How To Choose the Best Air Fryer in 2026

Delivering hot, crispy snacks in a matter of minutes, an air fryer is the perfect appliance for modern life. But with so many options out there, it can be tricky to decide what to buy.  

This guide explains everything you need to know about air fryers, including essential features and accessories. We’ll help you find the best air fryer to suit your needs, with top-ranked air fryer recommendations and buying advice from Myer’s expert team.

More than mere novelty, air fryers turn out perfectly golden results without the need to heat up the oven or bring a vat of oil up to temperature. Whether it’s a quick lunch, an easy midweek dinner or a last-minute snack, it’s the kind of appliance that earns its place on the bench.

Here’s why air fryers have become a kitchen essential:

• Speed: They preheat in seconds and cook significantly faster than a conventional oven.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less electricity, making them a cost-conscious choice.
• Less heat and hassle: No heating up the whole kitchen and no waiting around for ages for the oven to get going.

Not sure which air fryer is the best? Here, we’ll bring you up to speed on the different types of air fryers so you can find the perfect option for your kitchen.

If you’re making quick solo meals, you’ll probably be fine with a small air fryer that doesn’t take up too much bench space. Big families, on the other hand, tend to benefit from larger air fryers with multiple compartments.  

Here’s a simple guide to air fryer sizes:

• Small (1–3L): Best for singles or couples, with a compact footprint that suits smaller kitchens.
• Medium (4–5L): Offers enough space for everyday cooking, whether it’s a whole chicken or a generous serve of chips.
• Large (6L+): A great choice for families or batch cooking. Dual-drawer models are handy for preparing multiple dishes at once. The biggest air fryers also often come with extra cooking functions – perfect for creative cooks.

With so many models on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here’s what to keep in mind when comparing your options:

• Capacity: Measured in litres, this should match your household size and cooking habits.
• Wattage: Higher wattage generally means faster cooking. Most air fryers sit between 1400W–2000W.
• Preset cooking functions: Handy for beginners or quick meals, with one-touch settings for things like chips, chicken or vegetables.
• Dishwasher-safe parts: Removable baskets or trays that can go in the dishwasher make clean-up easier.
• Non-stick coating: A practical choice for easy cleaning.

A little regular care goes a long way in maintaining performance. Here are a few easy tips to follow:

• Clean after every use: A quick wipe-down helps prevent grease build-ups. The cleanest air fryers run efficiently while keeping flavours fresh.
• Wash the basket and drawer: Use warm soapy water or pop them in the dishwasher if the manual says it’s safe.
• Wipe the interior: A damp cloth is all you need.
• Check the heating element: A gentle clean with a soft brush every now and then helps remove residue.
• Never submerge the main unit: Always spot clean the exterior and keep the electrical components dry.

Air fryers are generally considered a healthier alternative to deep frying because they use little to no oil to achieve a crispy texture. This can significantly reduce the overall fat content of your meals.  

The healthiest air fryers also provide additional cooking functions such as steaming, making it easy to prepare delicious low-calorie meals. While results can vary depending on the ingredients, air frying is a simple way to enjoy classic favourites with a lighter touch.

The best option for a family typically comes down to capacity and flexibility. Larger models, usually around 6–10 litres, are better suited to cooking full meals in one go rather than working in batches.

Dual drawer air fryers are especially popular for families, as they let you cook two different dishes at once with separate settings. When shopping online, reading air fryer reviews can help you get a model that suits your family perfectly.

Yes, air fryers are generally considered energy efficient, especially for everyday cooking. Because they heat up quickly and have a smaller cooking space, they use less electricity than a conventional oven and often cook food faster. The smallest air fryers can help to reduce electricity costs over time.

That said, efficiency depends on how you use them. Air fryers are most cost-effective for single meals or smaller portions, while a full oven may still be the better choice when cooking large batches at once.

How much you spend on an air fryer depends on what you need from it. Entry-level models start at around $100 and cover the basics. Mid-range air fryers, typically between $100 and $250, tend to offer the best balance of size and features. If you’re after larger capacities or multi-function features, premium models above $250 offer more flexibility.

To find an affordable air fryer and take advantage of air fryer deals, visit Myer’s air fryer sale page.

Air fryers are incredibly versatile, but they’re not suited to everything. They work best for foods that benefit from dry heat, such as roasting and crisping. If you need to quickly prepare vegetables, meats and frozen favourites, an air fryer is a godsend.  

However, recipes with a lot of liquid, like soups or stews, aren’t suitable. Air fryers also don’t handle wet batters particularly well. Think of an air fryer as a complement to your kitchen, rather than a complete replacement for every appliance.