Joybuy Insights

Air Fryer Buying Guide 2026: A Technical Comparison of Models

By Joybuy

Updated June 2026

5 Min Read

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food using a stream of circulating hot air. This method achieves a crispy texture similar to traditional deep-frying, but with significantly less—or even no—oil. It operates on the principle of convection: a heating element warms the air inside the cooking chamber, and a fan circulates it rapidly and evenly around the food. This results in shorter cooking times and more efficient energy use compared to a conventional oven.

Buying Guide: Technical Criteria for Choosing an Air Fryer

Choosing the right model depends on objective parameters that should be tailored to your household's specific needs. Instead of searching for general terms like "best air fryer," a more effective approach is to analyse the following technical specifications.

1. Capacity and Design

Capacity is a crucial criterion and is measured in litres (L).

Small Air Fryers (1-3 Litres): These units are designed for single-person households or couples. They have a small footprint and are suitable for preparing smaller portions, such as side dishes or snacks.
Medium-Sized (3-5 Litres): A common size that is sufficient for households of two to four people to prepare main meals.
XXL Air Fryers (over 5.5 Litres): For families or those who regularly cook larger quantities, high-capacity models are advantageous. Some appliances also feature a dual-zone air fryer design, which allows for the simultaneous cooking of different foods at different temperatures and times.

2. Basket Material and Coating

The material of the basket or container affects handling, cleaning, and durability.

Non-stick coating: Most models use metal baskets with a non-stick coating (often PTFE-based). This simplifies cleaning as food is less likely to stick. Care should be taken to use non-abrasive utensils to avoid scratching.
Ceramic coating: An alternative to PTFE that also offers excellent non-stick properties.
Stainless steel or glass (coating-free): Some users prefer materials that are completely coating-free to avoid contact with potentially harmful substances like PFAS. A glass air fryer or one with a stainless steel basket is robust and chemically inert. Glass containers also offer the advantage of visually monitoring the cooking process. Cleaning these can be slightly more involved.

3. Power and Features

The power, measured in watts (W), affects preheating and cooking times. Models with higher wattage (e.g., 1500 W to 2000 W) typically reach the target temperature faster. Additional features expand the range of applications:

Air Fryer with Grill Function: Integrated grilling elements or special grill plates allow for searing meat, fish, or vegetables, complete with characteristic grill marks.
Other Programmes: Many devices come with preset programmes for chips, chicken, fish, or baked goods, which automatically adjust the temperature and time.

Our 2026 Selection: Three Models in Detail

Based on an analysis of technical specifications and practical use cases, we present three distinct models.

Midea Air Fryer 2L Compact

Why we recommend this product: The Midea MAF20P0BPK addresses the need for a space-saving appliance for small kitchens. With its compact dimensions (218 × 218 × 232 mm) and a low weight of 2.28 kg, it is easy to position on a worktop or store away. The 1150 W power output is well-suited for its 2-litre capacity, enabling quick preparation.
Pros:
- Compact Design: Ideal for kitchens with limited space, dorm rooms, or offices.
- Efficient Portion Size: The 2-litre capacity is designed for one to two people, preventing the need to cook unnecessarily large quantities.
- Easy to Clean: The non-stick basket and removable parts are dishwasher-safe, according to the manufacturer.
Who it's for: This model is an ideal choice for single-person households and couples looking for a quick and straightforward solution for preparing small meals and snacks.

Tefal Easy Fry & Grill 2-in-1 XXL

Why we recommend this product: The Tefal EY801D15 combines a large capacity with high functionality. Its standout feature is the "Flexcook" divider, which splits the 6.4-litre cooking chamber into two separate zones, allowing it to be used as a Dual Zone Air Fryer. The additional grill function significantly expands its range of applications. With 1800 W of power, the appliance is designed for rapid preheating and cooking.
Pros:
- Large XXL Capacity: With a 6.4-litre capacity, it is suitable for preparing meals for larger families.
- 2-in-1 Functionality: Combines air frying and grilling in a single appliance.
- Flexible Cooking Zones: The divider allows for the simultaneous cooking of two different dishes.
Who it's for: This appliance is aimed at families and users who value versatility and a large capacity to efficiently prepare complete meals in one go.

Dreame Tasti PT60 Air Fryer

Why we recommend this product: The Dreame Tasti PT60 stands out for its material choice and technology. It uses two borosilicate glass cooking containers (2.5 L and 4.5 L), making it PFAS-free and coating-free. The 360° visibility through the glass allows for constant monitoring of the cooking progress. The combination of 3D hot air and steam technology aims to keep food crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Pros:
- Coating-Free Material: The glass containers are an alternative for users who wish to avoid non-stick coatings.
- Visual Monitoring: The transparent cooking chamber allows for precise monitoring of the food without opening the appliance.
- Steam Technology: The addition of steam can prevent food from drying out.
- Dishwasher-Safe Glass Containers: Cleaning the containers is straightforward.
Who it's for: This model appeals to health-conscious users who prioritise coating-free materials and desire precise control over the cooking process. The two container sizes offer flexibility for different quantities.

Discover More Models

The market offers a wide variety of other appliances with different specifications. You can find an overview of additional options and models in our air fryer category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does an air fryer work without oil? An air fryer cooks food using rapidly circulating hot air. This process, known as convection, creates a dry heat that quickly seals the food's surface, resulting in a crispy texture. The fat naturally present in the food is often sufficient to achieve a result similar to deep-frying. This is the core technology for low-fat frying.

2. What is the difference between an air fryer and a convection oven? Both appliances use convection. However, an air fryer has a smaller cooking chamber and a more powerful fan. This allows the air to circulate faster and in a more concentrated manner, leading to shorter cooking times and often a crispier finish. Additionally, an air fryer's preheat time is typically much shorter.

3. How do you clean an air fryer? Most models feature removable baskets and drawers that are often dishwasher-safe. For non-stick parts, care should be taken to use soft sponges to avoid damaging the coating. Glass or stainless steel containers are more robust and can also be cleaned in the dishwasher or by hand. The appliance's housing can be wiped down with a damp cloth.