Are small air fryers worth it? Here's our expert opinion on those mini machines

As a kitchen product tester, one of the most common questions I get asked is 'What is your favorite appliance?' My go-to recommendation is always one of the best air fryers – they’re a game-changer for saving time in the kitchen. I use mine weekly to whip up quick salmon, roasted vegetables, and homemade fries. However, the response I often hear is: 'I’d love an air fryer, but I just don’t have the space!'

That's where small air fryers step in.... with a couple of caveats. For those cooking for one or two people, a mini air fryer is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for double portions of salmon, chicken, or a hearty side of fries. That said, I wouldn’t really recommend anything under 4 quarts unless you’re okay with cooking very small servings at a time.

Before buying, think carefully about what and how you plan to cook. If you’re asking 'are small air fryers worth it?' the answer is a resounding yes. Below, I’ll go into all the details and break down the pros and cons, so you can decide if a compact air fryer is the right fit for your kitchen and cooking style.

What is a small air fryer?

Small air fryers typically range from 2-4 quarts. I personally recommend a 4-quart capacity, as this will suit most individuals or couples. You will be able to cook 2-3 portions of fish, chicken, vegetables, goujons, fries or mozzarella sticks (not all at the same time, of course!) whereas the lower capacities will be more limiting.

The next thing to note, is that small air fryers tend to lack more versatile features like grilling or dehydrating. They are basic, but ideal for quick crisping or roasting tasks. If you just want an air fryer to help you out with simple side dishes or roasted proteins, a small air fryer should suit you just fine.

If you want to cook bigger portions for a larger family, you'll want to look at a medium or large air fryer (ranging from 5 to 7 quarts). This size allows you to feed around 4-5 people. They tend to come with more functions (like max-crisping or baking), so they have more versatility and can provide better value for money, but they naturally take up more countertop space.

Best Small Air Fryers 2025

There are lots of small air fryers on the market. I don't tend to recommend the 2-quart models, since they really are tiny. These are my top three small air fryers for crispy, delicious food.

What are the benefits of small air fryers?

• They don't hog counter space. Small air fryers are a practical choice for petite kitchens. 
• Can hide in cupboards. If you don't want a bulky air fryer cluttering your kitchen design, smaller air fryers can be tucked away in a kitchen cupboard.
• Very quick: Small air fryers heat up rapidly and cook food faster than large air fryers or combi ovens.
• Lower price: With a smaller size often comes a more affordable price tag, making these air fryers budget-friendly.
• Ideal for snacks: If you just want to cook small portions of crispy chickpeas or single-serve desserts, a small air fryer is really all you need.
• Great for beginners: Their simple functions make them an ideal choice for those new to air frying in general.
• Nice for students: Perfect for dorm rooms or small apartments, compact air fryers offer students an easy, space-saving way to prepare meals.

What are the disadvantages of small air fryers?

• Lack versatility. If you're interested in using your air fryer to make fruit chips, baked desserts, or grilled cheese, you'll want a larger more multifunctional machine. Small air fryers are pretty basic.
• Can't feed a crowd. Small air fryers suit couples or individual eaters. If you want to feed a family, you'll be better off with a large capacity air fryer.
• Limiting. You might not need to make large portions on a daily basis, but you might end up wanting to use your air fryer for a dinner party or batch-cooking session. It's always nice to have the space to scale up a recipe.

Can you get the best of both worlds?

This is my favorite question, because yes, you absolutely can. New models like the Ninja Double Stack are slender in shape, but offer up to 10 quarts in capacity, so you really get bang for your buck. If you're not quite convinced about the mini machines, it could be worth making space in your kitchen and budget for this option.

Our verdict: Is a small air fryer worth it?

If space is a concern but you still want the convenience of an air fryer, a small model is absolutely worth it – provided it suits your cooking needs. For individuals or couples, compact air fryers are perfect for preparing quick, delicious meals. Their smaller size not only saves counter space but also makes them energy-efficient, quick to use, and easy to store in cupboards when not in use.

That said, it’s essential to choose the right size for your personal needs. A model under 6 quarts might not be practical if you plan to cook larger portions or multiple components of a meal at once.

Before making your investment, think about what you’d like to cook and how much space you have to spare. Otherwise, you could always start with a small, affordable air fryer and scale up once you see how brilliant it is.