People who often cook small batches
You regularly make a small quiche, rolls, vegetables or a few pieces of chicken, and want to know whether it makes sense to use a smaller appliance instead of your full-sized oven.
Who should consider this choice?
People with limited worktop space
If you already have an oven, an air fryer would be an extra appliance to find room for or put away. Que Choisir points out that, in a small kitchen, an appliance’s footprint matters just as much as its capacity.
People who prepare two items per meal
You want to cook a side dish and another food at the same time. Dual-drawer models let you cook them separately, but take up more space than a single-drawer model.
What matters when cooking small meals?
To decide whether an air fryer is worth making room for alongside your full-sized oven, start with the portions you cook most often. Then check your dishes will fit and that you have enough space.
Single-drawer air fryer
Consider it if: you often make a small dish that fits in one basket.
Bear in mind: the cooking compartment limits how much you can make and may not fit every dish.
Dual-drawer air fryer
Consider it if: you regularly need to cook two different foods at the same time.
Bear in mind: this type generally takes up more space. Check whether the model you choose can synchronise the end of cooking times.
Mini oven
Consider it if: your dishes need more room, or you prefer using shelves and trays rather than a basket.
Bear in mind: in Que Choisir’s tests, the 19 l mini oven used more energy than the air fryers for a small quiche of the same size.
Existing full-sized oven
Keep it if: your usual dishes are large, or you can’t fit another appliance in your kitchen.
Consider: for small recipes, whether an air fryer is worthwhile depends on how often you cook them. Energy comparisons don’t apply to every dish.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent small batches | Compare the energy used per cooking session for your recipes, rather than relying on the stated wattage alone. Que Choisir found that results varied depending on the food and appliance. | I often cook a small amount and would rather not use the full-sized oven every time. Around 36% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Kitchen space | Measure the space available and check the instructions to see how much clearance the appliance needs. | I have limited worktop space, so an appliance I leave out needs to earn its place. This would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Usable capacity | Check the internal dimensions and recommended quantities for your dishes, not just the stated capacity in litres. | I want my portion and dish to fit in the basket without having to cook in batches. Around 21% of consumers would make this their main consideration. |
| Cooking two foods at once | Check whether the two cooking zones can operate independently and, if needed, synchronise their cooking times. | I regularly prepare two items that need to be ready at the same time. This would be the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
What should you watch out for before buying?
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Expecting an air fryer to replace every oven function
As Que Choisir points out, its limited cooking space restricts the quantity you can make. You may still need your full-sized oven for family meals or dishes made in your usual tin.
Think of a few recipes you make often and check that your portions and dishes will fit in the cooking compartment you’re considering.
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Choosing based only on capacity in litres
The stated capacity alone won’t tell you the basket’s usable shape or how much room your food will take up in it.
Compare the internal dimensions and quantities recommended in the instructions with the dishes you actually use.
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Assuming every recipe will use the same amount less electricity
In Que Choisir’s tests, air fryers used an average of 36% less electricity than a mini oven when cooking a small quiche of the same size. Results varied by recipe and model.
Before applying comparisons to your own cooking, look for details of the dish, quantity and appliance used as a benchmark.
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Buying a dual-drawer model without using both zones
Two drawers let you cook different foods at the same time, but they generally make the appliance bulkier.
If you mostly make one dish at a time, compare a single-drawer model with the oven you already own first.
Brands to know
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Air fryers to consider for small meals
These air fryers let you compare different formats for preparing small dishes. Consider how much space each one will take up and check that your usual portions will fit in the chosen container. This selection doesn’t replace comparing them with the oven you already own.
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Midea Air Fryer 2 L, black
Worth considering if you make small portions in a single basket. Check that your usual dishes will fit.
Stated capacity: 2 L. Rated power: 1 150 W; 60-minute timer.
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PHILIPS NA210/00 2000 Series AirFryer, 3,2 L
If you’re considering a single-drawer model for small batches, first compare the shape of your dishes with the basket and allow enough room to set up the appliance.
Stated capacity: 3,2 L.
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NINJA FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
If you’re looking for an appliance for small dishes, check which container sizes suit your recipes. Don’t assume that having several containers means you can cook in two separate zones at the same time.
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Midea Air Fryer 4 L, 1 500 W
Compare its stated capacity with your usual portions. For very small dishes, also consider how much space the appliance will take up.
Stated capacity: 4 L. Rated power: 1 500 W; eight pre-set programmes, temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether I’ll use an air fryer more often than my full-sized oven?
An air fryer is more worthwhile if you often cook portions that fit in its cooking compartment. Keep a note of the meals you actually make for a week or two. If most are large, or you rarely cook small batches, sticking with your existing oven means you won’t add an appliance you hardly use.
Does an air fryer always use less energy than an oven?
No. Energy use depends on the food, the quantity and the appliances being compared. In its air fryer tests, Que Choisir found that they used an average of 36% less electricity than a mini oven to cook a small quiche of the same size. This result won’t automatically apply to your recipes or to every full-sized oven.
What should I check before installing and cleaning an air fryer?
Check the instructions for the exact model to find out how much space to leave around the vents, what ventilation it needs and which parts are washable. Before buying, make sure the spot you have in mind allows you to follow these instructions.