Imagine this: You’re hungry, and you want crispy fries *and* juicy chicken wings, but your small air fryer can only handle one batch at a time. You end up waiting, watching one thing cook while the other gets cold. Sound familiar? Many home cooks face this exact challenge. We love our air fryers for making food crispy and fast, but when it comes to feeding a family or prepping a full meal, that single basket can feel incredibly limiting.
Choosing an air fryer that can actually cook multiple items simultaneously shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. You need to know which models actually deliver on that promise without sacrificing that perfect crunch. Don’t let basket size dictate your dinner plans any longer!
In this guide, we break down the best air fryers built for multitasking. We will show you the features that matter—like dual baskets and stackable trays—so you can finally cook your main course and side dish together. Get ready to save time and serve up complete, delicious meals straight from your countertop. Let’s dive into finding your perfect multi-cooking powerhouse!
Top Air Fryer To Cook Multiple Things At Once Recommendations
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the Match Cook feature, which easily copies settings across zones for full 10-qt. capacity meals.
- IQ BOOST: Optimally distributes power across each basket to cook a 6-lb. whole chicken and side as quickly as possible when Match Cook or Smart Finish is not selected.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Keep Warm, Dehydrate and Bake.
- XL FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: With the XL-10 qt. capacity and 2 baskets, you can whip up a main and a side at the same time for quick large family meals, or cook up to 8-lbs. of chicken wings with ease.
- SPACE SAVING DESIGN: Ninja’s stacked design lets you cook double the food in nearly half the space and still fits under standard cabinets. Plus, it’s 40% slimmer than your traditional 2-basket air fryers.
- SMART COOK SYSTEM: Achieve the perfect doneness, from rare to well-done, at the touch of a button with the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer—no guesswork required.
- DOUBLESTACK AIR FRYING TECHNOLOGY: Only Ninja’s stacked design has 2 independently controlled baskets so you can cook 4 foods at once
- COOK 4 FOODS WITH STACKED MEAL RACKS: Includes 2 removable stacked meal racks allowing you to cook on 2 levels per basket. Superheated air surrounds both foods in each basket for an all-around crisp.
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: Choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the Match Cook feature, which easily copies settings across zones for full 10-qt. capacity meals.
- The XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets that lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
- DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the Match Cook feature, which easily copies settings across zones for full 10-qt. capacity meals.
- IQ Boost optimally distributes power across each basket to cook a 6-lb. whole chicken and side as quickly as possible when Match Cook or Smart Finish is not selected.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- With the XL-10 qt. capacity and 2 baskets, you can whip up a main and a side at the same time for quick large family meals, or cook up to 8-lbs. of chicken wings with ease.
- Master Air Frying with All-in-One Air Fryer Cookbook Guide. Featuring 120+ foods across 5 helpful categories, this air fryer cheat sheet helps you quickly check cooking times and temperature reference for meats, vegetables, snacks, legumes, and frozen foods. Ideal kitchen gadget for beginners learning air fryer recipes and experienced cooks looking for time-saving solutions during daily meal prep.
- Waterproof, Tear-Proof, and Easy to Clean. Durable air fryer cooking guide flip chart includes a hook for hanging and a large magnet for attaching to your fridge. These essential air fryer accessories and practical Valentine gifts for women function as both a reference and cooking chart. Perfectly sized at 7" x 6", it looks good in both big and small kitchens, RVs, or apartments while providing quick access to accurate air frying times and tips.
- Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners and Experts with Color-Coded Tabs, Bold Fonts, and Both Celsius & Fahrenheit Readings. Designed for real kitchens, this handy cooking gifts booklet helps eliminate guesswork and improves cooking accuracy with clear magnetic cheat sheet instructions. Whether you're a busy parent or prepping healthy meals, this kitchen gadget simplifies air fryer use and makes an ideal gift-worthy kitchen must haves 2026.
- More Than a Basic Air Fryer Recipe Book. This guide doubles as a magnetic air fryer cheat sheet packed with tips like steak doneness levels, frozen food handling, internal temp precision, and dessert ideas. Great for cooking experimentation and fast references, this all-in-one kitchen tool enhances outcomes and boosts confidence in health-conscious cooks aiming for flavorful results fast. Excellent Valentine gifts for people who love to cook!
- Universally Compatible with Most Air Fryer Brands. This air fryer cheat sheet magnet makes the perfect addition to any air fryer accessory set. Designed for healthy cooking like keto and paleo, it’s among the best kitchen gadgets 2026. Whether for gifting Valentine gifts for her or daily use, it's a must have kitchen gadget for achieving pro-level results faster. Add to Cart now and transform your meals!
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The original Air Fryer with 2 independent baskets, the XL air fryer lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the and a Match Cook button to easily copy settings across zones for full 8-qt capacity.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The baskets can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
- XL CAPACITY: The 8-quart air fryer capacity lets you fit mains and sides at the same time for making quick family meals, or up to 4 lbs. of French fries or chicken wings.
- SEPARATE HEATING ZONES: 2 independent 4-quart zones have their own cooking baskets, cyclonic fans, and rapid heaters.
- SPACE SAVING DESIGN: Ninja’s stacked design lets you cook double the food in nearly half the space and still fits under standard cabinets. Plus, it’s 40% slimmer than your traditional 2-basket air fryers.
- DOUBLESTACK AIR FRYING TECHNOLOGY: Only Ninja’s stacked design has 2 independently controlled baskets so you can cook 4 foods at once.
- COOK 4 FOODS WITH STACKED MEAL RACKS: Includes 2 removable stacked meal racks allowing you to cook on 2 levels per basket. Superheated air surrounds both foods in each basket for an all-around crisp.
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: Choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the Match Cook feature, which easily copies settings across zones for full 10-qt. capacity meals.
- XL FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 10 QT capacity lets you cook two, 5-lb chickens at once and can feed up to 8 people.
- AIR FRYER MAGNETIC CHEAT SHEET SET: 2 pack magnetic air fryer cheat sheet charts with cooking times and temperature for air frying over 90 different foods, including vegetables, beef, pork, frozen products, chicken, seafood, etc. Air frying is a popular way to cook healthy food, with our air fryer accessories set, you don’t have to flip through recipes or search online to check cooking times. The keto cheat sheets save time on air frying and you’ll have more time to enjoy food with families.
- HIGH QUALITY: The air fryer cook book is composed of 3 layers-strong and soft magnet on the back, high quality printing paper in the middle, and waterproof and oil-proof film on the top. The strong magnet backing makes meat temperature chart stuck on metal surface firmly. The waterproof and oil resistant film on the surface protects the prints from scratches and grease, and is easy to wipe clean. The air fryer recipe book is best fridge magnets home & kitchen and home essentials for new home.
- FOOD CATEGORIES FOR VARIOUS FLAVORS: This magnetic air fryer cook book cooking times for more than 80 common foods and over 7 different categories: vegetables, beef, pork, frozen products, chicken, seafood, etc. Each food item is colorfully differentiated for a quick overview to save time in cooking. The cheat sheet is great new home essentials and kitchen gadgets and new apartment essentials. Great addition to home gadgets, kitchen decor.
- CLEAR MAGNET SHEETS LOW CALORIE COOK BOOKS: 2 magnetic keto cook books cheat sheets (10.5x6.5 inch, 5x5 inch). Both magnetic air fryer cook book come with multiple charts in large and clear fronts, easy to read when cooking. With these air fryer cheat sheet magnets you can be more efficient and productive when creating food.
- UNIVERSAL FIT AIR FRYER BOOK: Unlike other air fryer accessories, such as air fryer liners, air fryer parchment paper liners or air fryer paper, magnetic air fryer cheat sheet fits almost all air fryers. The back magnets fit on the top or side of air fryer, refrigerator, oven, microwave, offering you with quick & easy access to cooking times and temperatures for various foods. The keto vegetarian cook book is a great kitchen tool for RV kitchen accessories or travel trailer must have accessories.
- SPACE SAVING DESIGN: Ninja’s stacked design lets you cook double the food in nearly half the space and still fits under standard cabinets. Plus, it’s 40% slimmer than your traditional 2-basket air fryers.
- DOUBLESTACK AIR FRYING TECHNOLOGY: Only Ninja’s stacked design has 2 independently controlled baskets so you can cook 4 foods at once.
- COOK 4 FOODS WITH STACKED MEAL RACKS: Includes 2 removable stacked meal racks allowing you to cook on 2 levels per basket. Superheated air surrounds both foods in each basket for an all-around crisp.
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: Choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the Match Cook feature, which easily copies settings across zones for full 8-qt. capacity meals.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 8 QT capacity lets you cook 4 lbs of chicken wings at once and can feed up to 6 people.
Your Guide to Buying an Air Fryer for Cooking Multiple Meals
Cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week can take a lot of time. An air fryer that cooks more than one thing at once can save you hours! This guide helps you choose the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy an air fryer that cooks several items, look closely at these important parts:
Capacity and Size
- Basket Size: Measure your counter space first. Then, look at the air fryer’s capacity, usually measured in quarts (qt). For a family of four, aim for 5.8 qt or larger.
- Dual Baskets: Many modern multi-cookers have two separate baskets. This is great! You can cook chicken in one basket and fries in the other at different temperatures.
Cooking Technology
- Dual Heating Zones: If the air fryer has two baskets, check if they can cook different foods at different times and temperatures. Some models let you set them to finish at the same time—that’s very convenient!
- Presets and Smart Controls: Look for easy-to-use digital screens. Good presets for common foods (like chicken wings or vegetables) make cooking simple.
Ease of Cleaning
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: The baskets and trays should be easy to remove. Parts that go into the dishwasher save you scrubbing time later.
- Non-Stick Coating: A good quality non-stick surface prevents food from sticking, making cleanup much faster.
Important Materials Matter
The materials inside the air fryer affect how long it lasts and how safe your food is.
Basket Construction
- Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum: Most high-quality air fryers use aluminum coated with a safe, non-stick material. Ensure the coating is PFOA-free (a type of chemical often avoided).
- Sturdy Handles: Handles must feel strong and stay cool to the touch when the machine is hot.
Exterior Casing
- Heat Resistance: The outside of the air fryer should not get dangerously hot. Look for plastic or metal casings that resist high heat well.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one air fryer better than another?
Quality Boosters
- Even Air Circulation: The best models use powerful fans and smart designs to circulate hot air evenly. This means your food cooks uniformly without needing constant shaking.
- Noise Level: Air fryers can be loud. Check reviews for noise ratings. Quieter models improve your kitchen experience.
Quality Reducers (Watch Out For These)
- Thin Plastic Components: Cheap plastic parts can crack easily or warp from the heat.
- Inaccurate Timers: If the temperature or timer settings are wrong, your food will burn or stay raw. Reliable digital controls are essential.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the air fryer every day.
Everyday Cooking
- Meal Prepping: Dual-basket models shine here. Cook large batches of protein on Monday and vegetables on Tuesday, all quickly.
- Quick Dinner Fixes: If you need to cook frozen snacks, fish fillets, or reheating pizza, a fast preheat time is a big win.
Space and Storage
- Footprint: Larger capacity fryers take up more counter space. If you have a small kitchen, a tall, slim design might fit better than a very wide one.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Multi-Cook Air Fryers
Q: Can I really cook two different foods at the same time?
A: Yes, many models have two separate baskets. You set the time and temperature for each basket individually.
Q: Do the two baskets cook at the exact same speed?
A: Not always. Some advanced models have a “Sync Finish” feature that adjusts the time so both items finish cooking at the same moment, which is very helpful.
Q: Are air fryers that cook more expensive?
A: Generally, yes. Dual-basket models cost more than single-basket ones because they have more technology and larger parts.
Q: How much counter space do I need for a large one?
A: A 6-quart dual-basket fryer often needs about 15 to 17 inches of width. Always check the product dimensions before buying.
Q: Do I need to use oil when cooking in these?
A: Air fryers need very little oil, usually just a light spray or teaspoon. This is what makes the food crispy without deep frying.
Q: Are the baskets hard to clean if I cook messy food?
A: If the baskets have a good non-stick coating and are dishwasher safe, cleanup is usually easy. Baked-on cheese can sometimes require a quick soak.
Q: Can I put foil or parchment paper inside the baskets?
A: Many brands allow this for easier cleanup, but you must ensure the paper does not block the vents or get blown up into the heating element by the fan.
Q: How hot do the outside sides of the unit get?
A: The top and the sides get warm, but usually not dangerously hot. Still, keep a few inches of space around the machine for airflow.
Q: Can I cook a whole small chicken in a dual-basket model?
A: Probably not. Dual baskets are better for cooking separate portions, like two different sides or two smaller chicken breasts. For a whole bird, you usually need a larger, single-basket or oven-style air fryer.
Q: What is the main benefit of having two baskets instead of just one big one?
A: The main benefit is temperature control. You can cook delicate vegetables at a lower heat while cooking potatoes at a higher heat, all at the same time.

Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!