How to Choose an Air Fryer
Air fryers are small convection ovens. Picking a good one comes down to three questions: how much you cook, how much counter space you have, and how easy it is to clean.
Pick the size first
Food crisps best in a single layer, so capacity sets how many batches you'll cook.
- 2 to 4 quarts: one or two people
- 5 to 6 quarts: three or four people
- 8 quarts or dual basket: families, or cooking two foods at once
Basket or oven style?
Basket models are compact, heat quickly and are the easiest to clean. Oven-style models have racks and a door, fit more flat food like toast or pizza, but take up more space and have more parts to clean.
Dual-basket models are a middle ground: two independent drawers so you can cook a main and a side at different settings.
Features worth paying for
These make a real difference day to day:
- Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate
- A viewing window if you dislike opening the drawer
- Low temperature settings if you want to dehydrate
- Sync finish on dual-basket models
Features you can skip
App control and long lists of presets rarely matter. Most cooking uses air fry at a set temperature and time, and presets are just shortcuts to those.
Frequently asked questions
Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?
They typically draw 1,400 to 1,800 watts while running, but cook for short times, so many people find they use less energy than heating a full oven for small meals.
Can I put foil or parchment in an air fryer?
Many manufacturers allow it if it doesn't block airflow and is weighed down by food. Check your manual first.
