Best Small Air Fryer for 2023
In the market for an air fryer, but not sure you have room? Explore this comprehensive guide to the best small air fryers and discover how these compact kitchen wonders can elevate your cooking while saving space.
Small air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many looking to use less oil in their cooking.
In this post, we’ll put several popular small air fryer models to the test, evaluating their performance, features, and overall value to find the best small air fryer to suit your small family or individual needs.
Air fryers have surged in popularity thanks to their ability to deliver healthier, crispy results with minimal oil, making them a hit among those craving fried foods, like French Fries and Southern Fried Chicken without the guilt.
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Choosing a small air fryer is a smart option for individuals or couples looking to save kitchen space while still enjoying the benefits of healthier, crispy cooking with less oil.
Their compact design, quick preheating, and convenient presets make them a practical choice for those seeking efficiency and versatility in preparing smaller portions of their favorite dishes.
What is a Small Air Fryer?
The specific size of a small air fryer can vary, but they typically have a cooking capacity of around 1 to 5 quarts (0.9 to 4.7 liters). This capacity is suitable for cooking smaller portions or snacks, making them suitable for individuals or couples. If you have a larger family or want to cook larger meals, you may opt for a standard-sized air fryer with a larger cooking capacity.
Still trying to figure out how to use the air fryer? Make sure you check out my collection of the best air fryer tips to help you be more confident.
Things to Consider When Selecting a Small Air Fryer
When choosing the best small air fryer for your kitchen, there are several key features to consider to ensure it meets your cooking needs and preferences:
- Cooking Capacity: The size of the cooking basket or tray determines how much food you can prepare at once. Small air fryers typically have a capacity ranging from 1 to 5 quarts (0.9 to 4.7 liters). Consider your family size and typical meal portions to select an appropriate capacity.
- Wattage: Higher wattage typically means faster cooking times and better crisping. Small air fryers typically range from 800 to 1500 watts. A higher wattage is advantageous for more efficient cooking, but it may also consume more electricity.
- Cooking Presets: Many air fryers come with pre-programmed cooking presets for common dishes like fries, chicken, and fish. These presets simplify cooking and ensure consistent results. Having a variety of presets can be especially helpful for beginners.
- Temperature Control: Some air fryers offer precise temperature control, allowing you to set the exact temperature you need for your recipes. This feature is valuable for recipes that require specific temperature settings.
- User-Friendly Interface: An easy-to-navigate control panel or digital display makes operating the air fryer more convenient. Look for models with intuitive interfaces and clear markings.
- Cleanability: Check the material of the cooking basket. Non-stick and dishwasher-safe baskets are easier to clean. Some models offer a removable, dishwasher-safe basket for added convenience.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research the brand’s reputation and read customer reviews to get insights into the air fryer’s performance, durability, and customer satisfaction.
- Price: Compare prices across different models and consider the value compared to the features offered.
Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!
For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Air Fryer Tools on Amazon.
Why Should You Trust Recipes From a Pantry?
Recipes From a Pantry has provided you with hundreds of air fryer recipes from Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs to Air Fried Oreos and I’ve learned a thing or two about the best air fryer brands and models.
Our research has delved into a multitude of small air fryer options, enabling us to present you with trustworthy suggestions that promise to give you the best results in your kitchen so you get the best bang for your buck.
Using an air fryer can (and should) make cooking meals quick and easy. Make your next month of meal planning just as easy with my free air fryer meal plan! Just click, save, and print.
7 Best Small Air Fryer Options
We’ve done the research for you and compiled it into this great list so you can quickly discover which is the best small air fryer model for your family.
Let’s Discover:
Best Overall Air Fryer – Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5Qt
Best Budget Air Fryer – Dash AirCrisp Pro Digital Air Fryer 3QT
Best Easy-to-Clean Air Fryer – Chefman TurboFry 2-Quart Air Fryer
Best Small Air Fryer for Two – Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven Combo
Best Compact Air Fryer – Instant Pot 4-in-1, 2Qt. Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo
Best Small Air Fryer Toaster Oven – Oster Compact Countertop Oven With Air Fryer
Best 2qt Air Fryer – Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer
Best Overall Air Fryer
The Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5Qt is our pick for the best overall air fryer. It’s small but not too small so it’s perfect for families of different sizes. It’s priced affordably and it’s got dishwasher-safe parts so it’s an overall great selection.
1. COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE 5Qt
Pros:
- Large capacity: The Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Qt has a 5-quart capacity, making it a good choice for families or those who cook large meals.
- Powerful: The air fryer has a 1700-watt motor, which circulates hot air quickly and evenly, resulting in crispy foods on the outside and juicy foods on the inside.
- Easy to use: The air fryer has a digital display with eight preset cooking options, making it easy to cook a variety of foods without having to guess at the cooking time and temperature.
- Versatile: The air fryer can be used to cook a variety of foods, including chicken, fish, vegetables, and even desserts.
- Dishwasher-safe parts: The air fryer’s basket and tray are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the air fryer can be noisy.
- The air fryer is more expensive than other air fryers.
Use it to make these easy Air Fryer Green Beans and Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken.
Overall, the Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Qt is a good option for those who are looking for a large capacity, powerful, and easy-to-use air fryer. It is a good choice for families or those who cook large meals, and it is also a good choice for those who are looking for an air fryer that can cook a variety of foods.
| Dimensions: | 10.8″D x 12″W x 14.4″H |
| Capacity: | 5 quarts |
| Settings: | Chicken, Fries, Frozen, Steak, Preheat, Veggies, Seafood, Bacon, Warm |
| Weight: | 12 pounds |
| Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
| Wattage: | 1500 watts |
Best Budget Air Fryer
The Dash compact air fryer comes in as one of the most affordable air fryers on the market but still boasts a lot of the great features you look for in a quality air fryer. This is our favorite budget small air fryer.
2. Dash – Aircrisp Pro Digital Air Fryer 3Qt.
Pros:
- Compact design: The Dash AirCrisp Pro Digital Air Fryer 3QT is a small and lightweight appliance, making it ideal for small kitchens or countertops.
- Easy to use: The air fryer features a digital display with eight preset cooking options, making it easy to cook a variety of foods without having to guess at the cooking time and temperature.
- Healthy cooking: The air fryer uses little to no oil, making it a healthier option for cooking fried foods.
- Affordable: The Dash AirCrisp Pro Digital Air Fryer 3QT is a relatively affordable air fryer, making it a good value for the money.
Cons:
- Small capacity: The 3-quart capacity is on the smaller side, so it may not be ideal for cooking large families or meals.
- Some users have reported that the air fryer can be noisy.
Use it to make delicious Air Fryer Pork Belly and easy Air Fryer Fish Tacos.
Overall, the Dash AirCrisp Pro Digital Air Fryer 3QT is a good option for those who are looking for a compact, easy-to-use, and affordable air fryer. It is a good choice for couples or small families, and it is also a good option for those who are new to air frying.
| Dimensions: | 13.0″ x 10.4″ x 12.6″ |
| Capacity: | 3 quarts |
| Settings: | Auto-Off and 8 Presets: Fresh Fries, Fish, Shrimp, Frozen Fries, Pizza, Baked Goods, Chicken and Steak. |
| Weight: | 8.8 pounds |
| Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
| Wattage: | 1200 watts |
Best Easy-to-Clean Air Fryer
When it comes to air frying, an easy-to-clean model with dishwasher safe parts is a must.
3. Chefman TurboFry 2-Quart Air Fryer
Pros:
- Small Size: Compact and lightweight and can easily stay on the counter.
- Affordable: One of the lowest-priced air fryers on the market.
- Easy to use: Simple dials make the operation foolproof.
- Dishwasher-safe: Removable and dishwasher-safe basket and tray for easy cleanup.
Cons:
- Small Capacity: The 2-qt. Capacity makes this ideal for individuals.
Use it to make delicious Air Fryer Churros and this Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer.
The Chefman TurboFry 2-Quart Air Fryer is a tiny powerhouse, packing a powerful punch in a compact and affordable design. It’s perfect for individuals who don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning.
| Dimensions: | 9.45 x 7.87 x 11.02 inches |
| Capacity: | 2 quarts |
| Settings: | 60-minute timer |
| Weight: | 5 pounds |
| Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
| Wattage: | 1000 watts |
Best Small Air Fryer for Two
4. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven Combo
Pros:
- Versatile: The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven Combo can be used to air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and reheat food. This makes it a one-stop shop for all of your cooking needs.
- Large capacity: The 4-quart capacity is large enough to cook for a family or to cook large meals.
- Easy to use: The air fryer oven combo features a simple one-touch control panel with six preset cooking options, making it easy to cook a variety of foods without having to guess at the cooking time and temperature.
- Safe: The air fryer oven combo has a cool-touch handle and an automatic shut-off feature, making it safe to use.
Cons:
- Expensive: The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven Combo is more expensive than some other air fryer models.
- Noisy: The air fryer oven combo can be noisy when in use.
- Bulky: The air fryer oven combo is larger than some other air fryer models and requires more counter space.
Use it to make Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast and Air Fryer Heart Potatoes.
Overall, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven Combo is a good option for couples because it has enough room to cook food for two people but doesn’t take up the space of larger capacity air fryer ovens.
| Dimensions: | 10.2″D x 13.03″W x 11.02″H |
| Capacity: | 4 quarts |
| Settings: | Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Weight: | 9 pounds |
| Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
| Wattage: | 1600 watts |
Best Compact Air Fryer
5. Instant Pot 4-in-1, 2Qt. Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo
Pros:
- Compact: Small and lightweight, making it ideal for small kitchens or countertops.
- Versatile: Can air fry, roast, bake, and reheat food.
- Easy to use: One-touch control panel with four preset cooking options.
- Affordable: Relatively affordable air fryer oven combo.
Cons:
- Small capacity: This 2qt air fryer capacity is on the smaller side, so it may not be ideal for cooking for large families or meals.
- Noisy: Can be noisy when in use.
Use it to make Frozen Burrito in Air Fryer and Air Fryer French Toast Sticks.
Overall, the Instant Pot 4-in-1, 2Qt. Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo is a good option for those who are looking for a compact air fryer. It is quite small, however, so it will be best for single users or couples.
| Dimensions: | 11.26″D x 9.02″W x 11.73″H |
| Capacity: | 2 quarts |
| Settings: | Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat |
| Weight: | 7.2 pounds |
| Dishwasher Safe: | Yes |
| Wattage: | 1300 watts |
Best Small Air Fryer Toaster Oven
6. Oster Compact Countertop Oven With Air Fryer
Pros:
- Compact: Smaller than other convection oven style air fryers.
- Versatile: Can air fry, bake, broil, toast, and more. Air Fryer toaster ovens often have more space to air fry food and look similar to a conventional oven.
- Easy to use: Three dials control the mode, temperature, and timer.
- Affordable: Relatively affordable countertop oven with air fryer.
Cons:
- Small capacity: 0.9 cubic foot capacity is on the smaller side, so it may not be ideal for cooking for large families or meals.
- Noisy: Can be noisy when in use.
Use it to make crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes and easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs.
The Oster Compact Countertop Oven With Air Fryer is a versatile and affordable kitchen appliance that can air fry, bake, broil, toast, and more. It is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for small kitchens or countertops. It is also easy to use, with three dials to control the mode, temperature, and timer.
| Dimensions: | 18.8 x 15.6 x 11.9 inches |
| Capacity: | 3 quarts |
| Settings: | Air Fryer, Broil, Bake, Turbo |
| Weight: | 11.8 pounds |
| Dishwasher Safe: | No |
| Wattage: | 1400 watts |
Best 2-Quart Air Fryer
Pros:
- Size: It’s small and doesn’t take up much space.
- Affordable: The price is typically between $50 and $100.
- Easy to use: Has a simple quick-set timer.
- Removable non-stick air fryer basket and tray for easy cleanup.
Cons:
- Small capacity: Only holds a small amount of food.
- Fixed temperature: 400 degrees Fahrenheit is the only temperature option which may not be ideal for all foods.
- Can be noisy when in use.
Use it to learn How To Reheat Pizza in Air Fryer and how to Cook Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer.
The affordability and small size are what make the Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer our top pick for 2qt air fryers. Additionally, the Ninja Brand has a solid reputation for providing quality products. However, it’s difficult to find Ninja Air Fryer dishwasher safe components, The basket and tray are non-stick but should be washed by hand with warm soapy water.
| Dimensions: | 8.03″D x 10.39″W x 9.65″H |
| Capacity: | 2 quarts |
| Settings: | Quick-set Dial Timer |
| Weight: | 5 pounds |
| Dishwasher Safe: | No |
| Wattage: | 1000 watts |
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FAQs
Although the price of air fryers can vary depending on the size, brand and features, the price of most mini air fryers ranges from $50 to $100.
Air fryers work by heating a coil, and then using a fan to blow hot air around the food in a basket or tray. Set the time and temperature, and the hot air crisps the food’s surface, like frying but with less oil.
Air fryers are versatile and healthy, perfect for quick and even cooking of various dishes.
You can cook a wide range of foods in an air fryer, including french fries, chicken wings, vegetables, fish, and even baked goods like muffins and cookies.
Air-fried food is generally healthier than deep-fried food because it uses less oil, reducing the overall calorie and fat content of the dish. It retains a crispy texture without excessive oil absorption.
Most air fryers have removable and dishwasher-safe parts, such as the cooking basket and drip tray. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Be sure to consult your appliance’s user manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
When you’re ready to put your small air fryer to the test, why not try one of my most popular air fryer recipes;
- Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
- The Best Air Fryer Frozen French Fries.
- Air Fryer Green Beans.
Just starting out? This collection of the best Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners will have you air frying like a pro in no time!
Thank you for reading my Best Small Air Fryer post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Be sure to check out even more of my awesome and easy air fryer recipes!
