Ninja Foodi Dual Zone
A practical air fryer (7.6L, dual zone, 6 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
Are Air Fryers Bad for You? (What the Evidence Says)
Air fryers are marketed as a healthier way to cook, but headlines occasionally raise concerns. Here is an honest, evidence-based look at whether air fryers are bad for you, and how to use one sensibly.
Quick answer
No, air fryers aren't bad for you. They cook with little or no oil, which can make food lower in fat than deep frying. The main things to be aware of are acrylamide from overcooking starchy foods, and that an air fryer won't make unhealthy food healthy - it is a cooking method, not a diet.
The health case
Air fryers crisp food by circulating hot air rather than submerging it in oil, so air-fried versions of chips, chicken and other fried favourites use far less fat than deep frying. Less oil means fewer calories and less saturated fat for the same food, which is the main health benefit. Cooking is also quick, so vegetables keep more of their texture.
The genuine concerns
The main one is acrylamide, a compound that forms when starchy foods like chips and potatoes are cooked at high temperatures until dark. It forms in ovens and deep-fat fryers too, not just air fryers. The simple fix is to cook to a golden colour, not brown or burnt. Beyond that, an air fryer doesn't change what you cook - air-fried junk food is still junk food - and the usual advice for non-stick pans applies: don't overheat the basket empty, and use non-metal utensils.
The verdict
For most people, an air fryer is a neutral-to-positive choice: it cuts the oil in fried foods and cooks quickly. Cook starchy foods to golden rather than dark, eat a varied diet, and there is no good reason to consider an air fryer bad for you.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone
A practical air fryer (9.5L, dual zone, 6 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
#3 
Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone
A practical air fryer (9.5L, dual zone, 6 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
Frequently asked questions
Do air fryers cause cancer?
There is no evidence that air fryers cause cancer. The concern people cite is acrylamide in overcooked starchy foods, which forms in any high-heat cooking. Cooking to golden rather than brown keeps it low.
Are air fryers healthier than deep frying?
Generally yes, because they use little or no oil, so air-fried food is lower in fat and calories than deep-fried food. The health benefit is largely down to the reduced oil.
Is air-fried food actually healthy?
It can be healthier than frying, but the food itself still matters. Air-frying vegetables and lean proteins is a healthy choice; air-frying processed food is still processed food, just with less added oil.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone (our score 9.6/10) - A practical air fryer (7.6L, dual zone, 6 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven..