10 Best Air Fryers That Are Lifesavers For Weeknight Family Dinners
From chic glass designs to multi-cook options with different presets, these air fryers take the fuss out of prepping meals for the fam
By Dawn Pillay -
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Ever since I got my first air fryer in 2019, it’s become one of my top go-to appliances in the kitchen. Especially with a husband who gyms regularly and cares deeply about his protein intake, it’s so easy to whip up quick and yummy meals for him and the family with this appliance.
Mix up a marinade, let chicken breast chunks (or any other protein of your choice) sit in the marinade for half an hour or so, pop it in the air fryer for up to 20 minutes, add a side of rice and veggies, and your dinner is ready to be served.
It can even be used to make my family’s favourite chocolate lava cakes within 15 minutes! There’s so much an air fryer can do that has made it a must-have in every kitchen.
If you’re looking for an air fryer for those quick weeknight dinners or even desserts, check out the best ones we’ve found below!
1. Best Multi-Cook Air Fryer For Big Families
Philips 3000 Series, 9L, from $261
My mother-in-law just bought this air fryer, and it’s been pretty cool seeing how she’s been cooking meals for the family with it. With its generous 9L capacity and two basket drawers, she’s able to cook two dishes at a time for the whole family, saving time on cooking.
This Philips air fryer also lets you synchronise cook times so both dishes can be ready at the same time, ensuring that food stays nice and hot for serving at one go. There are eight different cooking presets and 12 cooking functions to cater to your needs, but the best part is the complementary Philips app that provides a variety of recipes you can try cooking with your appliance.
How much: From $261
2. Best Affordable Air Fryer For Small Families
Mayer MMAF88 Air Fryer, 3.5L
This entry-level, no-frills Mayer air fryer has been a staple in my kitchen for at least three years and counting. Perfect for small families with its 3.5L capacity, it’s easy to use with two knobs that allow you to easily select the temperature and cook time.
It’s also super easy to clean with its removable basket. Simply give the external surface a wipe down with a handy kitchen wipe after each use to keep it clean and looking brand new.
How much: From $78
3. Best Multi-Cook Air Fryer For Small Families
Ninja Foodi AF300, 7.6L
Looking for an air fryer that’s not too big but is still able to cook two dishes at a time? This Ninja Foodi air fryer comes with a 7.6L capacity and two basket drawers, so you’re able to cook two dishes with different cook methods at the same time.
Air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and more, enjoy multiple cook methods with one device. It can also synchronise cook times for each basket so your main and side dishes are ready at the same time
How much: From $399.99
4. Best Energy-Saving Air Fryer
Tefal Easy Fry Max Digital Air Fryer, 5L
Known for its energy-saving feature, the Tefal air fryer enables you to save up to 70% energy when cooking with it. The basket has a 5L capacity that allows you to fit and roast a whole chicken, and cook bigger portioned dishes for a family of up to six. (Reviewers have mentioned that this air fryer is perfect for their family of four!)
There are 10 auto-cooking programmes loaded in this versatile device that you can select via the digital touchscreen, making cooking more seamless and accessible.
How much: From $98
5. Best Glass Air Fryer for Small Families
Bruno Glass Air Fryer, 3.6L, from $238
Featuring an innovative see-through glass design and a 3.6L capacity, this Bruno air fryer is great for families of two or three. Easily select from the cooking modes via the digital touchscreen, set your time and temperature, and you’re good to go.
We also like how the transparent borosilicate glass basket design lets you see your food as it cooks, so you’re able to keep an eye on when your meal is ready. And if you’re the type that prefers cooking your food in glass, ceramic or stainless steel, instead of the usual non-stick baskets, this is the one to go for.
How much: From $238
6. Best Mid-Sized Glass Air Fryer
La Gourmet Glass Air Fryer, 5.5L
Need an air fryer with a bigger capacity that has a see-through borosilicate glass basket? This mid-sized La Gourmer Air Fryer might be just what you’re looking for.
Make cooking a breeze with this air fryer featuring a 5.5L capacity, great for bigger families, as well as temperature and timer controls.
It also comes with a grill rack and silicone pad accessories to help with better heat distribution.
How much: From $141
7. Best Affordable Air Fryer for Big Families
GreenPan Bistro Collection XL Airfryer, 7.2L
best air fryer greenpan
For those looking to meal prep and batch cook, or simply require a bigger air fryer that lets you cook more volume of food at one go, don’t miss out on the GreenPan Bistro Collection XL Airfryer.
It’s huge 7.2L basket lets you cook more food at a time, with 11 convenient presets for you to choose from, including fries, chicken, vegetables, frozen food and more. There’s even pre-heat and keep warm functions available too - perfect for busy multi-tasking moms or dads.
For how sizable it is, compared with the features and cost, it’s one of the more affordable air fryers for bigger families too.
How much: From $129
8. Best Affordable Glass Air Fryer For Small Families
Toyomi ClearView Air Fryer, 3.5L
Available in a lovely mint green shade, the Toyomi ClearView Airfryer is another borosilicate glass air fryer not to skip over. It’s affordable and aesthetically pleasing while being functional and easy to use with up to 12 presets to choose from, including defrost, toast, steak, dried fruits and more.
The 3.5L capacity is good for smaller families, and it has a sleek touchscreen control, so you don’t have to worry about having to clean unnecessary knobs.
How much: From $80.90
9. Best Air Fryer with Cake Baking Mode For Big Families
Sona Digital Air Fryer, 7.2L
Sleek, generously sized, and with eight preset cook modes, the Sona Digital Air Fryer is a good option for big families. It’s easy to use with eight cook modes to select from, based on what you’d like to cook at the moment.
For those who don’t have an oven at home but would love to bake, the cook modes even include ‘cake’ for baking cakes, and ‘dry fruits’, so you can easily whip up dehydrated strawberry chips and more.
Another cook mode available is the steak mode that lets you conveniently cook up a steak to eat - great news for steak lovers!
How much: From $100
10. Best Aesthetic and Affordable Glass Air Fryer
La Gourmet Crystalline Air Fryer, 4L
Available in gold hardware and five colours to suit any kitchen theme - black, cream, red, pink, and mint green - the La Gourmer Crystalline Air Fryer will make a pretty addition to your countertop.
It’s fuss-free and easy to use with two knobs to select your temperature and cook times, and let’s not forget about the trendy (and non-toxic) borosilicate glass basket that lets you see your food as it cooks!
How much: From $99