Free checklist
The air fryer buying checklist
Air fryers vary a lot in basket size, wattage, and included accessories, so it's easy to pick one that doesn't fit your kitchen or cooking habits. This checklist walks through what to check before you buy, plus the liners and accessories most people end up needing anyway.
Capacity and footprint
- Measure the counter space, including clearance for vents on the back and sides
- Check capacity in quarts/liters against how many people you cook for
- If you batch-cook or meal prep, size up rather than down
- Check the basket shape (square baskets fit more food than round ones of the same stated capacity)
Basket and tray materials
- Look for a nonstick coating rated PFOA-free
- Check if the basket and tray are dishwasher-safe
- See if the basket has a removable divider or crisper plate for cleaning access
- Avoid baskets with a mesh bottom that's hard to scrub by hand
Liners and cleanup
- Check whether parchment liners are perforated (solid liners block airflow and affect cooking)
- If buying silicone liners, confirm the size matches your basket's dimensions, not just the fryer model
- Look for liners rated for the fryer's max temperature
- Keep a few paper liners on hand for messy or saucy foods, and reusable silicone for everyday use
Controls and settings
- Decide if you want dial controls (simpler, fewer failure points) or a digital touchscreen with presets
- Check for a shake/reminder alert on models without a window
- Confirm there's a manual temperature and time override, not just presets
- If you want hands-off meals, check for a keep-warm function
Accessories worth checking for
- An oil sprayer is useful for evenly coating food without soaking liners or baskets
- Check if a rack or skewer set is included for two-level cooking
- See if a baking pan or silicone mold is available that fits the basket
- Confirm replacement parts (baskets, trays) are sold separately before you need them
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying based on wattage alone instead of checking actual capacity and basket shape
- Assuming all liners fit all fryers, when sizes and shapes vary a lot between models
- Skipping the noise level check, which matters a lot for small kitchens or apartments
Make it easier
Liners, a sprayer and a second rack: small upgrades that save the clean-up.