Best Air Fryers (Sep 2026)

3-4 litres suits one or two people, 5-6 litres a family of four. Basket shape matters more than litres for fitting a whole chicken.

Most modern models do not, but 2-3 minutes improves consistency for frozen foods. Adding preheat time is the usual reason people say theirs is slow.

They use far less oil, which cuts fat, but the food is still cooked at high heat. Results depend on the coating, not the machine.

Overloading. Air needs to circulate; one layer with space between pieces crisps far better than a full basket.

Yes, but never cover the whole basket floor, or you block the airflow the machine depends on.

Most non-stick baskets are, but hand washing extends the coating. Check whether the drawer is coated or plain steel.