Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that are perfect for healthier versions of fried foods and frozen foods alike. They provide the ultimate convenience for busy families.
But if you have a large family, you might be wondering if an air fryer can save you time. After all, many air fryers only have a limited cooking space, so you might be stuck making several batches.
But I have some good news. If you need a large-capacity air fryer, you have plenty of options available in a variety of styles.
I like the Instant Vortex Plus because it has a double basket that’s easy to use. It also has a dual-cook function that gives you the flexibility to cook multiple foods at once.
However, you might prefer a toaster oven-style air fryer to basket-style air fryers. You might have limited counter space, which can heavily influence which air fryer you should get.
I’ve done an in-depth review of the best large-capacity air fryers. Whether you’re cooking for a family of 4 or a family of 8, there’s an air fryer for you.
Which large-capacity air fryer is right for you? Read on to learn more.
Contents
At a Glance
Large Family Air Fryers: Product Reviews
Instant Vortex Plus, 8-Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer: Best Overall
Other Sizes Available: 5.7 quarts (5.39 liters), 6 quarts (5.68 liters), 19 quarts (18 liters)
Servings: 6-8
Instant Pot pressure cookers burst onto the scene several years ago, but the brand makes several air fryers, as well. The Instant Vortex Plus is a basket-style air fryer. It has enough cooking space to make enough food for 8 people.
With double baskets, you can cook food in less time. Cook two different foods simultaneously, or opt to cook larger quantities of a single food at once.
The Instant Vortex Air Fryer is more than just a big air fryer, you can also roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate, SyncCook, and SyncFinish with this unit.
There are customizable programs from one-touch wings, roasted veggies, potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns, and more.
The SyncCook function allows you to cook both baskets with the same cook settings, while the SyncFinish lets you program baskets with two different settings to automatically finish at the same time.
The EvenCrisp technology drives hot air flow from the top down for a golden finish and crispy texture each time.
The ClearCook windows and internal light make it easy to monitor the cooking progress without opening the baskets.
With little to no preheating time, you can create meals in little time. This air fryer has a wide temperature range of 95°F-400°F (35°-230°C).
The free Instant Pot app has recipes for you to discover. After using your air fryer, cleanup is simple with non-stick dishwasher-safe baskets and trays.
The built-in features for safety include protection from overheating and automatic shut-off, so you can use this air fryer with peace of mind.
Customers had glowing reviews for the Instant Vortex Plus. They loved the ability to cook multiple foods at once, and they had roaring success with mixed veggies, tater tots, chicken nuggets, french fries, and more.
They liked how much space the unit had, as well as the time air frying saved them.
Several did say that the smell is pretty bad the first time through, which is completely normal for appliances like air fryers. I recommend running the unit through a cycle to help air out the smell. You should be good to go after that.
With the basket style, this air fryer does take up more counter space than a toaster oven-style air fryer. But if you have the room for it, this Instant Pot Vortex Plus is one of the best air fryers in terms of performance and value.
Pros
- Dual basket-style
- SyncCook & SyncFinish functions
- Clear windows to monitor food
- Automatic shut-off
- Non-stick basket and tray
- Companion app
Cons
- Takes a lot of counter space
- Bad smell on first use
Ninja Foodi 10-Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer: Runner-Up
Other Sizes Available: 6 quarts (5.7 liters)
Servings: 8-10
Ninja air fryers have an excellent reputation. This Ninja Foodi 10-Quart Air Fryer has two independent baskets that allow you to cook two foods simultaneously, eliminating multiple batches.
This air fryer includes six versatile cooking programs: air fry, air broil, air roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate.
The DualZone Technology allows you to choose between cooking with the same setting across both zones or tailoring each basket’s cooking program. The Smart Finish feature ensures that the two dishes finish cooking at the same time.
Since each basket has its own cooking basket, cyclonic fans, and rapid heaters, you can easily cook two different foods in two different settings simultaneously.
Ninja claims the Foodi can save up to 75% in fat from deep frying when tested with hand-cut deep-fried french fries.
With a temperature range of 105°F–450°F (40C-230°C), you can air fry a wide range of foods. Plus, convection cooking technology cooks food faster than a traditional oven.
As far as the capacity? It’s extra-large and perfect for large families. You can cook up to two 6-lb. chickens or 8-lbs. of chicken wings.
Cleanup is easy with dishwasher-safe crisper plates and an easy-to-clean non-stick basket on each side.
Customers raved about the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer. They found it simple to operate and great for cooking food for a big family. They were impressed with the easy cleanup and the dishwasher-safe parts.
Buyers could make all kinds of food with the Ninja Foodi, including salmon, Brussels sprouts, tater tots, mixed vegetables, and chicken.
Some customers noticed that the air fryer cooks more slowly when using the DualZone heating technology. If your main purpose in getting this air fryer is to save cooking time, I recommend using one drawer at a time.
A few people also commented on how, unlike other air fryers, this one doesn’t stop cooking when you remove a basket to shake it. You have to manually press stop to avoid hot air blowing into the room.
If you’re looking for a large air fryer that gives you ultimate customization, unmatched temperature regulation, and easy cleaning, the Ninja Foodi is for you.
Pros
- Double baskets for extra room
- DualZone heating technology to customize cooking
- 6-in-1 cooking functions
- Superb temperature regulation
- Temperature range of 105°-450°F (40°-230°C)
- Easy to clean
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Timer doesn’t stop when the basket is open
- Cooks more slowly on DualZone
Ultrean Large 8.5-Quart Air Fryer: Best Air Fryer on a Budget
Other Sizes Available: 12.5 quarts (11.8 liters), 32 quarts (30 liters)
Servings: 6-8
Next up is the Ultrean Large Air Fryer. While there are multiple sizes and styles available, I’m focusing on the 8.5-quart (8 liters) version, which comes in one of four color options.
This air fryer is a basket-style fryer that uses 360-degree rapid air technology to cook food with up to 80% less oil.
With all-in-one functionality, you can air fry, roast, grill, or bake your favorite foods. Even though this is a smaller air fryer than some of the others on the list, you can still cook up to 6-8 serving portions at once, which is ideal for a family.
This Ultrean air fryer has seven cooking presets for french fries, meat, shrimp, cake, chicken, steak, and fish. Set the cooking time up to 30 minutes, and the temperature anywhere from 180°-400°F (80°-200°C).
For safety features, the Ultrean air fryer has an automatic shut-off and overheat protection. The LCD display and soft buttons are easy to operate, and the dishwasher-safe accessories make for easy cleaning.
Buyers were able to fit a whole chicken inside the air fryer basket. They liked the fast preheating time and the ease of use. They were pleased with their results, everything from salmon and burgers to chicken wings and fries.
Some had issues with the basket not sliding in properly. Others had problems with their units not working after a couple of years.
Fortunately, Ultrean got great reviews for its customer service. This is also one of the most affordable air fryers for its size, so if you’re on a tight budget, this is one of the best large air fryers for you.
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Auto shut-off
- Fast preheating
- Seven cooking presets
- Affordable
- Good customer service
Cons
- Sometimes basket doesn’t slide in properly
- Not super durable
Chefman Toast-Air Touch Air Fryer, 21 Quarts: Best Air Fryer with Digital Touchscreen Display
Other Sizes Available: 5 quarts (4.73 liters), 10 quarts (9.46 liters)
Servings: 8+
The Chefman Air Fryer has an impressive 21-quart capacity (18.9 liters), large enough to feed a crowd. The interior can fit four slices of toast, a 10-inch pizza, or a whole chicken.
The Toast-Air combines four kitchen appliances into a single unit, featuring an oven, air fryer, toaster, and dehydrator.
There are nine one-touch presets for a variety of cooking tasks. You can choose air fry, air bake, air broil, air roast, reheat, toast, bagel, or dehydrate. With a temperature range of 95°-450°F (35°-230°C), the Chefman Toast-Air has you covered.
This air fryer oven utilizes phase function cooking to automatically transition between cooking presets for precise foods, allowing you to “set it and forget it.”
For safety, the Toast-Air fryer comes equipped with protection from overheating and a cool-touch handle. As for cleaning, the non-stick interior, pull-out crumb tray, and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a cinch.
The Chefman Air Fryer comes with several accessories, including two dehydrator racks, a broiling pan, a baking rack, an air fryer basket, and a crumb tray.
Buyers were pleased with the Chefman Air Fryer. They found it easy to use, easy to clean, and they liked the responsive touchscreen display.
They were able to make a variety of foods, from parmesan chips and sweet potato fries to frozen waffles and frozen pizza.
Some customers did report getting error codes after a few uses, while others were disappointed there is no on/off switch. You have to unplug the unit to power it off.
This Chefman air fryer does take up quite a bit of counter space, so it’s important to measure before purchasing.
Pros
- Large capacity
- 9 cooking programs
- Touch screen digital display
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Safety features
- Includes several trays
Cons
- Reports of error codes
- Takes up a lot of space
WowChef 10-In-1 Air Fryer, 20 Quarts: Best Air Fryer with Dehydrator
Servings: 7-9
If you like to dehydrate food, this WowChef 10-in-1 Air Fryer is right up your alley. It has a large interior, holding 20 quarts (18.9 liters). It can make a 10-inch pizza, a 5-lb. chicken, or 3 layers of food.
This air fryer has 10 presets for optimal control and versatility. The LED touchscreen makes it easy to set it and forget it. The automatic power-off saves energy and provides a safety boost.
The stainless steel attachment and accessories are dishwasher-safe for simple cleaning, and the 360° convection technology heats food quickly and evenly.
Buyers were happy with the WowChef air fryer and dehydrator. They made dried fruit, salmon, veggies, and more. They liked the display and the dishwasher-safe trays.
If you don’t have a dishwasher, however, the parts can be more difficult to clean. Several people complained that the door doesn’t open all the way, creating issues with removing food.
Be aware that the door could be a bit tricky to deal with. If you can put up with that, though, this WowChef brings a lot of value.
Pros
- Great for dried fruit
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Touchscreen display
- Double insulation glass door
- 10 preset cooking programs
Cons
- The door doesn’t open all the way
NuWave Bravo 12-In-1 Air Fryer Oven, 30-Quarts: Best Large Capacity Air Fryer
Servings: 6+
The NuWave Bravo 12-in-1 Air Fryer is the best air fryer toaster oven for those who need to feed a crowd. With an impressive 30-quart (28 liters) capacity, you can feed a family or make food for a party.
When it comes to large air fryers, this one has maximum customization. With multi-layer cooking, you can have different serving portions of various foods cooking simultaneously.
One of the key features is the adjustable temp control. The average air fryer doesn’t have that capability, meaning you’re stuck with the temp for the duration of the cooking cycle, not so with this NuWave.
Another nice feature is the high max temp of 500°F (260°C), making it perfect for broiling or high-heat cooking.
The carryover cooking mode takes into account the carryover cooking that occurs after the cycle is complete. This mode prevents overcooking of meat and fish while resting.
The dual heating zones allow you to customize the top and bottom heaters and convection fans to cook different foods at once. Or, in the case of pizza, cooking the crust to a crispy finish while melting the cheesy toppings to perfection.
Buyers gave very positive reviews to the NuWave Brio. They liked the capabilities of this air fryer oven, as well as its versatility. There is a steep learning curve. It’s not the most intuitive appliance, so you’ll have to spend some time learning the functions at the beginning.
However, once you get past the learning hump, you’ll have plenty of ways to make the perfect meal for your family.
Pros
- Adjustable temperature
- Dual heating zones
- Overcook protection
- Multi-layer cooking
- Integrated thermostat
Cons
- Not as user-friendly
Cosori 12-In-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 26 Quarts: Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Other Sizes Available: 32 quarts (30 liters)
Servings: 10+
The Cosori 12-in-1 Air Fryer features a toaster oven combination that holds a large capacity of 26 quarts (25 liters). That’s large enough to fit 6 slices of bread, a 12-inch pizza, or an entire 5-lb. chicken.
With 12 cooking functions, you can air fry, roast, bake, broil, toast, defrost, slow cook, dehydrate, keep warm, preheat, ferment, and bake pizza. You can even save your preferred time and temperature for maximum control.
With six heating elements, a 2-speed fan, and temperatures up to 450°F (230°C), you can cook meals up to 30% faster than a traditional convection oven.
The Cosori Air Fryer companion VeSync app allows you to make meals at the touch of a button. You can also connect your Cosori Air Fryer to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free control.
The rapid air technology cooks food quickly and evenly, with up to 85% less fat than traditionally deep-fried foods.
The external removable crumb tray and non-stick food tray make the Cosori Air Fryer easy to clean. The recipe book comes with 30 recipes to get you cooking in no time.
Customers used their Cosori for pizza, fries, asparagus, toast, and more. They liked the heating performance and taste of the food they made with this appliance. They also enjoyed the larger capacity for 12-inch pizzas, as well.
There were some reports of defective units. But several did praise the customer service that sent them a new unit.
Others noted that the button labels rub off over time. This is problematic but not unusual for air fryers and similar appliances. I would take a photo of the buttons just in case this happens in the future.
Pros
- Larger capacity
- Connects with app
- 12 cooking presets
- Rapid heat circulation
- Easy to clean
- Great customer service
Cons
- Button labels rub off
- Reports of defective units
Paul Deen Stainless Steel 12.6-Quart Digital Air Fryer: Best Convection Air Fryer
Servings: 12+
While most air fryers resemble a toaster oven or have a basket, this Paul Deen Stainless Steel Air Fryer resembles a small convection oven. It has a capacity of 12.6 quarts (11.9 liters), enough to feed a dozen people.
This air fryer comes in a variety of pretty colors to match your personality and style.
With adjustable cooking temperatures of 200°F-450°F (93°-230°C), you make a wide range of foods. The timer is also adjustable for up to 60 minutes for precise control.
This digital air fryer has four functions: air fry, boil, defrost, and bake. With six heating elements, your food is sure to be cooked thoroughly and in less time.
The removable drip tray is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Customers were pleased with this air fryer. They enjoyed air frying pretzels, mozzarella sticks, turkey, pizza rolls, and more.
Some did complain that the lettering rubs off after a while, but this is, unfortunately a common problem with appliances. I recommend snapping a photo of the buttons upon receiving the unit for later reference if needed.
Pros
- Several color options
- Easy to clean
- Adjustable temp and time
- Quiet operation
- Easy to use
Cons
- Lettering rubs off
Beelicious 32-Quart Extra Large Air Fryer: Best Splurge Pick
Servings: 30+
If you need an extra-large air fryer, look no further. This Beelicious Air Fryer is for you. Holding a whopping 32 quarts (30 liters), this is the best air fryer for family gatherings.
Fit a 13-inch pizza, 9 slices of toast, or a 6-lb. rotisserie chicken in this air fryer. The high power circulates hot air to cook food evenly and thoroughly.
With over 19 presets, you can find the exact cooking program for your food. The dual cook mode automatically switches to the second mode of cooking or warming. The door has double glass insulation to hold in heat and cook more efficiently.
When it comes to accessories, you’ll have no shortage. This large air fryer comes with a baking pan, wire rack, basket, crumb tray, and rotisserie set. It also comes with a recipe book with over 30 recipes to help you get started.
Buyers had success with all types of foods, from turkey and bacon to pizza and bread. The rotisserie got mixed reviews, which isn’t surprising. Even the best air fryers struggle to achieve the perfect rotisserie.
They also said there is a learning curve, but once you master the functions and the interface, it has a lot of cooking options for versatility.
This is an expensive air fryer, though. It’s a splurge pick. It may not be worth the extra space or cost, but if you need the best air fryer for family gatherings, this might be for you.
Pros
- Extra large air fryer
- 19+ presets
- Includes rotisserie
- Comes with recipes
- Dual cooking mode
- Double glass door
Cons
- Bulky
- Learning curve
- Expensive
Best Family-Size Air Fryer: Buying Guide
Is There an Air Fryer That Can Handle a Family of 8?
Cooking for a big family can be a challenge. I have a good friend with a large family, and she knows how to stretch a dollar… and an appliance!
Using an air fryer for family meals is convenient, but only if the air fryer is large enough to make the amount of food you need.
If you have a family of 8, you’ll want a big air fryer, with a minimum capacity of 8 quarts (7.57 liters). 8 quarts is pretty big, with plenty of cooking space for a lot of food at one time.
Fortunately, several large air fryers can accommodate eight or more people. You can also find air fryer ovens that basically function like a countertop convection oven.
Are Air Fryers Worth It for Large Families?
Kitchen appliances are investments, so it’s natural to want reassurance that the investment will be worth it.
Honestly? Air fryers are worth it for families that will actually use them. The good news is that air fryers can make a wide range of food in less time, so it’s great for busy families that still want to make delicious meals.
Air fryers deliver the same crispy texture as deep frying but with less or no oil, so it’s a healthier option. You no longer have to sacrifice crispy food to save calories.
What Kinds of Food Can You Air Fry?
Everything from french fries and roasted veggies to chicken wings are ideal for cooking in an air fryer. Many people will even cook a whole chicken in the appliance.
Some air fryers come with a recipe book to help get you started. You can find a host of recipes online, as well.
What to Look For in Large-Capacity Air Fryers
When searching for a good air fryer, you’ll want to consider the unit’s power output. A high-quality larger air fryer should have a minimum of 1,200 to 1,500 watts to cook as expected.
One advantage of air fryers is that they use less power than traditional ovens or deep fryers.
Temperature control is also important. Air fryers typically have a temperature range somewhere between 150°-400°F (65°-230°C).
Most air fryers feature an adjustable temperature, either through push buttons or a rotary knob. Pre-programmed cooking programs dictate the proper temperature for different foods.
Of course, one of the most obvious considerations is the total capacity. A small air fryer might hold less than 4 quarts (3.79 liters), which is best for 2-3 people.
To cook enough food for a family of 4-5, you’ll need a big air fryer, north of 6 quarts (5.68 liters). For a large family, you’ll want 8 quarts or larger. The type of food you plan to cook also has a significant influence on which size is best.
Most people enjoy the easy multi-purpose cooking that an air fryer provides. To achieve that, the air fryer needs built-in presets for different types of cooking and food. These presets ensure that food is cooked correctly and safely.
Common presets include beef, poultry, fish, frozen fries, cake or desserts, etc. It’s also nice to have a manual setting for those times when you want maximum control.
Safety features are important with all kitchen appliances, especially air fryers. Automatic shutoff, overheat protection, and a power indicator light are all key features designed to prevent accidents.
Of course, it’s also important to follow the instructions and unplug the fryer when not in use.
Lastly, you’ll want a family-sized air fryer that makes for easy cleanup. You’ll be more motivated to make healthy meals when the cleanup is quick and painless.
Dishwasher-safe accessories, a drip tray, and non-stick cooking trays all help with cleaning.
Best Air Fryer for Families: The Last Word
Ready to start air frying? I’d go with the Instant Vortex Plus. It’s one of the best air fryers for families, especially for those who’d like to air fry multiple foods at once. It’s the perfect air fryer for the busy home cook.
