Recent updates
This article was last updated on the 19th of December 2023. A section was added to show the air fryers that we're currently reviewing.
Quick Menu
Quick list
1. Best overall
2. Best under £100
3. Best medium capacity
4. Best affordable
5. Best dual zone
6. Best small
7. Best oven style
8. Best for 2
9. Best Ninja alternative
10. Best affordable dual zone
11. Best narrow
12. Best healthy
How we test
FAQs
The best air fryers make cooking easier than ever before, and more efficient too. We've tested over 30 of these appliances in a variety of different conditions in order to find and curate this list of the top 12 air fryers so that you can invest in one that's really worth your investment.
Air fryers act as countertop ovens, but there's plenty of variation between different models, with some able to perform up to 15 functions at once. You'll find in-depth reviews linked next to each air fryer in this guide if you want to learn more about a particular air fryer before you invest.
We've been ahead of the curve reviewing a host of air fryers according to our rigorous testing protocol for over two years now, with a particular emphasis on finding models that provide truly great value for money.
We've tested, and continue to test, all of the air fryers from popular brand names, such as Ninja and Instant, alongside lesser-known brands such as COSORI and Dreo.
Plus we also have dedicated guides for the best dual zone air fryers and the best air fryers for a family of four if you already know you need more cooking space.
Below you'll find our top-rated, value for money air fryers, along with a thorough breakdown of how we tested each one, our findings on their performances and answers to any questions you may have about these super helpful appliances.
Best air fryer - the quick list
Not much time to spare on your hunt for the best air fryer? Welcome to our quick guide which allows you to see a choice of sizes, types and prices at a glance.
Best overall
+ Unbeatable versatility
+ Use it as a single or dual zone air fryer
+ Phenomenal cooking power, easy to use
- Bulky and too big for 1 person to use
Best under £100
+ Fab RRP, can be found for cheaper
+ Great to use with touch screen
+ Excellent cooking results
+ Will remind you to shake food
- The drawer is clunky
Best medium capacity
+ A great family size
+ So easy to use
+ Dishwasher safe basket
+ Power to achieve excellent results
- The interface can be marked easily
Best affordable air fryer
+ Phenomenal value
+ Great amount of power
+ Keep warm and preheat setting
+ Lovely colours to choose from
- Too small for families
Best dual zone
+ Huge amount of cooking power
+ Dual design is so handy
+ Great for family dinner times
+ Looks fantastic
- A big option for small kitchens
Best small
+ Perfect size for 1 to 2 people
+ So simple to use
+ A great affordable price
- No option to pre-heat
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Best oven style
+ Packed full of functionality
+ Looks great and cooks excellently
+ Massive capacity for families
- Very expensive and very big
Best for 2
+ An affordable air fryer
+ Easy to navigate
+ We loved the colourful design when we tested
- Small capacity won't suit everyone
Best from Instant
+ Glass windows are great for tracking progress
+ Great dual zone option
+ Looks great and performs well
- Temperature range isn't as good as the Ninja
Best affordable dual zone
+ An affordable, reliable choice
+ Cook at 2 temperatures simultaneously
+ Viewing windows and a large capacity
- Short power cord and some slower cooking times
- Not dishwasher safe
Best slim
+ Slim for kitchens that are short on space
+ Reliably great cooking results in our tests
+ Quiet Mark approved
- Rubber parts of tray can be hard to clean
Best healthy
+ Healthy choice - grill, air fry and steam
+ A good family size
+ Our reviewer enjoyed its versatility
- On the pricey side
Best air fryer overall
The concept of the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer is simple, but the execution is nothing less than perfect. Instead of choosing between a dual-drawer or single-drawer model, you get both thanks to this new generation of multi-zone air fryers.
While your old air fryer might have required you to still turn on your oven, you can leave your old built-in appliance behind for good with this kind of flexible capacity.
We found several other reasons to love this excellent air fryer during our review process. Our expert reviewer Helen mastered everything from a leg of lamb to a toastie during tests, with a perfect cook every time. And seeing as this is a Ninja air fryer, it goes without saying that it’s simple to use, with well-thought-out settings and controls.
It might be too big for single-person households unless you host a lot. And if you have a teeny kitchen, you’ll need to be prepared to find space for it, since it’s quite wide and tall. Furthermore, it’s one of the most expensive Ninja air fryers - a fact that can’t be ignored in your decision about whether to buy.
Having said that, if you’re looking to limit how often you need to turn on your big, power-guzzling oven then look no further than the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer - it's answered every air fryer conundrum out there.
Our Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer review has the full details.