An air fryer can complement your oven for smaller portions, but whether it’s right for you depends on the meals you cook and the space you have. A single-drawer model is suitable if you usually cook one item at a time; two drawers let you prepare two different things separately, provided each basket is big enough for your portions. For larger dishes, compare the usable capacity with your oven before adding another appliance to your kitchen.
If you cook one or two portions, or one side dish at a time, consider a single-drawer model. Also measure the space needed to open the drawer: a basket that fits your portions won’t be much use if the appliance gets in the way on your worktop. A meal with several components may need to be cooked in batches.
A dual-drawer appliance lets you cook different foods at the same time. However, UFC-Que Choisir notes that results can vary between zones. Check the capacity of each basket and the performance of the model you’re considering, rather than relying on its advertised total capacity alone.
To reduce the number of batches, look at the surface area available for spreading out the food and the dimensions of the cooking cavity. According to UFC-Que Choisir, usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook, so an ‘XXL’ label alone doesn’t tell you how many portions will fit.
Start with the dishes you cook most often, then compare the quantities you need and how you prepare them with what each size can accommodate.
Worth considering: for a small portion or one item at a time, especially when space is limited.
The trade-off: you’ll need to cook two items in batches if they won’t fit in the basket together.
Worth considering: for cooking two different items at the same time. If it matters to you, check whether the model can synchronise the cooking finish times.
The trade-off: two baskets don’t make one large cavity, and UFC-Que Choisir reports that results can vary between zones.
Worth considering: if you need to fit one large dish or several portions in a single batch.
The trade-off: compare the usable space with the appliance’s footprint. The advertised capacity in litres doesn’t tell you what shape or size of dish will fit inside.
Best for some uses: keep your oven as your main appliance if you often cook dishes that are too large for the air fryer basket you’re considering.
Worth weighing up: for smaller recipes, compare how you actually use your oven or mini oven with an air fryer, without assuming they’ll produce the same results.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the internal dimensions with your usual dishes, the recommended load and the surface area available for spreading out food. UFC-Que Choisir emphasises that usable capacity, rather than the product’s marketing label, determines how much you can cook. | I want to be able to cook enough for my household without making several batches. If I’m cooking one large dish, I also need to check that it fits in the cavity. |
| Cooking two items | Check the capacity of each drawer, whether the settings can be adjusted independently and, if needed, whether the cooking finish times can be synchronised. According to UFC-Que Choisir, cooking in two zones doesn’t necessarily give the same results in each one. | If I want to serve two parts of a meal together, each basket needs to fit its portion. A high total capacity isn’t enough on its own. |
| Space and noise | Measure the appliance and the clearance needed with the drawer open. If your kitchen is open-plan, look for a noise test of the exact model: UFC-Que Choisir highlights the noise made by the fan. | My kitchen needs to remain practical while the appliance is in use. If it opens onto the living area, noise is another factor in my decision. |
| Cleaning | Check the instructions to see which parts are removable and how to clean them. Also check how easy it is to remove the basket and monitor the food while it’s cooking. | If I use the appliance regularly, I’d rather know what cleaning involves after each meal than choose based only on the number of programmes. |
| Using your oven | Compare the same recipe and quantity before drawing conclusions about energy use. In a 2024 test, UFC-Que Choisir found that the air fryers tested used an average of 36 % less electricity than a mini oven when cooking a small quiche of the same size. This result doesn’t apply to every recipe or oven. | Before adding another appliance, I want to know whether my usual dishes will fit in its basket or whether my oven already meets most of my needs. |
An advertised capacity doesn’t tell you the shape of the cavity or how much room you’ll need to spread out the food. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the stated capacity and how much you can actually cook.
Compare the internal dimensions and the recommended load in the instructions with the dishes and portions you cook most often.
Cooking in parallel makes it easier to prepare two different things, but each item is still limited to its own drawer. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that results can vary between zones.
Check how much fits in each basket. For one large dish, compare a large-cavity model with your oven instead.
If the basket is too small for your usual dishes, you’ll have to cook in batches. The appliance could end up being an extra rather than taking care of the meals you bought it for.
Make a note of three dishes you cook often, then check whether the quantities will fit in the size you’re considering. Keep your oven in mind for larger dishes.
The fan may matter in an open-plan kitchen, while removing and cleaning the parts becomes important if you cook regularly. UFC-Que Choisir includes noise and ease of use in its testing criteria.
Look for a test of the exact model to check noise and ease of use, then consult its instructions for cleaning guidance.
These models show a range of air fryer designs for household meals: two drawers, smaller containers and a basket with a higher advertised capacity. Compare their features with your portions and the space available; this list is no substitute for comparing them with your oven.
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Worth considering if you want to cook two different things in separate drawers. The advertised 9.5 L is the total capacity, not a measure of usable space; check how much room is available in each basket and whether the synchronised finish function suits your meals. The product name lists six functions, including Air Fry and Roast, as well as dishwasher-safe baskets.
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The two drawers let you prepare two parts of a meal separately. The advertised 7.6 L capacity is split between them, so check that each zone can fit your portion and that the cooking results meet your needs. The product name lists six functions and dishwasher-safe baskets.
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If you’re considering this model for a smaller kitchen, compare the dimensions of the appliance and container with your usual portions. Don’t assume you can cook two things at once without checking the setup described in the instructions.
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It’s worth comparing the advertised 7.6 L capacity with the dishes and portions you cook for your household. Check the internal dimensions, how much you can cook in one batch and how much worktop space the appliance takes up: the stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you.
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Compare the advertised 2 L basket with the smaller portions you cook, especially if your meal includes several items. The product name lists a 1150 W power rating, a 60 min timer and a non-stick basket. These features alone don’t tell you about cooking results or noise levels.
Yes, as long as the portions and dishes fit in the cooking zones of the model you choose. Two drawers can hold different foods at the same time, but UFC-Que Choisir notes that results can vary between zones. For one large dish, check the usable cavity or keep your oven for that meal.
Check the internal dimensions, the recommended load in the instructions and the space your food needs. UFC-Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much you can actually cook: the stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that a particular dish will fit in the basket.
It depends on the food and the appliances you’re comparing. In 2024, UFC-Que Choisir found that the air fryers it tested used an average of 36 % less electricity than a mini oven when cooking a small quiche of the same size. This result doesn’t predict energy use for every meal or every model.
In France, you can take an old household appliance to a collection point or recycling centre, return it to a shop or give it to a social and solidarity economy organisation, depending on the options listed by the ministry responsible for the ecological transition. Check the arrangements at your chosen location before setting off.