If you often cook a main and a side dish using different settings, choose an air fryer with two independent zones and check that it has a sync function. A flexible drawer is a better choice if you switch between cooking two dishes and preparing one larger dish; a single basket can still work if you’re happy to cook in batches. In every case, compare the usable space, overall size and cleaning requirements of the exact model, rather than looking only at its total capacity.
If your main and side dish need different cooking times or temperatures, look for an air fryer with two independent zones. If you want both dishes to finish cooking at the same time, check that the model you choose also has a sync function.
A drawer with a removable divider lets you switch from two zones to one continuous space, provided its internal width suits the food you plan to cook.
A single basket may be all you need. For a complete meal, though, you’ll need to cook in batches. Also check that you have enough room for the appliance in your kitchen.
Start with the way you prepare meals: cooking one dish at a time, cooking two dishes separately or occasionally needing one large, continuous cooking space.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking two dishes | Check that each zone has its own settings and that the air fryer has a finish-time sync function. This function coordinates cooking times, but doesn’t guarantee the cooking results. Que Choisir includes it in its testing protocol for dual-zone appliances. | I’m cooking a main and a side dish that need different cooking times, but I want to serve them together. |
| Usable space | Compare the capacity, shape and internal width of each basket. For example, Philips France lists a 6 L and a 3 L basket for the NA352/00; Moulinex lists two zones of 5.5 L and 3.5 L, or one 9 L zone, for the EZ9228F0. | A large total capacity won’t help if the main dish doesn’t fit in the basket it’s meant to go in. |
| Keeping an eye on cooking | Check the quantities and shaking instructions in the manual, then look for tests of the specific model and foods you’re interested in. Syncing the finish time doesn’t mean you can leave both dishes unchecked. | I want to know whether I’ll need to do anything while either dish is cooking. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space you have and allow room to open the drawers. Check the cleaning instructions for each part and whether it’s dishwasher-safe. Que Choisir includes ease of use and cleaning among its selection criteria. | I need to be able to use, clean and put away the appliance without it taking up my worktop for good. |
| Other cooking modes | If you’re considering a multi-cooker, compare the modes you’ll actually use and check whether it can cook two dishes independently. The Cookeo Infinity tested by Que Choisir can’t do this and weighs 12 kg. | If I also want other cooking modes, I could consider a multi-cooker. But if I need to cook two foods separately, I’ll check that it has separate zones first. |
The total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space each basket offers or whether a wide dish will fit. Philips France lists two baskets of 6 L and 3 L for the NA352/00, while Moulinex says the divider can be removed from the EZ9228F0 to create one continuous 9 L zone.
Compare the internal dimensions with the size of the food or dishes you use.
Finishing two programmes at the same time doesn’t guarantee that both foods will turn out as you want.
Check the shaking instructions and quantities in the manual. To assess the results, look for a test of the exact model and the dishes you’re interested in.
The space an air fryer takes up on your worktop isn’t the only space you’ll need when using it.
Before choosing a size, measure the space you have, the clearance in front of the appliance and the height beneath your cupboards.
The Cookeo Infinity tested by Que Choisir offers other cooking modes, but can’t cook two dishes independently; it weighs 12 kg.
If your priority is to cook a main and a side dish separately and have them finish at the same time, check that a multi-cooker can do this before choosing one.
Moulinex’s product details for the Easy Fry Dual Flex EZ9228F0 describe a drawer with a removable divider: two zones of 5.5 L and 3.5 L, or one continuous 9 L zone.
Philips France lists the NA352/00 with one 6 L basket, one 3 L basket and a sync function.
Joybuy France lists the Ninja AF500EUWH as a 10.4 L dual air fryer. This capacity applies to this model, not every Ninja air fryer.
These dual-basket models are designed for meals cooked in two separate zones. For the specific model you’re considering, check the settings for each zone, the finish-time sync function and the available space in each drawer.
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The two baskets are suited to a meal with a main and a side dish. Check the capacity of each basket and whether this NA351/00 has a sync function: don’t assume that features listed for the Philips NA352/00 also apply to this model. Check the manual for the variant on sale for installation and cleaning instructions, too.
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The two-drawer design lets you cook a main and a side dish in separate compartments. If you want them to finish at the same time, check the DZ400EU manual for the relevant function, along with the installation and cleaning instructions.
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The two drawers let you split the different parts of a meal between them. Compare their dimensions with your planned portions, and check the DZ300EU manual for the finish-time sync function, shaking instructions and installation requirements.
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The independent temperature control listed in the QZG-F24F1’s name is worth considering if your two dishes need different settings. Don’t assume its Sync function coordinates the finish times of two separate dishes without checking first. Check how it works and review the electrical requirements in the manual.
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This model with two drawers may suit you if you want to cook your main and side dishes separately. Before taking “7.6L” to mean usable capacity, confirm the total capacity and the capacity of each drawer for the exact model. Also check the sync function and installation instructions.
Not on their own. Check that each zone has its own settings and that the model has a finish-time sync function. This coordinates cooking times, but doesn’t guarantee the result for either dish. Que Choisir uses this function in its testing protocol with chips and chicken drumsticks in two independent baskets.
No. The size of each zone and whether you can combine the cooking spaces also matter. Philips France lists capacities of 6 L and 3 L for the two baskets in the NA352/00; Moulinex says the divider in the EZ9228F0 lets you switch from 5.5 L and 3.5 L zones to one continuous 9 L zone.
It may suit you if you’ll use its other cooking modes, but check that it can also cook separate dishes at the same time. The Cookeo Infinity tested by Que Choisir weighs 12 kg and can’t cook two dishes independently.
Measure the space on your worktop and allow room to open the drawers. Before buying, check the voltage, wattage, plug, connection instructions and clearance requirements in the manual for the specific variant you’ve chosen.