Use food area, not litres alone
Two air fryers can advertise the same litres while one has a wide shallow basket and the other a tall narrow basket. For crisping, flat usable area is often more important.
Rule of thumb
| Household | Starting range | When to size up |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 3–4L | You batch-cook or roast larger items |
| 2 people | 4–6L | You cook mains + leftovers together |
| 3–4 people | 6–9L | You want fewer batches |
| Family / entertaining | 8L+ or dual zone | You regularly cook separate components |
These are starting points, not guarantees. Check real basket dimensions whenever available.
FAQ
Are expensive air fryers always better?
No. Format, basket geometry, controls and cleaning can matter more than price. Independent Australian testing has found some lower-priced models can perform competitively.
Do I need to preheat an air fryer?
Follow the model’s instructions. Some foods benefit from a short preheat, while many modern units are designed to start cooking quickly without a long preheat.
What should I measure before buying?
Measure width, depth, height and the required ventilation space around the unit. Also check where the power cord exits.
How we researched this guide
We compare current Australian product ranges and manufacturer specifications, then use independent testing and public owner-feedback patterns as evidence inputs. We distinguish those sources from our own analysis and do not invent hands-on experience.