'My lesser-known Lakeland air fryer is so good I don't need a Ninja'
The Lakeland Dual Basket Airfryer has become a staple in my flat, not only does it mean I can rustle up post-work dinners in a matter of minutes but it has the same function and look as higher-end brands
When it comes to kitchen gadgets, most homes will have splashed out on a handy air fryer at some point as the countertop appliances slash cooking times. The days of a single-speed drawer are long gone, and if you've got an older model gathering dust, this Ninja-rivaling model might be the best one to choose.
This Lakeland Dual Basket Airfryer has become a must-have in my flat, not only does it allow me to whip up post-work meals in minutes, but it also offers the same functionality and aesthetic as more expensive brands, but for a fraction of the cost. The two drawers mean I can cook completely different meals simultaneously, or put meat in one and a side dish in the other using different settings...and of course, ditch my oven.
Another thing it's allowed me to ditch is a hefty price tag, as it's one of the more affordable models around, currently on sale at Lakeland for a reasonable £64.99 - and a lot cheaper than a similar version sold by rival Ninja. In fact, its much lower price, easy setup, and family-sized drawers are reasons to choose it over the £189.99 Ninja Deluxe model's Black Friday price drop.
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There's no denying that Ninja is a big name in kitchen appliances, even Lakeland sells some of its products in-store, but with the demand and quality comes a higher price.
Swapping out popular brands like Ninja, Tefal, and Salter for the less-hyped Lakeland model has revolutionised how I (and my partner) prepare and consume food. We've ditched hasty evening meals in favour of more substantial, nutritious ones that are ready in roughly 25 minutes on average, reports Birmingham Live.
Since first reviewing this last year it's no exaggeration to say we've used it at least once daily, and its quality remains unfaded. The dishes we whip up in it are pretty much the same as when we initially reviewed it, as I mentioned: "After trying out a handful of meals and snacks in the Lakeland Air Fryer I don't think we'll ever use our oven again, and I've cut down on the time I would normally spend standing over the hob. It's got me doubting why I was so hesitant to buy one before."
"Salmon is a relatively quick and easy thing to cook in an oven or pan fry, in the air fryer it took a total of 10 minutes and came out super crispy on top. Because there was quite a bit of marinade on the salmon I placed down some tinfoil to stop it from burning on the bottom of the air fryer - but you could also use air fryer sheets" - The other meat we cook in it is chicken and bacon (just be sure to line it first with fattier cuts).
"No doubt the biggest pro of the air fryer is the convenience of cooking and how simple it has become to prep food. For me one of the noticeable changes is the lack of washing up I'm left with afterwards, no burnt baking trays or oven dishes just two really easy-to-clean draws."
Having used it for more than a year I also love how the air fryer traps in the cooking smells, so none run through our small apartment, and this hasn't changed since my first reivew: "Even when cooking the salmon and chips if someone were to walk into the kitchen you wouldn't know. From these two factors alone I'd score the gadget a good seven out of 10."
At the time of the first review, my only spotted negative was the size of the model, as it took up a lot more space than I was expecting. We've now got used to this and honestly, it doesn't take up any more room than a microwave, however, we do have a new gripe - cleaning.
We clean it after every meal as it's super easy to wash it up with a dishmatic like you would a saucepan, however, over time we've noticed the lining of the baskets starting to mark - and we think it's from soaking or excessively using too much washing up liquid. This doesn't affect the cooking of the food at all but it is frustrating.
As the 2024 Black Friday sales continue there are of course other sales to make the most of, on top of the Lakeland model we use. Shoppers may also want to look at Ninja's Black Friday sale as well as Amazon.