An air fryer can prepare chips, vegetables, fish and baked goods using very little oil. However, choosing one is not simply a question of wattage or the number of preset programmes. Capacity, design, cleaning and safe operation are all important factors.
Many disappointing purchases result from three common marketing traps:
For one person or a couple, a compact air fryer with a capacity of around 2 to 4 litres is often sufficient. For example, a 2-litre model is suitable for smaller portions and kitchens with limited worktop space. For families, appliances between around 5 and 7 litres are often more practical. If you want to prepare several foods at the same time, consider an air fryer with 2 compartments or a dual-zone air fryer.
Important: With two baskets, the capacity is divided between them. Two separate 4.5-litre baskets offer more flexibility than one shared cooking chamber, but they also require more worktop space. Before buying, measure the width, depth and height, including the space needed for air circulation.
Manually adjustable time and temperature settings are more useful for different types of food than automatic programmes alone. Depending on the model, practical temperature ranges can run from 80 to 200 °C, for example. Functions such as Air Fry, baking, reheating, roasting and dehydrating can broaden the appliance’s range of uses.
With an air fryer with 2 baskets, you should also check whether both zones can genuinely be controlled independently. Functions such as “Match Cook” apply the same settings to both baskets. “Sync Finish” can coordinate different cooking times so that both dishes are ready at the same time.
Removable baskets and crisper plates make cleaning easier. If a model is described as a dishwasher-safe air fryer, check carefully which parts actually have this feature. The housing and electrical components must never be placed in water or in the dishwasher.
A viewing window can be useful because it allows you to monitor the cooking process without pulling out the basket. Even with an air fryer with a viewing window, you should still look for adequate interior lighting and an easy-to-read display.
For low-fat cooking, only a small amount of oil or no additional oil at all is often required. However, the result also depends on the food, quantity, temperature and air circulation. Claims about specific reductions in fat or cooking time should always be treated as manufacturer’s claims and cannot automatically be applied to every use.
Why this product suits the profile: The compact 2-litre format is designed for one or two people and smaller kitchens. The 60-minute timer is suitable for simple everyday meals and reheating small portions.
The capacity is clearly stated as 2 litres, making it easier to assess realistically whether the portion size suits your household.
1150 W of power, a non-stick-coated basket and removable parts described as dishwasher-safe according to the product specifications.
Why this product suits the profile: Two glass containers with capacities of 2.5 and 4.5 litres accommodate different portion sizes. The viewing design makes it easier to monitor cooking without having to open the cooking chamber regularly.
Rather than relying solely on the number of programmes, this model offers two differently sized containers, five programmes and a manually adjustable temperature range of 60 to 200 °C.
Glass containers, stainless-steel components, 1500 W of power and accessories described as dishwasher-safe according to the product specifications.
Why this product suits the profile: Two independent 4.75-litre drawers and a total capacity of 9.5 litres are suitable for families, entertaining or preparing different foods at the same time.
The two zones can be set separately for function, temperature and time. This means the capacity is more than just a theoretical total figure.
Six functions, 2470 W of power and drawers and crisper plates described as dishwasher-safe according to the product specifications.
Why this product suits the profile: The 5.4-litre basket provides space for larger portions. The viewing window, interior light and eight programmes support convenient, controlled everyday cooking.
The viewing window reduces the need to pull out the basket frequently. The temperature and timer can also be adjusted manually, from 80 to 200 °C and up to 60 minutes respectively.
1350 W of power, a 5.4-litre capacity and removable parts described as dishwasher-safe according to the product specifications.
Baking paper for air fryers can catch grease and batter residue, making cleaning easier. However, the size must be suitable for the basket. Paper that is too large can restrict air circulation, while paper that is too small may slip underneath the food.
The following points should be checked before buying:
For large baskets, square accessories measuring 23 × 23 × 4.5 cm may be suitable, for example. Rectangular air-fryer accessories measuring 20.5 × 14 × 6 cm may be suitable for juicy foods or smaller baked goods. According to the product description, round 20-cm accessories are designed for many 5- to 8-quart baskets. The actual basket of your own appliance is always the deciding factor.
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.
Consumption depends on the power rating, operating time, temperature and amount of food. A 1,150 W appliance running for 30 minutes uses approximately 0.575 kWh mathematically. This is a technical estimate; preheating and actual heating cycles may alter the result. For a fair comparison, you should consider not only wattage but also portion size and cooking time.
It is not possible to give a universal fixed lifespan. Longevity is affected by frequency of use, cleaning, how the coating is treated and the quality of the electrical components. Baskets should not be overfilled or handled with metal objects. If you notice unusual noises, damaged cables or dark smoke, disconnect the appliance from the mains and do not use it again.
Not every recipe requires preheating. Some models have a dedicated preheating function, while others can be started straight away. The instruction manual and the recipe in question will specify the appropriate procedure. When using baking paper, never leave it loose in an empty basket during preheating.