#1
Reliable compact air fryer great for small-portion baking and everyday use.
10 Best Air Fryer For Baking of 2026
#2
Solid mid-size option for occasional bakers and small families.
#3
Great if you mainly bake pizzas or single small items.
Best Budget Large
#4
Budget-friendly large oven for baking multiple trays and parties.
#5
Perfect for small households wanting precise, app-guided baking.
Best for Pizza & Baking
#6
Best for serious bakers wanting fast, heavy-duty baking and visibility.
#7
Good choice for small families wanting precise, compact baking performance.
Best Value
#8
Ideal for families wanting large-capacity baking with versatile programmes.
Best for Versatility
#9
Great for families wanting versatile, mid-size baking and roasting.
Best Overall
#10
Best for home bakers who need large capacity and versatile functions.
Buying Guide
Capacity and form factor
Decide how much you want to bake in one go: basket-style air fryers are compact and great for single portions, while oven-style or drawer models (12–16 litres) suit larger tins and loaf pans. Consider physical footprint for your kitchen surface or cupboard storage as well as the internal shape - a flat baking tray is easier for cakes than a deep basket.
Temperature range and heat distribution
Look for a model that reaches at least 200–230°C with precise temperature control, plus a reliable convection fan for even browning. Consistent airflow and an accurate thermostat make the difference between a soggy bottom and a well-risen sponge.
Controls, presets and customisation
Manual temperature/time controls give you full baking flexibility, whereas useful presets can speed up common bakes like muffins or biscuits. Touchscreen displays, timers and app connectivity are convenient, but ensure you can override presets for recipe-specific needs.
Accessories and bakeware compatibility
Check whether the air fryer includes or supports flat baking trays, silicone cake moulds, wire racks and loaf tins - and that standard UK-sized bakeware will fit. Accessories that are dishwasher-safe and non-stick will save time and broaden what you can bake successfully.
Cleaning, build quality and safety
Choose models with dishwasher-safe baskets/trays and a non-stick finish to keep maintenance simple. Look for cool-touch handles, auto shut-off, an overheat protector and a decent warranty - reputable UK retailers (John Lewis, Currys, Argos) usually stock models with good after-sales support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best air fryer for baking in 2026?
There isn’t a single ‘best’ model for everyone - the ideal air fryer for baking in 2026 depends on capacity and features you need. For small-batch cakes, a 4.5–6 litre basket model with stable temperature control works well; for larger tins and multiple shelves, a 12–16 litre oven-style air fryer with flat trays is preferable. Look for models that reach 200–230°C, have even airflow and include or accept baking accessories.
Is an air fryer worth buying in the UK?
Yes, for many households an air fryer is worth it: it preheats quickly, uses less energy than a full-size oven for small bakes, and produces crisp results with less fat. If you often bake large batches or full-size cakes, a conventional oven or larger countertop oven may be more practical.
Which air fryer offers the best value for money?
Value tends to come from a balance of capacity, build quality and useful features - a 5–6 litre model with a reliable thermostat, decent wattage (around 1,700–2,000W) and dishwasher-safe parts often delivers the best value. Brands such as Cosori, Tower and some models from Ninja often appear competitively priced in the UK, typically between £80 and £180 depending on features.
Philips vs Ninja - which should I buy?
Philips is known for consistent airflow and robust build quality, often at a premium price, while Ninja frequently offers versatile functions (dual zones, roast, bake, air crisp) and good value. Choose Philips if you want a tried-and-tested, straightforward machine; pick Ninja if you value multi-function flexibility and features like separate cooking compartments.
Can you bake a cake in an air fryer?
Yes - you can bake small cakes, cupcakes, muffins and even loaf cakes in most air fryers provided you use suitable bakeware and adjust time/temperature. Use shallower tins, reduce temperatures slightly compared with a conventional oven, and check for doneness with a skewer as cooking times can be shorter.
How do I choose the right size for baking?
For single-person households or occasional bakes a 3.5–6 litre unit is usually fine; for family-sized cakes and multiple tins, aim for 12 litres or more or an oven-style model. Always check internal dimensions to ensure your preferred cake tins and loaf pans will fit flat.
Is a convection oven better than an air fryer for baking?
A full-size convection oven generally offers more consistent results for large bakes because of its larger cavity and more even air circulation. An air fryer is quicker to preheat and excellent for small batches or when you want crisp edges, but it’s limited in batch size and may need recipe adjustments.
Are air fryer baking accessories dishwasher-safe?
Many manufacturers supply dishwasher-safe trays, racks and silicone moulds, but it varies by model and maker. Always check the user manual or product page; coated baskets sometimes require hand-washing to preserve the non-stick finish.
What is the best air fryer for baking small cakes and muffins in 2026?
A 4.5–6 litre basket-style air fryer with a flat removable tray, accurate thermostat and even convection fan is best for small cakes and muffins; these attributes ensure even rise and consistent browning. Models that include silicone moulds or adaptor trays are especially handy for cupcakes and mini loaves.
Is buying an air fryer for baking worth it in 2026?
Yes, if you bake small batches regularly: modern air fryers heat to 200–230°C quickly, use noticeably less energy than a full oven for small bakes, and give crisp edges; however, they’re less suitable for large-family baking due to limited internal space. For frequent large bakes, a countertop convection oven or conventional oven remains better.
Philips Airfryer vs Cosori for baking - which should I buy?
Choose Philips if you prioritise even airflow and a premium build, which helps with consistent bakes; choose Cosori for better value, user-friendly presets and generally larger accessory bundles. Both reach similar temperatures, so your choice should hinge on budget, warranty and included bakeware.
Which air fryer is best value for money in the UK for baking?
A mid-range 5–6 litre model with 1,700–2,000W power, precise thermostat and dishwasher-safe trays offers the best value for baking in the UK. Brands such as Cosori and Tower often match these specs at a competitive price and are widely stocked by Currys, Argos and Amazon UK.
Product Selection: Products are sourced via Amazon's Product Advertising API based on relevance, availability, and customer ratings.
Review Analysis: We use AI to analyze customer review trends, identify common themes, and summarize the key strengths and weaknesses of each product.
Scoring Independence: Our rankings and fit scores are generated algorithmically and are not influenced by commission rates or advertising relationships.
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn commissions from qualifying Amazon purchases made through our links at no additional cost to you.
Last updated: June 5, 2026
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