- The short version
- The main types
- Brands worth a look
- What to look for
- What an air fryer does well, and what it doesn't
- Getting the best results
- Handy accessories, and ones to skip
- Common mistakes
- Food that works well for busy days
- Is it cheaper than using the oven?
- Buying tips that save regret
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
The best air fryer depends on your kitchen. A dual-drawer model suits most households because it cooks two foods at once, a single basket suits one or two people, and oven-style models suit larger families. Check size, cleaning, controls and reviews before you choose a brand.
An air fryer is a small, fast oven with a powerful fan, and for a lot of busy households it has quietly replaced the oven on weeknights. It crisps chips, reheats pizza without turning it into rubber and cooks a chicken thigh while you answer emails. Choosing one is mostly about matching the style and size to how you cook, so I've started there and then covered the brands worth a look.
The short version
| Your kitchen | Best style | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Single person or couple, small worktop | Compact single-basket model | Heats fast and takes little space |
| Family cooking main meals | Large single basket or dual drawer | Room for a whole meal, or two foods at once |
| You want to cook two different foods at the same time | Dual-zone model with two drawers | Each drawer has its own settings, and they can finish together |
| You bake, roast and reheat a lot | Oven-style air fryer with shelves | Handles trays, whole roasts and batch cooking |
| You want one gadget to do several jobs | Multi-cooker with an air fryer lid | Pressure cook, slow cook and crisp in one pot |
Models change often, so check current reviews, safety notices and sizes before you buy.
The main types
Basket air fryers
The classic design: a drawer with a removable basket. They heat quickly, are easy to clean and suit most households. Shake the basket halfway through for even results.
Dual-drawer air fryers
Two separate cooking drawers with independent timers and temperatures. Many have a sync setting so both finish together. They're brilliant if you cook protein and sides at the same time, but they take up more worktop space.
Oven-style air fryers
A box with a door and shelves, like a small countertop oven. They hold more food, cook on trays and often have extra functions such as baking and dehydrating. They're bulkier and take longer to clean.
Multi-cooker lids
Some pressure cookers and multi-cookers now come with an air fryer lid. They save space if you want one appliance, though the crisping area is usually smaller than a dedicated machine.
Brands worth a look
- Ninja is known for its dual-zone drawer models, which suit families who want to cook two things at once.
- Philips helped popularise the air fryer, and its Airfryer line is known for solid build and consistent results.
- Instant sells basket, dual-drawer and oven-style models and is popular for good value and easy controls.
- Cosori makes well-reviewed basket and dual models with clear digital displays.
- Tefal offers compact, easy-to-use models, including some designed to use less oil for chips.
- Breville and Tower sell oven-style and basket options, often with a wide range of presets.
- Salter and other budget brands offer simple models for people who are testing the idea.
Rather than a single winner, I'd pick based on size and drawer type first, then choose a brand with good reviews, easy-to-find replacement parts and a decent guarantee.
What to look for
Capacity
Capacity is measured in litres, but the shape matters as much as the number. A wide, shallow basket crisps food better than a deep, narrow one because air circulates around it. Think about how many people you cook for and whether you want to cook a whole chicken or mostly chips and fillets.
Controls
Look for a clear temperature dial or digital display, a timer with an automatic shut-off, and a pause button that stops cooking when you pull the drawer. Preset buttons are handy, but you'll use manual settings most of the time.
Cleaning
A non-stick basket that's dishwasher safe saves a lot of effort. Check how easy the inside of the drawer and the element are to reach. Baked-on grease is a common reason people stop using theirs.
Noise and footprint
Air fryers hum. Some are louder than others, so read reviews if you've got an open-plan kitchen. Measure your worktop and check you'll have room for ventilation at the back, because the machine needs breathing space.
Safety
Keep it on a heat-safe, level surface, away from the wall and from other appliances. Don't overfill the basket, and unplug it when you're finished. Check regularly for product recalls on the model you own or plan to buy.
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What an air fryer does well, and what it doesn't
- It does well with frozen chips, nuggets, vegetables, chicken thighs, salmon fillets, reheating leftovers and toasting sandwiches.
- It's less good with wet batters, large quantities for a crowd, and anything that needs a lot of liquid.
- It won't replace your oven for large roasts or big family bakes, although oven-style models come closer.
- It isn't magic. Food cooks well when it's spread out in a single layer, not piled into a heap.
Getting the best results
- Preheat for a couple of minutes if your model recommends it.
- Pat food dry and use a light coating of oil for a crisp finish.
- Cook in a single layer and shake or turn halfway.
- Check food early. Cooking times are often shorter than in an oven.
- Clean the basket after each use so smoke and smells don't build up.
Handy accessories, and ones to skip
- Silicone liners or perforated parchment save cleaning, as long as they don't block airflow.
- A small rack lets you stack food or cook skewers.
- Oven gloves and silicone tongs are worth having, because the basket and food get very hot.
- A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of chicken and pork.
- Skip the big accessory bundles unless you know you'll use them. Most people stick with the basket and a liner.
Common mistakes
- Overcrowding the basket, which steams food instead of crisping it.
- Using too much oil or very wet food, which causes smoke.
- Forgetting to shake or turn the food.
- Never cleaning the element and the underside of the drawer, which leads to smells.
- Trusting oven times without checking. Start early and add time as needed.
Food that works well for busy days
An air fryer shines when you've no time to cook. Chicken thighs and salmon fillets with a handful of vegetables make a quick dinner. Eggs, bacon and toast can come together for breakfast. Leftover roast potatoes crisp up again in minutes. If you like planning, my ideas for high-protein breakfasts and healthy snacks for work include several that work well in an air fryer.
Is it cheaper than using the oven?
For small portions, an air fryer usually heats faster and has less space to warm, so it can use less energy than a full-size oven. For large batches, the oven can be more efficient. Check your own appliance's wattage and your energy tariff, and use the air fryer for quick meals rather than expecting it to solve your energy bill.
Buying tips that save regret
Read the manual's cleaning instructions in the shop listing before you buy. Check that replacement baskets and parts are easy to find, because a cracked non-stick coating is a common reason people replace the whole machine. Look at the guarantee length and whether the company has UK or US support. And if you're torn between two sizes, go for the larger one if you have worktop space. It's rare to hear someone say their air fryer was too big, and it's common to hear they wish they'd got the bigger basket.
My verdict
For most households, a dual-drawer air fryer is the most useful kind because you can cook two things at once. A single-basket model is enough for one or two people, and an oven-style model suits keen cooks and larger families. Pick on size, cleaning and controls, then choose a brand with a good record on reviews and support. Used regularly, an air fryer earns its worktop space.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of air fryer?
A dual-drawer model suits most households because you can cook two foods at once. A single basket is fine for one or two people, and oven-style suits bigger families.
What size air fryer do I need?
Think about how many people you cook for and what you cook. Wide, shallow baskets crisp food better than deep, narrow ones, so shape matters as much as litres.
Are air fryers healthy?
They use far less oil than deep frying, which many people find helpful. What you cook still matters most, so vegetables and lean protein are the best fit.
Are air fryers cheaper to run than ovens?
For small meals they often are, because they heat quickly and have less space to warm. For large batches, a full oven can be more efficient.
How do I clean an air fryer?
Let it cool, then wash the basket and drawer in warm soapy water or the dishwasher if the manual allows. Wipe the inside and the element with a damp cloth.
