An air fryer is worth considering if you often cook small batches and want to reduce the smells associated with deep-fat frying. UFC-Que Choisir says hot-air cooking reduces the risk of unpleasant odours, but does not eliminate them. If your oven already meets your needs, a new appliance may be an unnecessary extra. Choose a single-basket model to suit your portions, a dual-compartment model if you regularly cook two dishes that need to be ready at the same time, and keep deep-fat frying for dishes that call for this method.
Your choice depends as much on the meals you already make as on the space you have for another appliance.
If the smell of deep-fat frying puts you off certain meals, hot-air cooking is an option worth comparing. UFC-Que Choisir notes that air fryers reduce the risk of unpleasant odours, but also produce fan noise that you should consider, particularly in an open-plan kitchen.
For modest everyday portions, compare a single-basket air fryer with your oven before adding another appliance. UFC-Que Choisir’s capacity guide suggests 3 to 4 l as a starting point for one or two people, and 5 to 6 l for three or four. Check the external dimensions too.
If a main dish and a side often need different cooking times, a dual-compartment model can make it easier to serve them together. Check how much space it will take up, the usable size of each drawer and the cooking results for the specific model. A synchronisation feature alone does not guarantee that both dishes will cook well.
Start with the meals you usually make, then consider odours, portions and the practicalities of each option.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to me |
|---|---|---|
| Odours | Compare hot-air cooking with deep-fat frying, and consider how much cleaning is needed after each use. UFC-Que Choisir says an air fryer reduces the risk of unpleasant odours, but does not promise to eliminate them. | I want to make crispy food without the smell of deep-fat frying lingering in the kitchen. |
| Usefulness compared with an oven | Think about the small batches you would regularly cook in an air fryer. UFC-Que Choisir points out that it shares some functions with an oven. If your oven already suits the meals you make, consider whether you need a second appliance. | Before making space for one, I want to be able to name meals I’d use it for instead of my oven. |
| Portions and space | UFC-Que Choisir’s guide suggests 3 to 4 l for one or two people, 5 to 6 l for three or four, and 7 to 9 l with a suitable format for five or six. Check your portion sizes, the external dimensions and the space needed around the appliance. | I’d rather choose a size that suits my usual meals than get a large advertised capacity that takes up too much worktop space. |
| Cooking two dishes | For a dual-drawer model, check the settings for each zone, the synchronisation feature and the usable size of the compartments. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses cooking with the synchronisation function; this alone does not tell you how well the model you’re considering will perform. | Do I often need a main dish and a side to be ready together, despite having different cooking times? |
| Results you’re looking for | Compare tests using the foods and quantities you cook. Keep a deep-fat fryer if immersion is essential for your dishes; don’t assume an air fryer will produce the same result. | For some dishes, it’s specifically the result of deep-fat frying that I’m after; for others, hot-air cooking may suit me. |
| Noise and cleaning | Look for a noise assessment of the specific model: UFC-Que Choisir measures noise from 50 cm away in its tests. Check how easy it is to reach the bottom of the drawer, which parts can be removed and how they should be washed. | In an open-plan kitchen, I don’t want to find out after buying that the fan noise bothers me or that cleaning up food residue is too much of a chore. |
UFC-Que Choisir highlights the overlap between their functions. If you don’t often cook small batches or two dishes that need to be ready together, the appliance may simply take up space.
Think of three meals you’d genuinely make in it instead of using your oven. If none comes up regularly, sticking with your oven is a sensible choice.
The advertised capacity doesn’t tell you how the food will fit or how much worktop space the appliance will take up. Overcrowded portions can make it harder to cook food evenly.
Compare your usual portions with the drawer size, then check the external dimensions and the space needed around the appliance.
Synchronisation coordinates when the programmes in two zones finish; it doesn’t guarantee the results. UFC-Que Choisir’s general tests show that air fryer performance varies between models.
Look for a test of the specific model using foods and quantities similar to your meals, especially if you plan to use both drawers at once.
The fan can be intrusive near a living area. UFC-Que Choisir reports differences in noise levels between models and includes a measurement taken from 50 cm away in its tests.
If your kitchen is open-plan, check an independent measurement or review of the model you’re considering before choosing its capacity.
These examples describe specific ranges or models; a brand name alone doesn’t tell you how all its appliances will perform.
Philips describes the Series 3000 NA352/24 as an air fryer with two baskets of different sizes.
The Easy Fry Dual XXL EZ942BF0 is a dual-drawer model featured by Moulinex France.
Ninja is among the air fryer manufacturers named and tested by UFC-Que Choisir.
These models use hot-air cooking: some are designed for cooking two dishes at once, while others are for batches in a single basket or container. Before deciding to buy one, first compare this with how you use your oven and the portions you usually make.
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Worth considering if you regularly cook two parts of a meal in separate drawers. The title lists a total capacity of 7,6 l and baskets described as dishwasher-safe. Check the space available, noise levels and how much food each drawer can hold for your meals.
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The two-basket design is intended for cooking two foods in the same appliance. The title lists a 9 l capacity, 2 400 W, independent temperature controls and eight preset programmes. Check the dimensions, noise levels and basket cleaning instructions before making space for it.
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Its advertised capacity of 7,6 l may appeal to households looking to compare a single basket with their oven for regular batches. Check the external dimensions, noise levels and how much you can cook without overfilling the basket.
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Worth a look if you want an air fryer for batches of different sizes: compare its containers with your usual portions rather than assuming you can cook two dishes at once. The glass containers get very hot, so let them cool before washing and follow the model’s guidance to prevent thermal shock. Check the noise level too if you cook near a living area.
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The 2 l capacity makes this model better suited to small batches. Compare it with your usual portions to work out how many batches you’d be happy to cook. The title lists a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and a 60 min timer. Check the dimensions and noise levels before deciding where to put it in your kitchen.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says hot-air cooking reduces the risk of unpleasant odours, particularly in small kitchens, but doesn’t guarantee there’ll be no smell. Clean away any residue after use, and bear in mind that the food you cook can also give off odours.
Remove any food debris and clean the pan and the accessible areas around the plate, following the model’s instructions. Check separately which parts are dishwasher-safe: this doesn’t automatically apply to every air fryer.
No, especially if you’ll be using the appliance in an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir measures air fryer noise from 50 cm away in its tests. Look for an assessment of the specific model rather than relying on a brief listen in a different setting.
Air fryers are covered by the collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment. France’s ministries responsible for the ecological transition say appliances can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre, returned to a retailer, or given to a social and solidarity economy organisation if they can still be reused.