Air Fryer Sizes Compared: Which Is Best For You?

Choosing the right air fryer size can be difficult – especially if you have never owned one before. There are many different air fryer sizes and shapes on the market today, so it can seem like an overwhelming task to choose one.

However, you need to make sure that you will choose the right air fryer size to have a convenient and easy cooking experience. 

You don’t want to choose a too small or too big air fryer, because the smaller one can burn the food, and the unnecessary larger one can leave the food soggy and un-crisped.

This guide will give you all the information you need in order to choose which air fryer is perfect for your needs and lifestyle. From small to large, we’ll help you find your perfect fit!

How Are Air Fryers Measured?

Air fryers come in different sizes, which allow for various cooking needs. They are usually measured in quarts – the measurements for liquid capacity.

• 1 quart = 0.95L in the USA
• 1 quart = 1.14L in the UK

But besides quarts, the air fryer sizes can also be shown in litters or pounds.
However, these sizes are just guidelines and not absolute measurements. The food you will prepare will determine how much is safe to fit into the cooking basket.

Air Fryer Size Comparison Guide

Since air fryers come in many sizes, it’s essential to determine which size is right for you and your family before purchasing one. The most common size range of air fryers is from 1 quart (for 1-2 people) to 5 quarts (for a family of 4 people).

In the following table, we will make an air fryer size comparison for the types, sizes, and suitability.

Now let’s break down the air fryer sizes.

Small Size Air Fryer

The small sizes of air fryers (1.0 – 2.0 quarts) are best suited for single people who want to make smaller meals like french fries, chicken wings, chicken fingers, and other small-batch snacks.

However, when making small-portion snacks, these small-size air fryers can also help you make enough snacks for two (not so hungry) people, in one run.

If you meet slightly larger (small size) air fryers from 2.2 to 3.0 quarts, they can be best for frying larger snacks or baking goods for two adult people, who came home hungry after a long day 🙂

Best Small Size Capacity Air Fryers

In the category of best small size air fryers, we are recommending the following three air fryers as a preferable choice for you:

• Chefman 2-Quart Air TurboFry
• GoWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer
• Dash DCAF150GBBK02 Compact Air Fryer Oven Cooker

Medium Size Air Fryer

The medium-sized air fryers come with a capacity range of 3 to 5 quarts, making them perfectly suitable for cooking meals for a family of 3-5 people.

These air fryers are common because you can make larger family meals at once. There is enough space in the food container to try larger food items and even cook two things simultaneously.

Best Medium Size Capacity Air Fryers

As best medium air fryers, we’ve selected the following four air fryers for you that provide the best value for money:

• GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart
• Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, 4 Qt
• Ultrean Air Fryer, 4.2 Quart
• Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Basket Air Fryer

Large Size Air Fryer

In the large-size category belong air fryers with sizes of 5.0 to 6.0, suited for 5-6 people. They are quite large and versatile for cooking large batches of air-fried food.

Because of their extensive food compartments, you can fill even two trays of french fries, chicken fingers, and other larger meals. 

This makes them perfect kitchen appliances when cooking for a lot of kids or smaller family gatherings.

Remember, large air fryers come with higher energy consumption, so make sure to have that in mind when purchasing your new air fryer.

Best Large Air Fryers

We’ve carefully hand-picked the best large air fryers on the market. Here are our top 3 recommendations:

• GoWISE USA 1700-Watt 5.8-QT 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer
• COSORI Smart WiFi Air Fryer
• Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer

Extra-Large Air Fryer

These extra-large air fryers (6 – 10.5 quarts) are designed for large families of 6-10 people who use an air fryer regularly.

The extra-large air fryers are perfect for cooking large meals, such as whole turkey, chicken, or pizza. Besides frying, their spacious chamber is also great for grilling, roasting, baking, dehydrating, and more.

One disadvantage is the large space they occupy on your kitchen countertop and the significant energy consumption.

Best Extra-Large Air Fryers

If you are planning to often prepare a large amount of crispy food for your family and friends, then one of these best extra-large air fryers can be a perfect fit for you:

• Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven
• Ultrean 8.5 Quart Air Fryer
• Paula Deen 8.5QT Air Fryer 

King-Size Air Fryers

We like to categorize the air fryers of 11+ quarts as king-size air fryers.

The king-size air fryers are best suitable for:

• People hosting a large gathering
• Bulk cooking for families with many relatives
• Organizing different festivities in your backyard.

Most of these fryers have an oven-like appearance but with an air frying technology.

Best King-Size Air Fryers

After analyzing multiple king-size air fryers, we’ve chosen the best ones for you:

• Yedi Total Package Air Fryer Oven XL
• Ultrean Air Fryer, 12.5 Quart Air Fryer Oven
• NuWave Brio 15.5-Quart Large Capacity Air Fryer + Grill
• COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Combo 26.4QT Large Countertop Oven

What Size Air Fryer Do I Need?

Your air fryer size can mainly depend on 3 factors:

• For how many people you will cook
• What the air fryer will be used for
• How much space do you have

Now let’s take a look at the first factor of how many people you will cook for…

What Air Fryer Size Do I Need For One Person?

A small air fryer size of 2 quarts would work best for singles, college students, or individuals because this small-sized air fryer is cheaper but still offers more features than a small toaster oven. 

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

With this air fryer, you can fry snacks or bake smaller goods, faster and easier, while on the go.
If you are looking for an air fryer for one person, we recommend the Chefman 2-Quart Air TurboFry Personal Compact Healthy Fryer. 

This compact air fryer can perfectly fit in small kitchens, offices, or dorms. It’s incredibly easy to use it so you can air-fry or reheat almost everything, especially when you are in a hurry.

What Size Air Fryer Do I Need For A Family Of 2?

A small 2.6 quarts air fryer would be a great size for couples that want a single-serving size of food quickly. This air fryer can accommodate slightly larger-sized meals such as chicken breasts, steak, and French fries for two people eating in.

Last update on 2024-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Our best recommendation for a family of two people is the Dash Tasti Crisp Electric Air Fryer Oven Cooker. 

With this air fryer, you can prepare crispy fries, chicken nuggets, or fish sticks much faster (and without sacrificing their taste). Also, it comes with a slick design that’s perfect for any smaller kitchen.

What Size Air Fryer Should I Get For A Family Of 3?

You can use a medium-sized air fryer of 3 to 4 quarts for a family of three people. These air fryers are great for bigger batch cooking. However, have in mind that the air fryers over 3 quarts can take more space on your kitchen countertop.

Last update on 2024-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Our top choice for a family of 3 people is the GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Programmable Air Fryer.

This air fryer comes with eight functions allowing you to try many recipes you will find online. Also, the present rapid air technology will allow you to prepare healthier fried foods without adding any oil.

What Size Air Fryer Do I Need For A Family Of 4?

When it comes to air fryers for a family of four people, the most popular size is around 5.0 – 5.8 quarts. 

There are plenty of large air-fryer models available for a hungry group of four people, but here is our top choice: Secura Air Fryer XL 5.3. 

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The model is convenient and practical for everyday use. It heats up quickly, and it’s more energy-efficient.

However, if someone from your family of 4 is constantly complaining that is hungry, then you can go with a larger air fryer model of 5.8 quarts and prepare a larger batch of food.

What Size Air Fryer Should I Get For A Family Of 5?

A large 5.8 quarts air fryer would be a perfect size for a family of five people (but it can work great for four people as well). With this air fryer, you will be able to efficiently prepare large amounts of fried foods, including fries, lasagnas, steaks, pizzas, or fried chicken. 

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Our winner here is the GoWISE USA 1700-Watt 5.8-QT 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer. This air fryer is a go-to choice for many families of 5 people because of its sleek and modern design that perfectly fits on every larger countertop. 

With its eight cooking presets, you can quickly fry, grill, roast, or bake without any oil needed.

What Size Air Fryer Is Best For A Family Of 6?

An air fryer of 6-7 quarts is an ideal size for a family of six. With extra compartments and features, these air fryers can be an excellent investment for your family, who will enjoy healthier meals in your own home!

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For a family of 6 people, we recommend the NUWAVE BRIO 6-Quart Digital Air Fryer. 

This air fryer comes with six different presents that will help you to cook everything from fries to wings, without the need for greasy oil. 

You will also find 100 preprogrammed recipes, so you will never run out of ideas.

What Size Air Fryer Do I Need For A Family Of 8?

For a family of 8 people, we highly recommend air fryers of 8.5 – 11 quarts. They usually are very versatile, allowing you to cook pretty much everything you can imagine.

Last update on 2024-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As a top choice for a family of 8 people, you can try the Ultrean 8.5 Quart Air Fryer. This air fryer will make your cooking fun and enjoyable because it comes with seven cooking presets for preparing all kinds of food for any occasion.

People Also Ask:

What Size Do I Need To Air Fryer Whole Chicken?

Extra-large air fryers of 6 – 10.5 quarts are ideal for preparing a whole chicken. 

These fryers come with a large cooking chamber that’s not only good for preparing a whole chicken, but also preparing turkeys, pizzas, lasagnas and so much more.

How Big Is An XL Air Fryer?

Most manufacturers are identifying their air fryers as XL when the size is 5.8 – 10 quarts. However, there are exceptions to this rule, depending on the specific air fryer brand.

What Is The Largest Size Air Fryer?

The largest air fryer we’ve met is the CROWNFUL Air Fryer Toaster Oven with its incredible 32 quarts! This appliance is an All-In-One cooking machine that can work as an air fryer, toaster oven, and convection oven at the same.

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Final Words – What Size Air Fryer Do I Need?

A good way to start thinking about the size you need is by considering how often and what type of cooking you typically want to do. 

So if your favorite use will be for making side dishes or reheating leftovers for 2-3 people, then a small air fryer might work well for you because it has lesser power output than larger models. 

On the other hand, if family dinners are usually on days when everyone’s home (including kids) and someone wants fried chicken wings, while the other one enjoys some tasty pork chops… then consider getting an extra-large model that can cook enough food at once so no one ever goes hungry!

Finally, to make a better-informed decision, you can read this comprehensive air fryer size guide once again so you can discover which type of air fryer suits you the most.

Related Readings: Check our reviews on the best air fryer on Amazon.

Try Our Recipes and Cooking Guides:

• Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
• Homemade Chicken Fingers