What size air fryer should I get?

For those purchasing an air fryer for the first time, finding the perfect model can prove to be difficult. With a wide variety of designs and dimensions available, selecting the ideal air fryer for your requirements can seem daunting. (Find out more about the various air fryer capacity comparison)

There are different size air fryers in the market, ranging from small units for 1 to 2 people households and XL units ideal for hosting and larger families. The right air fryer size for your needs depends on your family size and meal prepping needs. And, the size is determined by the cooking basket capacity in an air fryer. You can read my article about best air fryers for large family if that is something you are looking for.

Air fryer size comparison

Air fryer sizes are measures based on the capacity of the cooking basket. This can be anything from 1 quart to 15 quarts. (View more about the largest size air fryer)

1 quart to 2.6 quarts air fryers are the perfect sizes for 1 to 2 people households. These can make meals for up to 2 people in one go.

3 quarts to 5 quarts air fryers are ideal for families of 3 to 5 people, while 6 quarts to 16 quarts air fryers come with enough cooking space for a gathering and have additional functionalities for baking, grilling, and roasting. (Check out the biggest air fryer size amongst the different brands)

Small size air fryers, 1 to 2 quarts, are the best choice for frying snacks. Large-capacity air fryers, 3 to 5 quarts can make snacks, fry a whole chicken and cook a few other foods. Extra-large air fryers, from 6 quarts upwards, come with a wide array of options that allow you to cook just about anything in them for large families and gatherings.

How are air fryers sized?

Different air fryers are made with the capability to handle various food quantities per cooking cycle, as is clear in the quarts indications. The type of food you choose to prepare with the air fryer will also determine what quantity is best to cook per cycle. For instance, a whole chicken, some wings, and steak take up more space than snacks or vegetables. (Read more on the air fryer largest size)

Best size air fryer for limited counter space

Generally, large capacity air fryers are big in size, while the same is true for smaller capacity units. If you have limited counter space in your kitchen, consider going for a standard size air fryer, like a 2 to 3 quarts air fryer. This will not require a large counter space. 4 quarts air fryers are slightly larger but only occupy space the same as a regular toaster. (View more on the largest air fryer on the market)

If you are in the market for an air fryer suitable for your large family with limited counter space, you may have to consider finding a storage space for your air fryer when it is not in use. This will ensure you get the right air fryer for your needs without worrying about limited counter space. (Check out the largest air fryer available that you can get)

Before you set out to purchase an air fryer, it is advisable to measure your counter space to know the best size to go for based on your needs. You can compare sizes online to find the best size for your needs. If you are lucky, you can find a large capacity air fryer in a compact size. (Click here to read the top rated large air fryer out there)

Best air fryer size for a whole chicken

Chicken is one of the most common foods cooked using air fryers. This is thanks to the air fryer’s ability to make crispy chicken without using oil. If you plan to be cooking whole chickens in your air fryer, it is best to go for a 5.3 quarts air fryer capacity in the least. With an air fryer ideal for a whole chicken, you can also use it to roast other types of meat like a rabbit, two small ducks, or two capons. If you are just looking for biggest capacity air fryer then you should definitely keep on reading

Larger capacity models come with added accessories, including layering racks and baking cages. This gives you the option to prepare a wide range of other meals apart from roasting or frying whole chickens. You can also enjoy oil-free meats, lasagna, cakes, muffins, vegetables, and fishes made from your large capacity air fryer. If you are looking for something to fit more food then you should check out the biggest size air fryer that you can use.

How to buy an air fryer by size

Always consider going for a top brand air fryer. These come with a wide array of model choices, including some with manual analog control or LCD digital display controls.

Different air fryers come with different pre-set modes. In some units, you can conveniently preset your timing and leave the air fryer to do the rest. Ensure the unit you go for comes with different temperature setting capabilities as well as dry/wet cooking modes. This can go a long want in enhancing your air fryer cooking experience.

Always choose an air fryer with automatic shut-off buttons. This ensures that the food does not overcook once the present time lapses. Also, an automatic shut-off button means that you do not need to keep watch over the food as it cooks to prevent burning.

Always check the cooking compartments in an air fryer. This is especially important for large capacity air fryers. An air fryer with multiple compartments allows you to cook different foods at the same time. This makes meal prepping easy.

If you want to use an air fryer for more than just frying, ensure the unit you go for comes with support for other cooking applications. Usually, larger air fryers come with multiple cooking methods, including baking, roasting, searing, dehydrating, and grilling.

Bottom line

Whether you are looking for an air fryer for one person or a family of six, you can be sure that there is an air fryer size best suited for your needs. With the right amount of research, you are sure to end up with the best model and size for your kitchen. ( View more Air Fryer Largest Capacity)

Cooking your meals with an air fryer ensures that your family can enjoy hearty, filling meals without worrying about calorie consumption or the lingering smell of fried foods in your kitchen long after you finished cooking. Air fryers do not emit smoke, making it the best choice for a fresh-smelling kitchen at all times.

Once you experience the ease of cooking using air fryers, the tasty foods, and the convenience delivered, you will never want to use transitional cooking methods again. If you enjoyed this article besure to check out the best air fryer with rotisserie.