Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, offering a quick, energy-efficient way to achieve crispy, golden results with little to no oil. As Clare Andrews, author of The Ultimate Air Fryer, notes, "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." For those seeking the perfect crispy roast potatoes, these appliances are more than capable, with many models delivering even heat and consistent browning.
After years of testing, the Ninja Crispi Pro takes the top spot. This compact model fits easily into small kitchens and cooks brilliantly. It produces perfectly fluffy jacket potatoes, a testament to its even heat distribution. Versatile features include MaxCrisp, reheat, bake/prove, dehydrate, and air fry modes. Its modular glass bowls (5.7l and 2.3l) allow you to monitor cooking and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. The bowls are dishwasher-safe and non-stick, though they do get very hot, so caution is advised around children.
For those short on space or cooking for one or two, the Russell Hobbs Satisfry is the best budget air fryer. The 4l capacity is ideal for small portions, and it heats up quickly with no cold spots or burnt pieces. It offers seven cooking functions, including grill, bake, roast, reheat, air fry, and frozen, with temperatures up to 220°C. The non-stick coating makes cleanup simple. While it can be a little noisy, the results are well worth it.
The Cuisinart ClearView is the choice for larger households, boasting a generous 8.5l capacity and a wide 27cm cooking surface. This allows food to spread out and cook evenly; in tests, chips came out perfectly even. This even cooking is key for achieving crispy roast potatoes, as it ensures consistent browning.
