An air fryer can prepare chips, vegetables, fish, chicken and baked goods using very little oil. For professionals, families and novice cooks, the short preparation time is particularly appealing. However, large litre capacities, numerous automatic programmes and promises such as “oil-free frying” do not automatically mean that a particular appliance is right for you.
The following points will help you assess marketing claims objectively and choose an air fryer that suits your everyday routine.
An air fryer with a 9-litre capacity sounds spacious. However, what matters is whether the volume is contained in a single cooking compartment or divided between two chambers. With a dual-compartment air fryer, for example, two baskets share the total capacity. This is practical for preparing different foods, but each basket has less height and surface area.
For even browning, food should not be piled up tightly. For certain dishes, a smaller air fryer with a wide basket may therefore be more practical than a nominally larger model.
Automatic programmes provide guidance, but ingredients vary in size, quantity and starting temperature. You should therefore look for an adjustable temperature range and a timer. Appliances operating from 80 to 200 °C cover typical uses such as reheating, cooking and grilling. A lower temperature range may be useful for delicate foods or keeping dishes warm.
A digital air fryer with a touchscreen offers convenient operation. Even so, manual settings should be available so that you can adjust programmes to suit your portions.
With a dishwasher-safe air fryer, this description usually applies to the basket, cooking compartment or rack – not the electrical housing. Before buying, make sure it is clear which components can actually go in the dishwasher. Coated baskets should also not be cleaned with metal utensils or abrasive cleaners.
You should also check the external dimensions. An air fryer needs sufficient clearance around the air inlet and outlet. Rising steam can be problematic beneath wall cabinets.
The wattage affects factors including heating time and potential temperature stability. However, it is not the only measure of quality. An appliance rated at 1,150 to 1,600 watts may be sufficient for small to medium quantities; dual-compartment models are often more powerful.
The specific temperature range, timer duration and clear operating instructions are important. For use in Germany, the appliance should be connected to a suitable, earthed 220- to 240-volt socket. Information about CE marking, the mains plug and safety can be found on the appliance, its packaging or in the instructions.
A viewing window lets you check the food without pulling out the basket. This can reduce heat loss, but it does not eliminate the need to turn or shake the food occasionally. An internal light is also helpful when cooking darker ingredients.
When it comes to cleaning, removable parts, a durable coating and easily accessible corners are important. The housing must not be immersed in water. Before cleaning, always allow the appliance to cool down and disconnect it from the power supply.
Why this product suits the profile: This compact model is designed for portions for one or two people and, with its 2-litre capacity, takes up less space than many family-sized appliances.
The capacity is clearly designed for small portions. This means you are not paying for unused volume that would take up unnecessary space in a smaller household.
1,150 watts, 60-minute timer, coated basket and dishwasher-safe removable parts.
Why this product suits the profile: The combination of a 5.4-litre basket, viewing window, LED display and adjustable settings supports controlled cooking every day.
The viewing window lets you monitor cooking progress without repeatedly pulling out the basket. The temperature and timer can also be adjusted manually.
80 to 200 °C, 60-minute timer, eight programmes and dishwasher-safe removable parts.
Why this product suits the profile: Two separate 4.5-litre baskets are ideal for families, meal preparation and households where different ingredients need to be cooked at the same time.
The division into two chambers is clearly stated. Match Cook and Sync Finish let you use either the same settings or different cooking times with a shared finish time.
9-litre total capacity, 2,600 to 3,100 watts, 12 programmes, independent temperature control and dishwasher-safe baskets.
The power consumption is shown in watts on the rating plate. An appliance rated at 1,600 watts theoretically uses 0.8 kWh over 30 minutes of operation, assuming the full rated power is used continuously. In practice, consumption may vary depending on the heating phase, temperature and running time. For a fair comparison, you should therefore consider not only the wattage but also the portion size and cooking time.
Oil-free frying is technically possible, but a small amount of oil can improve browning for some ingredients. The term “low-fat fryer” therefore describes the preparation method, not necessarily the composition of the entire meal.
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.
For two to three people, 4 to 6 litres is often sufficient. For larger households or simultaneous cooking, 8 to 10 litres may be a sensible choice. With dual-compartment appliances, divide the total capacity by two and check whether the individual baskets are large enough for your portions.
This depends on the model and recipe. Some appliances have a preheating function, while others can be used without a lengthy preheating period. For consistent results, follow the instructions in the operating manual. Overfilled baskets increase cooking time regardless of whether the appliance is preheated.
Its lifespan depends on how often it is used, cleaning, the coating and careful operation. Avoid metal utensils, blocked ventilation openings and allowing liquid to enter the housing. Let the appliance cool down after use and regularly check the basket, cable and coating for visible damage.