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10 Best Compact Air Fryer Models 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Reheats, & Dehydrates, 4-in-1, Fries, Frozen Food, Veggies, and Juicy Meat, Less Oil, Easy Meals, Healthy Meals, Compact, 4 QT, Grey, AF101

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,107
Capacity
Control Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
84802 reviews

Capacity
The 4-quart capacity is perfect for family meals, cooking food evenly with little to no oil.
Control Type
The air fryer heats up quickly and the controls are straightforward, making it easy to cook meals with the perfect settings.
Size and Weight
Its compact design means it doesn’t take up much kitchen space and is easy to store.
Additional Features
The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is incredibly versatile, allowing you to air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate with ease.

The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer stands out as a versatile and compact kitchen appliance. With a 4-quart capacity, it is well-suited for small to medium-sized families, allowing you to cook up to 2 lbs of French fries at once. It operates at 1550 watts, providing sufficient power to cook your meals quickly and efficiently. The wide temperature range of 105°F to 400°F offers flexibility for various cooking methods, from dehydrating to roasting and air frying.

The touch control system makes it user-friendly and easy to operate, even for beginners. At 10.58 pounds, the air fryer is relatively lightweight and compact, measuring 8.5 inches deep, 12.1 inches wide, and 11 inches high, making it easy to fit on most kitchen countertops or store away when not in use. Additional features include a ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate, which are both dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. One of the most appealing aspects is its ability to cook with up to 75% less fat compared to traditional frying methods, promoting healthier meal options.

However, it's worth noting that while the parts are dishwasher safe, the exterior of the machine must be cleaned manually. Also, the 2.6-foot cable length could be limiting if your kitchen outlets are not conveniently placed. This model includes a 20-recipe booklet, which can be handy for those new to air frying. The Ninja AF101 offers a lot of functionality and ease of use, making it a great option for anyone looking to make healthier meals quickly and efficiently.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,107
Capacity
Control Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
84802 reviews

Capacity
The 4-quart capacity is perfect for family meals, cooking food evenly with little to no oil.
Control Type
The air fryer heats up quickly and the controls are straightforward, making it easy to cook meals with the perfect settings.
Size and Weight
Its compact design means it doesn’t take up much kitchen space and is easy to store.
Additional Features
The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is incredibly versatile, allowing you to air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate with ease.
#2

Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, Air Crisp Technology with 400F for hot, 120 Volts, Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate, Grey, AF141

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Temperature Range
Control Type

Most important from
4508 reviews

Capacity
Big enough to cook a good amount of food at once, saving so much time.
Temperature Range
Runs noticeably hotter than other units, so adjust recipes to avoid overcooking.
Control Type
Controls are easy to set and more precise than our last one.
Size and Weight
Compact size doesn’t take up much room on the countertop.
Additional Features
Cooks everything quickly and evenly, giving food that perfect crisp without needing much oil.

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with a 5-quart capacity offers a versatile solution for those who want to explore different cooking methods in a compact unit. Its key strengths are its capacity to cook up to 4 pounds of fries or 5 pounds of chicken wings, making it suitable for small families or gatherings. The 1750 watts of power and a maximum temperature of 400°F ensure quick and efficient cooking, aided by the Air Crisp Technology which delivers crispy results with minimal or no oil, paving the way for healthier meals.

Additionally, the 4-in-1 functionality allows you to air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate, adding to its versatility. Its compact dimensions (14.84 x 11.29 x 10.39 inches) and modest weight (10.34 pounds) make it an excellent space-saver on the kitchen counter. Cleaning is hassle-free, thanks to the nonstick basket and crisper plate which are also dishwasher safe.

The push-button control type is straightforward, but it lacks more advanced digital controls seen in some other models. Although it is a high-performing air fryer, the absence of a wider temperature range might limit some specific recipes. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is an ideal choice for users wanting a reliable, easy-to-use, and compact air fryer for a variety of cooking needs without taking up much space.

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Temperature Range
Control Type

Most important from
4508 reviews

Capacity
Big enough to cook a good amount of food at once, saving so much time.
Temperature Range
Runs noticeably hotter than other units, so adjust recipes to avoid overcooking.
Control Type
Controls are easy to set and more precise than our last one.
Size and Weight
Compact size doesn’t take up much room on the countertop.
Additional Features
Cooks everything quickly and evenly, giving food that perfect crisp without needing much oil.
#3

CHEFMAN Small, Compact Air Fryer Healthy Cooking, 2 Qt, Nonstick, User Friendly and Adjustable Temperature Control w/ 60 Minute Timer & Auto Shutoff, Dishwasher Safe Basket, BPA - Free, Black

Rating
9.3
Capacity
Size and Weight
Additional Features

Most important from
25782 reviews

Capacity
Ideal for singles, this air fryer is not noisy and is sufficient for one serving, making it a great solo cooking companion.
Size and Weight
A perfect fit for small kitchens, it looks cute on the counter and performs well with a slight adjustment in cooking settings.
Additional Features
Compact and easy to use, this air fryer delivers restaurant-quality fries and is incredibly easy to clean.

The CHEFMAN Small, Compact Air Fryer is a convenient option for small kitchens or limited spaces, thanks to its compact size and lightweight design (5.69 pounds). With a 2-quart capacity, it's well-suited for singles or small families. Its 1000-watt power ensures quick cooking, and the temperature range from 200°F to 400°F provides flexibility for various recipes.

The manual temperature control and 60-minute timer make it user-friendly, while the auto-shutoff feature adds safety. It also has a nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket, which simplifies cleaning. However, the relatively small capacity might not be suitable for larger households or cooking larger meals.

The touch control method might require a bit of a learning curve for those used to manual dials. This air fryer is a solid choice for those needing a compact, easy-to-use device with essential features for healthier cooking.

Rating
9.3
Capacity
Size and Weight
Additional Features

Most important from
25782 reviews

Capacity
Ideal for singles, this air fryer is not noisy and is sufficient for one serving, making it a great solo cooking companion.
Size and Weight
A perfect fit for small kitchens, it looks cute on the counter and performs well with a slight adjustment in cooking settings.
Additional Features
Compact and easy to use, this air fryer delivers restaurant-quality fries and is incredibly easy to clean.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Air Fryer Models

Choosing the right compact air fryer can make a big difference in your cooking experience. Air fryers are a great way to enjoy fried foods with less oil, making them a healthier option. When selecting a compact air fryer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main specs to look at and how to navigate them.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of food the air fryer can hold at one time. This is important because it determines how much food you can cook in one go. Compact air fryers typically range from 1.2 to 3.5 quarts. If you usually cook for one or two people, a smaller capacity (1.2-2 quarts) should suffice. For small families or if you like to cook in batches, a larger capacity (2.5-3.5 quarts) would be more suitable.
Power (Wattage)Power, measured in watts, indicates how quickly and efficiently the air fryer can cook food. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and potentially crispier results. Compact air fryers usually range from 800 to 1500 watts. If you need faster cooking times and better performance, look for models with higher wattage (1200-1500 watts). For basic use and energy efficiency, lower wattage (800-1000 watts) may be adequate.
Temperature RangeThe temperature range of an air fryer determines the variety of foods you can cook and how versatile the appliance is. Most compact air fryers offer a range between 180°F to 400°F. A wider temperature range allows for more cooking options, from baking to roasting to frying. If you plan to use the air fryer for a variety of recipes, look for a model with a broad temperature range. For simple frying tasks, a standard range will do.
Control TypeControl type refers to how you set and adjust the air fryer's settings. There are two main types: manual dials and digital controls. Manual dials are straightforward and easy to use, making them ideal for those who prefer simplicity. Digital controls offer more precision and often come with preset cooking programs, which can be convenient for beginners or those who like a bit more automation. Choose based on your comfort level with technology and your cooking habits.
Size and WeightSize and weight are important considerations, especially for compact models, as they determine how much counter space the air fryer will occupy and how easy it is to store. Compact air fryers are designed to be space-saving, but they still vary in dimensions and weight. If you have limited counter space or plan to move the air fryer frequently, look for a lighter and smaller model. If space is not an issue, you can opt for a slightly larger model with more features.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of your air fryer. These may include things like a non-stick basket, dishwasher-safe parts, a timer, auto shut-off, and pre-set cooking programs. While not essential, these features can make the air fryer easier to use and clean. Consider which features are important to you based on your cooking style and preferences. For example, if you value easy cleanup, a model with dishwasher-safe parts would be beneficial.

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