If you’re looking to cook with less oil and eat healthier overall, air fryers are a great option. Most air fryers are incredibly versatile, and will save you money on your energy bills.
Follow our guide below to find the perfect air fryer for your household.
What are the top air fryer brands?
There is a huge variety of different air fryer brands on the market to choose from, however, there is no denying some brands make better models than others. Some of the most popular air fryer brands include:
What types of air fryers are there?
When it comes to air fryers, the two main types are basket air fryers and air fryer ovens.
Basket air fryers contain a removable basket that will hold the food you’re cooking. This allows hot air to circulate around your food whilst cooking it within minutes.
The removable baskets are ideal if you enjoy no-fuss appliances as they are easy to remove and clean.
Oven air fryers are designed in a similar way to toaster ovens. These air fryers usually offer a few different functions such as broiling and baking.
This type of air fryer is ideal for those looking for a multi-purpose appliance.
Are air fryers energy efficient?
As with all appliances, it’s important you use them efficiently in order to cut down costs on your energy bills.
Air fryers are a great appliance for smaller portions and serving sizes, therefore eliminating the need to turn on your oven. Large ovens may be able to cook bigger foods, but their size means more energy is required to get them to the correct temperature.
If you have an air fryer, there’s no need to be using your oven for small portions.
Plug-in appliances, such as air fryers, heat up fairly quickly and the heat is not lost in the surrounding space as in cookers – this makes them much more energy efficient.
Is air frying food healthier?
Yes, in most cases it is healthier to air fry your food rather than frying it in oil. Air frying your food can cut calories by 70% to 80% and can reduce the amount of fat you consume.
Air fryers heat the food in hot air which contains very fine oil droplets, which is why you do not need to use additional unhealthy oils when cooking.
What can you make in an air fryer?
The possibilities of what you can make in the air fryer are endless and many people now swear by their air fryer, making their oven redundant.
There are even dedicated cook books for air fryers that you can purchase, such as the Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners.
Popular things to make in the airfryer include:
- Meats
- Chips
- Roasted vegetables
- Cakes
- Bread
How to choose the best air fryer
There are some factors you should consider before jumping into buying an air fryer. Some of these may seem like obvious factors, but they are still worth thinking about.
Price
It goes without saying that looking at prices is where you should begin, so make sure you have a budget in mind.
You may be looking at spending £100 plus for a reliable and efficient model, but you can usually grab some good deals online or in-store for discounts.
Capacity
Capacity is something you need to seriously consider as it will determine how much you can cook, and what you can cook. You should ideally aim for a 5 litre capacity if you’re cooking for a family.
Some air fryers come with multiple drawers, which is ideal for cooking different foods at the same time. We recommend looking at air fryers in person, or viewing the dimensions online in order to avoid disappointment. This will also help you determine where to place it in your kitchen.
Special features
Some air fryers have special design features, such as viewing windows and pre-programmed settings. These features may up the price of the air fryer, but they can really make a difference in your air frying experience.
Pre-programmed settings are useful for seamless cooking, and many models will let you know when it’s time to shake the tray.
Aesthetics
How it looks on your kitchen countertop may be a key criteria you consider, as looks tend to give away how easy it is to use. There are many air fryers that come in a retro design, whilst others are much more modern.
What size air fryer do I need?
As we’ve mentioned, the size of your air fryer is something you need to consider. The bigger the capacity, generally, the bigger the size.
If you’re cooking for a family of four or more, you should ideally be looking at air fryers that have a 5-10 litre capacity. For smaller families, capacities of 2-5 litres should do the trick.
The best air fryers
Best air fryers for quick baking
The Ninja AF160UK Air Fryer Max 5.2L is great for quick baking, with its circular tray design and non-stick trays.
This air fryer has a capacity of 5.2L, with high sides allowing room for cakes to rise and even whole chickens to roast.
Non-stick, dishwasher-safe 5.2L Basket & Crisper Plate. Chef-Created Recipe Guide. Weight: 5.2kg.
The Cosori 3.8-litre air fryer is great for personal-sized servings or meals for up to three people. This compact fryer is ideal for small flats or dorms. It also has components that are safe for the dishwasher!
Smart Control, 1500W, 1-3 Portions, Dishwasher Safe, Grey.
Best dual drawer airfryers
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus VersaZone contains two 4.2L zones for cooking different things at the same time.
Comes with XXL Single and Double Air Frying Drawers complete with 8 Smart Programmes.
With the option of sync cooking or sync finishing, you can make easy meals whilst using up to 80% less energy compared to cooking in a traditional oven.
Ninja’s Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer is another great choice for dual cooking. It has two independent cooking zones with dual controls for each drawer to be ready at the same time.
9.5 L, 2470 W, 2 Drawers, 8 Portions, 6-in-1, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Nonstick, Dishwasher Safe Baskets, Amazon Exclusive, Copper/Black AF400UKCP
It is also 75% faster than fan ovens, meaning you can cook from frozen to crispy quickly. The air fry mode uses up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods, allowing you to make easy and healthy meals.
Best air fryers for multi-tasking
The Sage the Smart Oven Air Fryer would make a great addition to any kitchen. Sage uses technology that combines a convection heater with air frying technology to really crisp things up.
The Sage Smart Oven Air Fryer with Element iQ System delivers top performance and versatility allowing you to air fry and choose from 10 cooking functions
It also offers pre-sets and functions that can cook anything from chips to slow cooked casseroles.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer 11-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker allows you to have the best of both worlds with an air fryer and instant pot function.
Pressure Cooker, Air Fryer, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Sous Vide Machine, Dehydrator with Grill, Food Warmer & Baking Functions
Best affordable large capacity air fryers
Cosori’s Pro 5.5-litre Air Fryer is ideal for families who want to try new foods and recipes.
It has 11 present options and a 5.5L capacity which can cook four portions in one go. It also conveniently reminds you when to shake the contents inside.
Oil-Free, Energy and Time Saver, Non-Stick, Dishwasher Safe Basket,1700-Watt, CP158-AF
The Uten Air Fryer Oven has a 6.5L fryer basket, which is perfect for families. This impressive air fryer features hassle-free operations, allowing you to cook your food in a variety of ways, including frying, grilling, roasting and baking.
Rapid Air Circulation System Adjustable Temperature and 30 Minute Timer for Healthy Oil Free & Low Fat 1800W
