A photo of ingredients including milk, pasta, couscous, fruit and eggs.
" data-orig-size="5711,3654" data-image-title="Landscape photo of pantry ingredients" data-image-caption="" height="486" eos="" width="760" data-medium-file="https://cupcakesandcouscous.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_8123-2.jpg?w=300" />This post is sponsored by Bash. All opinions are my own.
If this title caught your eye, then chances are you’re considering buying an air fryer– but like me, you’re totally overwhelmed by the sheer number of options out there. With so many models and sizes to choose from, it’s not as simple as just grabbing one off a store shelf. At this point I feel like one of the last people in Cape Town without an air fryer – I’m half expecting my friends to stage an intervention: “It’s time. You need an air fryer.” And honestly? With life getting busier and quick, healthy meals becoming a priority during the week, they may just be right.
We all know the perks of using an air fryer – healthier cooking with little to no oil, energy efficiency, speedy cooking times and less mess compared to frying something on the stove. But with countertop space at a premium is it really worth adding another kitchen appliance to the mix?
Ultimately I’ve realised that there’s no “one size fits all solution” here, and the air fryer you choose really depends on your needs. So, after doing some digging for myself I’ve put together a guide to help you (and hopefully me!) to find the perfect one.
Different kinds of air fryers
" data-orig-size="6000,2000" data-image-title="Air fryers" data-image-caption="" height="253" width="760" data-medium-file="https://cupcakesandcouscous.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1.jpg?w=300" data-permalink="https://cupcakesandcouscous.com/2025/03/21/how-to-pick-the-right-air-fryer/1-2/" data-orig-file="https://cupcakesandcouscous.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1.jpg" data-image-meta="{" alt="Pictures of air fryers" aperture="aperture" />Images courtesy of Bash.comSo, what exactly is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a useful kitchen appliance that uses rapidly circulating hot air to cook food, giving it a crispy texture similar to deep frying—but with way less oil. Think of it like a mini convection oven that cooks food quickly and evenly in a basket or tray. Unlike deep fryers, which fully submerge food in hot oil, air fryers use little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative.
Cooking in an air fryer versus deep frying will both give you crispy, juicy results, but air-fried food won’t have quite the same deep fried taste or texture. Using some oil spray will help you to get closer to that crunch you’re craving, but without the greasy mess and extra calories. Keep in mind that wet batters won’t work well in an air fryer, so for the best results stick with breadcrumb coatings instead.
Different models of air fryers
" data-orig-size="6000,2000" data-image-title="Air fryers" data-image-caption="" height="253" width="760" data-medium-file="https://cupcakesandcouscous.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2.jpg?w=300" data-permalink="https://cupcakesandcouscous.com/2025/03/21/how-to-pick-the-right-air-fryer/2-2/" data-orig-file="https://cupcakesandcouscous.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2.jpg" data-image-meta="{" alt="Different kinds of air fryers" aperture="aperture" />Images courtesy of Bash.comAre there different types of air fryers, and what are the pros of each?
There are indeed! Basket-style air fryers are the most common and for good reason – they’re compact, easy to use and perfect for preparing crispy foods like potato fries and chicken wings. They cook food quickly and are ideal for singles or small families.
A dual-basket air fryer could be just what you’re looking for if you need a bit more capacity and want to be able to cook two dishes at once. What I love about this option is its flexibility –you can use one basket for smaller meals, but you have the option of the second basket for those times when you’re cooking for a crowd.
Oven-style air fryers have a larger capacity, so are more suitable for larger meals. They often come with extra functions like baking, toasting and grilling – hello versatility! With multiple racks they’re great for preparing bigger meals, although they do take up a bit more counter space than their basket-style counterparts.
Teresa Ulyate preparing to make bread in her kitchen
" data-orig-size="3600,2000" data-image-title="Teresa Ulyate in the kitchen" data-image-caption="" height="422" width="760" data-medium-file="https://cupcakesandcouscous.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bash-collage-3600-x-2000.jpg?w=300" loading="lazy" data-permalink="https://cupcakesandcouscous.com/2025/03/21/how-to-pick-the-right-air-fryer/bash-collage-3600-x-2000/" data-orig-file="https://cupcakesandcouscous.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bash-collage-3600-x-2000.jpg" data-image-meta="{" alt="Lady baking in the kitchen" aperture="aperture" />
Tips and things to consider before buying an air fryer
Be sure to check the spec sheets of the models you’re comparing and consider these key features before making a final decision:
- Size matters – smaller units are perfect for singles and couples, but if you’re cooking for a family like me you’ll probably need a larger unit with more capacity.
- Power and wattage – higher wattage means faster cooking, but also a higher energy use.
- Temperature range and controls – do you prefer a digital touchscreen or manual dials?
- Accessories – would a unit with extra items like racks and trays expand your cooking options?
- Cleaning – are the parts dishwasher safe to make cleaning easier? (This is a big one for me!)
- Quality and noise levels – does the unit run quietly and is it a sturdy model that will last?
I’ve also put together a few tips before making that purchase:
- Check the dimensions of the unit to make sure it fits on your counter top.
- Consider the foods you cook most often at home and which air fryer would be best for those dishes.
- Read user reviews for more insights.
- Look for an air fryer with a good warranty.
In conclusion, choosing the right air fryer really does depend on your needs, whether that’s size, extra features or a unit that’s easy to clean. Think about how much food you’ll be cooking, which foods you’ll cook most often and how much versatility you’ll need in terms of cooking methods.
I hope this guide has given you some food for thought, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. If you’re an air fryer owner I’d love to hear your comments and tips too!