5 Best Small Air Fryers Reviewed for 2025

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering healthier alternatives to deep-frying without sacrificing taste. For those with limited counter space or smaller households, compact air fryers provide the perfect solution. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top small air fryers of 2025, helping you make an informed decision based on performance, features, and value.

Why Choose a Small Air Fryer?

Small air fryers are perfect for individuals, couples, or anyone with limited kitchen space. They offer the same functionality as their larger counterparts but in a more compact form. Most compact models have capacities ranging from to 3 quarts, which is ideal for preparing meals for 1-2 people.

The benefits of owning a small air fryer extend beyond just saving space. These units typically heat up faster, consume less energy, and are easier to clean than larger models. They’re also more budget-friendly, making them an excellent entry point for those new to air frying.

Key Features to Look for in Small Air Fryers

When shopping for a compact air fryer, several factors can make the difference between a good purchase and a great one. I’ve spent countless hours in my kitchen testing various models, and here’s what truly matters:

Capacity and Size

Small air fryers typically range from to 3 quarts. Consider how many people you’re cooking for – a 2-quart model works well for one or two people, while a 3-quart can handle slightly larger portions. Remember, the external dimensions matter too, especially if counter space is at a premium in your kitchen.

Power and Performance

Look for models between 1000-1500 watts. Higher wattage typically means faster cooking times and better crisping. The best small air fryers maintain consistent temperatures and provide even cooking despite their compact size.

Ease of Cleaning

Dishwasher-safe components make cleanup significantly easier. Nonstick baskets and pans are also a plus. Some compact models have fewer removable parts than larger fryers, which can be both an advantage (fewer things to clean) and a disadvantage (harder to clean intricate spaces).

Additional Cooking Functions

Even small air fryers can offer multiple cooking functions. Some models can roast, bake, reheat, and even dehydrate, giving you more versatility in your kitchen adventures without taking up additional counter space.

Our Top 5 Small Air Fryers for 2025

AF101 Compact Air Fryer

The Ninja AF101 earns our top spot for combining performance with compact design. With a 4-quart capacity (on the larger end of “small”), it’s perfect for couples or small families while still maintaining a relatively small footprint.

What sets the Ninja apart is its exceptional temperature range (105°F-400°F), allowing for both low-temperature dehydrating and high-heat crisping. The ceramic-coated basket is both nonstick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

During testing, I found the Ninja consistently delivered evenly cooked food with a satisfying crunch. French fries came out perfectly golden and chicken wings were remarkably crispy without drying out. The digital control panel is intuitive, with four programmable cooking functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.

At around $99, it’s a mid-range option that delivers professional-level results. The only downside is that it’s slightly larger than some ultra-compact models, but the performance more than makes up for the extra few inches on your counter.

Check current prices: Ninja AF101 Compact Air Fryer on Amazon

Compact Air Fryer

If you’re really tight on space or cooking for just one person, the Dash Compact Air Fryer is hard to beat. With a 2-quart capacity, it’s one of the smallest models on the market – perfect for dorm rooms, RVs, or tiny apartments.

Despite its diminutive size, the Dash doesn’t skimp on performance. It heats up quickly and maintains temperatures well, though it doesn’t offer the temperature range of more expensive models. The analog dials are straightforward – one for temperature and one for time – making it ideal for those who prefer simplicity over digital interfaces.

The Dash comes in several fun colors to match your kitchen décor, which is a nice touch for such an affordable option. At around $50, it provides excellent value for solo cooks or couples who prepare small portions.

A home economist from Good Housekeeping found the Dash particularly effective for quick meals like frozen mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders, which cooked evenly in less time than a conventional oven would require.

Check current prices: Dash Compact Air Fryer on Amazon

Pro LE Air Fryer

The Cosori Pro LE offers a slightly larger capacity while still maintaining a relatively small footprint. At quarts, it strikes a perfect balance between compact size and practical capacity.

What I love about this model is its intuitive one-touch panel with 9 cooking functions, including settings specifically designed for seafood, bacon, and vegetables. The square basket design maximizes cooking surface area compared to round models of similar capacity, allowing you to fit more food in a single layer – crucial for achieving that perfect crisp.

The Cosori heats up quickly and cooks evenly, with little to no preheating required. The removable components are dishwasher-safe, though the nonstick coating makes hand-washing equally effortless.

Particularly impressive is the Cosori’s ability to handle a wide variety of foods with minimal oil. From Brussels sprouts to salmon fillets, everything I’ve prepared in this air fryer has come out with restaurant-quality results. At around $120, it’s a worthwhile investment for those who want versatility in a compact package.

Check current prices: Cosori Pro LE Air Fryer on Amazon

Vortex 2-Quart Mini Air Fryer

From the makers of the famous Instant Pot comes the Vortex Mini, a true space-saver with impressive performance. At just 2 quarts, it’s ideal for individuals or couples with limited counter space.

The Vortex Mini features a sleek touchscreen interface with four built-in smart programs (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, and Reheat). The EvenCrisp technology ensures consistent results by circulating hot air around your food for that perfect golden finish.

During testing, the Vortex Mini demonstrated excellent temperature accuracy and surprisingly fast cooking times despite its compact size. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, and the unit’s simple design means fewer nooks and crannies where grease can accumulate.

One kitchen tech specialist noted, “The Vortex Mini heats up in minutes and cooks more evenly than many larger models I’ve tested. It’s proof that good things really do come in small packages.”

Priced around $60, the Vortex Mini offers exceptional value for those seeking quality in a compact form factor.

Check current prices: Instant Vortex Mini Air Fryer on Amazon

Premium Airfryer XXL (Compact Edition)

The Philips Premium Airfryer represents the higher end of the compact air fryer market. While larger than some models on this list at 3 quarts, it earns its place through superior technology and build quality.

Philips pioneered air fryer technology, and their expertise shines in this model. The patented Rapid Air technology creates a “tornado” of hot air, resulting in exceptionally crispy exteriors while maintaining juicy interiors. The digital touchscreen provides precise temperature control between 175°F and 400°F.

What truly sets the Philips apart is its Fat Removal technology, which separates and captures excess fat more effectively than most competitors. If health-conscious cooking is your priority, this feature alone might justify the higher price point (around $200).

The build quality is exceptional, with sturdy materials that promise longevity. All removable parts are dishwasher-safe, and the sleek design would complement any modern kitchen aesthetic.

Check current prices: Philips Premium Airfryer on Amazon

Small Air Fryer Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick comparison of our top picks to help you decide which small air fryer is right for your needs:

Model	Capacity	Key Features	Price Range	Best For
Ninja AF101	4 quarts	Wide temp range, 4 cooking functions	$99-$120	Small families, versatile cooking
Dash Compact	2 quarts	Simple controls, compact size	$40-$60	Singles, dorm rooms, minimalists
Cosori Pro LE	quarts	9 cooking functions, square basket	$110-$130	Those wanting versatility in compact form
Instant Vortex Mini	2 quarts	EvenCrisp technology, 4 programs	$50-$70	Space-conscious consumers
Philips Premium	3 quarts	Fat Removal tech, premium build	$180-$220	Health-conscious cooks, luxury seekers

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Small Air Fryer

Having tested dozens of air fryers over the years, I’ve picked up some tricks that can help you maximize your compact air fryer’s potential:

Avoid Overcrowding

This is especially important with smaller air fryers. Arrange food in a single layer with some space between pieces to allow for proper air circulation. It’s better to cook in batches than to pile everything in at once, which leads to uneven cooking and less crispy results.

Shake or Flip

For items like fries, nuggets, or vegetables, shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures even browning. For larger items like chicken breasts or pork chops, flipping once during cooking yields the best results.

Preheat When Necessary

While many modern air fryers don’t require preheating, giving your unit 3-5 minutes to warm up can improve results, especially for foods that benefit from an immediate sear (like meats). This is particularly true for smaller models, which tend to heat up quickly anyway.

Use a Light Oil Spray

Even though air fryers require less oil than traditional frying, a light spray of oil on fresh (not frozen) foods helps achieve that golden-brown exterior. Use an oil mister rather than aerosol cooking sprays, which can damage the nonstick coating over time.

Common Small Air Fryer Questions

Are small air fryers worth it?

Absolutely! Small air fryers offer the same benefits as larger models – healthier cooking, faster preparation times, and crispy results – but with a smaller footprint and lower price point. They’re ideal for individuals, couples, dorm rooms, small apartments, and even as secondary air fryers for side dishes.

How long do small air fryers last?

With proper care, most quality small air fryers should last 2-3 years at minimum. Higher-end models like the Philips can often exceed 5 years of regular use. To extend your air fryer’s lifespan, clean it thoroughly after each use, avoid abrasive cleaners on nonstick surfaces, and ensure proper ventilation around the unit during operation.

Can small air fryers cook for a family?

While a 2-quart air fryer is best suited for 1-2 people, models in the 3-4 quart range can handle enough food for a small family, particularly if you’re willing to cook in batches. For families of 4 or more who use their air fryer frequently, you might want to consider a model larger than those covered in this guide.

Final Verdict: Which Small Air Fryer Should You Choose?

After extensive testing and research, here are our recommendations based on specific needs:

Best Overall: The Ninja AF101 offers the perfect balance of size, functionality, and performance. It’s compact enough for most kitchens while providing enough capacity to cook for couples or small families.

Budget Pick: The Dash Compact Air Fryer delivers impressive results at an affordable price point, making it perfect for air fryer beginners or those with extremely limited space.

Most Versatile: The Cosori Pro LE stands out with its numerous preset functions and square basket design that maximizes cooking area.

Premium Choice: The Philips Premium Airfryer offers superior technology and build quality for those willing to invest in a top-tier appliance that will last for years.

Space-Saver Champion: The Instant Vortex Mini packs impressive functionality into one of the smallest footprints available, perfect for tiny kitchens.

Whichever model you choose, a small air fryer can transform your cooking routine, allowing you to enjoy healthier versions of your favorite fried foods without sacrificing counter space or breaking the bank. As these compact kitchen assistants continue to evolve, we expect to see even more innovations in the coming years – making 2025’s lineup of small air fryers more impressive than ever.