Cooking a small portion
If you usually prepare one dish at a time, check that it fits in the basket without taking up unnecessary worktop space. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol considers different quantities and formats.
Who is this choice for?
Preparing two foods at the same time
If your meals often include two dishes, compare separate cooking zones and their settings with a single cooking space. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests also look at cooking in different zones.
Fitting out an already-equipped small kitchen
If you already have an oven or microwave, weigh up the results you want, noise, maintenance and the space a new appliance would take up. UFC-Que Choisir measures the noise of some models, while energy comparisons depend on the appliances and recipes tested.
What to compare for small portions
Single-drawer air fryer
Choose this if: you mainly prepare one dish or portion at a time and can check that your food fits in the basket.
Bear in mind: you have just one cooking space, so depending on the recipe and quantity, you may need to cook in batches.
Dual-drawer air fryer
Choose this if: you often cook two foods at once and need separate settings for each.
Bear in mind: the two zones take up more space, and results may vary between drawers depending on the food.
Mini oven-style air fryer
Choose this if: you prefer arranging food on racks or trays and your usual dishes fit inside the cavity.
Bear in mind: check how much space it takes up and how easy it is to clean. A larger cavity isn’t necessarily useful for a small portion.
An oven or combination microwave you already own
Choose this if: your current appliance suits the dishes you make and you’d rather not add another one.
Bear in mind: compare appliances using the same recipes and portions. Test results don’t allow you to draw conclusions about every model.
To decide, start with your recipes and the space available, then compare cooking performance, cleaning, noise and whether you really need another appliance.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity and footprint | Measure your worktop and compare the internal dimensions with the dishes and quantities in your recipes. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes a quiche no larger than 16 cm and different quantities of chips. | If I mainly prepare one dish at a time in a small kitchen, I want my portion to fit without taking up too much space. Around 33% of consumers prioritise a good fit between portion size and footprint. |
| Cooking performance and programmes | Compare test results for the recipes you make, manual settings and, for dual-drawer models, synchronised cooking. UFC-Que Choisir notes that results can vary depending on which zone is used. | When two foods need to cook at the same time, I want to know whether separate settings will genuinely meet my needs. Around 27% of consumers prioritise cooking results and useful programmes. |
| Everyday cleaning | Check the instruction manual to see which removable parts are dishwasher-safe and how to clean the parts that can’t be removed. | After cooking repeatedly, I want to know which parts can go in the dishwasher and how many items need cleaning. Easy cleaning is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Noise and safe use | Look for a noise measurement that includes the measuring distance: UFC-Que Choisir says it measures some models from 0.50 m away. Also follow the clearances and instructions in the manual. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to assess the noise and installation requirements. Noise levels and placement are a priority for around 13% of consumers; everyone should check the safety precautions. |
| Whether a new appliance is worthwhile | When comparing energy use, use the same recipes and quantities. UFC-Que Choisir’s published test compares air fryers with a 19 L mini oven, among other things; its results don’t apply to every oven or combination microwave. | If I already have an oven or combination microwave, I want to avoid adding an appliance that doesn’t offer a distinct use. Around 7% of consumers prioritise avoiding duplication. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Relying only on the advertised capacity or number of portions
The dimensions, basket shape, how it’s loaded and the recipe all affect what you can cook in one go and the results you’ll get. A capacity in litres doesn’t guarantee that a dish or tin will fit.
Before choosing between one or two drawers, compare the internal dimensions and quantities listed in the manual with the food you usually cook.
If a recipe doesn’t fit or doesn’t cook properly, you may have to split it into several batches.
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Assuming two drawers or more programmes will always improve cooking
UFC-Que Choisir notes that results can vary depending on the zone and the food; a preset programme doesn’t guarantee a particular result.
Choose two zones if you’ll genuinely use them, and compare the available settings with your usual recipes.
A second drawer takes up more space and adds extra parts to clean if you rarely use it.
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Treating measured energy savings as a general promise
Tests cover specific models, recipes and quantities. A comparison with a mini oven doesn’t let you draw conclusions about every oven or combination microwave.
Only compare results based on similar appliances, recipes and portions, taking into account the equipment you already own.
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Forgetting about noise and the space required
Noise levels vary between models, and another appliance may clutter your worktop.
Look for a noise measurement that states the distance, and check the dimensions and clearances specified in the manual.
Brands to consider for their relevant ranges
Moulinex
The Easy Fry Compact EZ145A20 is an example of a single-drawer model advertised with a 3 L capacity and ten programmes.
- Moulinex says this model’s basket is dishwasher-safe and replacement parts are available.
- The brand’s claims about the number of people it serves, speed or savings don’t prove how it will perform for your portion or affect your energy bill.
Philips
The 2000 Series NA210/00 is worth considering if you’re looking for a 3.2 L model with manual settings and a cooking window.
- Philips says this model’s removable plate is dishwasher-safe.
- These features apply to the NA210/00; check the model number and the relevant parts in the manual for the model you choose.
Instant Pot
The 2 L black Vortex Mini is an example of a small-basket model advertised with four programmes.
- Instant Pot says this model can prepare up to two portions and that some parts are dishwasher-safe.
- The portion guidance and the brand’s claims about cooking results don’t guarantee how your recipes will turn out; check the manual to see which parts are covered.
Air fryers available on Joybuy
This selection features air fryers suited to preparing small quantities. Compare capacity, dimensions, settings and cleaning requirements with your recipes and the space available.
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Ninja AF110EU, 4.7 L air fryer, 3-in-1
Its 4.7 L basket is advertised as suitable for 1 to 2 portions, making it a useful model to compare for smaller meals.
Three functions are listed: Air Fry, Reheat and Dehydrate. The temperature can be set from 30 to 210 °C, and the basket is dishwasher-safe.
The manual says not to use the appliance for deep-fat frying.
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Philips NA210/00 2000 Series Airfryer, 3.2 L
Its 3.2 L capacity makes it easy to compare this compact model with the size of your portions and the space on your worktop.
Listed dimensions: 368 × 273 × 293 mm. The temperature can be set up to 200 °C, with a 30-minute timer; the drawer and removable basket are advertised as dishwasher-safe.
The product description says to leave at least 100 mm of clear space on each side of the appliance.
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Midea 4 L Air Fryer with LED Display
Its advertised 4 L capacity makes it easy to compare with other models based on the shape and quantity of food you prepare.
It’s listed with eight programmes, a power rating of 1,500 W, an adjustable temperature of 35 to 200 °C and a timer from 1 to 60 minutes. The basket is advertised as dishwasher-safe, and a reminder to shake the food is also listed.
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Midea 2 L Air Fryer, 1,150 W
The 2 L basket is advertised as suitable for one or two people, making it easy to compare with the portions you usually prepare.
The timer runs for up to 60 minutes, the temperature is adjustable and the basket is advertised as dishwasher-safe.
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Sharp AF-GS404AE-B Air Fryer, 4 L
Its 4 L capacity makes it easy to compare with your portion sizes and the space you have available.
The title lists a power rating of 1,300 W, eight preset programmes and digital controls.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a small basket will suit my recipe?
Compare the basket’s shape and internal dimensions with your food or tin, then check the quantities in the manual. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes dishes no larger than 16 cm and different quantities of chips, showing that the advertised capacity alone won’t tell you how well it will perform.
Can all air fryer parts go in the dishwasher?
No, it depends on the parts and the model. Check the manual for the exact model number to see whether the basket or removable plate is dishwasher-safe, and how to clean the other parts once they’ve cooled down.
Does an air fryer always use less energy than my oven or combination microwave?
No, it depends on the appliances, recipes and quantities being compared. In a test published in 2024, UFC-Que Choisir found that some air fryers used less energy than a 19 L mini oven for specific recipes, but this doesn’t establish savings for every model. The study by ADEME and the National Consumer Institute on combination ovens covers built-in appliances and isn’t a direct comparison with every worktop air fryer.
What rights and compliance details should I check when buying in France?
In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer; contact the seller to make a claim. For an appliance covered by the applicable European electrical safety rules, the DGCCRF explains that the CE marking, where required, is a declaration by the manufacturer and not an independent certification. RappelConso, the DGCCRF’s official platform, lets you check alerts for a specific model.