Guide · Updated 2026-10-08

What Size Air Fryer Do I Need? A Simple Guide

Work out the right air fryer capacity in litres for your household, whether a dual drawer is worth it, how much worktop space it needs and what a cook costs.

Air fryer capacity is quoted in litres, and the right size depends mostly on how many people you cook for and what you cook. A basket that is too small means cooking in batches; one that is too large takes up worktop and heats air you do not need. As a starting point, use the table below, then adjust for your own habits.

Capacity by household size

These ranges are guidance, not rules. Batch cooking for the week pushes you toward the top of the range or beyond, while mostly reheating and snacks suit the lower end.

Cooking a whole chicken

If you want to roast a whole chicken, check the basket depth and width, not just the litres. A chicken of about 1.5 kg generally needs a basket of roughly 5.5 litres or more, and it must sit flat without touching the element. Many dual drawer models are fine for pieces but too narrow for a whole bird.

Single basket or dual drawer?

A dual drawer lets you cook two foods at different settings and finish them at the same time. It is useful for a family of four or more, or if you often cook a main and a side. The trade-off is a larger footprint and usually a higher price. If you mostly cook one thing at a time, a single basket of the right size is simpler and cheaper.

Will it fit on your worktop?

Air fryers vent hot air from the back and top, and manufacturers usually ask for about 10 to 15 cm of free space behind and above. In the worked example, a model that is 36 cm deep needs about 46 cm of worktop depth once you allow a 10 cm gap behind it, so it does not fit a 45 cm worktop depth. Never use an air fryer directly under a cupboard. The Air Fryer Capacity Finder does this check with your own measurements.

What does a cook cost?

A 1,700 W air fryer running for 20 minutes uses about 0.57 kWh. At an example price of 27p per kWh that is about 15p. In practice the element cycles on and off, so the real cost is often lower. Use the unit rate on your own bill; the Appliance Running Cost Comparison will compare two machines over the years you keep them.

Power and safety

A UK 13 A plug supports up to about 3,000 W, so no air fryer should exceed that. Use it on a heat-resistant surface, keep the cable away from the hot casing and let it cool before cleaning.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bigger air fryer always better? No. Large units take longer to heat and use more energy for small portions.

Do I need liners and accessories? Liners help with cleaning, but check they do not block airflow. Racks and baking tins can add flexibility, but only buy ones that fit your basket.

Capacities are those quoted by makers; usable food space is smaller. Check the exact size and ventilation advice in the manual of any model you buy.