For one or two fish parcels, start with a basket or tray that lets each packet lie flat without crowding; litre capacity alone cannot tell you that. Choose separate or flexible zones if you often cook fish with a side that needs different settings, or consider an oven-style model with trays for several parcels. Whichever format you choose, check its manual before using baking paper, foil or liners.
If you usually make one or two portions, look for a basket base that accommodates the folded packets without overlapping them. Ocado’s salmon-parcel recipe uses baking paper in an air-fryer basket, but the fit of your own parcels depends on their size and the basket’s usable space.
If the fish and its accompanying dish need different settings, independently controlled zones can help you time them separately. Check that the fish drawer still has enough room for the parcel you intend to make.
Stacked drawers or oven-style trays may offer more cooking levels, but each level must accommodate a parcel. Measure the available worktop space as well as the usable drawer or tray dimensions.
Choose when: You make one or two parcels that fit flat in the basket.
Trade-off: Sides or extra portions may need another batch.
Choose when: Fish and sides need separate settings, or a convertible zone suits your changing parcel sizes.
Trade-off: Fixed individual drawers may be too narrow for a wide packet.
Choose when: You regularly prepare several individual parcels on trays.
Trade-off: Allow room for the appliance, its door and hot trays.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Flat parcel fit | Compare your folded parcel’s width, length and height with the usable basket, drawer or tray space. | If my packet has to be squeezed or folded again to fit, the cooking space is wrong for the meal I make. Around 36% of consumers put flat parcel fit first. |
| Fish and sides | Check for independent zone settings and, if useful, synchronised finishing; measure each zone separately. | When my side needs a different cooking time, I want to serve it with the fish rather than juggle batches. Coordinating the meal comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Worktop and cleaning | Measure the operating space and check how the baskets, trays and racks must be cleaned. | I need the appliance to fit where I can use it and to be manageable after a parcel leaks. Around 21% of consumers chiefly prioritise space and clean-up. |
| Materials and handling | Read the exact model’s instructions for parcel materials and accessories, and allow for safe handling of hot trays and steam. | Before making paper or foil parcels, I want to know what my appliance permits and how to handle the hot packet. Safe use is the primary concern for around 14% of consumers. |
A large stated capacity does not establish the uninterrupted base area available to a flat fish parcel, particularly in divided drawers.
Fold a paper packet to your usual size and compare its width, length and height with the exact cooking area. Leave room around it rather than packing parcels tightly.
Fish thickness, portion size, fillings and the appliance can change how long a parcel needs. Ocado’s salmon-parcel recipe is an example, not a setting for every fish parcel.
Use instructions appropriate to the fish and recipe you have, then check the result carefully. Open the packet away from your face to avoid the steam.
The Instant Pot Vortex 5L manual prohibits covering its basket, cooking tray or appliance with foil because doing so can cause overheating. That instruction applies to that model, not automatically to every air fryer.
Check your exact model’s manual before using foil, baking paper, silicone liners, dishes or racks, and do not obstruct its vents.
Grease or leaked sauce can make later cleaning harder and interfere with airflow.
Once the appliance is unplugged and cool, clean removable parts as its care instructions direct. Use a soft cloth or sponge on coated components rather than an abrasive scourer.
Ninja offers basket and stacked-drawer formats relevant to fish parcels and separately timed sides.
Instant Pot offers both basket models and the Vortex Plus 13L oven-style model, which the manufacturer specifies with multi-tier trays.
COSORI offers a dual-basket option for cooking fish and a side with separate settings.
Tefal’s Easy Fry range includes divided, flexible-zone and oven-style formats.
These models cover flexible or dual-zone cooking for fish with sides, plus a single-basket option. For every model, compare your usual parcel with the usable cooking area and follow its instructions on parcel materials.
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Consider its divided layout when fish and a side need separate cooking zones, or remove the divider when you need one cooking area. The product title specifies an 11L capacity, viewing window, Bake function and Sync function; check the usable space in either layout and the manual’s rules for parcel materials.
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Its stacked drawers suit meals that need separate cooking settings without placing two drawers side by side. The product title specifies four cooking levels, while the Joybuy listing describes independently controlled drawers and a sync function; check parcel clearance on each level and allow the ventilation space required by its instructions.
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Consider the two-drawer format if you want to cook a fish parcel alongside a separately timed side. Its title identifies two drawers and a 7.6L total capacity; check the usable dimensions of the drawer intended for fish rather than relying on the combined capacity.
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The flex-basket format is relevant if you alternate between divided cooking and a larger parcel area. The title specifies a 12QT capacity, viewing window, Sync function and 50 paper liners; confirm the combined zone’s usable dimensions and follow the exact model’s instructions before using any liner.
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This single-basket model is an option when your parcels fit together without overlapping and you do not need separate cooking zones. Its title specifies a 6.4L capacity and 12 functions; check the basket’s flat area, the controls you need and the manual’s parcel-material instructions.
Yes, where the exact appliance’s instructions permit the way you use the paper. Ocado’s salmon recipe cooks a sealed baking-paper parcel in an air-fryer basket at 160°C, but its timing is specific to that recipe; keep paper clear of the heating element and do not obstruct airflow.
No: total capacity does not tell you the flat space or height available to a folded parcel. Measure the packet you normally make and compare it with the usable basket, drawer or tray dimensions of the exact model.
Only use foil in a way the instructions for your exact model permit. The Instant Pot Vortex 5L manual specifically prohibits covering its basket, cooking tray or appliance with foil because of overheating risk; do not assume another model has the same instructions or that a different liner is automatically permitted.
Give the appliance the clearance required by its instructions and keep its vents unobstructed. Electrical Safety First also advises against overfilling an air fryer or plugging it into an extension lead; handle hot accessories carefully and open a steamed fish parcel away from your face.
Unplug the air fryer, let it cool and clean its removable parts according to the model’s care instructions. Instant Pot UK recommends warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth for routine cleaning; avoid abrasive tools on coated parts.