Air fryers are taking the place of frying and roasting, using way less energy and less oil too. They are far less messy and cook more quickly than most ovens. So, it’s no surprise that air fryer sales continue to grow. If you’re totally new to air frying, get the lowdown on what an air fryer is and how it works.
All of this means that there is more choice of air fryer than ever before, and picking the right one for you gets more difficult. That’s why we’ve put together some of the best air fryers around and suggest who they might be perfect for.
Whether you're cooking for two or a big family gathering, there's an air fryer out there to help you make the tastiest, most guilt-free dishes at the push of a button.
Best air fryer for 2 people
For those cosy dinners for two, the best air fryer for two people should be compact and easy to use. There’s no need to go for a monster air fryer when you’re cooking for a pair. Rapid heating technology means you won’t be spending your whole evenings waiting to eat, but you can still have a healthy home-cooked meal.
Why not try:
The 4.5-litre basket on this Logik Air Fryer is perfect for two. And not only will its 8 preset programs help give you some midweek meal inspiration, but the ditial touch controls make it easy to air fry, air broil, roast and bake - so you can always try something new!
Best family air fryer
When you're cooking for a family, you need an air fryer that can handle the demand. Look for a larger capacity to handle enough veg, chicken wings or fries for everybody. An easy-to-clean design means you won't be stuck with a pile of dirty pots and pans after a hearty dinner. And you can even find air fryers that can tackle a whole roast chicken. The best large air fryers can be a godsend for get-togethers and parties too.
Why not try:
Want meals for a family made quick and easy? Ninja says that the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer can make meals 75% quicker compared to fan ovens. The great thing about its 10.4-litre capacity is that either it can cook separate dishes, or it can be turned into one giant air fryer – so it’s super versatile. And its basket and grill are non-stick too – so are super quick and easy to clean after a messy family dinner!
Best small air fryer
Limited kitchen space? No problem! The best small air fryer should fit easily on your kitchen counter without sacrificing cooking power. You can still enjoy all the benefits of air frying without sacrificing precious counter top real estate. Small air fryers are perfect for singles, students or anyone with a smaller kitchen. They’re also masters of quick snacks or a side dishes.
Why not try:
The Breville Halo Steam air fryer is compact enough to fit onto even the smallest kitchen counter space. But this small fryer can do big things. Not only is it a powerful air fryer for crispy exteriors, but its steam function will make sure your food stays tender too. Salmon and dumplings coming up!
Best dual air fryer
Want to air fry your meal all at once? Dual air fryers have two separate cooking compartments. No more waiting for one dish to finish before starting another. Whether you're pairing chicken wings with fries or want to cook a main course and dessert side by side, a dual air fryer might just be your new kitchen superhero.
Why not try:
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer has two drawers that gives you 7.6 litres cooking capacity – that means you can cook a roast chicken in one drawer and the veg in the other. You can even program the timers so that everything is ready at the same time. That’s Sunday lunch sorted!
Best multi-function air fryer
There’s nothing wrong with an air fryer that just… fries. But if you want to expand your menu, look for one that does it all. The best multi-function air fryers (also called multi-cookers or rapid cookers) can do everything from fry, grill, roast, bake and even dehydrate. It's like having a mini kitchen in your kitchen. This is a great pick when you want all your cooking to be done with one appliance, making for the best versatile air fryers.
Why not try:
The Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer can do pretty much anything! One of its highlights is Speedi Meals, that lets you can create a full dish (including chicken, veg and rice for example) in 15 minutes! It’s also one of the best air fryers for grilling – so great for everything from cheese toasties to BBQ food.
Find out more with our Ninja Speedi review.
Best air fryer for baking
Bake Off fans, rejoice! The best air fryer for baking can give you perfectly plump buns thanks to convection technology, ensuring your cakes and cookies come out fully formed and golden. Say goodbye to oven preheating and hello to efficient, even baking.
Why not try:
If you like to keep an eye on your bakes, the viewing window on the Tower Vortx Vizion is super helpful. Its 14.5-litre capacity means there’s plenty of room for buns or even a full cake, and you’ll save a bit on baking since it uses 50% energy than a conventional oven.
Best air fryer for chips
There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of crispy, homemade chips. The best air fryer for healthy chips is designed to deliver that perfect crunch with minimal oil. So you can snack guilt-free and indulge in your favourite crispy treats. Find the right air fryer and you’ll ditch the chip shop for good.
Why not try:
It’s hard to recommend just one air fryer for chips, because air fryers generally make such a good chips that you can’t go far wrong. But the Daewoo Deluxe Halogen air fryer is a great shout. Its massive 17-litre circular basket gives chips plenty of room to crisp up, using a halogen bulb to cook efficiently.
Best value air fryer
Looking for the sweet spot between quality and price? The best value air fryers give you great features and affordable air fryers. With this air fryer, you're getting top-notch cooking results and versatility that won't leave your wallet feeling light.
Why not try
The Tower Vortx Air Fryer fits a lot of fryer into a small, affordable package. Despite being small, it’s a got a decent sized non-stick basket and can take on meat fish or roast veg at the touch of a button. It also uses 70% less energy than conventional ovens. That’s pretty good value!
FAQs
Now, let's dive into some common questions about air fryers:
How to choose the best air fryer?
Choosing the right air fryer depends on how you plan to use it. How much capacity do you need? Is it just an air fryer you’re after or do you need more cooking functions? What budget do you have for your air fryer? For smaller households, compact models are great, while families may opt for a larger model. Multi-function air fryers give you more options in what you can make.
Are air fryers healthy?
Compared to normal frying, air fryers are a healthier alternative because they use little to no oil, resulting in crispy textures without all that fat. However, the healthiness of your meals also depends on the ingredients you use. You can make healthier choices by using less oil and opting for lean meats and veggies.
Are air fryers worth it?
Absolutely! Air fryers are quick and easy to use. They can make your favourite fried dishes healthier, and many models can do much more, from baking to grilling. Plus, they can use a lot less energy compared to traditional cooking.
Are air fryers energy efficient?
Yes, air fryers are generally energy efficient. They cook food faster than conventional ovens, reducing cooking time and energy bills. Plus, they don't need preheating, saving even more energy. However, the exact energy efficiency can vary between models, so it's a good idea to check the specifications of the air fryer you're thinking about buying.
Whether you're cooking for two or a family of four, there's an air fryer that fits your menu and budget. These handy appliances are revolutionising the way we prepare our fave dishes, offering healthier options without sacrificing flavour. So, pick the best air fryer that suits you, and get ready to savour the crispiness!
Ready to join the air fryer revolution? Check out our huge choice of fryers, including top brands like Ninja air fryers, Tower air fryers and much more!