Buying guides
10 things to check before buying an air fryer
An air fryer can be useful, but only when it fits the food you cook, the space you have and the way your household eats. Work through these ten checks before comparing models.
Capacity, shape, controls and running habits matter more than a crowded feature list.
Start with usable capacity
Basket litres are only a rough guide. Look at the flat cooking area and whether your normal portions can sit in one layer, because overcrowding reduces browning and usually adds extra batches.
Measure the space properly
Check width, depth and height with the drawer fully open. Leave room around the vents and make sure the appliance can stay somewhere convenient enough to use regularly.
Choose one drawer or two
A single large drawer is flexible for bigger foods. Dual drawers make it easier to cook two foods at different temperatures, but the individual compartments can be too narrow for larger items.
Look beyond maximum temperature
Consistent heat and sensible presets are more useful than an unusually high headline temperature. A clear manual mode with simple time and temperature controls is often the most important setting.
Check the controls in person
Buttons should be readable and responsive without several taps. Consider whether everyone who will use it can understand the display and change a programme quickly.
Inspect cleaning points
Removable baskets and crisper plates should lift out easily, with no awkward channels that trap grease. Dishwasher compatibility helps, but a genuinely easy hand-wash design matters too.
Think about noise and heat
Air fryers use powerful fans and can be noticeable in an open-plan room. They also release hot air, so avoid placing one directly beneath delicate cupboards or against a wall.
Price the size you need
Buying too small can create repeated batches; buying far too large wastes worktop space. Compare models with a similar usable footprint rather than assuming the most expensive one is automatically best.
Check replacement parts
Baskets, trays and handles are wear items. A manufacturer that sells replacements can make the appliance cheaper and less wasteful to own over several years.
Plan what you will actually cook
Write down five meals or foods you expect to make. That list will tell you whether you need dual zones, a larger flat basket, simple reheating controls or no air fryer at all.
Use the points that match your situation, then compare your options with a clearer shortlist.