Air Fryer Capacity: What Fits And How?

Air fryers have become a staple in most kitchens, offering a quick, easy, and healthier way to cook meals. When choosing an air fryer, it's important to consider its size and your specific needs. The market offers a variety of air fryer sizes, from compact 2-quart models to extra-large 10-quart options.

For couples or solo eaters, a small 2- to 4-quart air fryer is ideal. These air fryers are perfect for preparing side dishes or meals for one or two people. They are also easy to store and take up minimal counter space.

For small families or cooking for up to four people, a medium-sized 3- to 5-quart air fryer is a good choice. These models often include additional cooking functions like roasting, baking, and dehydrating.

If you're cooking for a larger family or a group of over five people, consider a large air fryer with a capacity of 6 quarts or more. These air fryers can handle bigger batches and are perfect for daily use.

It's worth noting that the size of the air fryer also affects its features and capabilities. Larger air fryers tend to have more cooking programs, customisation settings, and accessories. Additionally, they might take up more counter space, so ensure you have enough room in your kitchen.

When deciding on the size, consider your cooking needs, the number of people you typically cook for, and your available storage and counter space.

Air fryer sizes for different households

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and efficiently, and they come in a range of sizes to suit different households. Here's a guide to help you choose the right air fryer size for your needs:

Air Fryer Sizes

Air fryers typically range in size from 2 quarts to 10 quarts, with some larger models going up to 25 quarts. The size you choose will depend on the number of people you're cooking for and the type of food you plan to prepare. Here are some recommendations for different household sizes:

• For one person: A small air fryer with a capacity of 2 quarts is ideal. The Dash Compact Air Fryer is a good option with its 2-quart capacity and compact design.
• For two people: A 2- or 3-quart air fryer should be sufficient. The Philips TurboStar Air Fryer is recommended with its 2.75-quart capacity, perfect for couples.
• For families of three to six: Consider a larger air fryer with a capacity of 5 to 6 quarts. The GoWISE Air Fryer (5.8 quarts) and the Chefman Air Fryer (8 quarts) are great choices for larger families.
• For parties or gatherings: If you often host gatherings or cook for a crowd, opt for an extra-large air fryer or an oven model. The Ninja Air Fry Countertop Oven (2.9 quarts) is a good option as it functions like a small oven and has a family-sized tray.

Factors to Consider

When choosing an air fryer size, consider the following:

• Usage: Think about how often you plan to use the air fryer and for what purposes. If you intend to use it daily for full meals, a larger capacity will be more suitable.
• Countertop space: Air fryers can take up a significant amount of countertop space, so measure your available space before purchasing. If space is limited, consider a smaller model or an air fryer toaster oven that can be stored away when not in use.
• Functions: Many air fryers offer additional functions like roasting, baking, dehydrating, and more. If you want a multi-functional appliance, look for models with these features, but keep in mind that they may be larger and take up more space.
• Price: Air fryer prices vary, and larger models tend to be more expensive. Set a budget and compare features to find the best option within your price range.

Tips for Using an Air Fryer

• Avoid overcrowding: Air needs to circulate around the food for even cooking, so avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Avoid certain foods: Leafy greens like spinach and kale, steaks, and heavily battered foods are not ideal for air frying as they can dry out or burn.
• Use oil sparingly: You don't need to use a lot of oil in an air fryer. A light coating of cooking oil is usually enough, and some foods like chicken and salmon have natural oils that baste themselves during cooking.

Air fryer types and their pros and cons

Air fryers are a valuable addition to your kitchen if you enjoy crispy foods and quick cooking times, especially for smaller households. However, they may not be ideal for large families due to their limited capacity. Here is a list of air fryer types and their pros and cons to help you decide which one is best for you:

Basket-Style Air Fryers

These air fryers feature a cooking basket where you place your food. They are standalone appliances that pull out like a drawer, allowing easy shaking and tossing of food. There are two common types of basket designs: those with a removable perforated tray, and those with a perforated basket that sits inside a drawer. Basket-style air fryers are generally preferred as they are less bulky and easier to clean. Examples include the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL and the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer.

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• More compact

Cons:

• Limited capacity
• Not suitable for all types of food

Dual-Basket Air Fryers

These air fryers have two baskets, offering more cooking versatility. You can cook different foods simultaneously or in batches. However, they can be tricky to set up and may not cook food evenly. An example is the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer.

Pros:

• Cooking versatility
• Suitable for larger portions

Cons:

• Tricky to set up
• May not cook food evenly

Oven-Style Air Fryers

Oven-style air fryers, like the Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer, have multiple trays for spreading out food. They are ideal for foods with larger surface areas, such as chicken cutlets, and for dehydrating. However, they require rotating trays during cooking to ensure even browning.

Pros:

• Suitable for larger surface area foods
• Ideal for dehydrating

Cons:

• Require tray rotation for even browning
• Bulky and challenging to clean

Air Fryer Toaster Ovens

Air fryer toaster ovens, such as the Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, are among the most popular air fryer styles. They combine the functions of an air fryer and a toaster oven, allowing you to air fry, toast, bake, and roast. However, they may not air fry as quickly or effectively as standalone air fryers, and their cleanup can be cumbersome.

Pros:

• Multifunctional
• Suitable for toasting, baking, and roasting

Cons:

• Slower and less effective air frying
• Cumbersome cleanup

Air fryer foods to avoid

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance, but they have limitations. Here are some foods that are best avoided when using an air fryer:

Wet-battered foods

Fried chicken, onion rings, and fish sticks with a wet batter should be avoided as the batter will drip off into the air fryer basket, creating a mess and potentially causing smoke or even fire hazards. Instead, coat these foods in a dry mixture of flour and seasonings before air-frying.

Leafy greens

Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are not suitable for air-frying as they will blow around in the basket, resulting in uneven cooking and a mess. They can also get stuck in the heating element and burn. Stick to heavier vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli that won't fly around.

Popcorn

Although there are recipes for making popcorn in an air fryer, it is not recommended due to safety concerns. The lack of a cover on the basket means kernels can blow around and get stuck in the heating element, potentially causing a fire. It's safer and easier to make popcorn on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Large cuts of meat

Large whole chickens or other large, bone-in meats are not ideal for air fryers as they will cook unevenly. Smaller pieces are better suited for the air fryer, ensuring even cooking and browning. Opt for roasting large cuts of meat in the oven instead.

Cake donuts

Cake donuts are leavened with baking powder and baking soda, but air-frying them will result in dry and dense treats. Traditional deep-frying is the best method to achieve light, fluffy, and soft donuts.

Bacon

While it is technically possible to cook bacon in an air fryer, it is not recommended due to the mess it creates. The hot air causes the bacon fat to spray all over the inside of the machine, leaving a greasy mess to clean up. Leaner turkey bacon is a better option for a similar breakfast treat with less cleanup.

Air fryer oil usage

Air fryers are a versatile appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking functions, including roasting, baking, warming, and grilling. They are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep fryers as they use little to no oil. However, oil can and should be used in some capacity for almost 75% of what you cook in an air fryer.

When air frying, the amount of oil used can range from a few sprays to 1 tablespoon, depending on the type of food being cooked. It is important to note that the amount of oil used in an air fryer is significantly less than what would be used in a deep fryer.

Where to Put Oil in an Air Fryer

Oil should be applied directly to the food before or after placing it in the air fryer. Alternatively, oil can be put into the bottom of the basket, as long as it doesn't come into close contact with any electrical components. Using oil misters or a basting brush are recommended for even distribution.

Types of Oil to Use in an Air Fryer

Any oil that can be used in an oven can be used in an air fryer, including vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and canola oil. Avocado oil is recommended as it has the highest smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil should only be used for temperatures up to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Oils with lower smoke points, such as butter, are not ideal for high-temperature cooking as they can smoke and potentially catch fire.

Foods That Need Oil in an Air Fryer

Frozen foods, such as dumplings, egg rolls, and fried ravioli, often need a little oil to prevent them from drying out. Roasted vegetables also require a light coating of oil or butter. For foods that typically need oil when cooking in an oven, such as foods that need a baking sheet to be greased, a small amount of oil is recommended.

Foods That Don't Need Oil in an Air Fryer

Most meats, including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and chicken bites, do not need oil. Many frozen foods, such as sweet potato fries, already have oil in their ingredients and do not require additional oil.

Air fryer prices

For those seeking more advanced features and a larger capacity, air fryers in the $150 to $300 range offer a good balance of performance and value. These models often include digital controls, preset functions, and a larger cooking capacity.

At the higher end of the price spectrum are hybrid countertop ovens with air fry functions. These can cost upwards of $300, but it is possible to find less advanced models or sales offering similar features for around $150.

When deciding on an air fryer, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. Factors such as the number of people you typically cook for, the types of food you plan to prepare, and the amount of counter space you have available will help determine which air fryer is right for you.

Frequently asked questions