For families that are medium- to large-sized, we suggest the best 8 quart air fryers that provide ample space to cater to all your healthy cooking needs.
Air fryers are available in various designs and sizes, making them ideal for every household. Depending on your family's size or cooking requirements, you can choose an air fryer that suits your needs.
Usually, a small family necessitates a 3- to 4-quart air fryer. However, as the number of people in the family grows, so does the air fryer's size requirement.
An 8-quart air fryer is ideal for those who want to cook substantial meals in one go. On average, its basket can hold at least 16–18 wings, 3 pounds of fries, or five to seven ramekins for preparing single-serving desserts. You may also want to explore other options, such as the best air fryers for large families or the best dual basket air fryers.
The Best 8 Quart Air Fryers Reviews
1. Ninja FD401 Foodi - Best Air Fryer Cooker Combo
This Ninja FD401 Foodi 12-in-1 air fryer differs from the air fryers reviewed earlier. Besides conventional features, it can also pressure cook, steam, sauté, and slow cook. It is perfect for individuals seeking additional functions in their air fryer.
You can judge the depth of this air fryer by the height of its reversible rack, which has two layers, making the basket quite deep. Each layer can hold up to four medium-sized chicken breasts.
We pressure-cooked 6.5 pounds of chicken and air-crisped it later to achieve a tender inside and a crispy and delectable exterior.
For air frying, we opted for 4.5 lbs. of chicken. When air frying, it is necessary to turn the sides of the chicken, so a chicken of this size is simple to accommodate and flip during cooking. The outcomes were pretty satisfying.
Since the air fryer is large and bulky, it can be challenging to carry it in and out of the cabinet if there is insufficient space on the countertop. The air crisp lid is also heavy, but it does not cause the pot to lose balance and remains upright while you load stuff into the air fryer basket.
Once the cooking is complete, you can effortlessly clean this ninja air fryer and store all pots and pans except the air fryer lid. You cannot store it inside the unit; make sure to keep it somewhere within reach.
Nonstick stainless steel
Dimension: 16.1”L x 14.57”W x 14.29”H
Weight: 26.04 lbs.
Power: 1760 watts
Temperature range: 80°F to 400°F
2. Chefman TurboTouch - Best for Making Chicken Wings
The first air fryer on our list features an easy-view window that allows you to monitor the cooking process. It also has a quick-off function, which can help prevent overcooking.
This air fryer's interior space can hold up to three shelves or a sizable rotary basket for making French fries without the need for flipping.
Although the trays are spacious, you cannot fit a full-size pizza in them. You may only be able to make medium- or small-sized pizzas.
The Chefman TurboTouch is relatively easy to clean if you prevent leftover oil and food from becoming greasy. However, cleaning hardened build-up and stains could be challenging. To avoid this, using parchment liners can be a useful solution.
We tested this air fryer's cooking abilities by preparing chicken breasts. It cooked tenderly at 370F in just 15 minutes, while the same recipe in an oven takes around 20 minutes at 400F. Hence, the notion that air fryers cook faster holds true.
Digital touch control
Dimension: 12.75″D x 13.5″W x 10″H
Weight: 13.40 lbs
Power: 1500 watts
Temperature range: 200° F to 400° F
3. Nuwave Brio Best Smart Air Fryer
The Nuwave Brio 8-Qt air fryer can be controlled with an app. Therefore, if you want to control the cooking process remotely, this unit might be the one for you.
The display and control panel are at the top right, in line with your vision, making selecting options easier. It remains cool and incredibly easy to touch during the cooking process.
The prices of the Chefman TurboTouch and this unit are comparable, but Nuwave’s 100 presets set it apart from the Chefman Turbo.
Also, the patented Linear Thermal (Linear T) Technology is the jewel in the crown, ensuring that the entire cooking happens at the set temperature without any fluctuation.
As per our findings, you can easily accommodate more than two pounds of fries and the same amount of chicken wings in its huge basket.
To check the content, you must pull the basket out. This is a slight inconvenience, but nothing you cannot manage in the sea of other beneficial features.
An exciting aspect of this air fryer is that it comes with an integrated temperature thermometer to check the doneness of the food. The cooking process stops when your food attains the desired doneness.
50 memory slots
Dimension: 15.1″D x 16.5″W x 13.1″H
Weight: 16.95 lbs
Power: 1800 watts
Temperature range: 50°F to 400°F
4. Ninja DZ201 Foodi - Best Dual Basket Air Fryer
The Ninja DZ201 Foodi air fryer is an essential mention when discussing the best 8-QT air fryer for a large family.
What distinguishes this powerful air fryer from the units previously mentioned is its dual compartments that come with separate heating elements and fans for independent cooking. This feature allows you to cook two meals simultaneously, which is perfect for families with kids who have different preferences.
With the smart finish setting, you can ensure both recipes finish cooking simultaneously and are served together, making mealtime more convenient.
It is the ideal air fryer for French fries, as it can accommodate more potato sticks and cook them to perfection without making you wait too long.
We tested the match cook setting by cooking chicken breast in one compartment and fish in the other. The chicken tasted far superior when cooked in this appliance as compared to others. It had a brown and crispy exterior and was tender on the inside. The fish was also perfectly cooked, neither charred nor undercooked.
One downside is that it does not come with a basket but with a crisper plate. When dumping contents into a bowl, the plate can fall and cause burns, so caution is required.
Its minimalistic design, easy-to-read display, and sensitive touch control panel make cooking immensely more manageable.
Dual basket air fryer
Dimension: 13.86″D x 15.63″W x 12.4″H
Weight: 17.86 lbs
Power: 1700 watts
Temperature range: 105°F to 450°F
5. Ultrean XL - Best with Non-Stick Frying Pot
One of the most economical air fryers with a non-stick coating in terms of size and capacity is on our list. So, if price is one of your deciding factors, this air fryer is an easy choice.
This air fryer's auto-shutoff feature is a positive point. The cooking process stops automatically when the timer ends. So, there is no chance of overcooking and ruining your food.
This air fryer allows you to increase or decrease cooking time in one-minute intervals, making it ideal for baking when precise timing is critical. Thus, it can be a useful air fryer for baking.
The Ultrean air fryer's basket is circular, so you must be cautious about the shape and size of the food. You typically can't fit elongated foods like long breast pieces and vegetables such as asparagus. Only small to medium-sized foods are suitable.
We found this unit to be relatively quiet and easy to clean. You can dip a towel in warm water, wring out the excess water, and wipe the whole unit clean while oil splatters and burnt-on food are not yet stubbornly sticking to the surface.
Nonstick frying pot
Dimension: 13.35″D x 15.75″W x 13.58″H
Weight: 15 lbs.
Power: 1700 watts
Temperature range: 80°F to 400°F
6. Instant Vortex Plus Best Air Fryer Oven Combo
The Instant Vortex Plus is a dual-compartment air fryer that features a peeking window and an interior light in each basket, and it is included in our list.
Both compartments have a cooking capacity of four quarts, making it ideal for three to four people. We tried cooking French fries and a loaf of bread using its air fry and bake modes, respectively.
The French fries were crispy and soft at the same time, while the loaf needed an extra minute of cooking after the preset timer ran out. This may be due to the frozen dough that we used, which requires more cooking time. Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye on your food as it cooks.
The basket is deep enough to accommodate a low-height rack, providing an additional cooking layer. You can use the air fryer rack in both compartments to double the quantity of food.
Cleaning the control panel is easy with a soft microfiber cloth. We used a damp towel, which left swirly marks on the surface. Therefore, we recommend using a microfiber cloth with some experience.
The only downside of this air fryer is its enormous size, likely due to its dual-compartment design. You will need a separate space, such as a kitchen island, to accommodate it in your kitchen.
Air fryer oven combo
Dimension: 17.8″D x 17.8″W x 15.4″H
Weight: 19.36 lbs.
Power: 1700 watts
Temperature range: 95°F to 400°F
7. CHEFMAN Max XL - Best Stainless Steel Air Fryer
An intriguing feature of this air fryer is that, unlike the Instant Vortex Plus, it has a basket divider instead of completely separate cooking compartments.
The divider can be used for cooking two items or removed for larger food items. With an 8-inch basket diameter, you can fit 2 to 3 baking cups or 5-7 cookies at once.
In contrast to the black matte or glossy finishes of most air fryers, this one has a sturdy stainless steel finish.
Additionally, the plastic parts of the air fryer are made with non-toxic, BPA-free plastic, making it completely safe for cooking appliances. For more options like this, check out our list of the best non-toxic air fryers.
The unit has four basic cooking presets, so you'll primarily rely on your best air fryer recipes for most things. Also, this air fryer lacks a preheat feature, so you must manually set the preheat timer. We manually preheated this air fryer during cooking tests.
With its durable body and finish, it wouldn't be unfair to call it the best stainless steel air fryer. Plus, we're in love with its reheating function, which means you don't have to throw away leftover fries, KFC fried wings, or tater tots. Every time you reheat the food, it comes out fresh.
Nonstick stainless steel
Dimension: 12.75″D x 13.5″W x 10″H
Weight: 17.16 lbs.
Power: 1700 watts
Temperature range: 200°F to 400°F
8. Chefman TurboFry - Best with Dishwasher Safe Basket
Upon unboxing the air fryer, we immediately noticed its extra-large viewing window and sleek design. What's even better is that the use of this air fryer is not complicated by any bells and whistles.
This air fryer is CETL-approved, ensuring that it meets quality standards for durability and safe use. In addition, the manufacturer provides a one-year warranty.
There is an LED light and shake reminder feature, ensuring even browning from all sides and amazing results every time. Furthermore, this air fryer operates quietly without any annoying high-pitched noise.
During the first use, we noticed an unusual odor that disappeared after a few uses. Additionally, this air fryer gets very hot when used at maximum temperature, so make sure to leave ample space around it for heat exhaust.
We also observed that the Chefman TurboFry has a slightly larger footprint than the Chefman TurboTouch. Therefore, if you have limited space on the kitchen counter, the latter may be a better option.
Unlike some air fryers, the crisper plate of this air fryer does not come out when you pour the contents. It has silicone stoppers that keep it in place.
Dishwasher-safe basket
Dimension: 12.8″D x 14.88″W x 14.06″H
Weight: 13.23 lbs.
Power: 1700 watts
Temperature range: 200°F to 400°F
9. CROWNFUL Best Air Fryer with Dehydrator
This air fryer is ideal for cooking multiple items at once. In terms of shape and capacity, it is similar to other dual-compartment air fryers such as the Ninja DZ201 Foodi and CHEFMAN.
However, this unit is slightly more affordable than other dual-compartment air fryers, making it a good option for budget-conscious buyers. Both compartments have independent cooking mechanisms, allowing you to cook your meal in each container according to your recipe.
To test its cooking functions, we made chicken wings and added garlic and onion powder to enhance the flavor. Each compartment can hold 10 to 12 wings, depending on the size. The food tasted incredible, but it was a little dry for our taste. We tried the same recipe again with a few oil sprays, and the results were amazing.
The noise it makes while cooking can be a little vexing, and it takes up a lot of space on the countertop. However, what else can you expect from a dual-compartment XL air fryer? Make sure to make some space on your counter and always avoid putting your air fryer on the stovetop, even when the kitchen counter is full.
Shake reminder function
Dimension: 14.96″D x 11.02″W x 12.2″H
Weight: 18 lbs.
Power: 1700 watts
Temperature range: 180°F to 400°F
The Best 8QT Air Fryer Buying Guide
A buying guide is a useful tool for focusing on the essential features and specifications when purchasing any product, including an air fryer. By keeping in mind the crucial aspects, you can narrow down your choices and select the best air fryer for your needs. Below is a buying guide specifically for the best 8-quart air fryer.
Style Of The Air Fryer
The style of an 8-quart air fryer can vary significantly due to its large size. You can find single and dual-compartment air fryers.
If you have family members with different tastes or picky eaters who want to cook their favorite foods simultaneously, a dual-compartment air fryer is a good choice. This allows you to save time by cooking two dishes at once.
In addition, a dual-compartment air fryer is perfect for those who typically cook multi-course meals that require multiple dishes. Conversely, a single-compartment air fryer is more suitable for smaller families or those with uniform food preferences.
Cost
An extra-large air fryer typically comes with a higher price tag compared to a smaller air fryer, which is understandable. However, it is not entirely impossible to find cheap air fryers.
While a higher price does not always guarantee better quality, it often does. When buying an 8 quart air fryer for a family of six or more members, it is not an everyday investment, so it is wise to make the purchase carefully. Even if it means spending a few extra dollars to get a quality product, do not hesitate.
Functionality
If you are considering a large air fryer, it's important to pay attention to its features and functions to ensure that you get good value for your money.
Look for an air fryer that meets most of your functionality and feature requirements. Your main focus should be on finding an air fryer that excels at cooking chicken wings, rotisserie chicken, baked goods, reheating, dehydrating fruits and veggies, etc.
The more functions your air fryer has, the less you'll need any other kitchen appliance. Additionally, your chosen air fryer should have a wide temperature and timer range to enable you to cook a wide range of dishes.
Ease Of Use
When you look at the air fryers in the market, you will find both the air fryers with primary and those beautified with bells and whistles. We would always recommend going with an air fryer which is easy to use.
A fancy air fryer appeals to you initially, but when its complexity ruins your convenience, you tend to avoid using it. Therefore, always consider a long-term perspective, especially when choosing a large air fryer with more functions.
Prefer an air fryer with one-touch presets to whip up a basket full of fries, bake pizza or cake, or roast chicken with one click of a button.
FAQs
Is An 8 Quart Air Fryer Big?
Eight-quart air fryers are categorized as extra-large and are a suitable option for big families or small households that frequently host gatherings with friends and family.
What Can You Cook In An 8 Quart Air Fryer?
In an 8-quart air fryer, you can prepare anything that you would typically bake or roast in an oven, including roasted vegetables, French fries, rotisserie chicken, fish, cakes, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and more. Its significant advantage is its large size, which allows you to prepare a considerable amount of food without having to cook in batches.
Can I Cook Whole Chicken In 8 Quart Air Fryer?
Yes, you can easily cook a whole chicken weighing around 2.5 to 3 pounds in an 8-quart air fryer. Moreover, the appliance has ample space to prepare at least two bags of frozen fries, approximately 20 to 23 chicken wings, and a similar quantity of vegetables.
Wrapping Up!
The best 8-quart air fryers are an excellent choice for families who need to prepare more food quickly. However, small or medium-sized families can also opt for an extra-large air fryer if they regularly cook for friends and extended family.
For daily use, an XL air fryer may not be the ideal choice. In the section above, we have provided our ultimate list of top-rated air fryers that we tested in the last year. All of these air fryers are of high quality and reliable. You can select any of them based on your requirements.
