GoShopping from the US? See the US version → • Canada version → • Full buying guide →
Best Air Fryer UK 2026: The Honest Guide
This is a UK guide, written for UK kitchens — not a US guide with dollars swapped for pounds. Sizes are in litres, temperatures in Celsius, plugs are UK 220–240V, and the shops are the ones UK buyers actually use: Amazon UK, Currys and Argos. If you shop in the US, use our US guide instead, because models, sizes and prices differ.
UK size guide: buy for the people you actually feed
| Household | Size to look for | Best type |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 3.8–4.7 litres | Single basket |
| 2–3 people | 4.7–5.5 litres | Single basket, or small dual zone |
| 3–5 people | 7.6–9.5 litres total | Dual zone — two baskets, two temperatures |
| 5+ people / big batches | 9.5 litres or more, or oven-style | Dual zone or oven-style with shelves |
The UK models that make sense in 2026
No exact prices are given here because UK air fryer prices move constantly with sales at Currys, Argos and Amazon UK. Check all three before you buy — the same model is often £20–£40 cheaper in one of them in any given week.
1. Best for families: Ninja Foodi Dual Zone (AF300UK / AF400UK)
The dual zone Ninja is the UK family default for a reason: two independent baskets, a “sync finish” mode so both sides finish at the same time, and a size that genuinely feeds a family without needing two batches. The AF300UK is the smaller dual zone; the AF400UK is larger, with a bigger single-drawer mode. Buy it if: you cook for 3–5 people and want chicken in one basket and chips in the other. Do not buy it if: you have a tiny kitchen — it is wide, heavy, and needs counter space plus clearance for the baskets to slide out. Check it at Amazon UK, Currys and Argos before buying, as stock and offers differ.
2. Best all-rounder: Cosori (single basket and dual basket ranges)
Cosori is strong in the UK for single-basket models that are quieter and easier to clean than many rivals, with clear temperature controls and a good range of sizes. The dual basket Cosori models are a good step up if you want two baskets without paying Ninja prices. Buy it if: you want a straightforward, well-reviewed single basket for 1–3 people, or a dual basket on a tighter budget. Do not buy it if: you need the largest possible capacity — check the usable basket size, not just the headline litres.
3. Best for small kitchens: Philips Airfryer (XL and Series 5000 ranges)
Philips invented much of this category, and its UK models are compact, well built, and easy to live with in a small flat. The XL size suits 2–3 people; larger Philips models suit small families. Buy it if: counter space matters more than maximum capacity, and you want a model with a long track record. Do not buy it if: you regularly cook for 4–5 people — you will be cooking in batches, and a dual zone model will serve you better.
4. Worth checking: Instant Vortex and Tower
Instant Vortex models are often good value in UK sales for a simple single basket, while Tower dual basket models suit larger families on a budget. Check basket size in practice, dishwasher-safe parts, wattage (1,700W or more), and warranty length — a cheap model with a 1-year warranty and an awkward basket is not a bargain.
What to check before you buy (UK checklist)
- Basket and crisper plate: Removable, and dishwasher-safe if you want easy cleaning. Non-stick coatings wear out faster if you use metal utensils or harsh scourers — see our cleaning guide.
- Wattage: Around 1,700W or more for faster, crisper cooking. Lower-wattage models cook more slowly and can disappoint on chips.
- Temperature range: At least 80°C to 200°C, so you can dehydrate, reheat gently, and crisp at full heat.
- Controls: Clear digital controls beat fiddly dials if you cook by temperature — which you should.
- Noise and size: Measure your counter and your cupboard. Dual zone models are wide; check the depth with the basket pulled out, not just the closed dimensions.
- Warranty and parts: Can you buy a replacement basket or crisper plate in the UK? A model with no spares is a shorter-lived buy.
UK cooking basics: Celsius, chips and roast potatoes
UK recipes in this guide use Celsius first: chicken at 200°C, salmon at 190°C, chips at 200°C. If a recipe you find online is in Fahrenheit, 400°F is 200°C, 380°F is about 190°C, and 350°F is about 175°C. For chips, the rules that matter are the same in every country — soak, dry thoroughly, single layer, shake halfway — and our fries time guide and roast potatoes recipe give the full method in Celsius.
Where to buy in the UK
FAQ
What size air fryer do I need in the UK? 1–2 people: 3.8–4.7 litres. Family of 3–5: a dual zone around 7.6–9.5 litres total. Bigger is not automatically better if you cannot store it or if you mostly cook for two.
Is Ninja or Cosori better in the UK? For families, Ninja dual zone is the most proven pick. For a single basket on a lower budget, Cosori is very strong. The right answer depends on how many people you feed and how much counter space you have, not on brand loyalty.
Are air fryers expensive to run in the UK? For a small meal, an air fryer usually uses less electricity than a full oven because it preheats in about 3 minutes and heats a small space. The exact saving depends on your tariff and wattages — see our air fryer vs oven cost guide, which shows the calculation with its assumptions stated.
Do I need a dual zone model? Not if you cook for 1–2 people. If you cook for a family and want two foods ready at the same time, dual zone is the single most useful feature you can buy.
Affiliate disclosure (UK / ASA): Some links on this page, including links to Amazon UK, Currys and Argos (via Awin), are affiliate links. If you buy through them, GoAirFry may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our recommendations, and prices and availability can change — always check the retailer's site for the final price.