Best Overall
#1
Ideal for families wanting a large, energy-efficient, versatile air fryer.
10 Best What Is The Best Air Fryer Uk of 2026
Best Overall
#2
Great value for small households wanting healthier, convenient, versatile cooking.
#3
Best for singles or couples wanting a compact, reliable everyday air fryer.
Best Budget
#4
Perfect budget dual-basket choice for families wanting affordable synchronized cooking.
Best Overall
#5
![Russell Hobbs XXL Family Rapid Digital Air Fryer 8L [Compact Housing |7 Cooking Functions |10 Programmes] Energy Saving, Max 220°C, Use without oil, Grill, Bake, Roast, Reheat, Frozen etc. 27170](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41h+ORJOPZL._SL500_.jpg)
Ideal for families needing a large, energy-efficient, versatile air fryer.
Best Value
#6
Great value for families wanting a feature-rich single-basket air fryer.
#7
Good for couples or small families wanting flexible dual-zone cooking.
Best Overall
#8
![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 for large households needing flexible, high-capacity simultaneous cooking.
#9
Good for budget-conscious households prioritising energy-efficient dual-basket cooking.
Best for Large Families
#10
Ideal for very large families wanting reliable, spacious dual-zone cooking.
Buying Guide
Capacity and family size
Air fryers come in everything from compact 2–3 litre baskets to large 5–10 litre oven-style machines. Choose a size that suits how you cook - 3–4 litres is fine for 1–2 people, 5+ litres for families or if you regularly cook joints or larger batches.
Type: basket vs oven / multi-drawer
Basket-style fryers are compact and quick to heat, while oven-style or multi-rack models offer more capacity and the ability to cook different foods at once. Dual-basket or oven-style machines cost more but provide greater flexibility for batch cooking or simultaneous dishes.
Power, cooking performance and presets
Higher wattage generally means quicker preheating and crisper results, but design and airflow matter too. Look for useful presets, adjustable temperature control and even heat distribution - these affect how evenly food cooks and how closely results match a traditional fryer or oven.
Ease of cleaning and everyday convenience
Removable, dishwasher-safe baskets and non-stick coatings make life easier, as does a simple control panel and accessible accessories. Consider how easy it is to empty crumbs, store the machine and whether accessories (racks, trays) are included.
Build quality, safety and running costs
Check for a solid build, cool-touch handles and a trustworthy warranty; reputable UK retailers like Currys, John Lewis and Argos often offer good after-sales support. Also factor in electricity use - air fryers are usually quicker and use less energy than heating a full oven for small portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best air fryer in 2026?
There isn’t a single ‘best’ model for everyone in 2026 - the right choice depends on your needs. Popular picks in the UK include family-sized Philips Premium Airfryer XXL for consistent results, Ninja Foodi dual-basket or oven-style models for versatility, and Cosori basket fryers for value; check current reviews and deals at Argos, Currys or John Lewis before you buy.
Is an air fryer worth buying in the UK?
Yes for many households: air fryers save time, use less energy than a conventional oven for small portions and produce crisp results without much oil. They’re particularly handy for quick midweek meals, reheating roasties and making chips, though a conventional oven can still be better for very large roasts.
Which air fryer offers the best value for money?
Value models tend to balance capacity, features and price - Cosori and some Tower or Salter models are frequently praised for offering solid performance at mid-range prices. Look for a 4–5.5 litre basket, decent presets, dishwasher-safe parts and a reputable warranty to judge value.
Ninja vs Philips - which should I buy?
Choose Ninja if you want multi-functionality (dual baskets, multi-cook or air-fryer-oven hybrids) and flexibility; pick Philips if you prefer a tried-and-tested, straightforward basket fryer with consistent crisping. Your choice should depend on capacity needs and whether you want extra functions like baking or air-roasting.
Can an air fryer replace my oven?
Not entirely - air fryers are excellent for small to medium portions, crisping and quick cooking, but they usually can’t match a full-size oven for very large roasts or baking multiple trays at once. Oven-style air fryers with racks narrow the gap, but consider both appliances complementary.
How much electricity do air fryers use in the UK?
Most air fryers use between about 1,200W and 2,200W while cooking, so a 30–40 minute cook will use much less energy than heating a full electric oven for the same time. Exact cost depends on your unit’s wattage and your electricity tariff (check p/kWh); they’re generally more efficient for small meals.
Where should I buy an air fryer in the UK?
Major retailers like Currys, Argos, John Lewis and Amazon UK stock the widest range and often run promotions; John Lewis is valued for customer service and extended warranties, while Amazon and Currys usually offer competitive prices. Always compare reviews, return policies and after-sales support.
What is the best air fryer for a family in 2026?
For families, choose a 5‑litre plus model or an oven-style/dual-basket machine; examples include family-sized Philips Premium Airfryer XXL for even crisping and Ninja dual-basket/oven hybrids for simultaneous cooking. Prioritise capacity, reliable heat circulation and easy-to-clean baskets.
Is an air fryer worth it in 2026?
Yes for most UK households: they save time and energy on small meals, give crisp results with little oil and are versatile for roasting, baking and reheating. They’re less economical for very large bakes, where a conventional oven still wins.
Cosori vs Instant Pot Vortex - which should I buy?
Choose Cosori basket models if you want a straightforward, value-packed fryer with a roomy 4–5.5 litre basket and multiple presets; opt for an Instant Pot Vortex oven-style model if you prefer oven-like capacity and rack cooking. Base your decision on whether you need single-basket speed or multi-rack flexibility.
Which air fryer is best value for money in the UK?
Mid-range Cosori models are often the best value, offering roughly 4–5.5 litres of capacity, digital controls, several presets and dishwasher-safe baskets at a competitive price. They balance performance and reliability without the premium cost of larger oven-style or branded specialist machines.
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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.
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Last updated: June 25, 2026
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