Our approach: this guide presents comparison criteria. It does not claim to be based on personal testing of a specific product.
Litres do not tell the whole story
Two baskets with the same stated volume may have very different cooking surfaces. That affects how much food can sit in a single layer, which is often important for even cooking. A wider basket may therefore be more useful than a deeper one with the same capacity.
Single or dual basket
Two drawers can cook separate foods at different times or temperatures. In return, each compartment may be narrow and the appliance will usually be wider. One large basket works better for bulky items. Choose according to the meals you actually prepare, not only the number of people in the household.
Measure the available space
Air fryers need ventilation and enough room for the drawer to open. Measure the counter while accounting for the handle, cable and clearances specified by the manufacturer. If you plan to store the appliance after each use, also consider its weight and whether the storage place is genuinely accessible.
Cleaning and coatings
Check which parts are dishwasher safe and how the area around the heating element should be cleaned. Complex baskets may trap residue. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on utensils and cleaning products to avoid damaging the coating.
Presets are only starting points
Preset programs can be convenient, but portion size, starting temperature and food placement still affect the result. Straightforward temperature and time controls may be more useful than a long list of modes you rarely select.