Air Fryer Baked Apples
Air fryer baked apples filled with cinnamon, brown sugar and butter.
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
Stegt Flæsk (Crispy Pork Belly with Parsley Sauce)
Crispy pork belly with warm parsley sauce
Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables
Air-fried salmon with green beans, tomatoes and soy glaze.
Crema di Semolino con Frutta (Semolina Porridge with Fresh Fruit)
Creamy semolina porridge with butter and mixed berries
Thai Basil Aubergine Stir-Fry
Aubergine stir-fry with Thai basil, garlic and chilli
Air Fryer Greek Chicken
Air fryer Greek chicken with lemon, garlic and oregano.
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
Risgrynsgröt (Nordic Rice Porridge with Cinnamon and Butter)
Milk-simmered rice porridge, lightly sweetened and served warm with cinnamon and butter
Papas de Sarrabulho (Pork and Blood Bread Porridge)
Savoury bread porridge simmered with pork and pork blood, finished with vinegar
Sole Meunière Classique (Pan-Fried Sole with Butter)
Classic sole meunière finished with brown butter, lemon juice and parsley
Coq au Vin Rouge (Chicken Braised in Red Wine)
Classic coq au vin with chicken in a lightly thickened red wine sauce
Tofu Teriyaki Poke Bowl
Teriyaki tofu with sushi rice, cucumber, edamame, sesame and nori.
Chicken Sweet Chili Poke Bowl
Sushi rice topped with sweet chilli chicken, avocado and cucumber.
Salmon Poke Bowl
Salmon poke with soy and sesame served over sushi rice.
Fig Honey Yogurt Smoothie Bowl
A creamy fig smoothie bowl blended with banana and Greek yoghurt, drizzled with honey.
Apple Pie Smoothie Bowl
Apple pie smoothie bowl with apple, banana, Greek yoghurt, oats and cinnamon.
Pistachio Date Smoothie
A thick pistachio and date smoothie blended with whole milk and vanilla.
Tahini Banana Smoothie
A creamy breakfast smoothie of banana, tahini, milk, honey and cinnamon.
Air Fryer Korean Spicy Pork
Spicy gochujang-marinated pork is air-fried until browned and sticky.
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.
Simmer
Erbsensuppe mit Speck (Split Pea Soup with Smoked Bacon)
Thick split pea soup with smoked bacon and vegetables
Bake
Fondant au Chocolat (Warm Chocolate Lava Cake)
Warm chocolate cakes with a molten centre
Grill
Chuletillas de Cordero al Sarmiento (Lamb Cutlets Grilled Over Vine Shoots)
Lamb cutlets grilled over vine shoots with garlic and rosemary
Air fry
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Crisp wings tossed in buttery hot sauce Buffalo-style.
Easy
Summer Pudding (British Mixed Berry Dessert)
Chilled bread pudding filled with mixed berries
Medium
Tagliatelle al Ragù Bianco (Pasta with White Pork and Veal Ragù)
Tagliatelle with silky white pork and veal ragù
Medium
Smoked Haddock Fishcakes with Tartare Sauce
Crisp smoked haddock fishcakes with tartare sauce
Easy
Montaditos de Lomo con Pimientos (Pork and Pepper Mini Sandwiches)
Warm mini sandwiches with seared pork loin and sautéed peppers
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.
