The most common air fryer problems, from 22,777 verified buyers

1. The most common air fryer problem owners report: “Cooks unevenly or slower than expected”, raised in 22% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Broke down or developed a fault” (7%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Easy to set up and use”, in 24% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 97% of verified buyers rated their air fryer 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; air fryers rank 1 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 1% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 100.
5. Across the 19 air fryers with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 88% to 100%.
6. The cheaper half of these air fryers (up to £149) had a median of 97% happy buyers, against 96% for the pricier half, so paying more did not buy happier owners.
7. Owners rate “great choice” and “good with caveats” models about the same here (a median of 97% and 96% happy buyers): the caveats experts raise rarely put owners off.
8. Buyers in the UK were the happiest (98% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the US and Canada the least (92%).

Share of the 626 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Cooks unevenly or slower than expected22%
   Came up on 11 models
2. 2. Broke down or developed a fault7%
   Came up on 9 models
3. 3. Hard to set up or use5%
   Came up on 5 models
4. 4. The non-stick coating or finish wears off3%
   Came up on 5 models
5. 5. Not worth the price, or little better than the last model3%
   Came up on 4 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Cooks unevenly or slower than expected (22% of complaints)

   Don't crowd the basket, shake or turn food halfway, and pick a size that fits your usual meal in one layer.

2. 2. Broke down or developed a fault (7% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

3. 3. Hard to set up or use (5% of complaints)

   Look at the buttons, menus and app in photos or a video before you buy, and download the manual: a few minutes there saves a return.

4. 4. The non-stick coating or finish wears off (3% of complaints)

   Use wooden or silicone tools, wash by hand even if it's dishwasher-safe, or look for a ceramic or steel basket.

5. 5. Not worth the price, or little better than the last model (3% of complaints)

   Compare it with last year's model, which is often much cheaper and nearly the same.

Share of the 1,203 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Easy to set up and use24%
   Came up on 20 models
2. 2. Crisp, tasty results, cooked fast22%
   Came up on 19 models
3. 3. Big enough for a family meal, or two foods at once11%
   Came up on 12 models
4. 4. Easy to clean11%
   Came up on 16 models
5. 5. Light, compact or easy to store3%
   Came up on 3 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.