An air fryer can change the way you cook. With so many sizes, shapes, and features out there, picking the right one can be tough.

The best air fryer for you depends on your lifestyle, cooking habits, and how many people are in your family. What works for a single person may not suit a household of five.

This blog helps you explore how to pick an air fryer that fits your needs — without the jargon, hype, or confusion. You’ll find important points, popular features, and easy tips for buying an air fryer. This will help you make a confident choice.

Understanding What an Air Fryer Actually Does

Before choosing one, it helps to understand what air fryers are built to do.

An air fryer uses a powerful fan and heating element to circulate hot air around food. This creates a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside juicy — without needing to deep fry.

What does this mean for you?

  • Healthier meals with less oil
  • Shorter cooking times compared to ovens
  • Easy clean-up with minimal mess
  • Compact design that fits small kitchens

Once you know how they work, selecting the right model becomes easier.

Think About Who You’re Cooking For

The size of your household is one of the most important factors when choosing an air fryer.

Solo Cooks and Couples

If you’re only cooking for one or two people, a compact model is often enough. Smaller fryers are faster to preheat, easier to clean, and take up less counter space.

A basket size of 3 to 4 litres will usually suit this type of cooking.

A family gathers around a white kitchen appliance, preparing food with fresh vegetables and baked goods on the table.

Families and Batch Cookers

Looking for an air fryer for families? Then size matters.

You’ll want something between 5 and 7 litres — big enough to cook multiple portions at once. Some models even offer dual baskets, letting you prepare two different foods at the same time.

Large-capacity fryers save you from cooking in batches or running the oven unnecessarily.

Consider the Cooking Functions You’ll Actually Use

Air fryers now do more than just air fry. Many models come with built-in functions like roasting, grilling, baking, dehydrating, or reheating.

The question is: do you need them?

Multi-Function vs Single-Purpose

If you enjoy cooking, a multi-function model offers you more options. It can replace your toaster, oven, or even slow cooker in some cases.

If you want quick meals and easy snacks, a single-purpose fryer is simple and affordable.

Knowing your cooking style helps avoid overpaying for features you’ll never use.

Basket, Tray or Oven-Style? Understanding Layout Options

There are three main air fryer layouts — each with its pros and cons.

Basket Air Fryers

These are the most common. They are easy to use, heat up quickly, and are great for beginners.

They work best for chips, chicken, and roasted vegetables.

Oven-Style Air Fryers

These look more like a mini oven or toaster oven. They often have more space and include shelves or trays for layered cooking.

These are ideal if you plan to bake, cook large meals, or want a more versatile design.

Dual-Basket Air Fryers

Some newer models offer two separate baskets. You can cook meat in one and veg in the other — with different times and temperatures.

This layout is perfect for households with varied tastes or busy schedules.

Choosing the right style makes cooking faster and more enjoyable.

How Much Counter Space Do You Have?

Air fryers vary in size — and the bigger the model, the more space it needs.

Measuring Up

Check the depth, width, and height of the model. Make sure it fits under your kitchen cabinets, especially if it opens from the top.

Also consider where you’ll store it when not in use. Some families prefer to keep it on the counter; others tuck it away between meals.

Thinking about space now prevents frustration later.

Ease of Cleaning Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

Some models are harder to clean than others — and you’ll be using it often.

Cleaning-Friendly Features

  • Non-stick baskets
  • Dishwasher-safe trays or racks
  • Removable parts with minimal grooves
  • A design that catches crumbs and oil easily

No one enjoys scrubbing awkward corners or greasy trays. Choose a model with cleaning in mind, especially if you’ll use it daily.

(For cleaning tips, see: How to Clean Your Air Fryer Properly)

What Makes One Air Fryer Better Than Another?

The best air fryer model is not always the most expensive one. It’s the one that fits your needs without overcomplicating things.

A hand in a black glove opens an air fryer, revealing marinated meat inside, with digital controls displayed on the front.

Look for Key Features Like:

  • Digital controls: Easier to programme and repeat settings
  • Clear timers and temperature dials: Essential for precision
  • Preheat and keep warm settings: Handy for timing your meals
  • Pause and shake reminders: Useful for even cooking
  • Transparent windows or lights: Let you see progress without opening

These features make cooking smoother and help avoid under- or overcooked food.

Brand Reputation and Support Matter Too

Not all air fryers are built equally. Some come from brands known for quality, while others cut corners to stay cheap.

Things to Check Before You Buy

  • Reviews from real users (especially around performance and durability)
  • Length of the warranty
  • Customer service availability
  • Availability of replacement parts and accessories

A slightly higher upfront cost can save you from problems later.

Budget Wisely but Think Long Term

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great air fryer. But going too cheap can result in uneven cooking or poor longevity.

Expect to spend:

  • £60–£90 for a good entry-level model
  • £100–£150 for a family-sized fryer with more features
  • £150+ for advanced models with multi-cooking functions

Spending a bit more often leads to better quality and a smoother user experience.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

Still unsure? Think about what you eat most often.

If you regularly prepare chips, nuggets, and chicken breasts, a basic fryer will serve you well. If you like roasted vegetables, baked salmon, or desserts, go for a model with better space and temperature control.

If speed and variety matter, look for features like dual baskets, preset functions, and quick cleanup.

Choosing based on your habits — not just specs — helps you love what you buy.

The Best Air Fryer Is the One That Works for You

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best air fryer model for someone else may not be right for you.

Think about your space, cooking style, family size, and how much variety you want. Compare models with those things in mind — not just the latest trends or biggest discounts.

Here are some smart tips to help you choose the right air fryer, whether it’s for your family or just for you.

Make the right call now, and you’ll enjoy faster, easier, healthier cooking for years to come.

If you’re new to air frying, start here: Getting Started with Your First Air Fryer.