Ever wish you could enjoy crispy, delicious fried food without all the oil and mess? Air fryers have become super popular for just that! But what if you live in a small apartment, have limited counter space, or only cook for one or two people? A giant air fryer can feel like a waste.
Choosing a smaller air fryer can be tricky. You have to think about size, features, and how well it actually cooks. Too small, and you can’t cook enough food. Too big, and it takes up too much room. Plus, you want one that’s easy to use and clean. This guide is here to help you solve these problems!
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about small air fryers. You’ll learn what size is best for your needs, what features to look for, and how to find the perfect one. Get ready to discover the best small air fryers on the market. We’ll also share tips to help you cook amazing meals. Let’s dive in and find the perfect mini air fryer for you!
Our Top 5 Smaller Air Fryer Recommendations at a Glance
Image | Product | Rating | Links |
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CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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COSORI Air Fryer 2.1 QT | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer Oven | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Belaco Air Fryer | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Smaller Air Fryer Detailed Reviews
1. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket
Rating: 8.7/10
The CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a small air fryer that is easy to use. It is perfect for anyone who wants quick and healthy meals. This compact air fryer has a digital timer and a shake reminder. It is designed to save space in your kitchen.
What We Like:
- It cooks food fast! It can cook food up to three times faster than an oven.
- It helps you cook healthy meals. You can cook with little or no oil.
- It is small. It saves space on your counter and is easy to store.
- It reminds you to shake your food. This helps make your food crispy.
- It is easy to clean. The basket and rack are dishwasher safe.
- It is safe. It turns off automatically.
What Could Be Improved:
- The basket size may be too small for some. It is best for 1-2 people.
This CHEFMAN air fryer is a great choice if you want a small, easy-to-use air fryer. It is perfect for making quick, healthy meals without taking up a lot of space.
2. COSORI Air Fryer 2.1 QT
Rating: 9.4/10
The COSORI Air Fryer 2.1 QT is a small, powerful kitchen tool. It’s a 4-in-1 air fryer that’s great for quick meals and snacks. You can air fry, reheat, roast, and bake! It’s designed for simple cooking and can make leftover food crispy again. It uses up to 97% less oil than deep frying. It also comes with 30 recipes in the VeSync app.
What We Like:
- It’s perfect for dorm rooms and small kitchens.
- It cooks food faster, saving you time.
- It’s easy to use for seniors because it is light.
- You can eat healthier with less oil.
- It’s a great size for families and making snacks.
- It reheats leftovers perfectly.
- It is small enough to take in trucks or RVs.
- The basket and parts are easy to clean in the dishwasher.
- It includes many recipes.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works in the US and Canada.
This COSORI air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to cook your favorite foods. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a compact and easy-to-use air fryer.
3. DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer Oven is a small kitchen appliance. It’s perfect for making healthy meals quickly. This air fryer uses hot air to cook food instead of oil. This makes your food crispy and reduces fat. The aqua color looks great in any kitchen. It is a great choice for small spaces like dorms and RVs.
What We Like:
- It cooks food healthier. The air fryer uses AirCrisp Technology to reduce fat.
- It is very easy to use. Just put food in the basket, set the time, and go.
- It is the perfect size for one or two people. It is also great for small spaces.
- It cooks food fast. You can fry, roast, and bake in minutes.
- It is easy to clean. The nonstick basket makes cleanup a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size is small. You may not cook large meals.
- It has a simple analog design. Some users might prefer digital controls.
The DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Air Fryer is a good choice for quick and healthy cooking. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to eat better and save time.
4. Belaco Air Fryer
Rating: 8.8/10
The Belaco Air Fryer, model BEL-AF-02, is a small and stylish air fryer perfect for quick and easy cooking. It features a 2.1-quart capacity, digital display, and rapid air circulation for fast and even cooking. With an adjustable temperature and timer, you can easily cook your favorite foods. This air fryer is great for small kitchens, offices, or caravans. It’s designed to save you time and energy while delivering delicious, crispy results.
What We Like:
- Cooks food much faster than a regular oven.
- Digital display gives you easy control.
- Saves energy compared to a conventional oven.
- Compact size is great for small spaces.
- Stylish design with a black high-gloss finish.
- Easy to clean with a dishwasher-safe basket.
What Could Be Improved:
- The small size may not be enough for larger families.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the food.
The Belaco Air Fryer is a great option for anyone looking for a convenient and efficient way to cook. It’s a good choice if you want to save time and energy in the kitchen.
5. bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer
Rating: 9.4/10
The bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer is here to make cooking easier! This air fryer is designed to fit in any kitchen. It offers a sleek design and a large basket. You can cook lots of food at once. This air fryer has a special nonstick coating. It’s easy to clean and safe for you. It also has digital controls with different cooking options. Get ready for crispy and delicious meals with this stylish appliance!
What We Like:
- Fits-anywhere kitchenware: The air fryer is small and saves space.
- EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating: It’s easy to clean and safe to use.
- XL Basket Capacity: You can cook a lot of food at once.
- Digital Controls: It has different cooking options.
- Modern Design: It looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- (No Cons Mentioned)
The bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer is a great choice for quick and easy meals. It’s a smart appliance that makes cooking simple and fun. Get yours today!
Smaller Air Fryer: Your Guide to Crispy Goodness
Thinking about getting a smaller air fryer? Great idea! They are perfect for cooking small meals quickly. This guide will help you choose the best one for you.
Key Features to Look For
What should you look for in a smaller air fryer? Here are some important things:
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Size Matters!
Smaller air fryers are usually good for 1-2 people. Check the capacity. It’s usually measured in quarts. A 2-quart air fryer is very small. A 3-quart air fryer is slightly bigger. Consider how much food you usually cook. Bigger families need bigger air fryers.
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Cooking Controls
Look for easy-to-use controls. Some have simple dials. Others have digital touchscreens. Digital ones often have preset cooking programs. These are helpful for beginners. Make sure the controls are easy to understand.
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Temperature Range
Most air fryers cook between 170°F and 400°F. A wider range gives you more cooking options. You can bake, roast, and air fry.
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Timer
A timer is a must-have. It helps you cook food perfectly. Set the timer, and the air fryer will turn off automatically. This prevents burning!
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Ease of Cleaning
Air fryers should be easy to clean. Look for models with removable baskets. Non-stick baskets are the best. They make cleaning easier. Some baskets are even dishwasher safe.
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Safety Features
Safety is important. Look for an air fryer that has an auto-shutoff feature. This turns off the air fryer if it overheats. Also, make sure the handle stays cool to the touch.
Important Materials
What are smaller air fryers made of? Knowing the materials helps you pick a good one:
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Exterior
The outside is often made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks nicer. It is also more durable. Plastic is usually cheaper.
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Basket
The basket is usually made of metal. It’s often coated with a non-stick material. This helps food not stick. It makes cleaning easier.
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Heating Element
The heating element is inside the air fryer. It’s usually made of metal. It heats the air.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes an air fryer good or bad? Here’s what to consider:
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Build Quality
A well-made air fryer lasts longer. Look for sturdy construction. Check the reviews for complaints about build quality.
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Heating Performance
A good air fryer cooks food evenly. It should heat up quickly. Look for reviews that mention how well the air fryer cooks.
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Ease of Use
The easier it is to use, the better. Simple controls are a plus. Easy-to-clean parts are also important.
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Noise Level
Some air fryers are loud. Check the reviews to see if noise is a problem. A quieter air fryer is more pleasant to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
How is it to use a smaller air fryer? What can you cook?
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Easy Cooking
Air fryers are easy to use. Put your food in the basket. Set the temperature and timer. Push a button. The air fryer does the rest!
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Quick Meals
Air fryers cook food quickly. They are perfect for busy weeknights. You can cook chicken nuggets, french fries, and more.
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Healthy Eating
Air fryers use less oil than deep frying. This means healthier meals. You get crispy food without a lot of fat.
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Use Cases
- Cooking for one or two people.
- Making quick snacks.
- Reheating leftovers.
- Cooking frozen foods.
Smaller Air Fryer FAQs
Q: How do I clean an air fryer?
A: Unplug the air fryer and let it cool. Remove the basket and wash it with soap and water. You can usually put the basket in the dishwasher. Wipe the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth.
Q: What can I cook in a smaller air fryer?
A: You can cook many things! Examples are chicken, fish, vegetables, and frozen foods. You can even bake small cakes or cookies.
Q: How much oil do I need to use?
A: You need very little oil. A light spray of oil is usually enough to make food crispy.
Q: Is an air fryer healthy?
A: Yes! Air fryers use less oil than traditional frying. This makes your food healthier.
Q: What size air fryer should I get?
A: Choose a size based on how many people you cook for. A smaller air fryer is good for 1-2 people.
Q: Are air fryers safe?
A: Yes, they are generally safe. They have safety features like auto-shutoff.
Q: How long does it take to cook food?
A: Cooking times vary. They depend on the food and the temperature. Check the recipe for cooking times.
Q: Can I use aluminum foil in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can. But be careful! Make sure the foil doesn’t block the airflow.
Q: Can I put the whole air fryer in the dishwasher?
A: No. Only the basket is usually dishwasher safe. The main unit is not.
Q: Where should I put my air fryer?
A: Put the air fryer on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Make sure there is space around the air fryer for air to circulate.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.