People who often cook small portions
You regularly prepare a single portion or a side dish and would like a dedicated appliance. The key thing is whether the basket has enough usable space for your food.
Who are these options suitable for?
Households that cook two dishes separately
You often need to adjust the settings or cooking times for two dishes that you want to serve together. A dual-drawer model is only worthwhile if you do this regularly.
People with limited space or an open-plan kitchen
Consider the space it takes up, the fan noise and how easy it is to clean, as well as the stated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering noise levels before buying.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
If you regularly cook small portions, start with the dishes you make and what you find inconvenient about your current oven. A single drawer, dual drawers and an oven-style cavity suit different cooking habits and dish shapes.
Single-drawer air fryer
Worth considering: for cooking one small dish at a time, provided the basket can accommodate your usual portions.
Bear in mind: it takes up extra space and overlaps with some of your oven’s cooking functions.
Dual-drawer air fryer
Worth considering: if you regularly need two dishes with different settings to be ready at the same time.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is split between the compartments, and there may be more parts to wash.
Oven-style air fryer
Worth considering: if you prefer arranging food as you would in a small oven and your current oven is not convenient for this use.
Check: its design does not guarantee that it will take up little space or run quietly.
Your existing oven
Keep it: if it already lets you prepare small portions and dishes that will not fit in a basket without difficulty.
Bear in mind: you’ll continue to use its cavity for these dishes, but won’t have another appliance to store or maintain.
Mini electric oven
Worth considering: if you need a smaller, traditional oven cavity, particularly for a dish that is not suitable for a basket.
Check: the dimensions, accessories and cleaning requirements of the model you choose before comparing it with an air fryer.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the shape and internal dimensions of the basket with your dishes; for a dual-drawer model, look at each compartment separately. | I want my usual portion to fit without having to cook in several batches. Around 37% of consumers put this fit first. |
| Overlap with your oven | Identify the dishes you often make for which your oven is genuinely inconvenient, then compare how you would use both appliances. | My oven already cooks these dishes, and I only want to add another appliance if it makes a difference to my daily routine; this is the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and noise | Check the dimensions, the clearance specified in the manual and, if available, an independent noise measurement. | In my open-plan kitchen or on a limited worktop, the appliance needs to be easy to position and comfortable to use. Around 18% of consumers prioritise these considerations. |
| Cleaning | Check exactly which removable parts are dishwasher-safe and read their care instructions. | I often cook small quantities and don’t want every meal to be followed by a complicated clean-up; ease of care comes before other criteria for around 18% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on litre capacity alone
The stated capacity does not tell you whether your dish will fit in the basket. On a dual-drawer model, it may also be split between two compartments.
Compare the quantities you cook and the dimensions of your dishes with the usable space in each basket.
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Assuming a small air fryer is quiet
The fan can be audible. UFC-Que Choisir highlights differences in noise levels between models, which are particularly worth considering in an open-plan kitchen.
Look for an independent noise measurement where available, and think about where you would actually put the appliance.
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Taking lower electricity use for granted
A comparison published for a particular model and cooking task cannot predict how much energy your own oven will use for all your recipes.
Only compare energy use for similar dishes, quantities and cooking conditions.
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Adding an appliance without a distinct use
Air frying, roasting and grilling overlap with what an oven can do. If there is no dish you prepare regularly for which a basket offers a practical advantage, the extra appliance may see little use.
Think of a few dishes you make often and pinpoint what you find inconvenient about your oven before choosing a different format.
Brands to consider
Philips
The single-drawer NA120/00 and the NA460/00, with two stacked baskets, show two different ways of dividing up capacity.
- Philips states a capacity of 4.2 L and gives examples of food quantities for the NA120/00, compared with two 5 L baskets for the NA460/00.
- The NA460/00’s total capacity is not the same as having one single basket; also check that it will fit on your worktop.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry & Grill EZ505D10 and Easy Fry Compact EZ866HF1 models let you assess their features and cleaning requirements separately.
- Moulinex states that the Easy Fry & Grill EZ505D10 has a grill function and removable parts that are dishwasher-safe.
- For the Easy Fry Compact EZ866HF1, check the removable front panel and repairability claims made by Moulinex, along with the accessories and terms that apply to this model.
Ninja
Some Ninja appliances are among the models compared by UFC-Que Choisir, but this does not allow conclusions to be drawn about the brand as a whole.
- UFC-Que Choisir’s tests consider factors including cooking performance, energy use, ease of use and noise levels for the models assessed.
- For the model you are interested in, compare the basket, dimensions and parts to clean rather than relying on the brand name alone.
Air fryers for small meals on Joybuy
These models are options to consider if you want a dedicated appliance for preparing small portions. Compare their format with your dishes and current oven: the fact that a product appears here does not mean you need an air fryer in your kitchen.
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Ninja Crispi FN101EUGY Air Fryer
Worth considering if you alternate between small dishes and larger portions. Compare the usable dimensions of the containers with your dishes, and check the cleaning instructions for each component.
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Ninja AF110EU 3-in-1 Air Fryer, 4.7 L, black
Worth considering for one or two portions if you prefer a single basket. The product description states a 4.7 L capacity, 2,000 W power and a non-stick basket; check the basket dimensions and how much space the appliance needs.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1,150 W, black
Worth comparing for cooking one small dish at a time, provided your food fits in the 2 L basket. The product description states that it has a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and a 60-minute timer; also check its actual dimensions.
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Philips NA210/00 2000 Series Airfryer, 3.2 L
Worth considering for a compact meal in a single basket. Its stated 3.2 L capacity does not tell you which dishes will fit: compare your portions with the usable dimensions and check the placement instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven for small portions?
Not automatically: UFC-Que Choisir points out that its cooking functions overlap with those of an oven. Consider one if a basket or separate compartments would solve a recurring problem with your current oven; otherwise, keeping your oven makes sense.
How can I tell if my portions will fit in the basket?
Compare your food and dishes with the model’s example food quantities, then check the internal dimensions. For example, Philips states that its 4.2 L NA120/00 can hold up to 500 g of chips, six chicken drumsticks or 500 g of vegetables; for a dual-drawer model, check the capacity of each basket.
Does an air fryer always use less energy than my oven?
No: energy use depends on the appliance and the cooking task being compared. UFC-Que Choisir measures energy use during its tests; to assess your own use, only compare data for similar dishes, quantities and cooking conditions.
What should I look for if I want to keep cleaning to a minimum?
Check which individual parts can go in the dishwasher, including the basket, drawer, rack and accessories. Philips states that some parts of the NA120/00 are dishwasher-safe, as does Moulinex for removable parts of the Easy Fry & Grill EZ505D10; these claims do not apply to all their models.