Air Fryer Buying Guide UK: Size, Drawers and Features Explained
Quick answer: choose your air fryer by capacity first: 2 to 4 litres for one or two people, 5 to 6 litres for a couple who batch cook, and 7 litres or more (or a dual drawer model) for a family of four. Then pick single or dual drawer, basket or oven style, and check the wattage, the non stick or glass basket, and how easy it is to clean.
Air fryers have become one of the most bought kitchen appliances in the UK, mainly because they cook faster than a full-size oven and use less energy for small meals. But there are now hundreds of models, from 2 litre compact fryers to 22 litre air fryer ovens. This pillar guide covers everything you need to decide, and links to our more detailed guides on each topic. You can browse every model in our air fryer collection.
How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven. A heating element sits above the food and a powerful fan blows hot air around it at high speed. Because the cooking space is small, food browns and crisps quickly with a tablespoon of oil or none at all. It does not fry in the traditional sense, so results are closer to oven-baked food with a crispier outside.
Step 1: choose the right size
| Capacity | Household | What fits |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 3 litres | 1 person | A portion of chips, 2 chicken thighs, reheating |
| 3.5 to 5 litres | 2 people | Chips and 2 chicken breasts, a small whole fish |
| 5.5 to 7 litres | 2 to 4 people | A whole chicken up to around 1.5kg, family portions of chips |
| 7.5 litres and above, or dual drawer | 4 or more people | A main and a side at the same time, batch cooking |
Air fryer capacity is measured in litres of basket volume, but food should only fill the basket in a single layer for crisp results. As a rule, buy one size bigger than you think you need. Read more in our guide to dual air fryers.
Step 2: single drawer, dual drawer or oven style?
- Single drawer basket: the simplest and usually the cheapest. Best for one to three people.
- Dual drawer (dual zone): two separate baskets with their own controls. A sync function finishes both at the same time, so chips and chicken are ready together. Best for families.
- Stacked dual drawer: two baskets on top of each other, so it takes less worktop width.
- Air fryer oven: a box with shelves, often with a rotisserie. Holds more but takes more space and can be slower to clean. See air fryer ovens.
Step 3: check the features that matter
- Wattage: 1,300W to 1,700W is normal for single baskets, and up to 2,400W for large dual models. Higher wattage heats faster but draws more power while running.
- Basket material: non stick baskets are easiest to clean. Glass containers let you see the food and avoid coatings altogether.
- Window: a viewing window saves opening the drawer, which lets heat out.
- Presets and probe: a built-in temperature probe takes the guesswork out of cooking meat.
- Dishwasher safe parts: most baskets are, but hand washing keeps non stick coatings longer.
Popular air fryers in our range
Prices are current shop prices and may change.
| Air fryer | Capacity | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MisterChef 2L Compact Air Fryer | 2L | Single basket, 1000W | £46.12 |
| iN 3.2L Digital Air Fryer | 3.2L | Single basket, 6 presets | £38.99 |
| Electrolux 4L Air Fryer | 4L | Single basket, 1350W, 8 presets | £48.99 |
| Ninja CRISPi 3.8L Glass Air Fryer | 3.8L | Glass container | £148.99 |
| Tefal Easy Fry Mega 7.5L | 7.5L | Large single basket, 8 programs | £63.99 |
| Cuisinart Compact Max 7.6L | 7.6L | Large single basket | £63.99 |
| Hamilton Beach VisionCook 11L Dual | 11L | Dual zone with windows, 2400W | £78.99 |
| Electrolux Double Stacked 12L | 12L | Stacked dual drawer | £108.99 |
| Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone AF451UK | 9.5L | Dual zone with cooking probe | £268.98 |
How much does an air fryer cost to run?
Work it out with this formula: wattage in kW, multiplied by cooking time in hours, multiplied by your electricity price per kWh. For example, a 1.5kW air fryer running for 20 minutes uses about 0.5kWh. At 25p per kWh that is roughly 12.5p. A large electric oven often uses more because it has to heat a much bigger space first. Check your own tariff for the exact price per kWh.
Air fryer or oven: which should you use?
For small portions, reheating and crispy foods such as chips, wings and roast potatoes, an air fryer is usually faster and cheaper. For large roasts, several trays of food, or baking cakes, a full oven is still the better tool. Many households use both: the air fryer for daily meals and the oven for Sunday dinner and baking.
How to clean an air fryer
- Unplug and let it cool completely.
- Soak the basket and tray in warm soapy water for 10 minutes.
- Clean with a soft sponge, never wire wool, to protect the coating.
- Wipe the inside and the heating element gently with a damp cloth.
- Dry everything before putting it back together.
Liners can cut down cleaning, but use only liners made for air fryers, and never put a liner in without food on it, because the fan can blow it into the element.
More air fryer guides
- Best air fryer UK under £100
- Read our guide to the small kitchen appliances worth buying
Frequently asked questions
What size air fryer do I need for a family of 4?
Choose at least 7 litres in a single basket, or a dual drawer air fryer of 8 litres or more, so you can cook a main and a side together.
Is an air fryer cheaper to run than an oven?
For small meals, usually yes, because it heats a small space quickly. A 1.5kW air fryer running for 20 minutes uses about 0.5kWh.
Is a dual drawer air fryer worth it?
Yes if you cook for three or more people or often cook two foods at once. For one or two people, a single basket is simpler and cheaper.
Do you need oil in an air fryer?
No, but a teaspoon to a tablespoon of oil on chips, potatoes and vegetables gives a crispier, more even finish.
Do you need to preheat an air fryer?
Most models heat up in 2 to 3 minutes. Preheating helps crisp foods like chips and frozen items, but it is not essential for every recipe.
