Best small air fryers

Looking to buy a small air fryer? We’ve rounded up the very best small models from our tests - based on both size and capacity - that still pack a punch when it comes to cooking.

The air fryer model you choose will depend on the space issue you're solving: you’ll either be looking for an air fryer with a small footprint to squeeze into a kitchen cupboard or spot on your counter, or because you want the cooking capacity for one to two people. Or perhaps both.

Besides size and capacity, there are plenty of reasons to choose a small air fryer, including minimal preheating time and in some cases, even smaller energy consumption. The following models are some of the best small air fryers we’ve tested.

To discover the top models on test, see our guide to the best air fryers or go to our small air fryer reviews. 

Best small air fryers

Based on our lab testing, the following models have the ideal capacity for two people.

Cooking for a crowd? Read our guide to the best dual air fryers instead.

Air fryer size vs capacity

Manufacturers usually quote the total internal volume of their air fryers in litres as a guide to their size. But we find that this doesn't always tally with our own measurements of how much food you can realistically fit inside an air fryer, as not all the internal space is usable.

This is why part of our lab test measures the optimal and maximum capacity of each air fryer in grams of food. By reading our air fryer reviews you can see exactly how much food, such as chips or chicken, you can comfortably fit in an air fryer.

It is also possible for an air fryer with large external dimensions to have less space available inside for cooking than a smaller one.

• Our review Tech Specs include the width, height and depth of every air fryer we’ve tested.
• The ‘Small’ filter will help you to find all the best air fryers for two people that we’ve tested, based on their capacity. 
• Our ‘Compare’ function makes it easy to compare your choice of small air fryers side by side.

To find an appliance you can depend on, see our guide to reliable air fryer brands.

How to choose a small air fryer

Buying advice to help you find your perfect small-capacity or compact air fryer.

• Decide on the right capacity for your needs. Our research shows that the average air fryer has a capacity of around 1.1kg of chips. If you rarely cook for more than two people, look for an air fryer that holds at least 400g (enough for 2-3 portions). If you'd like a bit more space so you can cook whole meals for two people in one go, choose an air fryer with a capacity of 500g to 1kg. This is enough for between three to five portions of food, depending on what you're cooking and how large your portions are. Our reviews will tell you exactly how much food, such as chips or chicken, measured in grams, you can fit in your air fryer comfortably.
• Double-check external dimensions. You'll want to make sure you have enough counter and storage space to accommodate your new air fryer. Many oven-type air fryers ace our tests. But while they generally have a small capacity, they're often large and bulky. Basket-type air fryers usually have smaller dimensions, however they can vary significantly in capacity, weight and performance in our tests.
• Don't overlook dual models, especially if you're cooking for two people with different dietary requirements. While many dual models have generous capacities, that's not always the case. Some dual models  - such as the Tower T17102 Vortx Vizion for example - are small in capacity, but still allow you to cook two different types of food at different temperatures. Dual models also have 'sync' programs, which allow both compartments to finish cooking at the same time. See our guide to the best dual air fryers.

Looking for a new air fryer at a great price? We round up the best air fryer deals every month.

Do small air fryers use less energy?

Manca Virant, Which? air fryer expert says:

'Sometimes. You would think that air fryers with a smaller capacity would use less energy, but our tests show that's not always the case. Many medium-sized and even large-capacity air fryers use less energy and have lower annual running costs than smaller ones.

'This is why it's important to do your research before you buy. If your main priority is saving energy, pay special attention to our annual running cost calculation, which can be found on all our air fryer reviews. You don't need to be a Which? member to access this information.

'Another important thing to consider before you buy a smaller air fryer is that it will actually be big enough to accommodate all your food. If you're in doubt, it's a good idea to go for a slightly larger model, since cooking multiple rounds is less energy efficient than cooking only one round in a larger air fryer.'

Just want to know the basics? Find out more about how to use an air fryer.

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