Air fryer buying mistakes: experts reveal what to avoid

The best Black Friday air fryer deal, an Instant Vortex air fryer,

(Image credit: Instant Pot)

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1. Going too big or too small
2. Not prioritizing ease of use
3. Disregarding cleaning and maintenance
4. Overlooking multifunctionality
4. Ignoring wattage and power
How to find air fryer deals
FAQs

last updated 29 November 2024

There's a surprising number of things to consider when purchasing an air fryer. While you can often find big deals on the best air fryer brands like Ninja, Cosori, and Philips, it's crucial to make sure you're getting the right model for your needs. After all, you don't want to fall into the common air fryer buying mistakes and find yourself scrambling for a replacement next year.

'When it comes to revolutionizing your energy bills and embracing healthier cooking alternatives, air fryer recipes have taken the culinary world by storm,' comments Sarah Johnson, home appliance expert from Big Air Fryers. 'However, amid the excitement of acquiring this versatile kitchen appliance, many buyers unwittingly make some common mistakes.'

So, before you click 'add to cart', make sure you're choosing an air fryer that suits your cooking habits, family size, kitchen space, and cleaning preferences. With the help of industry experts, I've got everything you need to know – a quick read now could save you a lot of hassle later

Air fryer buying mistakes

'By avoiding common mistakes like ignoring capacity and size, overlooking wattage and power, and neglecting safety features, you can make an informed decision and find an air fryer that aligns with the way you cook,' says Laura Arteaga, founder, writer, and content creator for Six Hungry Feet. 'Choosing the right air fryer can greatly enhance your cooking experience.'

1. Going too big or too small

Cosori Blaze II Air Fryer on the countertop with fries in the basker

'One mistake air fryer buyers often make is not paying enough attention to sizes,' says Caio Bersot, shopping expert at Rank-It. 'I've seen people frustrated about having a huge air fryer taking up too much space on their countertops, as well as people frustrated about having to cook things in multiple batches because their air fryer is too small.

A too-small air fryer limits how much you can cook, and may mean you have to cook in batches, which means things take longer. This frustration is one of the main reasons for people to stop using their air fryers altogether, says Laura Arteaga.

To avoid this, you may want to consider an air fryer that has two baskets allowing you to cook your meat in one drawer and vegetables in the other.

'On the other hand, purchasing a large air fryer may occupy excessive counter space, which can be a hassle in smaller kitchens,' adds Laura Arteaga.

Caio Bersot shares three simple questions to ask yourself in terms of picking the right size: How are you going to use it? Where do you plan to place it? How many people are in your household?

It's a personal choice and depends on the space you have available. If you're still unsure, you may like to follow recipe blogger and air fryer expert Samantha Erb's advice: 'I recommend buying an air fryer that is 5 QT and up. At that size, they’re still very affordable and you can still cook a whole chicken.'

2. Not prioritizing ease of use

'Ease of use is a critical factor in any kitchen appliance. Some buyers overlook the importance of a user-friendly control interface when selecting an air fryer,' explains Sarah Johnson.

'Look for models with intuitive controls, presets, and easy-to-read displays. This ensures a seamless cooking experience and helps you make the most of the diverse cooking options available.'

Laura Arteaga agrees, 'Look for features such as an automatic shut-off function, a cool-touch exterior, and a secure locking system to prevent accidental burns and other mishaps.

'Additionally, some air fryers come with overheating protection and non-slip feet for added safety. By prioritizing safety features, you can enjoy the benefits of air frying without compromising your well-being.'

3. Disregarding cleaning and maintenance

Another common mistake when buying an air fryer is overlooking the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. Ignoring proper care can leave your air fryer dirty or, worse, damage the basket lining, forcing you to replace it sooner than expected.

Many air fryers come with a non-stick coating that requires gentle handling. Using abrasive sponges or harsh cleaners can scratch or peel the lining, so it’s best to clean with a soft cloth or sponge. If you prefer more durable options, air fryers with stainless steel baskets can handle more wear, but they should still be soaked and cleaned with non-abrasive materials to avoid scratches.

If you want hassle-free maintenance, you might prefer to invest in the best air fryer liners or look for models with dishwasher-safe components. Brands like Cosori and Philips offer air fryers with parts that can go straight into the dishwasher, making cleanup a breeze. Just be sure to double-check the manufacturer’s instructions, as frequent dishwasher use can sometimes degrade non-stick coatings.

Taking cleaning requirements into account before purchasing will help you enjoy your air fryer for years to come.

4. Overlooking multifunctionality

'While air fryers are celebrated for their ability to create crispy delights with minimal oil, many models offer additional cooking functions. Don't make the mistake of overlooking these versatile features,' advises Sarah Johnson.

Consider air fryers with built-in capabilities such as baking, roasting, and grilling. Investing in a multifunctional appliance can save both kitchen space and the hassle of managing multiple devices. You never know when you'll want to bake a cake in the air fryer, or use it to roast vegetables when your oven is full up for Thanksgiving.

4. Ignoring wattage and power

'A final common mistake is overlooking the wattage and power of an air fryer,' explains Laura Arteaga. 'While certain budget-friendly brands may share a similar exterior aesthetic with well-known brands, their performance might not meet the
standards required for daily or weekly cooking.

'The wattage determines how quickly the air fryer can cook food and how evenly it distributes heat. However, it's important to note that higher-wattage air fryers may consume more electricity.

'Opting for a reputable brand known for its heat distribution and energy-saving features is also a wise choice.'

When to shop the best air fryer deals

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are renowned for the best air fryer deals. Major retailers will slash prices, and top kitchen brands will offer substantial discounts and bundles, making these days the perfect opportunity to grab an air fryer deal without overspending. After that, Christmas, January sales and Amazon Prime Day will bring more discounts.

When there's a sale on, I round up the best air fryer deals here (only selecting our tried, tested and respected models) so this is the first place to look!

FAQs

How can you determine the noise level of an air fryer before buying?

A quite overlooked air fryer specification is the noise level. Before buying, you can determine the noise level of an air fryer by reading product specifications or reviews online. Look for models with noise reduction features or those known for quieter operation, such as Ninja or Philips.

'Before buying an air fryer, check on the internet what other buyers have to say about the noise levels of the specific air fryer you're looking to get,' recommends Caio Bersot. 'The last thing you want is a noisy appliance in your kitchen while you're preparing dinner or, worse when trying to watch a movie while waiting for snacks.'

What size air fryer should I choose?

With so many designs and styles available, here's my guide to the different types of air fryers and which one is best for your needs.

Small air fryers (2-4 quarts): This size will suit most individuals or couples, who want make fries or snacks without taking up much counter space. They are also easy to hide away in cupboards when not in use. We always recommend square-shaped basket air fryers, since they maximize on cooking space.

Large, single-basket air fryers (6 to 7 quarts): This kind of air fryer is great for families, allowing you to cook bigger portions for around 4-5 people. They tend to come with more functions (like grilling or baking) and they naturally take up more countertop space.

Dual basket air fryers (up to 10 quarts): If you want to make a full meal in the air fryer, you need two baskets. This design allows you to cook two different dishes at once and keep the flavors separate. This suits busy families, couples, or hungry individuals.

Countertop air fry ovens (3.5 to 6 cubic feet): With traditional oven doors rather than the basket design, these ovens can typically air fry, bake, roast, and steam. They're ideal for cooking large batches, like a whole chicken or multiple trays of fries. They're often more aesthetically pleasing, too.

You'll find more information in my guide to the best air fryers of the year.

Remember, not all air fryers are created equal in terms of the quality of the wattage, components used, such as non-stick baskets, or the durability of the construction.

These can all impact the longevity and safety of the device and the ease of cooking so be sure, before buying, to check the model you choose is high quality.

'If you buy an off-brand air fryer, it can stop working after 2 months and you’re out of that money,' explains Samantha Erb. 'More well-known brands, like Ninja, Cosori, and Instant are more reputable, work more efficiently to get crispy food, and typically have a better warranty if something happens.'

Lydia is the Kitchen Appliances Editor for Homes & Gardens, testing everything from air fryers and mixers to juicers and coffee machines. She trained in Culinary Arts at Leiths School of Food & Wine and previously served as the Recipe Editor for Mindful Chef.

Air fryer buying mistakes – appliance experts reveal 4 errors to avoid