Do you dream of crispy food without all the extra oil? Air fryers promise that magic, but when you look at the tiny ones, it feels like a confusing maze. You want a small air fryer that actually works well for one or two people, but how do you know which ones are truly “rated” the best? Many small models leave food soggy or take forever to cook. It’s frustrating to waste money on a compact gadget that doesn’t deliver on its crispy promises.
This guide cuts through the noise. We tested the top-rated small air fryers so you don’t have to guess. You will learn exactly which compact models offer fantastic results, save counter space, and are easy to clean. Stop settling for mediocre meals! Keep reading to discover the absolute best small air fryers that pack a big punch in performance.
Top Rated Small Air Fryer Recommendations
- 𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achieving crispy, juicy results every time
- 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°– 450°F temperature control deliver evenly cooked dishes with perfect texture in every bite
- 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The basket and crisper tray feature a premium ceramic coating that is nonstick, durable, and heat-resistant to improve your cooking experience
- 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking and save time to deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy days
- 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The 6-quart square basket offers a wide, deep design, great for the entire family meals while saving you space on your kitchen counter or cabinet
- FAST AND EASY: This small air fryer comes prepared for any culinary challenge. The capacitive touch screen display can customize your cooking time and temperature up to a maximum of 400°F! Cook food fast up to three times quicker than an oven.
- HEALTHY COOKING: Say goodbye to excess oil and fat, and hello to healthy cooking. This mini air fryer uses little-to-no oil to make delicious meals that are good for you, too.
- SUPREME SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 2-quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its countertop footprint small, this airfryer eliminates clutter and extraneous appliances.
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Halfway through cooking, the TurboFry Air Fryer automatically notifies you with an audible alarm that it’s time to shake your food for the crispiest results possible.
- COMPACT STORAGE: This 2-quart air fryer is perfectly sized for healthy meals for 1-2 people. It fits in perfectly as a mainstay on your countertop, or its small frame fits perfectly in your cabinets.
- 𝑫𝒐𝒓𝒎-𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈: Compact design fits perfectly in dorms, offering versatile Air Fry, Reheat, Roast, and Bake functions for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks—even during busy study sessions
- 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔: Compact basket heats faster, cutting down kitchen time and can help give you more time to relax after work
- 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒔: Ultra-light 4.87-lb air fryer makes cooking easy, better than heavy pans or ovens
- 𝑪𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒊𝒍, 𝑪𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒕: Use up to 97% less oil, allowing seniors to enjoy meals with little to no added oil in each bite.Tested using french fries against traditional deep frying. Results may vary
- 𝑺𝒏𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔: 2.1-quart capacity delivers ideal portions for families, with a compact size that's easier to use, clean, and better for crispy snacks than ovens or larger fryers
- Slim Design for Any Space: The bella 4qt Air Fryer features a sleek, space-saving design, perfect for fitting into any kitchen while providing enough room for big batches of your favorite foods. Save up to 50% more space compared to prior models
- EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating: Our proprietary coating ensures easy cleanup without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, or cadmium. Enjoy healthier cooking and hassle-free maintenance, making every meal prep a breeze
- XL Basket Capacity: The innovative XL basket of the air fryers holds up to 3.3 lbs of food, perfect for family meals. Cook up large batches of fries, chicken, salmon, and more, all at once, making mealtime faster and more efficient
- Digital Controls: With adjustable temperature and 6 presets - air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate - preparing quick and tasty meals has never been easier. Enjoy crispy food fast with 1300 watts of power and circular heat technology
- Modern, Subtle Fluting: Designed with stylish rounded corners, a soft matte finish, and subtle fluting, our premium quality, small kitchen appliances add a touch of modern elegance to any home, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics
- FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the digital touch screen display or use one of four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals. Perfect for serving 3-5 people
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking: perfect for extra crispy chicken tenders and French fries.
- STYLISH AND COMPACT: The sleek, narrow design of this air fryers maximizes its 6-quart capacity while minimizing its countertop footprint. Its compact size makes it a great space saver, fitting perfectly on your counter or in your cabinets
- HEALTHY COOKING: Enjoy delicious meals with little-to-no oil. This Chefman large air fryer lets you cook healthier, low-fat meals that still taste amazing
- LED SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Get notified with an audible alarm halfway through cooking, reminding you to shake your food for the crispiest results possible
- FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the digital touch screen display or use one of four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals. Perfect for serving 2-4 people
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking: perfect for extra crispy chicken tenders and French fries.
- STYLISH AND COMPACT: The sleek, narrow design of this air fryers maximizes its 4-quart capacity while minimizing its countertop footprint. Its compact size makes it a great space saver, fitting perfectly on your counter or in your cabinets
- HEALTHY COOKING: Enjoy delicious meals with little-to-no oil. This Chefman small air fryer lets you cook healthier, low-fat meals that still taste amazing
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Get notified with an audible alarm halfway through cooking, reminding you to shake your food for the crispiest results possible
- Compact Cooking – 4 Qt Capacity Digital Air Fryer : Perfect size for quick snacks, personal portions or meals for two without wasting counter space.
- Preset Convenience – 12 One-Touch Functions : Air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, reheat and more with one-touch ease.
- FryForce 360° Technology – Crispy, Light Results : Enjoy golden fries, nuggets, and wings with little to no oil.
- Easy Cleanup – Nonstick, Dishwasher-Safe Parts : Basket and crisper tray clean up quickly by hand or in the dishwasher.
- Powerful Performance – Compact Yet Capable : Measures 12.5” D x 11” W x 13” H, uses 1300 watts of power and cooks at 90°F to 400°F (32°C–200°C).
- 7 Cooking Functions: Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and rotisserie all in one easy appliance with little to no preheat time
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 6 one-touch options, from crunchy rotisserie chicken to soft sugar cookies
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieve the perfect crunch with 95% less oil than traditional deep frying
- Sneak a Peak: The large front window lets you check your food without opening the door, for easy monitoring
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 10-quart capacity handles up to 6 portions, perfect for families, side dishes, or meal prep
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Rated Small Air Fryer
Finding the right small air fryer can change how you cook. Small air fryers are great for singles, couples, or small kitchens. They cook food fast and use less oil. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important parts. They make cooking easier and better.
Capacity and Size
- Basket Size: Small air fryers usually range from 1.5 to 3 quarts. A 2-quart size works well for one person. Think about how much food you cook at once.
- Counter Space: Measure your counter space first. A small footprint is key for small appliances.
Controls and Presets
- Digital vs. Analog: Digital controls offer precise temperature settings. Analog knobs are simple but less exact. Digital is often easier to clean.
- Pre-set Programs: Many small fryers have buttons for fries, chicken, or reheating. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking times.
Temperature Range and Power
- High Heat: Look for a fryer that reaches at least 400°F (200°C). High heat helps food get crispy fast.
- Wattage: Higher wattage (often 1000W or more) usually means faster preheating and cooking times.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your fryer lasts and how safe it is to use.
Basket Material
- Non-Stick Coating: Most baskets have a non-stick coating. Make sure this coating is PFOA-free. This is safer for your family.
- Durability: A sturdy metal basket underneath the coating is important. Thin metal warps easily when heated.
Housing and Heat Resistance
- Exterior: The outside should be made of durable, heat-resistant plastic or stainless steel. Test the handle; it must stay cool while the machine is running.
- Dishwasher Safe Parts: Check if the basket and crisper tray go into the dishwasher. This makes cleanup much faster.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Small details often separate a good air fryer from a great one.
Quality Boosters
- Even Heating: Good air fryers use strong heating elements and efficient fans. This spreads the hot air evenly, so your food cooks uniformly.
- Noise Level: Some fryers sound like small jet engines. Look for reviews mentioning lower noise levels if your kitchen is quiet.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)
- Flimsy Drawers: If the basket slides in and out roughly, the internal mechanisms might break quickly.
- Short Cords: A very short power cord limits where you can safely place the unit on your counter.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your small air fryer daily.
Ease of Use
A good small fryer should be intuitive. You should be able to plug it in and start cooking within minutes. Simple cleaning routines keep you using the appliance often.
Best Use Cases for Small Fryers
- Snack Time Heroes: Perfect for reheating pizza slices or making small batches of frozen appetizers like mozzarella sticks.
- Quick Meals: Ideal for cooking single servings of chicken breasts, fish fillets, or roasting vegetables for one or two people.
- Space Saving: Excellent for RVs, dorm rooms, or apartments where counter space is precious.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rated Small Air Fryers
Q: How small is a “small” air fryer usually?
A: Small air fryers typically hold between 1.5 and 3 quarts of food. This is usually enough for two small side dishes or one main meal portion.
Q: Do small air fryers cook as well as large ones?
A: Yes, they cook just as well! Because the space is smaller, the hot air circulates very efficiently. Sometimes, small fryers actually crisp food faster.
Q: Is it hard to clean a small air fryer?
A: Cleaning is usually easy. Most manufacturers make the basket and tray dishwasher safe. Even hand washing is quick because the components are small.
Q: What is the main benefit of a small capacity?
A: The main benefit is speed. They heat up faster than big models, saving you preheating time on busy mornings or evenings.
Q: Can I cook raw meat in a small air fryer?
A: Absolutely. Small air fryers handle things like chicken tenders, shrimp, and small steaks very well, giving them a nice crust.
Q: Should I shake the basket during cooking?
A: Yes, you should shake the basket halfway through cooking, especially for items like french fries. This helps the hot air reach all sides for even crisping.
Q: What temperature should I use for frozen fries?
A: Most frozen fries work best around 380°F to 400°F (about 195°C to 205°C). Check your specific package instructions, though!
Q: Are the plastic parts safe if they touch the heating element?
A: High-quality air fryers are designed so that food baskets and trays never touch the heating element. Ensure you never overfill the basket.
Q: How much counter space does a small model need?
A: While the footprint is small, you must leave a few inches of space around the back and sides. This is necessary for proper ventilation so the hot air can escape safely.
Q: Do small air fryers use a lot of electricity?
A: They use less energy overall than a full-sized oven because they cook food much faster. Their wattage is similar to a toaster, but the cooking time is shorter.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!