Delicious dishes are made just fine with a good air fryer! Want to buy the best air fryer? For our air fryer test, we tested 15 products based on different aspects: build quality, performance such as crispiness, operation and the automatic programmes for roast chicken or regular or fresh fries, for example.
By Frank
We love cooking ourselves, so we paid extra attention to the results. Who doesn’t like a little crunch? So, the best air fryer should prepare food of good quality and have the features to suit your needs. Here they are, the best air fryers of 2024!
The 10 best air fryers of 2024 in the UK
The air fryer has become increasingly popular in recent years. It fries food using air circulation instead of oil or fat, a lot healthier than the traditional fryer. If you’re looking for the best air fryer, you’ve come to the right place.
Below are the 10 best air fryers out of the 15 we have tested for you. With these 10, we take into account different requirements and a low or high budget. Can’t decide? Then feel free to send us an e-mail.
The best air fryer overall
The Philips AirfryerXXL Premium HD9762/90 is an exceptional air fryer, one that really stands out among other air fryers. Its large capacity and TurboStar technology ensure even cooking results, with food turning out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The user-friendly digital interface and adjustable temperature settings make it easy to achieve precise cooking.
Cleaning is a breeze with parts that are safe for the dishwasher. Safety features like the automatic shut-off and cool-touch handle provide peace of mind. While it may be pricier than other models, its performance and reliability justify the investment. For the best cooking experience, the Philips Airfryer XXL Premium HD9762/90 is the top choice. Read more..
- Large capacity
- TurboStar technology
- User-friendly digital interface
- Easy cleaning
- Safety features
- Higher price compared to other models on the market
The Best Buy
The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Max AF160UK is undoubtedly the best buy for anyone seeking a versatile and high-performing air fryer. With its multitude of cooking functions, this appliance offers incredible convenience in the kitchen. The large cooking capacity ensures you can prepare meals for the whole family without any hassle.
Powered by advanced technology, the Ninja Air Fryer Max delivers rapid and even cooking results, giving your food a perfectly crispy exterior. The user-friendly control panel and pre-set programs make operating the Ninja Air Fryer Max a breeze. Additionally, the easy-to-clean non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe parts add to its appeal. The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Max AF160UK is a top-notch investment for air frying enthusiasts. Read more..
- Versatile appliance
- Large cooking capacity
- Rapid and even cooking results
- User-friendly control panel
- Easy-to-clean non-stick surfaces
- Bulky design may require more counter space
- Limited recipe booklet included
The best smart air fryer
The Philips AirfryerXXL Premium HD9762/90 emerges as the ultimate smart air fryer from our comprehensive tests. With its sleek design and cutting-edge technology, it takes air frying to new heights. The smart features elevate the cooking experience, allowing precise control and customization through intuitive digital controls. Its generous capacity accommodates large portions, ideal for families or gatherings.
The TurboStar technology ensures consistent, crispy results, while the dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning a breeze. Though it comes at a higher price, the superior performance and smart functionalities make the Philips Airfryer XXL Premium HD9762/90 worth every penny for those seeking a top-of-the-line air frying solution. Read more..
- Sleek design
- Smart features
- Generous capacity for large portions
- TurboStar technology
- Easy cleaning
- Higher price compared to other models
The best small air fryer
Based on our extensive testing, the Power XL Vortex HF-5096TS 2.8L claims the top spot as the best small air fryer available. Don’t let its compact size fool you; this air fryer packs a powerful punch. With its efficient heating system, it delivers quick and evenly cooked results.
The intuitive digital controls make it easy to operate, and the 2.8-liter capacity is perfect for individuals or small households. The non-stick coating ensures hassle-free cleaning, and the sleek design adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. If you’re in search of a small yet mighty air fryer, the Power XL Vortex HF-5096TS 2.8L is an excellent choice. Read more..
- Compact size perfect for individuals or small households
- Efficient heating system
- Intuitive digital controls
- Non-stick coating
- Sleek design
- Limited cooking capacity may not be suitable for larger families or gatherings
The best air fryer for bigger families
When it comes to accommodating bigger families, the Instant Vortex Slim 5-in-1 5.7L Air Fryer emerges as the unrivaled champion. With its spacious 5.7-liter capacity, this air fryer can effortlessly handle larger portions and cater to the needs of bigger households or gatherings. The 5-in-1 functionality expands its versatility, allowing you to air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate with ease.
The sleek design and user-friendly controls enhance the overall cooking experience. The consistent and crispy results achieved through its powerful heating system make it a standout choice. For bigger families seeking a reliable and efficient air frying solution, the Instant Vortex Slim 5-in-1 5.7L Air Fryer is the ultimate companion. Read more..
- Spacious 5.7-liter capacity
- 5-in-1 functionality
- Sleek design
- User-friendly controls
- Powerful heating system
- Larger size may require more counter space
- May be more expensive compared to smaller capacity machines
The best silent air fryer
The Philips Essential HD9252/91 4.1L stands out as the best silent air fryer in our tests. Its remarkable performance is matched by its whisper-quiet operation, ensuring a peaceful cooking experience. With a generous 4.1-liter capacity, it can handle larger portions effortlessly. The rapid air technology guarantees even and crispy results, while the intuitive controls make it user-friendly.
The sleek design adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Cleaning is a breeze with the dishwasher-safe parts. If you prioritize a noise-free cooking environment without compromising on performance, the Philips Essential HD9252/91 4.1L is the perfect choice. Read more..
- Whisper-quiet operation for a peaceful cooking experience
- Generous 4.1-liter capacity suitable for larger portions
- Rapid air technology ensures even and crispy results
- Intuitive controls for easy operation
- Sleek design adds elegance to the kitchen
- Easy cleaning
- No significant cons to note!
The best air fryer and oven in one
The Tefal Easy Fry 9in1 11L Air Fryer & Mini Oven is undoubtedly the best air fryer and oven combination available. With its versatile 9-in-1 functionality, this appliance offers incredible cooking convenience in one compact unit. The 11-liter capacity provides ample space for various cooking needs.
Whether you’re air frying, baking, toasting, or grilling, this appliance delivers exceptional results. The user-friendly controls and pre-set programs make operation a breeze. Additionally, the non-stick interior and dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning hassle-free. If you’re looking for a multifunctional kitchen companion that excels as both an air fryer and mini oven, the Tefal Easy Fry 9in1 11L is the perfect choice. Read more..
- Versatile 9-in-1 functionality
- 11-liter capacity provides ample cooking space
- Delivers exceptional cooking results, including air frying, baking, toasting, and grilling
- User-friendly controls and pre-set programs for easy operation
- Non-stick interior and easy-to-clean
- May take up more counter space due to the combined air fryer and mini oven functionality
- Higher price compared to standalone alteratives
The best cheapest air fryer
The Tower T17023 Compact Air Fryer deserves the title of the best cheap air fryer without compromising on performance. Despite its affordable price, it delivers impressive results in the kitchen. With its compact size, it fits easily on any countertop, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or limited spaces.
The rapid air circulation ensures crispy and evenly cooked food. The intuitive controls and adjustable temperature settings allow for precise cooking. While it may not have the extra features of pricier models, its affordability and reliable performance make the Tower T17023 Compact Air Fryer an excellent choice for budget-conscious individuals seeking a quality air frying experience. Read more..
- One of the best products for a low cost
- Compact size, perfect for smaller kitchens or limited countertop space
- Delivers crispy and evenly cooked food with rapid air circulation
- Intuitive controls and adjustable temperature settings for precise cooking
- Easy to use and clean
- Limited features compared to higher-end models
- Smaller cooking capacity may not be suitable for larger portions or families
The most durable air fryer
The Philips Viva Collection XXL HD965099 stands out as the most durable air fryer on the market. Built with exceptional quality, this appliance is designed to withstand the test of time. Its sturdy construction ensures long-lasting performance, making it a reliable companion in the kitchen.
With its extra-large capacity, it can handle generous portions effortlessly. The advanced cooking technology guarantees consistent and delicious results every time. The user-friendly interface and easy-to-clean components add to its appeal. If you’re seeking a durable air fryer that can deliver exceptional cooking results for years to come, the Philips Viva Collection XXL HD965099 is the perfect choice. Read more..
- Exceptionally durable construction, built to last
- Extra-large capacity for cooking generous portions
- Advanced cooking technology ensures consistent and delicious results
- User-friendly interface for easy operation
- Easy-to-clean components for hassle-free maintenance
- Higher price compared to some other models on the market
- Relatively larger size may require more counter space
The best double air fryer
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300UK is a dual basket air fryer that takes air frying to a whole new level. This appliance is the best choice for those who want to maximize their frying capacity. With two independent cooking zones, you can cook different foods simultaneously, saving time and effort in the kitchen.
The advanced heating technology ensures even and crispy results every time. The intuitive controls and pre-set programs make it user-friendly, while the easy-to-clean parts simplify maintenance. If you’re looking for a versatile and efficient air fryer that offers double the cooking power, the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300UK is the perfect option. Read more..
- Innovative dual drawer air fryer design
- Maximize cooking capacity and save time by cooking different foods simultaneously
- Advanced heating technology ensures even and crispy results
- Intuitive controls and pre-set programs for easy operation
- Easy-to-clean parts for simplified maintenance
- Larger size may require more counter space
- Higher price compared to single-zone air fryers
Overview of the 10 best airfryers from our test
Other tested air fryers 2024
In total, we tested 15 products for you. Below, we briefly discuss the 5 other air fryers that did not make the TOP-10:
- Cosori Max XL – This has a large capacity of 5.5 liters and comes with a range of presets for easy cooking. It features a square-shaped basket, which allows for more cooking space.
- Russell Hobbs Purify Multi-Health Air Fryer – This offers a 3.2-liter capacity and comes with a handy digital display. It has a 60-minute timer and adjustable temperature controls for precise cooking.
- Tefal ActiFry Genius XL AH960840 – This has a generous capacity of 1.7 kg, making it suitable for larger families. It features nine automatic cooking programs and comes with a stirring paddle for even cooking.
- Morphy Richards 480004 Health Fryer – This has a 3-liter capacity and offers a healthier way to fry, roast, or bake your favorite foods. It has a digital display and adjustable temperature controls.
- Instant Vortex Plus Dual – The Instant Vortex Plus Dual is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance. The Instant Vortex Plus Dual features dual frying and rotisserie capabilities, delivers crispy and succulent results, and makes a great addition for those looking to enjoy healthier fried foods and deliciously roasted meats.
How does our air fryer test come about?
Based on our tests and our visitors’ experiences, we compile an annual TOP-10 of the best air fryers. Would you like to share your experience? Then get in touch with us.
The best air fryer for fries?
Let’s get straight to the point: fries from the air fryer are not nearly as crispy compared to fries from a traditional fryer, but they are healthier. As far as we are concerned, Philips machines make the best and crispiest fries. Because the technology within Philips air fryer is pretty much the same, you won’t notice much difference in crispiness.
What are the best budget brands?
Since the patent on Philips’ air fryer technology expired, we see more and more brands offering air fryers. Philips remains by far the most expensive brand. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives that work just as well. The brands below are all reliable brands known for delivering affordable quality:
- EUARY air fryers
- Devology air fryers
- Cosori air fryers
- Linsar air fryers
What is an air fryer?
Basically, it is a healthy way of deep-frying. This time-saving kitchen machine prepares food by circulating hot air. Preparation is quick and healthier than with a normal fryer, as less oil is used. Besides chips, you use itfor snacks, vegetables, meat and even cakes. The latest models also have a cold zone, these are located at the bottom, so crumbs that have fallen to the bottom do not burn.
Below, we explain what an air fryer is, how it works, what its advantages are and what brands of air fryers there are.
How do air fryers work?
Wondering how do air fryers work? The machine heats the air to a temperature of around 200 degrees. The air constantly circulates around in the pan, cooking food evenly. No need to turn the meat. Via the control panel, you select a programme depending on the dish you want to make. With a cheap version, you set the temperature and cooking time yourself, while a more luxurious version selects a programme, for example for grilling chicken. Set it right, and you will often get perfect results!
What are the advantages of an air fryer?
An air fryer has quite a few advantages compared to a deep fryer. People use it mainly because they want to eat less fat. Because you don’t need frying oil, the preparation is a lot healthier. Below are all the advantages of an air fryer:
- Healthier preparation thanks to hot air
- Suitable for frying, baking, grilling and roasting
- No frying fumes or splashing oil thanks to air
- Easier to clean than a deep fryer
- Cheaper to buy: no frying oil needed
- Safer to use: exterior does not become hot
Disadvantages of an air fryer
An air fryer needs a lot of power, more than a deep fryer. Fortunately, dishes cook quickly thanks to air circulation. Here is an overview of the disadvantages:
- Use a lot of power
- Reasonably expensive to buy
- Results not as crispy as with a deep fryer
- Takes up a lot of space
- Preparation takes longer than with a deep fryer
History of the Air fryer
The Air Fryer was first marketed by Philips in 2010 in Berlin. Philips had a patent on the rapid air technology which has since expired. So today there are cheaper alternatives on sale such as Devology air fryers, EUARY air fryers and Tefal air fryers. All use the same technology of heated air circulation. However, there are differences between many models.
Dishes you can make with air fryer
Many people think you only use this machine to prepare chips and snacks. Fortunately, much more is possible. For example, you can also bake, roast and grill.
The best air fryers come with a recipe book, which is handy as there are many great air fryer recipes that you might otherwise overlook. In addition, many dishes can be found on the internet, with the exact temperature and cooking time listed. You can air fry larger meals with a dual drawer air fryer, also known as a dual basket air fryer
Chips and snacks
You can air fry crispy chips and snacks such as a croquette, frikandel or cheese soufflé. Chips and snacks bake for about 22 minutes at 180 degrees.
Complete meals from the air fryer
Have you had a busy day and little time or time to cook? Fortunately, you can air fry complete meals with an air fryer. For example, grill a piece of meat, potatoes and vegetables together or one after the other, depending on the preparation time for each ingredient. This way of cooking also saves you a lot of dishes.
Meat dishes with an air fryer
An air fryer is capable of cooking food at high temperatures. With the advantage that you can ‘sear’ meat, keeping it nice and juicy on the inside. The possibilities for meat dishes are endless, think of frying a steak, a whole chicken or use your air fryer as a BBQ.
Meat dishes in the air fryer, it’s a lot healthier too. This way, excess fat drips down the rack. The minimum amount of fat will go down. So healthier eating and an air fryer go well together.
Cooking eggs in an airfryer, is it possible?
In air fryer can come in handy even in the morning when time is short. Besides making an omelette, use an air fryer to fry or boil an egg. It is also possible to toast buns at the same time as the egg.
Desserts with an air fryer
Baking cake in an air fryer? Yes, it really can! An air fryer is also suitable for making desserts such as a Crème Brûlée or a stewed pear. Besides classic desserts, you can use the air fryer for a pie and cake. Plenty of possibilities.
Air fryer cookbook
We are currently working on an air fryer e-cookbook. Sign up for our newsletter and be sure not to miss our free air fryer cookbook. Can’t wait? Check out our TOP-10 paid air fryer cookbooks here.
Philips NutriU app
If you buy a Philips air fryer, you can be inspired by the recipes, tips and recommendations on Philips’ NutriU app, available for android and IOS. In this app, you will find thousands of air fryer recipes with the exact baking time and temperature.
Buying an air fryer, which air fryer is right for me?
Which type of air fryer suits you best depends on a number of things. We can well imagine that it is difficult to choose the right air fryer. The type of air fryer you should choose depends, among other things, on the number of different dishes you want to be able to make (these machines do more than just cooking chips!), the size of your family and the space you have.
For example, if you want to be able to make a whole chicken in an air fryer, you need to bear in mind that you will be sacrificing a lot of kitchen space. There are so many that you can’t see the wood for the trees. Since Philips’ patent expired, more and more (cheaper) alternatives have emerged. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an air fryer.
Size of the airfryer
Are you with a small household or do you have limited space in the kitchen? Then choose a compact air fryer with a capacity of up to one litre. For a household with 4 to 6 people, you will need a large air fryer with a capacity of more than a litre.
- Small: up to 1 litre capacity
- Medium: 1 litre capacity
- Large: more than 1 litre capacity
For many air fryer brands, the load capacity is indicated by L, XL, XXL and XXXL.
Which baking technology do you choose?
Depending on the brand and type, these machines come with different baking technologies, namely 3D Air Pulse technology (Tefal), RapidAir technology (Philips) or TurboStar technology (Philips). The difference between the techniques and the result is minimal. With Philips’ TurboStar technology, the released fat is immediately passed through, making your cooking even healthier.
Automatic baking programmes
If you buy a cheap air fryer, you can often only set the temperature and time. More luxurious air fryers allow you to select different baking programs. This is handy so you don’t have to look up the baking time and temperature yourself.
Accessories
With accessories, you expand your machine’s capabilities. You can use it to make pizza, bake cakes or even an egg sandwich.
To cook food in different ways (baking, grilling, frying or deep-frying,) you need various air fryer accessories. These are included with the air fryer or can be bought separately. Cheaper air fryers often come with fewer accessories than luxury air fryers.
Most common air fryer accessories:
- Grill grid: this is almost always included.
- Snack dispenser
- Grill pan
- Baking tray
- Toast rack
- Baking tray
For example, for grilling chicken you need a grill pan or grill rack and for baking a cake you need a baking tin. So before you decide which air fryer is best for you, it is important to know what you will use the air fryer for.
Cleaning the air fryer
With an air fryer, you don’t have any caked-on frying fat and you don’t need to change frying fat, making it easy to clean, also because of this you don’t have a minimum amount of fat. Afterwards, you should clean the inside and the used accessories under the tap or in the dishwasher. Keep in mind that air fryer accessories take up quite a lot of space in the dishwasher.
You often read on the internet that an air fryer is easy to clean, but this is not entirely true. An air fryer mainly gets dirty from greasy ingredients, spices and sauces. Due to the high temperatures, everything cakes nicely. After use, it can be quite difficult to clean the frying basket properly, but it is important to do this properly.
Air fryer brands
When choosing an air fryer, you can opt for Philips or other alternatives. Below, we discuss the well-known and popular brands:
Philips air fryers
Philips is the inventor of the air fryer. Recently, it no longer has a patent and so other brands are also allowed to sell air fryers. At Philips, there are different product lines, namely: essential, Daily collection, Premium, Viva and Avance. The size of the air fryer is referred to as L, XL and XXL. For a small household, you will be fine with the size L, while a larger family will look at air fryers with the size XL and XXL.
New collections:
- Philips Essential: basic models with all essential functions and accessories.
- Philips Daily Collection: smaller models with basic functions and an attractive price tag.
- Philips Premium: more luxurious machines with digital display, various useful functions, more powerful air fryers with more load capacity.
Old collections:
- Philips Viva: replaced by Essential
- Philips Avance: replaced by Premium.
Philips is the right place to go for machines around 100 euros like the Philips Airfryer HD9216/80 and more luxurious, high-capacity fryers like the Philips Viva Airfryer XXL HD9630/90.
Tefal air fryers
Besides Philips, Tefal is a popular brand for air fryers. Tefal’s first air fryer was the Tefal Actifry, which does not have a drawer like the Philips air fryer. Instead, it has a tray with a stirring blade that flips the food while cooking. Today, Tefal also has air fryers with a drawer like the Tefal Easy Fry, Fry Delight and Ultimate Fry. The big difference with Philips air fryers is mainly in the shape and design of the products.
Tefal air fryers are a bit cheaper than Philips air fryers. Tefal’s cheapest air fryer is the Tefal Easy Fry Compact EY3018.
Devology air fryers
Combining cutting-edge technology and sleek design, these appliances revolutionize the way you cook. With rapid air circulation, precise temperature control, and easy-to-use interfaces, DEVOLOGY air fryers ensure deliciously crispy results every time. Elevate your cooking game with the DEVOLOGY AirFry Pro-XL or the DEVOLOGY 9L Dual Air Fryer.
Conclusion: which is the best air fryer?
In our opinion, the best air fryer is irrevocably the Philips Airfryer XXL Premium HD9762/90. If you are looking for a feature-packed appliance for large families that also delivers top performance, this is the best choice. It will fry delicious chips and snacks, but will also make preparing other food a breeze.
If you are looking for a compact air fryer, we think the Power XL Vortex HF-5096TS 2.8L is the best choice.
Overall, we dare say that there are no really bad machines on the market. Even those that didn’t make the top 10, such as the Instant Vortex Plus Dual, deserve your consideration.
Of course, those from Philips are the very best, but also with all the other brands in our test you make tasty fries. Sometimes it takes a bit more time, sometimes the controls are less user-friendly, and not every air fryer is as easy to clean, but the end result is always acceptable. It all depends on how much you have to spend and which appliance you prefer.
What’s your favourite air fryer recipe? Let us know in the comments!
How do we test air fryers?
When testing all the air fryers, we use some products, interview users and experts on kitchen appliances.
Frequent Questions
Yes, most air fryers are worth getting for their versatility, ability to cook with less oil, and ability to achieve crispy and delicious results in a shorter time compared to traditional frying methods.
Yes, you can air fry frozen food for delicious crispy results!
You cannot air fry foods that require a wet batter or liquids that may spill, such as soups or stews. Additionally, delicate foods that may easily get blown around by the air circulation should be avoided.
Most air fryers have a limited cooking capacity, the need for preheating, and certain foods don’t achieve the exact texture of deep fat frying. Some models may also be noisy during operation.
Air-fried food can be a healthier alternative to deep-fried food since it requires less oil. However, the overall healthiness depends on the ingredients used and the cooking method for each specific recipe.
A 2000W air fryer may have higher running costs compared to lower wattage models, as it consumes more electricity. It’s recommended to consider energy efficiency and usage frequency when evaluating running costs.
For a family of 6, a larger air fryer models such as a dual air fryer with a capacity of 8-10 liters or more would be suitable to accommodate larger portions and cooking needs. Dual basket air fryers tend to serve families best.