Tefal Actifry or Tefal Air Fryer - Which One Should You Get?

If you're in the market for healthier cooking options, you’ve probably come across the Tefal Actifry and the Tefal Air Fryer. Honestly, when I first looked into these, I was confused too. They both promise crispy, delicious food without all the oil, so what really sets them apart?

Let me walk you through it. I’ve tried both, and there are definitely some key differences worth knowing about before you make your pick.

Tefal Actifry vs. Tefal Air Fryer - How They Cook

First, let's talk about the technology behind these appliances. This is where the Tefal Actifry stands out. What’s cool about the Actifry is that it comes with a stirring paddle that rotates automatically. Imagine not having to stir or shake your food while it cooks—that's the magic of the Actifry. It continuously stirs your food, which ensures everything cooks evenly. So, if you’re making a batch of fries or stir-frying veggies, you can just sit back and relax. Everything is taken care of.

Now, with the Tefal Air Fryer, it’s more like your standard air fryer. There’s no paddle in this one. Instead, it uses Rapid Air Circulation to cook the food. It does a great job at getting food crispy, but you’ll need to shake the basket halfway through to make sure everything cooks evenly. It's a little more hands-on, but still easy.

Health Factor

Both appliances are geared toward healthier cooking, but in slightly different ways.

With the Tefal Actifry, you can cook a large amount of food with just a tablespoon of oil. That’s it. You get crispy food without it being drenched in oil, and the stirring paddle makes sure the oil is distributed evenly.

The Tefal Air Fryer is similar. You still need very little oil, just a spritz or a small spoonful. The only thing to keep in mind is that you might need to toss your food around a bit during the cooking process to get that even crisp.

Capacity Differences

Here’s something to think about, especially if you often cook for a crowd. The Tefal Actifry usually has a bigger capacity, which makes it ideal for family meals or prepping in bulk. You can cook up to 1.5 kg of food in it—so it’s great for making large batches.

The Tefal Air Fryer comes in different sizes, but in general, it doesn’t hold quite as much. If you're cooking for just one or two people, it’s still plenty, though.

Versatility in the Kitchen

Another thing I love about the Tefal Actifry is that it’s not just for frying. I’ve used mine to make stir-fries, curries, and even roasted vegetables. It’s a pretty versatile kitchen tool, and the paddle makes it perfect for dishes that need a little stirring action.

On the flip side, the Tefal Air Fryer is perfect for those classic air fryer dishes—think chicken wings, fries, or even baked goods. Some newer models also come with options for grilling or roasting, so it’s not just limited to frying either.