Best Value Oven-Style
#1
Best for families needing oven-style capacity without a full oven.
10 Best What Is The Best Air Fryer of 2026
#2
9.6
Great for buyers wanting a stylish, simple, reliable family fryer.
Best Compact Smart
#3
Perfect for singles or couples wanting a smart compact air fryer.
#4
Good budget pick for families wanting a visible air fryer.
#5
Good value for families wanting a visible, mid-size air fryer.
#6
Suitable for families who prefer visible cooking and easy cleaning.
Best Dual-Basket
#7
Excellent for households wanting true dual-basket simultaneous cooking.
Best Multi-zone
#8
![Breville Halo Flexi Air Fryer | Digital Dual Air Fryer Oven | 11L: Serves 10+ People | FryBakeGrillRoast & Reheat | 2400 W | Save £65 a Year on Energy Bills* | Black [VDF130]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dMhCUljaL._SL500_.jpg)
Great for big households needing flexible, high-capacity air frying.
#9
![Breville Halo Flexi Air Fryer & Large Mesh Tray | Digital Dual Air Fryer Oven | 11L: Serves 10+ | FryBakeGrillRoast & Reheat | 2400 W | Save £65 a Year on Energy Bills* | Black [VDF138]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uz4cfi+BL._SL500_.jpg)
Best overall for large families who want flexible multi-zone cooking.
Best Overall
#10
Great for families who want to watch meals while they cook.
Buying Guide
Capacity and size
Think about how many people you normally cook for and how much bench and cupboard space you have. Air fryers are sold by basket or bowl volume (litres) and by food capacity (for example, 1.5kg chicken or 4–6 portions); choose a larger model for families or batch cooking, and a compact one for singles or small kitchens.
Cooking functions and performance
Different models offer basic hot-air frying, baking, roasting, grilling, or multi-zone cooking where you can cook two dishes at once. Look at the temperature range, pre-set programmes, and whether the unit has features such as dual-zone control, rapid air circulation or a rotating paddle, all of which affect evenness and versatility.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets and removable trays save a lot of time; check how easy it is to get into corners and whether there are fiddly parts that trap grease. Also consider whether filters or non-stick coatings are replaceable and whether the manufacturer recommends hand‑washing to preserve the finish.
Build quality, warranty and reliability
Stainless-steel exteriors, solid controls and a reputable brand can mean better longevity and after-sales support. Compare warranty lengths (some premium brands offer two to three years) and read UK customer reviews to spot recurring issues such as broken latches or heating faults.
Price and value-for-money
Air fryers range from budget models under £60 to premium multifunction ovens over £300, so match features to how you’ll use the appliance. Consider running costs (wattage and cooking time) and whether extra functions - such as smart app control or dual-basket cooking - justify the higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best air fryer in 2026?
There isn’t a single 'best' model for everyone in 2026 - the ideal air fryer depends on needs. Popular choices include large-capacity models from Philips for even results, Ninja Foodi dual-basket units for flexible multi-dish cooking, and Cosori for strong value; check current UK reviews and retailers like Currys, John Lewis or Amazon UK for the latest models and prices.
Is an air fryer worth buying in the UK?
Yes for many households: air fryers speed up cooking, use less oil than deep frying and suit UK kitchens where ovens are often shared. They’re particularly useful for quick midweek meals, reheating without sogginess and smaller households wanting lower energy use than heating a full oven.
Which air fryer offers the best value for money?
Value models from Cosori, Tower and some Instant Pot/Instant Vortex units often hit the sweet spot with reliable cooking, useful presets and dishwasher-safe parts for under £120. For best value, choose a size that matches your needs and prioritise features you’ll actually use, such as digital timers or a square basket for more surface area.
Philips vs Ninja – which should I buy?
Choose Philips if you want consistent, even cooking and larger single-basket capacity; their Airfryer line is known for reliability and even heat distribution. Pick Ninja if you value flexible cooking modes and dual-basket or multi-function Foodi models that let you cook two different dishes simultaneously.
Can an air fryer replace my oven?
For many everyday tasks - roasting vegetables, baking small batches, reheating and crisping - an air fryer can replace the oven and save energy. However, for very large roasts, multiple trays or baking large cakes and biscuits at the same time, a conventional oven remains more suitable.
Are air fryers healthy?
Air fryers can be healthier than deep frying because they require far less oil to achieve a crispy finish, reducing overall fat intake. Healthiness still depends on what you cook: air‑fried vegetables and lean proteins are good choices, while highly processed frozen foods remain less nutritious.
How do I choose the right size for my family?
As a guide: solo or couples can be fine with 2–3 litre baskets, small families may prefer 3–5 litres, while larger families or frequent batch-cookers should look at 5–9 litre or multi-basket models. Check the manufacturer’s serving guidance (some state the weight of chicken or number of portions) to match your needs.
Where can I buy air fryers in the UK and what about warranties?
Major retailers include Currys, John Lewis, Argos, AO and Amazon UK; John Lewis often matches warranties and offers reliable returns, while Currys and AO carry a wide selection. Warranty lengths vary by brand; expect one year as standard, with premium brands sometimes offering two to three years or extended cover via the retailer.
What is the best air fryer for a family in 2026?
For families in 2026, a large-capacity model with at least 5–7 litres (or a 4–6 portion/1.2–1.5kg food capacity) and even heat circulation is best; for example, large Philips Airfryer models offer strong airflow technology and roomy baskets, while Ninja Foodi dual-basket units provide two independent cooking zones so you can cook different foods at once.
Is an air fryer worth it in 2026?
Yes - air fryers remain worth it if you want faster, lower-energy cooking and crisp results with less oil; choose a model with the right capacity and cleaning features (dishwasher-safe parts, removable trays) to maximise convenience and lifetime value.
Philips Airfryer XXL vs Ninja Foodi DualZone - which should I buy?
Buy the Philips Airfryer XXL if you want one large, even-cooking basket and consistent results for big batches; choose the Ninja Foodi DualZone if you value two independent baskets for cooking separate dishes simultaneously and greater flexibility in portioning. Consider basket shape (round vs square), total capacity and whether you’ll use both zones often.
Which air fryer is best value for money in the UK?
Best value tends to come from brands like Cosori and Instant Vortex that combine useful presets, square baskets for more usable space and dishwasher-safe parts at a sub‑£120 price point; for slightly higher budgets, Ninja’s multifunction Foodi line often delivers better versatility per pound through multi-mode cooking and dual baskets.
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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