Best Air Fryer UK 2026: Which One Should You Actually Buy?

Last updated: 22 March 2026

By Stiv · Design, technology and personal finance

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Finding the best air fryer UK kitchens can rely on in 2026 is harder than it sounds. There are hundreds of models out there, from cheap no-name baskets to premium dual-zone machines that practically cook dinner for you. Prices range from under £60 to well over £300, and not all of them are worth your money.

We've done the legwork. Below, we break down the top air fryers worth buying right now, who each one suits, how much they'll actually cost to run on your electricity bill, and a few tips to help you choose the right one for your kitchen.

How air fryers work (and why they're worth it)

An air fryer is essentially a compact convection oven. A heating element and a powerful fan blast hot air around your food at speed, creating a crispy, golden finish with little or no oil. Because the cooking chamber is small, it heats up far faster than a standard oven and uses significantly less energy in the process.

They've gone from novelty gadget to genuine kitchen staple. According to Which?, the quickest models can cook four portions of chips in around 20 minutes with no preheating required. They're also versatile enough to roast, bake, grill and dehydrate, depending on the model.

The best air fryer UK picks for 2026

Best overall: Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300

The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone has become something of a modern classic in British kitchens. It features two fully independent 3.8-litre baskets (7.6 litres total), each with its own temperature and timer controls. The Sync function finishes both baskets at the same time, which is a game-changer for weeknight meals where you want mains and sides done together.

Six cooking modes cover air frying, max crisp, roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate. Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup painless, and the build quality is genuinely solid. It typically sits around £200 to £270 depending on where you catch it.

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Best for style and versatility: Our Place Wonder Oven

If you want an air fryer that looks as good as it performs, the Our Place Wonder Oven is in a league of its own. It's a 6-in-1 countertop oven that air fries, bakes, roasts, grills, reheats and toasts. It also has a unique steam infusion feature that pumps a small amount of steam into the chamber, keeping food moist on the inside while staying crispy outside. It preheats in under 2.5 minutes, and the 12-litre capacity is enough for couples or small families.

It comes in a range of colours (Steam, Char, Blue Salt and the limited edition Spice) and every food-contact surface is made without PFAS or other forever chemicals. At around £195 full price, it's competitive with premium Ninja models but far better looking. You can get £20 off via our Our Place Wonder Oven page on your first order over £100.

Get £20 off the Wonder Oven

Best on a budget: Salter VertiCook Stackable Air Fryer

For under £100, the Salter VertiCook offers a clever stacked dual-zone design that doesn't hog worktop space. It won't match the Ninja on cooking versatility, but for everyday air frying of chips, chicken and frozen bits, it does the job reliably. A good entry point if you're not sure whether an air fryer is for you.

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Best for families: Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket

Philips effectively invented the air fryer, and the 3000 Series Dual Basket is their current standout for larger households. It pairs a 6-litre main basket with a smaller 3-litre basket, so you can cook different foods simultaneously. Philips' Rapid Air technology delivers consistently even results, and the dishwasher-safe components keep maintenance simple. Expect to pay around £100 to £150 depending on the retailer.

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How much does an air fryer cost to run in the UK?

This is where air fryers really earn their keep. At the current Ofgem price cap rate of around 24.67p per kWh (Q2 2026), running a typical 1,700W air fryer for 20 minutes costs roughly 10 to 14p. A full-size conventional oven doing the same job uses more power for longer, typically costing 25 to 40p per session. If you use your air fryer regularly instead of your oven, you could realistically save £50 to £100 a year on electricity. For more ways to reduce your household costs, take a look at our guide to cutting household bills in the UK.

How to choose the right air fryer for you

Size matters

Capacity is probably the single most important decision. As a rough guide: 2 to 4 litres suits one or two people, 5 to 7 litres works for a family of four, and anything above 7.5 litres (especially dual-basket models) is ideal for bigger households or batch cooking. Going too large wastes energy; too small means constant rounds of cooking.

Single basket vs dual zone

Single-basket models are simpler and cheaper. Dual-zone air fryers let you cook two different things at different temperatures simultaneously, which is transformative if you're feeding a family. It's worth the extra spend if you'll actually use both zones regularly.

Non-toxic coatings

Increasing numbers of UK buyers are looking for air fryers that avoid PFAS (often called "forever chemicals") in their non-stick coatings. Brands like Our Place and some Philips models now offer PFAS-free or ceramic-coated interiors. If this matters to you, check the product specs carefully before buying.

Extra functions

Many modern air fryers double as mini ovens. Dehydrating, slow cooking, proofing dough and even rotisserie modes are available on higher-end models. Think about what you'll genuinely use rather than paying for features that gather dust.

Quick air fryer cooking tips

If you're switching recipes from a conventional oven, a good rule of thumb is to reduce the cooking time by about 20% and drop the temperature by 10 to 20°C. Air fryers cook faster because they circulate hot air in a smaller space, so food browns more quickly. Check early your first few times and shake the basket halfway through for even results. Frozen food goes straight from the freezer into the basket with no defrosting needed; just add a few extra minutes.

Air fryer FAQs

Are air fryers actually healthier than ovens?

They use significantly less oil than deep frying and generally less than oven cooking, which means lower fat content in your food. They're not a magic health wand, but for chips, breaded items and roasted veg, the reduction in oil is meaningful.

Do air fryers save money on energy bills?

Yes. At current UK electricity rates (around 24.67p/kWh under the Q2 2026 Ofgem cap), a 20-minute air fryer session costs roughly 10 to 14p compared with 25 to 40p for a conventional oven. Regular use can save between £50 and £100 a year. If you're also looking to reduce your energy spend, switching provider can help. Our Octopus Energy guide walks through the details.

What size air fryer do I need?

For one or two people, 2 to 4 litres is plenty. A family of four should look at 5 to 7 litres. For larger families or batch cooking, a dual-basket model with 7.5 litres or more is ideal.

Can I cook frozen food directly in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Chips, nuggets, fish fingers and other frozen items go straight from the freezer to the basket. Add 3 to 5 extra minutes to the recommended time and shake the basket halfway through.

What is the best air fryer in the UK right now?

For most people, the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300 is the best all-rounder thanks to its dual-basket design, consistent cooking results and reasonable price. If style and non-toxic materials matter to you, the Our Place Wonder Oven is a brilliant alternative.

Are PFAS-free air fryers worth it?

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in some non-stick coatings that don't break down easily in the environment or the body. If avoiding them is a priority for you, models like the Our Place Wonder Oven and certain Philips ranges use ceramic or stainless steel food-contact surfaces instead. The cooking performance is comparable.