Households that rarely use their fryer
If you only occasionally cook foods that are usually fried, start by checking what your oven can already do. UFC-Que Choisir advises considering the risk of adding another appliance with similar functions.
Who is this choice for?
People who want to avoid a pan of hot oil
If handling oil, cleaning up or cooking smells are behind your decision to switch, bear in mind that the cooking methods are different: an air fryer cooks by circulating hot air, while a deep-fat fryer cooks by immersing food in oil. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the smell of frying can influence your choice.
Smaller households and kitchens where space is limited
For small portions, compare the cooking surface with the space you have to store the appliance. If you have an open-plan kitchen, consider the fan noise too: UFC-Que Choisir reports that it varies between models.
What sets the three options apart?
The cooking method is the first thing to consider when deciding whether to replace your fryer. Portion size and available space then help you choose between an air fryer and an oven.
Air fryer
Worth considering if: you want to cook with hot air without filling and managing a pan of oil.
The trade-off: it takes up extra space, and its fan may be intrusive in an open-plan kitchen.
Deep-fat fryer
Keep it if: your recipes specifically call for food to be immersed in hot oil.
The trade-off: you’ll still need to handle hot oil and clean the appliance after use.
Your existing oven
Best if: you rarely cook these foods and your oven already does what you need.
Check first: don’t assume it will use the same amount of energy as an air fryer for a small dish. It depends on the appliances and dishes being compared.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking and oil | Decide whether your recipe needs to be cooked in oil or can be made using hot air. If you’re considering a deep-fat fryer, also check how it should be cleaned and what precautions to take when handling hot oil. | I want to avoid filling and cleaning a pan of oil — or, on the other hand, keep deep-frying for the dishes I make. |
| Portions | For an air fryer, compare the usable capacity, basket shape and cooking surface with the amount you cook for each meal. UFC-Que Choisir points out that usable capacity determines how much food you can actually cook. | One batch should be enough for my meal, without making me choose an appliance that’s too bulky to store. |
| Using your oven | List the dishes your oven already cooks and how often you make them. UFC-Que Choisir’s energy-use tests cover specific dishes and appliances, so they don’t establish an advantage that applies to every cooking task. | If I rarely cook these foods in the oven, a second appliance needs to meet a different need to earn its place in my home. |
| Noise and storage | Measure the space available for using and storing the appliance. If you have an open-plan kitchen, look for a noise rating during operation: UFC-Que Choisir highlights the fan, whose noise level varies by model. | I want to use and store the appliance without its noise or size getting in the way in my kitchen. |
What should you watch out for before replacing your fryer?
-
Expecting an air fryer to cook like a deep-fat fryer
Cooking with circulating hot air is not the same as immersing food in oil. This matters if deep-frying is exactly the result you’re looking for.
Make a list of the dishes you usually cook and decide which ones need to be fried in oil to get the result you want.
-
Choosing based only on the stated capacity in litres
According to UFC-Que Choisir, usable capacity determines how much food you can actually cook. The shape of the basket also matters, depending on what you’re making.
Compare the cooking surface with your usual portion sizes, then make sure you have somewhere to store the appliance.
If the basket isn’t suited to the amount of food you want to cook, you may have to make several batches.
-
Assuming it will always save electricity
The differences found in UFC-Que Choisir’s tests depend on factors including the dish, the quantity and the appliances being compared. A result measured against a mini oven won’t apply to every oven.
Compare test results for dishes similar to the ones you make, and don’t make assumed energy savings the only reason for replacing your fryer.
-
Forgetting about noise and space
An air fryer’s fan may be noticeable in an open-plan kitchen. You’ll also need somewhere to use and store the appliance.
Measure the space and, if possible, check a noise assessment for the model you’re considering.
A guide to the brands
There are no brand recommendations to share in this section.
Appliances to compare on Joybuy
These appliances let you compare hot-air cooking with deep-frying in oil. Keeping your existing oven is a third option if you’re already happy with what it can cook.
Image unavailable
Midea Air Fryer 2 L, 1150 W, black
Worth considering for small portions if you want to cook without filling a pan with oil. The title lists a 2 L capacity, 1150 W power and a 60-minute timer. Compare the basket’s cooking surface with the amount you usually prepare.
Image unavailable
NINJA FN101EUGY Crispi Air Fryer
This model cooks with hot air rather than by immersing food in oil. Before choosing it for your usual portions, check the cooking surface, the containers and the space you’ll need to store them.
Image unavailable
Midea Air Fryer 4 L, 1500 W
Worth comparing if the stated 2 L capacity isn’t enough for your portions. The title lists a 4 L capacity, 1500 W power, eight pre-set modes and a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C. Check how much the basket can hold per batch, as well as the cleaning instructions.
Image unavailable
Cuisinart Compact Max AFS8OBLE, 7.6 L
Its stated 7.6 L capacity is worth comparing with the amounts you usually cook. If you’ll only use it occasionally, also consider how much space it will take up. Check the external dimensions and basket surface before choosing this size.
Image unavailable
Livoo DOC240, Deep-Fat Fryer 1.5 L, 900 W
Worth considering if you want to keep deep-frying rather than switch to hot-air cooking. The title lists a 1.5 L capacity and 900 W power. You’ll still need to handle hot oil and clean the fryer after use. Check the care instructions and how much storage space it needs.
Frequently asked questions
What foods and quantities can you cook in an air fryer?
It depends on the model and its basket. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol includes frozen chips, four chicken drumsticks, a quiche and a cake up to 16 cm in diameter. For chips, it also tests a basket filled to two-thirds capacity. So compare the foods you cook and your portion sizes with the cooking surface, not just the stated capacity in litres.
Does an air fryer always use less energy than an oven?
No. Results depend on the dish and the appliances being compared. In tests published in 2024, UFC-Que Choisir measured an average of 36 % less electricity than a mini oven for a small quiche of the same size, while some air fryers used more energy to cook chicken drumsticks. This result can’t predict the energy use of every dish you cook.
How can you check whether an air fryer will be easy to clean?
Read the instructions for the specific model. Check which parts can be removed, how they should be washed and whether greasy areas are easy to reach. Also consider where you’ll store the appliance once it’s clean.
Does the legal guarantee of conformity apply to a fryer bought in France?
Yes, if you buy the appliance as a private individual from a professional seller and the legal conditions are met. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that this mandatory guarantee covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Keep your proof of purchase and the product description in case you need to report a lack of conformity to the seller.