People who often cook small portions
For one or two people, a simple 3 to 4 L basket is a good starting point, according to UFC-Que Choisir. You’ll still need to check that its shape suits the foods you regularly prepare.
Who are these options suited to ?
Households that cook two parts of a meal
If your main and side dishes need different cooking times, two drawers with a synchronisation function can help you serve them together. Philips France describes this feature on its NA352/24 model; it isn’t available on every dual-drawer appliance.
Kitchens where space and noise matter
In a compact or open-plan kitchen, allow for the appliance and the drawer when it’s open. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends checking the fan noise before you buy.
How do the different formats compare ?
Start with the dishes you cook and how often you make them, then compare usable space, the room you’ll need and any practical considerations.
Single-drawer air fryer
Consider it : for frequent small batches that fit in one basket.
Bear in mind : larger dishes and bigger quantities may call for another option.
Dual-drawer air fryer
Consider it : if you often cook two dishes with different cooking times for the same meal.
Bear in mind : the second drawer takes up space even when you’re only cooking one portion.
Your existing oven
Keep it : if it already fits your dishes and handles your small-batch cooking too.
Consider : you may find it less convenient to switch on for frequent small batches.
Mini oven
Consider it : if being able to use standard dishes and tins is the main reason you want a smaller appliance.
Check : the overall size and the dimensions of dishes it can accommodate vary by model.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| How it complements your oven | Identify the small-batch dishes your oven isn’t practical for, then check whether a basket can accommodate them. | If my oven already handles these meals, I don’t want to add an appliance without a clear purpose. Around 33 % of consumers prioritise this question. |
| Usable capacity and shape | Compare the internal surface area and height with your usual portions, tins or dishes rather than relying on the stated capacity alone. | If you want to cook a quiche or your usual quantity without making several batches, shape matters as much as volume. Around 25 % of consumers prioritise this fit. |
| Cooking two dishes in sync | Check the capacity of each drawer and whether the model has a synchronisation function. | When the main and side dishes need different cooking times, I want to serve them together. This is the top priority for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Space, noise and cleaning | Measure the space needed with the drawer open; check the manual for cleaning instructions and look for comparable noise test results. | In an open-plan or narrow kitchen, I don’t want a daily-use appliance to get in the way or be difficult to clean. Around 17 % of consumers put these considerations first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Adding an air fryer without a clear use beyond your oven
UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can do jobs your oven already handles. If it ends up rarely used, it still takes up space on your worktop.
Before choosing a model, identify the small-batch dishes you’d cook in it regularly. Otherwise, keeping your oven is still an option.
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Choosing based on capacity alone
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you how much space there is for a pizza or how tall a dish can be. For example, Moulinex says that one 4 L Easy Fry Surface XL model can fit dishes up to 27 cm across. This applies to that model only.
Compare the internal dimensions with the foods and tins you use, and check the recommended quantities in the manual.
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Assuming electricity comparisons apply to every recipe
Manufacturers’ published comparisons are based on specific foods, quantities and reference appliances. A result for frozen chips won’t necessarily reflect how a quiche or family meal cooks.
To compare energy use, look for tests involving equivalent dishes and quantities, with cooking and preheating conditions clearly stated.
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Forgetting drawer access, noise and cleaning
UFC-Que Choisir considers noise and ease of use in its air fryer tests. These can make a difference to everyday use, especially in an open-plan kitchen.
Measure the space needed when the drawer is open and check the cleaning instructions and any available noise measurements for the model you’re considering.
Brands to consider
Philips
The range includes compact models and dual-basket appliances. Philips France describes the HD9252/90 as a 4.1 L model for two people and explains the drawer synchronisation feature on the NA352/24.
- These models let you compare a single basket with two synchronised cooking zones, depending on the meals you make.
- Check the features and cleaning instructions for the exact model: one model’s specifications won’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry range includes compact baskets and models designed to offer more cooking surface. Moulinex also makes mini ovens.
- Moulinex says one 4 L Easy Fry Surface XL model can fit a pizza, quiche or tart up to 27 cm across.
- This dimension and the brand’s published comparison results apply to the specified models and conditions, not to all its appliances.
Ninja
Ninja appliances are among the air fryers tested by UFC-Que Choisir for the French market.
- The brand is worth including when comparing formats and features for the meals you make.
- When choosing, compare the usable capacity, noise and cleaning instructions for the exact model rather than making assumptions about the whole brand.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
These appliances are suited to small batches in a single-basket air fryer or, in the case of the Ninja, to using containers of different sizes. Whether to add an appliance, keep your oven or choose a mini oven still depends on the dishes you prepare.
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Philips NA210/00 2000 Series Airfryer, 3.2 L
Worth considering for frequent small portions. Its stated capacity is 3.2 L. Check the basket’s usable dimensions for your food and allow enough space around the appliance as specified in the manual.
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Midea Air Fryer, 4 L, 1 500 W
Worth a look if you want a 4 L basket for small or medium portions. The product title lists eight preset modes, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. Check the internal shape and cleaning instructions before choosing, too.
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Philips HD9252/70 Air Fryer, black
An option to compare for frequent small batches. Before choosing it, check the basket capacity and usable dimensions, as well as the cleaning instructions for the HD9252/70. Don’t assume that features of other Philips variants apply to this model.
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Ninja CRISPi PRO XL AS090EUWH, 5.7 L and 2.3 L
The 2.3 L container may suit a small portion. The product title also lists a 5.7 L glass container, five preset modes and storage lids. Check how much space you’ll need and follow the instructions for handling hot containers.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity air fryer should I look for if I’m cooking for one or two people ?
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 3 to 4 L as a guide for a single basket used to cook everyday portions for one or two people. Check the usable surface area and height, too: capacity alone doesn’t guarantee that your food or dishes will fit.
Can an air fryer replace a full-size oven ?
Not for every job: the basket may limit the size of dishes and the amount you can cook. If your oven already handles your small-batch cooking, only add an air fryer if its format makes frequent use more convenient in your kitchen.
When is a dual-drawer air fryer useful ?
It’s most useful if you regularly cook two parts of a meal that need different cooking times. Check the capacity of each drawer and whether the model has a synchronisation function. If you’re only cooking one small portion, the second drawer may go unused.
How can I compare the electricity use of an air fryer and an oven ?
Compare tests using the same food and quantity, and aiming for a similar cooking result. Take the settings and preheating into account, too. A comparison based on a specific quantity, such as the 300 g of frozen chips Moulinex cites for the EZ145A20, doesn’t let you draw conclusions about every recipe.