Who are these options for?

People living alone or couples

If you often cook just one portion or a side dish, start by looking at the size of a single basket. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 3 to 4 L for one or two people. Also check that the basket shape suits the food you cook.

Households short on space or with an open-plan kitchen

Capacity alone won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit in your kitchen. Check its dimensions, how much space it needs around it and how noisy the specific model is when in use.

Households that cook two dishes at once

Two compartments can be useful if you regularly cook a main and a side dish with different settings. If you usually make just one small portion at a time, consider whether this format is worth the extra space.

What sets these appliances apart?

Start with the food you usually cook, then compare the quantities and cooking methods with the space each appliance needs and the effort required to clean it.

Single-basket air fryer

Worth considering: you often cook a small amount at a time; UFC-Que Choisir recommends a 3 to 4 L basket for one or two people.

Bear in mind: a single cooking zone can’t be set up to cook two foods at the same time with different settings.

Dual-compartment air fryer

Worth considering: you regularly cook two dishes that need different settings.

Bear in mind: two zones may not be worthwhile for a single portion; check how much space the model you choose will take up.

Deep-fat fryer

Worth considering: you’re mainly looking for the texture of traditional deep-fried food, which UFC-Que Choisir says differs from the results of an air fryer.

Bear in mind: hot oil, potential smells and cleaning all require extra care.

Your existing oven

Worth considering: you only cook small amounts occasionally, or mainly prepare large dishes and big batches.

Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir points out that air fryers and ovens have overlapping functions. Think about how you’ll actually use an air fryer before adding another appliance.

Consideration What to check Think about your needs
Usable capacity Compare the basket’s volume, surface area and shape with your portions and dishes. UFC-Que Choisir recommends a 3 to 4 L single basket for one or two people. I mainly cook one portion, but I want enough room to arrange the food without overfilling the basket.
Cooking results Look for tests using the foods you’re interested in and similar quantities. UFC-Que Choisir has found performance differences between the air fryer models tested in France. Crispy chips matter more to me than having an appliance for roasting or reheating different types of food.
Noise and space Check the exact model’s dimensions, the space it needs while in use and any noise assessments. UFC-Que Choisir draws attention to fan noise. In my open-plan kitchen, I want to know whether the appliance can stay on the worktop and whether its noise will bother me.
Cleaning For the model you’re considering, check how easy the basket is to access, the cleaning instructions and whether removable parts are dishwasher-safe. If I cook a small portion almost every day, cleaning the appliance after each use will be an important factor in my choice.
Making use of appliances you already own Note how often you cook small batches, prepare two dishes at once and deep-fry food. To compare energy use, stick to the same recipe and quantity, and use comparable cooking conditions. My oven or fryer may already meet my usual needs; I’ll only add another appliance if I’ll use it regularly for something different.

What should you watch out for before buying?

  • Choosing two compartments for a single portion

    Two zones help you cook separate dishes, but they can take up more space without offering much benefit if you almost always cook just one food.

    Before choosing this format, think about how often you cook two dishes at once.

  • Going by the litre capacity alone

    The stated capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there is for a quiche, a pizza or food you want to arrange side by side.

    Compare the usable internal dimensions with the food you cook and, if possible, look for tests using quantities similar to yours.

  • Assuming it will use less energy than an oven

    Energy comparisons depend on factors such as the recipe, quantity, temperature and preheating. Results from different conditions may not reflect how you cook.

    Only base your choice on energy use if the appliances are compared using the same dish and conditions that are relevant to you.

  • Forgetting about noise and where it will go

    Fan noise can matter in an open-plan kitchen, and the appliance needs enough space while it’s cooking and cooling down.

    Check the clearance requirements in the instruction manual and look for a noise assessment of the model you’re considering.

A few brands to consider

Philips

The range mentioned includes the 4.1 L single-basket HD9252/90 and the dual-basket NA352/24.

  • Philips France describes the HD9252/90 as suitable for two people and lists a synchronisation function for the NA352/24.
  • These details relate to different models. Choose according to how many dishes you’ll cook and check the dimensions of the one you’re interested in.

Moulinex

Moulinex features models including the 3 L EZ145A20 and the 3.5 L EZ130A20.

  • The brand says the EZ130A20 is repairable for 15 years.
  • Check the capacity, dishwasher-safe parts and any stated commitments for each model rather than assuming they apply to the whole range.

Ninja

Ninja is one of the brands to consider if you’re looking for an appliance with multiple cooking zones.

  • This format is worth comparing if you often cook two separate dishes as part of the same meal.
  • For a specific model, check the usable capacity of each zone, the space it takes up, noise and cleaning, rather than choosing simply because it has multiple compartments.

Single-basket air fryer on Joybuy

This 2 L single-basket model is designed for small amounts of food. Check that the basket shape suits the portions you usually cook.

Midea air fryer, 2 L, black

Midea air fryer, 2 L, black

Its 2 L single basket is worth considering if you cook very small amounts; check that its usable surface area suits the food you usually prepare. The product details list a power rating of 1150 W, a 60 min timer, a non-stick basket and dishwasher-safe parts. If the appliance will sit in an open-plan kitchen or on a small worktop, also check its dimensions and how noisy it is in use.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What size air fryer should I choose for one or two people?

UFC-Que Choisir recommends a 3 to 4 L single basket for one or two people. Then check the basket’s surface area and shape: its capacity alone won’t tell you whether your usual dishes will fit.

Can a compact air fryer replace an oven?

Not for every use. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the overlap between the functions of an air fryer and an oven. If you mainly cook large dishes or rarely make small portions, start by considering what your oven already does well.

How should I factor in noise before buying?

If you have an open-plan kitchen, look for a noise assessment of the specific model while it’s running. UFC-Que Choisir notes that an air fryer’s fan is worth considering; a quick demonstration may not reflect the conditions in your kitchen.

What should I check to make cleaning easier?

Check the instructions for the model you’re considering to see which parts can be removed and which are dishwasher-safe. If you plan to use it regularly, also check how easy it is to access the basket and follow the care instructions for its coating.