A Guide to Air Fryer Sizes

Air fryers come in all shapes and sizes, whether you're cooking just for yourself or feeding a hungry crowd. Picking the right size can make all the difference—it’s all about convenience, efficiency, and getting the best results. Not sure which one is right for you? No worries! This guide will help you find the perfect air fryer for your needs.

Picking the right air fryer size can make a big difference in your cooking experience. A too-small fryer might mean cooking in batches (hello, extra time!), while an oversized one could hog your counter space or use more energy than necessary. The goal? Finding that just-right size for maximum convenience and efficiency!

How to Know What Size Air Fryer Is Best

To choose the ideal size for you, consider the following:

• Number of People: How many people do you typically cook for?
• Dish Types: Would you like to cook one item at a time (e.g. a serving of French fries) or a whole meal (like a lasagne), or a combination of items at the same time (like salmon with roast potatoes)?
• Counter Space: How much space do you have available in your kitchen?
• Usage Frequency: How often will you use the air fryer – daily or just occasionally?
• One basket or two: Would you prefer one larger compartment – or a dual air fryer with two baskets or drawers?

How Air Fryer Sizes Are Measured?

Air fryers are usually measured by their capacity. In the USA, this is generally measured in quarts (qts), while in Europe and other countries, it is measured in litres (l).

• Small 2qt air fryers (2 litres): ideal for individuals or couples.
• Medium 3-5 qt air fryers (3-5 litres): suitable for families of 3 to 4.
• Large Air Fryers - 6 quarts (6 litres) or more: (perfect for large families or entertaining). The capacity indicates how much food the air fryer can cook at once, so matching this to your typical meal sizes is a good idea.

Is a 5qt air fryer the same as a 5l air fryer?

Litres are slightly larger in volume than quarts, but only by a small amount. For example, 5 litres is equal to 4.3 quarts. However, to keep things easy, manufacturers sell air fryers that are a whole number in volume (e.g. 4 quarts rather than 4.3 quarts).

Air Fryers for Large Families

For large families or households that entertain frequently, 6qt air fryers or larger, are ideal. These models can accommodate whole chickens, large batches of frozen fries, or multiple servings of food at once. Look for models with multiple racks or extra-large baskets to maximize cooking space.

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Air Fryers for Single People, Couples and Small Spaces

If you’re cooking for one or two people or have limited counter space, a small air fryer with a capacity of 1 to 2 quarts is a great choice. These compact models are energy-efficient and easy to store, making them ideal for apartments, dorms, or smaller kitchens.

Air Fryer Size for a Family of 2

The ideal air fryer for a family of 2 can be a small and compact model of 2-qt (2 litres). However, if you like to cook different ingredients at the same time - like fish in one basket and potatoes in another, it might be worth investing in a slightly larger model.

Air Fryer Size for a Family of 3

For a family of 3, a medium air fryer of 2qt - 5qt works well. Although you might find a slightly larger one gives you more flexibility depending on what kinds of dishes you like to cook.

Air Fryer Size for a Family of 4

A 5-6 quart air fryer size is typically sufficient for a family of four. These models strike a balance between cooking capacity and counter space. They’re perfect for preparing side dishes, proteins, and even small desserts in one go. However, if you like to cook big batches, or larger items like whole chickens or whole pizzas, a larger model might be a worthwhile investment.

Air Fryer Size for a Family of 5

For a family of 5, a larger air fryer of 6qt is a good choice as it offers more space and flexibility than smaller models.

Air Fryer Size for a Family of 6

If you're looking for an air fryer to suit a larger family of 6 people or more, it's worth investing in a large model. The good news is that air fryers today come in a wide range of sizes with lots of models available that are 10qt or more.

I hope you have found this article helpful if you're trying to decide which size air fryer will suit your household. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions - I'd love to hear from you!