We initially made the initial mistake of buying a smaller air fryer. But as we realised how much more the air fryer could do than just potatoes, we knew a bigger one was required.
Go Big
My advice is to go BIG.
You can run the air fryer only half full, but not fitting everything in and having to cook in two batches is inconvenient and takes twice as long.
Getting the largest capacity model you can fit in the space will mean you can cook larger meals, cook for more people and benefit from air frying with a broader range of food.
Dual Basket
A note about comparing dual-basket air fryers with a single basket can be misleading. The dual basket capacities listed are split between the two baskets, while the single basket has that capacity in one. This is not normally an issue for cooking fries or small items but a single chicken to air-fry will need the largest basket to cook in.
Convertible dual basket air fryers are a solution to the problem with a removable divider installed and dual heat controls it acts as a dual basket. Removing the basket divider transforms the air fryer into a large-capacity single basket.
No Fat
The name ‘Air Fryer’ tends to conjure up images of fries and chips, but you can use it as a mini oven if you don’t add fat. Unlike a deep-fat fryer that won’t work without fat, the air fryer doesn’t need fats to work. But if you want your food to taste fried, then you need to add some fat.
Features
Timer
A digital timer with a turn or toss reminder is helpful in a busy kitchen. You need to shake some foods like fries part way through the cooking, and some food benefits from turning brown or crisp on the other side. The reminder beep helps you to stay on track.
Modes
Modes can change the way the air fryer operates. Buttons like Bake, Fry, Bacon, Roast and Re-Heat can appear on these machines. You don’t need a bacon button to cook bacon. I’ve not noticed any difference between Bake and Fry, but if it helps you, you may need to find one with more buttons.
Shape
The drawer-style air fryers that are very popular come in two distinct categories. No matter what their size, that is the shape of the basket. Some baskets are almost square or rectangular, and others are more circular. A square basket best uses the machine’s space to provide the largest cooking area. A larger cooking area is better because you can fit more food in. The food needs to allow air circulation around it, so spacing out the food can help it cook more evenly and crispy.
Colour
That’s all down to your personal choice. Black, White or Stainless Steel are popular.
Suggested AirFryers
See our suggestions for air fryers below based on their size, features and cost.
Single
Ideal for a single serving or just a side of chips.
- Budget-friendly, small capacity
- Simple manual controls
- 30 Minute timer
- 2 Year Guarantee
Midi
It will easily feed two hungry people.
- It can fit a small chicken & roasties
- 11 Presets makes it easy to use
- Dishwasher Safe basket for easy clean-up
Maxi
Split baskets for greater flexibility and larger meals
- Huge combined 9.5L Capacity (split over two baskets)
- Cooks 2 different foods 2 ways, both are ready at the same time.
- The Ultimate Oven Replacement
Here are some features of the 3 main groups of air fryers.
- The small 2 – 2.5L capacity is very limited and ideal for just cooking fries.
- 4.5L to 5.5L is more useful for one or two people to cook a larger variety of meals the the 2L. You can spread the food out to ensure an even crispy cook which is not possible in the small machines.
- 9.5L and dual basket open up the possibilities of cooking two very different foods at the same time or giving the option to cook for many more people.