You have a small kitchen counter space, and you are looking for the best small air fryers to accommodate your small family meals? Then you have hit your luck. We have reviewed tonnes of products to curate the best small air fryers for your home. As you read on, you will learn the following and more.
- What are air fryers?
- Are air fryers healthy?
- What can you cook in a mini air fryer?
- Are mini air fryers worth it?
Air fryers are a healthier alternative for cooking, and buying one can be an excellent investment for you and your family. Learn more about air fryer uses and benefits.
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fry
- User-friendly interface
- 95% less oil
- High power technology of the product makes food crispier
The top pick on our best small air fryer list is the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fry. Affordably priced and one of the best sellers on the market, the Instant Vortex is unique. You can be assured that this compact and small machine can do more than one task. Available in four color options, you can choose any that fits your kitchen aesthetics and is a great space saver.
Here are some features that make it our top pick:
- The air fryers have 4 in 1 – air fry, broil, roast, and reheat your food. It can cook food with 95% less oil.
- It has a user-friendly interface setting that comes with four cooking settings. You can easily adjust the air fryers’ heat or temperature and customize the cooking option.
- High power- the high power technology of the product makes food crispier. You would need hardly a minute or less to preheat the air fryer.
- The product has a sleek and modern design to elevate your kitchen aesthetic.
What is an air fryer?
The air fryer is a smaller version of a convection oven that is easy to use. The air fryer uses hot or high temperatures from a high-powered fan to cook food. The heating fan is at the top, which cooks the foods placed on the basket. While cooking, air fryers require little to no oil, keeping our food oil-free and healthy at the same time.
The air fryer has rightfully made its mark on our kitchen counters for the right reasons. It requires less space and can be easily tucked into a small corner in the kitchen. Food is cooked with less or no oil while still delivering crisp and well-cooked food. It requires no preheating time, unlike other ovens and toasters, etc.
Since the air fryer is a miniature version of an oven, the limitations can be on how much food one can cook in one setting.
Are Air Fryers Healthy?
Food that requires deep-frying is usually cooked in an air fryer. One of the critical features for which air fryers are known is their ability to reduce fats, calories, and other unwanted oil from your food. Using air fryers cuts down the amount of oil used in the cooking process considerably.
According to studies, air fryer companies reduce fried food fat by 75 %. Deep-fried food uses 50 percent more oil to cook food and retains a lot of fat and calories. The cut down on food makes air fryers the best choice for people looking for a healthier lifestyle. Reducing fats makes the food healthy and especially a good choice for people who have health issues.
Are mini air fryers worth it?
Several features make air fryers stand out as an absolute kitchen favorite appliance. It comes in a compact form, cooks food using little or no oil, cooks food conveniently, is an energy-efficient appliance, does not require preheating, and has multiple cooking options, making it a good investment.
Mini air fryers are built for people who live alone, in hostels, or have a small family of 2 to 4 people. Generally, the capacity of the mini air fryer can accommodate cooking for 2-4 people in one go. So, it fits best for cooking for fewer people.
Mini air fryers come at affordable pricing, and you do not need to break your bank to invest in one.
You can also opt for a mini air fryer if you have a minimal kitchen counter. If you live in a small apartment with little space to wiggle in kitchen appliances, then a mini air fryer can fit your kitchen space well. You can easily tuck it in a small space on the counter or a shelf.
The only difference between a regular air fryer and a mini air fryer is the quantity it can hold and the size it occupies. The functions and delivery of the appliance remain the same. As mentioned above, if you have fewer kitchen counters, do not cook large portions, and have a small family unit, then the mini air fryer is definitely worth your investment.
What is the smallest size for an air fryer?
Air fryers are a smaller version of a convection oven, and as such, they come in compact sizes, which do not require much space on the kitchen counter. However, the air fryers also come in a mini version called mini air fryers. They are comparatively smaller in size and capacity than the general model of air fryers, but the functions and abilities remain the same.
The smallest size for air fryers will be 1.6-liter capacity fryers. Most mini air fryers carry 2 liters capacity, and however, you can also find 1.6 liters capacity by Quarts. Mini fryers of this small size are best for single people or people who cook small portions.
Some fryers come as small as 1.2 liters in capacity. However, they are mainly used for reheating and making food crispier with limited cooking functions.
What can you cook in a mini air fryer?
Air fryers are generally meant for cooking food that requires deep frying or baking, etc. The same goes for the mini air fryers. You can cook almost the same things in an air fryer and a mini air fryer. The only difference is the quantity of the cook that can be cooked and the size of the food.
Chicken wings, chicken breast, bacon, steak or lean meat, fries, or other deep-fried frozen food items can be cooked. You can also cook vegetables in the mini air fryers with a little oil and seasoning. Additionally, you can easily bake sweet potatoes.
What is the best size air fryer for one person?
It is amazing how air fryers come in smaller variants, given that they are already small and compact. You can find air fryer sizes that come in different sizes to cater to the different quantities of people. It can come in the range of catering from 1-2, 2-4, 5-7 people, etc.
An air fryer’s size that fits best for a person will be in the size of 1.6 liters to a 2 liters capacity. This size can easily accommodate the daily cooking requirement for one person. You can also cook an extra meal for a person while using the same capacity air fryer.
What size air fryer do I need for a family of 2?
There is always an air fryer that will fit best for you and your family. The product specification and capacity give you a clear direction on how much the air fryer can cook. There are several sizes in which air fryers come.
If you are looking for an air fryer that can fit or cook for a family size of two, it will be the 2 liters capacity or 3 liters capacity air fryers. These capacity air fryers can accommodate cooking food for two people effortlessly. You can easily invite a guest or two with a 3 liters capacity air fryer.
Why should you buy an air fryer?
There are several reasons why you should buy air fryers. According to a survey report, 45 % of Americans prefer eating fried snacks, showing how much-fried food has become a household demand. Deep-fried food isn’t the healthiest food yet remains a favorite. The air fryers are just what you need to satisfy your fried food cravings by making them healthy.
Besides cooking food healthy, it can cook food faster, requiring no preheating. The best part is that it will require just a small fraction of space in your kitchen for storage. They are easy to clean and require little to low maintenance. It is energy efficient and saves time. If you are looking to purchase an air fryer, it is a good investment and worth the spend.
Review of the top pick for the Best Small Air Fryer
We have the CHEFMAN Small, Compact Air Fryer almost neck on neck with our top pick. The air fryer is versatile and compact and will ensure healthy food with a promising 98% less oil being used while cooking. It has a temperature range from 200° F- 400° F, with an adjustable 60-minute timer.
What do we love?
Pricing: the product is priced very affordably given its versatile functions and performance.
Detachable tray: the tray basket is detachable and can be washed in the dishwasher.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Removable tray basket
- Dishwasher friendly
Cons
- The analog dial settings make it hard to set cooking modes.
Making to our top list is the CHEFMAN Small Air Fryer Healthy Cooking. This space-saving air fryer comes with integrated dual dial control features that regulate time and temperature. The product assures two times faster cooking than an oven with a cooking capacity of 3.5 liters space.
What do we love?
Larger space: the quantity of food that you can cook in one setting is larger than others.
Dishwasher safe: the nonstick basket is dishwasher friendly.
Pros
- The timer shuts off automatically.
- Two in one tank and basket feature
- The basket is dishwasher safe.
Cons
- Manual analog dial knobs
The Dash Compact Air Fryer Oven Cooker is another favorite in our top pick. This user-friendly air fryer is not only compact, but it is also lightweight and strong. The look is sleek with a variant of colors to choose from. Work best for small units, families, hostels, dorms, or single occupant spaces.
What do we love?
Auto shut off: the 30 minutes auto cooking timer shut-off features make it easy and safe to use.
Modern design: the product design is sleek and modern and can give a different look to your kitchen counter.
Pros
- Auto cooking timer shut off feature
- Space safer, compact and lightweight
- Spacious food drawer, given its relatively smaller size and weight
Cons
- The interface is analog which some people might not prefer.
Another great product on the list is the Crux 3.7QT Manual Air Fryer. This 5 in 1 multi-functional unit can air fry, roast, broil, bake and dehydrate food. The food capacity is spacious that can cater to 3.7 liters of food in one go.
What do we love?
Touch screen: the product has a simple touch screen control system that is easy to use and convenient.
Large capacity: the product is a small air fryer but can efficiently serve 3-4 people with its 3.7-liter quantity space.
Pros
- Removable cooking pan
- Easy to clean in a dishwasher
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- The product does not come with an instruction book.
Conclusion
Even though they are miniature, the mini air fryers still work with the same efficiency and functionality as an air fryer. Mini air fryers work best for smaller kitchens and small unit families who need to cook small portions. Our top pick is the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fry, if you are looking for a miniature powerhouse that can fit small families and a small kitchen.