Xiaomi aerogrils have gained popularity because of their combination of compactness, technology and affordable price, but when you choose such equipment, the camera size becomes the key parameter - it depends on how many dishes you can cook at a time and how versatile the device will be. The Mi Air Fryer lineup features models with a capacity of 10 to 18 liters, and it is difficult to understand the differences.
In this article, we will analyze all the current models of Xiaomi aerogrills, compare their volumes with real needs (from single-person cooking to family dinners), and reveal hidden nuances that the manufacturer does not always specify in the characteristics, for example, why the Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L in practice may be less roomy than the Redmi Air Fryer 17L, and how to load products properly so as not to overload the engine.
And you'll also learn how volume affects power, energy consumption, even taste, and we've collected feedback from owners, tested popular recipes, and prepared a checklist to help you avoid buying mistakes, and if you're hesitating between models or wondering if 10 liters is enough, this guide will answer all the questions.
Topical models of Xiaomi aerogrills and their volumes (2026)
Xiaomi currently offers several aerogrill lines, differing not only in volume but also in functionality, and below is a complete list of models with the actual capacity (not to be confused with the declared one!), which takes into account the space occupied by the heating element and the fan.
- 🔹 Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L is a compact model for 1-2 people, ideal for studios or offices, but not suitable for family dinners.
- 🔹 Mi Air Fryer 5.5L is the middle ground for a couple or a small family, the most popular model in the lineup.
- The 🔹 Redmi Air Fryer 6L is a budget version with simplified management, but with decent volume.
- 🔹 Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L is a flagship with Mi Home support and advanced modes, and in practice can hold up to 1.2 kg of potatoes or a whole chicken weighing 1.5 kg.
- The 🔹 Redmi Air Fryer 17L is the most capacious model, but with manual control. It is suitable for large families or hobbyists of workpieces.
It is important to understand that the declared volume (e.g. 15.5 liters) and usable volume (how much food can be loaded) can vary by 10-20%. For example, in the Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L, the basket is conical in shape, and when loading 1.5 kg of potatoes, the festons in the upper part can burn due to the proximity to the heater, this is often ignored in reviews.
| Model | Declared volume (l) | Real loading (example) | Power (W) | Price (from/to, rub.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L | 3.5 | 2 servings of potatoes (300g) | 1500 | 3 500 – 4 200 |
| Mi Air Fryer 5.5L | 5.5 | 4 portions of wings (600g) | 1800 | 4 800 – 5 500 |
| Redmi Air Fryer 6L | 6 | Whole chicken (1 kg) | 1700 | 4 500 – 5 000 |
| Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L | 15.5 | 1.2 kg potatoes or 1.5 kg meat | 2000 | 8 000 – 9 500 |
| Redmi Air Fryer 17L | 17 | 2 kg of vegetables or 1.8 kg of fish | 1900 | 7 500 – 8 500 |
Note that models up to 6 liters are not usually equipped with the Dehydrate function, and air grills from 15 liters may not have a basket-turning handle (which is replaced by automatic shaking), which is important to consider if you plan to cook dried fruits or nuts.
How does the volume affect cooking: what can and cannot be cooked?
The size of the aerogrill directly determines what you can cook in it. For example, in Mi Air Fryer 3.5L you can not bake a whole chicken — the maximum size of a bird that fits there is chicken legs (2-3 pieces), while in Redmi Air Fryer 17L you can simultaneously cook two-level dishes: on the bottom basket — potatoes, on the top grille — fish.
Here are the real limits on volume:
- 🍟 3.5-5.5 liters: portioned dishes (french fries, nuggets, vegetables), but no more than 2-3 servings. Not suitable for baking.
- 🍗 6-10 liters: whole chicken (up to 1.2 kg), pizza 20-25 cm in diameter, small roll or casserole.
- 🎂 15-18 liters: multi-portion dishes (lasagna, large fish), fruit drying, cooking for 5-6 people.
The critical thing is that in air grills of less than 10 liters, it's hard to get large pieces of meat to roast evenly. For example, in Mi Air Fryer 5.5L, pig ribs have to be turned by hand every 10 minutes, otherwise one side will be dry. In 15 liters models, this problem is solved by 3D- air circulation and automatic stirring.
⚠️ Warning: Don't load the basket more than 70% of the volume! In Xiaomi air grills with a capacity of up to 6 liters, overloading leads to engine overheating and protection activation. For example, in Mi Air Fryer 3.5L, the maximum load of potatoes is 300 g, otherwise the dish will be cooked 30% longer.
What happens if you exceed the recommended loading volume?
15.5L vs 17L: Which model is better?
The two flagship models, the Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L and Redmi Air Fryer 17L, are often compared, and the 1.5-litre difference seems small at first glance, but in practice it affects the functionality, convenience and even taste of dishes.
The main differences:
| Parameter | Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L | Redmi Air Fryer 17L |
|---|---|---|
| Management | Touch + Mi Home app | Mechanical buttons |
| Power | 2000 W. | 1900 W. |
| Autoshaking | There is. | No. |
| Max, temperature. | 200°C | 180°C |
| Weight. | 6.2 kg | 5.8 kg |
The Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L is a technology-enabled device with 11 automatic programs, including yogurt and fermentation modes, and voice control via Alice or Google Assistant. However, the Redmi Air Fryer 17L is 10-15% cheaper and has a more uniform heating due to the classic round basket (unlike the oval one in the Mi Smart).
According to user reviews, Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L is better for baking and desserts (due to accurate temperature control), and Redmi Air Fryer 17L is preferable for meat dishes and large billets (for example, pickles).
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If you want smart features and compactness, choose the Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L. If volume and simplicity are the priority, take the Redmi Air Fryer 17L.
How much does a family need? Calculation by number of people.
To make sure you choose, look at the number of family members and the typical meals you plan to cook, and we have a table of recommendations based on real-world user tests:
| Number of people | Recommended volume (l) | Examples of dishes | Xiaomi models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 3.5–5.5 | French fries, nuggets, vegetables on the side dish. | Mi Air Fryer 3.5L, Mi Air Fryer 5.5L |
| 3–4 | 6–10 | Whole chicken, pizza, fish, casseroles | Redmi Air Fryer 6L, Mi Smart Air Fryer 7L |
| 5+ | 15–18 | Multi-sported dishes, blanks, pastries | Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L, Redmi Air Fryer 17L |
An important nuance: if you like to cook a few days ahead (for example, bake large portions of meat for a week), take a model 2-3 liters more than recommended. For example, for a family of 4 people, the optimal is not a 6-liter, but a 10-liter aerogrill - this will allow you to cook with a margin and save time.
Also consider the size of the kitchen: models from 15 liters take up a lot of space (Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L dimensions - 32×32×38 cm), and they are inconvenient to store in the closet. If space is limited, pay attention to the Redmi Air Fryer 6L - it is compact, but it can accommodate a whole chicken.
Compare the actual volume of the basket (not only claimed) |
Check for autoshake (important for models from 10 l)|
Estimate power (optimum 1800–2000 W for uniform heating)|
Make sure you are compatible with the Mi Home app (if you need smart features)|
Check the complete set (gratings, forms for baking are not in all models)-->
Secrets of use: how to load the air grill as much as possible?
Even in a high-volume air grill, you can make mistakes that lead to uneven cooking. Here are the verified life hacks from Xiaomi owners:
- 🥔 For potatoes and vegetables: Cut the same size pieces (optimally 2×2 cm). In Mi Air Fryer 5.5L this will allow you to load 20% more food without loss of quality.
- 🍗 For meat: Use a two-level grille (comes with models from 10 liters); put denser foods (potatoes) on the lower level; and quick-cooked ones (wings) on the upper level.
- 🎂 For baking, in Xiaomi air grills up to 10 liters, the dough rises worse because of the limited space. To keep the cupcake from going up, fill out the form only on 2/3.
- 🍎 For drying: spread the products in one layer with a gap of 0.5 cm In Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L you can dry up to 500 g of apples at a time, but only at a temperature of 80 °C.
Another useful trick: if you need to cook a large portion (for example, 1.5 kg of potatoes in a 10-liter aerogril), divide the process into two stages. First roast half of the products for 10 minutes at 180 ° C, then add the second part and cook for another 15 minutes, so you avoid overload and get a uniform crust.
⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi models with a volume of more than 10 liters do not recommend using foil or parchment without holes. This disrupts air circulation and can lead to overheating of the TEN. If you want to bake something juicy (for example, fish), puncture 5-6 holes in the foil with a fork.
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To check if your aerogrill is overloaded, pay attention to the cooking time: if it has increased by more than 20% compared to the recipe, reduce the portion next time.
Frequent errors in the choice of volume and how to avoid them
Many shoppers make the same mistakes, focusing only on price or appearance. Here are the top -5 misconceptions that lead to frustration:
- "More volume is better." In fact, a 17 litre aerogrill for a family of 2 is a cost overpayment for unnecessary litres. These models heat up longer and consume more electricity (up to 2.2 kWh versus 1.5 kWh for 5-litre ones).
- "I'll do enough 3.5 liters, I rarely cook." Even for one person, 3.5 liters may not be enough: for example, a Mi Air Fryer 3.5L will not fit a standard package of frozen pizza (25 cm in diameter).
- In fact, models with a capacity of less than 10 liters often lack the Preheat function, which increases cooking time by 15-20%.
- "Basket volume = volume of products." In reality, 20 to 30 percent of the space is occupied by the heating element and the fan. For example, in Redmi Air Fryer 6L, you can actually load no more than 4.5 liters of products.
- "I don't need smart functions." In models from 15 liters (like the Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L), automatic temperature control is critical for evenly cooking large pieces of meat.
To avoid mistakes, check the dimensions of the aerogrill before buying. For example, the Mi Smart Air Fryer 15.5L will not fit under a standard kitchen shelf with a height of 35 cm. Also pay attention to the weight: models from 10 l weigh 5-6 kg, and they are inconvenient to move.
Another nuance: Xiaomi air grills with a capacity of more than 10 liters often lack a pen to remove the basket (it is replaced by the opening button), which can be uncomfortable if you cook with gloves or have weak hands.