If you often cook just one small portion, a single-basket air fryer is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L as a guide for one or two people, but advises checking how much you can actually cook and how much space you have. Two drawers are better suited to regularly cooking two dishes at the same time. If your oven already suits the quantities and dishes you make, an air fryer may simply duplicate what you have: both appliances use circulating hot air, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
How often you cook small portions and whether you need to serve two dishes together matter more than the format’s marketing name.
For roasted vegetables, a side dish or a small portion of leftovers, a single basket can save you from having to use the oven. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L as a starting point for one or two people, but also recommends checking the usable capacity: that’s what determines how much you can cook at once.
If you regularly cook a main dish and a side with different cooking times, two drawers could suit your needs. Check the capacity of each drawer and, if you want both dishes to finish cooking at the same time, make sure the specific model has a synchronisation function.
For bakes, quiches, larger dishes or cooking in batches, ask yourself what an additional appliance would really bring. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer uses circulating hot air and has functions similar to those of an oven.
Worth considering: if you cook one small dish at a time, often enough to justify having a separate appliance from your oven.
The trade-off: you may need to cook a main dish and its side in two batches.
Worth considering: if you regularly cook two foods at the same time, with different cooking times or temperatures.
The trade-off: this set-up offers little benefit for just one small portion; also measure how much space it will take up.
Keep or consider: if you need more cooking space for certain dishes and your current equipment already suits the meals you usually make.
Worth weighing up: according to UFC-Que Choisir, an air fryer does not offer a completely different type of cooking from a fan oven.
Once you know how you’ll use it, compare the amount you cook at a time with the appliance’s dimensions, then consider cooking requirements and cleaning.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usefulness alongside your oven | Think about the small dishes you cook often. Compare them with the dishes and quantities your oven already accommodates. | I often cook just one small portion. Would I use another appliance often enough to avoid doubling up? |
| Capacity and space | UFC-Que Choisir suggests a 3 to 4 L single basket as a guide for one or two people. Check the usable cooking surface, external dimensions and the space needed to open the drawer. | My usual portions need to fit in the basket, and I want to be able to open the appliance without cluttering the worktop. |
| Cooking at the same time | If you’re considering two drawers, compare their individual capacities and check whether the model can synchronise the end of cooking. | Do a main dish and its vegetables often need to be ready at the same time, despite having different cooking times? |
| Cooking results | Look for tests that specify the recipes, food quantities and assessment criteria. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol records cooking time, temperature and energy use, then assesses appearance, texture and taste. | I want to judge how it cooks the food I usually make, rather than assume the result based on the number of advertised programmes. |
| Cleaning and noise | Check which parts of the specific model are dishwasher-safe and read its care instructions. For an open-plan kitchen, also look for noise measurements from an independent test: UFC-Que Choisir flags the fan as something to consider. | Cleaning needs to be manageable after frequent, small batches; noise also matters if the kitchen opens onto the living area. |
A high capacity or second drawer won’t necessarily suit you if you only cook one small portion at a time. The stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much space there is to lay out the food.
Start with the largest quantity you usually cook. For one or two people, first compare it with UFC-Que Choisir’s guide of 3 to 4 L for a single basket, then measure the space you’ll need with the appliance and drawer open.
A result for one specific recipe and quantity doesn’t represent every meal you cook at home. UFC-Que Choisir measures cooking time and energy use for each cooking test.
When comparing appliances, look for tests that state which foods were cooked, the quantities used and the measurement conditions, rather than assuming an advertising figure applies to all your meals.
A dishwasher-safe basket doesn’t mean you can ignore the care instructions for the rest of the appliance. The fan can also be a consideration in an open-plan kitchen.
Check which parts of the model you’re choosing can be removed and look for a noise test. For its appliances, Philips recommends letting the air fryer cool before cleaning and avoiding metal utensils and abrasive products; follow the instructions for your model.
Capacity, accessories and functions can vary between models in the same range. A general description of the brand won’t tell you what’s included in the specific configuration you order.
Before you buy, note the full model number and check the dimensions, included items, dishwasher compatibility and the functions you actually need.
These examples show different configurations. To choose, always compare the details for the specific model with your portion sizes and available space.
The range includes the HD9252/90, listed at 4.1 L, and the NA351/00R1, which Philips France presents as having two drawers for separating a main dish and a side.
The Easy Fry range includes the 3 L EZ145A20 and a 7.5 L model, with capacities suited to different meal quantities.
When choosing a Ninja air fryer, the exact model number matters. Compare the configuration on offer with the portion sizes you prepare.
These four air fryers have stated capacities or configurations worth considering for small portions. Their inclusion here doesn’t settle whether one would duplicate your oven: start with your usual portion sizes and check the space needed for the model you choose.
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If you cook one dish at a time, compare its 4.7 L capacity with your usual portions: it’s above UFC-Que Choisir’s 3 to 4 L guide for one or two people. The model name lists a power rating of 2000 W. Also check its dimensions, the clearance it needs and the electrical specifications before deciding where to put it.
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Its stated 2 L capacity may be worth considering if you cook very small quantities; it’s below UFC-Que Choisir’s 3 to 4 L guide for one or two people. The product name mentions a 60-minute timer. Check how much food actually fits in the basket, as well as the space it will need on your worktop.
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If you want to switch between small portions and larger quantities, check the capacities of the containers offered with this model and which ones are actually included. Also allow enough space around the appliance before deciding where to put it in your kitchen.
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Its stated 3.2 L capacity falls within UFC-Que Choisir’s 3 to 4 L guide for one or two people. Still, compare the basket’s usable cooking surface with your meals, and measure the space available, allowing for the clearance the appliance needs.
Not necessarily. According to UFC-Que Choisir, an air fryer uses circulating hot air and has functions similar to those of an oven. It can be handy for making small dishes regularly, while an oven is still worth considering for larger dishes or cooking in batches.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests a 3 to 4 L single basket as a starting point for one or two people. Then check the usable capacity, the basket’s cooking surface and how much you cook at a time: the stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much food will fit.
Look for a test that specifies the recipes, quantities and assessment criteria. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol records cooking time, temperature and energy use for each test, then assesses appearance, texture, crispness and taste.
Let the appliance cool and follow the instructions for each part of your model. For its air fryers, Philips recommends avoiding metal utensils and abrasive products; check separately which parts of your model are dishwasher-safe.