Key Takeaways
- Air Fryers are generally healthier alternatives to deep frying, and can reduce your calorie intake by 70% to 80% compared to deep frying.
- Air fryers come in different types and models; the best one depends on your household size, cooking habits, available kitchen space, and budget.
- Entry-level air fryers cost from under S$50, while premium models can cost S$500 or more.
- When choosing an air fryer, consider its price, capacity, wattage, functions, ease of cleaning, and safety features.
Air fryers have evolved from niche kitchen gadgets into a popular household appliance.
Whether you’re preparing crispy chicken wings, reheating leftovers, or cooking a quick dinner, air fryers offer a more convenient and healthier alternative to deep fryers.
However, finding the best air fryer in Singapore isn’t always straightforward. With numerous brands such as Philips, Ninja, Mayer, Tefal, and Cornell offering different models, capacities and cooking functions, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we compare some of the best air fryers in Singapore, including compact models, dual-basket designs, glass air fryers and budget-friendly options. We’ll also cover the key things to look out for so that you can make an informed decision.
What Is an Air Fryer and How Does It Work?
An air fryer is a cooking appliance that works like a deep fryer.
However, instead of submerging your food in oil, it circulates hot air around it, producing a crispy exterior similar to deep frying (but with little or no added oil).
Because air frying requires significantly less added oil, this reduces the fat and calorie content of your food by 70% to 80%. So, air frying is generally healthier than traditional deep frying.
That said, whether or not air frying is healthy depends on what you eat. For example, air frying junk food doesn’t necessarily make it healthier.
Besides frying, many modern air fryers can roast, bake, grill and reheat food, making them versatile additions to the kitchen.
Types of Air Fryers
#1. Basket-Style Air Fryers
Basket-style air fryers are the most common type, featuring a removable cooking basket that slides into the appliance.
They’re generally compact, straightforward to operate and easy to clean. Popular examples include the Philips air fryer range and Mayer’s compact air fryer models. That said, since most have only one basket, you may need to cook dishes in multiple batches.
Best Small Air Fryers
| Brand and model | Approx. price | Capacity | Wattage | Key features |
| Ninja Air Fryer (AF100) | S$129 | 3.8L | 1,500W | Four cooking functions, Ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe basket |
| Philips 1000 Series (NA120/09) | S$78 to S$98 | 4.2L | 1,500W | 12 cooking methods, RapidAir technology, non-stick plate for quick and easy cleanup |
| PowerPac Mini Air Fryer (PPAF636A) | S$49.90 | 3L | 1,200W | Compact design, large viewing window, easy cleaning |
#2. Dual-Basket Air Fryers
Dual-basket air fryers are ideal for households that regularly prepare two dishes at once. Their independent cooking compartments let you cook different foods at separate temperatures, reducing the need to prepare meals in batches.
However, they are larger and take up more countertop space than single-basket models.
Best Dual-Basket Air Fryers
| Brand and model | Approx. price | Capacity | Wattage | Key features |
| Ninja Double Stack XL (SL451) | S$359 | 9.5L | 2,470W | Six cooking functions, smart technology and controls, ceramic-coated, 100% PFAS-free |
| Tefal Dual Easy Fry & Grill (EY905B) | S$229 | 8.3L | 2,700W | Eight cooking programmes, sync mode so both drawers finish at the same time |
| Philips Airfryer 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket (NA462/79) | S$348 to S$388 | 10L | 2,750W | 13 cooking methods, PFAS-free ceramic coating, RapidAir technology |
#3. Air Fryer Ovens
An air fryer oven combines the functions of an air fryer and countertop convection oven. Unlike basket-style models, these appliances usually feature a front-opening door and removable cooking racks.
They generally offer more flexible cooking arrangements for baking, roasting and preparing larger food items. The main drawback is that they are bulkier than conventional air fryers and take longer to preheat. Since they have multiple racks and trays, cleaning can be more troublesome.
Best Air Fryer Ovens
| Brand and model | Approx. price | Capacity | Wattage | Key features |
| Cornell Air Fryer Oven (CAFE16L) | S$70 to S$79 | 16L | 1,360W | Five heating modes, hot-air circulation, 60-minute timer, removable crumb tray |
| Cornell Air Fryer Oven (CAFE25L) | S$143 | 25L | 1,500W | Five heating modes, turbo convection, fermentation and defrost functions, double-glazed door |
| Mayer 24L Air Fryer Oven (MMAO24) | S$229 | 24L | 1,550 to 1,850W | Five heating functions, double-glass door, top and bottom heating elements |
| Electrolux UltimateTaste 700 AirFry Oven (EOT5622XFG) | S$269 to S$299 | 56L | 2,200W | AirFry function, convection cooking, rotisserie, grilling, baking and fermentation |
#4. Glass Air Fryers
A glass air fryer uses heat-resistant glass cooking containers instead of conventional coated metal baskets, allowing you to monitor food as it cooks without repeatedly opening the tray.
Unlike traditional metal air fryers, which commonly use a non-stick coating known as PTFE (or Teflon) to prevent food from sticking, glass air fryers generally have uncoated glass cooking surfaces.
In recent years, concerns have emerged about potential health risks associated with the non-stick coatings used in some traditional air fryers. If you prefer to avoid these coatings, a glass air fryer may be a better option.
However, glass air fryers are heavier, bulkier, and more fragile than metal baskets. They can also become hot during cooking and require careful handling as they lack exterior insulation.
Best Glass Air Fryers
| Brand and model | Approx. price | Capacity | Wattage | Key features |
| Ninja CRISPi (FN101) | S$299 | 1.4L and 3.8L | 1,700W | PFAS-free glass containers, four cooking functions, removable containers for cooking and storage |
| Mayer Digital Glass Air Fryer (MMGAF539D) | S$99 to S$119 | 5.5L | 1,200W | Borosilicate glass basket, seven preset functions |
| Ninja CRISPi Pro Glass Air Fryer (AS101) | S$499 | 2.3L/5.7L | 2,050W | Six cooking functions, interchangeable containers |
#5. Ceramic Air Fryers
Like glass air fryers, ceramic air fryers use a ceramic non-stick coating instead of PTFE.
That said, ceramic coatings can wear down or lose their non-stick properties over time. Also, not all ceramic-coated air fryers are PTFE-free, so check the manufacturer’s label before buying.
Best Ceramic Air Fryers
| Brand and model | Approx. price | Capacity | Wattage | Key features |
| Ninja Air Fryer (AF100) | S$129 | 3.8L | 1,500W | Four cooking functions, auto-adjust fan, easy-to-clean ceramic coating |
| Mayer CrispPRO Digital (MMAF450D) | S$79 | 4.5L | 1,300 to 1,500W | Digital touchscreen, eight presets |
| Mayer 6.5L Ceramic Digital Air Fryer (MMAF650D) | S$149 to S$159 | 6.5L | 1,600W | 12 preset menus, overheating PFOA/PFOS-free ceramic-coated basket protection, |
| Philips Airfryer 4000 Series Stacked Dual Basket (NA462/79) | S$348 to S$388 | 10L | 2,750W | 13 cooking methods, PFAS-free ceramic coating, RapidAir technology |
Pro tip: Use a buy now, pay later (BNPL) service to split your purchases into interest-free instalments with Atome or Grab PayLater, so that you can manage your cash flow better.
How to Choose the Right Air Fryer
Finding the best air fryer involves more than comparing brands and prices. Here are four important factors to consider.
#1. Size and Capacity
Measured in litres, your air fryer’s capacity determines how much food you can prepare in one batch. Below is a general rule of thumb for choosing the right capacity for your household.
| Household size | Recommended capacity |
| 1 to 2 people | 2L to 4L |
| 3 to 4 people | 5L to 7L |
| 5+ people | 7L+ |
A mini air fryer with a capacity of around 2L to 3L is usually sufficient for preparing small meals or snacks. For families, look for around 5L to 6L.
However, capacity isn’t everything. Basket shape and usable cooking surface also matter, especially when you need to arrange food in a single layer or you have limited kitchen space. So check the appliance’s dimensions before purchasing.
#2. Power and Wattage
An air fryer’s wattage determines how quickly it heats up and how fast it recovers temperature when you open the basket to stir your food.
For example, a higher-wattage air fryer heats up and recovers heat faster, allowing you to cook your food much faster as well.
Air fryers typically range from about 1,200W to 2,500W, with some large dual-basket models reaching 2,700W or more.
Higher-wattage models may heat faster or offer larger cooking chambers, but they may also use more electricity.
For most everyday cooking needs, a well-designed air fryer rated between 1,400W and 1,800W can be sufficient.
#3. Functions
Modern air fryers offer several cooking functions beyond basic controls such as timer and temperature settings, including preset cooking programmes for dishes such as chips/fries, chicken, fish, and vegetables.
Some also offer additional functions such as baking, grilling, dehydrating, and even dual-zone cooking for cooking two separate dishes at different settings.
#4. Coating and Safety
As mentioned, air fryers commonly feature non-stick-coated metal baskets, ceramic-coated components or glass cooking containers.
For easier maintenance, look for removable parts, dishwasher-safe baskets and durable cooking surfaces.
If you’re concerned about the health effects of non-stick coatings, consider a glass or ceramic air fryer, or a model labelled PFAS- and PTFE-free.
Conclusion
So, which air fryer should you buy? The answer depends on your household size, cooking habits, available kitchen space and budget.
For families, dual-basket air fryers offer a practical balance of capacity and convenience. If you regularly prepare multiple dishes, they may suit your needs better.
Meanwhile, buyers who prefer air fryers with no chemicals can consider a glass air fryer. For smaller households and budget-conscious shoppers, a regular air fryer may be sufficient.
Ultimately, look beyond capacity, wattage, and cooking presets. Consider how often you’ll use your air fryer, how easy it is to clean, whether it fits your kitchen and the meals you typically prepare.
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