Air frying is a great way to enjoy tasty, crispy foods with less oil and less guilt. Choosing the right size will be one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make when purchasing an air fryer. The question is, how do you decide which size air fryer you need? Our purpose in this article is to explore factors to consider when choosing an air fryer size and provide some tips to assist you.
Choosing the right air fryer depends on its size. Air fryers are sized according to the amount of food they can cook and the amount of counter space they occupy. Considering these factors, let’s determine what size air fryer best suits your needs when choosing a size air fryer.
What Size Air Fryer Do I Need?
It is possible to purchase air fryers in a wide array of sizes. As well as 1-quart models, like the Elite Gourmet EAF-3218, you will also find large models, such as the Big Boss. How do you know what size air fryer you need? You just need to figure out how many people you want to feed at the same time.
Another factor to consider is how much food a single individual consumes per meal. According to the chart below, you can feed about the same number of people depending on the size of your air fryer.
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Choosing Air Fryer Sizes
If you’re deciding on the size of your air fryer, you should consider the following factors. For convenience, I’ve categorized the sizes into four categories. Taking a closer look at each size, let’s see what it’s capable of!
For a single person
Consider the case where you cook for yourself and a guest occasionally. Make sure the air fryer you choose holds a maximum of 2 quarts of food. Several chicken tenders can be roasted with a side of Brussels sprouts in this oven.
Do not forget to add your cooking bucket list to your list. A size larger might be a good idea if you plan to make appetizers for all your friends or to prepare a meal with lots of leftovers.
Air fryers can cook everything from toast to chicken thighs, according to the owner of the first model. This is one of those things we didn’t realize we would use so much! It is even not uncommon for her to reheat leftovers, especially pizza and French fries.
Cooking for a family of two
Those who specialize in air frying recommend a 2- or 3-quart fryer if you and your boyfriend mostly sit around the dinner table. In the basket, there is ample space for six chicken wings or enough vegetables for two people to be cooked at the same time.
An air fryer’s quick cooking ability makes it convenient on busy weeknights. The air fryers at home allow me to throw something in and have dinner ready in 5 to 10 minutes when I don’t feel like eating the same meal as my fiance.
Cooking for up to six people
A large basket air fryer is perfect for cooking dinner (and dessert) for three or more people at once. In order to cook meals for her three children, Chaperon upgraded to a 6-quart air fryer. Using the air fryer makes dinner time much shorter for me. A versatile air fryer allows me to get creative with meals as a working mom with a picky six-year-old.
Chaperon uses her 6-quart air fryer for her 3-person family, however, it is also perfect for a family of 4 and can even be used to cook for a family of six depending on the foods you like to eat. Depending on what you’re making, you may need to cook the recipe in several batches, like Nashville hot chicken.
For parties of eight and more
You should opt for the extra-large basket size or an oven model air fryer if you like to host friends and family on the weekends. Then you can make quick appetizers and party plates that feed a crowd quickly. A toaster oven replacement air fryer is ideal if you wish to replace other appliances, such as your oven. Their compact size makes them easier to store on your counter.
With an air fryer basket between 6 and 10 quarts, a whole chicken, a large pizza, and a large amount of finger food can all be cooked.
Air Fryer Features Worth Considering
Air fryers are typically sized according to their capacity, but there are other important features you should consider before buying one.
- Different air fryers have different temperature ranges, which allows them to cook different meals at different temperatures. Finding something that reaches 400°F or higher is a good option. Reheating and rehydrating foods at lower temperatures may also be a good idea if you plan on reheating.
- The accessories included with air fryers vary, such as skewers, baking pans, and stackable racks. Identify the accessories you require and ensure they are included with the purchase or can be obtained easily.
- You can set the air fryer for cooking fish, chicken, or vegetables with preprogrammed settings. Simply select your preferred cooking mode and you’ll achieve delicious results in a matter of minutes.
- When the timer ends, an air fryer will give you a ping, but some models also remind you to turn your food over during cooking. For evenly cooked meals, you should shake the basket when using a rotating basket air fryer.
Is a Larger Air Fryer Better?
Most newbies to air fryers ask, should I buy a large air fryer? Air fryers classified as “large” usually have baskets at least 5 quarts in size. Does a 2-person family need a 5-quart air fryer, or can they get away with a 3- to 4-quart model?
This chart illustrates how many mouths an air fryer can serve during a cooking cycle. Because air fryers are designed for small batches of food, you can certainly get by with a smaller model. Prepare lunch and dinner ahead of time so that the next meal will be ready when you are.
Many people have found, however, that larger air fryers are almost always more effective. Air fryers can be used to prepare anything from chicken thighs to French fries. The fewer air-frying cycles you have to endure, the faster your food can be devoured, which is always a bonus!
As a general rule, air fryers can’t be too big. It is possible to have air fryers that are too small to be comfortable.
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Conclusion
There is no doubt that air fryers are a great addition to any kitchen since they offer delicious results while using less oil and fat. It is important to know what size will fit your needs and what features are most important when choosing an air fryer. To assist you in making an informed decision, this article outlines the types and factors to consider when choosing a fryer. After reading this article, you’ll be prepared to purchase an air fryer that is right for your kitchen and make delicious, healthy meals with it right away.