Air fryers offer a healthier path to crispy favorites by using convection heat instead of submerging food in oil. This means you can savor textures similar to deep frying while cutting added fat and calories from each serving.
Beyond health benefits, air fryers are typically simpler to use and easier to clean than traditional fryers. Many models feature nonstick baskets that wipe down quickly and are often dishwasher safe, making post-cook cleanup a breeze.
Another everyday use for the air fryer you might not expect: it becomes a kitchen staple
While price can be a factor, increasingly affordable options are available that deliver solid performance without breaking the bank.
The perfect companion for meals that shine when cooked in the air fryer
The focus here is on practical, reliable appliances that harmonize with a busy lifestyle, delivering crisp results for a wide range of foods.
Cheapest fryers according to consumer testing
The Consumer and User Organization (OCU) recently evaluated air fryers on the market, sharing findings about frying performance, durability, and energy use. A notable takeaway is that several highly rated options come with prices under 65 euros.
Among the top performers, two models from Ufesa and one from Jata stood out. The Ufesa Duet and the Fry4Two are compact, with basket capacities under half a kilo, allowing batches of potatoes to fry efficiently. They are light and portable for easy handling.
The primary differences among these models lie in price and control style: one costs around 52.99 euros and the other about 60.43 euros. The costlier option offers digital controls, while the lighter-priced model uses analog dials.
In terms of performance, these compact units excel with items like chicken wings, french fries, and spring rolls, thanks to efficient heat distribution and quick air circulation. A potential limitation is their smaller bowls, which can constrain batch size and may not yield dramatic results with more delicate dishes like quiche.
Specifically, the Jata Jefr121 often shows strong overall results while remaining compact and space-saving. However, it may fry roughly 370 grams of French fries per batch, which some users find limiting for larger gatherings. The OCUs notes emphasize that while French fries and spring rolls are not the sole strengths of these models, they perform very well for a broad range of other preparations.