The air fryer has become the star appliance in our kitchens. Its promise? Healthy, fast, and crispy cooking with just a spoonful of oil, appealing to families and singles alike. But be careful: with a jungle of models on the market, it's easy to make a purchasing mistake that quickly leads to disappointment.
As the Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, I'm here to guide you. Let's break down the mistakes to avoid and the essential criteria for finding the perfect appliance for your needs.
The market is flooded with models making tempting promises. But behind the marketing, some flaws only become apparent once the appliance is in your kitchen. Here are the pitfalls to watch out for.
Many manufacturers promote an XXL air fryer or a large-capacity air fryer based on the total volume of the chamber. The catch? The only capacity that truly matters is that of the cooking basket. An appliance advertised as 8 litres might only have a 5 or 6-litre basket, which is just barely enough for a family of four. Our advice: don't rely on the volume in litres. Instead, look at the basket's dimensions and the amount of food (in kg) it can hold.
Power that's too low (under 1400W for a medium-sized model) is a recipe for endless cooking times and disappointing results. For truly golden, crispy fries or perfectly seared meat, the appliance needs to heat up quickly, powerfully, and maintain its temperature. Sufficient power guarantees efficient, even cooking that rivals traditional deep-frying, but with fewer calories.
An appliance that's hard to clean is an appliance that ends up in the cupboard. That's a golden rule. Be wary of baskets with hard-to-reach corners or low-quality non-stick coatings that flake off after a few washes. The smart move: choose models where the removable parts (basket, tray) are dishwasher-safe and the coating is known for its durability.
To ensure your future air fryer won't disappoint, carefully examine these three essential criteria.
The choice depends on your household size and your cooking habits.
As we've seen, power is a non-negotiable criterion. For maximum versatility, look for a model that offers:
The best features are the ones that genuinely make your life easier. Here are a few options to consider:
To put theory into practice, here are a few models that caught our eye, each tailored to a specific type of user.
Why this model? Ideal for small kitchens, studios, or people living alone. Its compact size lets you prepare individual or two-person portions without waste and without cluttering the countertop.
Its 2L capacity is clearly advertised for 1-2 people, avoiding the trap of oversized "XXL" models that are impractical for solo use.
Dishwasher-safe non-stick basket for effortless cleaning. Very compact design (21.8 x 21.8 cm) for easy storage.
Why this model? Designed for complete family meals, this Philips model offers two different-sized baskets (a large one for the main course, a small one for the side dish), which is perfect for managing an entire meal at once.
Its 2750W power is well-suited to its large 9L capacity, ensuring fast and effective cooking even at full load, unlike underpowered XXL models.
Sync function ensures both baskets finish cooking at the same time. Rapid Air technology for a crispy result.
Why this model? For those who love to experiment in the kitchen, this Cosori model offers remarkable flexibility. Its very wide temperature range allows you to do everything from slow dehydration to high-temperature roasting.
It doesn't just fry. Its temperature range of 30°C to 230°C makes it a true multifunction appliance, avoiding the pitfall of single-task fryers.
DC motor for faster, more energy-efficient cooking. Family-sized 6L capacity suitable for 4-5 people.
Why this model? For those who like to keep an eye on their food, this model is unique. Its panoramic borosilicate glass bowl lets you monitor the cooking 360° without ever opening the appliance.
It solves the problem of cleaning traditional baskets. The glass bowl is not only scratch-resistant and BPA-free, but also easier to maintain than a basket with multiple nooks and crannies.
Transparent cooking bowl for total visual control. Durable materials (borosilicate glass and stainless steel) for peace of mind.
Our selection doesn't stop here. Discover all the models we've tested and approved, which meet our selection criteria and European safety standards.
Consumption obviously depends on the power (in watts) and usage time. However, an air fryer is almost always more energy-efficient than a conventional oven. Its secret? Near-instant preheating and a small volume to heat. As a result, it reaches the right temperature much faster and cooks more quickly, which significantly lowers your electricity bill.
Absolutely, its versatility is one of its greatest strengths. Beyond fries, you can roast a chicken, grill vegetables, cook fish, reheat a slice of pizza, or even bake cakes and muffins (with the right accessories). The most advanced models offer dehydration functions for making dried fruit or beef jerky. The only limitations are for very liquid preparations, like soups, or wet batters that would drip through the basket.
The secret to easy maintenance? Consistency. Ideally, clean the basket and drawer after each use, once they have cooled down. Most removable baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe. For stubborn residue, soak the parts in hot, soapy water before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge. Never submerge the main body of the unit in water. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is enough for the exterior.