Cuisinart AFR-25 Air Fryer

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Trusted Brand
A small overall footprint and a surprisingly big capacity for its size make this air fryer an excellent choice for snacks, dips, dressings, starting salads, or crisps.

PROS
This can be used to cook and reheat food in addition to air-frying. The dual dial design is extremely easy to use. Provides more storage without taking up too much counter space. It may also be used to defrost meals. It's not overly loud. Its high-speed cooking capability allows you to prepare foods quickly. The stainless-steel exterior is sleek and brushed. It has a viewing window that enables users to keep an eye on food as it cooks, making it convenient for multitasking.

CONS
Lacks an interior illumination. It's tough to get to things inside; the tray does not come out smoothly.

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Dash Compact Air Fryer

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Customer Favorite
At a reasonable price, you can get a small air fryer.

PROS
This attractive 1- or 2-person fryer is available in a variety of bright hues. It's ideal for one or two individuals (1.6-quart capacity). It is simple to operate, and cleaning is straightforward. Food cooks quickly, so check it frequently. It features a cool-touch casing and basket handle. It's light. A handy recipe book with several useful recipes is included.

CONS
The basket must be removed and the contents are shaken once or twice a day to keep everything from burning.

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Ninja Air Fryer 4-Quart Basket

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Expert-Recommended
An air fryer from a well-known kitchen appliance brand at a high price.

PROS
It delivers delicious, consistent results every time. The interior is simple to maintain. The setup process is simple. Everything you need to know about using this product is included in the handbook. The sleek appearance and simple digital interface make it easy to operate. Food is ready in a matter of minutes. This is ideal for meal prep in most cases because it can be used as an oven. Sleek design with a spacious 4-quart capacity. Many components are dishwasher safe.

CONS
Extremely loud. When the basket is removed, the machine does not shut off, posing a safety risk.

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Elite Gourmet EAF-0201 Compact Air Fryer

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Simple Yet Solid
This is a wonderful air fryer for single people who don't want to deal with leftovers or complicated clean-up. Although it's not ideal for big families, it's ideal for solo homemakers who don't want to handle food waste or bulky cleanup.

PROS
Great for little kitchens and kitchenettes. There are two compact versions of 1.1 and 2.1 quarts to choose from. The design and features are identical, however, the color choices provide a more decorative aspect to your kitchen. For those who want both functionality and beauty, there are three different color options. The basket is washer-safe for simple cleaning.

CONS
Some people find baskets inconvenient. After several uses, some users complain of a lack of longevity. Some say they detected a noxious-smelling odor out of the box.

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Ultrean 4.2-Quart Air Fryer

BOTTOMLINE
Best for Small Spaces
An inexpensive, hands-on air fryer with a spacious interior.

PROS
This is a multifunctional device that grills, bakes, and roasts. This machine can easily feed a family of 4 with 4 quarts of cooking capacity. Cooks at temperatures ranging from 180 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (n-80 to 230 degrees Celsius). The Ninja Foodi and the Ultrean are comparable in terms of temperature range and number of features. Nonstick basket for simple cleaning; washer-friendly, nonstick basket for easy cleanup.

CONS
There are a few reports of excessive noise during cooking and a rapid burnout.

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Buying Guide for Best Compact Air Fryers

If you have a tiny kitchen, you may quickly use up all of your appliance space. Countertop appliances, particularly countertop microwaves, coffee makers, and toaster ovens, must bring something unique and compact enough to fit on the counter if they are to be useful rather than a bother. A small air fryer is one of the gadgets that fulfills this requirement.

Compact air fryers are tiny — some are less than 10 inches tall — and provide a distinct and quick way of cooking little quantities of food. An air fryer can also help individuals make better nutritional choices if utilized properly.

We've gone through everything you need to know about the benefits of high-quality compact air fryers, as well as how this device works and how it may help you. Consider one of the small air fryers that we've highlighted in this post if you've come here to make a fast purchase.

Choose the appropriate size air fryer based on the number of people you'll be feeding and the amount of space in your kitchen.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Size

It's all about personal preference. It's vital to understand your own requirements for how much food you'll be cooking at one time, as well as the space in your kitchen.

The most popular measurement for a convection oven is quarts. The smallest capacity of a convection oven is 1 to 2 quarts. At this size, you could cook two chicken breasts or a single chicken breast and fries. A regular household oven, on the other hand, can cook approximately four chicken breasts at once.

Consider the following information to help you get an idea of how small you can go. Remember, this is for normal serving sizes. Individuals who eat more or less may need to modify their habits. This information is also intended for someone with little kitchen space who needs a fryer that is as tiny as feasible while still performing the task.

• 2 quarts: 1 person
• 3 quarts: 2 people
• 4 quarts: 3 people
• 5 or 6 quarts: 4 people

DID YOU KNOW?

A mini air fryer might cut the cooking time of certain dishes to a few minutes or less.

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FEATURES

Controls

Air fryers that are inexpensive and small are simple to use since they do not have many buttons or knobs to operate. Twist one dial to set the temperature and another to program the time, much like on a cheap toaster oven. The more expensive variants give you a greater degree of control and precision. Presets for specific types of meals and a memory function are among the features they may have.

Digital: If you want a compact air fryer, the price tag will be greater than that of a traditional electric cooktop, but you'll get greater convenience in terms of settings, precision, and memory function. Remote control is also included in some of the digital versions.

Light: It's critical to understand when the compact air fryer is in use. The most basic versions include a light that indicates when the electricity is on.

Screen: Some models have a screen that displays the current temperature, remaining cooking time, and other information.

Safety

Look for a model that is BPA-free and has overheat protection, as well as automatic shutoff, if safety is a concern. Furthermore, if you're buying cookware set for a family, it might be worth looking at those with a cool-touch handle and a lock to prevent the cooking drawer from being inadvertently opened.

Style

The style of your compact air fryer is a matter of personal choice. Some versions are vivid in color, while others are more neutral in appearance, such as black or silver. Compact air fryers are most often cylindrical, although a few are rectangular. If you're going to leave your air fryer on the counter, it might be a good idea to get one that complements the other devices in your kitchen.

Maintenance

Some compact air fryers include components that are safe to put in the dishwasher. If this sounds like something you'd want to do, search for a dishwasher-safe model that clearly says "dishwasher safe," and learn more about what components are truly dishwasher safe.

Accessories

If you're purchasing a little air fryer, don't expect to get all of the features as with a 16-quart air fryer; nevertheless, you should be able to get at least a few helpful accessories. A toaster rack, tongs, tongs, silicone gloves, oil brush, fry liners and a cookbook are just a few of the items that might be used. But don't get your hopes up. The included extras are likely to be minimal.

Wet batter and anything that melts or is light enough to be affected by the air current, such as fresh greens, are not good candidates for a small air fryer.

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COMPACT AIR FRYER PRICES

Inexpensive: The most common capacities range between 2 and 4 quarts. For around $60, you'll find basic versions with capacities of up to 2 quarts. These air fryers feature a large oval window that allows you to view your food while it's cooking. They also have temperature and timer controls, as well as a drawer for holding foods before they're fried.

Mid-range: The air fryers start at $60 and range up to $100, with more features and a bigger size, up to 5 quarts. Furthermore, the controls may be digital and give greater accuracy.

Expensive: After you've spent more than $100, you may be looking at gadgets that are larger than "compact." A countertop convection oven may be used to fry in. The fryer can have a rack and basket, and it can be the size of a countertop convection oven. A further option is latch-on fryers, which might be controlled with a remote. Just make sure the fryers in this category aren't too big for your available area.

DID YOU KNOW?

Many people consider an air fryer to be a sort of alternative to deep frying, but it may also be used to cook almost anything you would bake in an oven, including cookies.

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TIPS

It's critical to clean a compact air fryer properly so it performs correctly, as well as to eliminate any remaining odors that might impact the food's taste. Here are some cleaning recommendations for getting the most out of your tiny air fryer.

• Follow all of the manufacturer's recommendations in the letter. Following the instructions in the owner's manual is the greatest method to clean your compact air fryer after each usage. The following standards should work for most units if that isn't an option.
• Allow the fryer to cool for at least 30 minutes before emptying it. Unplug the fryer and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes before cleaning it.
• Wipe the outside clean. Using a soft, wet cloth, clean the outside of the compact air fryer gently.
• Clean the attachments separately. Wipe down the unit with a clean, wet cloth and then dry it with a clean, dry towel. Any nonstick coating may be damaged by an abrasive cleaner. Nonstick coatings can be damaged if food has been cooked on them. If there is any residue, a degreasing liquid might be required.
• The heating element should be cleaned as well. Use a soft-bristled brush to carefully remove residue from the heating element.
• Make sure that the compact air fryer is completely dry. Before using it again, make sure that every little component of the small air fryer is dry.

Make sure there's adequate space around the food in the air fryer. It must have area around the food to allow for free circulation of air in order for it to work.

FAQ

Q. Is it true that an air fryer really fries food?

A. To deep-fry foods, you need a heated oil temperature of between 325°F and 400°F. The outside surface of the food is quickly heated by boiling away moisture, turning it crisp and allowing the inside of the meal to stay moist. Using an air fryer, rather than frying the meal in hot oil, circulates hot air over the food. The result is roughly the same: the exterior gets crispy while the moisture is sealed inside. In other words, while an air fryer technically does not “fry” foods (by definition, frying requires oil or fat), it functions similarly using hot air instead of oil or fat.

Q. What are some of the benefits of using a small air fryer?

A. The space-saving simplicity of a compact air fryer is immediately apparent, and it has an immediate benefit: the compact design saves space. A smaller air fryer takes up less room and may fit in areas where a full-size air fryer would not be appropriate. Because a compact air fryer takes up much less room on your counter, you may cook in smaller quantities and use less power (unless you cook many batches). Because of the smaller interior, a small air fryer typically cooks considerably faster than a full-size version. Finally, because there is less room, cleaning is more simple. In conclusion, a tiny air fryer may help you save space, energy, and time while also reducing the amount of time it takes to clean up.

Q. Is it healthier to cook with an air fryer than other methods?

A. Although using an air fryer necessitates far less oil than deep-frying, it does not necessarily imply that switching to an air fryer ensures a nutritious diet. That is down to personal responsibility. The type and quantity of food you consume have the same influence on your eating as how it is prepared. A compact air fryer can be a step toward a healthier lifestyle, but it isn't a cure-all. Maintaining good health requires careful food choices, exercise, and appropriate amounts of sleep.

Cuisinart AFR-25 Air Fryer

BOTTOMLINE
Trusted Brand
A small overall footprint and a surprisingly big capacity for its size make this air fryer an excellent choice for snacks, dips, dressings, starting salads, or crisps.

Shop Now

Dash Compact Air Fryer

BOTTOMLINE
Customer Favorite
At a reasonable price, you can get a small air fryer.

Shop Now

Ninja Air Fryer 4-Quart Basket

BOTTOMLINE
Expert-Recommended
An air fryer from a well-known kitchen appliance brand at a high price.

Shop Now

Ultrean 4.2-Quart Air Fryer

BOTTOMLINE
Best for Small Spaces
An inexpensive, hands-on air fryer with a spacious interior.

Shop Now

Elite Gourmet EAF-0201 Compact Air Fryer

BOTTOMLINE
Simple Yet Solid
This is a wonderful air fryer for single people who don't want to deal with leftovers or complicated clean-up. Although it's not ideal for big families, it's ideal for solo homemakers who don't want to handle food waste or bulky cleanup.

Shop Now