An air fryer is best suited to small and medium portions prepared regularly, provided its usable capacity, cleaning requirements and noise level work for your kitchen. Keep the oven for large dishes and bigger meals: UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer’s cooking chamber limits quantities, while its tests on small portions do not support the conclusion that it is more energy-efficient for every recipe.
If you roast, grill or crisp up smaller portions without switching on a large oven, consider the basket’s usable capacity and the space available in your kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir lists capacity and ease of handling among the buying criteria to examine.
A dual-compartment model can be useful when the main dish and side dish require different cooking times. However, check the capacity of each zone and the appliance’s overall footprint.
An air fryer is most worthwhile if you regularly prepare small portions. For larger dishes, the oven is generally more practical; both appliances cover similar cooking, roasting and grilling needs.
Start with the quantity you actually cook, then check the shape of the cooking chamber, cleaning requirements and where you plan to keep the appliance. The right choice depends more on the dishes you usually prepare than on the stated capacity alone.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity and batches | Compare the usable capacity, basket surface area and internal dimensions. Check whether your food needs to fit in a single layer and whether a wide dish will fit. | I want to prepare my usual portions without stacking food or cooking several batches. A dual compartment is useful for two separate foods, but it can sometimes reduce the space available for one large dish. |
| Cooking and texture | Look for tests on the foods you cook most often. Check the instructions for shaking or turning the food, and do not assume that every zone cooks in the same way. | I want roasted or crispy food without assuming that every model will deliver the same result. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests found performance differences between appliances. |
| Cleaning and storage | Check which parts are removable and whether they are dishwasher-safe for the exact model. Also measure your worktop and storage cupboard. | After frequent use, I want to be able to clean and store the appliance easily without it becoming a nuisance. |
| Noise in an open-plan kitchen | Look for a published noise level or a noise test. Convection ventilation is necessary for this type of cooking, so compare results for the model you are considering. | I want to cook without the fan disturbing conversations in an open-plan room or small home. |
| Oven complement or duplicate | Consider the size of your dishes, the number of portions and how often you will use the appliance. For small preparations, UFC-Que Choisir’s tests found lower energy consumption than a mini oven in certain specific scenarios. | I want a useful second appliance for frequent small portions, while keeping the oven for quiches, pizzas, cakes and large dishes. |
A high stated capacity does not always reflect the amount you can actually cook. A basket that is too narrow or too small may require several batches and reduce the appliance’s practical benefits.
Start with your usual portions and most frequently cooked foods, then check the internal dimensions, basket surface area and examples of compatible dishes.
Cooking results vary depending on the model and the quantity of food. UFC-Que Choisir states that an air fryer does not necessarily reproduce the flavour, texture and crispness of traditional frying.
Look for tests using the foods you normally cook, and plan to shake or turn the food when recommended in the instructions.
An appliance used every day will often stay on the worktop, and its fan may be noticeable in an open-plan kitchen.
Measure the space, allowing for the clearances specified by the manufacturer, and look for a sound-test result for the model you are considering.
UFC-Que Choisir’s tests found an advantage for small preparations compared with a mini oven, but the result depends on the recipe, quantity, model and cooking time.
Prioritise it for frequent small portions and consider how many batches will be needed before using it for a large dish.
Philips offers, among other options, dual-basket air fryers, including a 3000 Series model with two drawers of different sizes and a synchronisation function.
Moulinex offers compact and wide models, with a single drawer or dual zones.
Ninja features in French comparisons with compact appliances and multi-zone models.
This selection includes single-drawer and dual-compartment air fryers for roasting, grilling and crisping portions at home.
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For preparing two components with separate settings and serving them together.
Two 4,75 L drawers, Air Fry, Roast, Bake and Reheat functions; drawers and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe. Stated dimensions: 32,5 × 41,5 × 27 cm. Check the noise level if you have an open-plan kitchen, and do not assume that both zones will deliver identical results.
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Worth considering for two preparations requiring different temperatures and cooking times.
Two removable 4,5 L baskets, touch controls and a temperature range from 40 to 200 °C. The product details also mention 10 L in total: check the genuinely usable capacity, the configuration of the larger basket, the dimensions and the noise level.
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A single-drawer option for several portions and easier cleaning.
Stated capacity of 7,6 L, Air Fry, Roast and Grill functions, dishwasher-safe baskets and trays, plus a shake reminder. Check the internal dimensions for wide dishes, as well as the overall size and noise level.
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A single-basket format for regular portions for 2 to 4 people.
Temperature range from 75 to 205 °C, timer, 12 programmes and a non-stick dishwasher-safe basket. The instructions advise shaking or turning the food; a single basket does not allow two preparations to be adjusted separately.
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Worth considering if you prefer a single cooking chamber for family-sized portions.
7 L drawer, digital display, cooking window and removable non-stick basket. The window lets you monitor the food but does not confirm more even cooking; also check the dimensions and noise level.
As a starting point, UFC-Que Choisir recommends 3 to 4 L for 1 to 2 people, 5 to 6 L for 3 to 4 people and 7 to 9 L for 5 to 6 people. These guidelines do not replace checking the usable capacity and basket shape for the foods you usually prepare.
Not in every situation. It can cook, roast and grill small portions, but its cooking chamber limits quiches, cakes, large dishes and several portions at once; keep the oven as your main appliance for these uses.
Yes, if you regularly prepare two different foods to serve at the same time. Check the capacity of each drawer: two small zones do not necessarily replace one large cooking chamber, and results may vary from one zone to another according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Check the documentation for the exact model to see which parts are removable and dishwasher-safe, then make sure you can handle them easily. UFC-Que Choisir includes cleaning in its assessment of ease of use.
For a purchase from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold to private individuals. The French Ministry of the Economy states that it covers, among other things, a product that does not match its description, the use normally expected of it or the qualities advertised.