Households that often cook small portions
You regularly cook one or two portions and want to know whether a countertop appliance would be more convenient than your oven for these meals. Compare its usable capacity with the dishes you usually make.
Who are these options right for?
Households that serve two dishes together
You want to cook a main and a side at the same time, sometimes using different settings. Two drawers could suit this way of cooking, provided each basket holds the amount you need.
Households that already have an oven
You want to avoid adding an appliance that would duplicate what you already own. Before buying, identify the smaller dishes that your current oven is less suited to cooking. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can perform the same functions as an oven.
What sets the options apart?
Start with the meals you actually prepare. This will help you decide whether another appliance has a place in your kitchen, and whether you need one cooking space or two.
Single-drawer air fryer
Consider it: for modest portions cooked in a single basket.
Bear in mind: foods that need different settings may have to be cooked in separate batches.
Dual-drawer air fryer
Consider it: if you regularly cook two dishes at once using different settings.
Bear in mind: how much fits in each basket and the appliance’s footprint matter more than its stated total capacity.
Mini-oven style air fryer
Consider it: if you prefer a door-opening design for the dishes you usually make.
Bear in mind: compare its cavity and functions with your current oven before adding a second appliance.
Existing oven
Keep it: if it fits your dishes and you rarely cook small portions.
Consider: an air fryer may be useful for some smaller recipes, but it won’t necessarily offer an advantage for every meal.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Complementing your oven | Identify the small dishes you cook regularly and compare them with what your oven can already do. | If I often cook a small portion, I want this new appliance to be genuinely useful rather than simply duplicating my oven. Around 38% of consumers rank this complementary use as their top priority. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space you have in mind; check how easy the parts are to remove and clean, and compare noise levels under similar test conditions. | In a small or open-plan kitchen, I want to be able to set up, clean and use the appliance without it becoming a daily nuisance. For around 31% of consumers, these practical considerations are the main priority. |
| Portions and cooking two dishes at once | Compare the usable surface with your portions; if needed, check that the two drawers have separate settings. | When I’m serving several portions or two parts of the same meal, I want to avoid cooking in batches without choosing baskets that are too small. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Buying without working out how it will complement your oven
An air fryer can cook, roast or grill foods that you already make in your oven. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering this potential overlap, especially if you won’t use the appliance often.
Make a note of the small dishes you usually cook and those you would genuinely use a second appliance for. If you only make them occasionally, sticking with your oven is a perfectly valid option.
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Assuming the stated capacity tells you how much you can cook
The total volume alone doesn’t tell you how much food will fit in the basket or on a rack. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of usable capacity when working out how much you can cook.
Look at the available surface area and height, and consider the size of your dishes rather than relying solely on the number of litres or an “XXL” label.
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Expecting two drawers or high wattage to guarantee good results
The configuration alone doesn’t determine how well an appliance cooks. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests look at cooking results and, for dual-drawer models, how well they handle different foods.
If you need to cook two foods together, check the settings for each zone and look for tests featuring recipes similar to yours.
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Forgetting about noise in an open-plan kitchen
The fan may be audible while the appliance is cooking. UFC-Que Choisir notes that noise deserves particular attention in an open-plan kitchen or a small space.
Look for noise measurements that state the distance and test method, and consider what other appliances will be running at the same time.
Brands to know
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Air fryers for different meal sizes
These single- and dual-drawer models suit different needs: small portions in one basket, or two dishes cooked at the same time. Compare their capacity with your meals and check how much space they’ll take up before deciding whether one would make a useful addition to your oven.
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Ninja Dual Zone Digital DZ300EU, two drawers, 7.6 L
Worth considering if you often cook two parts of a meal at once and have enough space for a dual-drawer appliance.
Stated capacity of 7.6 L; 6-in-1 model. Check that each drawer is the right size for your portions.
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PHILIPS NA210/00 AirFryer 2000 Series, 3.2 L
One to consider for small portions if you prefer a single drawer.
Stated capacity of 3.2 L. Compare the appliance’s dimensions and required clearance with the space you have in mind.
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Ninja AF110EU, 4.7 L 3-in-1 air fryer
Compare it with your usual portions if you want one basket rather than two cooking zones.
Stated capacity of 4.7 L and rated power of 2,000 W; wattage alone isn’t enough to judge cooking results. Check the dimensions before deciding where to put it.
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Midea, 4 L air fryer, 1,500 W, eight modes
Worth considering if you want a single drawer with pre-set modes for different dishes.
Stated capacity of 4 L, temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. If dishwasher-safe cleaning matters to you, check the care instructions for the removable parts.
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Midea, 2 L air fryer, 1,150 W
One to consider for small portions, but check that the 2 L basket will actually hold the food you prepare.
Rated power of 1,150 W, a 60-minute timer and a non-stick basket stated to be dishwasher-safe. Check the appliance’s dimensions to make sure it will fit in your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether an air fryer will genuinely complement my oven?
It’s most useful if you regularly cook small portions and would rather not heat your oven’s large cavity. Make a list of your usual recipes before choosing: an air fryer can also cook, roast and grill, so it may duplicate what your oven already does. In a test published in 2024, UFC-Que Choisir found that, for a small quiche and the same quantity, average electricity consumption was 36% lower than with a mini-oven. This result doesn’t apply to every recipe or appliance.
What capacity should I choose for everyday meals?
Choose based on how much you need to cook at once, not just the capacity in litres. UFC-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 usable surface area and height to make sure they suit the food you want to cook.
How can I compare noise, cleaning and safety?
Look for tests that explain their method and cover all three aspects for the models you’re interested in. UFC-Que Choisir says it measures noise at 0.50 m and checks electrical and thermal safety. For cleaning, also check which parts can be removed and what care instructions apply.