If you're asking what size air fryer do I need, start with how many people you cook for. As a rough guide, 2 to 4 litres suits one or two people, 4 to 6 litres suits a couple or small family, and 6 litres or more (or a dual basket) suits families of four and up. The style of air fryer matters too, because a dual basket model cooks two foods at once, while an oven-style model gives you racks and more flat space.
Already decided between an air fryer and your oven? Our air fryer vs oven guide covers that question. This guide is all about choosing the right size and style.
Air fryer size chart
Air fryer capacity is listed in litres. Usable cooking space is less than the total volume because food needs room for hot air to circulate.
| Household | Suggested capacity | What it comfortably handles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 2 to 4 L | A serve of chips, a couple of chicken thighs, reheating |
| 2 people | 4 to 5.5 L | Dinner for two, a small tray of veggies |
| 3 to 4 people | 5.5 to 8 L | Family serve of chips, a small whole chicken in larger models |
| 5 or more people | 8 L and up, or dual basket | Mains and sides at the same time |
If you entertain, batch cook or like roasting a whole chook, size up. Most owners find they use their air fryer more than expected, and a basket that's slightly too big is far less frustrating than one that's too small.
Why size matters for results
Air fryers work by circulating very hot air around food. If you overfill the basket, air can't reach every surface and you'll get soggy spots instead of crunch. A well-sized air fryer lets you cook in a single layer (or close to it), which gives:
- Crispier results with less shaking and turning
- Shorter cooking times
- Fewer batches at dinner time
Single basket vs dual basket vs oven style
| Style | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Single basket | Simple cooking, smaller benches | One food or temperature at a time |
| Dual basket | Cooking a main and a side together | Each basket is smaller than one big basket |
| Large flexible drawer | Big single items or two zones | Takes up more bench space |
| Oven style | Multiple racks, rotisserie, baking | Larger footprint, can be slower to clean |
Single basket
A single basket air fryer is the classic design. It's compact, easy to clean and ideal for singles and couples. Larger single baskets also handle bigger items like a whole chicken or a tray of wings.
Dual basket
Dual basket (dual zone) air fryers have two separate drawers with independent controls. Many have a sync function so both finish at the same time, which is perfect for chicken in one and chips in the other. Remember each basket is smaller, so a single large item may not fit.
Flexible drawer models
Some newer designs use one wide drawer with a removable divider, giving you the choice of one big zone or two smaller ones. Ninja's FlexDrawer range is an example you'll find in our Ninja collection.
Oven-style air fryers
Oven-style models look like a compact benchtop oven with racks. They suit people who want to dehydrate, bake, use a rotisserie or cook flat items like pizza. If you want a more versatile benchtop cooker, also compare our countertop and toaster ovens.
Measure your bench first
Bigger air fryers are noticeably taller and deeper. Before you buy:
- Check the height under your overhead cupboards. Many air fryers vent hot air from the back or top, so leave the clearance recommended in the manual.
- Check the depth so the unit sits fully on the bench with room for the basket to slide out.
- Think about storage. If it won't live on the bench, a smaller, lighter model is easier to lift in and out of a cupboard.
Wattage and features
Larger air fryers usually draw more power to heat the bigger cavity quickly. Useful features include:
- Preset programs for chips, meat, fish and veg
- Dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates for easy cleaning
- Viewing windows so you can check food without opening the drawer
- Shake reminders to remind you to toss food halfway
- Sync and match functions on dual basket models
Brands we stock
Our air fryer range includes models from Ninja, GreenPan, Cuisinart, Tefal, Breville and Kitchen Couture, among others. You can compare them alongside other benchtop appliances in our small kitchen appliances range, or browse the brands page.
Tips for getting the most from any size
- Preheat for a few minutes if your model recommends it.
- Don't overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed and keep finished food warm in a low oven.
- Lightly spray or toss food with oil for extra crunch.
- Line baskets only with liners designed for air fryers, and never block the airflow.
- Clean the basket and crisper plate after each use to stop grease building up.
Related guides: Air Fryer vs Oven, Coffee Machine Buying Guide, Christmas Gift Ideas Australia.
Frequently asked questions
What size air fryer do I need for a family of four?
Most families of four find 5.5 to 8 litres comfortable. If you often cook a main and a side together, a dual basket model is worth considering.
Is a 4 litre air fryer big enough for two people?
A 4 to 5.5 litre air fryer generally suits two people for everyday meals. If you want to cook larger items like a small whole chicken, go a little bigger.
Are dual basket air fryers better?
They're better if you like cooking two foods at once with different settings. If you mostly cook one large item at a time, a large single basket may be more useful.
Can you cook a whole chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, in larger air fryers. Check that the basket is big enough for the size of chicken you usually buy, and allow room for air to circulate around it.
