9 Best 5-Qt Air Fryers for Medium Meals in 2025 – Reviews and Top Picks
If you want to upgrade your kitchen with an air fryer that handles medium-sized meals, choosing the right model can feel overwhelming. Many options exist, with various features, sizes, and brands. It’s common to feel unsure which model offers the best value.
Luckily, several top air fryers are built for 3-5 people. These models combine enough capacity with simple operation. To decide which one best fits your needs in 2025, it helps to know which brands and features stand out.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 (AF141)
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
Are you looking for an air fryer that can cook large meals without taking up much space? The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 (AF141) offers a 5-quart capacity. It can cook up to 4 pounds of fries or 5 pounds of chicken wings at once. The Air Crisp Technology heats up to 400℉, making food crispy and tasty with little or no oil. Its compact design fits easily on your counter, saving space. The nonstick basket makes cleaning simple. Whether you want to reheat leftovers, roast vegetables, or dry snacks, this air fryer cooks foods quickly and evenly. It is a reliable choice for family meals or everyday use.
Best for: families or individuals who want a space-saving air fryer that cooks large portions fast and makes food crispy.
Pros:
- Produces crispy, flavorful food with little oil using Air Crisp Technology.
- Compact size offers large capacity while saving countertop space.
- Easy to clean with a nonstick basket and simple controls.
Cons:
- Some users report minor cooking odors or noise during use.
- There are occasional reports of defective units. Check warranty or return options before buying.
- Avoid using metal utensils to protect the nonstick coating. Handle with care.
Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer, 5-Quart, Digital Presets
- CRISPY WITHOUT THE CALORIES: Don't sacrifice great taste for healthy cooking. Serve all the delicious fried foods your family loves using 98% less oil. Air fry...
- PERFECT TIMING: Get rid of the guesswork with four one-touch preset cooking functions for popular dishes like French fries, chicken, fish, and meat and start...
- EVENLY CRISP: A built-in LED Shake reminder with an alarm lets you know when it's time to give your food a shake to ensure evenly crisped food every time.
The Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer has a 5-quart capacity. It is suitable for families or households of 3 to 4 people. The appliance cooks meals quickly and healthily. Its stainless steel exterior matches modern kitchen decor. The square shape saves counter space. The touch digital control panel features preset functions for French fries, chicken, fish, and meat. Users can adjust the temperature from 200°F to 400°F. With 1500 watts of power, it produces crispy, oil-free results. It can cook vegetables, leftovers, and baked foods efficiently. The fryer includes a shake reminder, automatic shutoff, and parts that are dishwasher safe. These features make it easy to use and clean. Customer reviews show consistent performance and good quality.
Best For: Families or small households looking for quick, healthy, cooking options that require little cleanup.
Pros:
- Simple to operate with touch controls and preset settings
- Creates crispy, oil-free foods, supporting healthier eating
- Compact design with dishwasher-safe parts suitable for modern kitchens
Cons:
- Default cooking time is 15 minutes; some recipes may need manual adjustments
- Some users report units shutting off unexpectedly or early malfunctions
- Lacks a preheat feature and an included recipe book, which could improve the experience
Ninja Air Fryer XL, 5.5 Qt. Capacity
- XL CAPACITY: With the 5.5 qt. nonstick basket and crisper plate, you can save time by cooking up to 3 lbs. of French fries or wings with ease.
- 5-IN-1 VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 5 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. BPA free: Yes
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
The Ninja Air Fryer XL with a 5.5-quart capacity is a versatile appliance for family-sized meals. Its large nonstick basket can hold up to 3 pounds of fries or wings, making cooking faster and easier. The device uses 1750 watts and offers five functions: air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. It has a wide temperature range from 105°F to 400°F, giving you more cooking options. The basket and other parts are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning simple. Its design is sleek and grey, fitting well in most kitchens. With healthier cooking methods that use up to 75% less fat, this air fryer helps you prepare tasty, crispy foods quickly. It also includes a cookbook with ideas to inspire your cooking. This model is compact enough for everyday use and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for medium-sized meals.
Best For: Families or singles who want a large-capacity, versatile air fryer that makes healthy, crispy meals with less effort.
Pros:
- Large 5.5-quart nonstick basket, up to 3 pounds of food
- Five cooking modes: air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
Cons:
- Takes up space on the counter
- May need trial and error to perfect dehydration settings
- Higher price due to size and features
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 (AF141)
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 (AF141) has a 5-quart capacity. This size is ideal for busy families or anyone who cooks large meals often. Its compact design saves space on your countertop. It can cook up to 4 pounds of French fries or 5 pounds of chicken wings at once. The touch control panel makes it easy to operate. It offers four cooking functions: air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. With a maximum temperature of 400°F and 1750 watts of power, it provides crispy, tasty results quickly. You use less oil compared to traditional frying. Clean-up is simple because the basket and crisper plate have nonstick coatings. You just hand wash them after cooking.
Best For: Busy families or people who want a versatile, space-efficient appliance. It can prepare large portions of crispy, healthy foods with less oil.
Pros:
- Offers four functions in one device (air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate)
- Compact size saves counter space
- Easy to clean with nonstick parts
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe; parts need hand washing
- May have a plasticky smell that needs cleaning before use
- Weighs about 10.3 pounds, which may be heavy for some users
This air fryer helps you make tasty, healthy foods with less effort and space.
GreenLife Compact Electric Air Fryer Oven (5.3 QT)
- PFAS-FREE HEALTHY COOKING: Premium ceramic nonstick coating free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium for safer, healthier meals
- ADVANCED AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Features rapid 360° air circulation and precise temperature control for perfectly crispy results with up to 95% less oil
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: Spacious 5.3QT drawer accommodates large family meals while maintaining a compact countertop footprint
The GreenLife Compact Electric Air Fryer Oven has a 5.3-quart capacity. It is suitable for small families and people with limited counter space. The ceramic nonstick coating is free from PFAS chemicals, making cooking safer. Its advanced air crisp technology uses rapid 360° air circulation to make food crispy with up to 95% less oil. The oven offers eight one-touch presets and adjustable controls for versatile cooking. A large peek window and interior light help you watch your food easily. The dishwasher-safe drawer makes cleaning simple.
This air fryer oven is best for small households or individuals who want healthier meals, easy monitoring, and simple cleanup. Its compact size fits well on small counters. The 1500-watt power heats up quickly, but preheating might take longer in some cases. The appliance has only eight preset options, which may limit some specific recipes.
COSORI Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer 5.8QT
- HEALTHY & EFFICIENT: Cook your food up to 50% faster than a traditional oven and reduce your food’s oil content by up to 85% compared to traditional...
- ONE-TOUCH COOKING: Choose from 13 convenient cooking functions with a single touch. Each function is finely tuned by COSORI chefs to produce the tastiest...
- LARGE CAPACITY: The air fryer's spacious 5.8-quart square baskets can fit a whole 5-pound chicken. The extra corner space provides more cooking capacity and...
Are you looking for an air fryer that offers plenty of space and a sleek look? The COSORI Pro Gen 2 5.8QT is a great choice. It has a square, removable basket that’s simple to clean. The basket can hold a 5-pound chicken easily. The control panel uses touch buttons for easy operation. It features automatic shut-off for safety and a wide temperature range from 170°F to 400°F. The fryer uses advanced heating technology to cook food faster and more evenly. It needs up to 85% less oil, making meals healthier. You can use it for roasting, baking, or reheating. This model is perfect for busy households that want quick, crispy, and healthy meals without the mess.
Best For: Busy families or individuals who want a large, stylish, and efficient air fryer for quick, crispy, and healthy cooking.
Pros:
- Large 5.8QT capacity fits a 5-pound chicken, ideal for family meals
- Modern design with a square, removable basket for easy cleaning
- Advanced heating technology makes cooking faster and more consistent with less oil
Cons:
- Slightly large size may need more counter space
- Some users report preset times can be off
- Removing and cleaning the basket can be tricky for some users
Toshiba 5.5QT Air Fryer with Heat-Q Technology
- Menu-IQ Technology: Unlock a new era of culinary convenience with Menu-IQ, where gourmet perfection is just one button away! We've curated three Menu-IQ...
- 8 Preset Menus: Select a preset program and allow the air fryer work its magic, automatically setting itself to the ideal temperature and time for your meal....
- 1-Degree Fahrenheit Accuracy Control: This air fryer boasts an impressive built-in sensor that maintains a consistent cooking temperature within a one-degree...
The Toshiba 5.5QT Air Fryer with Heat-Q Technology helps you cook meals quickly and evenly. It uses 1500W of power to circulate hot air that crisps food fast. The fryer has eight preset menus and three specific cooking programs. These options make meal planning simple and automatic. The control system offers temperature settings that change in 1°F steps. Safety features stop cooking if the inner pot is not aligned properly, so you can cook with confidence. The basket is nonstick and dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy. Its sleek, durable design fits well in modern kitchens. Overall, this air fryer offers flexibility, safety, and ease of use for preparing medium-sized meals efficiently.
Best For: Busy families who want quick, healthy, foods that cook evenly with minimal effort and automatic options.
Pros:
- Hot air circulation creates crispy, evenly cooked food fast
- Easy controls with preset menus and precise temperature adjustments
- Safe and simple to clean with dishwasher-safe parts and safety features
Cons:
- Larger size takes up more counter space and may be bulky in small kitchens
- The included cookbook has some missing steps and inconsistent measurements
- Limited to a 5.5-quart capacity, which may not suit very large families or gatherings
Chefman Digital Air Fryer, 5 Qt Family Size
- CRISPY WITHOUT THE CALORIES: Don't sacrifice great taste for healthy cooking. Serve all the delicious fried foods your family loves using 98% less oil. Air fry...
- PERFECT TIMING: Get rid of the guesswork with four one-touch preset cooking functions for popular dishes like French fries, chicken, fish, and meat and start...
- EVENLY CRISP: A built-in LED Shake reminder with an alarm lets you know when it's time to give your food a shake to ensure evenly crisped food every time.
If you cook for a family or host guests, the Chefman Digital Air Fryer with a 5-quart capacity offers a good mix of size and ease of use. Its sleek black design saves space in small kitchens. The digital touch control makes it simple to operate. It has four preset options: french fries, chicken, fish, and meat. These help you cook a variety of foods easily. The adjustable temperature ranges from 200°F to 400°F, giving you control over different recipes. The nonstick basket is dishwasher safe, making cleanup easier. Its quiet operation and compact size make it suitable for daily use in a medium-sized household.
Best For: Families or individuals who want a small, easy-to-use air fryer that can cook crispy foods quickly with little oil.
Pros:
- Small size saves space in limited kitchens
- Easy digital control with preset cooking options
- Dishwasher-safe basket and tray for simple cleaning
Cons:
- Capacity may be too small for large parties or big families
- Rubber pieces on the grill insert can come off and need careful handling
- Made in China; some users may worry about sourcing or durability
COSORI 9-in-1 Air Fryer, 6-Qt, Compact & Large
- 𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉,...
- 𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Advanced airflow and precise temperature control deliver evenly cooked side dishes with perfectly...
- 𝙋𝙧𝙤 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°–450°F temperature control deliver professional-grade...
The COSORI 9-in-1 Air Fryer with a 6-quart capacity offers a flexible and spacious cooking option. It uses TurboBlaze Technology, which features a 3600 rpm fan and heats up to 450°F. This helps cook food quickly and makes it crispy and juicy. The air fryer’s advanced airflow distributes heat evenly during roasting, baking, and broiling. Its square basket provides plenty of space for family meals. The design is compact enough to fit on most counters. It is easy to use, with preset functions. Parts are dishwasher safe, and the unit operates quietly. This makes meal prep and clean-up simple for everyday meals.
Best For: families and home cooks who want a versatile air fryer that can handle larger quantities of food with fast, healthy results.
Pros:
- TurboBlaze Technology with a 3600 rpm fan for quick, crispy cooking
- Large 6-quart square basket ideal for family meals
- User-friendly with presets, dishwasher-safe parts, and quiet operation
Cons:
- Slightly large size may need extra counter space
- The included cookbook might have indexing issues; additional recipes may be needed
- Slightly more costly than smaller or basic models
Factors to Consider When Choosing 5-Qt Air Fryers for Medium Meals in 2025
When choosing a 5-quart air fryer for medium meals in 2025, check its capacity and overall size to see if it fits your kitchen. Make sure it has the cooking functions you need, like roasting or grilling. Look for easy-to-clean surfaces and parts. Verify the wattage to ensure it provides enough power for your dishes. Also, consider if it has room for accessories, so you can expand your cooking options. Choosing the right features helps you cook efficiently and enjoy your meals.
Capacity and Size
Choosing a 5-quart air fryer offers a good balance between capacity and space. It works well for cooking for 2 to 4 people. This size can handle small chickens or batches of fries easily. The dimensions usually range from 11 to 14 inches in width, depth, and height. Its compact size helps it fit on most countertops without taking up too much space. The large basket can hold 3 to 5 pounds of food. This allows you to prepare sizable meals without overcrowding. Despite its moderate size, a 5-quart model fits well in small kitchens. The shape of the interior—square or round—affects how much you can cook and how evenly it cooks. Choose the shape that works best for your cooking needs.
Versatile Cooking Functions
Versatile cooking functions are important in a 5-quart air fryer. They help you cook different types of meals with ease. Air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate are common options. These functions let you try many recipes with one appliance. Preset programs make cooking simple. They are available for foods like French fries, chicken, fish, and vegetables. You can set the temperature from 200°F to 400°F to match your recipe. The dehydration feature allows you to make snacks such as dried fruit or jerky at home. Having multiple functions gives you more cooking choices. It makes preparing crispy snacks, roasted dinners, and other dishes quick and easy.
Ease of Cleaning
Ease of cleaning is an important factor when choosing a 5-quart air fryer for medium-sized meals in 2025. Nonstick coatings on baskets and trays help food release easily, making cleanup simple. Look for models with dishwasher-safe parts so you can place trays and crisper plates directly in the wash. Removable trays also make hand washing faster and easier. Smooth interior surfaces with few crevices prevent food from sticking or buildup, simplifying cleaning. Materials like ceramic or nonstick coatings resist stains and scratches, keeping the fryer looking clean over time. Choosing features that promote easy cleaning helps keep your air fryer hygienic with minimal effort, saving you time and making cooking more enjoyable.
Wattage and Power
Wattage and power are important when choosing a 5-quart air fryer for medium meals in 2025. These factors affect how fast food cooks and how much energy it uses. Most models range from 1500W to 1750W. Higher wattage means the fryer heats up quickly and cooks food evenly. This makes it good for medium-sized meals. Steady power ensures accurate temperatures, especially when dehydrating or roasting. Lower wattage fryers save energy but may take longer to cook or result in uneven results. Knowing the wattage helps you pick an appliance that works with your electric system. It also helps you estimate operating costs. This balance of performance and energy efficiency makes your cooking easier and more reliable.
Room for Accessories
When choosing a 5-quart air fryer, check if it has enough space for accessories such as skewers, baking racks, or dehydrator trays. Make sure the model can hold these attachments of different shapes and sizes. This helps you cook large cuts of meat or dehydrate many small items at once. Confirm if the accessories are dishwasher safe or easy to clean for easy maintenance. Look at the basket or tray design to see if it allows attachments without affecting safety or performance. Also, find out if the air fryer is compatible with accessories that improve airflow and cooking in the 5-quart size. These features increase the versatility and convenience of your medium-sized meals.
Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.
