Joybuy Insights

Buying an Air Fryer: A Guide to Choosing the Right Size, Features and Cleaning Options

An air fryer can prepare chips, vegetables, fish and baked goods using very little oil. For many households, it is a compact alternative to the oven. However, bold claims about performance, fat content or energy consumption do not automatically lead to the right buying decision.

Common pitfalls when buying an air fryer

1. Capacity is confused with portion size

A specification such as 4 or 6 litres describes the interior capacity, not necessarily the amount that can be cooked evenly. If the basket is filled too full, the hot air circulates less effectively. Chips may then brown unevenly and need to be turned more often.

For one person or a small household, an air fryer with a capacity of 2 to 3.5 litres is often sufficient. Families should look for a wider basket or an XL air fryer. The description “for 6 people” should always be considered alongside the actual basket surface area and the recommended food quantities.

2. A higher wattage does not automatically mean a shorter cooking time

The wattage indicates how much electrical power the appliance draws. On its own, it says little about airflow, heat distribution or the actual cooking time. A 2,100-watt model may be oversized for small portions, while a well-balanced 1,400- or 1,500-watt appliance may be sufficient for the intended household.

Manufacturers’ claims about time or energy savings also often apply only to specific comparison scenarios. These figures should therefore be treated as a guide rather than a general result for every dish.

3. “Oil-free” is taken to mean automatically healthier eating

An oil-free fryer can be operated without adding any oil. However, the result still depends on the food, the quantity and the preparation method. Frozen products, for example, often already contain fat. With fresh potatoes, a small amount of oil can affect browning, but it is not essential.

Claims such as “up to 90 per cent less fat” are only meaningful in the relevant manufacturer comparison. According to Tefal, for example, the claim of 99 per cent less fat refers to a specific comparison between 700 grams of fresh chips with 8 millilitres of oil and a conventional fryer using 2 litres of oil.

These technical specifications are key when comparing models

Basket shape and usable surface area

Capacity in litres should be compared with the dimensions and shape of the cooking basket. A wide basket is suitable for pizza, vegetables or several flat pieces of food. A compact, taller basket may be more practical in smaller kitchens.

If you regularly cook for several people, look for a sufficiently large cooking surface. For particularly large portions, an appliance with two separate cooking chambers may also be useful, provided you genuinely need this feature.

Temperature range and timer

For classic air-fryer dishes, temperatures between 80 and 200 °C are usually sufficient. Models with a wider range offer additional options. According to the product description, the Severin S-Fry FR 2464, for example, operates at 40 to 230 °C and also has a dehydrating function with a runtime of up to 12 hours.

A 30-minute timer is sufficient for snacks and smaller portions. For roasts, baking recipes or dehydrating, 60 minutes or a longer time setting is more practical. Automatic switch-off reduces the risk of the appliance continuing to heat after the set time has elapsed.

Cleaning, coating and safety

A dishwasher-safe air fryer can reduce the effort involved in cleaning. However, you should check which parts can actually go in the dishwasher. The main appliance, cable and plug should never be placed in water.

A stable, heat-resistant surface, sufficient clearance from walls and unobstructed air vents are also important. During operation, the casing, basket and escaping steam can become very hot. Non-stick or ceramic coatings should only be handled with suitable utensils to prevent scratching.

Our selection by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Aigostar Air Fryer 3.5 Litre 1500W

Aigostar Air Fryer 3.5 Litre 1500W

Why this product suits this profile: The manual controls, with separate time and temperature settings, are straightforward and well suited to everyday portions without an extensive range of programmes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description clearly states a capacity of 3.5 litres, 1,500 watts and a temperature range of 80 to 200 °C. This makes it easy to check the key buying specifications rather than focusing solely on marketing terms.

Main benefit & strengths

360-degree hot-air circulation, a removable basket and a timer of up to 30 minutes.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
Tefal EY5018 Easy Fry & Grill Classic Air Fryer

Tefal EY5018 Easy Fry & Grill Classic Air Fryer

Why this product suits this profile: The combination of an air-frying function and grill plate appeals to households looking for a versatile appliance for main courses and side dishes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The key specifications are clearly stated: 4.6 litres, 1,550 watts, 80 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. According to the product details, the removable parts are dishwasher-safe.

Main benefit & strengths

The cast-iron grill plate expands the appliance’s versatility, while the capacity is stated as up to six portions.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
Severin Air Fryer Pizza & More

Severin Air Fryer Pizza & More

Why this product suits this profile: The wide format, viewing window and additional programmes are ideal for users who want to prepare more than just frozen chips.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The viewing window allows you to monitor cooking without opening the appliance frequently. It also offers 10 programmes, a temperature range of 40 to 230 °C and a dehydrating function.

Main benefit & strengths

The 2,100-watt output, LCD touch display, and pizza and dehydrating programmes offer a wide range of uses.

Suitable for: Families who want automatic programmes
nutribullet CrispLite NBA0611DG Air Fryer

nutribullet CrispLite NBA0611DG Air Fryer

Why this product suits this profile: The 6-litre capacity and digital controls are designed for family meals and repeat cooking with set routines.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description lists six automatic programmes, manual settings from 80 to 200 °C, and dishwasher-safe baskets and plates. This combines convenience with control.

Main benefit & strengths

1,700 watts, a digital display and a PFAS-free ceramic non-stick surface, according to the product details.

Looking for more options?

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.

Air fryer FAQ

How much space should an air fryer have in the kitchen?

In addition to the appliance’s external dimensions, there should be sufficient clearance around it for ventilation. Air vents must not be covered. A compact air fryer for small kitchens may be more practical than an XL model if you are only preparing individual portions.

How much are the running costs?

The cost depends on the wattage, operating time, portion size and electricity tariff. For a rough calculation, use: Power in kilowatts × operating time in hours × electricity price per kilowatt-hour. A 1,500-watt appliance uses approximately 0.5 kilowatt-hours during 20 minutes of operation. In practice, consumption may be lower depending on the heating cycle.

How long does an air fryer last?

It is not possible to give a generally applicable fixed lifespan. Factors include how often it is used, cleaning, how the coating is treated, and the quality of the heating and wear parts. After each use, remove crumbs and grease, clean the removable parts according to the instructions, and keep the air vents clear.