Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an air fryer and a deep fat fryer?
An air fryer circulates hot air around food to crisp it up using little or no oil — typically 70–80% less fat than deep frying. A deep fat fryer submerges food in hot oil for a crispier, more traditional result. Air fryers are healthier and safer for everyday use; deep fat fryers are better for chips, doughnuts, and battered fish if you want a pub-quality result.
What size air fryer do I need for a family of 4?
For a family of four, look for an air fryer with at least a 5–6 litre capacity. Most compact models (2–3L) suit 1–2 people. Dual-basket air fryers (around 8–9L total) are ideal if you want to cook two different things at once — increasingly popular for families.
Are air fryers worth the money?
For most households, yes. Air fryers preheat in 2–3 minutes versus 15+ minutes for a conventional oven, use significantly less energy, and produce reliably crispy results for chips, chicken, vegetables, and snacks. Payback on energy savings alone is typically under a year for regular users.
What is the best air fryer under £100 in the UK?
The Ninja Air Fryer AF100 and Cosori 5.5L are consistently top-rated under £100. The Ninja is compact and reliable; the Cosori offers a larger basket and more preset programmes. Both regularly go on sale — check Amazon and Argos for current prices.
How much does an air fryer cost to run in the UK?
A typical air fryer uses 1,400–1,700W and takes around 20–30 minutes to cook a meal. At the UK energy price cap (roughly 24p/kWh), that works out to approximately 7–10p per use. By comparison, a conventional oven (2,000–2,200W) running for 45–60 minutes costs around 20–26p per use. Over a year of daily use, an air fryer saves most households £40–70 on electricity.
Is Ninja or Cosori better?
Both are excellent but suit different users. Ninja models are known for build quality, intuitive controls, and the dual-zone design (two independent baskets). Cosori excels on app connectivity, preset programmes, and value — their 5.5L model consistently outperforms rivals at its price point. If you want the best dual-basket air fryer, Ninja wins. If you want the best single-basket under £100, Cosori is hard to beat.
Can you cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Yes — frozen food is one of the best use cases for an air fryer. Chips, nuggets, fish fingers, and breaded items all cook from frozen in 12–20 minutes at 180–200°C, coming out crispier than an oven without the need to defrost first. Most air fryers include a frozen food preset for exactly this purpose.
What can't you cook in an air fryer?
Air fryers struggle with wet batters (they drip and don't crisp properly), large roasts (too big for the basket), and foods that need boiling or poaching. Cheese on its own melts and drips before it browns. For anything requiring full liquid submersion — proper battered fish, doughnuts, churros — a deep fat fryer gives a better result.
What's the best dual basket air fryer in the UK?
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone (AF300 or AF400) is the UK's most popular dual-basket air fryer by some distance. It lets you cook two different foods at different temperatures simultaneously, with a "Sync" function that finishes both at the same time. The Tower Vortex and Salter Dual Air Fryer offer cheaper alternatives if budget is a concern, though neither matches Ninja on performance or build quality.
