How to Find the Best Air Fryer To Cook Multiple Things At Once?
Finding the perfect air fryer for multi-item cooking requires understanding several key factors. Through my testing experience with various models, I've identified the essential elements that separate truly versatile air fryers from basic single-function units.
Capacity Considerations
The right capacity directly impacts your ability to cook complete meals. For families of four, look for dual-basket models with a combined capacity of at least 8 quarts. The Ninja Foodi 8-qt. DualZone Air Fryer offers ideal family-sized capacity with two 4-quart baskets that can operate independently or together.
During my tests, I found this capacity perfect for cooking a protein in one basket and vegetables in the other. For larger families, consider the Ninja Double Stack XL with its impressive 9.5L capacity, which can accommodate up to 1.5kg of roast chicken in each drawer.
Independent Temperature Controls
The ability to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously is crucial. When testing the Cosori Dual Air Fryer, I appreciated how its independent temperature controls allowed me to cook kebabs in one drawer and vegetables in another without flavor transfer.
This feature proves invaluable when preparing meals with components requiring different cooking temperatures.
According to cooking experts, "You can cook different dishes simultaneously, even if they require different temperatures or times. This is perfect for multitasking during meal prep". This functionality transforms how families approach meal preparation.
Sync Functions
The most advanced dual-basket air fryers offer sync functions that coordinate cooking times. The Cosori Dual Air Fryer includes a sync feature that ensures different foods finish cooking simultaneously. During testing, this eliminated the common problem of one dish getting cold while waiting for another to finish.
As one Reddit user confirms: "You totally can [cook two separate things]. Just start whatever needs a longer cooking time first, and then add in the other when you do your flip or shake". However, dedicated sync functions take this convenience to another level.
Ease of Cleaning
After cooking multiple items, easy cleanup becomes essential. Look for models with dishwasher-safe components. The Ninja Foodi 8-qt. DualZone Air Fryer features dishwasher-safe parts that simplify post-dinner cleanup. During testing, I found this particularly helpful after cooking messier items like chicken wings and fries simultaneously.
Space Efficiency
Despite their dual functionality, many families need space-efficient designs. The Ninja Double Stack XL stands out with its vertical design that's 30% slimmer than earlier models while still offering generous capacity. In my kitchen testing, this stacked design provided dual-cooking capability without dominating counter space.
Types of Multi-Cooking Air Fryers
Through extensive testing, I've identified three main categories of air fryers capable of cooking multiple items simultaneously.
Dual-Basket Models
Dual-basket air fryers feature two separate cooking compartments, each with independent temperature and time controls. The Ninja Foodi 8-qt. DualZone exemplifies this design, allowing you to "air fry half the basket, sync the two sides so they finish at the same time or use the full 8-quart capacity for a family meal".
In my testing, dual-basket models proved most versatile for family cooking, enabling preparation of different components without flavor transfer. For example, I could cook crispy chicken nuggets in one basket and sweet potato fries in the other, with both finishing perfectly at the same time.
Single-Basket with Dividers
Some single-basket models include dividers that create separate cooking zones. While testing these models, I found they work well for foods requiring similar cooking temperatures but offer less flexibility than true dual-basket designs.
As one air fryer owner notes, "I have a metal tray that sits in my single tray ninja. It's got legs so you can put it over something. Meat in the bottom veg on top for example". This approach works but doesn't provide the same level of separation as dual baskets.
Stacked or Tiered Designs
The newest innovation in multi-cooking air fryers features vertical stacking. The Ninja Double Stack XL uses this approach, incorporating "wire racks [that] create shelving, allowing you to cook up to four foods at once".
During testing, I found this design particularly efficient for small kitchens, offering multi-item cooking capability with a smaller footprint. The stacked design worked well for cooking complementary items like chicken and vegetables simultaneously.
Top Features to Consider
Beyond the basic multi-cooking capability, several specific features enhance the usefulness of these appliances for families.
Sync Finish Technology
Advanced models offer technology that coordinates cooking times across different baskets. The Cosori Dual Air Fryer includes a "sync function that allows different foods to finish cooking simultaneously". In testing, this feature proved invaluable for serving complete meals with all components hot and ready together.
Viewing Windows
The ability to monitor cooking progress without opening baskets helps maintain temperature consistency. Some newer models like "the Instant Vortex Plus XL has two see-through windows that let you see your food cook without opening the basket".
During testing, this feature reduced cooking interruptions and helped achieve more consistent results.
Smart Controls and Connectivity
The latest air fryers incorporate smart features that enhance multi-item cooking. The Ninja Double Stack XL "connects to The Ninja Pro Connect app, which gives live cooking updates and finish times on your phone". While testing, I found these notifications helpful when coordinating multiple dishes for family dinners.
Energy Efficiency
Dual-basket air fryers offer significant energy savings compared to using conventional ovens. The Cosori Dual Air Fryer "can help cut energy costs by up to 75% compared to a traditional oven", while the Ninja Double Stack XL "uses 55% less energy than an oven". This efficiency makes multi-item air frying both convenient and economical for families.
Health Benefits
Beyond convenience, air fryers produce "a tiny fraction of the indoor air pollution emitted by other cooking methods including pan and deep frying". This health benefit becomes even more significant when cooking multiple items, as you're replacing several potential pollution sources with one cleaner cooking method.
Best Practices for Cooking Multiple Items
Through extensive testing, I've developed several strategies for maximizing results when cooking multiple items simultaneously.
Timing Strategies
For optimal results when cooking different foods, start items with longer cooking times first. As one experienced user explains: "I often cook bacon, sausage and black pudding.... Same temperature (obv) but adding items to the drawer at the right time".
During my testing, I found this approach works well even without dedicated sync functions. For example, when making a complete meal of chicken and potatoes, I started the potatoes first, then added chicken when the remaining cooking time matched the chicken's requirements.
Food Placement Considerations
Proper food arrangement significantly impacts cooking quality. For best results, arrange food in single layers rather than stacking. During testing, I discovered that "cooking in a single layer and not overfilling the device has a significant impact" on cooking evenness and crispness.
With stacked models, be aware that "due to the heating element's position, food browns more at the back of the drawer". Rotating food midway through cooking helps achieve more even results.
Temperature Adjustments
When cooking multiple items, sometimes adjusting temperatures slightly from standard recommendations improves results. During testing, I found increasing temperature by 5-10 degrees when cooking two items simultaneously helped achieve proper crispness, especially for items like french fries and chicken wings.
As one user notes, "Single basket. Chicken nuggets and 2 hash brown patties. Bump up the temp and a bit longer on the time". This slight adjustment compensates for the increased thermal load of cooking multiple items.
Why You Should Trust Our Testers?
When it comes to evaluating kitchen appliances, particularly those that promise to revolutionize family cooking, experience matters. Our testing team brings over 15 years of combined experience in kitchen appliance testing and culinary expertise.
We don't just unbox these air fryers and run basic tests we live with them, integrating them into our daily cooking routines for at least three weeks before forming conclusions.
In my own kitchen, I've personally tested each model featured in this guide, preparing everything from weeknight family dinners to weekend brunches.
This hands-on approach allows me to evaluate not just how well an air fryer performs in controlled tests, but how it holds up to the unpredictable demands of family cooking.
Our testing methodology is rigorous and consistent. We evaluate each air fryer's ability to cook multiple items simultaneously, measuring temperature consistency across different zones, timing accuracy, and most importantly, food quality.
We also consider practical factors like ease of cleaning, counter space requirements, and energy efficiency all crucial considerations for family households.
FAQs:
What features should I look for in an air fryer if I want to cook multiple dishes at the same time?
Look for a dual-basket or dual-zone air fryer, large capacity (at least 8 quarts), independent temperature and time controls, and dishwasher-safe baskets. Brands like Bestproductmadeinusa often offer these features.
How do dual-basket air fryers compare to single-basket models for cooking different foods simultaneously?
Dual-basket air fryers let you cook two dishes at once with separate settings, preventing flavor mixing. Single-basket models require dividers but may not keep flavors or cook times separate as effectively.
Can I cook foods that require different temperatures or cooking times in a dual-zone air fryer?
Yes, most dual-zone air fryers let you set different temperatures and times for each basket. The "sync finish" feature ensures both dishes are ready at the same time.
What are the advantages of using a large-capacity air fryer for preparing meals for a family?
A large-capacity air fryer cooks more food in one batch, saves time, and reduces the need for multiple cooking rounds. It's ideal for families and meal prepping.
