An air fryer is mainly a useful companion to your oven for repeated small portions, provided you are happy to have an extra appliance on your worktop. UFC-Que Choisir recorded average consumption for a small quiche that was 36% lower than that of a 19 L mini oven with the appliances tested; however, the result depends on the recipe and the model. For two separate dishes, look at dual-compartment models; for tins, dishes and large batches, a mini oven or your existing oven is often more suitable.
For a portion of roasted vegetables, chips, fish, drumsticks or leftovers, a single basket can be a good starting point. Measure your worktop first and consider the noise from the fan: UFC-Que Choisir lists size, noise, capacity and maintenance among the key criteria when choosing a model.
Two compartments can be useful for cooking a protein and a side dish at the same time with different settings. Check the volume of each zone, the synchronisation function and the space you actually have available for the appliance.
If your meals often include quiches, gratins, bakes or dishes to reheat, a door, racks and oven modes are more practical than a basket. A mini oven or your existing oven will therefore be better suited to these uses.
Choose this if: you mainly prepare one small batch at a time.
Bear in mind: it may not replace an oven for dishes, tins or large quantities.
Choose this if: two recipes need to finish at the same time with different cooking times or temperatures.
Bear in mind: two drawers do not necessarily create one large, continuous cooking surface.
Choose this if: you regularly use racks, tins, dishes and oven functions.
Bear in mind: it also takes up worktop space, and its installation requirements vary by model.
Keep this if: you cook large quantities, use several levels or prepare large dishes.
Bear in mind: its large capacity is less suited to some repeated small cooking tasks.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Check the basket surface area, volume per zone, recommended load and internal dimensions for dishes or tins. | I want to cook my usual portion without stacking food or having to cook multiple batches. |
| Space and noise | Measure the width, depth, height and clearance needed for the drawer or door. Check the exact manual for the required clearances and look for a comparable noise measurement if one is available. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small space, I want to keep access to my worktop and minimise disturbance from the fan. |
| Cooking results | Prioritise independent tests covering your recipes, with the stated load and test method. Also check the manual temperature and time settings. | I want even cooking for the food I actually prepare, without assuming that a programme will guarantee the same result for every recipe. |
| Maintenance | Check which parts are removable, whether they are dishwasher-safe, the cleaning instructions and the availability of replacement parts for the model you choose. | I want quick meals to remain easy to clean up, with the coating maintained according to the appropriate instructions. |
A large volume does not guarantee a large cooking surface or even cooking. In its testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between an optimum quantity of chips and a basket filled to two-thirds of its capacity.
Base your choice on your usual portions: the quantity of chips, the dish diameter, the number of drumsticks or whether you need to cook two recipes at once. Check the recommended load in the manual rather than filling the basket to the top.
Air fryers can be bulky, and the fan may be disruptive in an open-plan kitchen or small space. Safety distances depend on the model and its specific version.
Before buying, measure the appliance both closed and open, as well as the space between it and walls and wall units. Follow the manual for the exact model when installing it.
Two zones make parallel cooking easier, but they split the capacity. A wide preparation needs a continuous zone or a suitable cavity.
Choose two compartments if you often synchronise two recipes. For one large dish, check for a wide cooking chamber, a removable divider, a mini oven or your existing oven.
Results vary depending on the recipe, quantity and model. UFC-Que Choisir observed savings for certain small recipes, but did not conclude that the same saving would apply to every use.
Always compare an equivalent recipe and quantity. If you already use your oven for full batches, adding a second appliance will not automatically save energy.
The range includes single-basket models, flexible dual-basket models and stacked baskets, with an emphasis on flexible cooking zones.
Moulinex offers both Easy Fry air fryers and Optimo mini ovens, making it possible to compare a basket with a compact oven cavity.
Ninja is among the air fryer brands compared by UFC-Que Choisir on the French market.
Joybuy options primarily designed for quick meals on the worktop, including dual-compartment models for two dishes and a single-basket model for a small batch.
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For switching between two recipes with separate settings and preparing a larger dish.
Two 6 L zones can be combined into one 12 L zone; settings from 80 to 200 °C, a 1 to 60 min timer, viewing window and interior light are advertised.
The removable parts are advertised as dishwasher-safe. Check the manual for the external dimensions, required clearances and noise level before installation.
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Suitable for preparing a protein and a side dish at the same time.
Two 4.75 L zones, digital controls for each zone and six functions are advertised; stated dimensions: 32.5 × 41.5 × 27 cm.
The drawers and cooking plates are advertised as dishwasher-safe. Two drawers are less suitable for a tin or one large dish.
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For serving a main course and a side dish at the same time.
Two differently sized baskets, synchronisation, keep-warm, eight programmes and a range of 40 to 200 °C are advertised.
The stated dimensions are 382.5 × 443.9 × 314.2 mm. Check the capacity of each basket for your portions and the clearances specified in the manual.
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Suitable for two portions or recipes with separate settings.
Two independent 3.8 L drawers, six functions and digital controls for each zone are specified; stated dimensions: 31.5 × 38 × 26.5 cm.
The drawers and non-stick plates are advertised as dishwasher-safe. This configuration does not create one large continuous surface for a single dish.
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A single-basket option for a small batch of vegetables, chips, fish or leftovers.
Advertised features include a 4 L capacity, eight modes, a range of 35 to 200 °C, a 1 to 60 min timer and a shake reminder.
A single basket cannot handle two different temperatures or cooking times in parallel. Check the manual for clearances, noise and cleaning instructions.
No. It covers some of the uses of an oven, but its small cavity makes it most suitable for small portions. Keep your oven for large dishes, bigger batches and cooking on several levels; choose an air fryer only if you regularly prepare these smaller portions.
Do not choose based on litres alone. Check the basket surface area, recommended load and type of food. For two dishes with separate settings, look for two independent zones with synchronisation; for a wide preparation, check for one single zone or a removable divider.
Not as a general rule. In its tests, UFC-Que Choisir recorded average consumption that was 36% lower with the air fryers tested than with a 19 L mini oven for a small quiche, but results varied according to the model and recipe. Always compare the recipe, quantity, cooking time and preheating.
Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. Avoid metal scourers and hard brushes on coated surfaces, then check the manual to find out which parts are dishwasher-safe.
It is electrical and electronic equipment. The French ministry responsible for ecological transition states that it can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre, returned to a retailer, or given to a social and solidarity economy organisation.