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Air Fryer Buying Guide
Want to make mealtimes quicker, easier, and healthier? Then getting an air fryer’s a brilliant shout. Our buying guide’s got all the info you need to find the right model with all the bells and whistles you need to dash through dinnertime like nobody’s business.
What is an air fryer?
Think of an air fryer as a mini oven crossed with a deep fryer. Compact and delivering instant heat, it cooks by circulating hot air all around your food for results that are crispy on the outside and tender in the middle – and all without the oil.
How does an air fryer work?
Air fryers use a powerful fan combined with a heating element, blowing hot air all around your food. The perforated tray lets the air cook every angle all at once and the rapid circulation means you get quick and even results.
Size and capacity
Key features
Easy clean
With non-stick baskets and dishwasher safe parts, the cleanup’s a breeze.
Dual zone
An air fryer with two baskets can save tons of time. It lets you cook more at once or 2 different dishes at the same time, so it’s ideal for busy families.
Multiple cooking functions
With automatic programmes, you don’t need to faff with settings to cook the perfect roast chicken, a tasty jacket potato, and much more.
Digital controls
Whatever you’re whipping up will be even easier with the straightforward digital controls letting you choose the right time and temperature.
How to use an air fryer
Step 1 - Preheat (if needed)
- Some models need a few minutes to warm up.
Step 2 - Prepare your food
- Lightly oil and season, then pop in the basket.
Step 3 - Set temperature and time
- Find the right settings.
Step 4 - Cook and shake
- Shake the basket or flip your food halfway through for even crisping.
Step 5 - Clean up
- Let it cool, then wash the basket and tray.
Get to know
Whether it’s a deep dive into an exciting new feature or some nifty tips that’ll make your life easier, check out our videos that’ll help you get the most out of your air fryer.
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FAQs
- What are the benefits of using an air fryer?
Air fryers give you healthier meals with little-to-no oil needed, quicker results as they preheat faster, as well as being super easy to use. Plus, since many have dishwasher-safe parts, cleaning’s a breeze.
- Can you cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen food in an air fryer. They work in a similar way to an oven, so anything you can cook from frozen in an oven can be cooked from frozen in your air fryer. And even better, it'll do it quicker.
- Are air fryers energy efficient?
Yes, generally, air fryers are more energy efficient than regular ovens. That’s because the smaller capacity requires less energy to heat up, they cook faster so use less electricity overall, and there’s often no preheating needed.
- What foods can you cook in an air fryer?
Air fryers are really versatile appliances, and you can cook lots of different foods in them. Chips, chicken, fish, veg, pastries, leftovers, frozen food and even bread. Just skip anything with a wet batter, with a sauce, or that needs lots of liquid.
Looking for some dinnertime inspo? Take a look at some of the delicious dishes you can whip up with your air fryer.
- How do I clean and maintain my air fryer?
To give your air fryer a clean, make sure it’s cooled, unplug it, then wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water many models have dishwasher safe parts too. Give the outside a wipe down, check for crumbs or grease left behind inside, and make sure it’s all dry before popping it back together.
- Are air fryers worth the money?
Whether an air fryer is worth the money will depend on how you cook and how often you'd use one. They’re quick, easy to use, and make tasty food with little to no oil. If you cook regularly, they’re definitely worth it especially for quick, simple weeknight meals.
- What’s the difference between single and dual-basket air fryers?
The main difference is how much you can cook at once. Single-basket models have 1 compartment, so everything goes in together great for simple meals or smaller portions. On the other hand, dual-basket models have 2 compartments, meaning you can cook different foods at the same time, with different timings and temperatures.
- Is a digital or manual air fryer better?
It really depends on which you prefer. Digital air fryers have touchscreens and presets, so they’re super easy and precise. Manual ones use simple dials, are easy to get the hang of, and usually cost less.
- What should I consider when choosing an air fryer?
When picking out an air fryer, you should think about the capacity you need, whether you want 1 or 2 baskets, and if you prefer dials or digital controls. Also keep an eye on the number of cooking functions and whether it’s got dishwasher safe parts.
