Quick answer
- 1–2 people: a 4–6 litre single basket is plenty.
- Family of 3–5: a 6–9 litre dual basket lets you cook mains and sides together.
- Big families or entertaining: a flexible 10L+ drawer that turns into one big zone.
- Want to replace the oven for everyday meals: consider an air fryer oven or a grill + air fryer combo.
Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in the UK – and for good reason. They heat up quickly, cook small portions faster than a full-size oven and produce crispy results with little or no oil. With so many sizes and styles available, here’s how to pick the right one.
How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer is essentially a compact, powerful fan oven. A heating element and fan circulate very hot air around the food, crisping the outside while cooking the inside. Because the cooking space is small, it heats up quickly – ideal for weeknight dinners, chips, chicken, vegetables and reheating leftovers.
Single basket or dual basket?
| Type | Pros | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single basket | Compact, simple, often cheaper | Singles, couples and small kitchens |
| Dual basket | Cook two foods at different settings, finish together with “sync” | Families who cook mains and sides at once |
| Flex drawer | Two zones or one big zone by removing a divider | Families who also cook large items like a whole chicken or traybake |
| Air fryer oven | Big capacity, shelves, rotisserie | Replacing a mini oven |
What size air fryer do I need?
| Household | Suggested capacity |
|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 4–6 litres |
| 3–4 people | 6–8 litres (or dual basket) |
| 5+ people | 9–10.4 litres, dual zone or flex drawer |
Features worth looking for
- Sync / Match functions – both baskets finish at the same time, or copy settings across.
- Viewing window – check food without opening the drawer.
- Steam – some models combine air frying with steam for juicier results.
- Grill plate and probe – for proper chargrilled steaks and perfectly cooked chicken.
- Dishwasher-safe parts – makes cleaning much easier.
- Glass or ceramic cooking surfaces – if you’d rather avoid PFAS non-stick coatings.
Our picks
Best for big families: Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer AF500UKTwo 5.2L zones or one 10.4L MegaZone, with SYNC and MATCH. Each zone fits up to a 2kg chicken.View the FlexDrawer →
Best with steam: Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket9L total (6L + 3L) with Air Steam for tender, juicy results and 12 presets.View the Philips 5000 Series →
Best compact dual basket: Philips 1000 Series FlexDrawer7.1L that switches between two baskets and one tray, in a design up to 40% more compact.View the Philips 1000 Series →
Best PFAS-free: Ninja CRISPi PROGlass containers you can cook, serve and store in – 5.7L plus 2.3L.View the CRISPi PRO →
Best grill combo: Ninja 6-in-1 MAX Grill & Air FryerIndoor chargrilling plus air frying, with a built-in smart cooking probe.View the Ninja DG551UK →
Best single basket: Philips 2000 Series 6.2L13 functions, a viewing window and dishwasher-safe parts.View the Philips 2000 Series →
Air fryer tips
- Don’t overfill the basket – a single layer gives the crispiest results.
- Shake or turn food halfway through cooking.
- A light spray of oil helps chips and vegetables brown.
- Most oven recipes work if you reduce the temperature slightly and check earlier.
Frequently asked questions
Is an air fryer cheaper to run than an oven?
For smaller portions, air fryers usually cook faster and heat a much smaller space than a full-size oven, which can help reduce energy use. Actual savings depend on what you cook and your tariff.
Can I cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Yes – frozen chips, nuggets and vegetables cook brilliantly from frozen.
Single or dual basket – which should I buy?
If you regularly cook a main and a side together, a dual basket or flex drawer saves time. For one or two people cooking simple meals, a single basket is easier to store and clean.
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