Air fryers buying guide

An air fryer is a small, fast convection oven, so the useful questions are about size, cleaning and how you cook.

1. Size in quarts matters more than wattage: about 2 to 3 quarts suits one person, 5 to 6 quarts suits a family, and food needs room to crisp.
2. Basket models are compact; oven-style models with trays cook more at once but take more counter space.
3. Check whether the basket and tray are dishwasher-safe and how the non-stick coating is described; cleaning is what decides whether you keep using it.
4. Look for a temperature range that reaches at least 200 °C (400 °F) and a shake reminder or clear window.
5. Measure the counter and the space above it, since many models vent from the back or top.

Common mistake: Overfilling the basket: crowded food steams instead of crisping.