These are the best air fryers for satisfying and easy weeknight dinners

Overcooking or undercooking your food is an issue of the past, thanks to the clear window on the basket of the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer. It also has an easy-to-read progress bar display that guides you through cooking with ‘add food’ prompts and ‘turn food’ reminders for perfect and even results, every time.

Key features:

• 5.7L capacity
• 6-in-1 smart programs to choose from
• ClearCook see-through window
• Built-in air filters to reduce smells while cooking

We can’t look past the gorgeous pink finishings on the Philips Essential air fryer. However, this air fryer not only looks incredibly luxurious but it’s also well-reviewed and highly rated by customers. One-touch deliciousness with this essential air fryer, offering you 7 preset programs for whipping up delicious meals in a flash.

Key features:

• 6.2l capacity
• 7 preset programs
• Easy to clean and dishwasher safe

The Tefal Easy Fry classic air fryer is perfect for larger families thanks to its large 4.2-litre capacity. With four cooking possibilities, fry, roast, grill, or bake, this air fryer will make heating up finger foods for your next get-together a breeze.

Key features:

• 4.2L capacity (up to 6 servings)
• Fry, roast, grill and bake modes available
• Dishwasher safe

With two independent cooking zones, making an entire meal in your air fryer has never been easier. Plus, it also comes with six different cooking programs – max crisp, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate and air fry – you can choose the perfect program for your favourite recipes with ease. 

Key features:

• 2 independent cooking zones
• 6 cooking programs
• Same-time finish so food is warm at the same time when serving

If you want to combine your standard oven and air fryer into one, this one is well worth considering. In particular, the Smart Oven gives intense heat with maximised airflow, helping to create healthier versions of your crispy golden favourites.

Key features:

• 22L capacity
• 10 preset cooking functions (toast, crumpet, bake, roast, grill, pizza, air fry, reheat, warm and slow cook)
• Dual speed convection
• Element iQ system to detect where heat is needed the most

Coming up with weeknight meals causing a bit of a headache? The Cuisinart Express oven air fryer will solve weeknight dinner fatigue with its easy-to-use multi-functional oven and air frying capabilities. Plus, its top-down convection fan delivers a high velocity, high heat airflow and evenly distributes heat for perfect results.

Key features:

• 17L capacity
• Multi-functional oven settings and air fry settings combined
• 12 digitally programmed cooking functions

This air fryer from Big W has taken the world by storm. And, by ‘world’, we mean the Big W Mum’s Facebook group. This Facebook group (boasting 104.6k members) has been blowing up with mentions of this Prinetti air fryer, with customers praising this model for being easy to use and affordable. 

“I’ve had mine for two years and absolutely love it. I can cook whole chicken, cakes, etc., in it for my family of three,” commented a group member.

Key features:

• 8L capacity
• 7 easy-to-use preset cooking functions
• Simple digital controls

How to choose the right air fryer for you?

Choosing the right air fryer involves considering size, features, and budget. Start by determining the capacity you need based on your household size. Small models are perfect for singles or couples, while larger ones suit families. Consider features like digital controls, presets, and accessories such as baking pans or racks. Evaluate ease of cleaning, as removable, dishwasher-safe parts save time. Energy efficiency and safety features, like automatic shut-off, are also important. Set a budget and compare models within that range, checking reviews for reliability and performance. Balancing these factors helps you find an air fryer that fits your needs perfectly.

Are air fryers energy efficient?

Air fryers are generally energy efficient because they use rapid air circulation technology to cook food faster than traditional ovens, reducing cooking times and energy consumption. They preheat quickly and often require less power due to their compact size. Compared to deep frying, they use no oil, further decreasing energy usage related to heating. Most models have automatic shut-off features, preventing unnecessary energy waste. However, the overall efficiency can vary depending on the specific model and how frequently it is used. When used appropriately, air fryers can be a cost-effective and energy-saving kitchen appliance for many households.