Best Overall
#1
Best for couples or small families wanting flexible, simultaneous multi-dish cooking.
10 Best What Are The Best Air Fryers of 2026
#2
Best for budget buyers wanting a windowed, family-sized fryer.
#3
Best for tech-savvy individuals wanting compact, smart air frying.
#4
Best for families wanting power and lots of presets.
#5
Best for users wanting presets and a transparent basket.
Best Family
#6
Best for families wanting reliable presets and energy savings.
Best Versatile Steam
#7
Best for those wanting steam-and-air hybrid cooking versatility.
#8
Best for cooks wanting extra capacity and multifunction cooking.
Best Premium Build
#9
Best for buyers wanting durable, commercial-style stainless steel construction.
Best Overall
#10
Best for households who want a viewing window and easy presets.
Buying Guide
Capacity and family size
Choose a size to match how you cook - 2–3 litre units suit singles or couples, 4–6 litres are ideal for families of three to five, and 7 litres-plus works for large households or batch cooking. Remember advertised capacity can be misleading: look for usable basket space and whether multiple racks are included for bigger roasts.
Power, performance and temperature range
Higher wattage models generally heat up faster and keep food crisp, so check the wattage and how quickly the unit reaches temperature. Also look for a wide temperature range and even hot-air circulation (sometimes branded differently), which affect browning, roasting and baking results.
Functions and controls
Decide whether you want a simple preset-only machine or a multi-function cooker with roast, bake, grill, dehydrate and reheat modes, plus manual temperature/time control. Touchscreens, dials, app connectivity and programmable presets add convenience but can also raise the price and complexity.
Cleaning and build quality
Check if the basket, tray and racks are dishwasher-safe and whether the non-stick coating is robust; removable parts make cleaning far easier. Also assess the physical footprint - slimmer designs suit small kitchens - and pick a model with a sturdy handle and quality finish for everyday use.
Price, warranty and aftercare
Air fryers range from budget to premium; factor in long-term value rather than just sticker price - consider features, capacity and a trustworthy brand. Look for at least a one-year warranty, good UK customer support and easy access to spare parts or replacement baskets through retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, Argos or Amazon UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best air fryer in 2026?
There isn’t a single ‘best’ model for everyone in 2026 - top picks vary by need. For large families and consistent performance many experts favour the Philips Airfryer XXL for its roomy basket and even cooking, while the Ninja Foodi range is popular for multi-function cooking; Cosori and Instant Vortex often win for value.
Is an air fryer worth buying in the UK?
Yes for many households - air fryers offer quicker preheat times than an oven, use less energy for small batches and produce crisp results with much less oil. They do take up counter space, so they’re best if you’ll use them regularly for family meals or batch cooking.
Which air fryer offers the best value for money?
Value depends on features you need, but Cosori and some Instant Vortex models frequently balance price and performance well, offering multiple presets, solid build quality and dishwasher-safe parts for a mid-range price. Keep an eye on sales from Currys, Argos and Amazon UK for good deals.
Philips vs Ninja - which should I buy?
Choose Philips if you want a large single-basket machine with reliable, even cooking and a straightforward interface; pick Ninja if you want multi-cooking functions (air crisp, roast, bake, dehydrate and often pressure or slow-cook variants) and more versatility. Your choice should hinge on whether you prefer simplicity or multifunction capability.
Can I cook frozen food like chips and fish fingers in an air fryer?
Yes - air fryers are excellent for frozen chips, fish fingers and breaded items; they cook quicker than an oven and give crispier results compared with a microwave. Check the manufacturer’s guidance on temperature and time, and give items a light shake or turn halfway through for even browning.
Are air fryers energy efficient compared with an oven?
For small quantities an air fryer is generally more energy efficient than heating a full-size electric oven because it uses less energy and preheats faster. For large roasts or multiple dishes, a conventional oven may be more efficient overall.
Where can I buy air fryers in the UK?
Major retailers include Currys, John Lewis, Argos, AO and Amazon UK, and supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s stock basic models. Compare prices, warranty and return policies - John Lewis often has strong aftercare, while Amazon and Currys usually have the widest selection and the best sale prices.
How do I maintain and clean my air fryer?
Empty and wipe the cooking chamber after every use, and wash the basket and tray in warm soapy water or the dishwasher if they’re marked dishwasher-safe. Regularly check for oil build-up in the base and avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage non-stick coatings.
What is the best air fryer for a family of four in 2026?
For a family of four, choose a model with a 4–6 litre usable basket and strong airflow - the Philips Airfryer XXL-style units and larger Ninja Foodi models fit this use case, offering roomy baskets and reliable browning. Look for features such as multi-rack capability, robust non-stick baskets and easy-clean removable parts.
Is an air fryer worth it in 2026?
Yes - air fryers remain worthwhile for quick, lower-fat cooking and energy savings for small to medium portions, especially if you regularly prepare frozen convenience foods or quick family dinners. They’re less compelling if you mainly cook large roasts or rarely use countertop appliances.
Ninja Foodi vs Philips Airfryer - which should I buy?
Buy a Ninja Foodi if you want a versatile multi-cooker that can air-fry, roast, dehydrate and often pressure- or slow-cook, thanks to multiple cooking modes and accessories. Opt for a Philips Airfryer if you prefer a simpler, large-capacity basket with consistent airflow technology focused on frying and crisping.
Which air fryer is best value for money in the UK?
Cosori and Instant Vortex-style models typically represent best value, combining practical preset programmes, solid build quality and dishwasher-safe baskets for a mid-range price usually seen during sales at Currys, Argos or Amazon UK. They offer many of the useful features of premium models without the higher cost.
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 25, 2026
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