People who cook small portions
If you regularly cook just one part of a meal, a basket air fryer can save you from having to use the oven. Just make sure your usual portion fits in the drawer without exceeding the recommended load.
Who are these options for?
People who coordinate two dishes
If you often need two different foods ready at the same time, a dual-drawer model is designed for the job, according to Que Choisir. Its footprint matters just as much as the benefit of having two cooking zones.
People with an already well-equipped kitchen
If your oven or mini oven is still easy to use, think about the small dishes for which a second cooking space would genuinely be useful. Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can perform tasks your oven already handles.
What should you consider before buying?
Start with the meals you find tricky to prepare, then compare the usable capacity, available space and cleaning requirements with what you need. A second appliance isn’t worth buying just for its cooking functions.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Small meals without using the oven | Compare the basket’s usable dimensions with your portion, and check the recommended load in the instruction manual. | When the oven is in use, I want to cook one part of a meal separately without relying on it being free. Around 37% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Cooking two foods at once | Check the capacity of each zone and whether it has a synchronisation function, if you need one. | When a meal includes two foods that need cooking at the same time, I want to be able to coordinate them. This comes first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space available, including the clearance needed around the appliance. Check the manual for instructions on washing removable parts. | With limited worktop space, I want to be able to use and clean the appliance without it becoming a daily nuisance. Around 18% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
| Risk of duplication | Think about the small meals your current oven isn’t convenient for, rather than comparing only the advertised functions. | If my oven already suits the meals I usually make, I want to be sure another appliance will solve a real problem. Avoiding a redundant purchase is a priority for around 18% of consumers. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
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Assuming an air fryer offers a function your oven lacks
Que Choisir highlights how their functions overlap. If you don’t often cook small portions that are awkward to make while the oven is in use, the appliance may simply take up space.
Think back to recent meals when a separate cooking space would genuinely have been useful.
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Choosing based only on the stated capacity
The basket’s volume alone doesn’t tell you how much of every food it can hold. Que Choisir’s testing protocol distinguishes, among other things, between the quantity recommended in the manual and a basket filled to two-thirds.
Compare the drawer’s shape and loading recommendations with your usual portions.
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Choosing two drawers for a single small portion
Two zones are designed for cooking different foods at the same time. If you’d only use them together occasionally, remember to factor in the extra space they take up.
Choose this format for meals where you’d regularly use both zones.
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Counting on a fixed electricity saving
Que Choisir measures electricity use during its cooking tests, but results depend on the appliances, quantities and cooking cycles being compared.
Check energy use in conditions similar to your own before making it a deciding factor.
Brands to know
There are no brand profiles to display in this section.
Air fryers for small batches
These Joybuy models are designed for cooking small quantities without using the oven. To choose between them, consider the container you’ll use, your usual portion size and the space available.
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Midea 2 L air fryer, 1 150 W, black
For cooking a small quantity in a single basket. The product name indicates that it has a non-stick basket that’s dishwasher-safe and a 60-minute timer. Check the manual for the recommended load for your food, as well as the worktop space you’ll need.
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NINJA FN101EUGY Crispi air fryer
Worth considering if you want to cook a small quantity without using the oven and keep an eye on your food in a transparent container. Check the loading recommendations for your portion and the space needed to use the appliance.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven for everyday cooking?
It can handle some small dishes, but it won’t automatically replace your oven’s capacity. If you usually cook larger dishes or find your oven convenient, an air fryer’s main benefit depends on how often a separate cooking space would come in handy.
When should I choose a dual-drawer model?
Choose a dual-drawer model if you regularly cook two different foods at the same time and want to coordinate when they finish. Check the space needed and the capacity of each zone. Que Choisir notes that results can vary between zones.
How can I plan for cleaning?
Check the manual for the model you’re considering to see which parts are removable and how to wash them. Don’t assume that every basket or container is dishwasher-safe.
What warranty applies in France if a new appliance is faulty?
For a new appliance bought from a professional seller in France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies for two years, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. Any commercial warranty is in addition to this; it doesn’t replace it.