Best Air Fryers in UAE (2026): The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide & Maintenance Tips

Yes. An electric oven typically uses 2000-3000W and takes 15 minutes just to preheat. An air fryer like the Nutricook Slim (1700W) or Kenwood (1300W) heats up instantly and cooks 50% faster, significantly reducing your daily kilowatt usage.

For a family of 4, avoid anything under 5 Liters.

• Ideal: 7L+ models like the Nutricook (7.6L) or Philips Dual (9L).
• Minimum: The Black+Decker (5.6L) or Ninja Max (5.2L) are passable for a family of 4, but you may need to cook sides separately."
• Avoid: The Kenwood (4.5L) is too small for a full family meal.

In 2026, Nutricook and Ninja are the top-rated brands. Nutricook is the #1 choice for value and design (especially for apartments), while Ninja is the highest-rated for cooking speed and crispiness (best for frozen foods). Philips remains a strong premium choice for durability.

For families of 4 or more, the Nutricook Air Fryer Slim XL (7.6L) and the Philips Dual Basket 3000 (9L) are the most recommended. Both offer enough capacity to cook a whole chicken and side dishes simultaneously, which smaller 4L models cannot do.

Air fryer prices in the UAE vary by features.

• Budget models like Black+Decker and Kenwood typically range from AED 180 – AED 250.
• Mid-range models like Nutricook typically cost AED 350 – AED 450,
• Premium dual-basket models from Ninja or Philips can range from AED 550 to AED 900.

If you want the best all-around performer, the Nutricook Air Fryer Slim XL is widely considered the #1 choice for 2026. Its unique slim design saves counter space without sacrificing capacity, solving the biggest complaint users have about bulky kitchen appliances.

The "20/20 rule" is a popular cleaning hack: if you have stubborn, burnt-on grease, fill the basket with hot soapy water and let it soak for 20 minutes. Then, rinse and run the air fryer empty at 200°C for 20 minutes (if needed) to burn off any residue or smell.

To clean the top coil without taking the machine apart:

1. Unplug the device and let it cool completely.

2. Turn the air fryer upside down.

3. Use a damp cloth or a soft baking brush to gently wipe away grease splatters from the heating coil.

Do this once a month to prevent smoke.

New air fryers often have a "factory plastic" smell. Before cooking, wash the basket with warm, soapy water. Then, run the air fryer empty at 200°C for 15 to 20 minutes. For best results, place half a lemon inside the basket during this run to neutralize odors instantly.

Yes, compared to traditional ovens, they are very easy. Most baskets (like Nutricook and Philips) are dishwasher safe. However, budget models with metal interiors (like Black+Decker) must be hand-washed and dried immediately to prevent rust.

For Philips, the "QuickClean" basket is dishwasher safe, but the top element should be wiped manually. For Ninja, the ceramic-coated basket is durable, but you should avoid harsh scouring pads (metal sponges) as they will strip the non-stick coating. Always use a soft sponge.