Whether you’re trying to cut back on oil, speed up your weeknight meals, or just finally see what the hype’s all about, an air fryer can be a surprisingly versatile kitchen upgrade. But with so many shapes, sizes, and features — not to mention wildly different prices — choosing the right one can feel more overwhelming than meal planning for a picky family of five.
Here’s a simple, no-nonsense guide to help you find the best air fryer for your space, your cooking style, and your appetite.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
How Many People Am I Cooking For?
If you’re flying solo or only making snacks, a compact 2–4-quart model is probably enough. Cooking for a family or batch-prepping for the week? You’ll want a 6-quart or larger air fryer — or even a dual-basket model to make dinner in one go.
Bonus tip: Some models list their capacity in litres — aim for 3–6 litres for couples, and 6–10 litres for families.
What Do I Actually Want to Make?
If you’re only reheating fries or crisping up frozen chicken nuggets, just about any air fryer will do. But if you want to roast a whole chicken, bake muffins, or dehydrate fruit, you’ll need a more advanced model with multiple cooking functions and possibly racks or trays.
How Much Counter Space Do I Have?
Air fryers range from compact to countertop-hogging monsters. Take a second to measure your kitchen space — especially if your outlets are tucked away. Tall basket-style units may not fit under cupboards. Some toaster-oven-style air fryers are wider and deeper but offer more cooking flexibility.
Types of Air Fryers
Basket-Style Air Fryers
The classic model: a pull-out basket where you dump your food, shake halfway through, and enjoy. They’re compact, easy to clean, and great for crisping.
Best for: Everyday use, frozen foods, fries, wings.
Toaster-Oven-Style Air Fryers
These look like mini ovens and usually offer more cooking modes (like bake, toast, broil, dehydrate). Some come with rotisserie spits, racks, and dual-level cooking.
Best for: Versatility, bigger families, or replacing multiple small appliances.
Dual-Basket Air Fryers
Perfect for cooking two dishes at once — ideal if one person’s vegetarian/vegan and the other’s…not. Some models let you sync finish times or use different settings in each basket.
Best for: Meal multitaskers and picky households.
Pressure Cooker + Air Fryer Combos
Brands like Ninja and Instant Pot make combo appliances that pressure cook, then air fry to crisp food up — ideal if you’re short on space and love one-pot meals.
Best for: Busy cooks who want it all in one.
Features Worth Considering
Preset Cooking Modes
Want to air fry salmon without guessing the temp? Presets take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like fries, chicken, veggies, and even baked goods. That said, you can always adjust manually if you like more control.
Temperature Range
Most models range between 80°C to 200°C (180°F to 400°F). A wider range gives you more flexibility — lower temps are great for dehydrating, higher ones for crisping and roasting.
Timer and Alerts
Look for clear digital controls and an automatic shut-off. Some models have smart reminders to shake the basket, or even pause cooking when you open the drawer.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Removable non-stick baskets or trays are a must. Bonus points if they’re dishwasher-safe. Avoid models with small crevices where grease can build up.
Size and Shape
Tall air fryers take up less counter space, but wider toaster-oven models give more surface area to spread out food, which equals better crisping. Choose based on your most common meals.
Window or No Window?
Oven-style models often come with a clear viewing window and a light — handy if you like watching your food cook (or forget it’s in there). Basket models usually don’t offer visibility mid-cook.
App or Smart Features
Some premium models (like those from T-fal or Instant Brands) connect to smartphone apps with recipes and remote controls. Fun, but not essential.
