A comprehensive review by Which? has assessed over 70 air fryers, spanning a price range from £35 for a Total Chef model to £270 for a Ninja appliance, to identify the top-performing options for consumers. The testing focused on efficiency, speed, and ease of cleaning.
The investigation into air fryers, devices that cook food using hot air instead of oil, comes decades after their initial concept. Fred van der Weij, a Dutch engineer, is credited with developing the first air fryer prototype in 2006, aiming for a healthier method of cooking foods like French fries.
Which? experts tested the air fryers by evaluating their performance in cooking chips, chicken drumsticks, and baguettes. They also recorded the speed of cooking, energy consumption, and the effort required for cleaning. Some of the fastest models were able to cook four portions of chips in as little as 20 minutes without preheating, while the slowest models took over 45 minutes.
To ensure impartiality, Which? purchased all the products it tested, avoiding reliance on free samples. This practice is intended to prevent biased results.
Best Basket Air Fryer
This model, featuring a single cooking zone, measures H32cm x W34cm x D46cm and has a maximum capacity of 1.33kg. Testers found it performed well across various cooking tasks and was straightforward to operate. It includes a viewing window for monitoring food and is described as quick to clean. While it consumed slightly more energy than some other models, it remains more energy-efficient than a conventional oven for smaller batches of food.
Best Oven-Type Air Fryer
Designed with pizza cooking in mind, this oven-style air fryer is noted as a standout in its category, also delivering quality chips and baguettes. It comes equipped with preset programs for various foods, including fish and vegetables. This model has a single cooking zone, dimensions of H20cm x W40cm x D35cm, and a capacity of 1kg. The manufacturer advises against placing it in a corner to prevent overheating.
Best Dual-Zone Air Fryer
Ideal for larger households, this dual-zone air fryer allows for cooking two different types of food simultaneously. The two cooking zones can be synchronized to finish at the same time. Its specifications include dual cooking zones, dimensions of H32cm x W40cm x D37cm, and a maximum capacity of 1.33kg. A drawback is the absence of a viewing window, which prevents users from monitoring food during cooking. Its size also makes it a heavier unit, potentially posing challenges for storage and relocation.