Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years, and it’s easy to understand why.
They can make it convenient to cook everything from chips and vegetables to chicken, fish, and baked foods, while generally requiring less oil than traditional deep-frying.
But buying an air fryer isn’t as simple as choosing the biggest model or the one with the longest list of features.
There are now compact air fryers, large family models, dual-basket machines, multifunction appliances and models with digital cooking programmes.
So how do you know which one is right for your kitchen?
The answer depends largely on how many people you’re cooking for, what you want to cook and how much space you have available.
This guide explains the main things to consider before buying an air fryer.
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is essentially a compact convection oven designed to circulate hot air rapidly around food.
The circulating air cooks and browns the food, often producing a crisp exterior without requiring the amount of oil used for conventional deep frying.
Although the name suggests that air fryers are mainly for making fried foods, modern models can be much more versatile.
Depending on the appliance, you may be able to:
- Air fry
- Roast
- Bake
- Grill
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
- Toast
- Cook multiple foods simultaneously
The exact functions vary considerably between models.
How big should an air fryer be?
Capacity is probably the most important decision you’ll make.
A small air fryer may be perfectly adequate for one person, while a larger household could quickly become frustrated with a model that requires several batches of food.
There isn’t one universal capacity that suits every household, but the following provides a useful starting point.
Small capacity
Suitable for:
- One person
- Small portions
- Snacks
- Limited kitchen space
Medium capacity
A good option for:
- Couples
- Small families
- Everyday cooking
Large capacity
More suitable for:
- Families
- Larger portions
- Entertaining
- Cooking a main meal and sides
Remember that advertised capacity doesn’t always translate directly into usable cooking space.
The shape of the basket can be just as important as its stated capacity.
Capacity isn’t everything
Two air fryers with the same advertised capacity can have very different cooking areas.
A tall, narrow basket may hold the same volume as a wider basket, but the wider design could be more useful for foods that need to be spread out.
For example, if you regularly cook:
- Chips
- Chicken pieces
- Vegetables
- Fish
- Toasted sandwiches
a wider cooking surface may be more useful than simply having a deep basket.
When comparing models, look at the actual basket dimensions where available.
Should you buy a single or dual-basket air fryer?
This is one of the biggest decisions facing buyers today.
Single-basket air fryers
A single-basket model is usually simpler.
Advantages can include:
- Lower price
- Smaller footprint
- Simpler controls
- Easier storage
- Suitable for smaller households
If you normally cook one type of food at a time, a single basket may be all you need.
Dual-basket air fryers
Dual-basket models allow you to cook two foods separately at the same time.
For example:
Chicken + vegetables
or
Chips + fish
This can be extremely convenient for family meals.
Some models also have functions designed to synchronise the finishing time of the two baskets.
The disadvantages
Dual-basket models can:
- Cost more
- Take up more counter space
- Be heavier
- Require more storage space
If you regularly prepare complete meals in the air fryer, however, the convenience may justify the additional cost.
What size air fryer does a family need?
There is no exact capacity that works for every family.
Instead, think about your typical meals.
If you’re regularly cooking enough food for several people, a larger cooking area will generally be more practical.
Also consider whether everyone eats the same food.
A dual-basket model can be particularly useful if different members of the household want different foods.
For example:
Basket 1: chicken
Basket 2: vegetables
That can save time compared with cooking each item separately.
Think about what you actually cook
Before buying an air fryer, make a list of the foods you expect to prepare regularly.
If you mainly want to cook frozen chips, chicken pieces and snacks, you may not need a highly sophisticated model.
If you want to use your air fryer as a multifunction kitchen appliance, additional cooking modes may be worthwhile.
Think about whether you want to:
- Roast meat
- Bake
- Cook vegetables
- Reheat leftovers
- Dehydrate food
- Grill
- Cook frozen foods
- Prepare complete meals
The more functions you intend to use, the more important the control system and programme options become.
Air fryer wattage: does it matter?
Wattage indicates the electrical power the appliance can draw.
You’ll commonly see air fryers with different power ratings depending on their size and design.
Higher wattage isn’t automatically better.
A larger appliance may naturally require more power than a compact model.
Rather than choosing an air fryer purely because it has a high wattage, consider the combination of:
- Cooking performance
- Capacity
- Temperature range
- Heat distribution
- Cooking speed
- Energy consumption
The goal is to find an appliance that suits your cooking requirements rather than simply choosing the biggest number on the specification sheet.
How important is temperature control?
Temperature control gives you greater flexibility over what you can cook.
Different foods require different cooking temperatures, so a model with adjustable temperature settings is generally more versatile than one with a very limited range.
Digital controls can make it easier to set a precise temperature and cooking time.
However, don’t assume that more settings automatically mean better cooking.
What matters is whether the controls are easy to understand and actually useful.
Preset cooking programmes
Many modern air fryers include preset programmes for foods such as:
- Chips
- Chicken
- Meat
- Fish
- Vegetables
- Cake
- Pizza
These can be convenient, particularly for people who are new to air frying.
However, preset programmes aren’t essential.
Experienced users may prefer to control the temperature and cooking time themselves.
Don’t pay a significant premium for dozens of programmes that you are unlikely to use.
Digital or manual controls?
Air fryers generally use either digital controls or manual dials.
Digital controls
Advantages may include:
- Precise settings
- Digital timers
- Preset programmes
- Easy-to-read displays
- Additional cooking functions
Manual controls
Advantages can include:
- Simplicity
- Fewer electronic components
- Easy operation
- Often lower purchase prices
For some households, a simple appliance with two dials may actually be preferable to a complicated touchscreen model.
Is a viewing window useful?
Some air fryers have a transparent viewing window that allows you to see the food while it cooks.
This can be convenient because you can monitor browning without opening the basket.
However, it isn’t an essential feature.
If you’re comparing two otherwise similar models, it may be a useful extra.
But it shouldn’t be the main reason you choose one appliance over another.
How important is the basket design?
The basket is one of the parts you’ll use most frequently, so its design matters.
Look for:
- Easy removal
- Comfortable handles
- Easy cleaning
- Secure construction
- Useful cooking surface
- Dishwasher compatibility where appropriate
Also consider how easy it is to remove food.
A beautifully designed appliance isn’t very useful if the basket is awkward to handle.
Is a dishwasher-safe basket important?
For many people, yes.
Air fryers can accumulate grease and food residue, so easy cleaning can make a significant difference to how often you actually use the appliance.
Before buying, check exactly which components can be placed in the dishwasher.
Don’t assume that the entire basket assembly is dishwasher-safe simply because the manufacturer advertises the appliance as easy to clean.
Non-stick coatings
Many air fryer baskets use non-stick coatings.
These can make cleaning easier and reduce the amount of food that sticks to the cooking surface.
However, check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions carefully.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning materials that could damage the coating.
If the basket becomes significantly damaged, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding replacement.
How much counter space do you have?
This is an easy factor to overlook.
Air fryers can be surprisingly large.
Before buying, measure:
- Available counter width
- Available depth
- Height under cupboards
- Storage space
Remember that you may also need clearance around the appliance while it is operating.
If you have a small kitchen, a huge air fryer may quickly become inconvenient.
Don’t forget storage
An appliance that is too large to leave on the counter may need to be stored elsewhere.
Consider whether you can comfortably move it in and out of a cupboard.
Large dual-basket air fryers can be particularly heavy.
If you aren’t physically comfortable lifting the appliance, its impressive capacity may not be worth the inconvenience.
Air fryer noise
Air fryers contain fans, so some operating noise is normal.
However, different models can produce different levels of noise.
If you have an open-plan kitchen or spend a lot of time near the appliance while it operates, noise may be worth considering.
Unfortunately, noise levels aren’t always prominently displayed in product specifications.
This is one reason customer reviews can be useful when comparing models.
Air fryer safety features
Look for basic safety features such as:
- Automatic shut-off
- Overheating protection
- Secure basket mechanisms
- Heat-resistant handles
- Stable feet
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding ventilation and placement.
The appliance should have sufficient space around it while operating, and you should avoid placing it directly against materials that could be damaged by heat.
Air fryer energy consumption
One reason people like air fryers is that they can be convenient for cooking smaller portions without having to heat a large oven.
However, actual energy consumption depends on:
- Appliance wattage
- Cooking time
- Food quantity
- Temperature
- How frequently you use it
If energy efficiency is important to you, compare the appliance’s power rating and typical cooking requirements rather than assuming that every air fryer will automatically cost less to operate than an oven.
What about multifunction air fryers?
Some appliances go well beyond basic air frying.
Depending on the model, you may find functions such as:
- Air frying
- Roasting
- Baking
- Grilling
- Dehydrating
- Reheating
A multifunction appliance can be attractive if you have limited kitchen space and want one appliance to perform several jobs.
But there’s a potential downside.
The more functions an appliance has, the more complicated it may become.
Ask yourself:
Will I actually use these functions?
If not, you may be better off buying a simpler model.
How much should you spend on an air fryer?
There is a huge range of prices.
Rather than deciding on a budget first and then buying whatever fits it, identify the features you need.
For example:
Basic buyer
You may only need:
- Single basket
- Adjustable temperature
- Timer
- Easy cleaning
Family buyer
You may benefit from:
- Larger capacity
- Wider basket
- Dual baskets
- Synchronised cooking
Enthusiast
You may value:
- Multiple cooking modes
- More precise controls
- Premium construction
- Additional accessories
The most expensive air fryer isn’t automatically the best choice.
Buying an air fryer online
Online shopping can make comparing appliances much easier.
Before purchasing, check:
Dimensions
Make sure it will fit your kitchen.
Capacity
Don’t rely solely on the marketing description.
Power
Check the wattage and electrical requirements.
Warranty
Look at the length and terms of the warranty.
Returns
Understand the retailer’s return policy.
Reviews
Look for recurring comments rather than focusing on one exceptionally positive or negative review.
Spare parts
Consider whether replacement baskets or other components are available.
Why warranty and after-sales support matter
Kitchen appliances are used repeatedly, so reliability matters.
Before buying an expensive air fryer, check:
- Warranty period
- Who handles warranty claims
- Availability of spare parts
- Replacement basket availability
- Retailer reputation
- Manufacturer support
A slightly cheaper appliance isn’t necessarily better value if replacement parts are difficult to obtain.
Common air fryer buying mistakes
Buying too small
This is one of the most common mistakes.
If you regularly cook for several people, a tiny basket can become frustrating.
Buying too large
The opposite problem is also possible.
A huge appliance can consume valuable counter and storage space.
Paying for features you don’t need
Dozens of programmes aren’t useful if you only use two.
Ignoring cleaning
An appliance that is difficult to clean may discourage regular use.
Ignoring dimensions
Always measure your kitchen before buying.
Focusing only on price
Consider the total value, including warranty and durability.
Choosing based entirely on reviews
Reviews can be useful, but consider whether the reviewer’s needs are similar to yours.
Should you buy an air fryer oven?
Some larger appliances are designed more like small countertop ovens than traditional basket-style air fryers.
These may offer:
- Larger cooking areas
- Shelves
- Multiple racks
- Rotisserie functions
- Additional cooking modes
They can be useful for households that want more capacity.
However, they take up considerably more space.
If you mainly want to cook small portions quickly, a conventional basket-style air fryer may be more practical.
Air fryer accessories: what do you really need?
Many manufacturers sell accessories such as:
- Baking trays
- Grill plates
- Silicone liners
- Skewers
- Cake moulds
- Pizza pans
- Racks
Some can be useful.
But don’t automatically buy every accessory advertised with the appliance.
Start with the foods you actually cook.
If you regularly bake, a suitable baking accessory may be worthwhile.
If you don’t, it may simply become another item taking up space in your kitchen.
A simple air fryer buying checklist
Before buying, ask yourself:
- How many people will I normally cook for?
- What foods will I prepare most often?
- Do I need one basket or two?
- How much counter space do I have?
- Where will I store it?
- What capacity do I actually need?
- Do I need multiple cooking functions?
- Are the controls easy to use?
- Is the basket easy to clean?
- Is it dishwasher-safe where appropriate?
- Does it have useful safety features?
- What is the warranty?
- Are spare parts available?
- Does the price make sense for the features?
The best air fryer is the one you’ll actually use
It’s easy to get caught up in specifications when shopping for kitchen appliances.
But the best air fryer isn’t necessarily the one with the largest capacity, highest wattage or most cooking programmes.
It is the one that fits your kitchen, your household and your cooking habits.
A single person with limited counter space may be perfectly happy with a compact model.
A family that regularly prepares different foods at the same time may benefit from a larger dual-basket appliance.
Someone who wants to replace several countertop appliances might prefer a multifunction model.
There is no universally correct choice.
Final thoughts
An air fryer can be a genuinely useful addition to a kitchen, but choosing the right model requires a little more thought than simply looking at the price or the number of cooking programmes.
Start with the basics:
How many people do you cook for?
What do you want to cook?
How much space do you have?
How often will you use it?
Once you’ve answered those questions, the choice becomes much easier.
Prioritise appropriate capacity, ease of cleaning, useful controls, good construction, safety features and a suitable warranty.
Additional features can be valuable, but only when they solve a problem you actually have.
In other words, don’t buy the most impressive air fryer.
Buy the one that makes sense for your kitchen.