Are you sifting through a slew of reviews trying to figure out how to choose an airfryer?

I found myself in the same position several months ago, and I have to say, the sudden popularity of these appliances means there is no shortage of information out there. That’s why I decided to break down the most important points into a simple guide that will show you what to look for when you’re choosing one.

What separates a 40 euro airfryer from one that costs 400 euros? Here’s the lowdown!

1. Consider the size

Although you’ll find air fryers in a variety of sizes, these are not small appliances overall. And the more people you have to feed, the bigger airfryer you’ll need.

As you may know, I’m not a big fan of clutter, but I also believe that things you use regularly should be left out – in my house, that’s the slow cooker, toaster and kettle. So I needed to strike the right balance between having one that’s big enough to cook for the four of us without giving up too much precious counter space.

Keep in mind that these fryers can also be quite tall, so you should measure the space you have under the counter before you buy.

2. Decide which style works for you

There are three main types of airfryers, so you can greatly narrow down the field of contenders by choosing which one you prefer early in your search.

Pull-out drawer: With this style, the food goes inside a pull-out drawer. Halfway through cooking, you need to give it a little shake and replace it. You can’t usually check on the food’s progress without pulling the drawer out. This is the type I chose, and I’m very happy with it.

Circular or bowl type: These generally have a stirring paddle inside that mixes the food. This is good for some foods but can damage delicate foods and make a huge mess, so consider which foods you’ll be making the most. In some models, the paddle is removable. These varieties often have a window in the lid so you can easily take a peek at how your food is coming along.

Shelf type: Whilst these are easy to use, with a layout similar to an oven, they usually come in a bulkier style. They are more often the most multi-functional, but also the most pricey.

3. Determine which extra features you’ll need

Next, you should decide which extra features will be important to you. No guide on how to choose an airfryer would be complete without mentioning all the bells and whistles!

  • Digital display: Some models have digital displays for the time and temperature so you can see from across the room how much time is left.
  • Temperature control: Some airfryers will only cook at one temperature, while others will let you control it. Most top out at 200 degrees.
  • Food pre-sets: Mine has buttons to select what I’m making – for example, meat, chicken, shrimp, or chips. You can use one of these pre-set programs and not have to think too hard about what you’re doing, which can be nice at dinnertime. Of course, you can also just go by temperature and time alone, so this feature isn’t absolutely necessary.
  • Alarm: If you have the drawer variety, an alarm can be useful for letting you know when it’s time to come and shake it halfway through – but this isn’t a dealbreaker as you could always set your own alarm.
  • Extra compartments: Some have dividers that let you make two foods at once without mixing them, whether it has an extra level or a smaller basket that nestles into the main one.
  • Dehydrator: Some models will also dehydrate your food, which could be handy if you want to make your own vegetable crisps, banana chips or beef jerky.
  • Grill mode: Airfryers with a grilling function allow you to make foods like hamburgers and meat inside, so this may be a feature to consider if you don’t already have a grill.
  • Dishwasher-safe: Although most air fryers are fairly easy to clean by hand, you’ll need to find one that specifically says it’s dishwasher-safe – and fits inside your dishwasher – if you have an aversion to handwashing.

4. Look at the capacity

Check the capacity and think realistically about how much food you can put inside. Although the baskets often look large, keep in mind that they can’t be overcrowded because the air needs to circulate around the food. Look at the capacity listed by the manufacturer for the different foods you plan to make before deciding.

In case you’re wondering, after tons of research on how to choose an airfryer and a long decision process, I went with the Lidl Silvercrest Airfryer. I’ve been quite happy with it, but you really have to consider the above points to make selection that will work for you.

Happy air fryer shopping!

Love,

Nakita xxx