What is the best air fryer for a family of 4? This is maybe the most common question asked by air fryer users living in a medium-size family. Don’t worry. In this article, I am going to guide you through the way of choosing the perfect air fryer if you are living in a family consisting of 4 members. At the beginning of this article, I will review each of the top products that can be a good option for you. In the end, I will discuss what you should consider before making your decision. I will also answer some frequently asked questions.
Top 7 air fryers for a family of 4 members
We conducted comprehensive research to find out the perfect air fryer for a medium-size family. Because each individual has a distinct demand, we are reviewing a set of air fryers. All of them are good from different angles.
Table of comparison
| Model | Size | Dimension (inches) | Weight | Power | Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 Air Fryer | 4 qt | 13.6 x 11 x 13.3 | 9.7 lbs | 1500 W | 105F to 400F |
| COSORI CP137-AF Air Fryer | 3.7 qt | 10.75 x 10.9 x 12.25 | 12.72 lbs | 1500 W | 170F to 400F |
| GoWISE USA GW22639 | 3.7 qt | 13 x 10 x 12 | 13 lbs | 1400 W | 180F to 400F |
| Secura Air Fryer TXG-DS15 | 4.2 qt | 15 x 13 x 14 | 10.3 lbs | 1500 W | 180F to 390F |
| Avalon Bay Air Fryer 100B | 3.7 qt | 13.5 x 11 x 12.75 | 12.23 lbs | 1400 W | 180F to 400F |
| Willsence Air Fryer 3.7 QT | 3.7 qt | 14.6 x 12.3 x 12.2 | 9.68 lbs | Not Found | 140F to 400F |
| Philips Airfryer XXL HD9630/98 | 4 qt | 17.32 x 13.38 x 16 | 18.74 lbs | 1750W | 175F to 400F |
Ninja 4 Quart Air Fryer
Why this Ninja 4 qt air fryer is one of the best choices for a family of 4? First of all, the basket capacity. This is the prime requirement. It has a 4-quart basket that can sufficiently cook for 4 people in a batch. It has an exceptional temperature range of 105F to 400F. With this temperature, it can dehydrate foods. You may know that foods like herbs and seeds are very heat sensitive. Therefore, dehydrating these foods require temperature as low as 100F. Other kinds of foods such as fish and meat will require a higher temperature to dehydrate. As you will get as low as 105F with this Ninja air fryer, it will dehydrate everything. Other than this, it has other cooking options such as roasting, grilling, and baking.
Ninja AF101 air fryer is free from BPA. Therefore, it will be a healthy choice for you. The ceramic coated and dishwasher-safe basket is easy to clean. The digital touch control panel has air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate preset functions. Ninja AF101 has a powerful heating element having a wattage of 1500W. Do you know how it affects your cooking experience? An air fryer with higher wattage will cook faster by achieving the required temperature quickly. The heating element is the heart of an air fryer. The competitors of Ninja have heating elements having wattage of 1200W to 1300W.
Bottom line is that, if you are in a family of 4 and looking for an air fryer from a reliable and popular brand, then Ninja AF101 can be a great choice for you. Although the price of this model is a bit higher, the reliability and popularity justify the higher cost. For the persons who want a small BPA free air fryer with a dehydration option, then Ninja is the only option. No other 4-quart air fryers have that wide temperature range.
COSORI – Editor’s Choice
What is the reason that I have selected the COSORI CP137-AF 3.7 QT air fryer in the list of top air fryers for a family of 4? First of all, the basket size of this COSORI air fryer is 3.7 quarts. It is good enough for cooking 3 to 4 persons in a single batch. If you think the basket will not be large enough for cooking for the whole family, then remember that it will accommodate foods more than an ordinary air fryer because of the design of the square-shaped food basket. If you still have a doubt, it has a dual-layer rack with a skewer to maximize your cooking capacity. Another good quality about the basket is that it is BPA and PFOA free, dishwasher safe with nonstick coating.
What are the other advantages of this COSORI 3.7 QT air fryer? The digital control panel of COSORI CP137-AF air fryer is huge. With eleven preset cooking functions, you can cook without knowing much about the temperature and time. I have seen a lot of people have questions about the cooking parameters. For example, do you think you should set the same temperature for air fryer jerky and air fryer French fry? That’s where preset cooking modes come into play. It also has a shake reminder. That means if you forget to shake the basket, an automatic reminder from the basket will tell you to shake it to ensure uniform cooking.
Bottom line is that COSORI 3.7 QT air fryer is a great choice for a family of 4 for so many good features that I have already mentioned. The only drawback can be the price. It is a bit pricy compared to other 4-quart air fryers. However, if you want to curb the expense, there is a manual knob-controlled version of it that can save you some money.
GoWISE USA Programmable Air Fryer
Let me tell you the reason why did I choose this GoWISE USA 3.7-QT air fryer in my list of the best air fryers for a family of 4. The first reason is the basket size which is 3.7 quarts. It is just perfect considering the size of the family. I have also the options to choose larger air fryers. But what’s the reason for occupying more space on the countertop? However, it also has a 5-quart variant. Therefore, you can choose between any of these.
The advantages of GoWISE USA 3.7-QT air fryer include the preset cooking functions. It includes functions for cooking shrimp, cake, pork, steak, and so on. In total, there are eight preset cooking modes. If you are a beginner or do not know much about how to cook at perfect temperature and time, then these preset cooking modes are going to be a great help to you. The variable cooking temperature of this unit is 180F to 400F. Although it is not anything mention-worthy, still it is good enough for cooking at all basic cooking functions. It also comes with a recipe book that has 50 delicious recipes idea. Therefore, don’t worry if you have no prior experience cooking with an air fryer.
Are you happy with an air fryer that can cook in baking, grilling, and roasting modes? Considering value for the money, it will be one of the best options for a family of 3 or 4. There is a drawback about this GoWISE air fryer that you may not like. The control buttons do not have touch functions. Although I think it is better to have a manual control button rather than having low-quality touch buttons. Overall, I am quite happy with the users’ review and rating of this popular air fryer.
Secura TXG-DS15
Secura 4.2-quart air fryer is another great option for small to medium size families having up to 4 members. Why did I choose this Secura air fryer on my list? The basket size of this air fryer is just perfect for a medium-size family. Where most of the popular air fryers for a family of 4 have a basket of 3.7-QT, this Secura air fryer has a bigger capacity. It ensures cooking more food in a batch. That’s the first reason. Secondly, it is one of the top air fryers within a similar range that has so many positive reviews. It has been sold so many units as well.
Other advantages include the high-speed hot air circulation technology that helps this air fryer cook faster. With the manual control knob, you can set the temperature between 180F to 390F. At 180F, you can prepare dried meats and fishes. The overall temperature range is good for cooking in grilling, roasting, and baking modes. Although a manual control panel, it has temperature and time instructions written beside the control knobs to guide you. Unlike ordinary air fryers, you can set the timer up to 60 minutes. It also comes with some free accessories that may save you some money. The BBQ racks and skewers are space savers. The square-shaped food basket of this Secura air fryer can also accommodate more food than that of a circular basket.
Who should choose this Secura 4-liter air fryer? There are elderly persons in our society who likes simplicity. The manual control panel of this air fryer can help them a lot. The price of this unit is also reasonable which makes it one of the most inexpensive options for families consisting of 4 members. The basket size of it is more than other similar models. Therefore, you can also keep it in your consideration.
Avalon Bay For Family of 4
Avalon Bay is the supplier of a 3.7-quart air fryer that is another good option for a family having 3 to 4 members. The first reason for choosing this model is the basket size. It is a 3.7-quart air fryer, most suitable for 3 persons but it is OK for cooking 4 persons as well. Another reason for choosing this one in my top list is popularity. It is one of the very few popular air fryers in this range. A lot of people who are living in a medium-size family are using this one with no major issues.
Other advantages of this Avalon Bay air fryer include the BPA free plastic that has been used to manufacturer it. You may know that BPA is a component that may present in the plastic that seep through the food when cooking. Finding the BPA free property among the air fryers is not very common. You will get free accessories with it such as multi-layer rack and baking pan. The accessories have the nonstick property that has made them easy to clean after use. With the temperature range of 180F to 400F, you will be able to cook delicious snacks and fries other than basic French fries.
So, for whom this Avalon Bay 3.7 qt air fryer will be a perfect choice? Persons who are looking for a popular air fryer for their medium size family with a simple control panel at the best price may choose this one. Although you can set the timer up to 30 minutes, I do not find it necessary to have a wider range unless you are dehydrating with it. The value for the money of this air fryer is also great. If the user is a child or an elderly, then it is going to be one of the best simple and easy to operate air fryers.
Willsence Air Fryer For 4 Persons
Willsence is not a very common name in the kitchen appliance industry. The 3.7-quart air fryer of this brand is not equally popular compared to the other air fryers I have reviewed for a family of 4 members. However, I have chosen this Willsence 3.7 qt air fryer on my list for some unique features. Firstly, the size of the basket matches our prime requirement. The 3.7-quart air fryer is more than enough for a medium-size family. The second reason is the price. It is the most inexpensive, yet good quality air fryer in the market. It has even some features that you can not avail of with an expensive air fryer in a similar range.
The digital control panel is one of these features that I did not expect from an air fryer at this price. It has a cool LED display to show status. Apart from this, it contains eight preset cooking functions for cooking frozen foods, fries, fish, cupcakes, and so on. It also includes a preheat function. Therefore, you do not need to overthink the cooking parameters. Other advantages include the 360-degree hot air circulation technology that ensures cooking foods without oil. Although a low-cost air fryer, the manufacturer did not compromise the quality of the heating element that has a wattage of 1500W.
So, is this Willsence air fryer a good fit for you? If you are looking for an air fryer for a family of 4 at the best price, then this is going to be the best option for you. Although not so popular, I do not see any drawbacks that I need to mention. But one thing I did not like is the design. But I’m not sure whether you will agree with me or not.
Philips Premium Air fryer
Do you prefer brands more than anything else? Then Philips Premium XXL air fryer is going to be the best option for a family of 4 persons. As I mentioned, the first quality has to be a larger basket size. This Philips air fryer has a 4-quart food basket that is larger than a conventional 3.7-quart size. The other qualities include the premium look. You may think that it is not that important aspect of an air fryer but I know many people who consider this as the top priority.
Other than these, the manual control panel is smooth and easy to operate. Therefore, if you intend to buy an air fryer for elderly persons and children, then this is going to be a good option for you if the budget is not a concern. A unique feature of this air fryer is the fat removal technology that absorbs excess fat from the food. Therefore, if you are health conscious, then there is no better option for you other than this one. Preheating is a nuisance, right? This Philips air fryer does not require any preheating. You can instantly go for cooking. Compared to ordinary convection ovens, it can cook 4 times faster. How does this appliance do it? It has a powerful heating element with a wattage of 1750W. Therefore, it can reach the required temperature in no time.
Although it is a premium air fryer for a family of 4 to 5 persons, I expected a digital display with a control panel having touchpads. Other than this, there are no other competitors of this Philips air fryer if you consider the value and the image. The persons who want to consume fewer calories must choose this because of the fat removal technology of this unit. But you have to spend a considerable amount of money to get this.
Features of an air fryer for a family of 4
Basket capacity – The capacity of an air fryer for a family of 4 members is 3.5-quart to 4.5-quart. With an air fryer of this capacity, you can comfortably cook for 3 to 4 persons in a single batch. However, you need not limit your choice. You can choose air fryers having basket sizes of 5 to 6 quarts as well. But why am I not suggesting these for you? If you have a larger kitchen with a wide countertop, then a larger air fryer is OK. But it is always wise to keep some space for other appliances. You do not know what you will need in the future.
Price – An air fryer for a family of 4 persons will cost you 50 to 100 dollars. However, if you purchase a larger one, then the price has no limits. There are few premium brands in the market as well which will cost you extra bucks for the reputation.
Cooking functions – As I suggest 3.5 to 4 quarts air fryers for a family of 4, these come with basic air frying functions. The cooking modes of these air fryers include frying, roasting, grilling, and baking. However, there are few models of air fryers that will allow dehydrating. But you can not do it as conveniently as a standalone dehydrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be the perfect size for an air fryer for a family of 4 persons?
Any size more than 3.5-quart. If you have a larger countertop, then you may go up to 6 quarts. But who wants to load the kitchen with larger appliances? Therefore, it is wise to keep the size between 3.5 to 4.5-quarts. Some people may argue that a 3.5-quart air fryer will not be sufficient for 4 persons. Are you going to cook for all the 4 members every time? It also depends on the amount of food you take as well.
If you have substantial space on the countertop, then you may find the below best options –
- COSORI 5.8-Quart Air Fryer
- OMORC 6-Quart Air Fryer
- PowerXL 6-Quart Air Fryer Pro
- Innsky 5.8 -Quart Air Fryer
What can I cook with my air fryer?
I already mentioned earlier that an air fryer for a medium-size family will be 4.5-quart at most. An air fryer of this size will cook in four basic modes – air frying, grilling, roasting, and baking. Apart from these, some air fryers may have built-in functions such as preheating and keep warm. You should not expect some advanced functions such as dehydration, toasting, and broiling from these.
What are the properties of a food basket of a good quality air fryer for a medium-size family?
All kinds of good quality air fryers, be it small and compact or be it larger, have baskets that are dishwasher safe and have a nonstick coating. Other than these, if you are too much concerned about food safety, then you can choose BPA free food baskets as well. Some food baskets may have a ceramic coating that is also a good property.
How much do I need to spend to purchase the best air fryer for a family of 4?
If you limit the size to 4.5 quarts, the price of a good quality air fryer may vary from 50 to 120 bucks. However, if you are looking for a premium brand, then the cost may go up to 200 bucks. If you do not limit the capacity, then there is no limit. The price will depend on the brand, features, and size of the basket.
Is a 2-qt air fryer suitable for larger families?
It is a tricky question. If you are OK with cooking in multiple batches, then a 2-quart air fryer will be good for a larger family. Do you need to cook for all the members every time? Therefore, when you will cook for all of the members, then cook in several batches if you have a smaller air fryer.
Bottom line
Which model is the most appropriate air fryer for you? Considering the variations in needs, I have tried to keep the best air fryers having different qualities so that everybody finds an option. If you have any better idea, you can share it with us. You can also share your cooking experience through the comments. If you think that you have enough space on the countertop, I have reviewed some good quality air fryers having a larger capacity. You can read the reviews as well.