If the smell of deep-frying bothers you more than you value the crispness of traditionally fried food, compare air fryers. They avoid deep-frying in oil, but can’t guarantee odour-free cooking, and their noise and size are worth considering. If you only fry occasionally and specifically want that texture, a traditional oil fryer may still be a good choice, according to UFC-Que Choisir. And if your oven or hob already covers your needs, first consider whether you’d use an additional appliance often enough.
An air fryer avoids deep-frying in oil, but its fan can be noticeable in an open-plan room. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking noise into account. Compare the space it takes up and how easy it is to clean before you choose, too.
If the taste and crispness of food deep-fried in oil matter most, and you only prepare it occasionally, a traditional fryer may be all you need, according to UFC-Que Choisir. However, you’ll need to use your hob, maintain the oil and take care when handling hot oil.
An air fryer can be used for a range of dishes, but its stated capacity alone won’t tell you how much food you can cook at once. If you’re cooking for several people, UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking the usable capacity. You should also measure the space where you plan to put it.
Start with the results you want and how often you’ll use the appliance, then compare each option for smell, available space and cleaning.
Worth considering: for occasional frying if you want the results of deep-frying in oil and can use your hob, as UFC-Que Choisir suggests.
The trade-off: hot oil requires good ventilation and careful handling, as well as cleaning after use.
Worth considering: if you want to keep deep-frying in oil without using the hob while you cook.
The trade-off: you’ll still need to maintain the oil. According to UFC-Que Choisir, how well filters control smells varies between appliances.
Worth considering: if you want to avoid deep-frying in oil and use the appliance for different types of cooking, without expecting the same results as traditional deep-frying.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir points out that noise, size and the results you get when cooking chips vary between models.
Worth considering: if you don’t fry food often and your existing appliances meet your everyday cooking needs.
The trade-off: this option may not reproduce the texture of food deep-fried in oil.
| Criterion | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Smells | Compare the cooking method and ventilation options. For an oil fryer, check the type of filter and how to maintain it. UFC-Que Choisir says that filter performance varies and that filters don’t contain smells when the basket is lowered into or lifted out of the oil. | In my open-plan kitchen, the smell of deep-frying in oil bothers me. But I won’t assume that an air fryer or a filter will get rid of all cooking smells. |
| Results and frequency of use | Decide whether you mainly want chips deep-fried in oil or a more versatile way to cook. For an air fryer, look for tests of chips and quantities similar to the ones you’d prepare. UFC-Que Choisir has found that results vary between models. | If I rarely fry food but want that traditional texture, I can stick with deep-frying in oil. If the dishes I usually make can already be cooked in the oven, I’ll consider whether another appliance is worthwhile. |
| Capacity and space | Check the usable capacity, number of drawers and appliance dimensions. UFC-Que Choisir says it’s usable capacity, not just the ‘XXL’ label, that determines how much you can cook. | When cooking several portions, I want to avoid making multiple batches, but I don’t want an oversized appliance taking up permanent space on my worktop either. |
| Noise | For an air fryer, look for a noise test of the specific model rather than a general impression of the range. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the fan can be disruptive. | My kitchen opens onto the living area, so noise while cooking matters just as much as the space the appliance takes up. |
| Cleaning and use | Check which parts can be removed and how to clean them. With a fryer that uses oil, you’ll also need to remove crumbs, store and dispose of used oil, and follow the instructions and hot-surface safety guidance. | If I cook often, I want to be able to keep up with the cleaning routine. If I’ll only use it occasionally, that may influence my choice. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the crispness and texture can differ, and the results when cooking chips vary by model and quantity.
If traditional chips are the main reason you’re buying, check cooking tests before replacing your oil fryer.
UFC-Que Choisir says that filter performance varies and smells can escape when the basket is lowered into or lifted out of the oil.
Check the type of filter, how it needs to be maintained and the ventilation options in your kitchen.
A replaceable filter adds another maintenance task, so check what’s required for the model you choose.
UFC-Que Choisir notes that these appliances can take up a lot of space and that their fans can be audible – something to consider in an open-plan kitchen.
Measure the space available and look for a noise measurement for the model you’re considering.
Crumbs left in the oil make it harder to maintain. UFC-Que Choisir reminds users not to pour used oil down the sink or toilet.
Before choosing an oil fryer, plan how you’ll filter, store and dispose of the oil in line with the relevant guidance.
This routine takes time, and you’ll need suitable storage space between uses.
The features mentioned apply to the models listed, not every appliance from each brand.
UFC-Que Choisir highlights the Crispi FN101 as an example of an unconventional air fryer design.
Several Moulinex designs feature among the air fryers reviewed by UFC-Que Choisir, including the Easy Fry Silence Smart EZ572DF0 and Easy Fry XL Surface AL4018F0.
UFC-Que Choisir highlights the NA150/00 Series 1000, which has an adjustable drawer.
These air fryers are an option if you want to avoid deep-frying in oil. If the texture of traditionally fried food is important to you, compare them with an oil fryer or the appliances you already own.
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Its 2 L capacity is worth comparing with your usual portions if you cook for one or two people. The product details list a 60-minute timer, a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and 1 150 W of power. Check its dimensions and noise level if it’ll be used in an open-plan kitchen.
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This air fryer is worth considering if you want to cook without deep-frying in oil. Compare the containers’ capacity with your usual portions, and check the dimensions and noise level of the FN101EUGY before making room for it in your kitchen.
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Its stated capacity of 7.6 L may be worth comparing if you prepare several portions. You’ll still need to check the usable capacity and dimensions: the ‘Compact Max’ name alone doesn’t tell you how much worktop space it needs.
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The two drawers are worth considering if you want to prepare two dishes for the same meal. The model is listed with a total capacity of 9.5 L and six functions. Check the space it needs and the usable capacity of each drawer rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
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The dual baskets may suit you if you want to cook a main dish and a side separately. The stated total capacity is 9 L. Compare the dimensions and capacity of each basket with the food you plan to prepare before choosing this design.
No. It lets you cook without deep-frying in oil, but it doesn’t always reproduce the taste, texture and crispness of traditionally fried food, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If that’s your priority, compare cooking tests before replacing your fryer.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says that performance varies by appliance, and smells can escape when the basket is lowered into or lifted out of the oil. Check the filter and make sure you can also ventilate the room.
Remove crumbs, keep an eye on the condition of the oil and plan how to dispose of it without pouring it down the sink or toilet. UFC-Que Choisir recommends replacing the oil after 8 to 10 uses, or sooner if it turns brown, becomes viscous, smokes when heated or foams.
Yes, if your kitchen opens onto your living area. UFC-Que Choisir highlights fan noise and measures the noise of tested appliances from 50 cm away. Look for a measurement for the specific model you’re considering.