The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Why Choose a Small Air Fryer?
Small air fryers are a game-changer for anyone with limited kitchen space or those cooking for one or two people. These compact appliances deliver the same crispy, delicious results as their larger counterparts but fit neatly on a countertop or in a small apartment. They’re perfect for whipping up quick meals like fries, chicken wings, or roasted veggies with minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. Plus, they’re energy-efficient, often using less power than a full-sized oven. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone looking to simplify meal prep, a small air fryer can make cooking faster, easier, and more convenient.
When selecting a small air fryer, key factors to consider include capacity (typically 2 to 5 quarts), ease of use, cleaning convenience, and additional features like preset cooking modes or digital controls. Noise levels, wattage, and whether the basket is nonstick also matter, as these affect performance and maintenance. Based on extensive testing and expert reviews, we’ve rounded up the six best small air fryers for 2025, each excelling in performance, affordability, or unique features for different needs.
Top 6 Small Air Fryers for 2025
Lite Mini Air Fryer
The Cosori Lite Mini Air Fryer stands out for its compact design and impressive performance, making it ideal for small households or solo cooks. Measuring just x x inches, it fits easily on tight countertops while still delivering crispy results for tater tots, fries, or veggie burgers. Its 900-watt power ensures even cooking, and the nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The digital touchscreen allows precise temperature control from 90°F to 400°F, with four cooking functions: air fry, bake, roast, and reheat.
Real User Review from Amazon: “This is a great little air fryer for one or two people. I’ve made wings, fries, and even small cakes in it, and everything comes out perfectly crispy. The size is perfect for my tiny apartment kitchen, and it’s super easy to clean.”
Pro AF141 5-Quart Air Fryer
The Ninja Pro AF141 offers a slightly larger 5-quart capacity, perfect for small families or meal preppers who want a bit more room without sacrificing counter space. Its square basket maximizes cooking surface area, ensuring even crisping for foods like chicken wings or roasted vegetables. With a temperature range up to 400°F and settings for air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate, it’s versatile for various recipes. The analog control panel is intuitive, and the nonstick basket simplifies cleanup.
Real User Review from Amazon: “I love how spacious the basket is for a compact air fryer. It cooks evenly, and the controls are straightforward. I use it almost daily for everything from frozen snacks to fresh veggies, and it hasn’t let me down.”
Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer
For those on a budget or seeking simplicity, the Dash Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer is a fantastic choice. Priced around $60, it features analog dials for time and temperature, making it user-friendly for beginners. Its capacity is ideal for small portions, and at x x inches, it’s one of the most compact options available. While it lacks presets, it delivers crispy results for fries and chicken with minimal fuss.
Real User Review from Amazon: “This air fryer is so easy to use and perfect for my small kitchen. I was surprised at how well it cooks for such a low price. Cleanup is a breeze, and it’s great for quick meals.”
3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200/91
The Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L is a reliable choice for those prioritizing simplicity and performance. With a capacity, it’s great for couples or small families. Its manual buttons are easy to use, even with greasy fingers, and it cooks food quickly and evenly. However, it’s noisier than some competitors, with a noticeable hum during operation. The nonstick basket ensures easy cleaning, though it’s slightly heavier than others.
Real User Review from Amazon: “This air fryer is a workhorse! It cooks everything so fast, and the food comes out crispy every time. It’s a bit loud, but I don’t mind because it’s so effective.”
4-Quart Large Air Fryer
The Gourmia 4-Quart Large Air Fryer is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. Priced around $60, it offers a solid balance of capacity and compact design. It excels at crisping food quickly, from fries to chicken tenders, and its digital controls make it easy to set precise cooking times and temperatures. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, though some users note it requires occasional soaking for tougher messes.
Real User Review from Amazon: “For the price, this air fryer is unbeatable. It cooks evenly, and I love how easy it is to use. I’ve made everything from mozzarella sticks to roasted veggies, and it’s always perfect.”
Vortex Slim Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Slim is a sleek, space-saving option with a capacity, ideal for those who want a bit more cooking space without a bulky footprint. Its digital controls offer precise settings, and features like a viewing window and interior light let you monitor food without opening the basket. It includes settings for air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate, making it versatile for small kitchens.
Real User Review from Amazon: “This air fryer is perfect for my small apartment. The window is a game-changer—I can check on my food without losing heat. It cooks evenly and is super easy to clean.”
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Small Air Fryer
Selecting the right small air fryer involves balancing your cooking needs, kitchen space, and budget. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision, based on key factors and expert insights.
Capacity: Match Your Cooking Needs
Small air fryers typically range from 2 to 5 quarts. A 2- to 3-quart model, like the Cosori Lite or Dash Tasti-Crisp, is perfect for one or two people, handling small portions of fries, wings, or veggies. For small families or meal preppers, a 4- to 5-quart model, like the Ninja Pro or Instant Vortex Slim, offers more room for larger batches without taking up too much space. Always check the measured capacity, as manufacturers may overstate the actual usable space. For example, Consumer Reports notes that actual capacity is often smaller than claimed, so consider your portion sizes carefully.
Size and Footprint: Fit Your Kitchen
Measure your counter space before buying. Compact models like the Dash Tasti-Crisp ( x x inches) are ideal for tiny kitchens, while slightly larger options like the Instant Vortex Slim (13 x 12 x 15 inches) still save space compared to full-sized ovens. Ensure there’s clearance around the fryer for proper airflow, as advised by Better Homes & Gardens, to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance.
Ease of Use: Controls and Presets
Air fryers come with either analog or digital controls. Analog dials, like those on the Dash Tasti-Crisp, are simple but less precise, while digital touchscreens, like those on the Cosori Lite or Ninja Pro, allow exact temperature and time settings. Presets for common foods (e.g., fries, chicken, or fish) can simplify cooking, but basic models without presets still perform well for straightforward recipes. Choose based on your comfort with technology and need for convenience.
Cleaning: Nonstick and Dishwasher-Safe
A nonstick basket is a must for easy cleanup, as it prevents food from sticking and reduces scrubbing time. Most models, like the Cosori Lite and Ninja Pro, have dishwasher-safe baskets, though hand-washing is often quicker due to their size. Avoid thin wire baskets, which are harder to clean, as noted by CNET. For tougher messes, a quick soak with warm water and dish soap usually does the trick.
Additional Features: Versatility and Convenience
Some small air fryers offer extra functions like baking, roasting, or dehydrating, which add versatility. For example, the Ninja Pro and Instant Vortex Slim include dehydrate settings, great for making dried fruits or jerky. Features like viewing windows (Instant Vortex Slim) or auto shut-off (Cosori Lite) enhance convenience. However, more features often mean a higher price, so prioritize what you will actually use.
Wattage and Noise: Performance Matters
Wattage affects cooking speed and evenness. Lower-wattage models (e.g., 900W for the Cosori Lite) may cook slightly slower but are sufficient for small portions. Higher-wattage models (e.g., 1750W for the Instant Vortex Slim) heat faster but may be noisier. The Philips 3000 Series, for instance, is noted for being louder than others, which could be a factor if you’re sensitive to noise.
Price: Balancing Budget and Quality
Small air fryers range from $50 to $ models like the Dash Tasti-Crisp and Gourmia offer great value without sacrificing performance, while premium options like the Instant Vortex Slim or Philips 3000 Series provide advanced features for a higher cost. Consider your budget and how often you will use the fryer to determine if extra features are worth the investment.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Small Air Fryer
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange food in a single layer for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to soggy results.
- Use a Light Oil Spray: While air fryers require less oil, a light spray enhances crispiness for foods like fries or veggies.
- Shake or Flip Food: Pause halfway through cooking to shake the basket or flip food for even browning.
- Experiment with Recipes: Beyond fries and wings, try baking cookies, roasting nuts, or reheating pizza for versatile meals.
🔌 Air Fryer Electricity Cost Calculator
Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
