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Nowadays people rely on their air fryers more than ever for speedy, energy-efficient meals.
Yet many of us are still using models that are years old and showing worrying signs of wear. If you have noticed strange smells coming from your air fryer, slower cooking times or loud noises, it might be a sign that your model is reaching the end of its life.
With newer, non-toxic air fryers and models with better non-stick and features available today, it might be the right moment to finally upgrade – especially if you plan on using your air fryer to cook Christmas dinner.
Below is my full guide on the tell tale signs that it might be time to upgrade your air fryer, as well as my favourite recommended upgrades that I’ve reviewed myself. You can also consult my guide on how to choose the right air fryer for your home.
Is your air fryer outdated?
Older air fryers tend to lose power over time. Heat circulation becomes less efficient and your food can take longer to crisp – negating the speedy side effects.
If your chips or chicken are coming out uneven and pale, even at higher temperatures, it could be because the internal components are wearing out and struggling to generate enough consistent heat.
Old air fryers aren’t as energy efficient and lack modern non=stick coatings
Unfortunately, many appliances do tend to give up the ghost after a few years, and air fryers, particularly cheaper models, are no exception.
What’s more, early models were often made with older non-stick coatings that are now considered outdated and unreliable. Newer appliances use more durable and trustworthy materials that can withstand higher temperatures and daily use without flaking or peeling as quickly
Is your air fryer making louder or new noises?
A noisy air fryer is one of the most commonly searched issues online. Air fryers are noisy by nature but if the fan is rattling or whirring more loudly than before, it often means the motor is under strain.
Is your air fryer fan like new – or could it be clogged with grease?
Over time residue can build up, bearings can wear down and the machine can begin to sound stressed. Ignoring this means it could eventually become a fire hazard, especially if you use your air fryer daily.
Is your air fryer smoking or does it smell bad?
As well as unusual noises, if you’ve ever typed ‘air fryer smoking’ into Google you are not alone. Smoking can be caused by food debris, oil build up or worn out coatings that can no longer resist high heat.
Older baskets are more prone to this because their surfaces degrade over time. If you notice regular smoking even after cleaning, the appliance might be past its best and even be leaching chemicals into your food.
Does your air fryer smell bad – a clean could fix it but it could also indicated a worse problem
Lingering odours can indicate more complex issues too. If the smell returns even after thoroughly cleaning your air fryer, it may be due to trapped grease in internal components. This is a common sign that it has reached the end of its life and can no longer function as intended.
Read out full guide on how to properly clean your air fryer first.
Is your air fryer too small?
Limited capacity is another big reason you might want to consider an upgrade. Earlier models were often more compact and suited for single portions. If you now cook for a family or prefer to meal prep, you might find yourself regularly air frying in several batches.
Newer air fryers are big enough to fit half or a whole chicken in each drawer.
Upgrading to a larger model will save time and could lower your energy use. Plus many large models have multiple cooking zones, allowing you to make multiple things at once.
My large air fryer upgrade recommendations
Do you need a non-toxic air fryer?
There has been a noticeable shift toward people opting for non-toxic materials in their cookware, with many searching for ceramic-coated or PTFE-free air fryers. Older models might use coatings that do not meet your current expectations in terms of this. Upgrading can give you peace of mind, as well as better performance and easier cleaning.
You could opt for a glass air fryer to keep unnecessary chemicals to a minimum
My non-toxic air fryer upgrade recommendations
Available in four colours the Wonder Oven is more of a mini oven than an air fryer but it can bake (with steam), roast and more. The insides are made from stainless steel and ceramic.
You can also read my full best non-toxic air fryer buying guide for more information.
Is it worth splashing out on new features?
Newer air fryers often come with smart programmes, dual drawers, steam functions, rapid preheating, improved thermostats and a wider range of uses.
If you cook a variety of different things or want faster results, these features can make a real difference. For anyone who uses an air fryer daily, the upgrade can definitely pay for itself with time saved, better consistency and better results.
My favourite air fryers with useful features
The Ninja Speedi is a bit of a multi cooking marvel. As well as basic air frying it can slow cook, saute and steam. It also has a special Speedi mode that lets you air fry and steam at the same time.
An incredibly competent multicooker for under £100. The Actifry can air fry, steam, bake and more. Plus is has Tefal’s signature automatic stirrer for hands-off cooking.
Will a new air fryer really cook better?
In most cases, yes. Improved airflow, stronger fans and better insulation make modern units far more reliable. Chips come out crisp, chicken cooks evenly and the overall cooking experience feels more precise.
If your current model has become unpredictable, it might simply be outdated compared to current models from the likes of Ninja, Tefal, Philips and more.
A modern air fryer could seriously improve your weeknight meals
The real lifespan of an air fryer
For regular users, an air fryer will often last around two to three years before performance starts to dip. Some last longer, especially if you commit to cleaning your air fryer properly and avoid these common air fryer mistakes.
However, if you rely it every day, the tell-tale signs of decline can appear sooner. Slow preheating, constant smoking and noisy fans are strong clues that it is time to consider moving on.
If this sounds like your machine, it be better off investing in a newer and safer model. With better materials, stronger heat control and larger capacity options, modern air fryers can completely change the way you cook.