Are you in the UK and wondering whether to buy an air fryer? With so many brands and models on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This clear, practical guide will help you understand how an air fryer could fit into your life so you can pick the best model for your needs.
Is it really worth buying an air fryer?
Deciding on a major appliance is always a personal choice. An air fryer can be a fantastic addition for some households and an unnecessary purchase for others. It comes down to how you cook, how often you’ll use it, and whether its features fit your lifestyle.
If you frequently cook small portions, want faster cooking with less oil, or need to avoid heating a full oven on warm days, an air fryer can be a great investment. If you rarely cook foods suited to air frying, have limited countertop space, or already use your oven efficiently, an air fryer may not add much value.
Start by considering how an air fryer would fit into your daily routine. That will guide you toward the right type and size.
Why you might not need an air fryer
Air fryers aren’t for every kitchen. They can be costly depending on model and features. If you won’t use it regularly, don’t cook the types of food that benefit from air frying, or have limited worktop space, it may not be worth the expense.
If you already use your oven to full capacity—filling it when you cook—an air fryer might not save you energy or time. If you’re considering replacing an oven entirely, choose a model that truly matches your cooking needs.
Struggling with timings and temperatures?
Many users find converting oven recipes to air fryer settings tricky. A printable conversion chart and timing guide can help you get consistent results and clarify what works well in an air fryer.
What to consider when buying an air fryer
Choose the type and capacity that match your household. Ask yourself: how many people do you cook for? Will you use the air fryer daily or occasionally? What dishes do you usually prepare? Do you need dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning?
Your answers will narrow down the right size and style, whether that’s a small single-basket model for one or two people, a larger family-size unit, or a dual-drawer system for cooking different foods at once.
How air fryers work
Air fryers use a heating element positioned above the cooking chamber and a powerful fan to circulate hot air rapidly around the food. That airflow crisps the exterior while cooking the inside, producing results similar to frying but using far less oil.
Types of air fryers
Today’s market offers a variety of styles to suit different needs:
- Single-basket drawer air fryer: The most common, available in many sizes and price points.
- Air fryer with rotating blade: Often used for chips; it stirs food automatically for a hands-off approach.
- Air fryer oven: Larger units with shelves that behave more like a traditional oven—good for those without one.
- Two-drawer air fryer: Popular for cooking different foods at different temperatures simultaneously.
- Double-stack air fryer: Two drawers stacked vertically for more capacity with a smaller footprint.
- Multi-cookers: Appliances that combine air frying with other functions like slow cooking.
- Flex drawer air fryers: Switch between one large drawer or two smaller drawers for maximum versatility.
Common features to look for
Air fryers now come with many useful features. Consider which of these are important to you:
- Size options from compact to large.
- Multiple cooking settings (air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, etc.).
- Single or dual drawers for flexible cooking.
- Flex-drawer designs for switching between large and split capacities.
- See-through windows and internal lights to monitor cooking.
- Different inner designs: basket-style or crisper plate.
- High-quality non-stick coatings for easier cleaning.
- Sync and Match functions to coordinate cooking times between drawers.
- Alarms that remind you to shake or that your food is ready.
- Steam options on some advanced models.
Air fryer pros and cons
Air fryers have many advantages but also some limitations. Here’s a balanced overview to help you decide.
Pros
- Faster cooking at lower temperatures than traditional ovens.
- Smaller footprint and generally lower cost than a full oven.
- Some models cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously.
- Can be more energy-efficient and quicker to preheat.
- Useful in warm weather when you don’t want to heat the whole kitchen.
- Often healthier than deep frying and easier to clean than an oven.
- Safer than using a deep fat fryer.
Cons
- Requires counter space and has a smaller capacity than an oven.
- Not ideal for large items like pizzas unless you have a large oven-style air fryer.
- You may need to cook in batches with smaller models.
- Not all drawers are dishwasher safe—check the manual.
- Learning to use an air fryer takes time; cooking methods differ from an oven.
- Initial cost can be high for advanced models, and some are noisy during operation.
What to avoid when buying
Don’t be swayed solely by low prices or flashy offers. Focus on the features you need for your household. Make a simple list of must-have features, nice-to-haves, and unnecessary extras. When you spot a deal, check it against your must-haves before buying.
Avoid getting lost in countless reviews—what works for others may not work for you. Use reviews to confirm reliability and build a shortlist, but prioritise your own requirements.
Key buying tips
- Choose the right style: Pick the model that fits how you cook. Don’t compromise on essential features.
- Set and stick to a budget: Consider sales or staggered payment options, but avoid impulse buys.
- Check the warranty: Know what’s covered and what isn’t. Learn to use the appliance correctly to avoid accidental damage that may not be covered.
Which air fryer should I buy?
To decide, weigh up capacity versus flexibility. Do you need larger batch cooking or the ability to cook different foods at different temperatures at once? After identifying the features that matter to you, search for models that match them and create a shortlist. Read a range of reviews to confirm reliability and look for reputable sellers when you buy.
Top recommended models
Based on experience and research, here are five popular options to consider. Choose the one that best meets your capacity, features and budget needs.
- Instant Vortex Plus Dual: A well-regarded dual-drawer model with useful sync features and clear displays.
- Tower T17023: A compact single-drawer air fryer suitable for one or two people.
- Ninja Flex Drawer: Offers the flexibility of one large drawer or two smaller drawers.
- Ninja Double Stack: Stacked drawers provide more cooking space without using lots of counter area.
- Tefal Actifry Genius XL: A self-stirring option ideal for hands-off cooking like chips and larger batches.
After you buy: build confidence
Buying an air fryer is the first step—learning to use it confidently makes it a valuable kitchen tool. Start with simple recipes, consult conversion charts, and practise. As you gain experience, you’ll save energy, cut cooking times, and enjoy healthier meals prepared with less oil.
If you’ve bought an air fryer and it’s not getting used, start small: reheat leftovers, cook chips, or try simple baked goods. Confidence grows with practice.
Get in touch
If this guide helped you and you decide to buy an air fryer, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your feedback via the site or social channels, or by email. Hearing how others use their air fryers can help fellow buyers make better choices.
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