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.
Contents
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]
- Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven – 2.6-Qt
- 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 | |
 | Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven | • Digital 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.
I’ve prepared a range of dishes in the TurboFry, from crunchy fries to succulent chicken wings, and I must say I’m quite impressed. The combination of a 1000-watt heating system and rapid air technology consistently delivers delicious results while using minimal oil. The food turns out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just how I prefer it.
To my delight, cleaning the TurboFry poses no challenge. A simple rinse and a trip through the dishwasher leave everything spotless and ready for use.
Though I’m generally pleased with the TurboFry, there are a couple of aspects that concern me. Firstly, the unit’s exterior can get quite hot while in use. I’ve learned to exercise caution when handling it after cooking, but this could pose a potential problem for households with children.
Secondly, the air fryer’s capacity is suitable for one or two people, but cooking for larger groups would require multiple batches, which can be time-consuming. This isn’t a significant issue for me, but it’s worth considering if you have a larger family or entertain guests frequently.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
All in all, the CHEFMAN TurboFry 2 Quart Air Fryer has been an excellent addition to my kitchen arsenal. It’s easy to use, simple to clean, and consistently produces tasty, healthier fried food. While there are a couple of minor drawbacks, the benefits of this compact and efficient air fryer far outweigh them. I recommend the TurboFry to anyone looking to explore the world of air frying, particularly if you’re short on space or only needs to cook for a small household.
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.
It comes with a temperature that ranges between 170° Fahrenheit and 400° Fahrenheit and a 30-minute 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.
While I’ve enjoyed using the DASH Compact Digital Air Fryer, there are a couple of concerns I’d like to address. First, the 1.2-liter capacity can be limiting when cooking for more than one person or if you’re making a larger dish. Cooking in multiple batches can be time-consuming, so this may not be the ideal choice for larger households or frequent entertainers.
Second, the air fryer does emit a fair amount of heat while in use, which can be a problem during warmer months or if you have limited ventilation in your kitchen. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to consider if you’re sensitive to heat or have a small kitchen space.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
In conclusion, the DASH Compact 1.2 Liter Digital Air Fryer has been a valuable addition to my kitchen. Its compact size, user-friendly interface, and impressive cooking performance make it an ideal choice for small households or those new to air frying. Though there are a couple of concerns to keep in mind, I believe the benefits of this air fryer outweigh the downsides. If you’re looking for a compact, stylish, and efficient air fryer, the DASH Compact Digital Air Fryer is definitely worth considering.
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
I recently tried the BELLA 2.9QT Touchscreen Air Fryer myself and was impressed with its ease of use. The digital touchscreen has eight pre-sets, making it a breeze to cook various foods with little to no effort. One of my favorite features is its ability to cook food without any preheating, thanks to the 1400-watt heating system.
The air fryer’s compact size is perfect for smaller kitchens, dorms, or offices. Despite the small size, it can still feed 2-4 people, cooking up to 2.5 pounds of food in just minutes. However, it may not be ideal for larger families or those who cook larger meals, as its capacity is somewhat limited.
During our testing, we noticed that the non-stick coating on the cooking pan and crisping tray had a tendency to peel after some usage. Additionally, there was a mild chemical smell during the first few uses, but it didn’t affect the taste of the food. The cooking pan and tray are removable and dishwasher safe, making the air fryer convenient and easy to clean.
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. This is a small air fryer with the best overall performance in my opinion.
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
I recently purchased the Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer and I am blown away by its performance. This compact air fryer is perfect for small kitchens and can cook up to 2 servings of food. Its 2-quart capacity is ideal for small families or individuals. The air fryer is easy to use and has a simple interface with temperature and time controls.
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 AF080 Mini Air Fryer cooks food evenly and quickly, and the results are delicious. I was able to cook crispy french fries and chicken wings without using any oil, which is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. The air fryer also has a preheat function that cuts down on cooking time.
One minor issue I encountered was that the air fryer produces a loud noise when in use, but it’s not a deal-breaker for me.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
In conclusion, the Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer is a great investment for those who want to enjoy delicious, crispy food without the guilt of using oil. Its compact size, easy-to-use interface, and dishwasher-safe basket make it a convenient addition to any kitchen. Despite the minor noise issue, the air fryer’s performance and results make it a worthwhile purchase. This lightweight and compact air fryer is very simple to use with just one temperature setting and 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
As someone who’s always on the lookout for kitchen gadgets that make cooking both fun and healthier, I couldn’t wait to try out the GoWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer with Digital Touchscreen (2 Qt). Now that I’ve been using it for a while, I thought I’d share my honest thoughts with you.
The 2-quart capacity is perfect for my small kitchen. It doesn’t take up much counter space, which is a blessing, given my limited room. It’s ideal for cooking for one or two people, and as someone who lives alone, that’s a big plus for me.
The digital touchscreen is super user-friendly. I was able to figure out how to adjust the temperature (between 170°F and 400°F) and set the timer (up to 30 minutes) in no time. The preset cooking options are a fantastic bonus, making it a breeze to cook various dishes.
I tried cooking fried chicken wings with it and the food comes out with a perfect crunch on the outside and tenderness on the inside.
One shortcoming is that although the temperature range is extensive (180°F to 400°F), it only adjusts only in 5°F increments, which might be less precise for some recipes.
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 fryers for two that I like best.
Compact black and stainless steel design.
Specification:
- Dimension: 13 x 13 x 8 inches
- Item Weight: 6 pounds
- Capacity: 2.6 quarts
- 3 Presets
- Temperature Range: 200°F and 400°F
Upgrade your kitchen with the versatile Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven! Compact yet powerful, it features a 2.6-quart capacity and multiple cooking functions, including Air Fry, Roast, and Bake. With 5 easy presets, adjustable temperature control, and an automatic warmer, enjoy perfectly cooked meals with ease and precision every time.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
What’s the Bottom Line?
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven is the perfect blend of compact design, versatility, and convenience. With its multiple cooking functions, intuitive presets, and precise temperature control, it makes preparing delicious, healthy meals effortless. Whether you’re roasting, baking, or air frying, this appliance delivers consistent results every time. Ideal for small spaces, it’s a must-have for anyone seeking quick, hassle-free cooking with professional-grade results.
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: