Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Air-fried salmon glazed with soy, mirin and brown sugar.
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
Air Fryer Herb Chicken Breast
Air fried chicken breasts with herbs, garlic and lemon.
Cantonese Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry (Peppery Beef with Peppers and Onion)
Peppery beef stir-fry with green pepper, onion and glossy sauce
Tostadas de Tinga con Crema (Chicken Tinga Tostadas)
Crisp tostadas topped with chicken tinga, crema and lettuce
Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Drumsticks
Spiced chicken drumsticks air-fried until crisp and juicy.
Citron Pressé (Fresh Lemonade with Sugar Syrup)
Fresh lemon juice drink mixed with sugar syrup and cold water
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.
All recipes in Measuring spoons
Harcha (Moroccan Semolina Skillet Bread)
Skillet-cooked harcha with a crisp exterior and tender, buttery centre
Moroccan Roasted Cauliflower with Cumin, Paprika and Lemon
Cauliflower roasted with olive oil, garlic and spices, then finished with lemon juice
Thai Red Curry with King Prawns, Coconut Milk and Basil
Thai red curry with king prawns, aubergine and mangetout in coconut milk
Naan Khatai (Indian Shortbread Biscuits with Ghee and Cardamom)
Indian shortbread-style biscuits baked pale-golden with ghee, cardamom and pistachios
Kerala Avial (Mixed Vegetables with Coconut and Yoghurt)
Kerala mixed vegetable curry with coconut paste, yoghurt, curry leaves and coconut oil
Bagara Baingan (Hyderabadi Aubergine Curry)
Bagara baingan with aubergines simmered in a nutty, tangy coconut gravy
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Cauliflower is air-fried with smoked paprika, served with yoghurt and lemon.
Air Fryer Beef Burgers
Minced beef patties with onion and garlic cook quickly in the air fryer.
Thai Pumpkin and Tofu Red Curry
Pumpkin and tofu simmered in coconut red curry, finished with lime and basil
Kadai Paneer (Wok-Cooked Cottage Cheese Curry)
Wok-cooked kadai paneer with capsicum, toasted spices, onions and a little cream
Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Pan Sauce
Browned pork chops finished with apple cider, Dijon mustard and thyme pan sauce
Fusion Chicken and Rice
Chicken thighs simmered with jasmine rice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and sesame.
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.
Blended
Apple Kefir Smoothie
Blend kefir with apple, banana and cinnamon until smooth.
Sauté
Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach and Chickpea Stew)
Spinach and chickpeas simmered in tomato, paprika and cumin
Sauté
Lomo de Cerdo a la Naranja (Pork Loin with Orange Sauce)
Seared pork loin simmered in a glossy orange sauce
Sauté
Zucchine Trifolate con Uova e Pecorino (Courgettes with Eggs and Pecorino)
Sautéed courgettes with softly scrambled eggs and pecorino
Easy
Mousse de Maracujá (Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse)
Chilled passion fruit mousse made with condensed milk and cream
Easy
Vegetarian Black Bean Burgers
Crisp pan-fried black bean burgers in toasted buns
Easy
Pollo en Salsa de Chipotle (Chicken in Creamy Chipotle Sauce)
Chicken simmered in creamy chipotle and tomato sauce
Easy
Céleri Rémoulade with Cured Ham
Celeriac rémoulade with mustard and lemon mayonnaise
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.
