Air fryers have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and for good reason. They offer a healthier and more convenient way to cook your favorite fried foods. However, not everyone has the counter space or need for a large air fryer. That’s where the best small air fryers come in.
Small air fryers are perfect for those who live in apartments or have limited counter space. They are also a great option for those who only need to cook for one or two people. When looking for the best small air fryer, the most critical thing to consider is the capacity. You want to make sure that the air fryer can hold enough food for your needs without taking up too much space.
After researching and testing several small air fryers, we have identified the ones that offer the best performance and value. Our top picks have a capacity of 2-4 quarts and are perfect for cooking small batches of your favorite fried foods. So whether you’re looking to make crispy chicken wings or sweet potato fries, our top picks for the best small air fryers have got you covered.
Best Small Air Fryers
We are excited to present our top picks for the best small air fryers on the market. Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying methods. They use hot air to cook food, resulting in crispy and delicious meals with less oil. Small air fryers are perfect for those with limited counter space or cooking for one or two people. Our team has researched and tested various models to bring you the best options available. Read on to find the perfect small air fryer for your kitchen.
Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer
If you’re looking for a small air fryer that can cook up to 1 lb. of French fries, 10 taquitos, or 2 hot pockets, then the Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer might be the one for you.
Pros
- The Quick Set Timer makes it easy to set the cook time and get alerted when your food is done.
- With just one easy temperature of 400°F, you can air fry quick snacks or small meals consistently.
- The air fryer can cook your favorite foods from 1-60 minutes with the turn of the dial.
Cons
- The 2-quart capacity may not be enough for larger meals or families.
- The air fryer heats up hotter than other models, which may take some getting used to.
- Some users have reported that the nonstick coating on the cooking basket and crisper plate can wear off over time.
We’ve been using the Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer for a few weeks now and have found it to be a convenient addition to our kitchen. The Quick Set Timer is a great feature that allows us to set the cook time and walk away until it’s done. We also appreciate the consistent temperature of 400°F, which ensures that our food is cooked evenly every time.
One downside to the air fryer is its 2-quart capacity, which may not be enough for larger meals or families. We’ve found that it’s best for quick snacks or small meals. Additionally, the air fryer heats up hotter than other models we’ve used, which can take some getting used to.
Overall, if you’re looking for a small air fryer that’s easy to use and can cook up quick snacks or small meals, then the Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer is worth considering. Just keep in mind its 2-quart capacity and hotter heating temperature.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
If you’re looking for a small air fryer that can cook a variety of foods and is easy to clean, the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is worth considering.
Pros
- With up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods, you can enjoy your favorite foods without the guilt.
- The wide temperature range of 105°F-400°F allows for gentle moisture removal or quick cooking with convection heat.
- The 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate can fit 2 lbs of French fries, making it perfect for small families or individuals.
Cons
- The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer can produce a lot of heat, so be sure to clear anything behind it that could melt prior to use and make sure you have space between the counter.
- Some users have reported that the touch control method can be finicky and may require multiple taps to register.
- The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand wash the basket and crisper plate.
We’ve been using the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer for a few weeks now and it has quickly become a staple in our kitchen. We love how easy it is to use and how quickly it can cook a variety of foods. The air fryer has four versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate, making it perfect for a wide range of meals and snacks.
One of the best things about the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is the ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate, which make cleaning up a breeze. While the touch control method can be finicky at times, we’ve found that it’s easy to get used to with a little practice.
Overall, if you’re looking for a small air fryer that is versatile, easy to use, and easy to clean, the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is definitely worth considering.
COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Qt
We highly recommend the COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Qt for anyone looking for a compact, efficient, and easy-to-use air fryer. With its 360° rapid heat circulation technology, you can enjoy crispy textures without the added fat.
Pros
- Cooks meals up to 20% faster than a traditional oven with a high max temperature of 450°F
- Patented AirWhisper™ Technology keeps noise levels under 55dB for a peaceful cooking experience
- Comes with a 30-recipe cookbook and access to 100+ more recipes on the VeSync app for endless cooking inspiration
Cons
- The 5-quart basket may not be large enough for bigger families or those who like to batch cook
- The touch controls may take some time to get used to
- The accessories recommended by the manufacturer are sold separately
We tried out the COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Qt and were impressed with its compact design and suitability for small families or individuals. The nonstick basket is easy to clean and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
In terms of cooking performance, the COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Qt did not disappoint. The 360° rapid heat circulation technology ensures evenly cooked meals every time, while the high max temperature of 450°F allows for quick and efficient cooking. We also appreciated the patented AirWhisper™ Technology, which kept noise levels under 55dB for a peaceful cooking experience.
The COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Qt comes with a 30-recipe cookbook, which is a great starting point for those new to air frying. Additionally, the VeSync app provides access to over 100 more recipes, ensuring that you’ll never run out of cooking inspiration.
Overall, we highly recommend the COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Qt for anyone looking for a compact, efficient, and easy-to-use air fryer. Its 360° rapid heat circulation technology, patented AirWhisper™ Technology, and included cookbook and app make it a great investment for anyone looking to cook healthier meals without sacrificing flavor.
Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1, 2-quart Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo
If you’re looking for a compact and versatile air fryer, the Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1, 2-quart Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo is a great option.
Pros
- The EvenCrisp technology ensures that your food comes out perfectly crispy and tender every time.
- With customizable one-touch programs, you can easily cook a variety of dishes, from wings to cinnamon buns.
- The compact design and dishwasher-safe basket make it easy to use and clean.
Cons
- The 2-quart capacity may be too small for larger families or those who like to cook in bulk.
- Some users have reported issues with the non-stick coating on the basket.
- The product voltage range is only 110V, which may not be suitable for all users.
We’ve been testing out the Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1, 2-quart Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The EvenCrisp technology ensures that our food comes out perfectly crispy and tender every time, and the customizable one-touch programs make it easy to cook a variety of dishes.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 2-quart capacity may be too small for larger families or those who like to cook in bulk. However, for smaller households or those who just need to cook for one or two people, it’s the perfect size.
Another potential downside is that some users have reported issues with the non-stick coating on the basket. We haven’t experienced any issues ourselves, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Overall, we think the Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1, 2-quart Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo is a great addition to any kitchen. Its compact design and dishwasher-safe basket make it easy to use and clean, and its customizable one-touch programs make it versatile enough to cook a variety of dishes.
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer with Dual Zone Technology
If you want an air fryer that can cook two foods at once and finish them at the same time, the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer with Dual Zone Technology is a great choice.
Pros
- The dual zone technology allows you to cook two different foods at the same time and finish them at the same time, which saves time and effort.
- The 8-quart capacity is perfect for making quick family meals or cooking up to 4 lbs. of French fries or chicken wings.
- The easy-to-clean baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates make cleaning up a breeze.
Cons
- The air fryer is quite large, so it may take up a lot of space on your countertop.
- The price is on the higher side, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
- Some users have reported that the air fryer can be a bit noisy during operation.
We recently got our hands on the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer with Dual Zone Technology, and we were impressed with its performance. The dual zone technology allows you to cook two different foods at the same time, which is a great time-saver. We were able to cook chicken wings in one basket and fries in the other, and both finished cooking at the same time. The 8-quart capacity is perfect for cooking for a family or for making large batches of food.
Cleaning up the air fryer was also a breeze. The baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe, so we just threw them in the dishwasher and they came out clean and ready to use again. We also appreciated the wide temperature range of 105°F to 450°F, which allowed us to cook a variety of dishes.
However, the air fryer is quite large, so it may not be the best option if you have limited counter space. Additionally, the price is on the higher side, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. Some users have also reported that the air fryer can be a bit noisy during operation, although we didn’t find it to be too bothersome.
Overall, we would recommend the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer with Dual Zone Technology to anyone looking for an air fryer that can cook two foods at once and finish them at the same time. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but the dual zone technology and large capacity make it worth the investment.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best small air fryer, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Capacity
The first thing to consider is the capacity of the air fryer. How much food do you plan on cooking at once? Small air fryers typically have a capacity of 1-2 quarts, which is suitable for cooking for 1-2 people. If you need to cook for a larger family or group, you may want to consider a larger air fryer.
Power
The power of the air fryer is another important factor to consider. Look for an air fryer with at least 800 watts of power for efficient cooking. Higher wattage means faster cooking times, which can be a time-saver in busy households.
Temperature Range
The temperature range of the air fryer is also important. Look for an air fryer with a temperature range of at least 180°F to 400°F. This will allow you to cook a variety of foods, from vegetables to meats.
Cooking Functions
Many air fryers come with additional cooking functions, such as baking, grilling, and roasting. Consider which functions you will use the most and look for an air fryer that offers those options.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Finally, consider the ease of use and cleaning of the air fryer. Look for an air fryer with easy-to-use controls and a non-stick coating for easy cleaning. Some air fryers also come with dishwasher-safe parts, which can make cleaning up even easier.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best small air fryer for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smallest most efficient air fryer?
The smallest and most efficient air fryer is one that can cook food quickly and evenly while taking up minimal counter space. In our experience, models with a capacity of 2-3 quarts tend to be the most efficient and compact.
What’s the best size air fryer for a single person?
For a single person, we recommend an air fryer with a capacity of 1.5-2 quarts. This size is perfect for cooking smaller portions of food and takes up less counter space than larger models.
Is it worth getting a small air fryer?
Yes, it is worth getting a small air fryer if you have a smaller kitchen or only need to cook for one or two people. Small air fryers are also more energy-efficient than larger models, which can save you money on your electricity bill.
What is the best compact air fryer for a small kitchen?
The best compact air fryer for a small kitchen is one that has a small footprint but still has a decent cooking capacity. Our top pick is the Dash Compact Air Fryer, which has a 1.2-quart capacity and is only 10 inches tall.
What are the top-rated mini air fryers?
The top-rated mini air fryers are the Dash Compact Air Fryer, the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with 4-Quart Air Fryer, and the COSORI Air Fryer Max XL. These models all have a capacity of 2-3 quarts and are highly rated by customers.
Which air fryer brands make the best small models?
Some of the best air fryer brands that make small models include Dash, Ninja, COSORI, and Philips. These brands offer a range of sizes and features to fit your needs and budget.
