They promise faster cooking times and lower energy bills, but what’s it really like to live with an air fryer? After years of testing, this is what I’ve learned.
With around a third of UK households now owning an air fryer, it’s safe to say they’ve become one of the nation’s favourite culinary devices.
“Air fryers have recently become the must-have kitchen gadget because they tick so many boxes at once,” says Isabella Forgione, AO’s air fryer expert. “They are flexible enough to cook a wide range of foods, from vegetables to meats and even desserts.”
I have to agree. I’ve been writing about them since they first appeared on the scene, so I like to think I’m something of an air-fryer expert myself. But here’s the thing: no matter how many models I tried, it wasn’t until I had one permanently humming away on my own worktop that the reality really hit home.
Yes, air fryers can crisp up chips in record time and save you a fortune on oven bills, but there are also quirks, compromises and “I wish someone had told me” moments that only show up once you’re living with one.
To help you make the right choice, here’s everything you need to know before you buy an air fryer.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that – just because they sit on your worktop – all air fryers are nice and compact. They’re not. I own a fairly small one-drawer version but I still had to rearrange my toaster, kettle and microwave to fit it in.
Of course, you could store it in a cupboard, but for me the real selling point of an air fryer is how quick and easy it is to use. If you have to dig it out and plug it in every time, chances are you won’t bother.
That said, there are genuinely quite tiny options. The Midea Compact 2L Air Fryer, for example, has a depth of 21.5cm and a width of 23cm, making it great for small kitchens. Of course, its smaller size means a smaller drawer, but it’s still roomy enough for a couple of chicken breasts, a portion of chips or a speedy solo supper.
The other thing to bear in mind is that you need to make sure you also have space to open the drawer. It needs to slide out fully, so factor in that extra bit of clearance in front as well as the footprint on your counter.
Air fryers are fussier about where they live than you’d expect. Put one in the wrong place and you’ll find yourself dealing with clouds of steam and awkwardly stretched cables. I certainly didn’t think about ventilation or sockets when I brought mine home. In fact, I first had it placed under my cupboards, which Forgione says is a no-no.
“Placement really matters for both safety and performance,” explains Forgione. “Avoid putting your air fryer directly under cupboards, as the steam and heat can damage them over time. Keep it clear of anything flammable like fabrics or curtains, and make sure there’s space around the vents so the air can circulate.”
It also needs to be somewhere practical. As Forgione points out: “The best spot is a clear, stable countertop away from water sources, somewhere you can keep an eye on it while it’s running and where it won’t overheat.”
A single drawer is fine if there are just two of you, but for my family of three, I really wish I’d gone bigger. A two-drawer model would make life so much easier. You could for example, cook chicken in one and potatoes in the other without everything ending up lukewarm.
Don’t be fooled by the labels either. “Feeds a family of four” usually means “fine for two if you’re hungry, three at a push”.
“Capacity is the key factor when it comes to air fryer size,” says Forgione. “There’s no one right answer. It depends on your household and how often you’ll use it. If you’re cooking most meals in it, or you’ve got a larger family, going bigger makes life a lot easier. A larger capacity saves you having to cook in multiple batches, which is both quicker and more convenient.”
Yes, the trade-off is having to find extra space for it on the counter, but Ninja have come up with a clever way around this. Instead of side-by-side drawers, their latest model stacks them on top of each other, giving you double the cooking power without hogging double the space.
What really sold me on air fryers at first was the promise of saving money.
“Air fryers are kinder to your energy bills as they use hot air rather than lots of oil and they require far less energy than heating up a full oven,” says Forgione.
But here’s the bit I wish I’d known – air fryers aren’t always the cheapest option to run. It all depends on what you’re cooking and the wattage of your machine. Do the same dish twice in a small 800W air fryer and you could actually spend more than if you’d just used the oven. And if the oven’s already on for a roast chicken, it’s usually cheaper to throw the potatoes in with it.
After my initial excitement – yes, I even attempted a Christmas dinner in mine – I’ve realised that air fryers are at their best for certain jobs: reheating leftovers, knocking up a quick lunch or taking the pressure off when the oven’s full.
At Christmas it really earns its keep with sides like pigs in blankets, leaving the main oven free for the big stuff.
We’re not talking Oasis-concert loud, but air fryers don’t sit quietly in the corner either. Because of the way they work – circulating hot air at speed to cook your food – they inevitably make a bit of a racket.
For most people, this won’t be a dealbreaker but if, like me, you’ve got an open-plan kitchen and lounge, it can get annoying. The TV volume definitely has to go up a notch when the fryer is on.
It’s not something that’s put me off using mine, but it’s worth knowing so you’re not caught out mid-soap or are struggling to hear the radio over the whoosh of hot air. It’s also worth checking out any reviews before you buy to see if anyone mentions the noise levels, then weighing that up against your own set-up.
I hate to break it to you, but if you’re imagining that an air fryer is a wipe-and-go gadget, it’s not quite that simple. Bits of food have a habit of sneaking into awkward corners, and the “non-stick” coating doesn’t stay pristine forever.
And while plenty of models boast dishwasher-safe parts, actually squeezing that bulky basket into an already crammed load is another story. I’ve had more than a few evenings end in dishwasher-defeat.
“Most modern air fryers do come with dishwasher-safe parts,” says Forgione. “If you do put them in the dishwasher, place them on the top rack to avoid too much heat. That said, handwashing is usually gentler on non-stick coatings, so even if the parts are dishwasher safe, washing by hand will help them stay in better condition for longer.”
Even if your fryer doesn’t look too grubby after a single use, regular cleaning is a must. Grease builds up quickly, and if you leave it too long, you’ll end up with smoky flavours at best, or an odd mash-up of last night’s fish and this morning’s muffins.
As someone who uses my air fryer a couple of times a day, I got tired of the constant scrubbing. My workaround? Silicone liners. They go straight in the dishwasher and save the basket from the worst of the mess.
Air fryers are generally quicker than ovens and it can take a bit of trial and error to get the hang of it. I had my fair share of super-crispy chips and cardboard chicken before I worked out the timings.
“If you’re just starting out, keep a close eye on your food the first few times,” says Forgione.
What surprised me most is that it’s not a simple case of switching it on and walking away. To get evenly cooked food, you still need a bit of interaction. I always shake the basket halfway through cooking, especially if it’s quite full. It ensures that everything crisps up properly, rather than ending up with some pieces overdone and others underdone. A small step, but it makes a big difference.
Another thing I’ve learned? Don’t take the manufacturer’s suggested timings as gospel. Treat them as a starting point, then adjust to suit your own machine and preferences.
Forgione’s advice is to build confidence gradually: “Begin with the basics, such as fries or chicken,” she says. “Then branch out into roasting or baking once you’re comfortable. Before long you’ll have a feel for the timings and be able to whip up your favourites without a second thought.”
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