Air fryers have revolutionised home cooking across the UK, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying whilst delivering deliciously crispy results. These versatile kitchen appliances use rapid air circulation technology to cook food with minimal oil, reducing fat content without compromising on taste or texture. Whether you're preparing weeknight dinners, batch cooking for the family, or entertaining guests, the right air fryer can transform your culinary routine.
When selecting an air fryer, capacity is paramount. Consider your household size and typical meal portions to ensure you choose a model that meets your needs without taking up unnecessary worktop space. Versatility is equally important – the ability to cook different foods simultaneously or switch between smaller and larger cooking zones offers tremendous flexibility. Modern air fryers often include multiple cooking functions beyond air frying, such as roasting, baking, and reheating, making them true multi-purpose appliances.
This guide examines the best air fryer currently available to UK shoppers, focusing on practical features, build quality, and real-world usability. We've evaluated the innovative design elements that set this appliance apart, helping you make an informed decision for your kitchen.
#1 · Best overall
Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer
£189.74
User Score: 4.7 / 5 Expert Score: 4.6 / 5
Last updated: October 2026
Research Scores use expert reviews and verified retail customer reviews. Not based on personal testing.
Score breakdown
- Ease of Use
- 9.0 / 10
- Value for Money
- 8.4 / 10
- Ease of Cleaning
- 8.8 / 10
- Cooking Performance
- 9.2 / 10
- Capacity & Versatility
- 9.6 / 10
The Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer tackles the age-old dilemma of cooking capacity versus versatility with an ingenious solution that transforms from two independent zones into one generous drawer at the simple removal of a divider.
- Convertible design switches between dual 4.7-litre zones and a single 9.4-litre drawer to accommodate different cooking needs
- Two independent cooking zones allow you to prepare different foods with separate temperatures and timings when divided
- Large single-drawer mode perfect for cooking whole chickens, large batches of chips, or entertaining portions
- Dual-zone functionality enables you to synchronise cooking times so different foods finish simultaneously
- Removable divider system makes configuration changes quick and straightforward between uses
Exceptional versatility adapts to both everyday meals and larger gatherings
Eliminates need to purchase separate single and dual-zone air fryers
Generous 9.4-litre capacity when used as single drawer
Premium price point at £179.00 compared to basic models
Larger footprint requires substantial worktop space
Heavier unit may be difficult to move or store away
Families who need the flexibility to cook multiple dishes with different requirements simultaneously, or switch to a large single zone for batch cooking and entertaining, without owning multiple appliances.
The FlexDrawer's convertible design genuinely delivers on its promise of adaptability. When you need to cook chicken alongside vegetables with different cooking times, the dual-zone configuration manages both perfectly, using…
The bottom line
The Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer represents a significant evolution in air fryer design, addressing one of the most common challenges faced by UK households: the need for both flexibility and capacity. Its innovative convertible drawer system eliminates the compromise between cooking multiple items separately and preparing larger family meals, making it a genuinely versatile addition to any kitchen.
At £179.00, this appliance sits in the premium segment of the air fryer market, but the dual-zone functionality and build quality justify the investment for families who cook regularly. The ability to switch between configurations means you're essentially getting two appliances in one, which represents excellent value when considered from that perspective.
Whilst this guide features a single product, it's worth noting that the FlexDrawer addresses multiple cooking scenarios effectively. For families who regularly prepare different meals simultaneously or frequently entertain guests, the flexibility offered here is difficult to match. The generous capacity when used as a single drawer ensures you won't outgrow this appliance as your cooking needs evolve. If you're seeking an air fryer that adapts to your lifestyle rather than limiting your options, this model deserves serious consideration.