The 9 Best Small Air Fryers in 2024 (Tested & Reviewed by Experts)

Do you often get frustrated with your kitchen’s lack of counter space? Need the delicious crunch of fried food without the guilt? Look no further!

Allow me to introduce you to the sizzling sensation that can transform your kitchen experience while promoting a healthier lifestyle- a small air fryer.

In this article, we’ll reveal the secret of finding the perfect mini air fryer that won’t take much counter space and become a reliable companion for your culinary adventures.

We will take you on a tangy journey of the best small air fryer so you can say bid farewell to clutter and hello to a world of mouthwatering culinary creations. Learn more about the top 9 air fryers, perfect for small families!

1. Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 2-Quart Mini Air Fryer Oven – Top Pick

Smart cooking was a dream until we had this fully functional but smallest air fryer. It is specifically designed for small families or individuals who often like to enjoy snacking while binge-watching their favorite shows.

The Instant Pot Vortex is a trustworthy 2 QT air fryer that has the potential to take you on an interesting culinary journey that traditional frying or cooking methods could offer.

Its subtle design and small profile was the first thing that caught our attention. From unboxing to preparing for the frying sessions, it was smooth to use and handle. The 2 QT capacity was enough to prepare one pound of chicken wings and tasty onion rings.

Also, this space-saving kitchen gadget features 4-in-1 cooking functions that allow you to discover new dimensions of cooking with one gadget, allowing you to roast, bake, broil and grill along with air fry.

We were fortunate enough to try different recipes with different food items, like mashed potatoes, grilled chicken, and a good enough batch of French fries enough to test its capability.

However, setting the right temperature and timer was the art of the chef. Its intuitive touch and dial controls at the top panel make its functionality a breeze. Adjusting the controls became smooth and using it for beginners was easy peasy.

Additionally, the temperature range of 120 to 400^oF was wide enough to cook meat to perfection or deep fry while reducing the temperature. Little to no preheating time is a bonus to enjoy the beautiful transformation of frozen items to crispy golden textures in no time.

We were also surprised by the efficiency and speed of the Instant Pot Vortex. The compelling heating element backed by the high-end air circulation technology rapidly reaches the desired temperature and provides consistent results every time.

However, the air fryer’s 2 QT capacity may restrict you from trying some bold recipes, specifically with a whole chicken, turkey, etc. Still, it will definitely be your go-to choice for quick air frying or snacking.

Verdict

This affordable air fryer takes culinary bliss to the next level with advanced technology and a small capacity that should be enough to prepare roasted veggies, potatoes, cinnamon buns, and more to satisfy your taste buds.

2. Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer

Now, say hello to our new find, a mighty kitchen companion capable of bringing big flavors even to small spaces. Ninja AF080 is a game-changer with its solid design and attractive features.

We had the best cooking time with this incredible Ninja air fryer, but its space-saving design was the perfect highlight for a small kitchen.

Whether you’ve limited countertop space or want to keep your appliance organized, this powerhouse is good to accompany you.

Considering the size, it has only a 2-quart capacity basket that should prepare 1 lb French fries or 2 hot pockets. You can also prepare mozzarella sticks and mini pizzas because that’s what we tried with it.

But don’t let its little size fool you. Its functionality will surprise you as soon as you power it on. This compact machine ensures quick and even cooking, no matter what you cook. Also, it is far better and safer than traditional frying methods.

Using this modern air frying machine, you can enjoy fried foods with up to 75% less fat, considering minimal to no oil usage. Also, we could easily adjust cooking time and temperature by precisely turning the dial.

This versatile Ninja air fryer has a temperature range of 105 to 400^oF, allowing you to experiment with your recipes and satisfy your taste buds with something different and delicious.

At last, it lets you say goodbye to the hassle of scrubbing or soaking pans as it is super flexible to clean with the non-stick basket, which is dishwasher safe. And when compared to other small air fryers, Ninja stands out with its versatile nature and generous temperature range.

However, while it can be a great choice in kitchens, the lack of pre-programmed cooking presets may be challenging and require a bit of trial and error until you find the ideal cooking times for your recipes.

Verdict

Ninja AF080 stands out for its appealing design and versatile functionality in a world of small air fryers. Its limited capacity and lack of presets may pose limitations for some, but its overall performance and consistent results would be enough to entertain you with a healthy cooking alternative.

3. Instant Essentials 4 QT Air Fryer Oven

Another entry-level air fryer we have is from Instant, it is basic, but its functionality makes you wonder about its capabilities at the most reasonable price.

Even though Instant Essential 4 QT air fryer doesn’t feature all the bells and whistles its rivals are rooting for, it still surprises you with its power to prepare food in bulk for small families.

It makes the best spring rolls and mini burgers I have ever eaten. It may not take the throne for its versatility as it lacks many other functions, but it can still stand out for its crispy golden and mouth watering results with no oil.

Additionally, unlike the Instant Pot Vortex, it gives you precise controls over the temperature and timer. Even with dials, you may not have a hard time setting the temperature as low as 90^oF and as high as 400^oF.

It also features rapid air technology that allows you to harness the power of this compact air fryer oven. The rapid heat distribution to the food item results in perfectly cooked meals with crispy exteriors.

That’s not it. It may not offer various cooking functions, but it makes usage easy for busy individuals. But not only is the air frying a breeze, but cleaning after you make the delicious food is also a walk in the park.

Instant Essential, even being the affordable and entry-level addition, comes with a non-stick cooking basket and a removable drip tray that saves you time scrubbing after preparing scrumptious dishes.

Moreover, the wide cooking range of Instant Essential is a complete surprise. We tried dehydrating some veggies and pasta and used the broil function to test its endless possibilities.

On the other hand, compared to other small air fryers in the market, its generous capacity, temperature range, EvenCrisp technology, and fast preheating create a fantastic balance to make your cooking enjoyable.

However, while it may stand out for its mentioned qualities, the lack of pre-programmed cooking presets will always be a turn-off for me. It may be easy to handle, but using it for various recipes can be tricky enough until you get used to the cooking times.

Verdict

The Instant Essentials 4 QT Air Fryer Oven is a culinary powerhouse among tiny air fryer ovens. It makes delicious and healthful meals with its large capacity, broad temperature range, smart technology, and quick cleanup.

Its performance and adaptability make it a good buy for young chefs and home cooks, even without presets.

4. BELLA 2.9 QT Touchscreen Air Fryer

Busy individuals who can’t manage breakfast time and get sick of takeaways every other day will be delighted to have this compact but incredible air fryer from Bella.

It is a time-saving machine and a valuable investment for sudden and vital cravings like breakfasts, snacking, dinner, etc. With its 2.9-quart basket, you can make enough meals for two days if you live alone.

Foodies like us will fall in love with this eye-catching air fryer for its matte red finish. But it is available in different colors, so you can pick the one that best fits your kitchen aesthetics.

However, the construction material with Teflon coating doesn’t sound good to us. We have many reports of the coating peeling even after a few uses. It may be smooth to clean but wouldn’t last long if it stays unattended.

On the plus side, we still prefer it for its great capacity, cooking functions, and digital controls, which give a precise and quick cooking adventure compared to others we have tested yet.

It gives you relief with precise control over the device utilizing the touchscreen temperature range. With a range of 175^oF to 400^oF, it lets you experiment with various recipes, from veggies to meats, with crispy and well-cooked results.

Fortunately, we tried some shrimp by setting the temperature at 380^oF with a 5-8 minute timer. It turned out great, but we liked the audible enough tone after cooking time was up.

Thanks to the advanced air circulation technology, the 1400W heating element reduces the preheating time and boosts the cooking time. You can get fried Oreos in 6-8 minutes, tender ribs in 10-15 minutes, and green beans in 8 minutes max.

Bella air fryer ensures even heat distribution, cooking your food to crispy golden perfection while retaining its juiciness on the inside.

Moreover, cleaning the Bella Digital air fryer should be a breeze. Since it is designed for individuals, couples, or small households, its assembly and maintenance protocol is designed accordingly.

Busy peeps don’t have to bother deep cleaning it every other day, just remove the equipment, including the basket, and put it under the dishwasher. However, a heating element may require deep cleaning if you frequently cook.

Lastly, we could unlock a whole world of culinary possibilities with the Bella 2.9 QT, so why can’t you? This kitchen appliance is a powerhouse for your secret recipes, from frying to baking, grilling, and roasting.

However, besides Teflon, many users also find the touchscreen display not responsive as the physical buttons. It may take a while to get used to, but it indeed gives precise controls over time.

Verdict

Get a Bella 2.9-quart Air fryer with 4-in-1 cooking functionality and advanced air circulation technology that evenly distributes heat over the food so no element stays undercooked.

However, the Teflon coating may make you suffer from frequent peelings; you have to be very careful with its maintenance and usage.

5. Gourmia 4-Qt Digital Air Fryer

Gone are the days of deep-frying in massive amounts of oil, which is detrimental to health and a waste of ingredients. Gourmia digital air fryer is here to revolutionize our cooking experience, and I can barely contain my excitement.

The culinary possibilities with the Gourmia air fryer are endless. Its plentiful 4-quart basket lets you perfectly roast the vegetables or grill mouthwatering fish filets in a fraction of a few minutes.

The Gourmia 4-quart capacity gives you ample room to prepare main dishes for the small family or sides to make the main dishes worth having. With enough capacity to air fry, roast, grill, or bake, it is the perfect companion for gatherings at home.

Besides capacity, the next thing we appreciate is the stainless steel coating. It’s absolutely appealing design in gray color with a black control panel is a beautiful sight. And unlike Bella; the coating doesn’t peel off even after rough use.

It’s not about that; we could achieve culinary perfection with its precise temperature controls. From 180 to 400F, we have all the power to fine-tune our cooking process, ensuring the food items are perfectly cooked from the inside and crispy from the outside.

We could also unleash our cooking creativity with its versatile range. The intuitive control panel provides access to multiple cooking functions that eliminate the guesswork and gives us cooked food items without complex navigation.

We were excited when we got the best deep-fried version with succulent chicken wings. Our experiments with unique recipes and unconventional ingredients unleash its power, and we can see how perfectly it reheats, keeps warm, dehydrates, and broils in no time.

Like the Bella and Instant Pot Vortex, it also features a quick air circulation system that powers the heating element for even heat distribution, resulting in tasty, crispy dishes far better than traditional frying.

Moreover, as mentioned, the stainless steel coating makes cleaning a breeze, but the removable and dishwasher-safe components make cooking more enjoyable than we could imagine. Say bye to scrubbing heavy, oily dishes!

However, like Bella, Ninja, and others have drawbacks, Gourmia is no exception when it comes to some potential loopholes. It gets hot during the operation, requiring caution when handling or taking out cooked food.

Verdict

The Gourmia 4-Qt Digital Air Fryer’s large capacity, perfect temperature control, unique technology, and quick cleanup make it a valued partner for chefs. Its performance and adaptability make it a worthwhile asset to any kitchen, even with its lackings.

6. Ultrean 4.2-Quart Electric Hot Air Fryer Oven

Ultrean is another power-packed small air fryer we have that opens the world to unbelievable culinary possibilities. Its remarkable qualities, space-saving design, and large enough capacity help it stand apart.

Though Ultrean has a plastic coating that may not sound durable in the long term, its black color and solid body shine on the kitchen countertops.

Due to its flexible profile, it is not tricky for individuals or small households. Besides, cleaning is also a breeze with small size and easy-to-remove components.

Ultrean air fryer has ample room in its 4.2-quart basket. It can effortlessly host a variety of dishes, from fish filets to chicken wings, making it an ideal choice for medium to small families.

Additionally, the navigation is relatively simple, with buttons and LCD. The display shows the adjusted temperature, and the buttons help you with precise control.

Speaking of temperature, Ultrean lets you achieve culinary perfection with its wide range, from 180F to 400F, so you can ensure your dishes cook to perfection while giving a crispy exterior.

And it’s all because of the integrated advanced air frying technology that delivers crispy and evenly cooked results with little to no oil. The 1500W heating element quickly prepares the food with even heat distribution over the food items.

That’s not about it. We also liked the auto shut-off feature that enables you to remove the basket, whereas you can set its range from 0 to 30 minutes.

However, the alarm gets obnoxiously loud when the timer goes off, so even your neighbors can get irritated. This is probably the only and annoying drawback of this air fryer.

On the upside, it is absolutely easy to set up and use. Its sturdy and well-built design wouldn’t give a hard time in its maintenance, and the square basket fits a lot of food.

Moreover, it is versatile enough to let you enjoy leftovers without compromising their taste with its reheat function. Besides, roast, bake, air fry, and other cooking functions serve exceptional results, eliminating the need for individual appliances.

Hence, considering all its qualities and limitations, we recommend this versatile and power-packed multifunctional small machine to small families, couples, and individuals who want quick cooking and reduce take outs and dine-outs.

Verdict

The Ultrean Air Fryer, 4.2 Quart, lets you experiment with new recipes. Its large capacity, perfect temperature control, modern technology, and easy cleanup make it a great kitchen addition.

Despite lacking presets, its performance and user-friendliness make it a good choice for both beginner and experienced cooks.

7. Chefman 5-Quart Digital Air Fryer

It gets exciting because the CHEFMAN has made it to our list. After examining lots of models from its different series, this 5-quart digital air fryer caught our attention for obvious reasons.

This sleek and innovative air fryer is designed to make the life of small households effortless and enjoyable when it comes to eating. Its spacious basket hosts tons of food items so you can feed the family and entertain guests.

Also, with the Chefman digital air fryer, achieving crispy, golden perfection without the guilt of traditional frying is no more a dream. With little to no oil, it can offer endless possibilities to discover your hidden chef.

The standout feature of this air fryer is its digital control panel that allows you to easily adjust the temperature and timer for precise and consistent results. It lets you say goodbye to guesswork and hello to a perfectly cooked meal every time.

Additionally, it features a wide temperature range of up to 450F, allowing you to customize your cooking to suit your preferences. From crispy chicken wings to roasted veggies for sides, you can achieve the ideal texture and flavor in a fraction of the time.

Besides, powered by rapid hot air circulation technology, the CHEFMAN air fryer ensures you preserve the juiciness and tenderness of the meals. At the same time, the easy-view window with inside light lets you monitor the cooking process without interruptions.

The Chefman Air Fryer makes post-meal cleanup a snap. The non-stick basket and tray allow quick and easy cleanup, saving time and effort. You may now enjoy your meals without having to spend as much time washing the dishes.

Moreover, the Chefman Air Fryer can do more than simply fry food. It has a wide variety of functions and may be used for frying, baking, grilling, and roasting.

Almost 8 customizable cooking presets make whole cooking easy peasy. Put the food in a square basket, select the cooking functions and boom!

So, if you’re an individual and a foodie looking for an easy way to enjoy your favorite meals at home, get your hands on this multifunctional user-friendly air fryer, designed to transform your cooking experience with exciting features.

Verdict

In sum, the Chefman 5-Quart Digital Air Fryer is a versatile appliance that fulfills culinary needs in terms of both flavor and ease of use. Its large capacity, cutting-edge technology, stylish design, and straightforward controls make preparing nutritious, tasty meals a breeze.

8. COSORI 2.1 Qt 4-in-1 Small Air Fryer

Cosori beautifully balances the size, design, and convenience when it comes to cooking alone. It blows your mind with its tremendously small footprint and ease of use.

The space saving design and 2.1-quart basket capacity make it a top choice for couples or one person who wants a healthier alternative to deep frying while giving a modern touch to their cooking routine.

Cosori has a user-friendly and smooth interface with a tiny screen that shows the current temperature so you can precisely adjust it according to your recipe requirements. The cooking functions are also carefully labeled to avoid errors.

Its functionality remains at the center stage with 1300W heating elements that throw rapid air around or over the food and ensure the insides are well-cooked and the outsides are crispy and golden.

Another stand out feature of Cosori is its versatility and temperature range. It lets you adjust from 170 to 400F, allowing you to experiment with main dishes, snacks, sides, and more.

This wide range can let you cater vegetables, meat, seafood, and more, but you need to be a spy to get the best recipes.

Also, you don’t have to be a master chef to operate this easy machine. The auto shut-off never lets the food overcook and saves you the stress of continuous monitoring of the food cooking status.

We were also astonished by how quiet this air fryer was during the operation. The Cosori mini air fryer is a safe and effective alternative to loud and risky conventional frying techniques.

Moreover, this incredible little air fryer produces outstanding outcomes thanks to cutting-edge fast-air-circulation technology. It disperses heat uniformly, allowing for crispier, golden exteriors with 90% less oil.

While it may take more time to make meals and have fewer cooking options than more modern models, it is still a worthwhile purchase due to the appliance’s great functionality and efficiency.

Verdict

The Cosori Small Air Fryer is superior to my expectations in every way: design, functionality, and effectiveness. If you’re looking for a space-saving, reliable option for air-frying, this is the perfect appliance to add to your kitchen.

9. Dreo 4 Quart Air Fryer

Finding the perfect small air fryer wasn’t easy, and after doing thorough research, we found our last piece that should do a great cooking job, at least for one person or two.

Dreo may not be a huge name like Ninja, Chefman, Instant, or Gourmia, but its incredible product line designed to enhance the cooking experience is worth the appreciation.

Whether roasting small potatoes for sides or satisfying the sudden craving for juicy chicken wings, it was there for us in our journey of culinary adventures.

When it comes to design and appearance, it comes with a touch control panel at the top, and a matte black finish boosts the kitchen appearance when placed on a countertop.

Also, measuring only 9.4″ D by 11.6″ W x 9.4″ H shouldn’t consume unusually massive space compared to other appliances in your kitchen. And when it comes to replacing many of them, it surely makes its own space.

Additionally, we liked the stainless steel coating that doesn’t ring a bell of any harm like the Teflon coating does and is also durable for the long term. Besides, cleaning becomes smooth with only a damp cloth.

For the basket capacity, Dreo air fryer comes with a 4-quart basket that should be enough to make a huge quantity of food in one batch.

Another highlighting quality of the Dreo is the 9-in-1 cooking functions. It lets you air fry and grill, bake, roast, reheat, dehydrate, and do more to unleash your cooking creativity.

We had a great time baking cupcakes and muffins, grilled sandwiches, and roasting some broccoli or cauliflower for our sides.

Dreo also brings unbeatable addition to your kitchen with its chef-crafted 50 recipes and cooking results with up to 95% less fat and grease.

The intuitive panel makes cooking a breeze by letting you easily monitor or adjust the cooking time and temperature. You will find all the functions on the panel, including temperature setting, auto pause, resume, and shut-off.

The temperature range of 100F to 450F rings the bell for versatility and ensures your food never stays undercooked, with the heating element throwing rapid air at high temperatures.

Hence, considering its portable profile, roomy capacity, and smart features, it will definitely transform your cooking experience whether you cook for a family or yourself.

Verdict

Dreo makes the perfect cooking machine with its wonderful functions and innovative technology that keeps the intense hot temperature inside and cooks everything to absolute perfection.

However, many consumers complain about its price of above 50 for the small capacity air fryer; it is still making noise among the busy peeps and when it is hard to find time for cooking.

Best Small Air Fryer Buying Guide 2024

If you’re in search of a perfect mini air fryer but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve compiled a detailed buying guide that should help you identify the essential factors before you get your hand on the mini cooking machine. So, let’s dive in and explore.

Cooking Capacity Matters

Think about the number of people living in your home and the normal amount of food you prepare. A capacity of 3 to 4 quarts is suitable for use by small families, while a capacity of 2 quarts is suitable for use by singles or couples.

If you choose a fryer with the appropriate capacity, you will be able to cook an adequate number of meals without overwhelming the appliance.

Size and Space

Assess the amount of free space you have in your kitchen. Because they are made to fit on smaller worktops and cupboards, compact air fryers are ideal for kitchens with a restricted area to work with.

Take the time to determine the exact measurements of the fryer to guarantee that it will fit in the space you have chosen.

Temperature Range

Look for an air fryer with a wide range of temperatures. It gives you the flexibility to change the level of heat based on the recipe you are currently cooking.

Having access to a wide temperature range gives you more choices when it comes to cooking, whether you’re making something as delicate as pastries or something that requires a high temperature, like grilling.

We recommend choosing the air fryer with a max temperature of 400^OF; it opens the world of perfect cooking, including meat and veggies.

Cooking Functions

Get many cooking options that the air fryer provides.

In addition to air frying, many versions also allow for baking, grilling, roasting, and other culinary options.

Having a single device that can do several cooking duties gives you more options for various culinary explorations. So, choose the air fryer with at least 4 to 5 cooking functions (depending on the price, brand, and model).

Power and Wattage

Make sure the air fryer has the appropriate amount of electricity and wattage. When the wattage is increased, the amount of time it takes to cook decreases.

When you’re usually on the move or prioritize effectiveness in your cooking routine, investing in a powerful fryer can guarantee that meals are prepared more quickly.

Control Panel

Check to see that the controls are easy to understand and utilize. Look for air fryers that have displays that are easy to see, controls that are simple to operate, and a variety of pre-set cooking settings.

Cooking will be less of a pain, and the experience will go more smoothly in general if the interface is not cumbersome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Now, we have got you covered whenever you are up to find the best small air fryer. Our comprehensive review has reviewed the top 9 compact air fryers with 2, 4, or 5-quart capacities, so you can find the best fit for your family’s cooking needs.

So, whether you’re a solo cooker, a small family, or dealing with limited kitchen space, our buying guide with reviews will help you make a sound decision and open the doors for unlimited culinary possibilities.

Happy Cooking!