Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens. They promise the crispy results of a traditional deep fryer but use significantly less—or even no—oil. This makes them a popular choice for quick and health-conscious cooking. However, the market is crowded, and not every appliance lives up to its advertising claims. Before you make a decision, it's important to understand the common pitfalls to avoid a poor investment.
Many purchasing decisions are based on marketing promises that disappoint in practice. Pay special attention to these three points:
To find the right air fryer for your needs, focus on these objective features instead of marketing slogans.
The most important question is: For how many people do you regularly cook?
A modern oil-free fryer should do more than just make fries. Practical extra features significantly increase its everyday value. An air fryer with a grill function, for example, includes a special grill rack that creates classic grill marks on meat or vegetables.
Also, pay attention to energy efficiency. According to manufacturers like Tefal and Ninja, an air fryer can save up to 70% more energy compared to a conventional oven with an A-class energy rating, as there is no preheating time and the smaller cooking chamber heats up faster.
Here are some models that are well-suited for different user profiles based on their specifications and design.
Why it's a good fit: With a 2-litre capacity and a very compact design, this appliance is ideal for one person or couples with limited kitchen space. The operation via two control knobs is intuitive.
The 2-litre capacity is realistic for small portions and doesn't set false expectations. The simple, manual controls avoid superfluous programs that are rarely used.
Very space-saving design. According to the manufacturer, the non-stick basket and plate are dishwasher-safe and easy to handle due to their size.
Why it's a good fit: With an 8-litre capacity, this air fryer from ProfiCook specifically targets families. The large, square basket offers a generous usable surface area for preparing meals for multiple people.
The clear positioning as an XXL air fryer with 8 litres is an honest specification for users specifically looking for a large cooking chamber. Here, capacity is not abstract marketing but the core feature.
Large 8-litre volume. LED display with sensor touch controls and 7 automatic programs for easy operation.
Why it's a good fit: As a dual-drawer air fryer, this model from Ninja allows you to cook two different foods with different programs and times, which finish simultaneously thanks to the SYNC function.
This appliance solves a core problem of single-basket models: preparing a complete meal. Instead of false capacity promises, it offers a functional solution for more efficient cooking.
Two independent 3.8-litre cooking zones (7.6 litres total). Six cooking functions, including Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, and Dehydrate.
For some recipes, a small amount of oil can improve the result. We have compiled a selection of suitable products designed for use in air fryers.
An air fryer is typically much more energy-efficient than a conventional oven. Because the cooking chamber is smaller and requires no long preheating time, energy consumption can be up to 70% lower, according to manufacturer data. The actual savings depend on the specific model and usage duration, but for smaller portions and quicker meals, the air fryer is almost always the more economical choice.
No, for healthy cooking in an air fryer, oil is generally not required. Frozen products like fries or breaded chicken pieces often contain enough fat already. For homemade fries from fresh potatoes or for cooking vegetables, a teaspoon of oil or a spritz from an oil spray bottle can help make the surface crispier and prevent it from drying out.
For easy cleaning, you should soak the basket and insert in warm water with a little dish soap immediately after they have cooled down. This will loosen most residues. Even if many parts are declared dishwasher-safe, manual cleaning is often gentler on the non-stick coating. Do not use abrasive sponges or harsh cleaners to avoid damaging the coating.