Best Air Fryers UK 2026: 5 Options Worth Considering

Air fryers have gone from being a fairly niche kitchen gadget to one of the most common alternatives to switching on a full-size oven.

But choosing one has become considerably harder.

You can now buy compact single-basket models, large family air fryers, dual-drawer machines, flexible cooking zones and even tower-style air fryers that behave more like miniature ovens.

For this guide, Cantin has narrowed the UK market down to five brands and models that we think are particularly worth considering: Ninja, Cosori, Tefal, Tower and Philips.

Important: Cantin has researched the current products, manufacturer specifications and publicly available information used in this guide. We have not personally laboratory-tested every air fryer listed, so our recommendations are based on specifications, functionality and likely suitability rather than pretending that we have cooked identical meals in every machine.

Our air fryer shortlist

Air fryer ranges, capacities, prices and promotions change regularly. Always check the current model specifications before purchasing.

1. Ninja Dual Zone — our best overall pick

Ninja is one of the most recognisable names in the UK air-fryer market, and its Dual Zone design is a particularly useful starting point for families.

The basic idea is simple: instead of one large cooking drawer, you get two independently controlled cooking zones.

That means you can cook something such as chicken in one drawer and chips or vegetables in the other, using different temperatures and cooking times.

Ninja's SYNC function can then arrange for the two zones to finish at the same time, while MATCH copies the same settings across both drawers when you're cooking a larger quantity of one food.

The current Ninja range includes several Dual Zone sizes. The 7.6L models divide the capacity between two 3.8L drawers, while larger models increase total capacity to around 9.5L and beyond.

Why we'd consider it

• Two genuinely independent cooking zones.
• SYNC function for finishing two foods together.
• MATCH function for larger quantities of the same food.
• Multiple cooking modes including Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat and Max Crisp on relevant models.
• Good choice of capacities.
• Dishwasher-safe removable components on many models.
• Useful for families where different parts of a meal need different cooking conditions.

Best suited to: households regularly cooking complete meals rather than simply using an air fryer for chips or snacks.

Things to consider: a dual-drawer Ninja takes considerably more worktop space than a small single-basket machine. Measure the intended location before ordering rather than assuming that capacity is the only dimension that matters.

2. Cosori TurboBlaze 6L — our single-basket alternative

Not everybody needs two drawers.

If you normally cook one main item at a time, a good single-basket air fryer can be simpler, more compact and easier to clean.

Cosori's current UK range covers a surprisingly wide spread of sizes, including compact models, conventional single baskets, dual-basket designs, large TwinFry models and tower-style machines.

For many households, though, the Cosori TurboBlaze 6L is the interesting middle ground.

It gives you a useful 6L cooking capacity without the width of a conventional side-by-side dual-drawer machine.

Cosori currently describes the TurboBlaze as using a variable-speed DC motor and five-speed fan system, with multiple cooking functions including air frying, roasting, baking and dehydrating.

Why we'd consider it

• Useful 6L single-basket capacity.
• More compact than many dual-drawer air fryers.
• Variable-speed fan system.
• Multiple cooking functions.
• Dishwasher-safe basket.
• Good choice for couples and smaller families.
• Two-year warranty under Cosori's current UK proposition.

Best suited to: people who want a capable everyday air fryer but don't regularly need two different foods cooking independently.

Things to consider: one large basket is less flexible than two separate drawers when cooking a complete meal. If mains and sides regularly require very different temperatures and times, a dual-zone model may justify its larger footprint.

3. Tefal Easy Fry — our straightforward family pick

Tefal takes a slightly different approach because the Easy Fry name covers a broad family of products rather than one particular design.

Current UK options include conventional single-drawer machines, 2-in-1 air fryer and grill models, larger flexible-zone products and oven-style air fryers with additional cooking functions.

That makes Tefal particularly useful if you've decided you want an air fryer but aren't yet sure whether you need a compact basket, a large family model or something closer to a mini oven.

Why we'd consider it

• Wide range of sizes and styles.
• Single-basket options for straightforward everyday cooking.
• Air fryer and grill combinations.
• Larger family-oriented options.
• Oven-style models available within the wider Easy Fry range.
• Established kitchen-appliance manufacturer.

Best suited to: households wanting a mainstream air fryer with several different formats to choose from within the same brand.

Things to consider: because Easy Fry covers several different products, don't assume that a review of one Tefal Easy Fry applies to another. Check the exact model number, capacity and included cooking functions.

4. Tower Vortx 9L Dual Basket — our value dual-drawer contender

Tower is worth considering if you like the flexibility of the Ninja-style dual-drawer concept but want to compare alternatives before committing to one of the more expensive models.

The current Tower Vortx 9L Dual Basket Air Fryer uses two 4.5L drawers, providing a combined 9L capacity.

Like several other dual-zone designs, it includes functions that allow the two drawers either to use matched settings or to cook differently while finishing together.

The current model also incorporates viewing windows, which some people may prefer because they allow you to check cooking progress without repeatedly opening the drawer.

Why we'd consider it

• 9L combined family capacity.
• Two 4.5L cooking baskets.
• Smart Finish for coordinating different cooking times.
• Match Cook for duplicating settings.
• Viewing windows with internal lighting on the current model.
• Multiple preset programmes.
• Three-year guarantee available subject to Tower's registration terms.

Best suited to: families wanting a large dual-basket machine while comparing value against brands such as Ninja and Philips.

Things to consider: the large capacity comes with a substantial footprint and fairly high maximum power draw. Again, measure your worktop and consider where the appliance will actually live.

5. Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket — our established premium alternative

Philips was one of the companies responsible for popularising modern air fryers long before they became today's kitchen phenomenon.

Its current 3000 Series Dual Basket model offers a combined 9L capacity, but unlike some equal-sized dual drawers, Philips uses differently sized baskets.

The larger basket can handle a main dish while the smaller basket is intended for sides, vegetables or smaller portions.

A synchronisation function coordinates the cooking so both baskets can finish at the same time.

Why we'd consider it

• 9L combined capacity.
• Two differently sized baskets.
• Useful arrangement for main dishes plus sides.
• Rapid Air Plus cooking technology.
• Preset cooking programmes.
• Dishwasher-safe baskets.
• Two-year warranty on the current UK model.

Best suited to: households wanting a large dual-basket machine from a long-established air-fryer manufacturer.

Things to consider: differently sized baskets are useful when cooking a main and side, but equal-sized drawers may be more convenient if you frequently want to cook two large portions of the same thing.

Which air fryer would we choose?

For a typical family wanting maximum everyday flexibility, we'd start with a Ninja Dual Zone.

The ability to run two separate cooking zones and synchronise their finish times is genuinely useful rather than simply being another setting on the control panel.

If worktop space is more important, we'd seriously consider the Cosori TurboBlaze 6L. A single large basket is often all a couple or smaller household actually needs.

The Tower Vortx 9L deserves consideration when value is particularly important, while Philips offers another credible large dual-basket alternative.

And we'd look through the Tefal Easy Fry range if we weren't yet sure whether we wanted a conventional basket, grill combination or oven-style machine.

Single basket or dual basket?

This is probably the most important decision when choosing an air fryer.

Choose a single basket if:

• You normally cook one main food at a time.
• Worktop space is limited.
• You primarily cook for one, two or three people.
• You want fewer removable parts to wash.
• You value a larger uninterrupted cooking area.

Choose a dual basket if:

• You regularly cook a main and side together.
• Different foods need different temperatures.
• You cook for a larger household.
• You want both parts of the meal ready simultaneously.
• You frequently cook separate foods for different people.

Don't automatically assume dual-drawer means better. If you rarely use the second zone, you've bought a wider and potentially more expensive appliance without gaining much practical benefit.

How big an air fryer do you need?

Air fryer capacity is normally quoted in litres, but litre figures don't tell the whole story.

Basket shape matters as much as volume.

A wide shallow basket may fit foods differently from a taller narrow basket with exactly the same stated capacity.

As a rough starting point:

• 2–4L: individuals and smaller portions.
• 4–6L: couples and small families.
• 6–8L: useful family capacity.
• 8L+: larger households, batch cooking and dual-zone machines.

These shouldn't be treated as hard rules. Think about what you actually cook rather than buying according to the biggest litre number on the box.

Are air fryers cheaper to run than ovens?

They can be.

An air fryer heats a much smaller cooking chamber than a conventional oven and often reaches cooking temperature more quickly.

That can make it more energy-efficient when cooking relatively small quantities of food.

But the often-repeated claim that an air fryer is always cheaper than an oven is too simplistic.

If you're cooking several trays of food and need to run the air fryer repeatedly, a conventional oven may make more sense.

Likewise, energy consumption depends on the appliance's wattage, cooking time and how much food you're preparing.

The useful question isn't simply "Does an air fryer use less electricity?"

It's:

"Which appliance can cook this particular meal most efficiently?"

Do air fryers really use less oil?

Compared with deep frying, yes — that's one of the fundamental differences in how they cook.

An air fryer circulates hot air rapidly around the food rather than submerging it in hot oil.

Some foods need little or no added oil, while others benefit from a small coating to improve browning and texture.

That doesn't automatically make every air-fried meal healthy. Chips are still chips, and nutritional value depends primarily on the food you're cooking.

What features actually matter?

Temperature control

A useful temperature range gives you much more control than simply pressing a preset marked "chips".

Sync finish

For dual-basket models, this is one of the genuinely useful features.

Being able to start two foods at different times automatically and have them finish together makes dual-zone cooking significantly more practical.

Dishwasher-safe parts

An appliance that is frustrating to clean is less likely to be used regularly.

Check which removable parts can actually go in the dishwasher rather than assuming that everything is dishwasher safe.

Viewing windows

A window isn't essential, but some users like being able to check progress without opening the basket and releasing heat.

Smartphone connectivity

App control can be useful, particularly for notifications and recipes, but we wouldn't choose an air fryer solely because it connects to Wi-Fi.

The quality and shape of the cooking basket matter far more.

How much worktop space do you need?

This is one of the most commonly overlooked considerations.

A large dual-basket air fryer can be a substantial appliance.

Don't just check its width.

Measure:

• Width.
• Depth.
• Height.
• Clearance for ventilation.
• Space needed to pull the drawers fully open.
• Whether overhead cupboards interfere with hot exhaust air.

If the air fryer has to be carried out of a cupboard every time you use it, you may eventually use it much less than a slightly smaller model that can remain permanently on the worktop.

Do you need a huge air fryer for a family?

Not necessarily.

A very large air fryer can be useful for batch cooking and bigger households, but capacity needs to reflect the type of food you cook.

A family cooking complete meals may benefit from two zones more than simply having one enormous basket.

Conversely, someone roasting whole joints or larger pieces of food may prefer one uninterrupted cooking space.

Can an air fryer replace an oven?

For some households it can replace the oven for a surprising amount of everyday cooking.

You can use many current air fryers for tasks including:

• Chips and frozen foods.
• Chicken.
• Vegetables.
• Fish.
• Roasting.
• Reheating.
• Some baking.

But a normal oven still has major advantages for large dishes, multiple trays, baking large quantities or cooking food that simply won't fit inside an air-fryer basket.

We'd think of an air fryer as a useful smaller cooking appliance rather than automatically treating it as a complete oven replacement.

Are expensive air fryers worth it?

Sometimes — but not simply because of the badge on the front.

Paying more can get you:

• Larger capacity.
• Independent cooking zones.
• Better controls.
• More even temperature management.
• Additional cooking functions.
• Better accessories.
• Longer warranty support.

But somebody mainly reheating food and cooking chips several times a week may be perfectly happy with a relatively simple model.

Buy for how you cook rather than buying the machine with the most buttons.

What should you check before buying?

• Capacity: is it genuinely large enough for your household?
• Basket dimensions: will the food you actually cook fit?
• Overall dimensions: does it fit your kitchen?
• Cleaning: which components are dishwasher safe?
• Cooking zones: do you genuinely need two?
• Warranty: how long is it and does registration extend it?
• Replacement parts: can baskets and crisper plates be replaced later?
• Power: can the electrical setup where you intend to use it safely support the appliance?

How Cantin chose these air fryers

For this guide we considered current manufacturer information covering areas including:

• Cooking capacity.
• Single versus dual cooking zones.
• Available cooking functions.
• Physical dimensions and worktop practicality.
• Cleaning and dishwasher-safe components.
• Warranty.
• Flexibility for different household sizes.
• Position within the current UK air-fryer market.

Cantin has not personally laboratory-tested every air fryer listed in this guide.

We therefore deliberately avoid numerical performance scores or claims that one machine cooks food better than another unless that conclusion can genuinely be supported by controlled testing.

Products can also be included in our guides regardless of whether Cantin has a commercial relationship with their manufacturer or retailer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best air fryer for a family?

A dual-zone model is particularly useful for families because two different foods can be cooked independently. Ninja's Dual Zone range is our starting point, with Tower and Philips offering alternatives worth comparing.

What size air fryer is best for two people?

A single-basket model somewhere around the 4–6L range will be enough for many couples, although the best capacity depends heavily on what you cook. A 6L model such as the Cosori TurboBlaze offers useful flexibility without requiring a full dual-drawer footprint.

Is Ninja better than Cosori?

Not universally. Ninja's dual-zone machines are particularly strong when you need independent cooking drawers, while Cosori offers compelling single-basket and alternative multi-zone designs. The better choice depends on how you cook.

Should I buy a single or dual air fryer?

Buy a dual-zone model if you regularly cook two foods requiring different settings. If you mainly cook one thing at a time, a single large basket may be simpler and take up less worktop space.

Can you put foil in an air fryer?

This depends on the appliance and how the foil is used. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Airflow is fundamental to air frying, so covering vents or preventing air from circulating can affect cooking and potentially create a safety problem.

Do air fryers need preheating?

Some recipes and models benefit from preheating while others don't require it. Follow the guidance for the particular appliance and food rather than assuming every air fryer works identically.

Can air fryer baskets go in the dishwasher?

Many current models have dishwasher-safe baskets or crisper plates, but this isn't universal. Check the instructions for the specific model.

The Cantin verdict

If we were choosing an air fryer for a typical UK family today, we'd start with the Ninja Dual Zone range.

The ability to cook two different foods independently and have them finish together is genuinely useful for everyday family meals.

For a smaller household or somebody who doesn't need two drawers, the Cosori TurboBlaze 6L is the alternative we'd investigate closely.

Tower deserves consideration where value is important, while Philips offers another strong large dual-basket design.

And Tefal is particularly useful for shoppers who want to compare several different air-fryer formats from one established kitchen brand.

But don't automatically buy the biggest or most expensive model.

The best air fryer is the one whose basket shape, capacity and cooking zones match the food you actually prepare — and that fits comfortably in your kitchen.

Last researched: 3 September 2026. Product ranges, prices, capacities and manufacturer specifications can change. Cantin recommends checking current information with the manufacturer or retailer before purchasing.