A 3-qt air fryer is perfect for couples, fitting a variety of dishes without cluttering your kitchen. But finding the right 3-qt air fryer can be challenging. So, I’ve been testing many 3-qt air fryers from different brands, and today, I’m here with my five top choices.
In this case, I evaluated these air fryers based on their performance, features, and cost. I also consulted air fryer reviews from different places to understand each model well. My rating criteria included:
- Performance
- Features
- Price
Let’s explore these five best 3-qt air fryers and their advantages. I’ll also discuss how to choose the right size and features for you.
Is a 3-quart air fryer big enough?
Choosing the right air fryer means considering the proper size. A 3 qt air fryer is big enough for small to medium families or those cooking for one. But is it enough for you?
The correct serving sizes for 3 qt models depend on the food. For instance, it can cook 2-3 servings of fries or 1-2 chicken breasts. Think about what you usually cook and how much space it needs.
Is a 3L air fryer big enough for 2 people?
Yes, it’s big enough for two people. But if you have a big family, you might need a bigger air fryer.
Is a 3-quarter air fryer a good size?
Yes, a 3 qt air fryer is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. The 3 qt size is loved for its compact design. It’s great because it cooks many dishes with little oil, which is healthier than deep-frying.
How many people can a 3-quarter air fryer cook?
A 3-qt air fryer is primarily suitable for 1 to 3 people, depending on the type of food and portion sizes. It’s usually best for single servings or small portions like fries, vegetables, or chicken wings. But it can also handle meals for two people, like two chicken breasts or small portions of food.
My top picks
My top picks for 3 qt air fryers come from well-known brands. They offer compact designs and ease of use, and they’re great for cooking healthy meals without losing flavor.
Best Overall: Beautiful Drew Barrymore 3-Quart Digital Air Fryer
Best for Rough Use: Dash Deluxe Electric Air Fryer + Oven Cooker
Best Budget-friendly: BELLA 3 Qt Manual Air Fryer Oven
Best for Design and Style: CRUX x Marshmello 3.0 QT Digital Air Fryer
Best for Versatility: NUWAVE Brio 3-Quart Digital Air Fryer
The 5 Best 3 qt air fryer
1. Beautiful Drew Barrymore 3-Quart Digital Air Fryer
What I Liked
- Aesthetic appearance
- Even cooking
- User-friendly digital controls
- Easy to use
- Dishwasher-safe accessories
What I Don’t Like
- Limited preset cooking functions
The Beautiful Drew Barrymore digital air fryer is already a favorite among many. So, my expectations were ultimately very high. And fortunately, the air fryer didn’t disappoint me at all.
However, I loved the air fryer due to its simplicity. Its digital interface is easy to use, making adjustments a breeze. It also has four preset options: air fry, roast, bake, and reheat. I users also praise its consistent results and versatility.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Easy-to-use digital interface
- Preset options for various dishes
- Consistent results and versatility
- Affordable price point
After all, this Beautiful 3-qt digital air fryer is a reliable choice. It offers a range of features at an affordable price, making it a top pick for anyone wanting a quality digital air fryer.
Capacity: 3 quarts, Power: 1200 watts, Dimensions: 20.47″D x 10.55″W x 9.84″H
2. Dash Deluxe Electric Air Fryer + Oven Cooker
What I Liked
- Versatile, offering a variety of cooking options
- Faster yet safer
- Even cooking
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
What I Don’t Like
- Quite noisy when in use
My second choice for this list is the Dash Deluxe Electric Air Fryer, which is a favorite among home cooks. It’s known for its excellent performance and features that make cooking easier and more fun. The temperature control lets you adjust it to get the perfect crispiness.
Cleaning the Dash Deluxe Electric Air Fryer is also easy and hassle-free. I appreciate the non-stick basket and pan that can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. This makes it perfect for those who don’t want to deal with hard maintenance. It’s also a good value compared to other air fryers.
But what I liked the most was its excellent temperature control system. You can adjust it from 175°F to 400°F, which lets you cook everything from crispy fries to tender chicken. The air fryer also features a digital display and touch controls for easy use.
Capacity: 3 quarts, Power: 1200 watts, Dimensions: 12.6″D x 10.4″W x 12.6″H
3. BELLA 3 Qt Manual Air Fryer Oven
What I Liked
- Quite affordable compared to other 3-qt digital air fryers
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Works well
- Efficient cooking
What I Don’t Like
- Not the highest durability
I’ve been a big fan of Bella air fryers. This 3-qt air fryer impressed me with its compact size, workability, and efficiency. The BELLA manual air fryer provides a traditional cooking experience. I also praise its simplicity and ease of use.
Therefore, a manual air fryer lets you fully control the cooking process. Features that make the BELLA manual air fryer appealing include:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Compact design
- Affordable price point
However, some might see the manual operation as a drawback. Yet, others enjoy the hands-on cooking experience. The BELLA manual air fryer is perfect for those seeking a simple cooking solution.
Capacity: 3 quarts, Power: 1400 watts, Dimensions: 15.11″D x 15.11″W x 14.68″H
4. CRUX x Marshmello 3.0 QT Digital Air Fryer
What I Liked
- Unique, appealing appearance
- Easy to clean
- Not that noisy
- Perfect for a dorm room
- Easy-to-use digital touchscreen controls
What I Don’t Like
- Slightly expensive
- Fewer preset cooking programs
The CRUX x Marshmello digital air fryer is a stylish and functional kitchen appliance. It’s the result of a unique collaboration. This was the first air fryer model I tested from this brand. I’m pretty happy with it, but I was slightly disappointed by the metal tray, which was hard to remove.
However, this air fryer stands out with its sleek design and easy interface. It offers versatile cooking options. Users can choose from preset settings or adjust temperature and time manually. They also find it easy to use and clean, and the food quality is praised.
But, I have concerns about its durability and customer support. In summary, the CRUX x Marshmello digital air fryer is a good option for those looking for a reliable one. It has some drawbacks, but its benefits and unique features make it worth considering.
Capacity: 3 quarts, Power: 1300 watts, Dimensions: 9.13″D x 11.49″W x 10.51″H
5. NUWAVE Brio 3-Quart Digital Air Fryer
What I Liked
- Precise digital controls
- Simple time and temperature settings
- Even cooking
- Rapid air technology for faster cooking
What I Don’t Like
- Not that the highest quality
The NUWAVE Brio 3-QT Air Fryer is a digital air fryer that’s easy to use and versatile. It has enough capacity, precise temperature control, and preset settings, which are great for cooking a variety of dishes with little effort.
Therefore, it’s an ideal choice for making a quick snack. The fryer is super fast and cooks tastier food. I also loved its style and its capability of not taking up much space on my countertop.
The touchpad is user-friendly, and the non-stick baskets are also easy to clean. Rather than being a small air fryer, it offers different cooking options, such as grilling, roasting, broiling, air frying, baking, warming, reheating, toasting, and dehydrating.
After all, the NUWAVE Brio Air Fryer is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use air fryer. Its digital interface and preset settings make cooking various dishes simple. If you’re looking for a new air fryer, this is worth considering.
Capacity: 3 quarts, Power: 1300 watts, Dimensions: 13.00 L x 11.00 W x 8.00 H Inches
Final Verdict
Exploring 3 qt air fryers shows they’re perfect for most homes. They’re great for quick snacks or meals for the whole family. Therefore, the best 3 qt air fryers are convenient and make food delicious.
However, my detailed reviews looked at top models like the Beautiful Drew Barrymore Digital Air Fryer and Dash Deluxe Electric Air Fryer. If you look for design, simplicity and versatility, then there’s nothing other than the Drew Barrymore Digital Air Fryer. But if the budget matters and you want something cost effective, Bella Pro 3-qt air fryer would be the best alternative.
What to Look for in an Air Fryer?
Capacity
The first thing to consider while choosing an air fryer is its capacity. A small capacity (1-3 qt) is typically suitable for individuals or small households. On the other hand, there are also 4-6 qt air fryers ideal for families with 3-5 people.
There are larger air fryers with up to 10 quarts for bigger families or gatherings. Furthermore, some air fryers are designed with two different baskets or two multiple chambers to cook different meals simultaneously.
Ease of Use
For many house cooks like me, ease of use is the priority when choosing a perfect air fryer. Look for user-friendly interfaces, whether digital or manual. Preset cooking functions are a bonus.
Timers are also an incredible addition to any air fryer model. The auto-shutting-off option makes any air fryer user-friendly and hassle-free. Look for non-stick and dishwasher-safe baskets or trays to simplify cleaning.
Versatility
Air fryer models with more cooking functions are more versatile and efficient. So, choose an air fryer that can air fry, bake, broil, roast, reheat, and grill for diverse recipes. The temperature range also matters to enhance versatility.
A wide temperature range helps cook anything from crispy fries to baked goods. Some of the best air fryers also feature extra accessories like racks, pans, or skewers for more cooking options.