The Ultimate Air Fryer Buying Guide

Discover the right air fryer for your home, cooking style and family size

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

If you're looking for a quicker, easier and more versatile way to cook at home, an air fryer is an indispensable addition to any kitchen. Air fryers have quickly become one of the most popular countertop appliances as they offer the irresistible crispness of deep frying with a fraction of the oil, instead using circulating hot air to cook. Some air fryers can bake, roast or grill, too, so you can serve up delicious, healthy meals while saving time and energy compared with many traditional cooking methods.

Benefits:

  • Faster cooking than conventional ovens
  • Crispy results with little or no oil
  • Energy-efficient cooking
  • Easy clean-up
  • Great for weeknight meals

Which Air Fryer Is Right for You?

Find your household's perfect air fryer, plus discover more about each type below

If You… Then Choose…
Cook for 1-2 people Compact air fryer
Cook family meals Large basket air fryer
Cook mains and sides at once Dual drawer air fryer
Want multiple cooking functions Multi-cooker air fryer
Have limited counter space Slimline air fryer

What Are the Types of Air Fryers?

Air Fryer Family Size Guide

No. of People Fryer Capacity Suitable for
1-2 people 3L - 5L Smaller portions, sides and snacks Shop Now
3-4 people 5L - 8L Medium portions and everyday cooking for small families Shop Now
5+ people 8L+ Large portions, everyday cooking for medium families and batch cooking Shop Now
Batch cooking 9L+ dual drawers Large or extra-large portions, whole meals, entertaining and large batch cooking Shop Now

Which Air Fryer Is Right for You?

Compare our most popular air fryers and find the perfect fit for your kitchen

Model Capacity Functions Drawers Best for
Ninja MAX Dual Zone 9.5L 6 2 Big families, cooking multiple things at once Shop Now
Philips Steam & Fry 9.5L 8 1 Health-focused cooking Shop Now
Cook's Essentials Smart Talking Air Fryer 6L Core functions 1 Air fryer beginners Shop Now

Air Fryer Types Explained

Our Air Fryer Picks

How to Clean Your Air Fryer

Regular cleaning helps maintain performance and keeps your air fryer looking its best. Many air fryers feature non-stick, dishwasher-safe components for easier maintenance.

Cleaning an air fryer is quick and easy:

  1. Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely
  2. Remove the basket, drawers and crisper plates
  3. Wash any removable parts in warm soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if dishwasher safe. Remove any food residue or grease build-up after each use
  4. Wipe the interior and exterior with a soft damp cloth
  5. Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake in an air fryer?

Yes. Many modern air fryers include bake settings that allow you to prepare cakes, muffins, cookies, pastries and other sweet treats. Multi-function models often combine air frying, roasting and baking capabilities in one appliance.

Can I cook frozen food in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fryers are excellent for cooking frozen foods such as chips, chicken goujons, fish fingers, onion rings and other freezer favourites. The rapid circulation of hot air helps create crispy results without the need for deep frying.

Is an air fryer healthier than deep frying?

Air fryers typically require little to no oil, helping reduce the amount of added fat used during cooking. This allows you to enjoy crispy textures while using less oil than traditional deep-frying methods.

What can you cook in an air fryer?

Air fryers are incredibly versatile. You can cook:

  • Chips and fries
  • Chicken wings and drumsticks
  • Fish and seafood
  • Vegetables
  • Burgers and sausages
  • Frozen foods
  • Pizza
  • Jacket potatoes
  • Cakes, muffins and desserts
  • Leftovers for reheating

Many air fryers also include roasting, baking, dehydrating and reheating functions, making them a useful all-in-one cooking appliance.

How often should I clean my air fryer?

For best results, clean the basket or drawers after every use and wipe down the appliance regularly. Deep cleaning the interior and heating area periodically can help prevent grease build-up and maintain your air fryer's cooking performance.

What's the difference between an air fryer and a multi-cooker?

An air fryer is designed primarily for crisping, roasting and baking using circulating hot air. A multi-cooker typically combines additional functions such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming and sautéing alongside air frying capabilities.

Are air fryers energy efficient?

Yes. Air fryers are generally more energy efficient than conventional ovens because they heat up quickly and often cook food faster. Their compact design uses less energy, making them a great option for everyday meals and smaller portions.

Are air fryers easy to clean?

Yes. Most air fryers are designed for easy cleaning, with removable non-stick baskets and drawers that can be washed by hand or placed in the dishwasher, depending on the model. Regular cleaning after each use helps keep your air fryer performing at its best.