Someone living alone or a couple cooking small portions
If you often cook small quantities, compare your recipes with the basket’s usable capacity, not just its volume in litres. Que Choisir discusses this trade-off for small-batch cooking.
Who is this choice for?
Households cooking two parts of a meal
If you want to cook a main and a side at the same time, compare the capacity of each zone and check whether the basket can be adjusted. Que Choisir notes that results can vary between zones.
Households with an oven already, but little space
If your oven is enough for your usual meals, consider the space an air fryer takes up, as well as its noise and cleaning requirements, before adding another appliance. Que Choisir highlights the risk of duplicating what your oven already does.
What should you look for when cooking small meals?
A compact air fryer with one drawer
Consider this if: you often cook one or two small portions and can set aside space for the appliance.
Bear in mind: the cooking area and amount you can cook per batch are limited; check the usable capacity for the foods you make.
A larger capacity or two zones
Consider this if: you regularly cook two dishes at once, or a small basket would mean cooking several batches.
Bear in mind: the appliance will take up more space. Que Choisir also notes that results can vary between zones.
Keep your existing oven
Consider this if: your usual cooking fits in the oven and you rarely make small dishes, so another appliance would be hard to justify.
Bear in mind: you won’t get the results seen with an air fryer for some small-batch cooking. These depend on the recipes and appliances compared.
To choose between these options, start with your portion sizes and how often you really cook small batches. Then check how much space you have and what maintenance the appliance needs.
| Priority | What to check | Who cares most about it? |
|---|---|---|
| Amount per batch | Compare the stated capacity for the foods you cook and the basket’s usable dimensions with your usual portions. | When I cook for one or two people, I want to know whether my recipe will fit in the basket without having to cook several batches. Around 25% of consumers prioritise how much food they can actually cook at once. |
| Usefulness compared with the oven | Think about which small-batch dishes you would genuinely cook in an air fryer. Energy results depend on the recipe and the appliances compared. | If my oven already covers my needs, I want frequent small-batch cooking to justify adding another appliance. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this extra usefulness. |
| Space available | Measure the space you have in mind and check the clearance needed around the appliance in its manual. | In a kitchen with limited worktop space, I’d rather keep the room than choose a capacity I’m unlikely to use. Around 20% of consumers put size at the top of their list. |
| Cleaning and noise | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe in the manual, and look for noise measurements for the model you’re considering. | If I use the appliance often, I want its parts to be easy to clean and to take its everyday noise into account. Around 15% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
| Cooking two dishes at once | Check the capacity of each zone and, if needed, whether the settings are independent or there’s a removable divider. | When I cook a main and a side together, I want to make sure each food fits in its zone and will cook as intended. Around 15% of consumers put cooking two dishes at once first. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Assuming the capacity in litres tells you how many portions you can cook successfully
The right amount depends on the food and how much room is available in the basket. Que Choisir distinguishes between the amount recommended in the manual and the maximum load assessed in its testing protocol.
Compare the stated capacity for the foods you cook with your usual portions, as well as the basket’s usable dimensions.
If the usable capacity is smaller than you expected, you may have to cook several batches.
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Choosing an air fryer solely to replace your oven
An air fryer can do some of the jobs an oven does, but the energy advantage found by Que Choisir applies to specific recipes and appliances. It won’t necessarily apply to everything you cook.
Think about which small dishes you would genuinely cook in it. If you rarely make them and your oven already meets your needs, stick with your oven as your only cooking appliance.
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Assuming a dual-zone model’s total capacity applies to each drawer
For the Philips NA156/60, Philips states that it has two 3.55 l compartments, or one 7.1 l compartment when the removable divider is taken out.
Check how much food you plan to cook in each zone and whether the combined configuration will suit your dishes.
Brands to know when comparing sizes
These examples relate to specific ranges or models. Their features don’t apply to every product from the same brand.
Philips
The NA210/00 and NA156/60 models illustrate a standard 3.2 l basket and an adjustable configuration respectively.
- Philips says the NA156/60 can switch from two 3.55 l compartments to one 7.1 l compartment using its removable divider.
- The stated volume alone doesn’t guarantee that a full basket will cook as you’d like; features vary by model.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry Essential EZ130810 is an example of a standard 3.5 l basket to consider for small meals.
- Moulinex says this model’s non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe.
- The brand’s claim that it serves up to four people depends on its own criteria. Compare it with the usable capacity for the dishes you make.
Instant Pot
The 3.8 l Instant Vortex 4-in-1 is an example of a standard basket model for which the brand also states a food capacity.
- Instant Pot says this model can cook up to 600 g of chips and has removable parts that are dishwasher-safe.
- These capacities are figures provided by the brand, not an independent measure of how many portions it can cook successfully.
Tefal
The 3 l Easy Fry Compact EY145810 is another example of a standard basket format.
- Tefal says this model’s basket is dishwasher-safe.
- Tefal’s stated energy saving is based on a test using 300 g of frozen chips compared with a class A oven. It doesn’t apply to every recipe or oven.
Ninja
Two-drawer models and some vertical formats are worth considering if cooking two dishes at once matters more to you than having a single basket.
- Que Choisir describes options for cooking in two drawers.
- Que Choisir notes that results can vary between zones; this observation doesn’t guarantee the performance of every Ninja model.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
This selection includes compact standard-basket models and dual-zone options. It helps you compare air fryer formats, but doesn’t replace the option of keeping your oven as your only appliance.
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Ninja AF110EU 4.7 l Digital Air Fryer
Worth considering if you’re comparing standard-basket models for small portions; the model name states that it serves 1 to 2 portions.
The name specifies a 2,000 W power rating and a non-stick basket. This model isn’t suitable for deep frying.
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12 qt Dual-Basket Air Fryer with Adjustable Baskets
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a dual-basket format and want to consider a model with adjustable baskets.
The name specifies viewing windows and a pack of 50 basket liners. Check the dimensions and usable capacity of each configuration before choosing.
The manual states that the appliance isn’t suitable for liquid dishes such as soups, sauces or stews.
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Philips NA210/00 2000 Series, 3.2 l
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a compact model with a standard basket.
Allow at least 100 mm of clear space on each side of the appliance, as stated in its description.
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Midea Compact Air Fryer 2 l, 1,150 W
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a small format and want to check the features listed for this specific model.
The name specifies a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and a 60-minute timer.
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Cuisinart AFD10XBLE XXL Dual-Zone
Worth comparing if you’re considering a Dual-Zone model with viewing windows. Check the usable capacity of each zone and the space needed to set it up.
Frequently asked questions
Will a basket stated to serve four people definitely make four complete meals?
No. It depends on the recipe and the usable capacity of the model. Compare the amount of food you want to cook with the recommended capacity and the size of your dish. Que Choisir’s testing protocol distinguishes between the amount stated in the manual and the maximum load tested.
What should you check when setting up and cleaning an air fryer?
Check the model’s manual for the space it needs and which parts are washable. Moulinex says the Easy Fry Essential EZ130810’s basket is dishwasher-safe; this feature doesn’t automatically apply to other models.
Will an air fryer use less electricity than my oven?
Not necessarily for every recipe. In Que Choisir’s tests, air fryers used an average of 36% less electricity than a mini oven to cook a small quiche of the same size. For chicken drumsticks, some models used more energy. The result depends on the recipes, appliances and how often you use them.
What statutory guarantee applies to an air fryer bought from a trader in France?
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a trader to a consumer in France. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that you have two years to claim under it. It’s separate from a commercial guarantee or a manufacturer’s repair offer.
What electrical safety requirements should you check before buying in France?
European Directive 2014/35/EU on low-voltage electrical equipment applies, among other things, to appliances with a rated voltage between 50 and 1,000 V AC. EUR-Lex states that CE marking applies to equipment within its scope. Check the electrical information and documentation for the specific model: its name or a sales listing isn’t enough to establish that it complies.