An air fryer can prepare chips, vegetables, fish, meat, baked goods and snacks using very little oil. However, not every appliance suits every household. Buyers often base their decision solely on the stated capacity or eye-catching marketing claims. Important details such as the actual usable cooking area, cleaning requirements and controls are easily overlooked.
This buying guide from the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer objectively examines the most important criteria and explains which appliance designs suit different everyday situations.
A large capacity in litres does not automatically mean that a large portion can be cooked evenly. Food can pile up in a tall basket. As a result, the hot air cannot reach every surface evenly, and shaking or turning the food during cooking may be necessary.
For singles and couples, an air fryer with a 2-litre capacity is often sufficient. Families should consider not only the total volume, but also the shape of the basket and the recommended portion size. An XXL air fryer with a capacity of 5 to 7 litres can be more practical for several people. Two separate baskets with a total capacity of 9 litres also make it possible to prepare different ingredients at the same time.
With low-fat frying, food is cooked using circulating hot air. Depending on the food, oil can be omitted completely or used sparingly. However, the result depends on the quantity of ingredients, moisture, temperature and cooking time. An air fryer is no substitute for a balanced diet and should not be assessed based on medical claims.
Claims about percentage reductions in fat or shorter cooking times should therefore be treated as product-specific manufacturer information. What matters is whether the appliance allows manual settings and whether the temperature is suitable for the recipe in question.
A digital air fryer with numerous automatic programmes can make operation easier. However, it does not automatically make every recipe suitable. Ingredients vary in size, starting temperature and moisture content. Manual temperature and time settings therefore remain useful.
It is equally important to check whether the basket and grill plate can be removed. Are these parts listed as dishwasher-safe? The housing containing the electronics must never be placed in water and should only be wiped clean on the outside.
Before buying, check the external dimensions, the distance from the wall and the height available beneath wall cupboards. The air inlet and outlet must remain unobstructed during operation. Many product specifications recommend leaving around 10 cm of space at the sides and at the back.
A useful temperature range for the appliances selected here is between 80 and 200 °C. Lower temperatures are suitable, for example, for reheating or gentle cooking, while higher settings are better for creating crisp surfaces. A timer of up to 60 minutes covers many typical recipes.
The wattage alone is not an indication of quality. It describes the appliance’s electrical input power, not necessarily its speed or cooking consistency. Claims such as “49% faster” or “up to 70% less energy” should always be read as specific manufacturer or comparison claims. Actual consumption depends on the quantity of food, programme, preheating and operating time.
An air fryer with a grill combines the cooking basket with a grill plate. This can be practical for meat, fish or vegetables, but it increases the cleaning effort if fat and marinade stick to the surface.
An air fryer with a viewing window allows you to monitor the level of browning without opening the basket. This reduces heat loss, but does not replace checking the core temperature of delicate foods. With coated baskets, do not use metal utensils or abrasive cleaning products. Uncoated stainless-steel baskets may be appealing to some buyers, provided they are thoroughly cleaned after use.
Why this product suits this profile: This compact appliance is designed for one or two people and small kitchens. The temperature and timer can be adjusted manually for simple everyday dishes.
The compact capacity means you do not need to use unnecessary worktop space or energy for individual portions.
2-litre basket, 1150 watts, 60-minute timer and parts listed as dishwasher-safe in the product specifications.
Why this product suits this profile: The uncoated stainless-steel basket, viewing window and mechanical controls appeal to buyers who value clear, straightforward features.
The window allows you to check the food as it cooks, while the lack of preset menus reduces reliance on generic automatic programmes.
6.5 litres, 1700 watts, 360-degree hot-air circulation, viewing window and a temperature range from 80 to 200 °C.
Why this product suits this profile: Two separate 4.5-litre baskets are ideal for families, entertaining and meal prep when different foods need to be ready at the same time.
The separate zones prevent flavours from mixing and offer independent temperature and time settings.
9-litre total capacity, Match Cook and Sync Finish functions, 12 preset programmes and parts listed as dishwasher-safe in the product specifications.
Why this product suits this profile: The 2-in-1 design combines air frying and grilling. Eight programmes and digital controls support a wide variety of dishes.
The manual temperature range of 80 to 200 °C complements the automatic programmes and allows adjustments based on the recipe and portion size.
4.2 litres, grill plate, digital control panel, eight programmes and removable parts listed as dishwasher-safe in the product description.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
In addition to the appliance’s dimensions, you need space for heat dissipation and to pull out the basket. Place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant surface. The air inlet and outlet must not be covered. If you choose a model with a viewing window, there should also be enough light to make it easy to see how the food is cooking.
Its lifespan depends on how often it is used, how it is cleaned, the coating, the level of wear and tear, and the availability of spare parts. Do not overfill the basket, avoid metal utensils with coated parts and allow the appliance to cool down before cleaning. The removable components should be checked regularly for damage.
There is no general answer to this. The relevant factors are power, operating time, preheating, portion size and the programme used. For small portions, a compact cooking chamber may allow shorter heating times. For a realistic assessment, compare the wattage and the required operating time rather than relying solely on general percentage claims.