The best 4 quart air fryer can be your ultimate cooking companion with its perfect size to cook for two to three people. You can cook everything in a 4 qt air frying unit, whether you are craving crispy fries or succulent seafood.
We understand that finding a suitable unit is a hard nut to crack. That’s why our team will help you choose the best one. Below, we present a comprehensive guide reviewing the best 4 qt air fryers in the market.
From intuitive controls to sleek design to traditional displays, you can find the features of your liking in them. For bigger families, we have shared the best 10 quart air fryer and the best 8 quart air fryer.
How We Choose The Top 4QT Air Fryers
We have conducted extensive research for over 110 hours and performed hands-on testing of approximately 24 units. During testing, we focused on versatility, cooking performance, and user-friendliness before presenting you with this final list.
Best 4 Quart Air Fryer For Family Of 2-3 People [AUG 2023]
1. Ninja AF101 Our Top Pick For The 4 QT Air Fryer
Ninja AF101 is incredible in most departments, but it particularly performs better when it comes to dehydration. This is refreshing because most air fryers show lackluster performance in this department.
One of the finest features that impressed us while testing this Ninja air fryer is the freedom to select the temperature of your choice and increase it in small increments. This means you can make a variety of dishes in it.
The 1500-watt electricity consumption by the air fryer makes it reasonably powerful. It is a more energy-efficient air fryer than many energy-guzzling units, such as the Ninja DZ201 dual-basket air fryer.
Another notable aspect is its basket which is coated with ceramic, making it non-toxic and easier to clean. A ninja air fryer without Teflon is perfect for making healthy meals.
To assess its cooking capabilities, we performed several cooking experiments. Drawing from our experience, we can say that it excels at making great steaks with a delicious caramelized exterior. At 400F, the unit took approx. 6 minutes to reach medium-well doneness.
What we found bothersome about the Ninja AF101 is that it is a bit loud. Its fan also does not shut off when you pull out the basket. So, we recommend being careful when taking out the basket to check or shake the food. Compared to the Ninja AF101, you won’t encounter this issue with the Dreo DR-KAF002.
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2. Dreo DR-KAF002 Best Compact Air Fryer
While choosing the best air fryer for 3 people, we stumbled upon the Dreo DR-KAF002. After testing it through various cooking attempts, we can confidently share its review with you.
We were greeted by its sleek and modern design upon opening the box. The air fryer boasts sturdy build quality, exuding durability.
Initially, we felt the control panel was slightly less responsive than we wanted. However, after a few uses, it became smooth as butter. So, we recommend you be patient when using this air fryer.
Thanks to its powerful heating element delivering consistent heat, it cooks meals evenly without taking much time. It has a shake reminder feature helps stir the food at the right time.
We made Fried Tofu following the instructions in the recipe book. We used some avocado oil; its high smoke point makes it ideal for use in an air fryer. The tofu tasted perfect; before we knew it, they were all gone.
The Dreo air fryer incorporates a unique basket design feature. It has a release button on the basket handle, which locks the basket in its place. However, you may accidentally break the plastic lock if you forget to press the button and forcefully pull the drawer. Therefore, take caution when using the basket to avoid damaging the locking mechanism and ensure longevity.
We compared the Dreo with the Ninja AF101. One aspect we admired in the Dreo is its quiet operation. The Ninja (about 70 decibels) is noticeably noisier than the Dreo (55 decibels).
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3. PowerXL Air Fryer Maxx Classic Best Without Teflon
Our curation included the PowerXL Air Fryer Maxx Classic because it can cook almost anything. So, it is the best PowerXL air fryer considering its cooking prowess.
The air fryer’s four preset cooking functions make it easy to use and configure desired settings. Unlike the others, its LED control panel is compact and all over the place. It illuminates when in use, so you can enter the setting even in darkness.
There is no need to preheat the air fryer, so cooking is incredibly fast. For instance, preparing Parmesan asparagus took us only 3 minutes.
Cleaning the air fryer is super, especially when using parchment paper in the air fryer. After using this air fryer multiple times, we can say that it is easy to use and good for beginners and seniors.
PowerXL and Dreo DR-KAF002 cost the same amount. One aspect that differentiates the PowerXL from the Dreo is the material. PowerXL is made with high-quality BPA-free plastic, whereas the Dreo is a stainless steel air fryer.
We are a bit disappointed that its basket holds onto oil and food juices more stubbornly than other air fryers. You can manage this issue by whipping the basket with a tissue as soon as it is empty.
The detachable grill grate at the bottom is a bit annoying too. It comes out when you least expect it. So, be careful when turning the basket full of food onto a plate.
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4. Instant Pot Vortex Plus Best Stainless Steel Air Fryer
Instant Pot Vortex Plus is a square-basket air fryer. It stands out because it accommodates large foods easily than round-basket air fryers. The color and material of this air fryer are stainless, which gives it durability while making cleaning a breeze.
If this is your first air fryer, you might be startled by a burning plastic smell during the first few uses. But fret not; this is nothing to worry about. Besides, the smell goes away after a few uses.
Based on our first-hand experience, its control panel feels smooth and responsive, which makes navigation a breeze. It is a programmable air fryer with six cooking functions, frequently used in more kitchens. You can throw ingredients in it, select the setting, and you are ready.
We tested its reheating function for reheating leftover chicken wings and cheese curds. The results were impressive and tasted almost fresh.
One minor drawback of this air fryer is its relatively larger footprint compared to its cooking capacity, which may require you to allocate additional countertop space. Pricing just above $100, this air fryer provides good value for money.
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5. COSORI Lite Best Smart Air Fryer
One of the reasons we included this air fryer was its small footprint. Delightfully, we found it compact, perfect for kitchen and outdoor use (if you have an electricity source). When in the house, you can easily accommodate it on the kitchen shelf without disturbing other things.
Drawing from our experience, its NTC sensor makes temperature adjustments in real-time and saves you from eating undercooked or overdone food.
Compared to the Cosori 5QT air fryer, which can only be controlled through the touch screen, COSORI 4 Qt is a smart air fryer. You can control the functions through Alexa and the VeSync app. So, if you want the convenience of managing your cooking from afar, you should buy this air fryer.
The truffle gray color of this air fryer makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of kitchen decors. Its color allows it to integrate into different kitchen styles and preferences seamlessly.
One feature our team particularly enjoyed was the shake reminder. With it, you can never forget to flip or shake food during cooking.
Its inner tray troubled us a bit because it requires some to fit and sit well in the unit. On the bright side, it does not fall out when dumping contents on the plate. But it is also difficult to pull out for cleaning.
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6. Elite Gourmet EAF4617 Best Under $100
With a price tag under $70, it is the most budget-friendly air fryer on our list. Getting a PFOA/PTFE-free, non-toxic air fryer from a renowned brand is a good bargain at this price.
We were pleasantly amazed to discover that despite its relatively low 1350-watt power rating, the performance of this air fryer surpassed our initial skepticism. Its cooking results showed that wattage alone is not an indicator of the potency of an air fryer’s operations.
The control panel features a classic design and has two dials: one for temperature configuration and the other for setting the cooking time. The dials are calibrated with visible lines, making it easy to set the desired settings.
Nevertheless, achieving precise time and temperature settings needs some practice, as with most air fryers using dial controls. The unit has a 30-minute built-in timer that automatically shuts off and beeps when finished.
The presets on this air fryer are located on the top. This position prevents you from accidentally pressing them while handling the food or moving the air fryer. However, a potential downside is that if you have a shorter height, you may find it inconvenient to reach over.
The air fryer excelled at cooking fresh and frozen foods during our cooking tests. However, for frozen foods, you need to increase the cooking time to make sure it gets time to thaw food before cooking.
When cooking, we found it easier to accommodate small food portions. Cooking bigger portions requires rearranging food multiple times to achieve even cooking.
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7. Instant Essentials Best Air Fryer Oven
We have been hearing many good things about the working and quality of this air fryer. And we must accept that the claims about this air fryer were not untrue. The fit and finish of this air fryer are much superior to many similar units.
The square basket design of this air fryer, compared to Ninja AF101 or Dreo, makes it much easier to fit elongated food items such as asparagus.
Our cooking test with this air fryer was for making grilled cheese sandwiches. After buttering each side of the toast, we placed the assembled sandwich in the air fryer. It came out nicely toasted from both sides.
We were genuinely surprised by the quietness of this air fryer. You can barely hear when this air fryer is working in the kitchen.
Our only gripe with this air fryer is that the mechanical timer adds times in increments of 10 only, which makes it difficult to add precise time, say, 375F. Secondly, there is no way to bring the timer to zero except by waiting for it to run out. So, when cooking, enter the correct settings to avoid inconvenience.
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8. Gourmia Digital Air Fryer Best Under $50
In terms of its appearance, Gourmia bears a striking resemblance to the Instant Pot Vortex Plus. However, one prominent distinction is in the control panel. The Instant Pot Vortex Plus features an additional dial for adjusting temperature and time.
In addition, the Gourmia 4-Qt Digital air fryer has more one-touch cooking functions. So, it is the best digital air fryer for elderly and college students wanting to cook food without memorizing recipes.
Its user-friendly interface makes cooking very simple, enabling you to cook healthy food without the hassle. The air fryer is way easier to use and clean than the Ninja Foodi, and its price tag is also much lower than Ninja Foodi.
Our tests indicate that, among many positive features, the mandatory preheat function is a bit annoying. It forces the unit into a preheat mode, in any case.
The stainless steel construction of this air fryer is a big advantage. It enhances the unit’s durability and sturdiness and adds classiness to any kitchen. On the downside, stainless steel also makes the unit hot from the outside, so careless handling can result in burnt fingers.
Moreover, unlike air fryers with a black finish, the stainless steel color of the Gourmia 4-Qt digital air fryer conceals dirt and stains more effectively.
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9. GoWISE USA GW22953 Best With Viewing Window
GoWISE GW22953 usa air fryer has a small horizontal viewing window above the cooking chamber. This feature differentiates it from the GoWISE USA 3.7 QT and Ultrean 4 L capacity Air Fryer.
Unlike the pod-shaped design of the GoWISE USA 3.7 QT, the 4 qt version comes with a square basket, making it easier to arrange food inside.
The removable basket and crisper plate are coated with a non-stick material, which to our sheer delight, is PFOA-free. Thus, this air fryer is completely safe for cooking at high temperatures.
The presence of 8 cooking presets is another attractive aspect that makes the unit worth buying. With just a press of a button, you can make French fries, shrimp, kebabs, and a lot more in this air fryer for under $50.
This air fryer doesn’t require preheating, a significant advantage and time saver. You can toss the ingredients into the air fryer basket and start cooking immediately.
Another admirable aspect of this air fryer is its digital controls. The buttons are a bit small but clear and easy to read. To test its cooking capabilities, we decided to cook frozen fish filets. The result was satisfactory, as the filets turned out evenly cooked.
The air fryer is a bit bulky, so you cannot move it from one corner to another very often. It is better to allocate a dedicated space for it on the kitchen shelf.
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How To Choose A Good 4QT Air Fryer
To buy a good 4qt air fryer for your home or office, these points will help you buy the best air fryer per your needs.
- The presence of safety features such as an auto-shutoff and cool-touch handle is a must if you have kids and elders in your house participating in cooking. These features help prevent accidental burns.
- Make sure your chosen air fryer has intuitive controls and an easy-to-read digital display for hassle-free cooking.
- If you want ease of cooking, make sure the air fryer has user-friendly features like preset cooking programs, adjustable temperature and time settings, and a clear interface.
- Consider the power rating of the air fryer. If the air fryer has a higher wattage, it generally means faster and more efficient cooking. An air fryer with at least 1300 watts of power rating is a good option.
- Buy an air fryer with precise temperature control settings and a built-in timer for perfect cooking results. This way, you can set the desired temperature and cooking time for different types of food.
- To cook multiple recipes in your air fryer, look for a unit with a wide temperature range (typically between 180°F to 400°F).
- To get a durable and long-lasting air fryer, look for models with a sturdy build and components.
- Consider the length of the power cord of the air fryer. It must be long enough to conveniently reach the power outlet without an extension cord.
- Consider the available space on your countertop and compare it with the size and dimensions of your air fryer to make sure it sits well on the kitchen shelf.
FAQs
Is 4 quart a good size air fryer?
The suitability of an air fryer depends on a person’s needs. A four-quart air fryer is a good option if you have a small to medium-sized family or cook for fewer people in routine. But if you have a large family, you will find a larger-capacity air fryer more suitable.
How many people does a 4L air fryer cook for?
A 4L air fryer generally has a capacity suitable for cooking meals for 2 to 4 people. However, note that the amount of food you can accommodate in a 4L air fryer also depends on the food type. You can accommodate more servings of compact foods such as chicken wings and fries. In comparison, you can only cook a small amount of bulkier foods such as whole chicken or larger cuts of meat.
What size chicken fits in a 4-quart air fryer?
A 4 quart air fryer is big enough to accommodate a chicken weighing around 3 to 4 pounds. Trying to cook a larger-sized chicken in a 4-quart air fryer may block all the empty spaces in the cooking compartment, impeding the flow of hot air. So always choose a chicken size that allows for proper air circulation to ensure even and thorough cooking.
How many wings can you cook in a 4 qt air fryer?
Though the exact number of wings you can cook depends on the shape and dimensions of the air fryer basket and the size of the wings. Generally, a 4 QT air fryer can cook 8 to 12 chicken wings in a single layer.
How much food fits in a 4 qt air fryer?
The amount of food you can fit in a 4 qt air fryer depends on the type of food. For instance, you can accommodate 8 to 12 wings, 3 to 4 lb. chicken, around 8 to 10 chicken tenders, or a small amount of shrimp. As for French fries, a four qt air fryer can cook 1.5 to 2 pounds (680 to 900 grams) of fresh-cut or frozen fries.
Wrapping Up!
After broad research, we developed a list of the best 4 quart air fryer for your help. Our list includes Dreo DR-KAF002, prominent for its sleek stainless-steel design, and PowerXL Air Fryer Maxx, standing out for its versatility and ease of cleaning. While Ninja AF101 is a top contender for its dehydrating and air-frying abilities. Selecting the best air fryer for a family of 3 depends on your preferences and requirements. Consider aspects like wattage, ease of use and cleaning, design, and features before deciding to elevate your cooking game.
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