The best air fryers can fry, roast, crisp, bake, reheat and even dehydrate food in a fraction of the time that it takes for a conventional oven to do so. And that’s before you even consider how much less energy you’ll use when using an air fryer. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, there’s a model out there to suit your kitchen, budget and cooking style.
So how do air fryers work? Well, it’s simple. They circulate hot air at high speed around the food, which mimics the effect of deep fat frying but without the oil. The result is often crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. From chips to chicken, roasted vegetables and more, there’s very little that you can’t cook in an air fryer. They also pre-heat rapidly in comparison to a full-size oven, making them a practical choice if you want quick, fast food.
Clare Andrews, author of the best-selling book The Ultimate Air Fryer explains the benefit of these versatile appliances: “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. Whether you’re cooking from scratch or just trying to get something on the table fast, they make it feel easy and accessible, which is why so many people end up using them every single day.”
With so many on the market from single to dual-baskets, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The good news is that I’ve all the leg work and tested the best air fryers you can buy right now.
Read more: Best dual air fryers, tried and tested
The best air fryers for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Ninja crispi pro: £249.99, Sharkninja.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Russell Hobbs satisfry medium air fryer: £59.99, Argos.co.uk
- Best for large portions – Cusinart clearview air fryer: £129.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best combo model – Caso airfry duochef: £199, Casodesign.co.uk
- Best for pizza – Tefal easy fry pizza: £99.99, Amazon.co.uk
Read more: How much does it cost to run an air fryer
In the U.S.? The team has rounded up the best air fryer models