Fans of home deep-frying
If you often make fresh chips, doughnuts or breaded food and want the results of deep-frying in oil, compare traditional deep-fat fryers before switching to an air fryer.
Who are these options for?
Households that enjoy varied meals
If you like to alternate between roasted vegetables, chicken, chips and reheated food, an air fryer can complement your oven, provided its internal dimensions suit the dishes you cook.
Families mindful of portions and space
If you cook for several people or have limited worktop space, compare the amount you can actually cook and the appliance’s dimensions with those of your current oven.
What sets these appliances apart?
Your choice depends first on what you cook most often at home. A deep-fat fryer, an air fryer and an oven each suit different needs, whether you’re after food deep-fried in oil, varied meals or larger batches.
Deep-fat fryer
Choose this if: fresh chips, doughnuts and breaded food are your priority.
Bear in mind: handling hot oil, cooking smells and cleaning up after use.
Air fryer
Choose this if: you also want to roast or reheat portions that fit in the basket.
Bear in mind: fresh chips may not turn out like they do when deep-fried in oil, as Que Choisir points out.
Oven
Keep yours if: it already handles your large baking trays, gratins and meals cooked in bigger quantities.
Worth considering: Que Choisir found that air fryers used less energy than a mini oven for some small recipes, but this does not apply to every dish or model.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Results when frying | Compare your usual fresh chips, doughnuts and breaded food with dishes designed to be cooked using hot air. | I want the taste and appearance of chips cooked in hot oil; around 31% of consumers prioritise this result. |
| Varied meals | Check which dishes fit inside the cooking cavity and whether you can use different settings when cooking two foods. | I also cook roasted vegetables and food to reheat, and want an appliance that does more than chips; around 31% of consumers put this versatility first. |
| Portions and batch sizes | Compare the basket’s usable surface area and volume with your portions; don’t rely on the stated capacity in litres alone. | When I’m cooking for several people, I’d rather not run multiple cycles; around 23% of consumers prioritise how much they can cook. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space available and check which parts need cleaning, as well as how oil is handled in a traditional deep-fat fryer. | In a kitchen where space is limited, I’m looking for an appliance that’s easy to position and clean; this is the main concern for around 15% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Expecting an air fryer to deliver the results of deep-frying in oil
Circulating hot air lets you cook in other ways, but Que Choisir notes that fresh chips may not have the same taste and appearance as chips deep-fried in oil.
Before choosing, think about the fresh chips and doughnuts you make, as well as roasted vegetables, frozen chips and food you want to reheat.
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Choosing a high litre capacity without checking the basket
The shape of the food and the space needed for air to circulate limit how much you can cook. Que Choisir recommends checking the usable capacity when assessing portions.
Compare the internal dimensions and the amount each compartment can hold with the batches you usually cook.
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Buying an air fryer that duplicates your oven
An air fryer can handle some oven cooking, but it also takes up permanent space in your kitchen.
Before adding another appliance to your kitchen, think about the dishes and portions you’d use it for regularly.
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Assuming you’ll always save on electricity
Que Choisir found that some air fryers used less energy than a mini oven when cooking a Lorraine quiche. This result does not apply to every recipe, quantity or cooking time.
When choosing between two appliances, compare them using the dishes and portions that match the way you cook, rather than relying on a general claim.
Brands to consider
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range offers different air fryer formats to compare, including a model with two drawers.
- Moulinex lists a 7.5 L capacity for the Easy Fry Compact and 11 L across the 6.5 L and 4.5 L drawers of the Easy Fry Dual XXL.
- These capacities apply to these specific models. Check the space available and the portions that fit in each drawer.
SEB
Its electric deep-fat fryers are worth considering if you prefer frying in oil and want to compare how different models handle it.
- SEB says the Oleoclean Pro filters the oil and lets you store it in an airtight container.
- This feature does not replace the precautions in the instructions for handling and cleaning up hot oil.
Philips
The Philips 2000 Series NA231/00 product information can help you assess a single-basket air fryer.
- Philips states that the NA231/00 has a capacity of 6.2 L and provides its manual.
- Check the dimensions and accessories of the model you’re considering: the NA231/00’s capacity does not apply to other Philips appliances.
Appliances for different needs
These Joybuy appliances include a deep-fat fryer and several types of air fryer. If your oven already handles your larger meals, first compare your portion sizes with the space available before adding one of these appliances.
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TEFAL Clear Duo 3.5 L, XL anti-mist window
Worth considering if you want to keep cooking food by deep-frying it in oil.
It has a stated capacity of 3.5 L. Take precautions when handling hot oil and check the appliance’s dimensions to make sure it fits in your chosen spot.
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Ninja Dual Zone Digital DZ300EU, two drawers, 7.6 L
Worth considering if you want to cook two parts of a meal in an air fryer.
The model name lists six functions and a total capacity of 7.6 L. Check which portions fit in each drawer and follow the filling guidance.
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Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7.6 L
Worth comparing if you’re looking for an air fryer for a variety of meals, not just chips.
It has a stated capacity of 7.6 L. Check that the basket shape suits your dishes and see how much space the appliance will take up.
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Midea Air Fryer 4 L, 1,500 W
Worth comparing if you want to cook different foods in a 4 L air fryer.
The product name lists eight pre-set modes and a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C. Check how much food it can hold for your usual portions.
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KitchenCook AIRMED W, advertised 10 L variant
Worth considering if you want to cook two dishes in separate baskets.
The capacity information for this variant is inconsistent. Before choosing it for your portions, confirm the configuration supplied and how much each basket can actually hold.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace my oven?
It can handle some smaller dishes, but may not be suitable for large baking trays or bigger meals. Compare the air fryer’s cooking cavity and portion sizes with the recipes you already make in your oven.
What size air fryer should I choose for my household?
Choose based on the amount and shape of the food you cook, not just the stated capacity in litres. Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L for one or two people and 5 to 6 L for three or four people. Then check the model’s internal dimensions and recommended filling level.
What precautions should I take with a deep-fat fryer?
Follow your model’s instructions for filling, handling hot oil, cooling and cleaning. Civil Protection also advises against plugging too many electrical appliances into the same socket. If you’re dipping batter directly into the oil, SEB recommends wearing gloves in the Simply One instructions.
What warranty applies to an appliance bought from a business in France?
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. It is the seller’s responsibility and is separate from any commercial guarantee. Keep the details of the seller and the description of the appliance you bought.