After testing more than 20 air fryers, this dual drawer air fryer stands out as the ultimate choice for family cooking. Air fryers have transformed from a specialist kitchen tool to an essential household item over recent years. By utilising circulating hot air to prepare food, they achieve the crunchiness of deep-frying with minimal or no oil. What's more, they're remarkably energy-efficient and provide various cooking methods, including roasting, baking and reheating.
I've tested over 20 air fryers in recent years, some featuring double drawers and others with single drawers. Yet my newest appliance has claimed the number one position for both functionality and looks. The Ninja MAX Dual Zone air fryer makes an impression from the moment you unbox it, not only with its substantial 9.5L capacity, which accommodates a 2kg chicken in each drawer, but also with its strikingly elegant appearance.
The air fryer has six cooking functions. Getting started is simple, with a straightforward removal from packaging and a plug-in process. The dual-zone configuration means the air fryer features two separate drawers that can prepare different foods at varying times and temperatures. You can also cook a complete meal in one session, with both compartments finishing simultaneously, courtesy of Ninja's intelligent sync function.
In terms of appearance, it's a large device, so you'll require considerable worktop space for it. However, it's surprisingly practical to accommodate. It moves effortlessly across the work surface when you need to shift it, rather than feeling permanently positioned. Performance is where the air fryer truly excels compared to other models I've tested. Homemade chips emerge wonderfully crisp on the exterior with a fluffy centre, superior to oven-baked or even deep-fried alternatives.
However, it's not simply about chips. This is a genuinely multi-functional device. Roasted vegetables come out beautifully caramelised, with a richness of flavour that's frequently difficult to achieve without lengthy oven cooking. From frozen treats to complete roasts, it manages virtually anything you put in it, courtesy of its six cooking modes, including air fry, roast, bake and reheat.
What strikes me most is how effortless it makes daily meal preparation. It's quick and considerably faster than a traditional oven, needing minimal oil, while still producing satisfying, crispy outcomes. Cleaning the device is also pleasantly straightforward, thanks to dishwasher-safe parts that eliminate much of the typical fuss. Its six cooking modes make this the sole appliance you require. I've prepared shortbread cookies that came out remarkably soft, as well as breaded chicken that was crispy on the outside and juicy in the centre.
I also can't wait to explore the dehydration function. Dehydrators are usually extremely costly to purchase, so the fact that this appliance features a dehydration setting is impressive. One slight downside is the comparatively short power cable, which can limit where you place it on the worktop and may require you to position it closer to a socket. This isn't a dealbreaker for me, though it might prove less than perfect for those whose plug points aren't conveniently situated.
Like numerous Ninja appliances, it also produces a rather loud beep when cycles begin and end. While useful as a prompt, it can feel somewhat intrusive – particularly in quieter homes or open-plan living areas. Reviews of the air fryer echoed my thoughts, with one stating: 'Looks great, cooks great, but the beep is so annoying.' Another commented: 'The air fryer in itself is excellent. However, if you are a pet owner, I have a golden retriever, think again before purchasing. The high-pitched beeping has traumatised my dog. He is a quivering wreck. It's far worse for him than bonfire night. I wish I had known this before buying. Apparently, some other makes are quieter, and you can even turn down the beeping volume. Ninja, please consider moderating this.'
Nevertheless, users also heaped praise on the air fryer, with nearly 12,000 five-star reviews on the Argos website. One stated: 'Very easy to navigate and cooks the food thoroughly in less time than a conventional oven. I haven't used all the settings yet, but am very pleased with those I have used.' Another commented: 'The item I ordered is exactly what I wanted. This is my 2nd Ninja, and I use it nearly every day. Very happy with the new Ninja.' A third user added: 'Excellent product, easy to use, does exactly what it says on the tin!'
The air fryer is available from various stockists, including Argos, priced at £230. John Lewis also sells it for £229, and it can also be bought directly from SharkNinja for £229.99. Should this air fryer prove too bulky for your kitchen, Ninja also offers a brilliant double-stack 7.6L air fryer that conserves worktop space. It features cooking functions including reheating, baking, roasting, and air frying, and is on sale at Argos for £199.99, reduced by £30.
The Philips 4000 Series NA462/79 Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer proved exceptionally straightforward to operate for me, although it still falls within the higher price range. Philips remains amongst the original air fryer innovators and continues to occupy the premium segment of the market. Models such as this prioritise elegant aesthetics and compact configurations, incorporating features like viewing windows and sync cooking. This air fryer costs £269.99 and is available from John Lewis.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Bosch Series 6 air fryer with one drawer delivered remarkably and was simple to operate. It boasts 210 five-star ratings on Argos and retails for just £140.
