The Best Oil Free Fryer

Updated on 14 November 2022

After 16 hours of research, carefully analysing over 30 models and testing 10 of them, we believe that the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL HD9870/20 is the best oil-free fryer currently available.

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

Our choice, Best high-end

Philips Premium Airfryer XXL HD9870

This newer oil-free fryer stands out from the other models we tested. In total, you can cook up to 1.4 kg of chips. It is much more powerful, and it took less time to cook the various dishes at the same temperature than with other models. For example, it took only 15 minutes to get crispy fries at 180°C (with the pan half full). Of course, this is longer than with a conventional fryer, but this is the case with all air fryers. Croquettes, fish sticks, burgers and so on, we were able to cook them all properly. Finally, the only thing we can complain about is the lack of clear instructions for the price…

 

 

 

Best budget

Tristar FR-6980

This 2L mini fryer offers good value for money and is particularly suitable for single people or couples. It is very easy to use thanks to its 2 time and temperature controls.

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Tristar FR-6980

During our tests, this small oil-free fryer proved to be basic, but practical. Admittedly, it is not the most powerful and we had to wait a little longer than with other models, but it still manages to do its job. In concrete terms, it takes about 20 minutes at 200°C with 2 to 3 shakes to obtain well-cooked and golden fries. The 2 L tank can cook up to 500 g of fries at a time. The “Cool Touch” handle and the top of the appliance remain cool to avoid any risk of burning during cooking.

 

Best mid-range

Philips HD9252/90

This simple oil-free fryer is perfect for small families of up to 3 or 4 people with children. Practical, it includes useful features and cooking modes that make life easier.

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Philips Essential Airfryer HD9252

This model offers many functions such as automatic shut-off and keeping warm. Its 0.8 kg capacity allows you to cook fries for up to 2-3 people. During our tests, it took us 19 minutes at 180°C to cook Chips to a golden brown and crispy state. On the safety side, while its sides did get a little hot, they were not hot either, which is a good point for families with young children. Overall, it was fairly easy to use. Finally, we were able to stop the cooking process simply by opening it to shake out the fries, and the cooking resumed where it left off when we put the pan back in.

 

Budget alternative

Amazon Basics

Very basic, this fryer can hold up to 4 L. Its 2 knobs allow you to adjust the timing (up to 30 minutes) and the temperature (from 140 to 200°C) according to the needs of your recipes.

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Amazon Basics

With its 2 knobs, this model is very easy to use. During our tests, we found that the 4L bowl could hold up to about 1kg of fries. However, we recommend placing a maximum of 500g of fries in it, as they did not cook as well when it was full, adding up to 50% more time (i.e. from 20 to almost 30 minutes for a crispy result). It is, therefore, suitable for a maximum of 2 or 3 people. It can be used in the presence of children as the appliance remains cold, even on the sides. However, you will need an extension cord if you are not near an outlet, as the cable is very short.

 

High-end alternative

SEB Actifry Genius XL

This model stands out for its excellent cooking results. We find its 9 functions very interesting, as they allow you to prepare many healthy dishes. It is almost a multi-cooker.

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SEB AH960800 Actifry Genius XL

We recommend this model for regular use in a large household for up to 6-8 people (up to 1.7 kg of fries). Our tests have shown that it is easy to use. It can be adjusted manually or programmed with 9 different modes. Included with the purchase is a booklet with 9 recipes that can be completed via various apps. The only downside is the automatic stirring function. This works very well with large quantities of food, but not with small portions. To give you an example: our fries were cooked after 17 minutes at 180°C, but not all of them were crispy, as many were pushed rather than stirred.

 

Our selection

Our choice, Best high-endBest budgetBest mid-rangeBudget alternativeHigh-end alternative
Philips XXL HD9870/20 Tristar FR-6980 Philips HD9252/90 Amazon Basics SEB Actifry Genius XL
Offering the best efficiency/price ratio, this model is the most powerful and efficient of this selection. In addition, the appliance stays cool, so it can be used in the presence of children. This 2L mini fryer offers good value for money and is particularly suitable for single people or couples. It is very easy to use thanks to its 2 time and temperature controls. This simple oil-free fryer is perfect for small families of up to 3 or 4 people with children. Practical, it includes useful features and cooking modes that make life easier. Very basic, this fryer can hold up to 4 L. Its 2 knobs allow you to adjust the timing (up to 30 minutes) and the temperature (from 140 to 200°C) according to the needs of your recipes. This model stands out for its excellent cooking results. We find its 9 functions very interesting, as they allow you to prepare many healthy dishes. It is almost a multi-cooker.
£ 42.53 on Amazon £ 199.99 on Amazon See the price on Amazon See the price on Amazon

 

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How did we do the tests?

To test the oil-free fryers, we cooked large quantities of chips (1 kg) and then smaller quantities (about 500 g) to see if this affected the crunchiness of the chips. We also cooked croquettes (meat, cheese and shrimp). We judged the quality of the cooking (crunchy, cooked through…) after the time normally indicated.

In addition, we tested a specific recipe for the fryer (if one was available) and assessed whether the cooking time indicated was sufficient to cook the dish properly. Finally, we judged the ergonomics, practicality (of the display and programmes) and safety (heating on the sides) of the appliance itself.

 

How to choose an oil-free fryer?

Although they have been around for a long time, oil-free fryers continue to provoke heated debate. But if there is one objectively undisputed thing, it is fewer calories. An oil fryer produces 15% fat, while an oil-free fryer produces only about 3%. However, to achieve good results, you need to choose an appliance that suits your needs.

Friteuse Sans Huile

Here are the things you need to consider when selecting your ideal oil-free fryer:

  • Vat capacity: you need to estimate how many people you expect to make chips for. In general, 250 g per person is sufficient. Fryer vats can range from 700g to 1.5kg, so you need to be careful about this. Also, if you want to cook other things than fries, take this extra volume into account.

Friteuse sans huile

  • Features: the more little extra features you have, such as automatic shut-off or keep warm, the more you can concentrate on other things while cooking. Also, consider whether or not a cooking window is available. Other features such as a touch screen or a dedicated app to control the fryer remotely can make it easier to use.

Friteuse sans huile

  • Cooking options: generally, all deep fryers can cook something other than chips, and recipes are often available on free apps or in a leaflet. However, this requires the ability to accurately set the cooking power and a suitable capacity.
  • Accessories: other accessories can be provided, such as a measuring spoon for oil, a bowl separator or a timer (sometimes removable). These are simple extras, but they help in everyday life.

Friteuse sans huile

  • Ergonomics: some lightweight models can be moved around for easy storage. Others, however, are heavier and more imposing and must remain on the work surface at all times. It’s up to you to decide what suits you best. Depending on this, aesthetics are not as important.

Friteuse sans huile

 

Other recommended oil-free fryers

De’Longhi FH1394/2 (£248.26 upon publication): a 1.7 L multi-function device. It is suitable for cooking fresh or frozen food. It can cook pizzas, chips, cakes, risotto, stews, fish, meat and much more. Its rotating heat system features exclusive SHS Double Pro (Surround Heating System) technology. It has seven programmes for a wide range of preparations.

 

Other oil-free fryers tested

Severin FR 2455 (£79.00 upon publication): not practical enough. Although it is relatively efficient for its price, we have left it out of our selection because of its poor ergonomics. Indeed, during our tests, we found it inconvenient to open and close. In addition, you have to tap the touch control panel at least 5-6 times before it turns on.

Cosori XXL CP158-AF (£109.99 upon publication): a persistent unpleasant plastic smell. Because of the unpleasant smell of plastic that persisted, we cut short our tests and did not dare to taste the fries we had made. We can nevertheless confirm that this fryer does not live up to its price, as the fries were not at all golden after 18 minutes at 180°C. In addition, the power cord is far too short to be practical.

Ultenic K10 (£129.00 upon publication): a disappointing performance. In general, our tests revealed that it was always essential to increase the cooking time to what was indicated on the packaging of the food, even those specifying the time required in this type of appliance. This was the case regardless of the food, whether it was Chips, croquettes of all kinds or even a recipe provided with the appliance. Moreover, the results were not really up to our expectations: soft fries, little or no crispness, croquettes still cold in the middle, and pastries with a raw centre.

 

 

Translated by Ramsés El Hajje

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