I was like you doubting the air fryer. So i just got mine from Astro Go Shop last week. Khind. RM179. Paid RM139 after discounts & points.

Been using it for a week. No major frying yet just hotdogs/nuggets/heating up stuffs. Its true abt the crispiness/ extra oil that comes out. So thats good.
Its also true that the food texture is drier.

Overall would reckon, start with a cheap one just to get the feel of it. Once dah pro then upgrade it in a year or two.