Best Air Fryers UK (2024): Tested & Reviewed
Disclaimer: As an affiliate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this article. This commission is paid at no extra cost to you, and my reviews remain independent and unbiased. The recommendations presented here are based on thorough testing and research, aiming to provide you with the most informed advice possible when choosing an air fryer for your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why the Air Fryer Craze?
The air fryer. It’s become the must-have kitchen gadget of recent years, and for good reason. Back in the day, ‘healthy frying’ meant compromises – pale, soggy imitations of the crispy goodness we all crave. Air fryers truly changed the game. They use hot air circulation to cook food, mimicking the results of deep frying but with significantly less oil. This means you can enjoy classic favourites like chips, chicken, and even cakes, with a fraction of the fat and calories.
But with so many models on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Capacity, features, price – it’s a lot to consider. This guide aims to simplify the decision process. We’ve tested a wide range of air fryers, putting them through rigorous tests to assess everything from cooking performance and ease of use to cleaning and overall value for money. We’ll cover the top contenders currently available in the UK market, providing you with a detailed comparison to help you find the perfect air fryer for your needs. This review is up-to-date as of late 2023/early 2024 and considers the latest models hitting UK shelves.
Top Air Fryer Contenders: A Quick Overview
Here’s a brief introduction to the air fryers we’ll be discussing in detail:
- Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400UK: A popular choice known for its dual-zone cooking, allowing you to cook two dishes simultaneously.
- Cosori Dual Blaze Air Fryer: Offering a large capacity and innovative cooking tech, this one is a strong competitor.
- Philips Essential Airfryer Compact HD9252/90: A reliable and affordable option, perfect for smaller kitchens or single/couple households.
- Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer: A multi-cooker that combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, and air frying in one appliance.
- ProChef Air Fryer 8L: A budget-friendly option that still delivers solid performance.
Air Fryer Comparison: Head-to-Head
Let’s dive into a more detailed comparison of these popular models:
| Feature | Ninja AF400UK | Cosori Dual Blaze | Philips HD9252/90 | Instant Pot Duo Crisp | ProChef 8L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 9.5L (Dual Zone 4.75L each) | 7.6L | 4.1L | 5.7L (Air Fry Basket) | 8L |
| Power | 1750W | 1700W | 1400W | 1500W | 1500W |
| Cooking Presets | 6 | 8 | 4 | 9 Smart Programs | 6 |
| Digital Display | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe Parts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price (approx.) | £199.99 | £159.99 | £99.99 | £149.99 | £69.99 |
Detailed Reviews: Pros & Cons
Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400UK
Pros: The dual-zone functionality is a game-changer, letting you cook side dishes and mains at different temperatures and times simultaneously. It’s incredibly versatile, capable of roasting, baking, grilling, and dehydrating. Powerful and cooks food quickly. Relatively easy to clean.
Cons: It’s large and takes up significant counter space. The price point is high compared to other models. Can be a little noisy during operation.
Cosori Dual Blaze Air Fryer
Pros: Large capacity makes it ideal for families. The ‘Shake Reminder’ is a useful feature – no more guessing when to flip your food! Multiple cooking functions including Bake, Roast, Grill, and more. Excellent build quality.
Cons: Slightly less intuitive user interface compared to Ninja. Takes up a large footprint in the kitchen. Can be complicated for beginner users.
Philips Essential Airfryer Compact HD9252/90
Pros: Excellent value for money. Compact size is perfect for smaller kitchens. Easy to use with straightforward controls. Reliable Philips quality.
Cons: Limited capacity – best suited for 1-2 people. Fewer cooking presets than more expensive models. May require more frequent shaking or turning of food.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
Pros: Incredibly versatile – a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and air fryer all in one. Saves space if you already own an Instant Pot. Convenient one-pot cooking.
Cons: Can be complex to master all its functions. The air fryer lid is bulky to store. Air frying performance is good but doesn’t quite match dedicated air fryers.
ProChef Air Fryer 8L
Pros: Very affordable. Large capacity for the price. Decent performance for simple air frying tasks. Simple to use.
Cons: Build quality feels less robust than more expensive models. Fewer features than competing air fryers. Can sometimes cook unevenly.
Which Air Fryer is Right for You? Buying Advice
So, which air fryer should you choose? It depends on your individual needs and budget.
- For Families (4+ people): The Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone AF400UK or Cosori Dual Blaze are excellent choices, offering large capacity and versatile cooking options. If budget is a major concern, the ProChef 8L is a decent starting point.
- For Singles & Couples: The Philips Essential Airfryer Compact HD9252/90 is a fantastic option – affordable, compact, and easy to use.
- For Multi-Taskers: If you already own an Instant Pot or want a multi-functional appliance, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is a solid investment.
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The ProChef 8L provides surprisingly good performance for its price.
Don’t forget to consider:
- Capacity: Think about how many people you’ll typically be cooking for.
- Features: Do you need a lot of cooking presets? Is dual-zone cooking important?
- Space: Make sure you have enough counter space for the air fryer.
- Cleaning: Look for models with dishwasher-safe parts.
Conclusion: Enjoy Crispy, Healthy Meals!
Air fryers have truly revolutionised home cooking, making it easier than ever to enjoy delicious, healthy meals without the guilt of traditional frying. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect air fryer for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, an air fryer is a worthwhile investment that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Be sure to check current prices and availability at retailers like Argos, Currys, and Amazon before making your final decision. Happy frying!