How To Choose The Best Air Fryer

Air Fryers have fast become a staple in every household. Its technology has made baking and roasting become simple and fast for anyone, no matter their cooking skills. But with so many air fryers to choose from, how do you find the best one for you and your family?

To help you find the right air fryer for your needs, our comprehensive air fryer buying guide will help you understand the features and benefits of this handy appliance so you can find the best air fryer for your kitchen.

Quick Links

• What Are The Benefits Of An Air Fryer?
• What To Look For In An Air Fryer
• Types Of Air Fryers
• What Size Air Fryer Do You Need?
• Are Air Fryers A Sustainable Appliance?
• How Long Do Air Fryers Last And When Should You Replace Them?

What Are The Benefits Of An Air Fryer?

Air fryers are the latest in cooking technology and it's easy to see why they're becoming one of Australia's best-loved kitchen appliances. With an air fryer you can create favourite dishes that are traditionally deep fried without compromising on taste - just imagine savouring the flavour and crispy texture of fried food without the fuss and mess of deep-frying in oil.

Despite their name, air fryers are not just for frying - you can bake, roast and heat a huge range of dishes with ease in an air fryer. Air fryers feature a range of temperature settings, functions and accessories to take your cooking to the next level.

What To Look For In An Air Fryer

When it comes to what to look for in an air fryer, it isn't as straight forward as picking the first one you come across. In this section, we'll list the main factors to consider when you are purchasing the right air fryer for your needs.

Air Fryer Capacity

When considering air fryer capacity, think about your household size and cooking needs. For individuals or couples, a 2-4 litre capacity is ideal for smaller meals or snacks. Families should opt for 5-6 litres to cook larger portions or multiple items at once. If you frequently entertain or cook for a crowd, consider models with 7 litres or more. Keep in mind that larger capacities may take up more counter space, so balance size with your kitchen's layout. Choosing the right air fryer capacity ensures efficient cooking and avoids overcrowding, which can affect crispiness and even cooking.

Viewing Window And Internal Light

When choosing an air fryer, a viewing window and internal light are handy features to look for. A clear, heat-resistant window lets you monitor cooking progress without opening the basket, which helps maintain consistent temperature and cooking results. An internal light illuminates the contents, making it easier to check browning or crispiness, especially for recipes requiring precise timing. These features are particularly useful for beginners or when trying new recipes. However, ensure the window is durable and easy to clean. While not essential, a viewing window and light add convenience and enhance your cooking experience, making them worthwhile considerations for hassle-free air frying.

Pre-Programmed Settings

Pre-programmed settings are a key feature to consider when choosing an air fryer, as they simplify cooking and ensure consistent results. These preset functions automatically adjust time and temperature for specific foods, taking the guesswork out of air frying.

Popular pre-programmed settings include fries, chicken, fish, steak, vegetables and baking. For example, a "fries" setting ensures perfectly crispy potatoes, while a "bake" setting is ideal for muffins or cookies. These presets are especially useful for beginners or busy cooks, saving time and effort. Look for an air fryer with versatile, easy-to-use pre-programmed settings to enhance your cooking experience and expand your recipe options.

Ease of Cleaning the Air Fryer

Ease of cleaning is a crucial feature in an air fryer because it saves time and ensures hygiene. Look for non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets and trays, as they prevent food from sticking and make scrubbing effortless, and removable parts that are easy to disassemble and reassemble simplify the cleaning process. Additionally, air fryer models with fewer crevices or hard-to-reach areas reduce the risk of trapped grease or food residue. A clean air fryer not only performs better but also lasts longer. Prioritising easy-to-clean features ensures hassle-free maintenance, making your air frying experience more enjoyable and efficient.

User-Friendly Controls

Easy-to-use controls are essential when choosing an air fryer because they enhance convenience and ensure a seamless cooking experience. Intuitive interfaces, such as digital touchscreens or simple dials, make it easy to adjust time, temperature and settings without confusion. Clear labels and responsive buttons are particularly helpful for beginners or those less tech-savvy. Complicated controls can lead to errors, frustration or unevenly cooked meals. Prioritising user-friendly controls ensures you can operate your air fryer efficiently, making it a practical and enjoyable addition to your kitchen that suits your cooking needs.

App Connectivity

App connectivity is a game-changer for modern kitchens, bringing convenience and innovation to your air frying experience. With smart app control, you can monitor and adjust cooking settings remotely, access hundreds of recipes, and receive step-by-step guidance - all from your smartphone. This feature is perfect for busy households or tech-savvy cooks who want precision and flexibility. Whether you're preheating your air fryer on the way home or exploring new dishes, app connectivity makes cooking smarter and more enjoyable. Upgrade your kitchen with an app-enabled air fryer and discover a whole new level of culinary creativity and convenience!

Types Of Air Fryers

As there are many different types of air fryers, in this section we will break down the various types of air fryers so you can work out which one is best for your needs.

Basket Air Fryers

Basket air fryers are the classic go-to choice for air frying, featuring a pull-out basket design that's compact, user-friendly and perfect for everyday cooking. Their most important characteristics include a non-stick basket for easy food release and cleaning, adjustable temperature and timer controls for precise cooking - along with a compact footprint that fits seamlessly into any kitchen! Basket air fryers are popular for their versatility, allowing you to fry, bake, roast and reheat with little to no oil. Ideal for individuals and families alike, they deliver crispy, delicious results while being affordable and easy to use, making them a kitchen essential!

Multifunction Air Fryers

If you enjoy cooking or have a large family to cook for, multifunction air fryers are the ultimate kitchen multitaskers, combining air frying with baking, roasting, grilling, dehydrating and more in one sleek appliance. Their versatility makes them a popular choice for home cooks who want to save space and simplify meal prep. With multiple cooking functions, you can whip up a variety of dishes such as crispy fries, juicy roasted chicken, fluffy muffins and even homemade beef jerky! Perfect for busy households, these all-in-one appliances eliminate the need for multiple gadgets, saving time and counter space.

Air Fryer Ovens

An air fryer oven is a versatile countertop appliance that combines the power of an air fryer with the functionality of a convection oven. What sets it apart is its larger capacity and multiple cooking functions, such as baking, toasting and roasting. With racks and trays, an air fryer oven allows you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, making it perfect for families or entertaining. The main benefits include faster cooking times, even heat distribution, and healthier meals with little to no oil. Compact yet powerful, an air fryer oven is a space-saving, multifunctional upgrade that revolutionises your kitchen experience!

Standard Air Fryers Vs Air Fryer Ovens

What Size Air Fryer Do You Need?

Whether you are cooking for a large family or solo-cooking, you will need to make sure you pick the right size of air fryer that meets your kitchen's needs and space - but how do you tell what size of air fryer you will need?

What Is The Ideal Air Fryer Capacity For One Person?

For solo cooks, the ideal air fryer capacity ranges from 2 to 4 litres. This compact size is perfect for preparing single servings of fries, veggies and proteins without wasting space or energy. It's also great for smaller kitchens, offering just enough room for quick meals or snacks. A 2 to 4 litre air fryer ensures efficient cooking, easy storage and hassle-free cleanup, making it perfect for individuals who want delicious, crispy results without the bulk!

What Is The Ideal Air Fryer Capacity For Two People/Couples?

For couples or two-person households, the ideal air fryer capacity ranges from 3 to 5 litres. This size is perfect for preparing delicious meals in portions that will easily suit two people. This size is enough to save counter space while offering enough room to cook side dishes or small batches of snacks. A 3 to 5 litre air fryer strikes the perfect balance between functionality and convenience, making it an excellent choice for couples who want quick, delicious and hassle-free meals without the bulk of a larger appliance!

What Size Air Fryer Is Ideal For A Family Of Four?

Large air fryers and air fryer ovens are ideal for bigger families - they allow you to cook a full roast dinner with ease. When it comes to air fryers with a more generous capacity, 7.5L air fryers and 10L air fryer ovens are popular choices. With an XL basket or multiple trays, these are the best type of air fryer to buy if you're cooking for a crowd or like to cook multiple elements at once.

Are Air Fryers A Sustainable Appliance?

Air fryers are considered a sustainable appliance, offering a greener cooking alternative compared to traditional methods. This is because they require significantly less oil, reducing both waste and fat content in meals. With faster cooking times and lower energy consumption, air fryers also cut down on electricity usage, making them more eco-friendly. Their compact design means less space and resources are needed for production, and many models feature non-stick, durable coatings that extend their lifespan. By replacing deep fryers or conventional ovens, air fryers contribute to a more energy-efficient kitchen, helping reduce your environmental footprint without compromising on taste.

How Long Do Air Fryers Last And When Should You Replace Them?

Air fryers typically last between 3 to 5 years with proper care and regular maintenance. Their longevity depends on usage frequency, model quality and how well they're cleaned. To extend their life, it's important to avoid overloading the basket, regularly cleaning the components and following the manufacturer's instructions. If your air fryer shows signs of wear, such as inconsistent cooking times, burning smells, unusual noises or overheating, then it may be time to replace it. The heating element may start to degrade, affecting its performance and if the non-stick coating is damaged, food could start sticking, which can be a health concern. Additionally, if you notice the appliance is no longer able to reach the correct temperatures, it's a clear sign it's time for a new one.

Explore Our Range Of Air Fryers At Harris Scarfe Today

At Harris Scarfe, we've sourced a range of the best air fryers for you to choose from, including quality tested brands that you know and love such as Ninja, Smith + Nobel, Russel Hobbs, Tefal and more. Start your air fryer journey with us today and discover why these versatile and time-saving kitchen appliances are quickly becoming household staple items. Find out more about how you can add extra functionality to your kitchen with our ultimate kitchen appliances buying guide.

Shop for your air fryer at your nearest Harris Scarfe store, where you can also explore a huge range of kitchen appliances to cover all your food preparation needs. Shop the complete selection online today and enjoy the convenience of home delivery or click & collect for your order.