Someone living alone or a couple cooking small portions
You want to roast, grill or crisp up a small meal without using the oven, while keeping to an appliance that’s easy to position and clean.
Who are these options best for?
Someone preparing two parts of the same meal
You regularly cook two foods that need different settings and would rather serve them together than cook them in separate batches.
A household with an open-plan kitchen or limited space
Worktop space, fan noise and cleaning matter just as much as capacity, especially if an oven already does some of the same jobs.
How do the different styles compare?
Single drawer
Choose this: for a small portion or a simple meal that only needs one cooking setting at a time.
Be prepared for: cooking in separate batches if two foods need different settings.
Dual drawer
Choose this: if you regularly need to cook two separate dishes at the same time.
Be prepared for: an appliance that may take up more space, even when you’re cooking small portions.
Mini-oven style
Choose this: if you’ll genuinely use the trays, racks or multiple levels.
Be prepared for: more accessories to store and clean.
An appliance you already own
Keep using: your oven if it handles the meals you usually cook, or your deep-fat fryer if traditional deep-frying is your priority.
Bear in mind: an air fryer may then duplicate functions you already have.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and space | Compare the basket dimensions with the food you usually cook, then measure the space available for the appliance. | If I mostly cook for one or two people, I want to avoid an appliance that’s too bulky for my usual meals; around 40% of consumers put this need first. |
| Cooking two things at once | Check the capacity of each drawer and whether you can set the zones independently. | When my meal includes two different dishes, I want to serve them together rather than cook them in separate batches; around 30% of consumers put this need first. |
| Oven-style cooking | Check the functions, levels and accessories supplied with the model you’re considering. | I’d only choose a mini-oven style if I’d use its trays and racks regularly; around 20% of consumers prioritise this versatility. |
| Noise and cleaning | Look for a noise measurement that states the distance, and check which parts are dishwasher-safe. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise and the number of parts to wash can affect how often I use it; around 10% of consumers make this their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Choosing based only on litres or the stated number of portions
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you whether your food will fit in the basket or whether you can cook two dishes separately. Portion guidance also varies between manufacturers.
Compare the basket size with the dishes you usually cook and check the quantity examples for the exact model.
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Adding an appliance that doesn’t do anything different from your oven
According to UFC-Que Choisir, air fryers and ovens perform similar functions. A mini-oven style takes up space and adds accessories without necessarily meeting the needs of someone cooking small portions.
Think about the meals you make often. If your oven already handles them and worktop space is limited, keeping it may be the more practical choice.
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Assuming a quick test will tell you how noisy it’ll be at home
UFC-Que Choisir points out that the fan can be distracting, and the way an appliance sounds in a shop may not reflect how it sounds in an open-plan kitchen.
If noise is a deciding factor, look for an independent measurement that states the distance, and check the retailer’s returns policy.
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Assuming ‘easy to clean’ means ‘everything is dishwasher-safe’
Dishwasher compatibility may apply only to certain removable parts; racks and trays also mean more items to clean.
Check the instructions for your chosen model to find out which parts are dishwasher-safe and which accessories are included.
Brands to compare
Philips
The range includes the single-basket HD9252/90 and the NA154/00, which has a removable divider.
- Philips says the removable parts of the HD9252/90 are dishwasher-safe, and the NA154/00 can be set up as two 3,55 L zones or one 7,1 L zone.
- The brand’s portion guidance doesn’t replace checking the usable dimensions, the space required and the noise level of the model you choose.
Moulinex
The models featured range from the 3,5 L Easy Fry Essential to a 20 L Easy Fry air fryer oven.
- Moulinex says the basket of the 3,5 L Easy Fry Essential is dishwasher-safe; its 20 L oven-style model has three levels and two trays.
- Check the accessories supplied and cleaning information for the exact model rather than assuming these features apply to the whole range.
Ninja
The brand offers different styles, including the Crispi FN101, tested by UFC-Que Choisir.
- This style may appeal if you’d like to compare alternatives to a classic basket.
- UFC-Que Choisir describes the FN101 as noisy in its tests; this doesn’t indicate the noise level of every Ninja model.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
These models let you compare options for cooking small portions with an appliance that has two drawers for preparing two separate dishes. Their capacities don’t remove the need to compare your portions with the basket size and the space available in your kitchen.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1150 W, black
Worth considering for small portions in a single basket; compare its size with the food you usually cook.
The product description lists a 60-minute timer and a non-stick basket described as dishwasher-safe. Check the dimensions if you have limited worktop space.
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Ninja Crispi FN101EUGY Air Fryer
Worth considering if you want to choose a container to suit the amount you’re cooking; compare the capacities and space required before making a decision.
Take care when handling the hot base and containers during and after cooking.
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Ninja Dual Zone DZ300EU, two drawers, 7,6 L
Consider this if you often prepare two parts of a meal with different settings.
The stated total capacity is 7,6 L; compare the space it takes up and the capacity of each drawer with the small portions you usually cook.
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Midea Air Fryer 4 L, 1500 W
Compare it with smaller models if the amount you cook varies. If you always make small portions, check that the basket and overall size suit your needs.
The product description lists eight programmes, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. Check the instructions for cleaning advice.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should I choose for cooking for one or two?
Start by considering the size of the food you cook and the basket, rather than focusing on litres alone. Philips describes its 4,1 L HD9252/90 as suitable for two people, while Moulinex says its 3,5 L Easy Fry Essential can serve up to four. These brand claims don’t guarantee that a complete meal will fit in one batch.
Can an air fryer replace my oven?
For small meals, it can complement your oven, but buying one doesn’t automatically make your oven redundant. UFC-Que Choisir notes that their cooking functions overlap. Keep your oven if you regularly use its capacity or if another appliance would clutter your worktop.
How can I assess the noise before buying?
Look for an independent measurement that states the distance, especially if you have an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir measures noise from 50 cm away in its testing protocol and points out that a brief test in a shop may not reflect how the appliance sounds at home.
Which parts of an air fryer are dishwasher-safe?
It depends on the model and the individual parts. Check the instructions to see which baskets, removable parts, racks and trays are dishwasher-safe. Compatibility for certain parts of a Philips or Moulinex model doesn’t necessarily apply to all its accessories.
What does the CE mark mean on an appliance sold in France?
The CE marking indicates the manufacturer’s declaration that the product complies with the applicable regulations, but it isn’t a certification mark, explains the DGCCRF. Before buying, also check the appliance details, instructions and safety warnings.