting you choose precisely corresponds with the result you want.

Fan Speed 1: Gentle Circulation

Soft airflow that maintains warmth without drying out foods. Found in the Proof function.

Best for: Proofing dough, gentle warming, delicate textures

Fan Speed 2: Low Airflow

Steady, controlled airflow that removes moisture gradually for even drying. Found in the Dry function.

Best for: Dehydrating fruits, herbs, and meats (like jerky), plus garnishes

Fan Speed 3: Balanced Airflow

Even circulation designed for consistent baking and controlled color. Found in the Bake function.

Best for: Cookies, pastries, quick breads, and sheet-pan-style dishes

Fan Speed 4: High Airflow

Stronger circulation that reheats thoroughly while reviving texture. Found in the Reheat function.

Best for: Leftovers like pizza, fries, roasted vegetables, and reheated proteins

Fan Speed 5: Turbo Airflow

Maximum airflow for bold browning and crisp edges with fast results. Found in the Air Fry and Roast functions.

Best for: Roasting meats and vegetables, wings, fries, and frozen foods

Key Takeaways

  • A DC motor powers precision airflow control and supports variable fan performance.
  • 5 fan speeds give you more range than a single-speed air fryer, for everything from proofing to crisping.
  • Lower speeds preserve moisture; higher speeds increase browning and crisping.
  • Iconic uses the same DC motor technology as TurboBlaze but puts an emphasis on premium materials and customizable performance for greater peace of mind.

Exploded view highlighting key DC motor features that improve air fryer performance

The Kitchen Basics of DC Motors

DC motor technology and 5 fan speeds work together to make air frying feel more precise and more versatile. The DC motor provides the control—the fan speeds turn that control into real cooking options that add reliability to your meal prep routine. Whether you’re baking, reheating, dehydrating, or crisping at full power, adjustable airflow helps you cook with intention and get results that look and taste exactly the way you want, every time.

Ready to put precision airflow into practice? Explore Iconic recipes designed to take full advantage of its multi-speed fan control.

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