An air fryer is a practical choice for small or medium portions that you want to roast, brown or crisp, provided you are happy to give it a permanent place on your worktop. For large batches, cooking on several levels or kitchens where noise and space are major considerations, your existing oven is often more suitable. Choose a dual-drawer or oven-style model based on the volume you actually prepare.
For side dishes, vegetables, chips or portions of meat without a deep-fat fryer, a 3 to 4 L basket is a useful guide for one or two people, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Compare the appliance with your oven using recipes and quantities that are genuinely comparable.
A dual drawer can help you cook a main dish and a side with different cooking times. However, check that both the larger and smaller baskets match the portions you usually prepare.
Before adding an appliance to your worktop, consider the space it will occupy permanently and the noise from the fan. UFC-Que Choisir highlights that noise levels vary between models.
Start with your portions and recipes, then check the installation requirements, cleaning and energy comparisons under conditions close to how you will use the appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the volume with the number of portions, the shape of the food and the size of each drawer. UFC-Que Choisir cites 3 to 4 L for one or two people and at least 6 L for a family of four. | I want to prepare a meal without cooking several batches, but without installing an oversized appliance. |
| Noise and installation | Measure the space on your worktop and the clearance needed to open the drawers. If a quiet environment matters, look for an independent noise measurement: UFC-Que Choisir measures this criterion at 0.50 m as part of its testing protocol. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to cook without disrupting conversations, working from home or other appliances. |
| Cooking results | Check how the model performs with the foods you cook most often, particularly in terms of even cooking and crispiness. Hot-air cooking does not automatically reproduce the texture of deep-fat frying. | I want golden, crispy food while avoiding the need to manage a pan or tank of oil. |
| Cleaning | Check the removable parts, their coating and whether they are dishwasher-safe when this is stated for the exact model. A viewing window can also let you monitor cooking without opening the drawer. | I want to minimise washing up after frequent cooking and keep the appliance easy to maintain. |
| Energy comparisons | Compare measurements based on the same recipe, quantity and specific appliances. For a small quiche, UFC-Que Choisir measured an average of 36% less electricity used by the tested air fryers than by a mini oven, for the same quantity. | I want to avoid choosing based on an energy-saving claim that does not reflect my usual meals. |
A basket that is too small may mean cooking several batches, while an appliance that is too large can take up valuable worktop space without being filled. The shape of the basket matters just as much as the stated volume.
Start with the portions and dishes you prepare, then check the basket dimensions, the size of each drawer and the space available for bulky foods.
Energy consumption depends on the recipe, quantity, cooking time, model and appliance used for comparison. In some tests, UFC-Que Choisir also found models that used more energy than a mini oven when cooking drumsticks.
Rely on independent measurements for a recipe similar to how you use the appliance, rather than a general percentage advertised by a brand.
Ventilation is essential for convection and can be noticeable in an open-plan kitchen. An appliance used every day will often need a permanent place on the worktop.
Measure the space, including the clearance needed to open the drawers, and look for an independent noise measurement if this is a deciding factor.
Hot air and immersion in oil do not necessarily produce the same texture, while cooking consistency also varies depending on the appliance and how full the basket is.
Choose this format for roasting, grilling and browning with little or no added fat. Do not assume it will be an identical replacement if a deep-fried crunch is your priority.
The range includes dual-drawer models and oven-style formats, depending on whether you want to coordinate two dishes or have more cooking space.
The brand notably offers models with two baskets of different sizes for preparing a main dish and a side at the same time.
Ninja is among the brands featured in French air fryer comparisons, with basket models and appliances offering several cooking zones.
These Joybuy options mainly include basket and dual-compartment air fryers for everyday portions, family meals and coordinating a main dish with a side.
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For cooking a main dish and a side with separate settings.
Two stated 4.75 L drawers, six functions and components stated to be dishwasher-safe. Stated dimensions: 32.5 × 41.5 × 27 cm. Check the noise level if you have an open-plan kitchen.
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Suitable for two foods with different cooking times, thanks to the independent baskets and stated Sync function.
Two stated 4.5 L baskets, 2,400 W, touchscreen and eight programmes. Check the dimensions, noise level and cleaning method before installation.
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Worth considering for coordinating two dishes and keeping them separate while cooking.
Stated total capacity of 9 L, dual chamber, precise temperature control and ten menus. Check the capacity of each chamber for bulky ingredients.
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A single-basket model for a main dish in medium-sized portions, with visibility during cooking.
Stated 7 L capacity, digital display, seven programmes, removable non-stick basket and transparent window. Check the dimensions, noise level and cleaning instructions.
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A basket format designed for small portions for one or two people.
Stated 4.7 L capacity, 2,000 W, range of 30 to 210 °C and Air Fry, reheat and dehydrate functions. The non-stick basket is stated to be dishwasher-safe; check the space required and the noise level.
No, not automatically. It can handle small recipes and portions, but an oven remains useful for large batches, cooking on several levels or complete meals. Depending on the quantities involved, an air fryer is often a supplement or a partial replacement.
As a starting guide, UFC-Que Choisir recommends 3 to 4 L for one or two people, 5 to 6 L for three to four people and 7 to 9 L or more for five to six people. Also check the shape of the baskets: two drawers totalling 8 or 9 L will not always replace one large cooking space.
No: the comparison depends on the recipe, quantity and specific appliances. For a small quiche, UFC-Que Choisir measured an average of 36% less electricity used by the tested air fryers than by a 19 L mini oven, but some models used more energy than this mini oven when cooking drumsticks.
Look for an independent noise measurement rather than relying solely on a demonstration. The convection fan can be noticeable in a small or open-plan kitchen, and you will also need to allow permanent space for the appliance if you use it every day.
An analysis by UFC-Que Choisir of six air fryers did not detect the banned PFAS PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS in the coatings examined. This conclusion applies only to the six models analysed. To protect the surface, use suitable utensils and follow the manufacturer’s instructions if there is visible damage.