The single-basket air fryer was one of the first air fryers that I reviewed. In fact, this single-basket air fryer - the Swan Retro 6ltr Manual Air Fryer (UK) - was the very first air fryer that I owned. Now it's time for an upgrade.
A single-basket air fryer has one pull-out basket, making it easy to shake small quantities of food, such as fries and vegetables. They generally come up a lot smaller than dual-drawer and air fryer ovens, making them a suitable countertop appliance for the more compact apartment. Their space-saving design, though, means that they can have a tiny capacity of just 2qts / 2ltrs, which can be super limiting to the types of food that you can cook. While the single-basket air fryer that I had in my kitchen had a capacity of 6.3 qt / 6ltrs, I struggled to cook enough fries for two, let alone anything else. There was no way that I could fit a 14-inch pizza into the drawer either unless I was to cook half of it, which, let's face it, I wasn't going to do.
So, I've landed at the conclusion that now is the time for an air fryer upgrade, and below are my top picks for how to get more bang for your air fryer buck.
- Single basket air fryers: save up to 50% on Instant Pot & more
- Dual basket air fryers: prices from $119.99
- Air fryer ovens: limited time deals on Cosori and Ninja
Dual basket air fryers
The dual-basket air fryer is the same design as the single-basket air fryer, but instead of one drawer, it has two. This functionality of a dual drawer means that you can cook two different food types at the same time or for different temperatures and durations.
Air fryer ovens
This type of air fryer is a similar size to a microwave and is one that can comfortably cook a pizza or roast a chicken. It retains all the healthy and cost-saving benefits of an air fryer whilst saving money on the running costs of your convection oven.
The design of the air fryer oven is a single door instead of a drawer and comes with shelving rather than a basket.
Air fryer upgrade: my verdict
I'd say that the air fryer oven is the one that appeals to me the most due to its design. I have a growing family and like to cook from one appliance (where I can) whilst saving money, so it'll suit my lifestyle perfectly.
It is for the more confident air fryer enthusiast who has the countertop space, though. They do tend to cost a bit more money than the dual drawer air fryer, too, averaging between $200 - 250.
The dual drawer air fryer is a good step up from the single air fryer basket, which will give you a larger capacity whilst retaining the design features you are more familiar with. These will set you back between $150 - 200.
