Air fryer buying guide

Q: What are the main benefits of using an air fryer?

Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer: Air fryers help you cook healthier meals as they use very little oil. They come with multiple cooking functions such as roasting, baking, frying, and dehydrating. They get food nice and crispy without the need for deep frying. They require minimal pre-heating time and can cook faster than conventional ovens. Air fryers are easy to use and clean compared to other cooking appliances, especially deep fryers.

Healthy cooking is just an air fryer away. Here's all you need to choose the right one for your home.

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Ninja MAX PRO AF180UK 6.2L Air Fryer - Black.

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that helps you cook healthier meals. It mimics deep frying by circulating hot air so your food is crispy without being too greasy. Apart from frying, you can bake, roast, or grill using your air fryer.

How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer works by circulating hot air around food at high speed. It uses a heating element and a fan to achieve this, imitating the results of deep frying but with much less oil. Because of this technique, your food gets evenly cooked.
Are air fryers healthy?
It depends! They use less oil than other cooking styles, so there's less fat. But it's important to remember that the health benefits eventually boil down to what you're cooking and how you do it.
What can you cook in an air fryer?
This clever appliance can be an all-rounder when it comes to cooking. You can air fry, bake, roast, toast, reheat, and grill. Some models can also dehydrate. It's versatile, so get creative and try out our favourite air fryer recipes.

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What features should I look for in an air fryer?

Not sure which air fryer is worth your counter space? From size and wattage to pre-sets, baskets, and an air fryer with shelves, here’s what to look for.

Multiple cooking zones
Air fryers have different compartments, so you can cook two delicious dishes at once - ideal for a complete meal. Some have two layers, while others have both a pot and a removable basket (ideal for chips).
Shop air fryers with multiple cooking zones
Dishwasher-safe parts
Don't fancy washing up afterwards? Many air fryers have parts which can go in the dishwasher to make cleaning easy - just check the product description before you buy.
Shop air fryers with dishwasher-safe parts
Timer
Many air fryers come with a timer button that lets you set a cooking time. Others come with a timer feature that automatically turns off the air fryer once your dish is prepared, to avoid overcooking, burning or drying your food.
Temperature controls
Most modern air fryers come with preset temperatures for different dishes, as they are precise and convenient. And, if you want to adjust the temperature, there are models that let you customise too.

Single vs double drawer air fryer

Confused between single vs double drawer air fryer? Here's a quick comparison to help you find the right air fryer for your cooking style and needs.

What size air fryer do I need?

Choosing the perfect air fryer comes down to your usage and purpose. Just the two of you? A small one will do. Got a big family? Think large fryer. Let's break down the options with a handy table so you can pick the right one from below.

Air fryer capacity comparison table

table
No. of people	Fryer capacity (litres)	Food sizes	Suitable for
1 to 2	2 to 4 litres	Small portion meals such as chicken wings, breasts and fries for 1 or 2 people	Singles or couples for small meals or snacks
3 to 4	4 to 6 litres	Medium portion meals such as small whole chicken, 4 chicken breasts or fries for 3 to 4 people	Everyday cooking for small families, smaller meal preps
5 to 6	6 to 8 litres	Large portion meals such as large whole chicken or roast vegetables and fries for 5 to 6 people	Medium families and batch cooking
More than 6	8 litres or more	Large or extra-large portions of meals such as large roasts, party snacks, etc.	Bigger families, entertaining, or large batch cooking

What are the different types of air fryers?

Want to make the crispiest fries, cook multiple dishes at once or an option that can do it all - cook, bake, fry, roast? Let's help you choose the right air fryer for you.

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How to use an air fryer?

A man using a Ninja Foodi MAX Health Grill Air Fryer & Dehydrator.

Here's the step-by-step process:

Follow the instructions in the manual.
After pre-heating (if needed), place food in the basket. Space it out well so there's proper air circulation.
Set the temperature and time as per the recipe.
Select a pre-set cooking function, if applicable.
Start the air fryer and let it cook.
Shake or flip the food halfway through for even cooking.
Remove the food when it's cooked to your liking. Enjoy!

Air fryer cooking time

Cooking times can vary depending on the recipe and portion size, but here’s a handy cheat sheet for cooking different proteins in an air fryer. Remember to flip halfway and use a thermometer to make sure your food is cooked just the way you like it.

table
Protein	Common cuts	Approx. air fryer cooking time
Chicken	Boneless breasts or thighs	12 to 20 minutes
Pork	Boneless chops	10 to 18 minutes
Beef	Steak or steak strips	8 to 16 minutes
Fish	Fillets	7 to 12 minutes

How to clean and maintain an air fryer

Air fryer maintenance tips:
Just like consistent care prevents bigger problems in a car, routine cleaning, deep cleaning once a week, and carefully handling the parts of an air fryer help maintain longevity. Here are some ways to ensure your air fryer lasts longer and works efficiently.

Avoid placing the air fryer in a closed environment like a kitchen cupboard as heat can damage it over time.
After every use, unplug and let it cool down before cleaning.
If you use it frequently, deep clean every week by wiping the heating element and cleaning all the hard-to-reach areas.
Avoid using cooking sprays as they can damage the non-stick coating.
Store or place it in a cool, dry place and keep the basket slightly open to prevent moisture build-up.

How to clean an air fryer?

After the air fryer has cooled down, remove the accessories like the basket, pan and tray.
If there are any dishwasher-safe parts, you can put them in the dishwasher.
Use mild dish soap and a soft sponge to wash the other accessories.
Use a damp cloth to clean the heating element. Do not wash it.
Wipe all the parts thoroughly and let them completely dry before you put them together.

Still not sure? Here's a detailed guide to help you clean your air fryer.

Air fryer recipes

Ready to get started with your new air fryer? Explore quick, crispy, and flavourful air fryer recipes that are perfect for your busy days or hosting needs.

A split creative banner with air fried dishes including beef dripping triple cooked chips and jackets with veggie chilli.

Explore air fryer recipes by Sainsbury's

FAQs about air fryers

What are the main benefits of using an air fryer?

Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer:

Air fryers help you cook healthier meals as they use very little oil.
They come with multiple cooking functions such as roasting, baking, frying, and dehydrating.
They get food nice and crispy without the need for deep frying.
They require minimal pre-heating time and can cook faster than conventional ovens.
Air fryers are easy to use and clean compared to other cooking appliances, especially deep fryers.

Can I cook frozen food in an air fryer?

You can cook frozen food in an air fryer. But make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions before you cook anything.

Are air fryers easy to clean?

Compared to traditional deep fryers, air fryers are easy to clean. They come with non-stick baskets and removable parts, which makes it simple for you to clean. Many air fryers also have dishwasher-friendly parts.

Can I use an air fryer for baking?

Depending on the features and functions, many air fryers that work like convection ovens can bake cakes, cookies, bread and many other goods.

How do I choose the right air fryer for my needs?

To choose the right air fryer, think about the following factors:

Size and capacity of the air fryer: 2-4 litres for 1-2 people, 4-6 litres for 3-4 people and 6-8 litres for bigger families
Cooking functions you would want: frying, roasting, grilling, baking and dehydrating
Your budget for the air fryer: Argos ranges from pocket-friendly versions to extravagant options.

What is a paddle in an air fryer?

Specially made for air fryers, a paddle is a tool that helps stir and flip food so it cooks evenly.

What are some air fryer health and safety tips?

In general, air fryers are safe to use. But like any other heated appliance, they need careful handling to avoid any hazards and safety issues. Here are all the safety guidelines to ensure you are using and maintaining the fryer in the correct way.

Are air fryers energy efficient?

Generally, air fryers can be more energy efficient than regular ovens as they are compact, they cook faster, and require less energy to heat up. This also depends on the model and manufacturer.

Are air fryers healthy?

Generally, yes—air fryer cooking uses far less oil than deep frying, which can help cut calories and fat. Overall health benefits still depend on ingredients, portions, and how often you use it.

Do you need oil for an air fryer?

You don’t usually need oil for an air fryer. In an air fryer vs oven or deep fryer comparison, air fryers crisp food faster and use much less oil, though a light oil spray can boost flavor and texture.