Buyer's Guide: Air Fryer with Viewing Window

By the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, August 30, 2026

An air fryer promises crispy results with little to no oil and has established itself in many kitchens as an alternative to deep fryers and conventional ovens. An air fryer with a viewing window, in particular, is increasingly popular because it allows you to monitor the cooking process without having to open the basket and interrupt the heat cycle.

However, not every appliance lives up to its promises. Before you make a purchase, it's crucial to understand the most common pitfalls that can lead to disappointment.

The 3 Most Common Air Fryer Annoyances:

1. Uneven Cooking: Arguably the most frustrating problem. The fries are already dark on the outside but still raw on the inside. This is often due to poor hot air circulation or inaccurate temperature control, common in more budget-friendly models.
2. Short-Lived Non-Stick Coating: Many users report that the coating on the cooking basket starts to peel off after just a few months. This is not only a cosmetic flaw but also makes cleaning significantly more difficult and can cause food to stick.
3. Complicated Cleaning: Although many models are advertised as easy to clean, baskets with awkward angles or non-removable parts are difficult to clean in practice. The "dishwasher-safe" claim often applies only to specific accessories, not the basket itself.

What Really Matters: The Key Features of an Air Fryer

To avoid a bad purchase, you should focus on objective, technical parameters rather than marketing promises. Three features are particularly crucial.

Capacity: How Many Litres Does Your Household Need?

The size of the cooking basket, measured in litres, is one of the most important factors. A basket that's too small will force you to cook in multiple batches, negating the time-saving advantage.

• For Singles or Couples (1-2 people): A volume of 2 to 4 litres is generally sufficient for side dishes or smaller main courses.
• For Families or Shared Homes (3-4 people): An air fryer 5L or larger is recommended. An air fryer for the family should have a capacity of at least 5 litres to prepare enough fries, chicken pieces, or vegetables for everyone at once. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket to ensure optimal air circulation.

Ease of Use: Presets or Manual Control?

Modern appliances offer a combination of both. An air fryer with presets takes the guesswork out of setting the time and temperature for common dishes like fries, chicken, or fish. This is especially convenient for beginners or when you're short on time. At the same time, the option for manual adjustment of temperature (typically 80°C to 200°C) and time is essential for customising recipes. A clear LED display with touch controls further simplifies operation.

Material and Cleaning: Durability and Maintenance

The ability to achieve healthy frying is directly linked to the quality of the materials. A high-quality non-stick coating in the cooking basket is crucial. It should be durable and free of PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid).

Another key point is cleaning. Check carefully which parts are declared dishwasher-safe for air fryers. Ideally, both the cooking basket and the crisper plate should be suitable for the dishwasher. This significantly simplifies daily maintenance and ensures hygienic use over the long term.

Our Top Picks for Different Households

Based on these objective criteria, we have identified a model that is suitable for different user profiles.

MATCH FOR: The Busy Family

Gorenje AF1350DWB Air Fryer, 1350W, 5.4 Litre Basket with Viewing Window

Why This Fits Their Persona: With a 5.4-litre basket, this Gorenje air fryer offers enough space for family-sized portions. The 8 automatic programmes (including for fries, chicken, and nuggets) simplify the preparation of kid-friendly meals and save precious time on hectic days.

How It Avoids the Trap

The combination of a large basket and preset programmes ensures even cooking results. According to the manufacturer, the removable parts are dishwasher-safe, which bypasses the pitfall of complicated cleaning.

Key Advantage & Pros

The viewing window with interior lighting allows for constant monitoring without interrupting the cooking cycle. Operation via the LED display with touch sensors is intuitive.

MATCH FOR: The Health-Conscious Couple

Gorenje AF1350DWB Air Fryer, 1350W, 5.4 Litre Basket with Viewing Window

Why This Fits Their Persona: This model enables healthy frying with just a few drops of oil. The versatility of its programmes (e.g., for fish, vegetables, steak) and manual temperature control up to 200°C allow for the precise preparation of varied, low-fat dishes.

How It Avoids the Trap

The viewing window gives you full control over the level of browning without disturbing the cooking cycle. This prevents the uneven cooking that is often an issue with appliances that lack visual monitoring.

Key Advantage & Pros

According to the manufacturer, the high-quality stainless steel interior is odour-neutral and durable. The basket's non-stick coating prevents delicate foods like fish from sticking.

Beyond meal prep, kitchen organisation is also a key factor for a smooth daily routine. If you're looking for practical storage solutions, you might find suitable options here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much really fits in a 5-litre air fryer?

A 5L air fryer can typically hold about 800 grams to 1 kilogram of fries. For optimal results, however, the basket should only be filled halfway to a maximum of two-thirds full to allow the hot air to circulate freely. For a family of four, this size is ideal for side dishes or for main courses like chicken legs (approx. 4-6 pieces).

2. Is cooking in an air fryer really healthier?

Compared to traditional deep-frying in oil, preparing food in an air fryer is significantly lower in fat. For most dishes, a teaspoon of oil or even no added fat at all is sufficient. This can reduce calories and potentially harmful substances that form when oil is heated to high temperatures. It is essentially a small, highly efficient convection oven.

3. How do I clean a non-stick coating to make it last?

Even if parts are dishwasher-safe, hand washing is often gentler on the coating. Use warm water, mild washing-up liquid, and a soft sponge. Absolutely avoid abrasive steel wool, hard brushes, or harsh cleaning agents, as these can damage the non-stick layer and shorten its lifespan. Let the basket cool down after use before cleaning it.