Best Air Fryers UK 2026: Find the Right Size for Your Kitchen
The UK air fryer market has exploded over the past few years, and the sheer number of options now available can make choosing the right one feel overwhelming. A quick search will return hundreds of models from dozens of brands — all promising crispy chips and tender chicken with minimal oil. But not every air fryer suits every household.
✉ Join the Dispatch — a calm weekly note, every Thursday. Free.
Quick answer: Worth it for everyday portions: a 1500W air fryer for 20 minutes costs about 13p to run, versus roughly 39–43p for the same food in a preheated fan oven — about a third of the cost, because you’re heating a much smaller space. It won’t replace a full oven for big batches, and not every model suits every kitchen — the real choice is capacity and single- versus dual-basket. (at the October–December 2026 price cap, 26.32p/kWh)
Prices and stock checked 1 November 2026. Every pick below was re-checked against live Amazon on this date — figures shown were correct when checked; tap through for the current price.
Part of our Countertop Cookers Hub — the complete guide to pressure cookers, slow cookers, air fryers, soup makers, rice cookers and bread makers for UK kitchens.
This guide cuts through the noise. Based on our research — capacity comparisons, wattage data, running costs and noise figures — we’ve identified the strongest models for five distinct situations: singles and couples wanting a compact option, families needing serious capacity, budget-conscious buyers, those who cook multiple dishes simultaneously, and households where kitchen noise matters. Whatever your situation, you’ll find the right fit here.
| Which Air Fryer Size Do I Need?1–2 people: 2–4L capacity — compact, quick to heat, ideal for one or two portions2–4 people: 4–6L capacity — the most versatile range, suits most householdsFamily of 4+: 6L+ or dual basket — cook larger quantities or two dishes at the same temperature simultaneously |
|---|
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Capacity | Wattage | Best For | Price tier | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori Double Stack 8.6L | 8.6L (2 × 4.3L, stacked) | 2630W | Best overall (tested): two things at once, narrow worktop | Premium | View on Amazon UK |
| Ninja Air Fryer PRO 4.7L | 4.7L | 2000W | Singles & couples | Mid-range | View on Amazon UK |
| Cosori 5.5L CAF-L501 | 5.5L | 1700W | Families | Mid-range | View on Amazon UK |
| Philips Air Fryer 2000 Series 6.2L | 6.2L | Not published | Budget buyers | Budget | View on Amazon UK |
| Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket 9L | 9L (6L + 3L) | 2750W | A main and a side | Premium | View on Amazon UK |
VeSync, the company behind Cosori, sent us the Double Stack free of charge for review. They had no say over this guide.
| Our Top Picks at a Glance★ Best overall (tested): Cosori Double Stack 8.6L — the one we’ve cooked with: two drawers stacked into 27.5cm of worktop, each with its own element, so chips and chicken finish together.★ For one or two: Ninja Air Fryer PRO 4.7L — a single-drawer basket machine sized for one or two, with a 4.7L drawer that still takes a whole chicken.★ For families: Cosori 5.5L CAF-L501 — generous capacity, 11 preset programmes, and highly rated by UK buyers who cook for the whole family. |
|---|
Best Air Fryer Overall UK (Tested)
Cosori Double Stack 8.6L
Cosori Double Stack Air Fryer 8.6L, Turbo Tower Compact, 37.5% Less Space | Top Heating, 2 DC Motors, Faster Cooking, Ceramic Coating, PFAS-Free, Perfect for Family Meals
This is the one pick on this page we have cooked with ourselves. VeSync, the company behind Cosori, sent it to us free of charge for review, and we earn a commission if you buy one. Our full review has everything we found. It earned the top spot on that review, not on the free sample.
The Cosori stacks its two drawers one above the other instead of side by side, which gets 8.6 litres (two 4.3-litre drawers) into a machine 27.5cm wide. Each drawer has its own element and fan, so you can cook two things at two temperatures at once, and SYNC holds the shorter cook back so both finish together. In our kitchen, chicken in one drawer and chips in the other came out right together, and it has been much quicker than the oven.
Pros:
- Two independent drawers in a footprint only 27.5cm wide
- SYNC and MATCH make a whole meal easy to time
- A Dry function (35–95°C) that covers most dehydrating jobs
Cons:
- 36.5cm tall, and it needs 13cm clear behind it, so check the gap under your wall cupboards
- Not quiet with both drawers going
Specifications
| Capacity | 8.6L total (2 x 4.3L stacked drawers) |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 2630W |
| Programmes | 6 (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Grill, Reheat, Dry) |
| Dimensions | 42.6 x 27.5 x 36.5 cm (D x W x H) |
| Dishwasher-safe baskets | Yes (both drawers and crisper plates) |
➤ View the Cosori Double Stack on Amazon UK
Best Air Fryer for One Person or Couples UK
Ninja Air Fryer PRO 4.7L
Ninja 4.7L Air Fryer Pro, Black, AF140UK | 2,000W single-drawer air fryer with 4 settings, non-stick drawer & Crisper Basket. Cook up to 2 portions from frozen.
The Ninja Air Fryer PRO is the plain single-drawer basket machine, and for one or two people that is usually the right answer. Ninja rates the 4.7L drawer for up to two people — it takes a whole 1kg chicken or 500g of chips — so a main goes in one load without the worktop footprint of a dual-basket machine you would only half fill.
Four functions — Air Fry, Roast, Reheat and Dehydrate — cover everyday cooking, with a temperature range up to 210°C. Ninja quotes up to 75% less fat than deep frying on the Air Fry setting, and for a single portion it costs less to run than bringing a full-size oven up to heat.
Pros:
- The 4.7L drawer takes a whole 1kg chicken or 500g of chips — a full main for one or two in a single load
- 2000W with a 210°C ceiling, so it reaches temperature quickly and crisps rather than bakes
- Dehydrate sits alongside Air Fry, Roast and Reheat, which is unusual at this price
Cons:
- One drawer only — a main and a side have to cook in sequence, not side by side
- At 36cm deep it wants proper worktop depth, which is tight under standard wall units
Specifications
| Capacity | 4.7L single drawer |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 2000W |
| Functions | 4 (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate) |
| Dimensions | 26.5 x 28.5 x 36 cm (H x W x D) |
| Guarantee | 2 years on registration with Ninja |
➤ View the Ninja Air Fryer PRO on Amazon UK
Best Air Fryer for Families UK
Cosori 5.5L CAF-L501
COSORI Air Fryers Oven, 5.5L XXL Oil Free Air Fryer 1700W with Rapid Air Technology for Healthy Fast Cooking & 55% Energy-Saving, 11 Presets, LED Onetouch Screen, Nonstick Basket, Dishwasher Safe
The Cosori 5.5L CAF-L501 is a family-sized air fryer built around a large square basket, which fits more food in fewer batches than smaller round-basket alternatives. It is simple to use, and its 11 preset cooking programmes cover most weeknight cooking.
The square basket shape is a key differentiator: a square 5.5L basket is meaningfully more practical than a round basket of the same capacity, fitting larger portions of fish fillets, chicken breasts, or jacket potatoes without awkward arrangement. UK buyers frequently cite this as a deciding factor in positive reviews.
Pros:
- 11 preset programmes covering chips, chicken, fish, vegetables, baking, and more
- Square basket design maximises usable cooking area compared to round-basket models
- Square basket suits family batch cooking
Cons:
- Slightly larger footprint than compact models — requires more worktop space
- 1700W power draw is higher than lower-wattage alternatives, though typical for this capacity
Specifications
| Capacity | 5.5L |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1700W |
| Programmes | 11 presets |
| Dimensions | 29 x 29 x 32 cm |
| Dishwasher-safe basket | Yes |
➤ View the Cosori 5.5L on Amazon UK
Best Budget Air Fryer UK
Philips Air Fryer 2000 Series 6.2L
Philips Air Fryer 2000 Series Single basket 6.2L with Viewing Window | 13 Ways to Cook – large 6.2L airfryer, RapidAir technology, 90% less fat, Touchscreen, Easy to clean (NA230/09)
The Philips Air Fryer 2000 Series 6.2L is the budget pick we’d point to first — Philips invented the air fryer, and this model from its entry-level 2000 Series brings the brand’s RapidAir technology in at the budget end of this page. Philips says RapidAir cuts fat by up to 90% against deep frying, while keeping the outside crisp.
The 6.2L basket is big enough for family meals, and a built-in viewing window lets you check on food without opening the drawer. A touchscreen gives you 13 ways to cook, from presets for chips, chicken and vegetables to manual time and temperature, and the dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning up easy. Philips’ HomeID app adds step-by-step guidance and recipes for the machine. For first-time air fryer buyers on a budget, this is our research-based pick.
Pros:
- The lowest price on this page, from the brand that pioneered the air fryer
- 6.2L basket with a viewing window, so you can watch food without opening the drawer
- Touchscreen with 13 ways to cook, and dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- A single basket, so one dish at a time
- Philips doesn’t publish its wattage on the listing, so running costs are harder to compare
Specifications
| Capacity | 6.2L |
|---|---|
| Wattage | Not published |
| Programmes | 13 ways to cook |
| Technology | RapidAir, viewing window, HomeID app |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Yes |
➤ View the Philips 2000 Series 6.2L on Amazon UK
Best Air Fryer for a Main and a Side UK
Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket 9L
Philips Air Fryer 3000 Series Dual Basket, 9L (3L + 6L), Family sized | 2 meals at once – Double basket air fryer, 13 ways to cook, Digital touchscreen, Easy to clean, Energy saving (NA350/00)
The Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket splits its 9 litres unevenly: a 6L drawer for the main and a 3L drawer for the side. That is the difference from the Cosori Double Stack above, whose two drawers are the same size. Philips rates the big drawer for a whole 1.5kg chicken on its own, and puts the machine at around six portions in all.
A sync function times the two drawers so both finish together, and a copy function sets both to the same time and temperature in one press. The touchscreen carries eight presets — fresh and frozen fries, chicken, meat, vegetables, fish, cake and reheating — with a 40–200°C range, and the baskets go in the dishwasher. At 2750W it is the most powerful machine on this list, and at 7.85kg it is one to leave out rather than put away.
Pros:
- The 6L drawer takes a whole 1.5kg chicken, with a separate 3L drawer for the side
- Sync finishes both drawers together, and copy sets both to the same time and temperature
- Eight food presets on a touchscreen, and dishwasher-safe baskets
Cons:
- Slow to preheat, and slow to cook in the small drawer, in RTINGS’ lab tests — the big drawer is where it earns its place
- 2750W is the highest draw on this list, and 9 litres is more than one or two people will fill
Specifications
| Capacity | 9L total (6L + 3L drawers) |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 2750W |
| Programmes | 8 presets |
| Dimensions | 38.3 x 44.4 x 31.4 cm |
| Dishwasher-safe baskets | Yes (both drawers) |
➤ View the Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket on Amazon UK
Which one?
Most households, and the one we’ve cooked with: Cosori Double Stack 8.6L — two things at two temperatures, finished together, in a narrow footprint.
One person or a couple: Ninja Air Fryer PRO 4.7L — the right size, nothing wasted.
A family of four or more: Cosori 5.5L, or the Cosori Double Stack 8.6L if you want chips and chicken finished at the same moment.
Lowest sensible spend: Philips 2000 Series 6.2L — a proper brand at a budget price.
A big main and a side at the same time: Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket 9L — a 6L drawer for the main, a 3L one for the side.
How We Chose Our Picks
One pick here we have used ourselves: the Cosori Double Stack, which VeSync supplied for review and which we cooked with for our full review before placing it. The others are research-based, selected through a structured process that does not involve hands-on use of the products. We aggregate verified buyer reviews from Amazon UK, focusing on patterns across large volumes of ratings rather than individual opinions. We compare published specifications — capacity, wattage, dimensions, and programme count — to assess value for money within each category. Noise level assessments are drawn from verified buyer reports specifically mentioning operating volume. Where multiple products perform similarly on paper, review sentiment, brand reliability history, and real-world buyer feedback on durability and ease of use are the deciding factors. All price ranges reflect observed Amazon UK pricing as of April 2026 and may change.
Air Fryer Buyer’s Guide UK
Are air fryers cheaper to run than an oven?
Yes, for everyday meals. A 1500W air fryer for 20 minutes costs about 13p; the same food in a 2.2kW fan oven — once you add ten minutes of preheat — draws roughly 39–43p, about three times as much, because you are heating a much bigger space. The saving is real when you are cooking for one or two. For a full oven of batch-cooked food the gap narrows, and a conventional oven can even work out cheaper per portion — but for reheating and small roasts the air fryer wins comfortably.
What size air fryer do I need UK?
Capacity is the single most important purchase decision for most UK buyers. As a general rule: if you’re cooking for one or two people, a 2–4L model is sufficient and has the advantage of a smaller worktop footprint and faster heat-up times. For two to four people cooking regular family meals, a 4–6L model is the sweet spot — large enough for most portions without being unnecessarily bulky. For families of four or more, or anyone who batch cooks or meal preps, a 6L+ model or a dual-basket design gives the capacity needed to cook complete meals in one go. Overcrowding an air fryer basket consistently produces poorer results, so buying slightly larger than you think you need is rarely a mistake.
What wattage air fryer should I get?
Most UK air fryers run between 1400W and 2400W. Lower-wattage models (1400–1850W) are cheaper to run and perfectly adequate for standard air frying, roasting, and reheating. Higher-wattage models (1700W+) heat up faster and tend to be found in larger-capacity units where the additional power is needed to heat a bigger basket volume effectively. Dual-basket models like the Ninja Dual Zone typically draw 2400W — substantially more than a single-basket equivalent. For most UK households, a 1500–1700W single-basket air fryer represents the best balance of performance and running economy. The difference in electricity cost between 1400W and 1700W is modest for typical usage, but it adds up over the course of a year.
Are air fryers noisy?
Air fryers are generally louder than a microwave but quieter than a full-size fan oven — typically in the 55–65dB range during operation, roughly equivalent to a normal conversation. Most UK buyers find the noise level perfectly acceptable. However, if you live in an open-plan flat, cook late at night, or have young children sleeping nearby, noise level can be a genuine consideration. Noise level data is rarely published by manufacturers, so buyer review reports remain the most reliable source for real-world comparisons.
Is a dual-basket air fryer worth it?
A dual-basket air fryer like the Ninja Dual Zone is worth it if you regularly cook complete meals that require different temperatures or cooking times — for example, chips at 200°C alongside chicken at 180°C, both finishing at the same time. UK buyers who upgrade to dual-basket models frequently describe it as transformative for weeknight family cooking. The trade-offs are a larger physical footprint, a higher price tag, and significantly higher wattage (2400W vs 1400–1700W for single-basket models). For singles, couples, or anyone mainly reheating or cooking single portions, a dual-basket model is unlikely to offer value that justifies its size and cost.
How much does an air fryer cost to run UK?
Running cost depends on wattage and usage frequency. Based on the UK average energy unit rate of approximately 26.32p per kWh (the October–December 2026 Ofgem cap rate), a 1500W air fryer running for 20 minutes costs around 13p per use. A 2400W dual-basket model running for the same period costs approximately 21p. By comparison, the same meal in a 2.2kW fan oven — about 10 minutes to preheat and 30 to cook — draws roughly 1.5 kWh, or 39–43p: about three times an air fryer. That is the real everyday saving for one or two people; the gap only narrows for big-batch cooking, where an oven spreads the cost across far more food. Over a year of daily use, the difference between a 1400W and 2400W model is roughly £32 in additional electricity costs. Air fryers are substantially more energy-efficient than conventional ovens for smaller quantities of food, which is a key reason for their UK popularity during periods of high energy prices. A 2.2kW fan oven running for 20 minutes uses about 0.73kWh, or 19p, before any preheat; the preheat and the longer cook are what take it to around 39p.
How we calculate running costs: figures use the Ofgem price cap electricity unit rate for 1 October–31 December 2026 (26.32p/kWh), with energy per use = rated power × cooking time (1.5kW × 20 minutes = 0.5kWh ≈ 13p; a 2.2kW fan oven over 40 minutes including preheat ≈ 1.47kWh ≈ 39p). Annual estimates assume one use a day. These are comparative estimates from published appliance specifications, recalculated each time Ofgem revises the cap. Journalists are welcome to cite these figures with a link to this page — contact [email protected].
An air fryer as a gift
An air fryer is one of the most-used presents in a kitchen, as long as it is the right size for the household. For one or two people, the Ninja Air Fryer PRO 4.7L: a single drawer that still takes a whole 1kg chicken, without the footprint of a two-drawer machine. For a family, the Cosori 5.5L, whose square basket fits more in one go. For someone who wants a whole meal from it, a dual-basket model cooks a main and a side at once: the Philips 3000 Series splits its 9 litres into a 6L and a 3L drawer, and the Cosori Double Stack, which VeSync (the company behind Cosori) sent us free of charge for review and on which we earn a commission, fits two drawers into a machine 27.5cm wide. The Philips 2000 Series is the budget pick.
Measure before you wrap it. These machines are deep (the Ninja is 36cm front to back), and the two-drawer tower above is 36.5cm tall and needs 13cm clear behind it, so check the space under the wall cupboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best air fryer UK 2026?
Our top pick for 2026 is the Cosori Double Stack 8.6L, the one air fryer on this page we have cooked with ourselves: two stacked 4.3L drawers, each with its own element, in a machine 27.5cm wide. Beyond that, the right choice depends on household size. For one or two people the Ninja Air Fryer PRO 4.7L is our pick — a 4.7L single-drawer machine that still takes a whole chicken. For families, the Cosori 5.5L CAF-L501 is the stronger choice, offering greater capacity and 11 preset programmes at a competitive price. The ‘best’ air fryer ultimately depends on your household size and priorities: capacity, noise, budget, and whether you need dual-zone cooking are all factors worth considering before buying.
What size air fryer for a family of 4 UK?
For a family of four, a 5–6L single-basket air fryer or a dual-basket model is the recommended starting point. The Cosori 5.5L CAF-L501 is our research-based pick in this category — its square basket design makes the most of the available cooking space, and verified UK buyers consistently rate it as sufficient for four-person portions of chips, chicken, and roasted vegetables. If your family regularly eats different foods at different cooking temperatures, stepping up to a dual-basket model like the Ninja Dual Zone is worth the additional investment.
Are Ninja air fryers worth the money UK?
Based on verified buyer reviews on Amazon UK, Ninja air fryers consistently score among the highest customer satisfaction ratings in their respective categories. The Ninja Dual Zone is among the most reviewed air fryers on Amazon UK, with overwhelmingly positive feedback on build quality, cooking performance, and ease of cleaning. Ninja products generally sit in the mid-to-upper price bracket, but the volume and quality of positive verified reviews suggests UK buyers consider them strong value for money. They are among our top research-based picks for good reason.
How much electricity does an air fryer use UK?
A typical 1500W air fryer running for 20 minutes uses 0.5kWh of electricity. At the current UK average rate of approximately 26.32p per kWh, that equates to around 13p per cooking session. Larger or higher-wattage models use proportionally more — a 2400W dual-basket air fryer running for 20 minutes uses 0.8kWh, costing around 21p. For most UK households cooking once a day, annual running costs for a standard single-basket air fryer will typically fall in the £40–£60 range — significantly less than running a conventional oven for equivalent cooking tasks.
Can you cook a whole chicken in an air fryer UK?
Yes, but it depends on the size of both the chicken and the air fryer basket. A small chicken of 1–1.2kg can typically fit in a 5–6L air fryer basket; anything larger will require a bigger model or a dual-basket design. UK buyers report that air-fried whole chicken takes approximately 60–75 minutes at around 180°C and produces excellent crispy skin. The key practical consideration is basket shape: a round basket will fit a small bird more easily than a square basket of the same volume. Always verify internal temperature reaches 75°C at the thickest part of the thigh before serving.
Do air fryers need oil or preheating?
Very little oil — a light spray or none for anything already fatty. Some models benefit from a 2–3 minute preheat for crispier results, but many (including the Ninja and Cosori here) heat fast enough to skip it. Shake or turn food halfway for an even finish.
Is an air fryer a good gift?
Yes, if it suits the household and the worktop. The Ninja Air Fryer PRO 4.7L suits one or two people, the Cosori 5.5L suits a family, and a dual-basket model such as the Philips 3000 Series 9L cooks a main and a side together. The Philips 2000 Series is the budget pick. Check the worktop depth first.
Last reviewed: September 2026
🍲 From the D&L Shop: Want a system for cooking smarter? Our Batch Cooking Planner gives you a weekly prep schedule, shopping lists organised by aisle, a freezer tracker, and practical tips — 5 pages, £3.99. Also free: the Weekly Budget Meal Planner. Browse the full shop →
Not sure which to pick? Try our 30-second air fryer quiz — start the quiz →
Considered but didn’t include
Tower Vortx 4L — heavily discounted on social and marketplace sellers, but verified UK buyer reviews show a recurring pattern of basket-coating wear within the first year, and Tower’s UK service line is slow to honour out-of-box faults.
Salter EK4750 — the spec sheet looks competitive on paper, but the temperature dial is imprecise enough that several reviewers report uneven cooking, and we couldn’t find third-party testing data to back the claimed wattage.
Instant Vortex Plus — a solid machine in the US, but UK stock has been patchy since late 2025 and replacement baskets can be hard to find.
If you’ve narrowed it down to Ninja, our best Ninja air fryer UK guide compares the Dual Zone 7.6L, the MAX Dual Zone 9.5L and the single-drawer MAX PRO 6.2L with sizing-by-household guidance.
— Gareth
Sources
Drawer capacities, rated wattages and programme counts are taken from manufacturer specifications and cross-checked against verified UK buyer reviews. The running-cost figures on this page apply the current electricity unit rate from Ofgem’s energy price cap to each machine’s declared wattage.
🛡 Our standards: How we research · Editorial policy · Affiliate disclosure · Corrections · Last reviewed: September 2026
About Gareth
Gareth Isherwood is the editor of Danbury & Lovejoy. He has baked bread at home for 25+ years and has 15 years of growing experience across gardens, containers and other growing spaces, including an East Sussex allotment for the past three years. Read his full story →
Was this useful?
