7 Best Small Air Fryer in 2024, According to Our Tests

Best Small Air Fryer

Did you know that air-fried meals have 88% less fat and 65% fewer calories? Then what’s stopping you from purchasing an air fryer for yourself? More importantly, it will give you healthier meals that are even tastier than the ones that are deep-fried in tons of oil. Air fryers are also time-saving machines. Apart from air frying, you can also use air fryers for reheating, dehydrating, crisping, broiling, roasting, and baking.  But, as unique as it is to have an air fryer in your kitchen, only some have a spacious kitchen where they can fit all sorts of appliances. Air fryers are built to cater to crowds’ needs, but what if we only want to air fry meals for one or two people?

What comes to the rescue in this situation is having the best small air fryer, which can cook meals for up to two people. Don’t worry, as it will only occupy more than half of your countertop. If you purchase a compact air fryer, you will not only be able to cook for a lower capacity, but you will also be able to save a few dollars as they are cheaper than their larger counterparts. Remember that you cannot cook a whole chicken in a small air fryer. What you can cook in it are fries, chicken patty nuggets, and other smaller-size meals, as they are designed for two people max.

By purchasing a small air fryer, you will not only be able to enjoy the perks of an air fryer but also not have to deal with a cluttered kitchen. More importantly, it will give you healthy meals, so I got one. I found many models in my search; the ones that stood out to me are listed in this article.

Our Top Picks for Best Small Air Fryers

IMAGE PRODUCT RATING PRICE
EDITORS CHOICE
Oster DiamondForce Non-Stick Digital Air Fryer
Oster DiamondForce Non-Stick Digital Air Fryer
  • Features: Capacity 5 Quart, Power 1000 Watts, Color Stainless Steel, Temperature 80°F to 400°F
  • Benefits: Fat Reduction Less or no oil
9.6
Check on Amazon
BEST DESIGN
Beautiful 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer
Beautiful 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer
  • Features: Capacity 6 Quart, Power 1000 Watts, Color BLACK, Temperature Adjustable
  • Benefits: Fat Reduction 70%
8.2
Check on Amazon
WITH AUTO SHUTOFF FEATURE
Amazon Basics Compact Multi-Functional Digital Air Fryer
Amazon Basics Compact Multi-Functional Digital Air Fryer
  • Features: Capacity 3.2 Quart, Power 1400 Watts, Color Black, Temperature Adjustable
  • Benefits: Fat Reduction 70%
9.5
Check on Amazon
TOP CHOICE
GoWISE USA Programmable Air Fryer
GoWISE USA Programmable Air Fryer
  • Features: Capacity 3.7 Quart, Power 1400 Watts, Color Red, Temperature 180°F to 400°F
  • Benefits: Fat Reduction Less oil
9.6
Check on Amazon
TOP-RATED
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
  • Features: Capacity 4 Quart, Power 1500 Watts, Color Black/gray, Temperature 105°F to 400°F
  • Benefits: Fat Reduction 75%
9.8
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BUDGET PICK
Elite Gourmet EAF-3218 Electric Hot Air Fryer
Elite Gourmet EAF-3218 Electric Hot Air Fryer
  • Features: Capacity 1.1 Quart, Power 700 Watts, Color Black, Temperature 100°F to 390°F
  • Benefits: Fat Reduction Oil free
9.3
Check on Amazon
BEST AFFORDABLE
Dash Pro Digital Air Fryer
Dash Pro Digital Air Fryer
  • Features: Capacity 3 Quart, Power 1200 Watts, Color Black, Temperature Customizable
  • Benefits: Fat Reduction 70-80%
9.5
Check on Amazon

Oster DiamondForce Non-Stick Digital Air Fryer – Best Small Air Fryer

Oster DiamondForce Non-Stick Digital Air Fryer - Best Small Air Fryers

A small air fryer from Oster comes with a larger, detachable basket which will enhance your cooking experience because it has undoubtedly enhanced mine. You will have more room to turn your food over during cooking which makes things significantly more straightforward. Also, it is PFOA-free, non-stick coating with diamond-infused particles, making cleaning non-messy. It is one of the best small air fryers that are present in the market because of its high-quality construction, a compact design that is loaded with handy features.

When I first unboxed it, I appreciated that the manufacturers utilized high-quality stainless steel to construct this air fryer. The stainless steel makes the body of this air fryer sturdy, durable, and resistant to corrosion. So, even if you pop food into this small air fryer daily, it will still stick around for years. Furthermore, it has non-slip feet, which gave me more confidence while preparing my meal by keeping the air fryer steady.

Moreover, this digital air fryer comes with a small and compact body weighing only 11.9 lbs. I can easily fit this compact digital air fryer anywhere in my kitchen because of its smaller dimensions. But don’t get fooled by its smaller dimensions because you can cook a good amount of food in it due to its 5-quart capacity, whose basket is dishwasher safe, making it perfect for preparing meals and snacks for a family.

In addition to that, this air fryer from Oster has a digital design and comes with a couple of pre-set options, which include Chicken, Dehydrate, Fries, etc., which helped me in cooking tastier meals because I really can’t cook. Also, it delivered food with 99% less oil than traditional deep fryers. With the digital display, you can easily set the temperature settings according to your food. The temperature ranges from 80 to 400 Fahrenheit with overheating protection so that there was no chance of burning my food which I usually sometimes do, being a clumsy cook.

I also noticed, while cooking, that my food never gets stuck because of its outstanding quality and non-stick coating. Also, cleaning is easy because the coating is scratch resistant, so that I can wash it properly without any doubts.

There are also a few things that I don’t like about this small air fryer, like the new smell that lingers around for 7 to 8 months. This smell can be tasted in food in the first month, which makes the air frying experience quite a disappointment, but luckily, the taste will go away after around one month. Also, many parts are made with flimsy materials, meaning they are more prone to damage, and with NO replacement parts available, therefore, be prepared for a greater landfill.

Product Specifications

Dimensions14.5″D x 13″W x 15.7″H inches
Capacity 4 Liters
Cooking functions 8
Finish Type Plastic
Wattage 1500
Model  Name DiamondForce
Weight 11.91 pounds
App Control No
Dishwasher-Safe Parts No

Why We Love It

  • Cup or pot option
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Digital design
  • Weighs 11.9 lbs
  • Non-slip feet

Take Note

  • Has a strong smell

Oster DiamondForce Non-Stick Digital Air Fryer comes at quite an affordable cost yet works exceptionally well. This air fryer from Oster of compact air fryer comes with high-quality construction, a 5-quart of cooking capacity, and some convenient features which make it the best air fryer for small spaces. Its PFOA-free non-stick coating is durable and does not let the food stick, making the cleaning process a lot easier. The addition of the non-slip feet at the bottom is a small detail that makes a significant difference.

Our Ratings

Dimensions 4.4
Temperature 4.5
Cooking 4.7

Beautiful 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer – Compact Air Fryer

Beautiful 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer - Compact Air Fryer

My journey to test air fryers started with air fryers other than a Beautiful 6-Quart air fryer, but it will be my top choice for many reasons. After trying many air fryers, my testing landed on a Beautiful 6-quart air fryer, which appealed to my eyes. Therefore, I had to ensure its features were as great as they looked. But I can say that if you want a state-of-the-art air fryer that can be set on your countertop, then this is for you. What’s more impressive about this compact air fryer is that it is under the $100 price tag.

With its 6-quart capacity, nonstick crisping tray, and High-Performance Heat Technology, I got evenly cooked food. Despite being small, the Beautiful air fryer has more than enough capacity to feed an entire family. It comes with a 6-quart capacity, in which I successfully made meals for my whole family without any issues.

Moreover, it can not just air fry your food, but you can also reheat, roast, and dehydrate your food, as this air fryer offers those features too. Also, I could change the temperature and time of these settings, which made things easier. A touchscreen is present at the front, where you can select the intended job and pop the food at the bottom tray. Furthermore, the touchscreen also has buttons for temperature and time control, which will turn into a complete black slate when turned off. I like this black slate feature when I see my air fryer on the countertop. But whenever the device is on, its touch screen constantly blinks, which bothered me. Also, I had to touch right at the center; otherwise, it would not register my touch.

Moreover, its gleaming golden handle brings more beauty to the design of the air fryer. The air fryer has a very compact design, so it will be easy for you to find a place for it. You can also move it around effortlessly. It is a straightforward machine which is consisted of two parts: the basket and the drainage platform. Both are pretty coated with non-stick material and can be easily wiped or cleaned with little to no scrubbing. Also, I appreciate its easy-to-grasp handle by which I could easily remove the basket single-handedly and taste my food with the other.

Its non-stick coating is excellent as I never use any parchment paper or foil, and my food turns out just fine. A function that will surely add peace of mind is its 60-minute auto shutdown function which will save you from a hazardous situation in case you forget to run. But for cooking that takes a longer time, that is where it gets troublesome. Also, I increased the temperature by 5 degrees which is a noticeable feature as many air fryers allow increments of 10 degrees, where the temperature ranges between 90-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

While cooking, I noticed that when I took the basket out to turn my food, I did not have to use any pause button. It automatically paused and resumed where it left off. Since it comes with a larger basket, it must be understood that it has a larger footprint. Also, it is top-vented, meaning it needs 4 inches of vacant space above. Because of these two points, I had to keep this air fryer on the countertop all the time. Also, it has a single circular vent on the rare side, which means if you live in humid weather, you cannot place it in front of windows as it will fog up your window glass.

Product Specifications

Dimensions5.11L x 12.08 W x 13.07 H inches
Capacity6-Quart 
Cooking functions 4
Finish Type Stainless Steel
Wattage 1750 
Model  Name 19038
Weight  13 lb
App Control –
Dishwasher-Safe Parts –

Why We Love It

  • 6 liters capacity
  • Compact design
  • Offers multiple cooking functions

Take Note

  • Comparatively heavy in weight

Our Ratings

Dimensions 4.1
Temperature 4.2
Cooking 4.5

Oster DiamondForce Nonstick XL 5 Quart Digital Air Fryer VS Beautiful 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer

The Beautiful 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer will be a fantastic addition to any kitchen. I have placed in the top place due to several reasons. The first is its capacity, which is maximum than others due to its rugged yet beautiful-looking exterior that has been manufactured with high-quality materials.

Moreover, it also comes with a touchscreen that makes operating the air fryer convenient. In addition to that, the multiple cooking options of this air fryer will let you use this appliance for all types of food items. It is expensive by fewer dollars than the Oster Diamond Force Non-Stick Digital Air Fryer. Still, with these few extra dollars, you get the additional capacity of 6-quart and higher quality body parts. Also, it will better suit your elegant kitchen because of its beautiful design compared to Oster’s air fryer.


Amazon Basics Compact Multi-Functional Digital Air Fryer – Mini Air Fryer

Amazon Basics Compact Multi-Functional Digital Air Fryer - Mini Air Fryer

If you want a less expensive option with all features of a basic air fryer, then it’s time to purchase one from Amazon Basics. It is a mini air fryer that provides ease of use with a basket that can cook a meal of almost 3.2 quarts capacity.

There are a few things that I like about it that make it one of the best mini air fryer, and these things are:

  • If you want to check the progress of your food, then you can remove the basket mid-session, and the fryer will continue where it left off.
  • Automatically shutting off after cooking is done for added safety and convenience.
  • Can be easily hand-washed.
  • Can streamline your cooking while cooking in different ways (fry, grill, bake, and roast).

Furthermore, if you want to immerse yourself in the joys of oil-free cooking, you will be delighted to know that this air fryer comes with a non-stick coating inside the pan. Therefore, even without oil, you will receive scrumptious and delicious food.

Moreover, thanks to the non-stick coating, I could clean this little air fryer in no time. Also, I discovered that it is not as prone to scratches as other models during my scrubbing. It consists of two parts, a basket holder and an inner basket, both needing to be cleaned.  However, food gets stuck in slits of the internal basket, but don’t worry; you can get rid of this stuck food quickly. There are tiny feet present at the bottom of the air fryer, which prevent the appliance from slipping. This air fryer also comes with a couple of pre-set cooking options like a roast, bake, fry, and grill, which made cooking in my busier life so much easier.

But with all the good things come a few lackings, like the temperature indicator is in Celcius and can’t be changed into Fahrenheit. Also, you have to set the temperature whenever you restart your compact air fryer.

Amazon Basics Compact

The temperature ranges from 280°F to 400°F, and it can only increase by 10, which means for 325 celsius, I had to adjust the cooking time manually, which took some extra time. But neither of these will affect the cooking quality; therefore, it is worth a shot.

It is a wallet-friendly device that does not come with a larger basket. I could only fit a chicken breast barely, but the taste turned out much better than expected.

I could easily slide the basket holder while cooking. To remove the inner basket, I had to find a button under a small piece of the basket. However, the inner basket does not clip back without some finagling.

Product Specifications

Dimensions11″D x 15.5″W x 12.5″H inches
Capacity 3.2 Quarts
Cooking functions 2
Finish Type Plastic
Wattage 1400
Model  Name DF7005-UL
Weight 11.24 pounds
App Control –
Dishwasher-Safe Parts –

Why We Love It

  • 3.03 liters
  • Non-stick coating
  • Automatic shut off
  • Non-slip feet
  • 7 pre-set options

Take Note

  • Gets really hot

If you are looking for the best smallest air fryer that comes reasonably priced and performs well, then you will be delighted to use the Amazon Basics Compact Multi-Functional Digital Air Fryer. It works very well despite having a small body. In addition to that, the pan of the air fryer has a non-stick coating which not only aids in cooking a delicious meal but also makes cleaning so much easier. Also, the food is cooked without any smell, which adds more to the value. This fryer is better than the Beautiful 6-quart air fryer because it is more suitable for a smaller family with a smaller footprint. Also, it can be placed anywhere in the kitchen, not necessarily on the countertop. Also, since it is a mini air fryer which means that it will prepare your food using less power.

Our Ratings

Dimensions 3.9
Temperature 4.2
Cooking 4.4

GoWISE USA Programmable Air Fryer – Best Compact Air Fryer

GoWISE USA Programmable Air Fryer - Best Compact Air Fryers

GoWISE USA air fryer has a unique shape and design compared to its competitors, and this uniqueness urged me to test it out. The GoWise USA Programmable Air Fryer has a rounded body like an egg. It comes in white, black, red, and purple-colored glossy exteriors, with a digital control display mounted at the front.

This mini air fryer has been built with high-quality materials, but that is not the only perk. It comes bearing a small removable pan that has a non-stick coating. I put all types of food in this pan, which looked delectable and delicious. The best thing about this fryer is that it can not just fry food, but I was also able to bake different items in it,  which makes it a candidate for my list of best air fryer for one person.

In addition to that, this best smaller air fryer comes with 8 pre-set cooking settings for Fries/Chips, Meat, Shrimp, Cake, Chicken, Steak, Fish, and Warm

Apart from these pre-set controls, I was able to set temperature and time according to my liking with the help of the temperature and time buttons present at the front. The temperature goes from 180°F to 400°F. Moreover, there is also an indicator that lets you know when the time is up, and your food is ready.

I could not find any pre-heat settings neither company suggest one. Therefore it sometimes took longer to prepare meals than other air fryers. Also, it has a 30-minute timer, which was very frustrating, especially when I wanted it to keep running for a more extended period. Also, when I tried to fry frozen fries, they were a little dry, but homemade fries turned out just OK.

I also found its controls pleasantly friendly, as I did not need to read the manual to set them. When it comes to quietness, this is not a device that can run quietly, so prepare your ears before purchasing it.

Also, I managed to clean both the interior and exterior without any effort because both are coated with non-stick material. The nonstick coating of the basket, however, will wash off if used regularly and frequently, which is a negative point to me. But for regular use, it will work just fine. Also, the handles of the basket are made of plastic which will lower the basket’s life span.

Product Specifications

Dimensions12 x 8 x 8 inches
Capacity 3.5 Liters
Cooking functions 8
Finish Type Plastic
Wattage 1400
Model  Name GW22639
Weight 13 pounds
App Control No
Dishwasher-Safe Parts Yes

Why We Love It

  • 3.5 liters total capacity
  • Dishwasher safe
  • 8 pre-set options
  • Indicator bell
  • Comes with a recipe book

Take Note

  • Non-stick coating chips off

Say goodbye to cluttered and unkempt kitchens, as with the GoWise USA Programmable Air Fryer; you will be able to cook delicious food without bringing chaos to your kitchen. With a very compact design, it has nifty features that will make cooking so much easier for you. Moreover, the handy machine is accompanied by a recipe book so that you can cook and enjoy different meals every single day. It also has a 3.7-quart capacity compared to Amazon’s essential compact air fryer. Also, its indicator bell makes it a better option if you cook in a busy environment and usually forget the meal.

Our Ratings

Dimensions 4.2
Temperature 4.4
Cooking 4.1

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer – Smallest Air Fryer

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer - Smallest Air Fryer reviews

With the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, you can enjoy delicious and well-cooked food anytime. AF101 comes with a small and compact body that I could place and stash anywhere in my kitchen easily. Both the design and the construction of this body are top-notch, which makes it the best smallest air fryer.

The pan present at the bottom of the air fryer is entirely removable, so you can easily take it out, put in the food, and then pop it back in. A great feature that I didn’t find in many air fryers is that the manufacturers have utilized ceramic coating in the pan of this air fryer which brings a wide range of benefits to the design. These benefits include better heat transfer, ease of cleaning, resistance to heating up on the outside, and lightweight. The total weight of the air fryer is only 10.5 lbs, so even if you have to move it around, you will be able to do that easily.

In addition to that, the control panel present at the top front of the air fryer can be used to adjust the temperature and time of cooking as well as use one of the four pre-set options. There is also a power button and a start and pause button. Furthermore, my favorite feature is that this air fryer is dishwasher safe; I could easily remove the pan and put it in the dishwasher without any worry.

But, whenever I removed the basket, it did not auto pause, which is a negative point for many. Also, the smell lingers for 5 to 7 cooking sessions; therefore, be ready for slightly odd-smelly food for several days. But don’t worry because it will fade away after some time.

There are several features, like one-touch cooking features, that make it one of the best small air fryers. Its minimum temperature is 105 degrees, whereas the maximum goes up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It uses a little oil to prepare meals, so the food provided by it is 75% lesser in fat. The time and temperature can also be set manually, which adds more ease to its operation.

I tried its several functions, including reheating, dehydrating, crisping, and roasting. However, I could not find any broil feature. And when I preheated it for 3 minutes, I noticed that my meals were prepared faster than expected. Here are some great air fryers from ninja you might like.

Product Specifications

Dimensions8.5″D x 12.1″W x 11″H inches
Capacity 4 Quarts
Cooking functions 4-IN-1
Finish Type Ceramic
Wattage 1550
Model  Name Ninja Air Fryer
Weight 10.58 pounds
App Control No
Dishwasher-Safe Parts No

Why We Love It

  • 3.78 liters capacity
  • Ceramic coated pan
  • 4 pre-set options
  • Dishwasher safe design
  • 10.5 lbs weight

Take Note

  • Comparatively expensive cost

Although the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer comes at a slightly expensive cost as compared to its competitors, it is loaded with some of the best features, like a multi-layer rack that makes it worth the money.  As compared to the above-listed air fryers, it is a ceramic-coated pan that makes heating quicker while not letting it escape at the same time, thus keeping the fryer cool.

Our Ratings

Dimensions 4.4
Temperature 4.5
Cooking 4.7

Elite Gourmet EAF-3218 Electric Hot Air Fryer – Low Profile Air Fryer

Elite Gourmet EAF-3218 Electric Hot Air Fryer - Low Profile Air Fryer

The first captivating feature of the Elite Gourmet EAF-3218 Electric Hot Air Fryer is its look. It comes with a glossy, all-black exterior which gives the air fryer a very sleek look. Even though the 3218 air fryer is very small in size, this smallest air fryer also happens to be one of the best air fryers that are among the top reviewed articles.

The body of the air fryer is divided into two pieces from the front. The top one has control knobs, and the other has a pan. The knob that is present at the top is for controlling the time of cooking, and it goes from 0 minutes to 30 minutes. The second knob, which is present at the bottom, is for adjusting the temperature of the air fryer. The temperature range of the air fryer from Elite is 195°F to 390°F.

Also, the bottom part of the air fryer is the pan, as I have already mentioned. However, what I have not said is that this pan comes with a sturdy handle at the front so that you can easily take it out and then put it back inside. The pan has a 1-quart of total capacity, which makes it perfect for cooking food for a single person.

Its handles are cool to the touch, which is a savior. Because I have burned myself by accidentally touching a very hot air fryer. In Elite’s air fryer, I can blindly grab the handle and take out the basket easily.

The maximum temperature of many air fryers is 400, but it is lacking in this department by 10 degrees. Also, once you have set the time, it is not possible to change it. You must unplug the unit if you must stop the fryer mid-session.

Also, the grill liner sometimes gets stuck very severely. And the chemical smell will only go away after a few days of frying.

Product Specifications

Dimensions8.75″D x 9″W x 2.25″H inches
Capacity 0.95 Liters
Cooking functions 2
Finish Type Steel
Wattage 700
Model  Name Elite Gourmet EAF-3218 Personal 1.1Qt. Compact Space Saving Electric Hot Air Fryer
Weight 5.13 pounds
App Control No
Dishwasher-Safe Parts Yes

Why We Love It

  • Highly affordable cost
  • Dual control knobs
  • Automatic shut off feature

Take Note

  • Not for large families

Investing your money in the Elite Gourmet EAF-3218 Electric Hot Air Fryer will get you an appliance you can use day and night to enjoy hot meals. The gourmet air fryer also comes at a meager cost, so you will not have to sacrifice an arm and a leg to enjoy a hot meal compared to other listed air fryers. Also, it is perfect for cooking a meal for one person and comes in a small size, which lets you place it anywhere you want in your kitchen.

Our Ratings

Dimensions 4.0
Temperature 4.3
Cooking 4.4

Dash DMAF360GBBK02 Pro Digital Air Fryer – Best Small Air Fryer For Two

Dash DMAF360GBBK02 Pro Digital Air Fryer - Best Air Fryer For Two

The unique design of the Dash DMAF360GBBK02 Pro Digital Air Fryer is the first notable feature. It has a black and silver body, which has a rugged appearance. However, the Dash Pro air fryer has more to it than looks. There is a round button present at the front of the air fryer, which is the power button. Under the power button is a sturdy handle that I use to pull out the pan where my delicious food is.

In addition to that, it comes with a digital display at the top. The digital display control not only has temperature and time control settings, but it also has eight pre-set options. Whenever I do not want to calculate the time and temperature required to cook my food, I select one of the pre-set options, and the air fryer takes care of the rest.

DMAF360GBBK02 Pro Digital Air Fryer also comes with an automatic shut-off feature which is quite a thoughtful inclusion, in my opinion. The temperature is between 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Whenever my food gets ready and the cooking time is up, the air fryer will shut off automatically. It comes with a 3-quart non-stick pan. Adding a recipe book to the package is like a cherry on top.

Dash DMAF360GBBK02 Pro Digital Air Fryer

Its lesser surface area did not let me lay meat properly. But I did get fries and other frozen items crispy. It took 20 minutes to have crisp and tasty fries, which delighted me. I also wanted to check how many chicken breasts can it cook in one go, and thus I was able to prepare two breasts, and then two thighs, both of them returned deliciously looking.

Its maintenance and use are straightforward, but it’s a bit noisy. Whenever any button is pressed, or the dial is turned, it makes a louder beeping sound.

Product Specifications

Dimensions12.6″D x 10.4″W x 13″H inches
Capacity 2.84 Liters
Cooking functions 8
Finish Type Plastic, Metal
Wattage 1200
Model  Name Aircrisp® Pro Digital Air Fryer + Oven Cooker
Weight 10.48 pounds
App Control No
Dishwasher-Safe Parts Yes

Why We Love It

  • 8 pre-set options
  • Auto shut off feature
  • Non-stick pan
  • 2.8 liters total capacity

Take Note

  • Makes noise

If you need the best small air fryer present in the market, then you should go for the Dash DMAF360GBBK02 Pro Digital Air Fryer. Cooking a meal for more than a few people is not an issue now due to its more than enough cooking capacity. In addition, it also comes with eight pre-set options, an auto shut-off feature, and much more. Its handle does not get hot like other models, making it safer. And the recipe books that come with it make it a perfect deal at such a price tag. Also, its 3-quart capacity makes it a better option than the Ninja AF101 air fryer because both of them have almost the same features other than it being digital.

Our Ratings

Dimensions 3.9
Temperature 4.2
Cooking 4.5

Best Small Air Fryer Buying Guide

Having an air fryer in the kitchen means cooking healthy and delicious meals without using gallons of oil. However, some things must be considered before deciding which air fryer to buy, whether it is the best smallest air fryer or a larger one.

Those things are as follows:

Best Small Air Fryer
Infographic: Best Small Air Fryer

Cooking Capacity

Whether you are buying a small air fryer for yourself or gifting it to a friend, the first feature that you need to check in a model is its cooking capacity. Liters or quarts are the units to measure the cooking capacity of an air fryer. The higher the capacity of a model, the more food it can cook in a single go. Therefore, before purchasing an air fryer, it is imperative to check its capacity.

Temperature Range

Checking the temperature range of an air fryer seems like a waste of time till you have to cook a specific meal and your air fryer does not support the temperature required to cook that item. If you want to enjoy the benefits of your small air fryer properly, then you need to check the temperature range of that model before you buy it.

Pre-Set Options

There are a few models of small air fryers present in the market that come with pre-set options. Pre-set options do not require manually selecting the time or the temperature. It would be best if you chose the suitable option from the available options and the air fryer will perfectly cook your food.

Therefore, if you are someone who is not a good cook or does not want to spend extra time figuring out the temperature and the time of cooking, then you need to get yourself an air fryer that comes with pre-set options. It will save you from trouble, and you can enjoy a meal while doing the bare minimum.

Non-Stick Pan

Non-stick pans or ceramic-coated pans are more suitable for air fryers as not only do they cook food without using any oil, but they also have a longer life. Moreover, another perk of non-stick pans is that they can be cleaned very quickly without requiring the extra mile. Therefore, try to go for a model of air fryer with a non-stick pan.

Easy To Clean Design

Cleaning an air fryer usually does not cross a person’s mind when he is making the purchase, but the importance of this factor hits them when they are stuck with a dirty air fryer that just won’t get cleaned. Therefore, you must get yourself a model of an air fryer that can be cleaned easily. More importantly, get a dishwasher-safe model to pop into the dishwasher.

How We Put Small Air Fryers to the Test in Our Kitchen

We know you’re looking for the best small air fryer for your kitchen, and with so many options out there, it can be tough to choose. That’s why we put a bunch of popular small air fryers to the test right here in our own kitchen! We wanted to see how they performed with everyday foods and how easy they were to use in a real-life setting.

Here’s what we looked at:

  • Crispy Fries: We air-fried frozen french fries to see how crispy they got and how evenly cooked they were. No one likes soggy fries, so this was a big one!
  • Juicy Chicken: We air-fried some boneless, skinless chicken breasts to see if they came out juicy and tender or dry and rubbery. A good air fryer can lock in moisture for perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Veggie Variety: We threw some veggies in the basket, like broccoli florets and Brussels sprouts, to see how well they roasted. Air fryers are great for getting veggies nice and tender with a little bit of crisp.
  • Easy to Use: We checked how easy it was to use the controls, how clear the instructions were, and how simple it was to clean up afterwards. Nobody wants a complicated appliance taking up counter space!

We tasted all the food (the perks of the job!), took notes, and compared the results between all the air fryers. This helped us see which ones excelled at cooking different foods and which ones were the most user-friendly.

By the end of our testing frenzy, we had a good idea of which small air fryers were the real winners.

Frequently Asked questions

The Oster DiamondForce Non-Stick Digital Air Fryer is the best compact air fryer on the market. With top-notch stainless steel, it offers 5 quarts of cooking capacity. Moreover, with a digital control system, it is light in weight.

A model that has 2 quarts of capacity basically offers 1.8 liters of cooking capacity. The model with this capacity can be one of the best air fryers for two, but if you need to cook for a larger group, then a 2-quart air fryer is too small.

Mini air fryers cook delicious and healthier meals for the user without taking up too much space on the kitchen countertop. As mini air fryers can cook a wide range of food items, and that too without using any oil, many think they are worth a shot.

The Elite Gourmet EAF-3218 Electric Hot Air Fryer is the smallest air fryer with a total of 0.95 liters of cooking capacity. However, despite being the smallest, it can cook scrumptious and healthy meals.

Conclusion

Buying a small air fryer has proven to be a wise investment for me, as it lets me cook different types of meals that do not compromise my diet or my tastebuds. I have shared the 7 best models of small air fryers in the article above, and I am also sharing my top 3 recommendations.

  1. Oster DiamondForce Non-Stick Digital Air Fryer is made from stainless steel, has a digital control system and 4 liters capacity.
  2. Amazon Basics Compact Multi-Functional Digital Air Fryer comes with an auto shut-off feature, non-stick coating, and 3.03 liters capacity.
  3. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer has 4 pre-set options, ceramic coated pans, and 3.78 liters of total capacity.

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