Households that already have an oven
You want to know whether you cook small batches often enough to justify a second appliance. UFC-Que Choisir points out that, like an oven, an air fryer uses circulating hot air.
Who is this choice for?
People who cook several portions
The basket’s actual size matters just as much as its advertised capacity if you want to cook a whole meal in one go. Two drawers can also let you keep foods separate, as long as each drawer can hold the portion you need.
People with a small or open-plan kitchen
The space an appliance takes up on your worktop and the noise from its fan may affect your decision. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking how noisy it is before you buy.
How do the appliances compare?
If you already have an oven, start by thinking about the meals you actually cook in it. A mini oven is an option if you’re looking for a compact, countertop oven, while a traditional deep fryer is designed specifically for deep-frying in oil.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap with your oven | Think about the small batches you cook regularly and whether it would be useful to cook two dishes separately. | If my oven already covers the meals I usually cook, I don’t want another appliance to maintain; around 33% of consumers put avoiding duplication first. |
| Portions and dishes | Compare the shape and internal dimensions with your dishes. For four people, UFC-Que Choisir recommends a model of at least 6 L, although this capacity alone doesn’t guarantee it will suit every recipe. | When I cook for several people, I want the portions to fit without having to cook multiple batches; for around 27% of consumers, usable capacity is the priority. |
| Space, noise and cleaning | Measure the space you plan to use and check the instructions for cleaning advice. In an open-plan kitchen, look for noise measurements that specify the distance. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want an appliance I can place, use and clean without too much hassle; around 20% of consumers put minimising these inconveniences first. |
| Added oil | Check which cooking method you’re looking for: circulating hot air with little or no added oil, depending on the recipe, or deep-frying in oil. | If I cook foods that are usually fried, I want to limit the added oil without assuming the result will be the same as deep-frying; around 20% of consumers say this is their main concern. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an air fryer does something your oven can’t
Both appliances can cook using circulating hot air. If you don’t regularly cook small batches or need to keep two dishes separate, a new appliance may simply duplicate what your oven already does.
Compare the meals you usually cook, how often you make them and the size of your dishes before choosing.
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
The advertised capacity won’t tell you whether your baking tin will fit in the basket or how much food you can arrange inside for one batch.
Check the internal and external dimensions, as well as the size and shape of the drawers or racks.
If the basket is too small for your portions, you may have to cook several batches.
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Forgetting about noise in an open-plan kitchen
You may hear the fan while the appliance is cooking. Noise measurements are only useful for comparing models if they use a comparable method and distance.
Look for an independent measurement that states the distance used; UFC-Que Choisir measures noise from 50 cm away.
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Confusing less added oil with a health benefit
Cooking with little or no added oil describes how a dish is prepared; it doesn’t tell you about the meal’s overall nutritional value or any medical effects.
Choose between hot-air cooking and deep-frying according to the result you want, rather than treating this feature as a health promise.
Brands to consider
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Appliances to compare
These appliances show the choice between air fryers with different configurations and a countertop mini oven. Compare their size and format with your current oven and the meals you cook most often.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ400EU, two drawers, 9,5 L
Worth considering if you want to cook two dishes separately, provided each drawer can hold your portions. The product description lists a total capacity of 9,5 L, six functions and baskets described as dishwasher-safe. Check the usable size of each drawer and how much worktop space you’ll need.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7,6 L
If you’re looking to cook several portions in an air fryer, compare the shape of its basket with the dishes you usually use. Its advertised capacity is 7,6 L, but that figure alone doesn’t tell you how much usable space there is for each recipe.
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Ninja Crispi FN101EUGY air fryer
Compare it with your oven if you’re considering a separate appliance for everyday meals. Check the size of the containers, how many portions you can prepare in them and the handling instructions after cooking before choosing this model.
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Midea Air Fryer, 2 L, 1150 W
Before buying, compare its advertised 2 L capacity with the small portions you usually cook and check whether they’ll fit in one batch. The product description mentions a 60-minute timer and a non-stick basket described as dishwasher-safe.
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Black+Decker BXOV4500E, 2000 W mini oven
Consider this mini oven if you’d prefer a countertop appliance with an oven-style design rather than a drawer-style air fryer. Check its external dimensions, internal space and whether your dishes will fit; its advertised power is 2000 W.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer completely replace my oven?
Not for every meal. According to UFC-Que Choisir, an air fryer also uses circulating hot air. It may suit you if you often cook batches that fit its basket, but check that your larger dishes and tins will fit before deciding to do without your oven.
What capacity should I look for if I’m cooking for four?
UFC-Que Choisir recommends a model of at least 6 L for a family of four. This is a useful guide, but you should still check the internal dimensions, basket shape and the portions you want to cook together.
How can I check how noisy it is and how easy it is to clean?
Look for an independent noise measurement that states the distance, especially if you have an open-plan kitchen; UFC-Que Choisir measures noise from 50 cm away as part of its testing. Check the model’s instructions to find out which parts can be removed and how to wash them.
Does cooking with less oil make a meal healthier?
Using little or no added oil, depending on the recipe, isn’t enough to establish a health benefit or determine a meal’s nutritional value. When choosing an appliance, focus instead on the difference between cooking with circulating hot air and deep-frying in oil, then choose the method that suits the dish you want to make.