Air Fryer Greek Chicken
Air fryer Greek chicken with lemon, garlic and oregano.
What measuring spoons are for (and what they can’t do)
A standard set is designed for small volumes that are awkward to measure in cups: spices, salt, baking powder and soda, dried yeast, extracts and concentrated liquids. In baking, these small measures can have an outsized effect on rise and flavour, so accuracy is practical rather than fussy. Measuring spoons are less helpful for ingredients that do not level cleanly, such as honey, syrups and nut butters, unless the recipe is tolerant. They also do not replace tasting and adjusting when you are seasoning a soup or dressing, where ingredients and personal preference vary.
Top picks in Measuring spoons
Salade de Lentilles du Puy (French Lentil Salad with Mustard Dressing)
Warm French lentil salad with mustard dressing, shallot and parsley
Crema di Semolino con Frutta (Semolina Porridge with Fresh Fruit)
Creamy semolina porridge with butter and mixed berries
Gajar ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa with Milk and Ghee)
Carrot halwa cooked in milk with ghee, cardamom and nuts
Arroz Doce (Portuguese Rice Pudding)
Portuguese rice pudding with cinnamon, egg yolks and lemon zest
Chinese Chicken Stir Fry
Quick chicken stir fry with vegetables and savoury soy sauce.
Using them efficiently, with less mess
For dry ingredients, fill the spoon and level it with a straight edge for consistency. For sticky ingredients, a small spoon can be lightly oiled or dipped in neutral oil first, which helps the ingredient slide out more cleanly. If you are measuring several spices, it is often quicker to measure into your hand or a small bowl and tip them in together, rather than stopping to wash and dry each spoon. When you do not have measuring spoons, a small set of kitchen teaspoons can work in a pinch, but the volume is not standardised, so treat it as approximate and adjust carefully.
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Air Fryer Shawarma Chicken
Marinated shawarma chicken cooked until browned in the air fryer.
Banana Tahini Date Smoothie
Banana, tahini and date smoothie blended with whole milk.
Orange Date Smoothie
A creamy orange and date smoothie with cinnamon.
Air Fryer Thai Shrimp
Air-fried Thai shrimp with fish sauce, lime, and garlic.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Air fryer meatballs made with beef, breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Air Fryer BBQ Pork Chops
BBQ pork chops glazed and cooked in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
Buttermilk-marinated chicken tenders cooked crisp in the air fryer.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Sticky BBQ chicken thighs finished in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Extra Crispy Chicken Wings
Extra crispy air fryer chicken wings with a simple spice coating.
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Tenders
Cajun-spiced chicken tenders cooked crisp in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Snickerdoodles
Air fryer snickerdoodles rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked until puffed.
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Crispy air-fried chicken in a bun with lettuce and tomato.
When to measure exactly and when to cook by feel
Measure precisely when the ingredient is powerful or functional: chilli powder and cayenne, salt in a small-volume sauce, and especially baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and yeast. Those are hard to correct once mixed in. Measure more loosely when the recipe invites adjustment, such as spice blends, dressings and marinades, where you can taste and rebalance. If you are scaling a recipe up or down, measuring spoons help keep ratios sensible, because “a pinch” does not scale reliably. For very small amounts, a set that includes smaller spoons can be useful, but careful pinches can also be effective when the recipe is forgiving.
Where to look next
Cooking method can help you judge how much precision matters: baking and quick breads often rely on exact small measures, while many stovetop dishes allow tasting and adjustment. Difficulty is another useful lens, because recipes with more steps or tighter timing often benefit from having measurements nailed down early.
Sauté
Carne con Tomate Andaluza (Andalusian Pork in Tomato Sauce)
Pork simmered in a thick tomato and paprika sauce
Deep fry
Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey
Crispy buttermilk fried chicken finished with honey
Sauté
Risotto al Limone e Asparagi (Lemon and Asparagus Risotto)
Creamy lemon and asparagus risotto finished with butter and Parmesan
Simmer
Pot-au-Feu (French Simmered Beef and Vegetables)
French simmered beef with vegetables in a clear broth
Easy
Mousse de Maracujá (Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse)
Chilled passion fruit mousse made with condensed milk and cream
Easy
Egg Curry with Tomato and Onion Masala
Egg curry in tomato and onion masala with basmati rice
Medium
Bamia (Slow-Cooked Lamb and Okra Stew)
Slow-cooked lamb and okra stew in tomato sauce
Medium
Tandoori Chicken Salad Bowl
Tandoori chicken with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and yoghurt dressing
Frequently asked questions
Do I need measuring spoons if I don’t bake?
They are still useful for spices, salt, and concentrated flavourings, but many savoury dishes can be adjusted to taste, so exact measuring is less critical.
Should I use level or heaped spoons?
Unless a recipe says “heaped”, assume level. Heaped spoonfuls vary a lot and can easily double the intended amount.
How do I measure sticky ingredients like honey?
A light coating of neutral oil on the spoon helps, or you can measure by weight if the recipe provides it. Scraping with a small spatula also reduces waste.
Are teaspoons and tablespoons the same everywhere?
Not always. Spoon sizes can vary by region and by the cutlery in your drawer, which is why standard measuring spoons are more consistent.
What’s the difference between a pinch and a measured amount?
A pinch is inherently variable and depends on your fingers and the ingredient. It works best in recipes where you can taste and adjust.
Keep them for the moments that matter
Measuring spoons earn their keep when small amounts have a big impact. Use them for raising agents and potent seasonings, and feel free to cook more intuitively when the recipe gives you room to adjust.
