An air fryer is on many wish lists: chips, chicken or vegetables come out crispy with little or no oil. But is it also a good gift? Here you will find out who it suits, what to look for when buying and which appliance we recommend.
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1. Who is an air fryer a good gift for?
- Families: Several portions at once, ready quickly, also for children's favourites such as chips or nuggets.
- Working people: Little preparation, hardly any effort, a meal is ready fast.
- Couples and singles: Practical for small portions too, without heating up the whole oven.
- Anyone who likes trying new things: Depending on the appliance, besides chips you can also roast, bake, reheat or dehydrate.
It is less suitable for people who hardly cook or have very little worktop space. The appliance needs a fixed place near a socket.
2. What is the difference to a normal deep fryer?
An air fryer cooks with hot, quickly circulating air instead of in an oil bath. As a result it needs much less oil or none at all. The results are crispy but do not taste exactly like classic deep-fried food. Anyone who knows that is rarely disappointed.
3. What to look for when buying
- Size: The more people, the larger the capacity should be. For families, appliances with several litres are worthwhile.
- One or two compartments: With two separate compartments you can prepare a main dish and a side at the same time, each with its own temperature and time.
- Functions: Air frying is enough for many. If you want more, look for roasting, baking, reheating or dehydrating.
- Cleaning: Non-stick baskets are easier to clean. Please follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
- Space: Measure beforehand where the appliance is going to stand.
4. Our recommendation: Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone
The Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone has two independent cooking compartments with a total of 9.5 litres and 6 functions: air frying, Max Crisp, roasting, baking, reheating and dehydrating. With the sync function both compartments finish at the same time, for example chips and chicken. The baskets are non-stick, and according to the product details tongs are included.
👉 View Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone
5. An alternative for grill fans: Tefal OptiGrill+ XL
The Tefal OptiGrill+ XL is not an air fryer but a contact grill. It suits anyone who prefers to grill steak, vegetables or sandwiches: 9 cooking programmes, doneness indicator and 800 cm² grill surface (according to the manufacturer). It needs space on the worktop and the plates have to be cleaned after use.
6. Tips for giving it
- Clarify the space beforehand: Casually ask whether there is room on the worktop.
- Try it out together: A first shared cooking evening turns the appliance into an experience.
- Give together: For larger appliances, family or friends can team up.
- Order in good time: Delivery times can get longer in December.
You will find more ideas in our guides Christmas gifts 2026, Christmas gifts for men and Gifts for moving into a new kitchen as well as under Gift ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Is an air fryer a good Christmas gift?
Yes, especially for families, working people and anyone who likes uncomplicated cooking. It is important that there is room on the worktop.
Do you need oil for an air fryer?
Usually little or no oil is enough. Depending on the dish, a small splash of oil can make the result crispier.
What can you prepare with it?
For example chips, chicken, vegetables and baked goods to reheat. Depending on the appliance also roasting, baking, reheating or dehydrating.
Is an appliance with two compartments worth it?
If you often want to prepare a main dish and a side at the same time, yes. Each compartment then has its own temperature and time, and with the sync function both finish together.
When should I order by?
Best at the beginning of December. You can see the exact delivery times with the respective seller.
All information without guarantee and according to manufacturer details. Current prices, features and reviews can be found with the respective seller. The images are symbolic images.