Buying Guide
How to Buy an Air Fryer
This short guide helps you pick the right air fryer fast. It covers what matters most, the common types you will see, key specs to prioritise, where to buy and practical mistakes to avoid. Prices in the sample set range from about $130 to $470, so there are good options across budgets.
Key factors to consider
Capacity and household size
- Choose a compact 3.5 to 5 litre unit for 1 to 2 people.
- Choose 5 to 8 litres for 3 to 4 people.
- Choose 9 litres or more for large families or batch cooking.
- Check the footprint and height so it fits under your cupboards and on your counter.
- Higher wattage cooks faster but may trip on weak circuits; many models run up to about 1750 W.
- Look for models that reach about 230 C (450 F) for the best crisping performance.
- Removable baskets, dishwasher-safe parts and nonstick coatings save time. Glass cookware offers stain resistance but is heavier.
Types and how to pick the right one
Single-basket air fryer
- Good everyday choice for simple frying, roasting and baking. Best when you usually cook one dish at a time.
- Two independent baskets let you cook different foods at once or copy settings across zones to finish together. Ideal for families and mixed meals.
- Smaller, versatile systems are great for personal meals and reheating. They often include lids for storage and are useful if you want a smaller footprint.
- These often have more presets and larger capacity; pick one if you want to replace multiple appliances with a single unit.
Important features and specs to prioritise
Temperature control and fan system
- Precise temperature control and a strong fan improve even cooking; look for adjustable settings and preheat options.
- Useful presets speed up common tasks, but manual controls give better results for custom dishes.
- Crisper plates, racks and multi-basket options extend what you can cook. Prefer dishwasher-safe pieces and durable nonstick or borosilicate glass containers.
- Smart cooking features like integrated thermometers or sync-finish functions help get consistent doneness without guessing.
- Noise level can differ; quieter models are more pleasant for open kitchens.
Where to buy, common mistakes and expert tips
Where to buy
- Buy online for selection, price comparison and customer reviews. Check estimated delivery and return policy.
- Buy in-store if you want to see footprint and finish in person and confirm outlet clearance.
- Buying the largest model by default - it wastes counter space and energy if you rarely fill it.
- Ignoring wattage and outlet limits - confirm your kitchen circuit can handle the appliance.
- Assuming all accessories are dishwasher-safe - check the specs.
- Pick a mid-size unit (about 5 to 8 litres) if you want versatility without a large footprint.
- Choose dual-basket models only if you often cook different foods simultaneously.
- Prioritise a 230 C (450 F) max temp and at least 1500 W for best crisping speed.
- Read real-customer reviews for noise, durability and how nonstick coatings perform over time.
- Look for models with clear return and warranty terms and consider seasonal sales to get the best value.
Final Thoughts
Decide first on capacity and whether you need two independent baskets. Then prioritise max temperature, power, dishwasher-safe parts and any smart cooking tools that make meals repeatable. Start with a mid-size, well-reviewed model if you want the best balance of performance, space and price.
