Air fryers are more popular than ever but it's worth considering your purchase carefully

Everyone seems to want to get their hands on an air fryer at the minute but there are some things you should consider before making a purchase.

The handy little kitchen devices can cook healthy, tasty meals in a matter of minutes. And they have taken social media by storm as people share their best tips, tricks and recipes for them on the likes of TikTok and Facebook.

When using an air fryer for the first time, it can take some trial and error to find how the machine will work best for you. Portioning can also be a problem in them if cooking for a large household.

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With these things in mind, we have collated a list of seven things that you might want to consider before buying an air fryer. From the good to the bad, we cover it all.

There is a wide range of air fryer products currently on sale from brands such as Ninja, Amazon and Phillips. Some offer various sized pots so that you can fit more in, while others come with a rotisserie option.

It is best to do your research before making a purchase as the types vary so widely. There is no point in buying one that you can't fit enough in to feed your whole family - likewise there is no point buying a massive one if it's only feeding just you.

Here is a list of the most affordable air fryers you can buy right now starting from £25.

Knowing how to clean an air fryer properly is important for several reasons, because of the numerous components you cannot get wet. It can be hazardous if not cleaned properly. While the removable parts are simple to scrub, the interior components such as the heating element and fan are almost impossible to clean thoroughly.

There has even been an air fryer cleaning 'hack' circulating online that could be doing more harm than good. It involves removing the basket and filling it with warm, soapy water before placing the basket back in the machine. Users then turn the air fryer on for three to five minutes and when complete, empty the water into the sink before scrubbing the remainder of the grease off - but it is advised not to do this.

The best way to clean an air fryer is to clean the inside using a damp cloth dipped in warm soapy water. The basket and drawer should still be removed and you should check the heating element for grease and food debris and wipe clean.

Adding an air fryer to your space is something you will need to plan for. The cooking devices can be quite bulky and take up a lot of space on the counter.

It may be best to clear a cupboard out to store it in when not in use. However, beware of touching it straight after use as air fryers can remain hot for a little while after.

Cooking food in an air fryer can take a lot of trial and error to get it right at first. Meals can cook in literally minutes so it means food can be easily burnt.

You will need to alter your cooking routine completely and hardly any packaging has air fryer cooking instructions on them yet. However, once you get it right you might never go back to a conventional oven.

The only way to see how your food is cooking is to remove the basket and have a look. However doing this too often may add some length onto the cooking time as each time you open it up you will be allowing the heat to escape. It does need opening every once in while to flip the food or give it a shake though to ensure that it all cooks evenly.

Despite the name, an air fryer does not actually 'fry' your food in the same way a deep fryer does, meaning that there is not a deep fryer taste or texture. The air fryer instead gives food the taste and texture of extra-crispy oven-baked food that is often much healthier than deep-fried food, albeit a little different.

Studies have shown that air-fried foods cut calories by 70-80% as a result of using less fat and oil. What's more, the air frying process has been shown to reduce exposure to carcinogens that result from deep frying in oil.

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