How do I use the simple capacity calculator to find the right air fryer size for my family?

We write down the number of regular eaters, choose a typical adult portion (150g-250g), multiply to get total cooked grams, then convert using about 2.0 litres per 500g. Round up to the next common model size (for example 4-5L for a 3.2L result) so food isn’t crowded.

Why does the article convert cooked grams into litres using 2.0L per 500g?

We use 2.0 litres per 500g as a practical midpoint to allow space for air circulation and crisping; denser or stacked loads need more room and may require a larger litre-per-500g ratio.

What air fryer litre range should a family of four choose for main meals?

For two adults and two children cooking mains, we recommend roughly 4-6 litres to avoid double-batching, and we suggest choosing 5-6L if the household includes teens or larger appetites.

How should counter space and ventilation affect my size choice?

We advise measuring available counter width and depth, leaving 10-15cm clearance behind and above for ventilation, and balancing external footprint against the litre capacity when counter space is limited.

If I like batch-cooking or whole roasts, what changes should I make to the size recommendation?

We recommend increasing capacity: for batch-cooking add about 25-30% more than a single-meal size to fit multiple trays or layers, and for whole chickens or large joints consider roomy oven-style air fryers of around 10L or larger to get even browning; when in doubt, we pick the next larger size up to give breathing room for mixed plates (drumsticks plus veg).

Best air fryer size for your family: a simple capacity calculator

Work out the right air fryer capacity for your family with an easy step-by-step calculator and serving-based recommendations for real meals.

Published:July 10, 2026

Updated:September 8, 2026

5 min read

Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels

Simple capacity calculator

Turn household count and portion size into a litre target in four quick steps.

Why size matters for family cooking

An air fryer’s litre or litre-equivalent number is only part of the story. For families we care most about how many portions you can cook at once, whether the appliance fits on your counter, and whether its size changes how you cook through the week. We’ll walk through a simple, practical calculator you can use at home, plus clear serving-based recommendations so you can choose confidently.

The three things to check first

Main use: daily dinners, weekly batch-cooking, or occasional snacks?
Household size and typical portion size (children vs teens/adults).
Counter footprint and storage - measure the space where the air fryer will live.

If you’re browsing models, start at our Airfryers hub to see available styles and sizes. But first, use the quick calculator below so you know what litre range to look for.

Step-by-step family capacity calculator

Follow these four simple steps with a notepad or your phone.

Write down the number of regular eaters in your household (e.g., 2 adults + 2 children = 4).
Decide your typical adult portion for the main (grams cooked per person). Common practical values: 150g for light eaters, 200g for average, 250g for larger appetites.
Multiply household members by chosen portion size to get total cooked grams needed in one batch (for 4 adults × 200g = 800g cooked).
Convert cooked grams to air fryer capacity: roughly 1.8-2.5 litres per 500g of cooked food, depending on the food shape and stacking. Use the mid-point: 2.0 litres per 500g as a practical rule.

Example: 4 people × 200g = 800g. 800g ÷ 500g = 1.6 → 1.6 × 2.0 litres = ~3.2 litres. Round up to a 4-5 litre model to avoid crowding and allow air circulation.

Why the conversion uses litres per cooked weight

Air fryers cook by circulating hot air. Food needs surface area and space between pieces. Dense or stacked loads reduce crisping and increase time. The litres-per-grams rule above accounts for real-world spacing: you can often fit more by using trays or baskets with inserts, but buying a larger basket size is the easiest path to consistent results.

Practical portion examples (real household scenarios)

Couple who cook together (2 adults, occasional guests): 2-3 litres usually works for weeknight meals.
Family of three (2 adults + 1 child): 3-4 litres gives flexibility for batch-roasting veg or baking small cakes.
Family of four (2 adults + 2 children) cooking main meals: 4-6 litres to avoid double-batching; choose 5-6L if family members are teens or larger appetites.
Family of five or more or frequent batch-cooking: 7 litres or larger (air fryer ovens) or an oven-style air fryer to match oven-style capacity.

When in doubt, pick the next larger size up. A slightly larger air fryer gives breathing room for mixed plates - drumsticks plus veg, or a tray of frozen fries alongside a small roast.

If counter space is tight, balance size choice against footprint: check the product’s external width and depth on the product page and measure your counter before buying. You can also browse related kitchen gear like Cookware for items that work well inside larger air fryer ovens.

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Choosing by meal type, not just litres

Different meals behave differently in an air fryer. Use these guidance rules to translate meal plans into size decisions.

Common meal rules of thumb

Whole chickens or large joints need roomy oven-style air fryers or a 10L+ capacity for even browning; otherwise you’ll need to spatchcock or halve the bird.
Multiple items with different cooking times (veggies and proteins) benefit from a larger basket so you can separate zones without crowding.
Batch-cooking (meal prep for several days): aim for at least 25-30% more capacity than a single-meal size to fit multiple trays or layers.

Counter space and weekly rhythm - a quick checklist

Measure available counter depth and width. Leave 10-15cm clearance behind and above for ventilation.
Decide where you’ll store the fryer when not in use. Larger air fryer ovens are heavier to move.
Match capacity to how often you’ll cook: if you only use an air fryer twice a week, a medium 4-5L model may be better value than a large oven-style unit.

A note on price: in South Africa, family-sized air fryers vary widely. Small 3-4L models commonly sit in the R800-R2 000 band, mid-size 5-7L models around R1 500-R4 000, and large oven-style 10L+ units from R3 500 upward. Prices change, so treat these as approximate ranges and check current listings on our Appliances pages for up-to-date options.

How we recommend deciding, step-by-step

Run the capacity calculator above with your usual portion size.
Think about the biggest thing you’ll cook (whole chicken, baking tray, batch of samosas) and add 20-30% to the calculated litres for flexibility.
Measure counter space and confirm the unit’s footprint fits with required ventilation space.
If you have a mixed rhythm (weeknight meals + weekend batch-cooking), lean toward a mid-to-large model (5-8L) that balances daily convenience and weekend capacity.

Final tips from our experience

Don’t overfill the basket - even a 7L fryer will underperform if food is piled high.
Accessories (multi-layer racks, baking trays) can increase usefulness but won’t replace raw volume - they help organise space inside larger units best.
Consider energy and time: twice-cooking in a small fryer can cost time; a single larger batch saves time and often electricity overall.

We’ve kept this post focused on helping you pick the right capacity for your family meals. When you’re ready to browse models, start at our Airfryers hub or the Appliances category to compare options and see product dimensions. Happy cooking - we’re here to make the choice simple and warm, not complicated.

Sources

U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Saver
Consumer Reports - Air fryer buying guide
Food Network - Practical air fryer cooking tips

Last updated: September 8, 2026

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Best air fryer size for your family: a simple capacity calculator

Simple capacity calculator

Why Choose Bash?

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Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Pick by meal type

Measure counter fit

Why size matters for family cooking

The three things to check first

Step-by-step family capacity calculator

Why the conversion uses litres per cooked weight

Practical portion examples (real household scenarios)

Choosing by meal type, not just litres

Common meal rules of thumb

Counter space and weekly rhythm - a quick checklist

How we recommend deciding, step-by-step

Final tips from our experience

Sources

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