Deep Fryers

Best Air Fryers & Deep Fryers: Top Models, Buying Guide, and Smart Tips for Crispy Results

Why a modern air fryer or deep fryer belongs in your kitchen

If you want golden fries, crispy wings, or a perfectly roasted veggie side without the faff, an air fryer or deep fryer can be a game changer. These appliances let you get that deep-fried texture in a fraction of the time and with less mess. Think of them as the shortcut tool in your cooking toolbox—fast, forgiving, and great for busy weeknights or weekend feasts.

Top models to consider right now

There’s a crowded field of models, each promising crispier results or smarter features. Below I’ve broken down some of the most talked-about units so you can match the specs to the way you actually cook.

Electrolux Series 600 EAF3B Air Fryer - Black

The Electrolux Series 600 brings a sleek look and straightforward controls. It’s perfect if you like a minimalist aesthetic but still want smart cooking presets and even heat distribution. The build quality leans toward the premium end, so you get a reliable appliance that fits a modern countertop.

Tefal Easy Fry & Grill EY501815

Tefal’s Easy Fry & Grill combines air-frying with a grill function, making it great for people who want grill marks without firing up the outdoor barbecue. It’s a versatile choice for burgers, veggies, and small roasts—think of it as a tiny countertop grill that also crisps with little or no oil.

Philips Essential Airfryer XL HD9270/00

Philips has a long track record in air frying and the Essential XL keeps things simple but effective. If you frequently cook for a couple or a small family, this XL size handles larger batches while saving counter space. Expect consistent results and easy-to-use presets.

Philips Airfryer Compact Spectre Connected HD9255/30

This compact Philips model is great when you want connected cooking without a huge footprint. It’s ideal for one or two people who want app-guided recipes and step-by-step prompts. Compact doesn’t mean weak—this unit still delivers crisp textures in smaller portions.

Philips Series 3000 NA352-00 with 9 L capacity (about 9.5 qt)

With roughly 9.5 quarts of capacity, the Series 3000 is a two-drawer powerhouse. It’s aimed at larger households or anyone who likes to cook multiple items at once—one drawer for fries, the other for chicken, for example. The dual-drawer design speeds up meal prep and reduces the need to cook in batches.

Ninja Double Stack XL 9.5 L (about 10.0 qt) - SL400 series

The Ninja Double Stack XL is one of my favorite multi-level solutions. With about 10 quarts of total space across two layers, it behaves almost like having two smaller fryers in one footprint. It’s brilliant for parties: you can fry two different items at once without flavor crossover.

Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer BHR8234EU - 4.5 L (about 4.8 qt)

Xiaomi’s smart air fryer blends compact capacity with app control, making it a solid pick for single cooks or couples. At about 4.8 quarts, it handles family sides or dinner for two without taking up half the kitchen counter. It’s a smart, cost-effective option if you like connected home gadgets.

Philips Airfryer XL Spectre HD9270/90

The Spectre XL is tailored for those who want a step up in capacity and performance. It’s tuned for larger batches and consistent circulation of hot air, producing evenly crisped food on every rack. If you meal-prep or entertain often, this is worth a look.

Philips 2000 Series Air Fryer NA221/00, about 4.4 qt

The 2000 Series is a great entry-level model with reliable results and user-friendly controls. At around 4.4 quarts, it’s sufficient for everyday use—think fries, nuggets, or a small roast. It’s one of those safe bets if you want predictable performance without advanced bells and whistles.

Tefal Easy Fry Grill & Steam FW201815

This Tefal mixes air-fry, grill, and steam functions, giving you more cooking modes in one machine. Steam can help keep lean meats moist while air-frying gives them a tasty crust—useful for people who want multi-method cooking without extra appliances.

Philips 7000 Series Combi Connected HD9876/20

At the top end, the Philips 7000 Series offers combi cooking and deep connectivity. It’s for food fans who want recipe guidance via an app, precision settings, and advanced airflow engineering. If you value convenience and automated results, a combi model often pays back in saved time and fewer failed tries.

Air fryer vs traditional deep fryer: which should you pick?

Here’s the short version: if you want the classic texture and don’t mind using oil and dealing with cleanup, a traditional deep fryer gives unbeatable crisp. But for everyday use, air fryers win on speed, safety, and health. You get a similar crunch with far less oil, and most models are easier to clean. Think of a deep fryer like a specialist tool and an air fryer like an all-rounder.

Choosing the right capacity for your household

Size matters. A 4.4–4.8 quart device is perfect for one to two people. A 9.5–10.0 quart dual-drawer or XL model is better for families of four or more. As a rough guide: a 4–5 quart unit handles 1 to 3 servings, 6–10 quarts is suitable for 3 to 5 servings or batch-cooking, and anything above that is great for parties and big roasts. Convert liters to quarts in your head: 1 liter is roughly 1.06 quarts, so a 4.5 liter machine equals about 4.8 quarts.

Key features to consider before buying

There are a few features that consistently make life easier. Double drawers let you cook different items at once. Presets and digital controls shorten the learning curve. App connectivity adds guided recipes and remote control. Dishwasher-safe baskets save time. Non-stick coatings matter, but avoid models with flaky finishes. Also look for consistent temperature control—cooking at 350–400°F usually covers most recipes.

Temperature and presets

Cooking ranges near 350–400°F are ideal for most frying and baking tasks. Presets take out the guesswork for common foods: fries, chicken, fish, and baking. If you’re new to air frying, presets are a great way to get reliable results quickly.

Multi-level cooking and baskets

Multi-level racks and stackable layers increase capacity without making the unit taller. They’re a must if you often need to cook several items simultaneously. Removable baskets that are dishwasher safe will save you hands-on scrubbing.

Maintenance, cleaning, and safety tips

Cleaning is one of the biggest pain points. Pick a model with removable, dishwasher-safe baskets and trays. Wipe the interior after each use and remove any stuck-on crumbs while still warm. For safety, keep the unit at least a few inches from walls and never submerge the main electrical components. Use oven mitts when removing baskets—the metal gets hot.

Accessories worth buying

A few small accessories can extend what you can cook: grill plates for steaks, baking pans for cakes, and extra baskets if you want to swap quickly between foods. Non-stick silicone mats and a good pair of tongs are cheap upgrades that add convenience.

Energy, cook time, and real-world performance

Air fryers generally heat up faster than a full-size oven and use less energy for small batches. They cook quickly because hot air circulates rapidly around food, meaning you’ll often save time for weeknight dinners. A small batch of fries or wings can be ready in 15–25 minutes, depending on size and desired crispness—so they’re an efficient choice when you want hot food fast.

What you can cook besides fries

Think beyond frozen snacks. Air fryers roast vegetables, reheat pizza with a crisp crust, bake small cakes, and even roast a whole chicken in compact XL models. The dual-drawer Philips Series 3000 or Ninja Double Stack lets you do a full meal in parallel—veg on top, protein below—without flavor transfer if you time it right.

How to compare prices and find the best deal

When shopping, compare the same model across multiple retailers and read recent reviews. Price swings happen with seasonal sales, so track the few models you like over a couple of weeks. Look for verified buyer photos and comments on build quality, reliability, and real-life basket size. A low price on a cheap thin-walled model often means you’ll want a replacement sooner, so balance cost with expected lifespan.

Final buying checklist

Before you click buy, run through this quick checklist: does the capacity fit your family? Is the basket dishwasher-safe? Do you want connectivity or physical dials? Will it fit your kitchen counter? If you need to feed a crowd, opt for XL or dual-drawer models like the Philips Series 3000 or Ninja Double Stack.

Quick recipes to try first

Try these to get comfortable: classic fries at 375–400°F until golden and crispy, chicken wings at 380°F with a flip halfway through, and roasted Brussels sprouts at 375°F with a light oil spray. Use the preset functions if your model has them—presets are a cheat code for great results.

Buying the right fryer is about matching features to how you cook. Want convenience and health-conscious results? Choose a reliable air fryer with dishwasher-safe parts. Want the ultimate crunch and don’t mind oil? Consider a dedicated deep fryer. Either way, choosing a model with the right capacity and sensible features will make weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings easier and tastier.

Now that you know the main models to watch and what to look for, you can shop with confidence and pick a fryer that fits your home, your habits, and your appetite.

Conclusion: Investing a little time to match the right fryer to your needs will pay off every time you want crispy, comforting food without a long cleanup. Whether it’s a compact Xiaomi for two or a multi-drawer Philips or Ninja for the whole family, there’s a model ready to change the way you cook.