Who an air fryer suits
An air fryer suits someone who cooks at home and wants dinner on the table faster, with less oil. It is a favourite for a student moving out, a busy family, a parent who cooks for one or two, or a new home that has few appliances. It fits Christmas, a housewarming or a birthday.
It cooks by blowing hot air around the food, so it crisps chips, roasts vegetables, cooks chicken and reheats leftovers without the long wait of a full oven.
What to look for in an air fryer
- Capacity. A smaller basket of about 2 to 4 litres suits one or two people. A 5 to 6 litre basket suits a family, and larger models fit a whole chicken.
- Dual baskets. Two baskets cook two foods at once, which suits a family that wants a main and a side ready together.
- Bench space. An air fryer is bulky. Check the width and height against the space on their bench or in a cupboard.
- Cleaning. Non-stick baskets that are dishwasher safe save a chore. Check the listing.
- Controls. Simple dials suit people who dislike fiddling. Presets for chips, chicken and fish suit people who want less guessing.
- Extras. Some also grill or bake. Check what is included, such as a rack.
When an air fryer is the wrong gift
Many households already own one, so ask first if you can. In a small kitchen with no bench space it will sit in a cupboard. And someone who rarely cooks, or who loves slow roasting and a conventional oven, may not find a use for it.