How to Choose an Air Fryer: Size, Features and the Best Pick for You

Air fryers have earned their place on the worktop, and it is easy to see why. They cook crispy chips, roast veg, wings and quick reheats in a fraction of the time an oven takes, and they use far less energy doing it. The tricky part is that "air fryer" now covers everything from a small single basket to a big dual basket machine. So here is how to pick the best air fryer for your kitchen without overthinking it.

Air fryer cooking a basket of chips

Start with the size you actually need

The litre figure on the box is the total drum size, not how much food sits in a single even layer.

  • 3 to 4 litres suits one or two people, or a side dish next to the oven.
  • 5 to 7 litres is the family sweet spot. Enough room for a whole chicken, or chips for four.
  • Dual basket models give you two drawers, so you can cook chips in one and chicken in the other and finish them together.
Domestic King 7L Dual Basket Air FryerDomestic King 7L Dual Basket Air FryerFamily-sized, two drawers, 2400W, digital display£87.99View product → Domestic King 4L Air FryerDomestic King 4L Air FryerCompact everyday choice for one or two, with recipe book£47.99View product →

The features that actually matter

  • A clear digital display beats guessing with a dial.
  • Dishwasher-safe drawer and tray is the single biggest thing for how often you will actually use it.
  • A sync or match function on dual baskets, so both drawers finish together.
  • A few useful presets for chips, chicken, fish and reheat. You do not need twenty.

Two things people forget

First, measure your worktop. Air fryers need clearance at the back and top to vent, so check the height under your wall units. Second, do not worry about wattage for running cost. Even a large air fryer uses a fraction of the energy of a full oven, which is exactly why they cut energy bills.

The short version

One or two people, go 3 to 4 litres. A family, go 5 to 7 litres, or a dual basket if you cook full meals. Look for a digital display, dishwasher-safe parts and a few genuinely useful presets, and do not pay extra for bells and whistles you will not use.

Ready to pick one? Have a look at our full air fryer range.