The best small capacity air fryer is the right option for individuals who simply don’t have a large requirement every time they prepare food. Those who are living by themselves have the freedom to acquire compact cooking appliances, given the fact that they need to cook for a multitude.
If you are living alone in your house, dormitory, or apartment, I can say that these small air fryers are downright perfect for you. They are inexpensive, but at the same time, sufficient enough to fill the needs of your tummy.
Meanwhile, here are some of the top-rated compact air fryers in the market.
Best Small Capacity Air Fryer (For One Person)
| Product Name | Weight | Type | Capacity |
| Dash DCAF200GBAQ02 Tasti Crisp Electric Air Fryer | 7.19 Pounds | Analog | 2.6 Quarts |
| Secura 3.4-Quart Air Fryer | 11.77 Pounds | Analog | 3.4 Quarts |
| Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Air Fryer | 5.29 Pounds | Analog | 1 Quart |
| Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer | 4.9 Pounds | Digital | 4 Quarts |
| Hamilton Beach 2.6 Quart Digital Air Fryer | 9.28 Pounds | Digital | 2.6 Quarts |
1. Dash DCAF200GBAQ02 Tasti Crisp Electric Air Fryer – Editor’s Pick
The Dash Tasti Crisp Electric Air Fryer is a fantastic compact cooking item. This two-quart air fryer provides a semi-automatic operation, which allows you to fry and bake your goods anytime you want. Simply set the timer and temperature, and the machine does the rest of the job for you. While it has no cooking presets, it still provides convenience to its users.
Since the device does not consume time in its preheating, it will not make you wait long before you can create your favorite fries and chicken wings. It also makes the device energy-efficient. The presence of an auto-shutoff function prevents the device from over-cooking. Its cool-touch body and handle allow a safer use for you!
Pros:
- Analog operation is still user-friendly
- Compact and lightweight
- The entire-body has a cool-touch construction
- Trendy design; available in different colors
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- No notable drawbacks
2. Secura 3.4-Quart Air Fryer – Runner-Up
With a capacity of 3.4 quarts, it is not impossible for the Secura Air Fryer to provide servings for up to two people. It is a super convenient utility for home kitchens, thanks to its ergonomic design and construction. Its cooking basket is paired with a top grill so that you will be able to cook different recipes with it. This 1500-watt machine generates superheated air to ensure a crispy perfection to your fried dishes.
Furthermore, the air fryer has an analog 60-minute timer that features incremental adjustments for precise cooking. It also shuts on its own once the food is prepared. The device has variable temperature control and heating and power indicators so that you will be able to utilize it properly.
Pros:
- Offers precise control on its temperature and timer
- Includes skewers and rack for cooking versatility
- Heats air pretty quickly
- Hassle-free maintenance and cleaning
- Features several LED indicators
Cons:
- Cooking basket is difficult to remove
3. Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Air Fryer – Budget-Friendly Pick
As I said, compact air fryers are inexpensive. Interestingly, the Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Air Fryer has taken that feature into the next level. Interestingly, this air fryer has a low price tag, which makes it an ultra-affordable choice for everyone–even for students. However, you can still guarantee that its performance is impeccable for frying, roasting, and baking recipes.
This unit can hold up to 1 quart of ingredients. Not that big, but more than enough to cater to the appetite of a single person. It can fit 3/4 pound of fries or chicken wings, which is suitable for one serving. The controls for its timer and temperature are also intuitive. However, the increments are too big, which would somehow limit the precision that this air fryer can give.
Pros:
- One of the most compact air fryers in the market
- Convenient operation
- Durability is pretty impressive
- Offers versatility in cooking
- Food-safe construction
Cons:
- Handle is somewhat chipping
4. Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer – Premium Pick
The Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer is definitely the bigger guy among all the compact air fryers here. But of course, I can guarantee that it is still small enough for it not to cause clutter in your kitchen counter. It is suitable for a single person, but it can definitely make for another two people. And I guess that’s completely alright if you think that you have a lot of friends and guests coming by.
This unit has a temperature range that goes from 105 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It enables versatility in your cooking, allowing you to prepare any recipe that comes in your mind. Preheating time is not that extensive, too. Just wait for at least three minutes, and you will be able to add your ingredients already. Impressively, the device can also be used for dehydrating food such as chips and meat.
Pros:
- Crisper plate, basket, and multi-layer rack are dishwasher
- Can fit up to two pounds of french fries
- Power cord is long
- Features an intuitive interface
- Highly versatile in making recipes
Cons:
- No issues
5. Hamilton Beach 2.6 Quart Digital Air Fryer
I have to feature the Hamilton Beach 2.6 Quart Digital Air Fryer, as it is considered to be among the top choices of consumers when it comes to an air fryer. This digital unit offers a 2.6-quart cooking chamber, which fits at least two pounds of ingredients. It has a nice temperature range, too, which can reach up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The construction is sleek and durable–a testament that it is an excellent addition to your kitchen.
Similar to the Ninja Air Fryer, this one also features presets. Specifically, it gives you six cooking presets that simplify the way you prepare your favorite delicacies. It is ultra-responsive, too. From the moment you turn it on, it will immediately heat-up the air so that you can start cooking in a jiffy. Hence, you can always make baked goods, seafood, steak, and french fries in this simple machine!
Pros:
- Equipped with a powerful heating element
- Features six cooking presets
- Surprisingly energy efficient
- Non-stick basket is removable and easy to wash
- Sleek digital controls
Cons:
- Removable basket is difficult to insert in and out
How To Choose The Best Small Capacity Air Fryer?
Not all air fryers have the same specifications or performance. It is a given fact, which is proven by the fact that some air fryers and others are small. This indicates that even for this particular cooking tool, your options are pretty vast.
However, there are still uniting factors that bind these air fryers together. Even for compact air fryers, some features and capabilities should be present for you to be able to use them properly.
Here are the prime considerations in choosing air fryers.
Cooking Presets
If you have a digital air fryer, it is likely that it comes with a cooking preset. It is a standard for this device–and a helpful one, indeed. When you are still new to air fryers, you will certainly have difficulties setting the right temperature and time to cook recipes. Even a simple fries will be a bother if you don’t consult a myriad of recipe books regarding their appropriate cooking time and temperature.
This particular issue is stripped from existence when cooking presets were introduced. By a single press of a button, the air fryer automatically configures itself to create a certain recipe or cooking method. It simply removes the hassle in using the device.
Manual Timer And Temperature Controls
But what if I have an analog air fryer? Does this mean that I don’t have control over the things that I cook in the machine?
Well, that’s not something that you should worry about, especially if the air fryer has knobs for temperature and control. Just like in any other device, these knobs allow you to set your desired time and temperature in preparing a particular recipe.
Some controls have small increments, which means that they offer more precise adjustments over time and temperature. Other air fryers have knobs that have big increments, lessening your capability to achieve precision in food preparation. Nonetheless, the latter is better than having nothing at all.
Size
Since we are talking about small-capacity air fryers here, I guess that it is essential that we put an emphasis on size as a factor. For me, a small air fryer should have a compact design so that it can easily fit any kitchen counters. Even if you have a small space, these air fryers will not have any problem fitting in.
Now, other people are worried that these small air fryers are not capable of making enough servings. Well, the thing is, you need to determine your needs first before acquiring an air fryer,
If you are living alone, a one-quart air fryer should already be sufficient to satisfy your hunger. But there’s no real harm if you go for 3 to 4-quart models if you deem that you have a large appetite. It is really up to you and your preferences. When you know your needs, you know precisely what air fryer you should get.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you pause an air fryer while cooking?
A: It depends on the kind of air fryer that you have. Some units have this feature while others have not.
Q: Does air fryers consume too much electricity?
A: Power consumption for air fryers is not an issue. These units have small wattages, which indicate that they will not become a burden in your power bill. At the same time, these air fryers are designed to cook fast and efficiently, wasting no electricity during their operation.
Q: Can you use oil on air fryers?
A: Air fryers are engineered to cook food without oil. However, there’s nothing wrong if you add high-smoke oils to your ingredients before you put them to your air fryers.
Conclusion
The best small capacity air fryers are perfect for small homes or people who only have to feed themselves and some of their visitors. These are compact devices that can cook sufficient quantities of food without losing their taste and texture. Check the
I hope that you find this guide useful. If you have some inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.