Hey friends! As an amateur cook and baker who spends way too much time experimenting in the kitchen (and not enough time doing dishes), I’ve learned that the right gadgets can seriously level up your cooking game. Today I’m diving into something that’s changed my weeknight meals forever: air fryers.
I tested three compact air fryers that are perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or just anyone who hates clutter. They all have different strengths, and honestly—I was surprised by how much I liked each one for different reasons. Let’s get into it!
1. COSORI Small Air Fryer Oven 2.1 Qt – Best for Singles or Small Batches
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This little powerhouse from COSORI is a game changer for single-serving meals. The 2.1 Qt capacity is ideal for quick snacks—think crispy fries, roasted veggies, or even a small batch of chicken wings. What I love most is how intuitive the controls are. It’s got 4 one-touch presets and heats up super fast. I made sweet potato wedges in under 15 minutes!
Also, it’s incredibly quiet, and the non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe, which is a huge win for lazy cleanup days (aka every day for me).
Best for: Singles, students, or anyone with limited counter space
Not ideal for: Cooking meals for more than one person
- 𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achi…
- 𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Advanced airflow and precise temperature control deliver evenly cooked side dishes with perfectly balan…
- 𝙋𝙧𝙤 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori’s unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°–450°F temperature control deliver professional-grade ver…
- 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking to save time and deliver perfectly crispy family m…
2. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer – The Most Versatile of the Bunch
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Okay, I get the hype. The Ninja AF101 is super popular for a reason. With a 4-quart capacity, this is your go-to if you’re cooking for two (or even three). I tried everything from salmon fillets to reheating leftover pizza, and it performed like a champ every time. Plus, the Dehydrate mode is amazing if you’re into homemade snacks like apple chips or dried herbs.
Bonus: it preheats quickly, and the ceramic-coated basket is a breeze to clean.
Best for: Families of 2-3, home cooks who like variety
Not ideal for: Ultra-tight kitchens (it’s a bit bulkier)
- LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against han…
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with…
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 2 lbs of French fries.
- 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Includes 4 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
3. CHEFMAN Mini Air Fryer – The Budget-Friendly Pick
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If you’re brand-new to air frying and don’t want to spend a lot, this little CHEFMAN might be your perfect match. It’s super lightweight, has a small footprint, and costs significantly less than many bigger brands. I used it to make crispy tofu, and while it takes a little longer than the others, the end result was delish.
It only has a manual dial for temperature and time, so it’s definitely on the no-frills side—but sometimes simple is all you need. Great for quick after-school snacks or late-night bites.
Best for: Beginners, students, gift-givers
Not ideal for: Precision cooking or large portions
- FAST AND EASY: This small air fryer comes prepared for any culinary challenge. The capacitive touch screen display can c…
- HEALTHY COOKING: Say goodbye to excess oil and fat, and hello to healthy cooking. This mini air fryer uses little-to-no …
- SUPREME SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 2-quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its coun…
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Halfway through cooking, the TurboFry Air Fryer automatically notifies you with an audible alarm th…
Final Thoughts: Which One’s Right for You?
If you’re someone who cooks small portions and loves sleek design, the COSORI is a no-brainer. Want more capacity and versatility? Go with the Ninja. Just dipping your toes into air frying and want to keep it simple and cheap? The CHEFMAN’s your friend.
As someone who’s ruined more than a few dinners before finding these, trust me—air fryers are totally worth it. They save time, reduce mess, and make even reheated leftovers taste brand new.
Thanks for hanging out in my virtual kitchen! If you’ve tried any of these, I’d love to hear how it went for you. And if you’re shopping around, clicking the links above helps support my blog (at no extra cost to you!).
Happy frying!
— Your kitchen-tinkering friend