Best 10 Small Air Fryers Reviews: cheap but with High quality.

Large air fryers are good as they allow you to cook lots of food in one batch. But, sometimes, you do not always need that extra capacity. A small air fryer is a much better choice for you in some situations.

Small air fryers work best for a small family of 2 to 4 people. They are also more affordable and take up little kitchen counter space, making them perfect for small homes. But this still depends on the actual capacity. Although some air fryers come in a large overall size, they have a small cooking capacity.

There are plenty of good small air fryer models out there. But you should not pay much attention to which is the best. Instead, you should be more concerned about the most suitable model for you! 

As air fryer enthusiasts, we have tested 17 small air fryers. Also, we have a Facebook group full of air fryer lovers that are constantly sharing their experiences with different air fryer models. With our experience, this article will be an excellent read for you if you are on the hunt for a good mini air fryer. Believe it? Keep scrolling!

What Size is a Small Air Fryer? 

best 10 small air fryer

The term “small air fryer” can be highly subjective. What looks small to you might be just the right size or large enough for another home cook, you can choose an air fryer for one person, or you can choose an air fryer for 2 people(you couple).

But, any 5-quart air fryer or anything that can hold less than this is considered small. It is, however, important to note that although a 5-quart air fryer is still quite small, it can still air fry a full chicken (4-pound or smaller). And so it will still be good enough for cooking for up to 3 or 4 people.

A mini air fryer with 1 or 2 quarts capacity is the smallest you can get in the market. Such an air fryer is best suited for one person or cooking smaller portions of food for a couple of people.

Small air fryers are available in different capacities to suit different uses and food types. We will look at cooking capacity in more detail later in this article.

Best 10 Small Air Fryers Reviews: from small to Large

At a Glance

Model
(Click for Price)
PictureAdvanced features
1. Dash Tasti-Crisp™ 2.6QT Electric Air Fryer Oven Cooker

Size: 2.6QT
DASH-Tasti-Crisp™-Electric-Air-Fryer-Oven-Cooker1. AirCrisp technology
2. Redesigned crisper basket
3. Auto shut-off function
2. Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo

Size: 2 QT
Instant Vortex 4-in-1, 2-QT Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo1. EvenCrisp technology
2. Customizable programs
3. 4-in-1 functionality
3. Bella 2.9QT Touchscreen Air Fryer

Size: 2.9QT
1. Circular heat technology
2. Touch screen interface
3. 5-in-1 multicooker
4. Ultrean 4.2 Quart Electric Hot Air Fryers Oven

Size: 2.6QT
Ultrean-Air-Fryer-4.2-Quart-how-to-use1. Overheating protection
2. Accessible buttons
3. Advanced rapid air technology
5. BLACK+DECKER Purify 2-Liter Air Fryer

Size: 2.1QT
BLACK+DECKER Purify 2-Liter Air Fryer1. Basket separator
2. Status indicator lights
3. Non-stick cooking surfaces
6. GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Programmable Air Fryer

Size: 3.7QT
GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Programmable Air Fryer with 8 Cook Presets1. 8 programmable presets
2. Rapid air technology
3. Multiple safety features
7. Chefman Air Fryer Healthy Cooking

Size: 4.5QT
CHEFMAN Air Fryer Healthy Cooking, 4.5 Qt1. Stainless steel construction
2. Capacitive touch control
3. Shake reminder
8. Cosori 9-in-1 Compact Air Fryer

Size: 5 QT
COSORI Air Fryer, 5 QT, 9-in-1 Airfryer Compact Oilless Small Oven1. High-temperature cooking
2. 360° rapid heat circulation technology
3. Tempered glass display
9. PowerXL Air Fryer Vortex – Multi Cooker

Size: 5 QT
PowerXL-5qt-Air-Fryer-Vortex1. Turbo Cyclonic Vortex 
2. Digital display panel
3. 10 one-touch presets
10. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

Size: 4 QT
1. Powerful 1550W heating element
2. Dehydrate function
3. High gloss finish

1. Dash Tasti-Crisp™ 2.6QT Electric Air Fryer Oven Cooker  

DASH-Tasti-Crisp™-Electric-Air-Fryer-Oven-Cooker

Dash makes this 2.6-quart capacity air fryer for individual users or a couple. It is also an inexpensive model that will be perfect if you just want to have a feel of how air fryers work, before investing in a large capacity and more expensive model, you can read our detailed dash air fryer review.

Pros

  • Highly affordable
  • Compact, space-saving design
  • Fast heat-up and cooking
  • Multiple safety features
  • Simple operation

Cons

  • Poor quality handle 

Features and Unique Benefits

The Dash Tasti-Crisp™ Air Fryer Oven Cooker has one of the smallest capacities in our review. The 2.6-quart model is the best small air fryer for you if you cook single meals for 1 or 2 people.

The air fryer uses air-crisp technology to deliver the crispiest cooking results. The technology ensures your french fries and onion rings always get extra crispier. Also, its smaller size and the redesigned basket ensure faster and more even cooking. 

The small size allows it to heat up fast and maintain consistent heat throughout. It can easily save you up to 5 minutes when cooking fries and finger foods.

Safety is also taken care of with multiple safety features like auto shut-off. The basket handle also remains cool to the touch, ensuring safer handling when taking food out.

One concern some home cooks will have with this air fryer is the handle quality. It does not feel very sturdy. But, for the price of the air fryer, this should not be the deal-breaker.

Cooking Performance and Experiences

The small capacity of this air fryer makes it the perfect appliance for making single meals and simple snacks. It makes some of the tastiest french fries and tater tots. 

The redesigned basket provides a larger surface area to ensure more of the food is in direct contact with the hot air. This way, the food cooks fast and crisps more evenly.

Setting up the air fryer to cook takes little effort as it has some simple controls. There are only two knobs, one for temperature and the other for the timer. And so even an absolute air fryer newbie can quickly figure it out. 

But this also means you must be sure of the cooking time and temperature to ensure you do not mess up things.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer

This air fryer is a good buy for home cooks shopping for a one-person air fryer. Also, it is a perfect model if you are looking for a travel-size air fryer you can carry and use in your RV or camper.

2. Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo  

Instant Vortex 4-in-1, 2-QT Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo

A compact air fryer that supports multiple cooking functions like this 4-in-1 model from Instant Pot is more useful in the kitchen. Better still, the air fryer makes cooking easier as it includes some convenient presets

Pros

  • Requires little preheating
  • Versatile cooking functions
  • Crisps foods evenly
  • Super easy clean-up
  • Multiple presets for easy cooking

Cons

  • Plastic smell
  • Comes with a learning curve

Features and Unique Benefits

Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo proves that small air fryers can also be quite versatile. Its 4-in-1 functionality means you can use it to air fry your chicken wings, bake cookies, roast your meat cuts and reheat leftovers.

But the one feature that makes this one of the best small air fryers out there is that it requires little to no preheating. The air fryer is ready to cook in just a couple of minutes. And the 120 to 400°F temperature range means it gets hot enough to cook from frozen to table in a few minutes.

You can also be sure of getting super crispy foods consistently. The 2-quart model uses EvenCrisp technology to deliver a crisp golden finish consistently. Your fries, onion rings, and wings will taste and look fantastic.

Moreover, you also get a non-stick and dishwasher-safe air fryer basket that makes cleanup afterward hassle-free.

The few gripes include the plastic smell and the fact that there is a learning curve before figuring time and temperature for some food. But, both are typical of most air fryers out there.

Cooking Performance and Experiences

If you make a lot of pan-fried salmon and chicken, this air fryer will make life easier for you. It will air fry chicken and salmon to perfection, and you never have to go through the hassle of cleaning pans. 

Also, unlike other air fryers, it will not just cook and crisp french fries and chicken nuggets. Instead, it leaves them with delightful colors, making them even more inviting.

And, since there is a preset for most common food types, you can expect an easier time setting up the air fryer.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer

Get this mini air fryer if you are looking for a versatile model that is still compact enough for use from anywhere.

3. Bella 2.9QT Touchscreen Air Fryer 

BELLA 2.9QT Touchscreen Air Fryer

An easy-to-operate air fryer with a touchscreen interface and presets like this model by Bella will make air frying a breeze. Better still, it hardly requires any preheating, which cuts down your total cooking time.

Pros

  • Faster cooking with no preheating
  • Supports multiple cooking functions
  • Presets included for hassle-free cooking
  • Easy cleanup

Cons

  • The cooking directions are not very good

Features and Unique Benefits

air fryer chicken cutlets

The Bella 2.9QT Touchscreen Air Fryer uses efficient Circular Heat technology and a powerful 1400-watt heating element. The two combine to eliminate the need to preheat the air fryer as it gets to optimal temperature almost instantly.

Foods that would take up to 20 minutes or more on other air fryers, such as french fries, wings, and chicken breasts, will take around 15 minutes in this one.

You can cook almost anything in this air fryer, as it is a 5-in-1 multi-cooker. Besides air frying and reheating, it can also bake, roast, and broil. And so whether you want to make chocolate chip cookies or sear some steaks, you will not need any other appliances.

Since there are up to 8 presets to support the different cooking functions and common food types, cooking will be more hassle-free.

One thing that home cooks might have an issue with is that the cooking directions are a little off. But there are plenty of better recipes online, so this should not be a big deal.

Cooking Performance and Experiences

When it comes to the actual cooking performance, many home cooks will love just how fast the air fryer cooks. Most foods will take under 30 minutes, regardless of the quantity and size. Veggies take under 10 minutes, while fries take a little over 15 minutes.

Moreover, cooking should also be a more comfortable experience. Unlike other larger air fryers, this one will not heat the entire house. In fact, you will hardly feel any heat unless you are super close to it when cooking.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer

This air fryer is another good choice for single-person use. It is also a good buy if you make a lot of roasts and broil foods, as it has dedicated functions for both.

4. Ultrean 4.2 Quart Electric Hot Air Fryers Oven    

Ultrean-Air-Fryer-4.2-Quart-how-to-use

A solid and basic air fryer like this 4.2-quart Ultream model is perfect when you just want something that gets the job done. But it is also a sleek-looking appliance that makes a perfect gift and will look good in any kitchen, you can see the ultimate Ultrean air fryer review here.

Pros

  • Even and oil-free cooking
  • Easy operation and cooking
  • Sleek, contemporary design
  • Precise time and temperature control

Cons

  • Could be more feature-rich

Features and Unique Benefits

air fryer chicken wings

Ultrean 4.2 Quart Electric Hot Air Fryers Oven is a perfect model when you want a small air fryer that can cook relatively larger meals. Its 4.2-quart capacity can hold several chicken breasts and cook more than 3 pounds of french fries.

The powerful 1500-watt air fryer also uses 360 rapid air technology to ensure faster cooking. Also, the technology delivers crispier results and ensures the food cooks more evenly by heating it from all directions.

You can also quickly fine-tune this air fryer to cook anything you want. The temperature and time are easily and precisely adjustable using the provided knob. And besides the knob, there are also other accessible buttons for hassle-free operation.

For its size and price, this air fryer could be a little more feature-rich, especially when compared to what other brands offer. But the good thing is that it gets the job done and cooks perfectly

Cooking Performance and Experiences

This air fryer does a fantastic job with standard air-fried foods like french fries, tater tots, and chicken strips. It gets just hot enough to cook them to perfection. And if you remember to drizzle a little oil, you can also be sure of making them super crispy.

Since it has a larger capacity than most other small air fryers on this list, it is also a better choice when you want to cook 2 or more chicken breasts. 2 breasts fit perfectly, and you still have some room to throw in a few veggies if you want.

Meat cuts like pork and steak will cook fast and remain quite tender and moist. But make sure you get the timing right and remember to flip them at the halfway point.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer

The contemporary look of this air fryer and its multifunctional design makes it a perfect gift. Buy this model if you want to surprise someone with something that will be highly useful in their kitchen.

5. BLACK+DECKER Purify 2-Liter Air Fryer

BLACK+DECKER Purify 2-Liter Air Fryer

Black & Decker uses a pair of powerful fans on this mini air fryer to deliver consistent, even, and fast cooking. The air fryer also hardly takes up any significant counter space and will be perfect for small kitchens.

Pros

  • Allows you to air fry 2 different foods
  • Convenient indicator lights
  • Stay-cool handle
  • Fast and easy cleaning

Cons

  • Tiny temperature markings
  • The basket is hard to open when new

Features and Unique Benefits

Despite having a capacity of a little over 2 quarts, the BLACK+DECKER Purify 2-Liter Air Fryer can still cook decent amounts of food. There is enough room in there to cook a main dish or enough snacks for a family of 2 or 3.

Also, it comes with a convenient basket separator that allows you to cook two different dishes at a go. You can have chicken wings air frying in one section and fries on the other to ensure everything gets ready simultaneously.

The air fryer has several convenient features to simplify operation. They include indicator lights to tell the appliance’s status, such as when it finishes preheating. There is also a stay-cool handle for easy handling. 

Cleaning should also take less effort. The air fryer comes with a non-stick and dishwasher-safe basket that is also easily removable to simplify cleanup.

The few shortcomings are that opening the basket is quite hectic and the temperature markings are tiny. But the basket should get easier to open once it breaks in. And the temperature is still easy to figure out once you get used to the appliance.

Cooking Performance and Experiences

This air fryer excels in cooking popular snacks and simple foods. French fries take under 15 minutes to cook from frozen to the table. And you can easily fit more than 1/2 a pound in there despite the capacity being a little over 2 quarts.

Breaded chicken breasts also cook to crispy perfection, and there is enough room for 2 medium size breasts. But, while you can still cook chicken breasts without flipping them, It is highly recommended to do it for even cooking. The total cooking time for chicken breasts and other chicken pieces is around 20 to 30 minutes at 400°F

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer

Buy this air fryer if you have a small kitchen and hence do not have a lot of counter space to spare as it takes up very little room.

6. GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Programmable Air Fryer  

GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Programmable Air Fryer with 8 Cook Presets

A programmable air fryer always gives you an easier time when cooking. This multifunctional model from GoWISE includes 8 programmable presets and will be easy to use even if it is your first air fryer.

Pros

  • Easy cooking with programmable functions
  • Safe handling with a stay-cool handle
  • Multiple cooking functions
  • Hardly requires any preheating
  • Quiet operation

Cons

  • Button markings could be better

Features and Unique Benefits

A programmable air fryer like the GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Programmable Air Fryer makes air frying almost effortless. With its 8 presets that cover everything from steaks to fries, you can make all your favorite dishes at the push of one button.

This air fryer can handle multiple cooking functions besides air frying. You can use it for baking cakes and cookies, roast beef, and much more. And so, despite being a compact model, it is still highly useful in the kitchen.

Moreover, it is also one of the safest models on our list. It features multiple safety features like overheat protection and an auto shut-off function. Also, it has a cool touch handle that allows you to take food out safely, even when the appliance is hot.

The only gripe is that the button markings may not be very clear for newbies. But you can always refer to the manual to better understand what each does.

Cooking Performance and Experiences

Everything from cakes to french fries seems to cook perfectly on this air fryer. But, you first need to figure out the right time and temperature for the foods you intend to cook if they are different from the 8 presets.

Also, there is no long preheating time, meaning you can shave off several minutes from your cooking. While this is a huge advantage, getting the timing right is even more important to get the timing right because food can easily burn if you are not careful.

Home cooks will also love that the air fryer is super quiet when cooking. You do not need to bear noisy fans or super loud beeps just to make a portion of french fries.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer

This model will be a good pick if you prefer something programmable that will speed up and simplify cooking for you.

7. Chefman Air Fryer Healthy Cooking  

CHEFMAN Air Fryer Healthy Cooking, 4.5 Qt

Appearance and durability are crucial factors to consider when choosing an air fryer. Chefman understands this better than most other brands, and this compact air fryer proves this as it delivers both, you can see the full Chefman air fryer reviews here.

Pros

  • Sleek and durable build
  • Easy and convenient controls
  • Even cooking with shake reminder
  • Cool-touch handle

Cons

  • No power button
  • Scanty instructions

Features and Unique Benefits

air fryer chicken

The stainless steel construction is one of the highlights of the Chefman Air Fryer Healthy Cooking. It makes the model safer to use as it does not release any toxins into your food. Also, stainless steel is easier to clean, more durable, and has a sleeker look.

There is also a shake reminder that ensures more even cooking. You will never have to worry about forgetting to toss your fries or veggies and ending up with some overcooked ones. The shake reminder alerts you when it is time to give the food a toss.

The operation should also be hassle-free. Chefman uses a capacitive control and a simple knob to make things straightforward. Moreover, there is a digital display that allows for easy monitoring, and you can keep track of cook times and temperature for perfect outcomes.

Other things like the dishwasher-safe basket that makes cleanup easier and multiple safety features make this an even better kitchen appliance.

The few drawbacks include the absence of a power button and scanty instructions. But, these are minor concerns as they do not affect the overall functionality and cooking performance.

Cooking Performance and Experiences

While this is a smaller 4.5-quart air fryer, the basket is surprisingly large. It has enough space to fit a smaller chicken or about 2 to 3 pounds of french fries. Despite this being a small model, it can hold almost as much food as your toaster oven.

Besides the capacity being larger than expected, the air fryer also toasts foods better than your regular toaster oven. It does a fantastic job toasting rolls and bread as it also allows you to control the doneness.

You can also use this appliance for cooking frozen foods without defrosting. Foods like frozen fish sticks and chicken bites cook to a golden brown crisp in just 15 to 20 minutes.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer

Any home cook that prefers the more durable stainless steel air fryers that also look fantastic in any kitchen will love this model.

8. Cosori 9-in-1 Compact Air Fryer 

COSORI Air Fryer, 5 QT, 9-in-1 Airfryer Compact Oilless Small Oven

An air fryer that reaches higher temperatures is a good choice if you want to broil and sear foods. This Cosori compact air fryer is also quite multifunctional, with 9 different cooking functions.

Pros

  • Reaches higher temperatures
  • Delivers extra crispy food texture
  • One-touch cooking functions
  • Quiet operation
  • Still quite compact

Cons

  • Strong plastic smell

Features and Unique Benefits

The Cosori 9-in-1 Compact Air Fryer is built for high-temperature cooking. It reaches up to 450°F, allowing it to cook almost anything. The high temperature also allows it to support 9 different cooking functions, from cooking frozen food to searing steaks

The cooking results are also guaranteed to be highly impressive. Cosori equips the air fryer with 360° rapid heat circulation technology. The technology delivers excellent food texture and cooks food more evenly without using too much oil.

You can easily choose the cooking function from simple one-touch controls. Each button is clearly marked with a symbol to ensure you know what to choose from chicken, fries, or bacon.

You will also love that this 5-quart air fryer can hold more food than most small air fryers, but it is still relatively compact to save space. It can hold more than 1 pound of fries and over 12 chicken wings.

The only problem you may have with this air fryer is its plastic smell. But thorough cleanup and preheating before the first use should take care of the smell, there are also many effecitive ways to get rid of that plastic smell.

Cooking Performance and Experiences

This Cosori air fryer will most likely become your everyday cooking appliance, the food turns out perfectly once you master the time and temperature.

It cooks some of the tastiest pork chops and steaks. What gives it an edge is that it does not dry the inside. You can be sure of always ending up with the tastiest and juiciest meat cuts, And they will take less than 20 minutes to cook. 

Another advantage of using it for your cooking is that it is super quiet. It has a noise rating of 55 dBA, making it quieter than most other air fryers.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer

If you broil and sear food a lot, this air fryer is the best choice as it can heat up to 450°F. Also, the larger 5-quart capacity makes it perfect if you want something small that can still cook a lot of food.

9. PowerXL Air Fryer Vortex – Multi Cooker 

PowerXL-5qt-Air-Fryer-Vortex

PoweXL Air Fryer Vortex is built to give your foods maximum crispiness. If you cook crispy foods like fries and onion rings a lot, this model will serve you well, check the best 10 power xl air fryer reviews.

Pros

  • Delivers extra crispy results
  • Includes more presets for easy cooking
  • Versatile and multifunctional
  • Easy operation and monitoring
  • Sleek design and finish

Cons

  • Makes loud beeps

Features and Unique Benefits

Frozen Tyspon Popcorn Chicken Air Fryer Recipe

The PowerXL Air Fryer Vortex – Multi Cooker uses Vortex Rapid Air Technology to deliver some of the crispies foods you can make in an air fryer. Your french fries will have that extra crunch, and your onion rings will be very crispy.

PowerXL also makes the air fryer save you money by replacing several appliances in your kitchen. It can bake some of the crunchiest cookies, make some fantastic beef roast, and much more. It will replace your toaster oven, microwave, and several others.

You can also be sure of an easy and convenient time cooking. For starters, it has 10 presets for all the supported cooking functions and the foods you often cook, like fries, steak and bacon. Also, it has a digital display and some intuitive controls that will make operation and monitoring hassle-free.

One annoyance is that the air fryer makes loud beeps, and there is no way to turn them down. But, they should become less noticeable as you use the appliance more.

Cooking Performance and Experiences

This air fryer is one of the best out there for cooking proteins like salmon, chicken breasts, and lamb. It gets hot enough to ensure the outside cooks with a nice sear and seals all the juices in. You will end up with some of the juiciest and tastiest proteins. 

Also, it excels when making fried snacks. Fries, tater tots, wings, and onion rings seem to get as crispy as advertised. And you will not need to use as much oil as you would when cooking with other air fryers. Just a light drizzle is often enough.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer

This air fryer is a good fit for any home cook looking for a multicooker with a larger capacity than the typical mini air fryers out there. It is a perfect buy for a family of 2 to 4 people.

10. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer  

Ninja AF101 4QT Air Fryer that Crisps

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is a powerful air fryer designed for fast heating and cooking. Also, it is one of the few travel-size air fryers with a dedicated dehydrate function. You can make beef jerky and fruit/vegetable chips in just a few hours, check the full ninja air fryer reviews here.

Pros

  • Powerful for fast cooking
  • Makes fantastic beef jerky and chips
  • Sleek-looking with a nice gloss
  • Easy-to-clean parts

Cons

  • Strong plastic smell
  • Can be a little loud

Features and Unique Benefits

The powerful 1550-watt heating element on the 4-quart Ninja AF101 Air Fryer allows it to cook faster and more efficiently. It reaches the optimal cooking temperature range within a shorter time and maintains consistent heat for faster cooking. You can have your fries or chicken wings ready in as little as 10 minutes.

Despite this being a small 4-quart model, it has a dedicated dehydrate function. The air fryer lowers the fan speed and temperature to create the perfect conditions for dehydrating veggies and fruits to create crunchy and tasty apple or kale chips.

Maintenance is also more effortless thanks to the ceramic coating on the basket that ensures food does not stick. Also, most of the parts, including the basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe.

One more thing that users will love is the high gloss finish. The finish gives it a sleek, high-end look to make it stand out in any kitchen. Also, the high gloss finish makes the surface easy to wipe clean.

The air fryer is a little loud, but I think this is still not a deal breaker.

Cooking Performance and Experiences

This 4-quart Ninja air fryer is a lifesaver if you are lazy in the kitchen and prefer an appliance that does most of the work. Making fried foods like frozen sweet potato fries hardly takes any effort. Simply pop them in, and they should be ready in a little over 10 minutes. What’s more, the fries get super crispy and taste better than deep-fried ones.

The only turn-off seems to be the hectic process you have to follow when making fries from scratch. You have to peel the potatoes, slice, soak and dry them, which takes quite some time. But if you are cooking a bag of frozen fries, the job should be almost effortless.

Chicken strips and tater tots also cook well and quickly. But it is easy to under or overcook them if you are not careful. It will take a few trials to master the time and temperature, but they should come out well once you do it.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer

Buy this air fryer if you are looking for something space-saving you can use to make your kale and apple chips or beef jerky.

How to Choose the Best Small Air Fryer

1. Cooking Capacity

Cooking capacity should be one of the first factors to consider. Although you are shopping for a small air fryer, it should still hold enough food for you and the number of people you cook for regularly.

You will still have plenty of options to choose from here. Many brands will have models with a capacity of as little as 1 quart.

If you are cooking for 1 or 2 people max, a 1-quart or 2-quart air fryer should be enough. These air fryers can fit at least two portions of veggies, french fries, and your protein of choice.

But, if you also want to be able to cook for a few guests now and then or air fry large meat cuts like whole chicken and pork loin, you should go for a 5-quart capacity model. More on the number of people you can cook for with different air fryer capacities in the next section.

2. Cooking Functions

Cooking functions still matter even when shopping for the best small air fryer. You want a model that does not limit your cooking to one or just a couple of cooking functions, such as air fry and reheating.

The more the cooking functions, the better, which means the air fryer will be more useful in your kitchen. 

Something with multiple cooking functions, like the Instant Vortex 4-in-1, 2-QT Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo, is a great buy. This air fryer can air fry, bake, roast, and heat. But, there are many other small air fryers with other cooking functions like broiling, dehydrating, and slow cooking.

3. Power (wattage)

Even the best small air fryer will still not be as powerful as the large models. But you still need to ensure the model you choose can generate enough power. A powerful air fryer reduces the heat-up time and speeds up cooking.

A powerful air fryer can also reach higher temperatures and accommodate a wider temperature range to make the appliance even more versatile.

The wattage is a good indicator of an air fryer’s power. For these small models, something rated between 1300 and 1500 watts should be good enough. But, even a 1000-watt model can still work well enough, especially if it is a well-built model from a top brand.

4. Provided Accessories

It will be a little far-fetched to expect dozens of accessories or even or a complete rotisserie kit when buying these small air fryers. 

That said, it is still important to check the provided accessories to ensure you have everything you need to fully utilize the air fryer’s cooking functions.

Most small air fryer models only come with the air fryer basket and tray. But, if you get something with a slightly large capacity, you can also get a rotisserie spit or basket.

5. Ease of Cleaning

Many small air fryers are basket-style models designed to be a breeze to clean up. There is nothing much to do besides cleaning the air fryer basket and wiping the surfaces clean.

But those with a dishwasher-safe basket and finishes that are stain/fingerprint resistant and easy to wipe will give you an even easier time cleaning. Nonstick surfaces and accessories make your life easier, as food will not stick.

6. Cost

The cost will always be a key factor when choosing all kitchen appliances, so small air fryers are not an exception.

Air fryers with a 5-quart or smaller capacity are generally more affordable. Still, the cost varies from brand to brand and depends on specific capacity and features.

You can get a good 1 or 2-quart air fryer for under $50, but if you prefer a larger 5-quart model, you should be ready to part with $80 to over $100.

What air fryer size do I need?

The air fryer size you need depends on how many people you will be cooking for and the food types you cook often. Here is a quick overview of ideal air fryer sizes for different numbers of people.

1-2 people

An air fryer with 1 or 2-quart capacity is ideal for cooking for an individual or a couple. These are the smallest air fryers in the market but can still hold at least 2 food or snack servings.

3-5 people

You need a family-size air fryer if you cook for 3 or 5 people. A model with a capacity between 4 and 6 quarts should be enough. Air fryers in this category can hold several pounds of french fries and even cook a whole chicken.

6-9 people

An extra-large air fryer with a capacity of between 7 and 9 quarts should be enough for 6-9 people. Such air fryers have enough space to rotisseries a whole chicken, and some have dividers or multiple rack levels to allow you to cook different dishes at a go.

Above 10 people

Typically, any air fryer with a capacity of 9 quarts or more is recommended when cooking for more than 10 people. But, the larger the capacity, the better, as you can cook your food in fewer batches.

What is the Smallest Air Fryer Size in the Market?

The smallest air fryer in the market depends on what brand you are buying. Some brands will not make anything smaller than 5 quarts, while others go lower than this.

That said, the smallest air fryer you can get anywhere will be around 1 quart. There are also many 1.1 and 1.2-quart models, but you will hardly ever find anything smaller than this no matter where you shop.

Is a Small Air Fryer the Same as a Small Convection Oven?

These are two different appliances that differ in their appearance and functions. A small air fryer uses a top-mounted heating mechanism to generate heat. The heat is then circulated around the food from all sides by a powerful fan. 

A convection oven does not always have a fan and typically has both top and bottom-mounted heating elements to generate convection heat.

But both appliances are made for multifunctional use as they can toast, roast, bake, and much more. Also, they are built to be small, space-saving appliances for use from a kitchen counter.

Is a Small Air Fryer Worth It?

Yes! a small air fryer is worth it if you cook for 1 to 2 people or a small family. For starters, it will be more affordable as these are some of the cheapest air fryers in the market. 

Also, these air fryers are more energy-efficient and take up less space in your kitchen. Additionally, they are easier to pack and carry for use on the go. They are handy when camping and for use in the RV.

But, they might not be a good buy if you want something multifunctional that can cook large quantities of food quickly.

Wrap Up

A small air fryer is more economical if you only need to cook for a few people. Also, these travel-size air fryers are perfect if you want something you can carry and use on the go.

With our buying guide and reviews of some of the best small air fryers in the market, you should now have an idea of the model that will work best for you. 

Choosing a small air fryer is now as easy as picking and buying your favorite model from our list above, as we have already done the hard work for you.

So, do you think small air fryers are worth it? Have you used one before? What are your experiences? Please share your answers in the comments section to help other air fryer enthusiasts thinking of buying a small air fryer.

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