Air fryers have long outgrown their origins: they crisp and reheat, roast a chicken, bake and even steam, often faster and with less energy than an oven. Across a tested field of 29 models, these are the ones worth the counter space, from a fully-loaded XXL flagship to a genuine budget bargain. This is based on published testing, not our own hands-on trial.
The Short Version
- Best overall — Philips Airfryer Combi 7000 Series XXL. A big 8.3-litre all-rounder with a meat probe and Wi-Fi.
- Best value — Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 6.5L. Light, app-connected and capable for well under £100.
- Most versatile — Philips NA555 Steam Airfryer. A twin-basket 9-litre model that adds steam cooking.
- Budget alternative — Medion Life X10 XL. A lit viewing window and long cable at a low price.
- Best for crispy fries — Ninja Max Pro 6.2L. Reaches 240°C for the crunchiest results.
Philips Airfryer Combi 7000 Series XXL
The test's overall winner is a do-everything 8.3-litre machine that goes well beyond frying. It comes with a meat thermometer for precise roasting, a low-temperature mode, automatic and custom programmes, Wi-Fi control and — importantly for a large-capacity model — dishwasher-safe parts. The only real gripe is that it runs a little loud. As a family-sized all-rounder it leads the field. Check the price on Amazon.
Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 6.5L
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The value pick proves you need not spend much: for well under £100 the 6.5-litre Xiaomi is light and compact, adds Wi-Fi and app control, offers a low-temperature mode and reaches 220°C. The compromises are a short cable, fries that take a little longer to crisp, and parts that are not dishwasher-safe. For an app-connected fryer on a budget, it is the sensible buy. Check the price on Amazon.
Philips NA555 Steam Airfryer
For sheer versatility, this 9-litre, twin-basket Philips adds a steam function to the usual air-frying, so you can steam and crisp in one machine, alongside a low-temperature mode, dishwasher-safe parts and plenty of direct-access buttons. The trade-offs are its large footprint and the lack of Wi-Fi. If you want one appliance to replace several, it is the pick. Check the price on Amazon.
Medion Life X10 XL
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The budget alternative keeps things simple and cheap. The 5-litre Medion is good with dough and pasta dishes, has a handy lit viewing window so you can watch progress, a usefully long cable and a high 230°C ceiling with a low-temperature mode too. The obvious limit is capacity — at 5 litres it is the smallest here — but for a low outlay it covers the basics well. Check the price on Amazon.
Ninja Max Pro 6.2L
If crispiness is the priority, the Ninja Max Pro is the pick, reaching a high 240°C that the test rated top for fries, with uncomplicated operation and a low-temperature mode. The concessions are no touchscreen and a somewhat short cable, but for straightforward, seriously crunchy results it delivers. It joins the Ninja AF500 and compact Cosori 4.7L in our own air-fryer reviews, and the Ninja Woodfire takes the idea outdoors. Check the price on Amazon.
How to Choose an Air Fryer
Start with capacity: 3-4 litres suits one or two people, 5-6 litres a small family, and 8 litres or more — or a twin-basket model — for cooking several things at once. A twin basket lets you run two foods on different settings simultaneously, which is genuinely useful at mealtimes. Look for a temperature ceiling of at least 200°C (240°C gets fries crispiest), a low-temperature mode for gentle cooking, and dishwasher-safe parts to save on washing up. Wi-Fi and apps are a nice-to-have rather than essential, and a viewing window helps you check food without opening the drawer. An air fryer pairs well with the rest of a modern kitchen — our Ninja Slushi review and best ice cube makers guide cover the cold side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can an air fryer actually cook?
Far more than fries. Beyond crisping and reheating, they roast chicken and vegetables, bake, and — on steam models — steam, often faster and using less energy than a conventional oven, which is a real saving for smaller portions.
What size air fryer do I need?
Match it to your household: 3-4 litres for one or two people, 5-6 litres for a small family, and 8 litres or a twin-basket design if you regularly cook several items at once. Bigger models take more counter space, so weigh capacity against your kitchen.
Are twin-basket air fryers worth it?
If you cook full meals, yes. Two baskets let you run different foods at different temperatures and finish them together, which solves the classic single-drawer problem of juggling batches. The trade-off is a larger footprint.
The Bottom Line
Five strong air fryers, one for every kitchen. The Philips Airfryer Combi 7000 XXL is the do-everything family flagship; the Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer delivers most of the benefit for under £100; the Philips NA555 adds steam for maximum versatility; the Medion Life X10 covers the basics cheaply; and the Ninja Max Pro is the one for the crispiest fries. Match capacity and temperature to how you cook, and any of these will earn its place on the worktop.
