The ever-so-famous air fryer has been loved by many and has become a mainstay in many modern kitchens. However, when you have a large household to feed (with very little time to do the cooking), choosing a sizeable dual air fryer, also know as a double or twin air fryer, will help you make tasty and easy weeknight dinners for the entire family with very little fuss.
So, what is a dual air fryer? As the name suggests, a dual air fryer consists of two separate compartments that allow you to cook two batches of food simultaneously. So, if you want to try out that famous salmon air fryer recipe with a side of crispy chicken nuggets for the kids, you can do so with this handy unit. Further, many models on the market now offer synchronised cooking functions, meaning you can have two things cooking at once (with different cooking times), and the cooking time and temperature will be automatically adjusted so that both baskets of food are ready to be enjoyed at the same time. Lukewarm chips are no competition when faced with a double air fryer.
Are you ready to dive into the world of dual air fryers? Below are our top picks that will help you feel organised and in sync while you cook up a family favourite (air fryer style).
2024’s TOP DUAL AIR FRYERS
- Ninja Foodi dual zone digital air fryer, $228, Amazon
- Philips dual air fryer 2000 series, $268 (usually $349), Amazon
- Instant Pot Vortex Plus ClearCook dual air fryer, $319.99 (usually $429), Amazon
The best dual air fryers 2024
Ninja Foodi dual zone digital air fryer
$228, Amazon
Large and in charge, the Ninja Foodi dual zone digital air fryer is designed for busy kitchens. With two independent 3.8-litre cooking drawers and its intelligent Smart Finish feature that syncs up cook times in each zone so they finish cooking at the same time, this air fryer is guaranteed to make your life easier during mealtimes.
Key features:
- 2 independent 3.8-litre cooking drawers
- Smart Finish function
- Non-stick baskets
- 6 customisable cooking functions
Also available at:
- $228, The Good Guys
Philips dual air fryer 2000 series
$268 (usually $349), Amazon
With two drawers of different sizes to suit different needs, the Philips dual basket air fryer will ensure creating homecooked meals is easy breezy. The larger drawer boasts a six-litre capacity and is perfect for main courses, crispy golden fries, and more, while the smaller basket features a three-litre capacity for smaller dishes. Plus, it also has a recipe app designed specifically for this air fryer that showcases easy step-by-step recipes so you’ll never experience decision fatigue again when deciding what to have for dinner.
Key features:
- 2 independent cooking drawers (6L and 3L)
- Recipe app included
- Preset temperatures for common foods/dishes
Also available at:
- $288, The Good Guys
Instant Pot Vortex Plus ClearCook dual air fryer
$319.99 (usually $429), Amazon
SyncCook and SyncFinish are functions worth highlighting from this innovative dual air fryer from Instant Pot. SyncCook allows you to match the cooking settings between the two baskets, while SyncFinish allows you to match the finish time of the two baskets – talk about convenience! There are six ways to cook with this handy dual air fryer – air fry, grill, bake, reheat, or dehydrate – and our favourite part is the handy see-through window that allows you to check the process of your food without opening the drawers as it cooks.
Key features:
- 6 ways to cook
- SyncCook and SyncFinish functions
- See-through baskets
Tefal Dual Easy Fry and Grill XXL air fryer
$299, The Good Guys
In a sleek stainless steel finish, the Tefal Dual Easy Fry and Grill is designed for big (and busy) households. With a versatile 8.3-litre combined capacity and eight easy-to-use preset programs, mealtimes could never be more simple. Featuring Tefal’s patented Extra Crisp technology and smokeless grill, crispy and delicious results can now be your reality. Plus, with dishwasher-removable parts, clean up is a non-issue, too.
Key features:
- 8 preset cooking programs
- Tefal’s patented Extra Crisp technology
- Smokeless grill function
Sunbeam multi zone air fryer oven
$299, The Good Guys
Healthy cooking is easy with the Sunbeam multi-zone air fryer. This 2400W air fryer features two baskets, each at 5.5-litre capacity, designed to cook a range of foods, from juicy roasts to crispy fries and everything in between. Its illuminated touch controls are easy to use, and its 360-degree airflow system ensures perfect dishes every time. If there is one multi-tasking appliance to add to your kitchen benchtop, make it this one.
Key features:
- 11 cooking programs
- 2x 5.5L baskets
- Accessories included
Russell Hobbs Satisfry Snappi dual basket air fryer
$149, The Good Guys
For those looking for an affordable model, this air fryer from Russell Hobbs is a great option. Featuring two generous 4.25L baskets ideal for cooking family meals, it will elevate your cooking experience instantly. Plus, with its intuitive digital touch controls and adjustable temperature settings, it’s easy to use – even for the novice kitchen appliance user.
Key features:
- 8 cooking programs
- 2x 4.25L baskets
- 1800W power
Is it worth getting a double air fryer?
If you plan to make entire meals using an air fryer, then a double air fryer (also known as a dual or twin air fryer) is worth it. Rather than putting ingredients for multiple rounds to complete a meal and ending up with a meal that is lukewarm when served, you can cook two things at once. For example, a main and a side like fish and chips, you can heat battered fish on one side while crisping up golden nuggets or fries on the other; both will come out hot and ready to eat at the same time.
Which is better, a single or double air fryer?
If you plan only to cook parts of a meal using an air fryer (i.e. just crisping up chips) while cooking the rest of the dish with a different appliance (like a stovetop), then a single basket air fryer may be more suitable in comparison to a double air fryer. However, as mentioned, if you plan to cook an entire meal within an air fryer, a dual air fryer will make life a lot easier. Plus, dual air fryers are also designed for larger meals and households, so if you have a lot of mouths to feed, a dual air fryer is a no-brainer.
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
