People who often cook small portions
You regularly prepare a meal or side dish for one or two people and want to avoid heating the oven’s large cavity for a small batch.
Who might ask this question?
People with a compact or open-plan kitchen
You have limited worktop space or cook near your living area. The appliance’s dimensions, the room needed to pull out the drawer and the fan noise all matter when choosing a model.
Households that cook two items at once
You want to prepare two parts of a meal at the same time. A dual-zone appliance could suit this, but it takes up more space than a single-drawer model.
How do the options compare?
Start with the dishes you usually cook: a basket is best for small batches that fit inside it, while your existing oven has the advantage of more space for large dishes and several trays. A dual-zone model is handy when you want to cook two things at once. A traditional deep fryer is better suited to frying in hot oil, with all the handling that involves, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Small batches | Compare your usual portion with the quantity recommended in the instructions and the available basket space. | If I often cook a small portion, I want to avoid using my large oven without having to cook several batches. Around 36% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Space and usable capacity | Measure the appliance, the space needed to pull out the drawer and the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | When my worktop space is limited, I need to be able to fit the appliance while still having room for a dish that suits my meal. This would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are removable and how they should be washed, including any restrictions on putting them in the dishwasher. | If I’m making a simple meal, I don’t want lots of extra parts to wash after every use; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Noise | If quiet operation matters to you, look for an independent noise measurement for the specific model. | In an open-plan kitchen, I don’t want the fan to disturb anyone else at home. This would be the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying an air fryer to replace your oven for everything
UFC-Que Choisir points out that the two appliances can serve similar purposes. If you cook large dishes or only use an air fryer occasionally, an extra appliance may simply take up space.
Make a note of the dishes you cook most often and check which ones will actually fit in the basket before deciding whether an air fryer would be a useful addition to your oven.
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Choosing a dual-zone model when you usually cook one small portion
Two drawers let you cook different foods at the same time, but they take up more space. This feature matters less if you usually prepare just one item.
Compare the capacity of each zone and the appliance’s external dimensions. Choose this format if you’ll often use both zones to cook at the same time.
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Assuming every model is quiet and cooks evenly
Fan noise and cooking results vary between models, as UFC-Que Choisir’s tests show.
If these factors will determine your purchase, look for an independent test of the specific model that assesses cooking performance, noise and cleaning.
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Expecting to save electricity with every recipe
UFC-Que Choisir’s results for small-format recipes compared with a mini oven can’t predict the energy consumption of every appliance or batch.
Relate these results to your portion sizes and the dishes you actually cook, rather than treating a percentage as a general guarantee.
Brands to know for this choice
There are no brand profiles to show in this section.
Air fryers to consider for small batches
These two air fryers are worth considering for small batches alongside an oven. Before choosing, check that the cooking compartment suits your usual portions, then make sure you have enough space and follow the installation instructions.
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Midea 2 L air fryer, 1,150 W, black
Its 2 L basket is worth considering for small batches, once you’ve checked the amount that suits the dishes you cook. The product name states that it has a 60-minute timer, a non-stick basket and dishwasher-safe parts; check the instructions to see which parts can go in the dishwasher. Also check the dimensions and clearances needed for installation.
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NINJA FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
If you’re considering this model for small batches, compare the recommended quantity for its cooking compartment with your usual portions. Also check its dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions. If noise is a deciding factor, look for a noise test of this specific model.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven?
An air fryer can handle some small dishes, but it won’t automatically replace an oven for large dishes or cooking on several trays. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the two appliances can serve overlapping purposes. How often you cook small batches and the shape of your dishes are the main factors when deciding whether an extra appliance is worthwhile.
How much space should I leave around an air fryer?
Follow the clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model rather than relying on a distance that may not suit every appliance. Before buying, also measure the space beneath your cupboards and make sure there’s enough room to pull the drawer all the way out.
Is the stated capacity in litres enough to help me choose?
No. The shape of the cooking compartment, the available surface area and the recommended quantity for the foods you cook all matter too. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing includes assessing how chips cook with different amounts in the basket, showing why the stated volume alone doesn’t tell you how much you can cook in practice.