Air fryers have revolutionised home cooking, offering a faster, more energy-efficient alternative to conventional ovens. By circulating hot air at high speed, they mimic deep-fat frying without the oil, producing crispy exteriors and soft interiors. From chips to roasted vegetables, these versatile appliances can fry, roast, crisp, bake, reheat and even dehydrate food.
Clare Andrews, author of the best-selling book The Ultimate Air Fryer, said: “Air fryers have completely changed the way people cook at home. They’re quick, energy-efficient, and take a lot of the guesswork out of everyday meals.” With numerous models on the market, choosing the right one can be daunting, but extensive testing has identified the top performers.
The Ninja Crispi Pro takes the top spot as the best air fryer tested. Its compact, modular design features glass bowls in 5.7l and 2.3l sizes, allowing users to monitor cooking and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. The glass dishes are dishwasher-safe and virtually non-stick, though they become very hot during use. The control panel is responsive, with iconic Ninja beeps. It excelled at cooking jacket potatoes but struggled with toad in the hole due to uneven heat distribution.
For those on a budget, the Russell Hobbs Satisfry is an excellent choice. Lightweight and compact with a 4l capacity, it suits small spaces and one to two portions. It heated quickly and cooked chicken evenly, with seven functions including grill, bake, roast, reheat, air fry and frozen. The non-stick coating makes cleaning easy, though it is slightly noisy.
The Cuisinart Clearview Air Fryer is ideal for large families, boasting an 8.5l capacity and a wide 27cm cooking surface. This allows for generous portions, making it a practical option for batch cooking. Overall, the Ninja Crispi Pro remains the top recommendation for its versatility and performance.
