Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, offering a way to cook food quickly with less oil than traditional frying. They use hot air circulation to create crispy, evenly cooked meals while reducing fat content, making them a healthier alternative. Among the varieties available, dual-drawer air fryers are especially convenient for families as they allow cooking two different dishes simultaneously.
Dual-drawer air fryers provide flexibility and efficiency, able to prepare varied meals at the same time without flavour crossover. This can be particularly useful for busy households where mealtimes need to be quicker and more versatile. These models often come with separate controls for temperature and time, giving more precise cooking options for different foods.
When choosing a dual-drawer air fryer, key factors include the size and capacity of each drawer, how intuitive the controls are, and the appliance’s overall footprint in the kitchen. Consideration of build quality and ease of cleaning is also important, as both impact daily usability. We spent time researching and testing the best dual-drawer air fryers available in the UK to help guide family meal preparations efficiently.
Best Dual-Drawer Air Fryers for Family Meals UK
We have carefully selected the best dual-drawer air fryers available in the UK to help you prepare family meals quickly and efficiently. Our list focuses on models that offer convenience, capacity, and consistent cooking results to suit a variety of needs.
Chefman Dual Air Fryer Oven
This dual air fryer is a solid choice for families wanting to prepare multiple dishes at once with minimal fuss and healthy results.
Pros
- Dual baskets allow simultaneous cooking of different foods
- Sync finish feature helps both baskets complete cooking together
- Dishwasher-safe baskets make cleaning straightforward
Cons
- Takes up considerable countertop space
- Touch controls can be fiddly to adjust
- No recipe guide included
We found the two separate air frying compartments convenient for preparing a meal with variety. Cooking chicken in one basket whilst crisping chips in the other was efficient and kept flavours separate.
Using the Sync Finish mode saved time by having both baskets complete cooking at once, though occasionally the touchscreen settings required a few attempts to get right. The large viewing windows made it easy to monitor progress without interrupting cooking.
Cleaning up was hassle-free thanks to the non-stick and dishwasher-safe baskets. The design is bulkier than other models but still manages to fit comfortably in a busy kitchen. Overall, it performed well for family meals with healthy and tasty results.
Tefal XXL Dual Easy Fry 11L Air Fryer
The Tefal XXL Dual Easy Fry delivers versatile cooking for large families, allowing us to prepare full meals simultaneously with ease.
Pros
- Large capacity perfect for big portions
- Dual drawers let us cook two dishes at once
- Multiple preset programs make cooking straightforward
Cons
- Takes longer to cook some dishes than expected
- Can struggle to cook very thick cuts evenly
- Some presets run lower than required temperatures
This air fryer impresses with its sheer size, offering an 11-litre total capacity that suits a family of 8 to 10 well. Cooking a roast and side dishes together without mixing flavours saves time and effort. The dual-drawer design is genuinely useful for meal prep.
Preset programmes cover common foods such as fries, chicken, and vegetables, which means we don’t need to fiddle with temperature settings too much. The synchronised cooking option is handy for timing different dishes to finish simultaneously, streamlining the process.
On the downside, cooking thicker meats can require extra attention to ensure even doneness, as the heat may not reach the core fully. Also, some users find that certain presets don’t heat as high as they set, which means longer cooking times for crisp results. Despite this, cleanup is simple thanks to dishwasher-safe parts.
EMtronics Dual Air Fryer 9L
The EMtronics dual-drawer air fryer is a solid choice for families wanting spacious, versatile cooking with healthier results.
Pros
- Large 9-litre capacity ideal for family meals
- Easy-to-use smart touch controls and presets
- Removable baskets make serving and cleaning straightforward
Cons
- Bulky size takes up notable counter space
- Takes longer to cook some foods compared to conventional fryers
- Weight makes it less portable
We appreciated the extra room this air fryer provides; cooking two different dishes at once is a real time-saver when feeding a family. The smart LED controls worked well, letting us adjust temperature and cooking times without fuss.
Cleaning up was effortless thanks to the stainless steel interior and pull-out baskets. They fit right on the dining table for easy serving, which impressed our guests.
One downside is the footprint—it’s not the smallest appliance, so it needs a dedicated spot in the kitchen. Also, cooking some items can take a bit longer than expected, but that’s the trade-off for the healthier oil-free method.
Overall, it’s reliable and user-friendly with enough capacity to handle larger meals without complicating the process.
Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer
This dual-drawer air fryer delivers versatile cooking with great capacity, ideal for preparing family meals efficiently.
Pros
- Two independent cooking zones allow us to prepare different dishes simultaneously.
- Large drawers fit generous portions, saving time on multiple batches.
- Energy-efficient design helps reduce power consumption compared to traditional ovens.
Cons
- The device is quite bulky and requires ample kitchen counter space.
- It takes some practice to get familiar with all six cooking modes.
- The price is higher than simpler, single-drawer air fryers.
Using the Ninja Foodi MAX is a solid upgrade when cooking for a family. The separate drawers mean we can easily air fry crispy fries while roasting chicken without flavour transfer.
We appreciated how quickly meals cook compared to our old oven, reducing wait times significantly. Cleaning is straightforward, with non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets that save effort.
The stylish copper finish adds a modern touch, and the included silicone tongs are a handy bonus. Overall, it’s a reliable, energy-saving appliance that justifies its cost through convenience and performance.
Ninja Foodi Max Dual Drawer Air Fryer
This air fryer offers smart dual-zone cooking and large capacity, making it a reliable choice for cooking family meals quickly and efficiently.
Pros
- Two independent cooking drawers for different temperatures and cooking styles
- Large enough to handle up to 8 portions, ideal for families
- Multi-functionality with six cooking modes, including dehydrate and max crisp
Cons
- Takes up considerable counter space due to its size
- Slight learning curve to master separate timers and settings
- Accessories like liners are not included but recommended for easier cleaning
We appreciated how the Ninja Foodi Max allows us to cook two different dishes simultaneously without flavour transfer. This flexibility saves time and energy, especially when preparing meals with different cooking requirements.
The large capacity really shines for family-sized portions. Removing the divider gives extra space for oversized items like a whole chicken, which cooked evenly with a crisp finish.
While the machine is straightforward, we found juggling the separate settings required a bit of practice to avoid overcooking. Cleaning is fairly simple, but adding silicone liners makes it neater and faster to maintain.
Buying Guide
When choosing a dual-drawer air fryer for family meals, capacity is a key factor. We need enough space to cook different dishes simultaneously, so look for models with at least 5 litres per drawer. This allows us to prepare a variety of meals efficiently.
We should also consider the control panel and settings. Touchscreen displays that offer preset cooking modes simplify the process. Adjustable temperature and timer controls give us more precision to cook different foods perfectly.
Ease of cleaning is important for daily use. Removable, dishwasher-safe drawers help save time. Non-stick surfaces also prevent food sticking, making maintenance quicker.
Power consumption and cooking speed affect convenience. Higher wattage models typically cook faster but may use more electricity. Finding a balance depends on how often we plan to use the air fryer.
Noise levels can impact our kitchen experience. Some air fryers operate quietly, which is preferable in busy households.
Below is a summary table of essential features to compare:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Minimum 5 litres per drawer |
| Controls | Touchscreen, presets, adjustable |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe, non-stick surfaces |
| Power | Suitable wattage for cooking speed |
| Noise | Low operational noise |
We recommend prioritising these factors based on our family’s cooking habits and kitchen space. This approach helps us select an air fryer that meets our needs without unnecessary extras.
Frequently Asked Questions
We focus on key details such as capacity, value for money, and brand reliability when choosing dual-drawer air fryers. Understanding the features and options available helps us select models suited for family-sized meals.
What are the top-rated dual-basket air fryers suitable for family meals?
Models like the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone and the Philips Airfryer XXL frequently rank highly for family use. They offer separate baskets for cooking different foods simultaneously, with capacities around 5.5 to 6.2 litres.
Which double-drawer air fryers offer the best value for money in the UK?
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 and Tower T17025 Dual Basket provide strong performance at a reasonable price. They balance features like multiple cooking modes and ease of cleaning without a premium cost.
What features should I look for in a large capacity dual air fryer?
Look for at least 5 litres capacity per drawer to accommodate family-sized portions. Additional features like digital controls, adjustable temperature settings, and handy presets improve usability.
Can you recommend any air fryers with a capacity of 9 litres or more?
The COSORI Duo 12L is a suitable choice, offering two 6-litre baskets combined for large meals. It supports separate cooking and has a straightforward control panel.
What are some reputable brands to consider when purchasing a dual-drawer air fryer?
Brands like Ninja, Philips, COSORI, and Instant are known for quality and reliable customer service. They offer solid warranties and consistent product performance.
Where can I find reliable reviews for the best dual-basket air fryers in the UK?
We recommend checking trusted UK sources such as Which?, Trusted Reviews, and expert sections on Amazon UK. User reviews and professional testing results provide balanced insights.
Last Updated on 23 December 2025 by YEG