Best Air Fryer For A Family Of Four, According To Parents

Over the last few years, the best air fryers have become an absolute kitchen must-have for families, with many Mumsnet users ditching their traditional fan oven to reap the benefits of quick and easy air-fried dinners. Whether you’re cooking meals from scratch or want the convenience of frozen family favourites, air fryers are not only simple to use, but they’re also typically cheaper to run than an oven, heating up quickly and helping save money on your energy bills.

Not all kitchen gadgets are made equal, however, so if you’re seeking the best air fryer for a family of four, there are several factors to ponder – from considering the overall capacity to deciding between a single and dual air fryer. Luckily, we’ve thoroughly researched the market to seek out the best features for families, considering factors such as the range of cooking programmes, usability and ease of cleaning.

To help you find the best air fryer capable of fast and efficient meals for the whole family, we first tapped into the tried-and-tested feedback of trusted Mumsnet users, gathering their recommendations on the air fryers for four people that they rated and would happily recommend to others. We then combined Mumsnet user suggestions with research from authentic consumer reviews, the verdicts of food industry experts and consumer champions, helping us confidently recommend the best air fryers for four that you can buy today.

Looking for more Mumsnet user-approved kitchen gadgets? We also have guides to the best Ninja air fryers and best budget air fryers.

Best air fryers for a family of 4 UK: at a glance

Best overall: Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual AF500UK Air Fryer, £199
Best under £100: Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer, £65
Best dual basket: Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer AF400UK, £230
Best value dual basket: Salter Dual EK4750BLK 7.4L Air Fryer, £100
Best single basket: COSORI Air Fryer 5.5L, £59
Best for versatility: Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone Dual Air Fryer, £100

1

Best air fryer for a family of four overall

Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual AF500UK Air Fryer

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Argos Buy now from Ninja

What we like

Generous capacity
Can be used as a double or extra-large drawer by removing the central divider
Sync and match functions
Prove function

What we don't like

Heavy and bulky
No viewing windows

Key specs

Price on writing: £199 | Capacity: 10.4 litres | Dimensions: H32.7 x W49.6 x D31.6cm | Weight: 11.9kg | Power: 2470 watts

What Mumsnet users say

FestiveGrinch · Recommended product

I have the new Ninja with the Megazone and it’s brilliant, the ability to divide the cooking sections makes it much more flexible. I’d recommend it for a family definitely.

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Wbeezer · Recommended product

I've got the FlexDrawer one too, definitely better for family-sized meals.

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Our verdict

Life would be simple if everyone enjoyed the same meals, but as most parents know, the reality is somewhat different. If you’re regularly preparing two different meal types or catering for picky eaters, this versatile Ninja Foodi Flex Drawer Dual Air Fryer can be easily tailored to suit your contents.

With a generous 10.5-litre capacity, the single drawer ‘MegaZone’ can easily accommodate large family meals or up to eight portions of your favourite dishes - including chickens of up to 2kg.

Alternatively, you can split the drawer using a central divider to create two individual five-litre cooking zones - ideal for preparing a meal for the kids in one drawer and something a little more adventurous in the other. Thanks to the smart sync function, your meals can both finish at exactly the same time, so you can still sit around the table and enjoy tucking in together.

Cooking up to 65% faster than traditional fan ovens, we love the choice of seven cooking options including bake, roast and reheat, making it a versatile choice for everything from frozen family favourites to reheating leftovers quickly. There’s even a handy prove setting too if you fancy creating fakeaway pizzas at home.

Due to the central divider, you do need to be a little cautious when decanting the contents. However, thanks to the removable, dishwasher-safe parts, it’s quick and easy to clean.

Related: The best food processors for meal prep

2

Best air fryer under £100 for a family of four

Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer

Buy now from Lakeland Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Spacious dual-drawer design
Two different sized drawers
Sync and match functions
Budget-friendly alternative to Ninja

What we don't like

Reviewers found non-stick coating starts to wear off over time
Requires significant countertop space

Key specs

Price on writing: £65 | Capacity: 8 litres (5 and 3-litre drawers) | Dimensions: H40 x W36 x D31cm | Weight: 6.8kg | Power: 2700 watts

What Mumsnet users say

SorrowsPrayers · Recommended brand

I've got the Lakeland Dual Basket one. It's much cheaper than a Ninja and has been fabulous so far.

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TallulahBetty · Recommended product

We have this one, it's great. The bigger basket is good to have for a chicken and the smaller one can be used if you're only doing a few fish fingers or whatever, rather than using more energy/cleaning time on a bigger basket.

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Our verdict

If you’ve been put off by the premium price tag of Ninja air fryers, this Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer is a more affordable alternative. A dual-basket design ideal for families of four, we love the fact the eight-litre capacity is split across two different sized baskets - one large and one small, making it ideal for main courses and side dishes or a smaller alternative meal for children. To reduce the stress of juggling multiple meals, this clever air fryer can sync the finish times, even when using different temperatures or presets.

The simple touchscreen couldn't be easier to use, with intuitive presets that select the exact temperature and timings for eight common dishes including fries, steaks and chicken wings.

It’s worth mentioning that with any dual-drawer design, you’re going to need a little extra space on your countertops. Some reviewers also found the performance of the non-stick coating started to diminish over time, so we recommend you wash by hand and leave the drawers to soak to lift away any dried-on food residue after use.

3

Best dual-basket air fryer for a family of four

Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer AF400UK

Buy now from Argos Buy now from Ninja

What we like

Two large capacity drawers
Match and sync functions
Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
High performance - up to 75% faster than a traditional fan oven

What we don't like

Heavy and bulky
No viewing windows

Key specs

Price on writing: £230 | Capacity: 9.5 litres | Dimensions: H32.5 x W41.5 x D27cm | Weight: 8.8kg | Power: 2470 watts

What Mumsnet users say

Sparklingbrook · Recommended product

I have the Ninja Foodi AF400UK 9.5L Dual-Zone Air Fryer, it's great, we hardly put the oven on now. Got it from John Lewis and it's got great reviews on there.

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JudgeRindersMinder · Recommended product

I have this one too. Got it a few months ago and haven’t switched the oven on since! Cooked a full Sunday roast in it today.

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Our verdict

Ninja is the leading brand for air fryers, and although they’ll set you back a little more, Mumsnet users agree that you certainly get what you pay for. Coming highly praised on our Talk boards and with thousands of glowing reviews from consumers, the Ninja Dual Zone AF400 is one of the best Ninja air fryers you can buy today.

With six cooking programmes including air fry, roast, and bake, plus a generously sized dual-drawer design, it can easily accommodate meals for a family of four. What's more, Ninja claims it can cook up to 75% faster than a traditional fan oven, saving you time and money on your energy bills.

While we wish there were viewing windows to see the contents during cooking, we love the combination of two large 4.75-litre drawers that can be used independently or at the same time. Whatever meals you’re making - regardless of the programme, temperature or timings - you can match both drawers or sync the finish time, allowing you to all sit down and eat together.

The 9.5-litre overall capacity provides ample space to feed the entire family, whether that's a roast dinner for everyone to share or two unique meals that cater for food preferences and dietary requirements.

As with any dual-drawer design, it's quite a bulky item to move and lift, and with a relatively short power cable, you do need to consider its location carefully. Cleaning up couldn’t be easier, however, with fully removable parts that can be quickly refreshed in your dishwasher.

Related: The best bread maker for fresh loaves

4

Best value dual air fryer for a family of four

Salter Dual EK4750BLK 7.4L Air Fryer

Buy now from Argos See options from Amazon Buy now from Currys

What we like

Capacity for three to four portions
Lighter and more portable than some other dual basket models
Six cooking functions
Sync and match functions

What we don't like

Some reviewers felt the instructions were not detailed enough
Hand wash only

Key specs

Price on writing: £100 | Capacity: 7.4 litres | Dimensions: H28 x W35 x D39cm | Weight: 6.65kg | Power: 2400 watts

What Mumsnet users say

summerlovingvibes · Recommended brand

I have a dual basket Salter and love it!

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Our verdict

An impressive dual air fryer with an affordable price tag, this Salter 7.4-litre model is well suited to families of four, with a compact and portable design that is lighter and less bulky than some other dual-drawer designs.

It has an adjustable temperature and timer that can be set for durations of up to 60 minutes, and we love the sync and match functions that allow you to prepare two dishes simultaneously - whatever your meals of choice. You can even briefly pause the heat if required - a useful tool if your food cooks a little faster than expected.

While it uses a simple touchscreen to operate, some reviewers felt the instructions were lacking in detail. As such, it may take some time get up to speed with the full range of six cooking programmes including air fry, roast and reheat. The brand also recommends that you wash the drawers by hand, leaving them to soak in warm soapy water if required.

5

Best single-drawer air fryer for families

COSORI Air Fryer 5.5L

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Easy to use
Handy presets for common meals
Recipe book included for inspiration
Medium capacity
Compact footprint

What we don't like

Some families may prefer a dual-drawer design
Capacity on the smaller side for large families
Less powerful than some Ninja models

Key specs

Price on writing: £59 | Capacity: 5.5 litres | Dimensions: H29.9 x W36.4 x D32.1cm | Weight: 5.44kg | Power: 1700 watts

What Mumsnet users say

TheBitterBoy · Recommended product

We have the Cosori 5.5L here. It's great, easy to use, easy to clean, takes up very little space. We've had it three months or so and I'm very happy with it.

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Our verdict

Reviewed by MNHQ editor Natasha Gregson: Read our in-depth Cosori Air Fryer 5.5L review

If you're looking for a more compact model that can be left out on your countertops without taking up valuable space, this single-drawer Cosori is a practical choice. With a budget-friendly price tag of just £59, it has a mid-range capacity of 5.5 litres, enough for three to four portions of your favourite meals.

While some families may prefer the flexibility of a dual-drawer design, this affordable air fryer has a simple touchscreen that is intuitive to use, even for beginners. There's a wide range of presets for everything from fries to steaks, taking the pressure out of family mealtimes by automatically setting the right temperature and timings.

When we tested it out, we also loved having the freedom to set the temperature and timings manually, as well as the handy preheat setting, which got warm and ready to use in just five minutes. While it’s not quite as powerful as some Ninja air fryers, it can still cook around 50% faster than your traditional fan oven, helping keep those spiralling energy bills under control.

Related: The best microwaves for family kitchens

6

Best versatile air fryer for a family of four

Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone Dual Air Fryer

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Argos

What we like

Can be used as a single or double-drawer
Large capacity
SyncCook and SyncFinish features
Dishwasher-safe parts
Eight cooking programmes

What we don't like

Relatively small surface area - so you may need to shake high-volume foods like fries regularly during cooking

Key specs

Price on writing: £100 | Capacity: 8.5 litres | Dimensions: H31.7 x W40.3 x D38.4cm | Weight: 7.1kg | Power: 1700 watts

What Mumsnet users say

dubyalass · Recommended brand

I have the Instant Vortex Plus and really like it, although I've only had it a short while.

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Ohyesthankyouglitter · Recommended product

I've got the Instant Vortex VersaZone. Got given it for Christmas (didn't particularly want one) and now use it every day, love that you can fit whole baking trays in there or just use one half.

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Our verdict

You may know the brand predominantly for their handy Instant Pot multi-cookers, which can also act as a slow cooker, sauté pan, and steamer, but they’re now also taking the air frying world by storm. A cheaper alternative to our top pick Ninja, this Instant Vortex Plus is a versatile choice for families, offering eight different cooking modes including air fry, bake, roast, grill, reheat and dehydrate.

With a large 8.5-litre capacity, you can easily cook an entire family meal such as a roast chicken or fish using the single basket, or split it into two separate 4.2-litre zones with different controls for each basket.

Some reviewers found they needed to shake foods such as fries regularly during cooking. However, it does offer the flexibility to match programmes and sync end times, reducing the juggle as you try and accommodate different tastes, meals and dietary requirements.

We love the safety features such as overheat protection and auto shut off, combined with dishwasher-safe non-stick cooking baskets and trays that make cleaning up a breeze.

Related: The best Instant Pots

What’s the best size air fryer for a family of four?

When choosing an air fryer for a family of four, we recommend opting for a capacity of five litres or more - although most Mumsnet users agree that bigger is better. For the most versatile choice, look for air fryers with a capacity of between five and ten litres, serving up to eight portions of your favourite foods.

Dual air fryers are popular with families, largely due to their ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously while syncing finish times so the family can all eat together. This can be particularly helpful for families with picky eaters or specific dietary requirements.

For additional freedom, models with a variable drawer can be a great all-rounder, allowing you to serve smaller portions when needed or convert to a ‘mega drawer’ for larger family feasts or entertaining friends.

Related: The best sous vide for adventurous home cooks

What to look for when choosing the best family air fryer

Capacity – Perhaps the most important, you should consider the overall capacity of the air fryer and whether this is in a single drawer or split into a dual or convertible basket design. While single drawers are ideal for smaller households or families who all eat the same foods, you may prefer a larger or dual-drawer design to accommodate different tastes and preferences.
Size - How much space do you have on your kitchen countertops? Dual-drawer designs are often substantial in size and are heavy to move around when needed. Others are more compact with a smaller footprint that can be left out on display.
Number of cooking modes - What other cooking programmes does the air fryer offer? As well as being able to cook family favourites from frozen and a generous helping of french fries, options such as reheating and roasting can be a great addition for families.
Presets - Does the air fryer have presets to take the stress out of meal times? Automatically setting the desired temperature and timings, these programmes can be great for those who are new to the world of air frying.
Match and sync features - For dual air fryers, double check for a match and sync function, allowing you to sync finish times, even when preparing unique dishes in each drawer.
Ease of cleaning - How easy is the air fryer to clean? Not all air fryers have dishwasher-safe parts, with non-stick coatings that may need to be washed by hand to prolong their lifespan. Others have removable parts and doors, dishwasher-safe drawers and even cleaning brushes included, which can make it quick and easy to restore to its former glory after use.

Related: The best pressure cookers

Are air fryers energy efficient?

Air fryers are often praised for their energy efficiency, with Ninja claiming most of their models are between 50% and 65% quicker than a traditional fan oven.

Thanks to their smaller size, lower wattage and shorter heat-up times, they use far less energy than a fan oven overall, making them a more cost-effective alternative for family mealtimes.

How we chose the best air fryer for a family of four

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users

Mumsnet users love air fryers - especially when it comes to family mealtimes. As such, there are many discussions on the Mumsnet forums about air frying, whether that’s the best meals to make, tips, tricks and hacks, and the best air fryers for the job.

First up, we sought out the trusted opinions of discerning Mumsnet users to get their feedback on the air fryers for four people that they rate, recommend and use in their own homes. We also sought out their must-have features for families, as well as any frustrations users had with their current model.

Expert opinions

Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the air fryers we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace, including those recommended by food experts, chefs and consumer champions.

Authentic consumer reviews

Finally, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Lakeland, and Argos to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.

Related: The best soup makers

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in family and kitchen product reviews and round-ups. Having written reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising expert guidance and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.

First introduced to air fryers during lockdown, Lucy is an air fryer convert thanks to her own Ninja, and enjoys tucking into everything from steaks to jerk chicken, combined with her favourite herby roast potatoes. She’s also written numerous Mumsnet Swears By guides on air fryers, including the best dual air fryers, best budget air fryers, and best air fryer microwave combos, along with many other kitchen appliance round-ups.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.

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