Best Air Fryers UK 2026: Our Top Tested Picks for Every Kitchen
If you're on the hunt for the best air fryer in the UK this year, you've landed in the right place. Air fryers have become a genuine kitchen staple for British households, helping families cook faster, healthier meals while keeping energy bills down compared to using a full-size oven.
We've spent months testing more than 30 air fryers, from compact single-basket models perfect for small flats to huge dual-zone fryers built for Sunday roasts. Every model on this list has been through our rigorous kitchen tests: chips, hash browns, and a whole roast chicken, so you can trust these recommendations are based on real results, not just spec sheets.
Quick Answer: Best Air Fryers in the UK Right Now
If you're short on time, here's our at-a-glance summary of the top picks for UK shoppers:
- Best overall: Philips 5000 Series (NA555/09) Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer
- Best mid-range: Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer
- Best for small kitchens: Ninja DoubleStack XL
- Best looking: Our Place Wonder Oven
- Best for frozen food: Ninja Air Fryer Max Pro 6.2L (AF180UK)
- Best for Sunday roasts: Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer
- Best Ninja model overall: Ninja Foodi Dual Zone
- Best for pizza: Tefal Easy Fry Pizza (FW4018G0)
- Best for avoiding "forever chemicals": Cuisinart AirTwin XXL
How We Test Air Fryers
Before any air fryer earns a spot on this list, it goes through the same set of practical, real-kitchen tests so you can compare them fairly.
We start by cooking a portion of homemade chips from 500-750g of raw, peeled potato, timing how long they take, checking how evenly they brown, and looking out for any burnt edges. Next, we test frozen food performance using hash browns, cooked either to the manufacturer's guidance or at 190°C for 18 minutes if no instructions are given.
We then put the roast setting through its paces by cooking a whole chicken (or chicken leg quarters if the basket isn't big enough), checking the skin for colour and crispness and making sure the meat is fully cooked without drying out.
Any extra functions, such as baking, dehydrating or steaming, are tested the same way: we're looking for fast, even, reliable results. Finally, we measure energy usage at 200°C for an hour to give you a realistic idea of running costs, an important factor with UK energy prices in mind.
Our overall winner and named Air Fryer of the Year in the Expert Reviews Product of the Year Awards 2026, the Philips 5000 Series combines air frying with a steaming function, making it one of the best air fryers for healthier home cooking.
In testing, the steaming mode worked brilliantly on tenderstem broccoli, but it was the combined steam and air-fry setting that really stood out when cooking a whole chicken, producing juicy meat with no pink remaining and crisp, golden skin.
With a 6-litre and a 3-litre drawer (9 litres combined), both dishwasher safe, this is a genuinely family-sized fryer. The larger drawer produced some of the best homemade chips we've tasted from an air fryer. The steam function also doubles up as a self-cleaning aid, helping to loosen grease after cooking, though it won't replace a proper clean entirely.
Pros:
- Excellent for healthier, steamed meals
- Easy to clean thanks to the steam function
- Dishwasher-safe drawers
Cons:
- Controls aren't the most intuitive
- Instructions could be clearer
Key specs: Power 2,750W | Capacity 9L combined | Digital controls | Max temp 200°C | Dishwasher-safe drawers: Yes
For shoppers looking for the best value air fryer in the UK, the Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer is hard to beat. A previous Air Fryer of the Year winner, it impressed us across the board, cooking everything from vegetables and tofu to chicken legs with ease.
In our tests, 500g of homemade chips from raw potato cooked in just 25 minutes, one of the fastest times we've recorded. With a 7.6-litre capacity, it's roomy enough to cook a full breakfast at once, bacon and sausages in one drawer, hash browns and mushrooms in the other.
It also performed well in our energy tests, using just 0.99kWh at 200°C with both baskets running. A variable temperature range up to 205°C, clear viewing windows with an internal light, and a useful sync cook feature (so both drawers finish together regardless of different settings) round out a genuinely impressive package. It can also dehydrate for up to 72 hours, plus roast and bake.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Easy to use and clean
- Consistently great cooking results
Cons:
- Touchscreen can scratch over time
- No recipe booklet included
Key specs: Power 1,700W | Capacity 7.6L | Digital controls | Max temp 205°C | Dishwasher-safe drawers: Yes | Includes two non-stick grill plates
If counter space is tight, a common issue in many UK kitchens, the Ninja DoubleStack XL is worth a serious look. Instead of arranging its two baskets side by side, it stacks them vertically, taking up just 28cm of width compared to 41cm for the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone.
Despite the slimmer footprint, capacity isn't compromised: each 4.75-litre drawer can fit a whole 1.2kg chicken, or be split into two cooking zones using the included wire racks and crisper plates for up to four separate dishes at once.
It includes the same six cooking modes found across the Ninja range: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Reheat and Max Crisp (up to 240°C for quickly crisping frozen food). Our testing found it produced fantastic crispy roast potatoes and well-coated tofu, though browning was occasionally a little less even than other models.
Pros:
- Impressive capacity for its compact size
- Space-saving vertical design
Cons:
- One of the pricier options
- Slightly uneven browning in some tests
Key specs: Power 2,470W | Capacity 9.5L | Digital controls | Max temp 204°C | Dishwasher-safe drawers: Yes | Includes 2 crisper plates and 2 multi-layer racks
For anyone who wants their air fryer to look as good as it cooks, the Our Place Wonder Oven is the standout choice. Available in four pastel shades, including Steam (beige), Char (black) and Blue Salt, it suits a wide range of UK kitchen styles.
Beyond the looks, it's genuinely pleasant to use, with three tactile dials for time, temperature and cooking mode. Six functions, air fry, bake, roast, grill, reheat and toast, all performed well in testing, and a built-in steam cap helps improve moistness and fluffiness when baking.
With a generous 12-litre capacity, it easily handles a whole chicken or multiple dishes spread across its trays and racks, proving that style doesn't have to come at the cost of substance.
Pros:
- Genuinely stylish design
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Useful steam infusion function
Cons:
- Longer preheat times than some rivals
- Parts aren't dishwasher safe
Key specs: Power 1,400W | Capacity 12L | Manual controls | Max temp 232°C | Dishwasher-safe drawers: No | Includes bake pan, basket, wire rack, crumb tray
Frozen food can often come out soggy from an air fryer, but the Ninja Max Pro 6.2L is built to avoid exactly that. Its Max Crisp setting heats up to 240°C, producing perfectly crisp hash browns in under 10 minutes during testing.
The crisper plate is wide enough for up to four chicken legs or multiple chicken breasts, all cooked thoroughly. Homemade chips were slightly less consistently browned, though the included recipe guide offers tweaks to improve results.
Named buttons for specific programmes (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate, Reheat and Max Crisp) make it especially easy to use for busy households, and the crisper plate and drawer are dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Heats up to 240°C
- Great for quick, busy weeknight cooking
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Fewer programmes than some rivals
- Pricier than basic single-drawer models
Key specs: Power 2,000W | Capacity 6.2L | Digital controls | Max temp 240°C | Dishwasher-safe drawers: Yes | Includes dual-height crisper plate
A proper Sunday roast needs space, and the Ninja FlexDrawer delivers it. A removable divider lets you switch between one large 10.4-litre drawer or two 5.2-litre zones, giving you the flexibility of a dual fryer and the capacity of a single large one.
In testing, it handled chips from scratch, a whole roast chicken and cupcakes without missing a beat, arguably producing the best overall results of any model on this list. Useful extras include match and sync cooking, plus a Megazone button for single-drawer mode, alongside the full set of Ninja functions: Max Crisp, air fry, roast and dehydrate.
Energy use came in at 1.206kWh at 200°C with both sides running, on the higher end, but reasonable given its size. The main drawbacks are the price and bulk; while the drawer is dishwasher safe, it takes up a significant chunk of a standard dishwasher.
Pros:
- Outstanding all-round cooking results
- Flexible single or dual-drawer use
- Packed with useful features
Cons:
- One of the most expensive models
- Too large for most dishwashers in practice
Key specs: Power 2,470W | Capacity 10.4L | Button/dial controls | Max temp 240°C | Dishwasher-safe drawers: Yes | Includes drip trays and removable divider
For UK shoppers wanting the best balance of price, features and capacity from Ninja's range, the Foodi Dual Zone is our top pick. Its two separate baskets let you cook different foods at different temperatures, with a sync feature ensuring everything finishes together.
In testing, a full meal of chicken and chips was ready in as little as 30 minutes. The standout Max Crisp setting cooked a portion of frozen potato lattices in just six minutes, less than half the time stated on the packaging.
Alongside air frying, it also reheats, roasts, bakes and dehydrates. If you need more room, the Dual Zone Max offers a larger 9.5-litre capacity with the same features, at a higher price.
Pros:
- Great balance of price and performance
- Dual cooking with sync and match functions
- Reliable, consistent results
Cons:
- Capacity could be larger for bigger households
- Takes up significant counter space
Key specs: Power 2,400W | Capacity 7.6L | Digital/button controls | Max temp 240°C | Dishwasher-safe drawers: Yes
A bit of a different option, the Tefal Easy Fry Pizza is built around a wide, shallow drawer that can fit an 11-inch pizza, perfect for Friday night takeaway alternatives.
In testing, a pre-made thin-crust pizza came out well browned on top, with firm, crisp edges and no need for extra cooking time. Chips and chicken drumsticks also performed well, with consistent browning.
It won't fit a whole chicken due to its limited height, but for households that love pizza and want a compact, easy-to-store air fryer, it's an excellent and affordable choice.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to store
- Wide drawer ideal for pizza
Cons:
- Controls can be a little tricky
- Limited internal height
Key specs: Power 2,200W | Capacity 4.5L | Digital controls | Max temp 230°C | Dishwasher-safe drawer: Yes
Growing numbers of UK consumers are looking for cookware free from PFAS and other "forever chemicals", and the Cuisinart AirTwin XXL delivers exactly that, with metal drawers and inserts free from PFAS, PTFE, PFOS and PFOA.
It's also a genuine large-capacity option, with two 5.2-litre drawers (10.4L total). That does make it a bulky appliance at 40.7 x 44.4 x 30.9cm and 8.5kg, so make sure you've got the counter space.
In testing, it handled roast chicken and frozen chips well, though its 210°C Max Crisp setting falls short of Ninja's 240°C. Chocolate chip muffins came out particularly well, described as a "solid success" by our reviewer.
Pros:
- Huge cooking capacity
- Non-stick coating free from harmful chemicals
- Great value for the size
Cons:
- Bulky footprint
Key specs: Power 2,400W | Capacity 10.4L | Digital controls | Max temp 210°C | Dishwasher-safe drawers: Yes | PFA-free inserts
How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Your UK Kitchen
How Do Air Fryers Work?
Air fryers work much like a fan oven rather than a traditional deep fat fryer that submerges food in oil. A heating element and powerful fan circulate hot air rapidly around the food, crisping it quickly without needing oil.
Because air fryers are smaller than ovens, the fan intensity is greater, so food cooks faster. That's why recipes often suggest lowering both the temperature and cooking time compared to a conventional oven.
Basket-Style vs Oven-Style Air Fryers
Basket-style air fryers have a removable basket that pulls out from the front, with a perforated tray to drain excess oil. Dual-basket models have two side-by-side baskets. These tend to be the easiest to use, and the baskets are often dishwasher safe.
Oven-style air fryers look more like a mini countertop oven, opening like a microwave with removable trays inside. Many have a see-through door for checking on food, and some, like the Our Place Wonder Oven, include extra accessories for rotisserie-style cooking.
What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
Almost anything you'd cook in a conventional oven, just on a smaller scale. Popular choices among UK users include homemade chips, breaded fish, and tofu, plus baked goods if your model has a bake or roast setting. Models with extra functions like dehydrating or proofing open up even more possibilities.
Can You Use Foil or Baking Paper in an Air Fryer?
Yes, generally you can use both foil and baking paper in an air fryer. The key is making sure it doesn't block airflow or touch the heating element, weigh it down with food and avoid using too much to prevent it catching.
Features Worth Looking Out For
Sync and match cooking: On dual-drawer models, sync allows both baskets to finish at the same time even with different settings, while match copies the same time and temperature across both, handy for cooking the same food in both drawers.
Bake and roast settings: These run the fan at a lower speed than standard air frying, helping food cook more gently, ideal for cakes and delicate proteins.
Proof setting: Useful for home bakers, this low-heat function helps dough rise quickly, especially handy in a typically cool British kitchen.
How Much Do Air Fryers Cost in the UK?
Air fryer prices in the UK generally start around £50 to £80 for entry-level models, while premium options can reach £270. If you're working to a tight budget, we wouldn't recommend going below £50, and anything up to £100 should serve most households well.
For the best balance of performance and features, the £150 to £200 range tends to be the sweet spot.
How Much Does It Cost to Run an Air Fryer in the UK?
Air fryers are significantly more energy efficient than a conventional oven for shorter cooking sessions. Most models we've tested use between 0.52kWh and 1.206kWh at 200°C over an hour, with an average of around 0.74kWh.
Based on the current UK energy price cap of 24.67p per kWh, that works out to roughly 18p per hour of use. Air fryers also heat up much faster than ovens thanks to their compact size and powerful fans. However, if you're batch cooking over several hours, a conventional oven may work out more economical, as it uses less energy once it reaches temperature. For most everyday cooking, though, an air fryer remains the cheaper and faster option.
How to Clean Your Air Fryer
Exterior: Wipe down with gentle soap and warm water after each use to prevent grease build-up.
Interior: If you don't have a dishwasher, clean baskets and trays with washing-up liquid and hot water, using a non-scratch sponge to protect the non-stick coating.
Heating element: Food debris and oil can build up on the element over time, which can affect performance and even pose a fire risk. Always make sure the air fryer is unplugged and fully cooled before cleaning the element with warm water and washing-up liquid.
Dishwasher-safe parts: Not every air fryer has dishwasher-safe components, so if you don't have much sink space, it's worth prioritising a model where the baskets and trays can go straight in the dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best air fryer to buy in the UK in 2026? Based on our testing, the Philips 5000 Series (NA555/09) Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer is our top overall pick thanks to its combined steaming and air-frying function and large 9-litre capacity.
What is the best budget air fryer in the UK? The Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer offers the best value for money, delivering excellent results across a 7.6-litre dual-drawer design at around £80.
Is it cheaper to use an air fryer than an oven in the UK? Yes, for most everyday cooking. Air fryers typically use less energy than an oven for cooking times under an hour, costing around 18p per hour based on current UK energy prices.
Can you put foil in an air fryer? Yes, as long as it doesn't block airflow or touch the heating element. Weigh it down with food and avoid using excessive amounts.
Which air fryer is best for a whole roast chicken? The Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer, with its flexible 10.4-litre capacity, performed best in our roast chicken tests, producing crisp skin and fully cooked, juicy meat.
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