Question 1

What is the best air fryer in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Rather than a single 'best' model, the top choice depends on needs: for families a large-capacity model with a square basket (around 5–6L) is often best; for multi-dish cooking a dual-basket Ninja Foodi-style unit or a high-end Philips XXL will be useful. Prioritise features you’ll actually use (capacity, presets, ease of cleaning) and shop from reputable UK retailers like John Lewis, Currys or AO for returns and warranty support.

Question 2

Is an air fryer worth buying in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes for many households - air fryers cut cooking time and use less energy than a full-size oven for smaller portions, and they produce crisper results than a microwave. They’re especially handy in flats or for quick weeknight meals, though they’re not a complete replacement for an oven if you cook large roasts regularly.

Question 3

Which air fryer offers the best value for money?

Accepted Answer

Mid-range models from Cosori and Tower tend to offer the best balance of price, capacity and reliability, with prices often in the £80–£160 range. Look for a model with a good warranty, dishwasher-safe parts and positive UK reviews rather than buying the cheapest unit available.

Question 4

Philips vs Ninja – which should I buy?

Accepted Answer

Philips air fryers (Premium/XXL lines) are known for consistent, even cooking and larger family-sized baskets, while Ninja excels at versatility with multi-cook functions and dual-basket options. Choose Philips for straightforward, reliable frying and larger capacity; choose Ninja if you want extra modes (two-zone cooking, crisp+roast) and flexibility.

Question 5

How much does it cost to run an air fryer in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on wattage and cooking time, but as an example a 1,500W air fryer running for 30 minutes uses 0.75 kWh. At a typical domestic electricity rate that equates to only a few tens of pence per cook, usually cheaper than heating a full-size oven for the same job.

Question 6

Can I put foil or baking paper in an air fryer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use foil or perforated baking paper for certain foods, but never block airflow in the basket and avoid using foil with acidic foods. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance - some warranties may be affected by improper use.

Question 7

Where should I buy an air fryer in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Major retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, Argos, AO and Amazon UK stock wide ranges and often have extended return policies; John Lewis is known for longer guarantees and good aftercare. Compare prices, check current offers and read UK customer reviews for real-world performance.

Question 8

What is the best air fryer for a family in 2026?

Accepted Answer

For a family look for a 5–6 litre (or larger) model with a square basket and strong airflow - these give the most usable space and even cooking; popular choices include Philips Premium/XXL lines for consistent results or Cosori 5.5L models for value. Prioritise dishwasher-safe parts and at least 1,700W power for faster roasting and crisping.

Question 9

Is a dual-basket air fryer worth it in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes if you regularly cook different foods at once: dual-basket units (e.g. Ninja Foodi DualZone) let you set different times or temperatures for each basket, saving time and avoiding flavour transfer. They cost more and take more counter space, so they’re best for households that need that specific flexibility.

Question 10

Ninja Foodi vs Philips Airfryer – which should I buy?

Accepted Answer

Choose Ninja Foodi if you want multi-functionality and features like two-basket cooking and multiple cook modes; pick Philips Airfryer (Premium/XXL) for proven even heating, larger single-basket capacity and straightforward operation. Your decision should hinge on whether you prioritise versatility (Ninja) or simple, reliable large-batch cooking (Philips).

Question 11

Which air fryer is best value for money in the UK?

Accepted Answer

A mid-range Cosori or Tower model often represents the best value - they combine a practical 4–5.5L capacity, decent build quality and dishwasher-safe parts at a price typically well under premium brands. Check for local deals at Currys, Argos or Amazon UK and prefer models with 2+ year warranties.

10 Best What Is The Best Air Fryer To Buy of 2026

Buying Guide

Capacity and basket shape

Cooking functions and controls

Power, temperature range and cooking speed

Cleaning and maintenance

Size, storage and build quality

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Methodology

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