Have the air fryers been physically tested?

No. The article states that the products have not been physically tested and are evaluated on the basis of customer feedback, specifications and features.

What criteria were used in the test?

Seven criteria: cooking result, user friendliness, cleaning, functionality, capacity, noise/build quality and value for money.

Is an air fryer healthier than deep frying?

The article says research supports air fryers as a healthier alternative to frying and deep frying: fat intake can be reduced by up to 70–80 per cent, fewer harmful substances such as PAH and acrylamide are formed, and nutrients like antioxidants and vitamin C are better preserved.

What size air fryer should I choose?

It depends on how many people you cook for. A smaller air fryer suits one to two people, while a larger model is better for families – and you should measure your counter space, since larger models also need room around them for ventilation.

Airfryer Top 10 – Best Airfryer 2026! | Hardworkout Magazine

Key takeaways

- The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone 9.5 L takes best in test, scoring 25/25 for cooking result and a full 15/15 for both functionality and capacity, but only 2/5 on value for money.

- According to the article, air fryers can cut fat intake by 70–80 per cent compared with deep frying.

- The products in this ranking have not been physically tested; they are assessed on customer feedback, specifications and features across seven criteria.

- A smaller air fryer suits one to two people, while families are better served by a larger model.

We provide you with an overview of the best air fryers on the market in 2026 across various price ranges, so you can easily find one that fits your budget and needs.

What does an air fryer actually do?

An air fryer uses circulating hot air technology to create crispy and delicious dishes with minimal fat. An air fryer makes it easy to reduce fat intake, eat healthily, and prepare tasty meals in record time – perfect for those who train and want to maintain a healthy and good diet!

Read more about the criteria for the test further down in the article.

How did we test and rank the air fryers?

Hardworkout.no is committed to ensuring that the tests are independent and credible. The products have not been physically tested by us and are evaluated based on customer feedback, specifications, and features. We have focused on criteria such as cooking results, ease of use, cleaning, functionality, capacity, noise/build quality, and value for money to compile this top list.

PS: Prices and selection may vary from day to day. The prices we provide are recommended prices. Online stores often have good deals, and the products may be on sale at a lower price than what is stated here.

We strive to keep the list updated with products that are in stock at all times. Where there are multiple alternative prices, we link to several stores.

By shopping through the links in the test, you contribute to our ability to continue publishing quality-conscious tests and articles, and we greatly appreciate it if you do so. Prices are updated regularly and reflect the best prices on the market.

Best in test: [Ninja Foodi Dual Zone 9.5L](https://hardworkout.no/Ninja-Foodi-DualZoneAF-SharkNinja)

Best premium model: [OBH Nordica Easy Fry Steam+ 6.5L](https://hardworkout.no/obh-easyfry-6.5)

Best budget model: [Ninja AF180 Max Pro Airfryer 6.2 liters](https://hardworkout.no/ninja-af-maxpro-sharkninja)

Test Criteria

Cooking Result – How evenly the heat is distributed and how well the food is cooked.

User Friendliness – Screen, programs, and controls.

Cleaning – Nonstick coating, possibility for and dishwasher safe.

Functionality – Selection of programs, dual-zone, steam, defrost.

Capacity – Interior space and external dimensions.

Noise/ Build Quality – Noise level and material choice/ quality.

Value for Money – Value for the price.

What to Look for Before Purchasing an Air Fryer

There are many good air fryers on the market in various sizes, features, and prices.

Therefore, there are several things you should consider to find the best model for your use.

Which air fryer size fits your household?

How many people do you usually cook for? A smaller air fryer is suitable for 1-2 people, while a larger model is better for families.

Features/Programs

The more advanced models often have dual-zone, defrost programs, and steam functions. Consider whether you only need the most basic features or if you would benefit from the more advanced functions.

Ease of Use

A good air fryer should be easy to use, have a clear screen, and a menu that is easy to navigate. Cooking becomes even easier with machines that have preset programs.

How easy is an air fryer to clean?

Look for air fryers that have a non-stick coating and parts that are dishwasher safe. This will make it easier to maintain and keep the machine clean, saving you time.

How much space does an air fryer need on the counter?

Decide where you will place the air fryer on your kitchen counter and measure to see what you have space for. Larger models also require some space around them for adequate ventilation.

Design

Do you want a machine with simple buttons or a digital screen? Some models also have a viewing window, which makes it easier to monitor cooking without opening the drawer/door.

Price

Consider what you need and find a model that gives you the most value for your money.

This is Why an Air Fryer is a Healthier Choice

More and more people have become aware of the benefits of having an air fryer at home, and [research](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9097553/) supports that they can be a healthier alternative to both frying and deep-frying.

- Air fryers can reduce fat intake by up to 70-80% compared to deep frying.

- By using an air fryer instead of frying food in oil, fewer health-damaging substances are formed in the food. This especially applies to substances called PAH and acrylamide, which can form at high temperatures and increase health risks.

- Several studies have also shown that nutrients are better preserved when using an air fryer compared to frying. For example, antioxidants and vitamin C.

- The air fryer also makes it easier to prepare healthier and tasty meals, which support both weight loss and healthy habits.

- Indoor air quality also improves, as an air fryer creates less odor and smoke than traditional frying.

An air fryer is incredibly versatile and can be used for much more than making fries and grilled chicken.

Any food you would normally fry in a pan, oven, or deep fryer can now be prepared in the air fryer, in a healthier, faster, and tastier way!

Sources:

There’s a Surprising New Health Benefit of Cooking With an Air Fryer and It Makes Total Sense – [University of Birmingham](https://research.birmingham.ac.uk/en/clippings/theres-a-surprising-new-health-benefit-of-cooking-with-an-air-fry)

Are Air Fryers Healthy? – [Health](https://www.health.com/nutrition/are-air-fryers-healthy)

Effects of Air Frying on French Fries: The Indication Role of Physicochemical Properties on the Formation of Maillard Hazards, and the Changes of Starch Digestibility – [National Library of Medicine (NIH)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9097553/)