Air fryer capacity is usually measured in litres, but that number does not tell the whole story. Basket shape, the foods you cook and whether you need one or two compartments all affect how useful the appliance will be.

Start with what you cook together

Think about an ordinary evening meal. Are you cooking a side dish, two portions of a main course or several components for a family? A small air fryer can be useful for snacks and individual portions, while a larger cooking area may be more convenient for shared meals.

Household size is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Two people who batch cook can need more space than a larger household using an air fryer only for side dishes.

Check basket dimensions

Food often cooks best with room for air to circulate. The maximum fill line is not a promise that every food will cook well piled to that level. Follow the instructions for the particular food and appliance.

Look at the width and depth of the usable basket, especially if you cook larger pieces. A tall, narrow basket and a wider, shallow basket can have similar litre capacities but different practical uses.

Understand dual basket capacity

For a dual basket model, check the capacity of each drawer. A total of eight litres might be split into two four-litre compartments, which is different from having one eight-litre space. Some appliances have removable dividers or other configurations, so read the model details.

Allow for worktop space

Measure the appliance’s footprint, the space needed to open the drawers and the ventilation clearance specified by the manufacturer. Think about storage too: moving a large appliance in and out of a cupboard may be less convenient than leaving a smaller model ready to use.

A practical buying checklist

Write down your usual portion sizes, the largest food you expect to cook and whether you want two foods to finish together. Compare those needs with basket dimensions, controls and cleaning requirements. Avoid buying extra capacity simply because the headline number is bigger.

Browse our cooking appliances to find an air fryer that fits both your meals and your kitchen.