An air fryer can prepare chips, vegetables, chicken, bread rolls and even cake with very little oil. Yet many people end up buying an appliance that mainly takes up space after a few weeks. The problem is often not the brand, but an incorrect assessment of capacity, cleaning and everyday use.
The most important question, therefore, is not which air fryer has the most functions, but which model suits your kitchen, household and cooking routine.
A 5-litre air fryer sounds spacious, but the shape of the basket determines how much food you can actually arrange next to each other. A tall, narrow basket is suitable for smaller portions, while a wider drawer is often more practical for chips or vegetables. A 7-litre air fryer may be a better fit for a family, but it also takes up more space on the worktop.
So don’t just look at the number of litres. Also check the dimensions, the number of baskets and whether you can cook your food in a single layer.
An air fryer generally uses less oil than a traditional deep-fat fryer. However, brands may make their own claims about, for example, a certain percentage less oil or energy. According to the relevant brand’s own research, such figures may apply under specific conditions. The result depends partly on the dish, the quantity and the temperature selected.
See an air fryer as an appliance for cooking with little oil, rather than an automatically healthy fryer. The ingredients still make the biggest difference.
Fat, crumbs and marinade can build up around the heating element and air vents. A dishwasher-safe basket saves time, but the housing itself must not be immersed in water. Also check whether a rack, inner pan or additional baking tray can be removed easily.
A viewing window is useful for monitoring the cooking process, but it does not eliminate the need to clean the components regularly.
Use this practical guide:
An air fryer with dual baskets offers flexibility, but it may be wider or taller. Measure the available space in advance, including the ventilation space around the appliance.
A digital air fryer with automatic programmes is easy to operate. Also look at the manual settings. A range of around 40 to 200 °C supports a variety of cooking methods, such as reheating, baking and roasting. A higher maximum temperature can be useful for crispier results, but always check the instructions and cooking time.
A timer, automatic switch-off and shake reminder are practical features. More programmes do not automatically mean greater ease of use: clear controls and easy-to-read information are at least as important.
Look for:
For every electrical kitchen appliance, the statutory conformity and consumer guarantee rules applicable in the European Union apply. Keep your proof of purchase and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Why it suits this profile: The 5-litre capacity and simple touch controls are ideal for everyday use without taking up too much space on the worktop.
The product specifications list six automatic programmes, an adjustable temperature of 80 to 200 °C and a dishwasher-safe basket.
5-litre capacity, 1450-watt power, touch controls and timer function.
Why it suits this profile: If you value convenient controls, visibility of your food and easy maintenance, this compact air fryer offers several comfort features.
The viewing window lets you check your food without opening the basket every time. The front section is removable according to the product description.
5-litre capacity, touchscreen, ten programmes, keep-warm function and dishwasher-safe components.
Why it suits this profile: The two independent cooking areas are practical for families who want to prepare a main course and side dish at the same time.
The capacity is split into approximately 6.4 litres for the air fryer and 4.4 litres for the oven. This makes it clearer what each space is intended for.
Two cooking zones, 1850 watts, ten programmes and synchronised cooking times.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
An air fryer heats food with hot air and usually requires very little oil. A traditional deep-fat fryer uses a bath of oil and is primarily designed for deep-frying. If you regularly prepare large quantities of chips or snacks at the same time, you could consider a double fryer with two separate compartments. For example, the Fritel FR 1355 Duo has two 3-litre reservoirs and, according to the product specifications, is intended for 2 to 8 people.
If you mainly prepare chips, snacks and the occasional vegetables, an air fryer may be more versatile. For grilling, making panini or preparing complete meals, additional kitchen equipment such as a contact grill may make more sense than one appliance with functions you rarely use.
For one or two people, 4 to 5 litres is often sufficient. A family will generally benefit more from 6 to 7 litres or an air fryer with dual baskets. Always check the basket shape: the usable surface is more important than the stated capacity alone.
Consumption depends on the power, cooking time and frequency of use. An air fryer generally heats up faster than a large oven, but the difference varies by dish and appliance. So compare the wattage and cooking time, rather than looking only at a brand’s general energy claims.
Its lifespan depends on usage, cleaning and the quality of components such as the basket, non-stick coating and heating element. Clean the appliance according to the instructions, avoid overloading it and do not use abrasive products. When buying, also check whether replacement parts and service information are available.