Do you have a small family or are you and your partner big eaters? Then the capacity of an entry-level air fryer is often not enough. You want a size in which you can fit enough fries or chicken for three plates, without having to fry everything in stages. At the same time, it does not have to be a huge appliance that dominates your countertop. In this article you can read what to look for when you are looking for an air fryer for three people.

This is why an air fryer is a good choice

An air fryer has a number of clear advantages over both the traditional deep fryer and the oven. You probably already know that – they have become an indispensable part of many kitchens. But for those who don’t know yet: an air fryer uses hot air instead of oil to cook food. As a result, the dishes are less fatty and contain fewer calories than when deep-frying. At the same time, the circulating air provides a crispy texture, which is why many people find it just as tasty or even tastier than traditional fried food.

Compared to an oven, an air fryer is often a bit more practical and economical. Because it is more compact, it heats up faster and uses less energy. Ideal if you want to quickly put a meal or snack on the table. Cleaning is also usually a lot easier than with an oven or deep fryer.

What should you pay attention to when buying an air fryer for three people?

When choosing an air fryer for three people, you mainly pay attention to the capacity , the power and a few smart extras . For a household of three, a capacity of around 3 liters is usually just right. With that you can fry about 600 grams of frozen fries or three chicken fillets in one go – without having to stack or work in rounds.

Also pay attention to the power . Preferably choose a model of at least 1500 watts. This ensures fast heating and good air circulation, so that everything cooks evenly. Extras such as a non-stick coating, automatic switch-off and pre-programmed programs make use a little easier. Also look for matching accessories with which you can further expand the possibilities of your air fryer.

Basket or drawer?

Air fryers come in two main versions: with a basket or with a pull-out drawer. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. A drawer is often a bit easier to use, especially if you want to shake or add something in between. A basket, on the other hand, is often a bit deeper, so you can fit a bit more in, but it is more difficult to cook the contents evenly if you fry too much at once. So don’t just look at the number of liters, but also at the shape and layout of the interior.

Dual zones: useful or excessive?

For three people, an air fryer with a dual baking zone may not be necessary, but it can be useful. For example, you can fry fries and snacks at the same time, or keep chicken and vegetables separate. Some models even have different temperatures per zone, which is useful if you want to combine two dishes with different cooking times. The disadvantage is that these air fryers are often larger and more expensive. If you rarely use the second zone, you are probably better off with a single model with a bit more capacity.

With these points in mind, you will more quickly find an air fryer that suits your mealtimes. A model that is not too big or expensive, but can handle enough. Because let’s be honest: no one wants to fight over that last chicken nugget!