The air fryer has taken America’s kitchens by storm. Everybody wants to have one in their kitchen. There is a myriad of makers and sellers. The number of different brands of air fryers available has also increased over the years. Are you hesitating to purchase one due to a lack of space on your kitchen counter? Fortunately, manufacturers now make the best small air fryer that works as good as those large cooking capacity air fryers.
This appliance works more like a convection oven than a deep fryer, as it does not submerge the food in a bath of oil. It makes use of the rapid heated air movement to cook the food in the cooking basket. The cooking times are much shorter than in convection ovens, but the cooking results are similar.
If you’re looking for an air fryer that won’t take up too much space in your kitchen, you may want to consider getting a small air fryer for 1 to 2 people. These air fryers are small enough to fit on most countertops, and they come in a variety of colors and styles to suit your kitchen décor. While most small air fryers have similar features, there are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for one. So, what is the best small air fryer to buy?
Today I have compiled a list of the 9 best small capacity air fryers perfect for singles, students, or even smaller families who love fried foods.
Small and Mini Capacity Air Fryers Buying Guide
Before looking at each of the best air fryers and reviews on the list below, let me share with you what are some of the essential considerations that you should consider before selecting the small air fryer models to buy.
- Kitchen Size
If you have a large kitchen, then you should look for a large capacity airfryer instead. An air fryer is an appliance that usually goes on table-tops or counter-top; hence you select one that can fit into the space available on your counter-top.
- Capacity
The mini-size model’s capacity usually ranges from 1.6-quart to 2.2-quart.
- Family Size
The small-sized air fryers are suitable for cooking for 1 to 2 persons. If you have a big family, you should look for a bigger size air fryer toaster oven. Cooking with a small air fryer for a big family is definitely challenging. You will need more cooking times as you may have to fry the food in batches.
Let’s take a look at your options!
At A Glance:
- Chefman TurboFry [MOST COMPACT]
- DASH Compact Fryer
- BELLA Touchscreen Air Fryer [BEST OVERALL]
- Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer
- Elite Gourmet EAF-0201 Personal Air Fryer
- GoWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer [TOP PICK]
- Dash Aircrisp® Pro Digital Air Fryer
- Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer
- Elite Gourmet EAF1121BG Personal Air Fryer [SMALLEST CAPACITY]
Best Small Air Fryers of 2022 [Top 9 Reviews]
Here are 9 of the best air fryers on the market right now.
 | MOST COMPACT Chefman TurboFry | • Analog Dial | |
 | DASH Compact Air Fryer | • Analog Dial | |
 | BEST OVERALL BELLA Touchscreen Air Fryer | • Touchscreen Digital Display | |
 | Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer | • Analog Dial | |
 | Elite Gourmet 2.1QT Personal Air Fryer | • Analog Dial | |
 | GoWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer TOP PICK | • Digital Touch Screen Control | |
 | Dash Aircrisp® Pro Digital Air Fryer | • Analog Control | |
 | Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer | • 4 functions | |
 | SMALLEST CAPACITY Elite Gourmet 1.1QT Personal Air Fryer | • Analog Control |
Let’s delve into the small air fryer reviews one by one.
1. Chefman TurboFry – [MOST COMPACT]
An affordable price tag does not necessarily mean cheap quality.
Specification:
- Dimension: 9.8 x 9.8 x 12.5 inches
- Item Weight: 7.35 pounds
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Timer: 30 minutes
- Analog Dial
- Temperature Range: 200°F and 400°F
The Chefman Turbofry works well for your air frying needs at an affordable price. This small airfryer toaster oven is suitable for those working on a tight budget. With its compact design, it can fit anywhere on your kitchen countertop. It has a cooking temperature that ranges between 200° Fahrenheit and 400° Fahrenheit. This appliance utilizes the latest rapid-air technology that uses a heating element to heat up hot air and circulate it at high speed, cooking your favorite dish, and producing a crispy fried texture with little or no oil.
Most users who have used it loved it, as it is small – just the size of a coffee pot. It is one of the best air fryers for limited counter space. It is non-expensive, cooks meals in under 10 minutes, and it’s easy to clean.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
The Chefman Turbofry comes with all the basic features of an air fryer at an affordable price and a 12-month warranty. It is worth considering for an air fryer for 2 people.
Interested? Thought so! Find out more about it in my Chefman Turbofry review.
A compact and trendy-looking appliance that you do not have to hide away from your kitchen counter.
Specification:
- Dimension: 10.2 x 8.1 x 11.4 inches
- Item Weight: 5.7 pounds
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Analog Dial
- Temperature Range: 170°F and 400°F
The DASH compact airfryer weighs only 5.7 lb, which means it is easy to lift and move in and out of cabinets if you’d rather not give it a permanent home on your countertop, due to lack of countertop space in your kitchen. The 2 quarts capacity is suitable for cooking for 1 – 2 persons. This small air fryer has an auto shut-off feature that prevents overcooking and therefore makes it safer to use. It has cool-touch housing for ease of handling.
According to reviewers, it comes with a temperature that ranges between 170° Fahrenheit and 400° Fahrenheit and a 30-minutes timer. This model comes in five different color options; you can choose a color that matches your other appliances or a vibrant shade that fits your decor. It also includes a recipe booklet.
Most users love this model as making your own fried foods at home is incredible and takes literally minutes to cook. Unlike a regular oven, you don’t need to preheat this. You just plop your food in (stacked Jenga block style if there’s a lot), and cook for under 10 minutes and it’s ready.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
The DASH compact airfryer has a sleek and trendy design that makes it an excellent appliance to have on your kitchen counter, at an affordable price. This small air fryer is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to keep in storage or move around. It comes with a 12-month warranty, and you can increase your warranty to 24 months when you sign up for the feelgood reward program.
3. BELLA Touchscreen Air Fryer– [BEST OVERALL]
A larger end of the spectrum for small air fryers.
Specification:
- Dimension: 15.11 x 15.11 x 14.68 inches
- Item Weight: 9.43 pounds
- Capacity: 2.9 quarts
- Digital Control with 8 Presets
- 5-in-1 Multicooker
- Temperature Range: 175°F and 400°F
The BELLA 2.9QT Touchscreen Air Fryer is a sleek and stylish multi-cooker that is perfect for any kitchen. With its digital touchscreen control and 8 pre-sets, it is easy to use and perfect for any cooking need. The BELLA 2.9QT Touchscreen Air Fryer also features a 5-in-1 multi-cooker function, so you can air fry, broil, bake, roast or reheat with ease. Plus, it comes in four colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen décor. This is the best air fryer for 2 people.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
If you’re looking for a sleek and stylish air fryer that comes in four beautiful colors to choose from, the BELLA 2.9QT Touchscreen Air Fryer is perfect for you. It has a slightly larger capacity, hence it can cook for 2 to 4 persons.
Robust and sturdy design with a 60-minutes timer.
Specification:
- Dimension: 8.03 x 10.39 x 9.65 inches
- Item Weight: 5.63 pounds
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Wide cooking range
- Analog Dial
- Temperature Range: 400°F
The Ninja 2QT Air Fryer is the perfect size for small snacks or side dishes. With a quick set timer and consistent cooking temperature, it’s easy to air fry your favorite foods. The wide cooking time range means you can cook anything from 1-60 minutes, and the nonstick cooking basket and crisper plate make cleanup a breeze.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
The light-weight and compact Ninja AF080 is very simple to use with just one temperature setting. This model is ideal for 1 person usage.
Low-cost entry-level air fryer.
Specification:
- Dimension: 11.02 x 8.5 x 10.75 inches
- Item Weight: 5.85 pounds
- Capacity: 2.1 quarts
- Analog Dial
- Temperature Range: 180°F and 395°F
The Elite Gourmet EAF-0201 is a low-cost entry-level air fryer. It has a 30-minutes timer that is controlled by an analog dial. You can set the temperature between 180°F to 395°F. It is a very basic model that is good enough for cooking a healthy meal for a very affordable price and one of the best air fryer for small kitchen.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
If you are looking for a low-cost air fryer and are not particular about the design and functionality, the Elite Gourmet EAF-0201 is just right for you. This small air fryer is best suited for a small family with 1 or 2 persons. But there are some users who manage to fit enough food for a family of four. You can cook french fries, kale chips, or even steak with it. The good thing about this unit is it has a stainless basket design, so you have no worries about a fragmenting non-stick surface.
6. GoWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer – [TOP PICK]
Modern looking with built-in functions.
Specification:
- Dimension: 16.5 x 8 x 11 inches
- Item Weight: 7.85 pounds
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Digital Touchscreen – 5 Built-in preset
- Temperature Range: 180°F and 400°F
Looking for a healthy and delicious way to cook your favorite foods? Look no further than the GoWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer! This amazing little appliance uses advanced air frying technology to cook food with little or no oil, making it a healthier option than traditional deep frying.
The GoWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer is perfect for small kitchens, as it takes up very little counter space. And with five built-in presets – Air Fry, Frozen Food, Toast, Reheat, and Keep Warm, it couldn’t be easier to use. Just select the preset you want and the air fryer will do the rest. When cooking is done, cleanup is a breeze thanks to the non-stick coating on the cooking basket.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
If you are looking for a reliable model with multifunctional presets, the GoWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer is a MUST-HAVE for that first apartment, smaller kitchen, college dorm life, or camper. This is one of the best small air fryer for two that I like best.
Compact design with 3 colors selections
Specification:
- Dimension: 13.8 x 10 x 10 inches
- Item Weight: 7.19 pounds
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Analog control
- Temperature Range: 200°F and 400°F
The Dash Aircrisp® Pro Compact Air Fryer is the perfect kitchen appliance for those who want to reduce the amount of fat in their diet. The Aircrisp technology circulates hot air around the food, cooking it evenly and reducing the amount of oil needed to cook by up to 80%. The auto-shut off function prevents overcooking, and the three color selections make it easy to find the perfect look for your kitchen.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
The Dash Aircrisp® Pro Compact Air Fryer is very well designed and will look great in your kitchen. The aircrisp technology is the perfect way to cook your food without all of the added fat. With this technology, you can reduce the amount of fat in your meal by up to 80%. Plus, the auto-shut off function prevents overcooking so you don’t have to worry about ruining your dinner.
4-IN-1 Functionality. 4 different colors to select from
Specification:
- Dimension: 11.26 x 9.02 x 11.73 inches
- Item Weight: 8.38 pounds
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- One-touch smart program
- Temperature Range: 95°F and 400°F
If you are looking for a small air fryer that has multi-functionality, the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 air fryer is one you may consider. Besides, the 4 functions, it also has a one-touch customizable cooking program, which is rarely available for compact air fryers. It has an adjustable temperature range from 95° F to 400° F.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
The Instant Vortex 4-in-1 airfryer is very well-designed with great functionality. The best thing about the Instant Vortex is that it’s easy to use and produces great results. It can cook anything from a small burger patty to chicken wings with ease for 1 to 2 people!
This small air fryer can definitely fit into any kitchen top, so if you want healthier fried food without all of the mess or oil, don’t wait any longer – buy one today!
9. Elite Gourmet EAF1121BG Personal Air Fryer
– [SMALLEST CAPACITY]
Smallest Personal Air Fryer. Unique Bluish Gray color
Specification:
- Dimension: 8.86 x 6.89 x 10.43 inches
- Item Weight: 5.44 pounds
- Capacity: 1.1 quarts
- One-touch smart program
- Temperature Range: 176°F – 395°F
The Elite Gourmet EAF1121BG Personal Air Fryer is the perfect small and compact air fryer for those who want to enjoy fried foods without all the guilt. This versatile air fryer can fry, bake, grill, and roast all in one, making it a versatile kitchen appliance that every home should have.
The Elite Gourmet EAF1121BG Personal Air Fryer also includes a full-color booklet featuring 26 delicious and healthy recipes to get you started. So why not try out this amazing air fryer today and start enjoying your favorite fried foods guilt-free!
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
The Elite Gourmet EAF1121BG Personal Air Fryer is ideal for single people who only want to cook for one because of its tiny capacity. You can only prepare small food items like pizza bites, chicken nuggets, and chicken wings. This air fryer has a modern and elegant design that will blend in with any compact kitchen.
Is a small air fryer worth it?
It depends on your needs and preferences. Air fryers can be a convenient and healthy way to cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, meats, and grains.
If you’re looking to get an air fryer, it’s essential that you factor in how much space and what size will suit your needs best. Fortunately, small air fryers are more affordable than their larger model counterparts while also being easier to store due to their compact design — a perfect option for those who have limited counter or cabinet space!
Nevertheless, if you’d like to prepare larger portions of food quickly and efficiently, then a small air fryer may not be the best choice. Typically they don’t have as much cooking space or power compared to their larger counterparts, making it difficult to cook large batches all at once.
Which Is The Best Compact Air Fryer?
By now you should have a rough idea about which of these best compact air fryers would be the best addition to your kitchen. Out of all of the small air fryer models featured here, my favorite is the GoWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer. You can see why in the review section, but in short, it is small and lightweight, very easy to clean. It costs less than $40, which is very affordable, definitely an appliance worth adding to your kitchen countertop.
TOP PICK | The goWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer is perfect for small kitchens, as it takes up very little counter space. And with five built-in presets - Air Fry, Frozen Food, Toast, Reheat, and Keep Warm, it couldn't be easier to use. Just select the preset you want and the air fryer will do the rest. When cooking is done, cleanup is a breeze thanks to the non-stick coating on the cooking basket. Key Features: Sleek modern design 5 preset functions |
However, any of the best small air fryers listed above can be the right air fryer for 1 to 2 people.
Last but not least, if you are looking for a large air fryer that can cook for a family of 4 people, do check out my review for the best air fryer for family of 4.
You may like to check out my other air fryer reviews: