Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Drumsticks
Spiced chicken drumsticks air-fried until crisp and juicy.
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
Gajar ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa with Milk and Ghee)
Carrot halwa cooked in milk with ghee, cardamom and nuts
Rollmops (Pickled Herring Rolls with Gherkins and Onion)
Pickled herring rolls filled with gherkins and onion
Air Fryer Broccoli
Crisp-tender air-fried broccoli with lemon and Parmesan.
Chilli con Carne (Minced Beef and Kidney Bean Stew)
Spiced minced beef and kidney bean chilli served with rice
Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies
Air fryer oatmeal cookies with a chewy centre and crisp edges.
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
Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
A creamy cherry vanilla smoothie blended with milk, yoghurt and banana.
Torcolo di San Costanzo (Umbrian Orange, Raisin and Almond Ring Cake)
Umbrian torcolo ring cake, baked golden and finished with a light glaze
Cantonese Steamed Chicken with Mushrooms and Glass Noodles
Marinated Cantonese steamed chicken with silky glass noodles and shiitake
Thai Red Curry with Prawns and Bamboo Shoots
Prawns and bamboo shoots simmered in coconut milk with red curry paste
Creamy White Bean and Sausage Skillet
One-pan sausages simmered with cannellini beans, tomatoes, cream and wilted spinach
Opor Ayam (Chicken in Coconut Milk)
Indonesian chicken in coconut milk with shallots, coriander and turmeric
Steamed Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce
Pork ribs marinated with black bean sauce and garlic, then steamed until tender
Hachee (Dutch Beef and Onion Stew)
Rich hachee beef stew with lots of onions, bay leaves, cloves and stock
Tian de Légumes Provençal (Provençal Baked Vegetable Tian)
Layered vegetable tian baked with garlic, olive oil, thyme and breadcrumbs
Slow-Roasted Pork Ribs with Dry Rub
Tender pork spare ribs with brown sugar, smoked paprika and a caramelised crust
Classic Beef Chilli
Minced beef chilli with kidney beans, tomatoes, garlic and warming spices
Saag Gosht (Lamb and Spinach Curry)
Tender lamb in a rich, spiced gravy with wilted spinach
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.
Pan fry
Filloas (Galician Crepes with Honey)
Thin Galician crepes served warm with honey
Air fry
Air Fryer Indian Chicken Kebabs
Juicy air-fried Indian chicken kebabs with mint yoghurt.
Marinated
Char Siu Pork with Steamed Rice
Sticky roasted char siu pork served with steamed rice
Bake
Tarte Bourdaloue (Pear and Almond Tart) with Frangipane
Pear and almond tart with sweet pastry and frangipane
Medium
Gougères with Gruyère
Warm Gruyère choux puffs baked until crisp
Medium
Flautas de Pollo (Crisp Chicken Tortillas with Guacamole)
Crisp chicken flautas served with avocado and lime guacamole
Easy
Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Mustard Sauce
Pan-seared pork with a quick Dijon mustard sauce
Easy
Pizelle (Italian Waffle Biscuits)
Thin Italian waffle biscuits with anise and lemon zest
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.
