What Size Air Fryer Do I Need?

General buying advice. Always check current specifications, prices and reviews with the retailer before you buy.

Air fryer sizes are quoted in litres, which does not mean much until you picture your own dinners. Here is a plain way to work out what size you need before you buy.

What the litres actually mean

Capacity is the volume of the basket, but the space you can really use for food is smaller, because air needs room to move around it. Check the basket's width and depth as well as the litres, and compare them with the dishes you cook most.

A rough guide by household

As a starting point, a smaller air fryer of roughly 2 to 4 litres suits one or two people. Around 4 to 6 litres is a popular range for two to four people. Larger households, or anyone who batch cooks, may want 6 litres or more, or a dual-drawer model. Manufacturers' own guidance varies, so treat these figures as a starting point and check the maker's serving advice.

Think about what you cook

Chips, wings and vegetables cook best in a single layer, so overcrowding a small basket gives uneven results. If you want to cook a whole chicken or a joint, check that it will fit with space around it, or consider an oven-style air fryer.

Single drawer or dual zone

A single drawer is simpler and usually takes up less room. A dual-zone model lets you cook two foods at once, with separate timers, which is handy for a main and a side. It is bigger and often costs more, so only choose it if you will use both drawers.

Check your worktop

Air fryers need clearance around the vents, and a pull-out drawer needs space in front of it. Measure the spot, including the height under wall cabinets, before you decide. A big model you cannot leave out may end up unused.