When you think of an air fryer, a countertop appliance that uses hot air to crisp food with little to no oil. Also known as hot air oven, it’s become a kitchen staple for people chasing crispy fries, chicken wings, and frozen snacks without the grease. But here’s the truth: air fryers aren’t the universal solution they’re made out to be. They’re great for small, dry, breaded items—but fall apart when you try to cook anything wet, bulky, or messy. If you’ve ever ended up with a soggy batter, melted cheese all over the basket, or a half-cooked roast, you’re not alone. Many users buy one expecting a miracle, then wonder why it’s gathering dust after a few months.
The real problem isn’t the device—it’s the mismatch between expectation and reality. An air fryer, a countertop appliance that uses hot air to crisp food with little to no oil. Also known as hot air oven, it’s designed for speed and crispiness, not versatility. It can’t handle soups, stews, or anything with a liquid base. Wet batters slide off and stick to the basket. Large roasts don’t fit, and cheese? It melts into a sticky trap that’s a nightmare to clean. Even something as simple as a whole chicken often comes out unevenly cooked. And if you’re cooking for more than two people, you’ll be doing multiple batches—defeating the purpose of speed. The convection oven, a full-size oven with a fan that circulates hot air for even cooking. Also known as fan oven, it’s the real alternative for those who need capacity and flexibility. It cooks roasts, bakes casseroles, and crisps snacks—all in one go.
It’s not just about what you can’t cook—it’s about what you’re giving up. Air fryers take up valuable counter space, and many models have tiny baskets that force you to cook in batches. Compare that to a toaster oven, a small oven that toasts, bakes, and roasts with more space and better heat distribution. Also known as countertop oven, it’s a more practical choice. It fits a whole pizza, reheats leftovers evenly, and doesn’t require you to flip food halfway through. If you’re tired of cleaning stuck-on grease or replacing baskets, you might be better off upgrading your toaster oven instead. The kitchen appliance, any device used for food preparation in the home. Also known as home appliance, it’s not about buying the trendiest gadget—it’s about picking the one that actually fits your life.
There’s no shame in realizing an air fryer isn’t for you. Thousands of UK households have done the same—switched to a convection oven, stuck with their regular oven, or just started using their stovetop more. The goal isn’t to own every new gadget. It’s to cook food well, without hassle, and without wasting money on something that doesn’t deliver. Below, you’ll find real stories from people who tried air fryers, what went wrong, and what they switched to instead. No fluff. Just what actually works.
Air fryers are popular but underused. Many people buy them hoping for healthier, faster meals-but end up frustrated by cleanup, limited capacity, and poor versatility. Here’s why they’re gathering dust instead of cooking food.