Our pick
Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer (AF500UK, 10.4L)
Why we picked it
- One large drawer for big items like a whole chicken
- Add the divider to cook two foods at different settings
- Covers both jobs, so it suits households that change week to week
Worth knowing
- It’s large: measure your worktop first
- More expensive than a simple single basket
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Once you’ve decided an air fryer makes sense, the next question is shape. The choice between one basket and two drawers affects what you can cook far more than the extra litres on the box.
The four layouts
| Layout | Best at | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Single basket | Simple meals for one or two, chips, reheating | Mains and sides cook one after another |
| Dual drawer | Two foods, two settings, finishing together | Each drawer is smaller; wide on the worktop |
| Flexible drawer with divider | Either one big item or two separate foods | Usually the priciest option |
| Oven-style with shelves | Several layers, rotisserie, dehydrating | Less crisp at the back; fiddlier to clean |
Matching the layout to your household
- One or two people, simple meals: a single basket is cheaper, smaller and easier to clean.
- Families who want a main and a side at once: a dual drawer is the big upgrade. The sync function finishes both together.
- Households that sometimes roast a whole chicken: a flexible drawer, because dual drawers are often too small for it.
- Batch cooking or dehydrating: an oven-style model with shelves gives you more surface area.
Whatever the shape, floor area matters more than the litre figure, because food crisps in a single layer. Our air fryer vs oven guide covers sizing and running costs in more detail.
Features worth paying for
- Sync or match cook on dual-drawer models, so the main and side finish at the same moment.
- A window or light, if you like checking without opening the drawer.
- A dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate, which matters more than any preset.
- Quiet operation, if your kitchen is open-plan. Check owner reviews for noise rather than the spec sheet.
Cleaning differences
Single baskets are the quickest to clean: one basket, one plate. Dual drawers double the washing up. Oven-style models have racks, a drip tray and an interior to wipe, and grease on the back wall builds up if you leave it. Whatever you choose, wash the basket after each use, while the grease is still soft.
The options
Single basket
Cosori 5.5L air fryer
Best for: one or two people who want a simple, well-priced fryer.
Think twice if: you regularly cook a main and a side together.
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Dual drawer
Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone (AF400UK, 9.5L)
Best for: families cooking two foods at once and finishing them together.
Think twice if: you want to cook a whole chicken; each drawer is a fixed size.
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Oven-style
Tower Xpress 5-in-1 air fryer oven (11L)
Best for: multiple shelves for batch cooking at a modest price.
Think twice if: maximum crispness matters most; baskets usually win there.
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Quick answers
Do dual-drawer air fryers use more electricity?
Running both drawers uses more power than one, but cooking a whole meal at once can still beat running a single basket twice or heating the oven.
Are oven-style air fryers just mini ovens?
Broadly, yes, with a stronger fan. They’re versatile but often less crisp than a basket.
Before you load it up, read what’s actually safe in an air fryer and how to convert oven recipes.
