Cooking for yourself shouldn’t mean sacrificing delicious, healthy meals or cluttering up your kitchen. If you’re living solo, heading off to college, or just looking for a convenient way to whip up quick bites without a full oven, an air fryer is a total game-changer. But with so many options out there, how do you find the best air fryer for one person?
We’ve done the legwork for you! We’ve scoured the market to find top-notch air fryers that are perfect for single-serving meals, whether you’re craving crispy fries, juicy chicken, or a quick roasted veggie side. These compact appliances are designed to save you space, time, and oil, making healthy eating easier than ever.
Let’s dive into our top picks for the best air fryer for one person that will fit perfectly into your solo culinary adventures!
What to Look for in an Air Fryer for One Person
Before we jump into the reviews, here’s a quick checklist for finding your perfect personal air fryer:
- Capacity: For one person, a 2-3 quart air fryer is usually ideal. It’s big enough for a single chicken breast, a serving of fries, or a couple of fish fillets without taking up too much counter space.
- Footprint: Look for compact designs that won’t overwhelm a small kitchen, dorm room, or RV.
- Ease of Use: Simple controls, pre-set functions, and clear displays make cooking a breeze.
- Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe baskets and non-stick surfaces are a huge plus for easy cleanup.
- Features: Consider extra functions like roasting, baking, or dehydrating if you want more versatility.
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Air Fryer for One Person
1. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast Turbo…
While “compact” in its design for a 6-quart model, this COSORI air fryer packs a powerful punch with its TurboBlaze Technology, delivering incredibly fast and crispy results. It’s a fantastic option if you’re a single person who loves to meal prep for the week, often cooks larger single meals, or occasionally hosts a friend or two. Its sophisticated fan system ensures even cooking and surprisingly quiet operation, making it a joy to use even on busy weeknights.
Key Features:
* Innovative TurboBlaze Technology for fast, crispy cooking up to 450℉.
* 5-fan speed system and precise temperature control (90°–450°F).
* 6-quart square basket for larger portions or family meals.
* Operates quietly at less than 53 dB.
* Up to 95% less oil than traditional frying.
* Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and accessories.
* Customizable preheat function.
* Includes a 30-recipe cookbook.
Pros:
* Extremely fast and efficient cooking.
* Large capacity for meal prep or entertaining.
* Quiet operation.
* Versatile with 9-in-1 functions.
* Easy to clean.
Cons:
* Larger capacity might be overkill for strict single-serving needs.
* Takes up more counter space than true “mini” air fryers.
User Impressions:
Users rave about the speed and effectiveness of the TurboBlaze technology, noting how quickly it cooks food to perfection. Many appreciate the larger capacity for making bigger batches of their favorite air-fried meals, even if they’re usually cooking for one. The quiet operation is also a frequently praised feature.
2. COSORI Air Fryer 2.1 QT, Small & Mini 4-in-1 airfryer…
This COSORI 2.1 QT air fryer is an absolute winner when it comes to finding the best air fryer for one person. Its ultra-compact design makes it perfect for dorms, RVs, or any small kitchen where counter space is precious. Don’t let its size fool you; it’s mighty enough to handle your breakfast, lunch, or dinner, delivering crispy results with minimal oil. It’s also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to move and store.
Key Features:
* Compact and lightweight (4.87 lbs) design, ideal for small spaces.
* Versatile 4-in-1 functions: Air Fry, Reheat, Roast, Bake.
* Uses up to 97% less oil than traditional deep frying.
* 2.1-quart capacity, perfect for single servings or snacks.
* “Reheat” function for fresh-tasting leftovers.
* Dishwasher-safe nonstick accessories.
* Access to 30 recipes via the free VeSync app.
Pros:
* Perfect size for one person, dorms, or RVs.
* Very lightweight and easy to store.
* Excellent for healthy cooking with minimal oil.
* Great for reheating leftovers to crispy perfection.
* Simple to clean.
Cons:
* Limited capacity for larger meals or multiple servings.
* 900W power may take slightly longer for some tasks compared to higher wattage models.
User Impressions:
Customers love how convenient and space-saving this mini air fryer is. It’s a hit with students, seniors, and anyone living in a small apartment. They highlight its ability to make quick, crispy snacks and reheat meals without drying them out.
3. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving…
The CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is another strong contender for the best air fryer for one person, offering a sleek, narrow design that won’t hog your countertop. Its digital touch screen gives you precise control over cooking time and temperature, and the innovative “shake notifications” ensure your food comes out perfectly crispy every time. It’s a superb choice for healthy cooking that’s fast and fuss-free.
Key Features:
* 2-quart capacity, ideal for 1-2 people.
* Digital capacitive touch screen for precise control.
* Cooks food up to three times quicker than an oven.
* Uses little-to-no oil for healthy meals.
* “Shake notifications” for even crisping.
* Compact, space-saving design.
* Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and rack.
* Automatic shutoff for safety.
Pros:
* Excellent size for single users or couples.
* Digital controls for easy customization.
* Smart shake reminders prevent uneven cooking.
* Very compact and easy to store.
* Simple cleanup.
Cons:
* Only 2-quart capacity, which can be limiting for larger items.
* Some users might prefer manual dials over touch screen.
User Impressions:
Reviewers consistently praise its small footprint and quick cooking capabilities. The digital interface is intuitive, and the shake reminder is a favorite feature, ensuring perfect results. It’s often recommended for dorms, RVs, and small apartments.
4. Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil…
Ninja is a household name in kitchen appliances, and their 4-quart Air Fryer lives up to the reputation. While slightly larger than a true “mini” model, its 4-quart capacity offers a great balance for a single person who might want to cook slightly larger portions for meal prep or simply enjoy a more spacious cooking basket. It’s incredibly versatile with 4-in-1 functionality, including a unique dehydrate feature, making it a powerful tool in any kitchen.
Key Features:
* 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket, fits 2 lbs of fries.
* Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.
* Wide temperature range: 105°F-400°F.
* 4-in-1 versatility: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate.
* Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate.
* Includes a 20-recipe booklet.
Pros:
* Versatile cooking options, including dehydrating.
* Larger capacity good for slightly bigger single meals or small batch prep.
* Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
* Reliable Ninja brand quality.
Cons:
* Might be a bit large for the absolute smallest kitchens or dorm rooms.
* More capacity than strictly necessary for a very minimal single serving.
User Impressions:
Users love the Ninja’s consistent performance and how easy it is to achieve crispy results. The dehydrate function is a pleasant bonus for many. It’s often seen as a good all-around air fryer for individuals who appreciate a bit more room to cook.
5. DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer Oven, 2.6 Qt., Aqua…
The DASH Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer combines style with substance, offering a 2.6-quart capacity that’s ideal for one or two people. Its vibrant aqua color adds a pop to any kitchen, while its AirCrisp Technology ensures your food is healthy and delicious with significantly less fat. This small air fryer is designed for quick, easy meals, making it a go-to appliance for busy individuals or those in compact living spaces.
Key Features:
* 2.6-quart capacity, perfect for 1-2 people.
* AirCrisp Technology reduces added fat by 70-80%.
* Compact size for any kitchen, dorm, or RV.
* Digital interface with three saved preset buttons.
* Adjustable temperature from 200-400°F and up to 60 minutes timer.
* Auto-shut off function and cool-touch handle for safety.
* PTFE nonstick basket for easy cleaning.
Pros:
* Attractive, compact design in a unique color.
* Excellent for healthy, quick cooking.
* User-friendly digital interface with presets.
* Ideal size for solo living.
* Easy to clean.
Cons:
* Preset buttons might not cover all specific cooking needs.
* Only one color option listed here.
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise its cute design and small footprint, making it perfect for limited counter space. They appreciate how quickly it cooks and how easy it is to operate, consistently delivering crispy results for a single person’s meals.
6. 2.1Qt Small Air Fryer – Compact Digital Mini Airfryer…
This 2.1QT TOPZEE air fryer is another excellent contender for the best air fryer for one person, blending efficiency with a sleek design. Powered by 1000W, it ensures quick and even cooking with its advanced air frying technology. It’s incredibly user-friendly, featuring 7 preset menus and helpful shake reminders, making healthy, delicious meals accessible even for kitchen novices or busy professionals. Its compact size is perfect for apartments or RVs.
Key Features:
* 2.1-quart capacity, ideal for 1-2 servings.
* 1000W power for quick cooking.
* Adjustable temperature 120°F to 400°F.
* 7 preset menus, auto shut-off, and shake reminders.
* Premium non-stick basket and food tray.
* BPA-free and dishwasher-safe basket.
* Sleek, space-saving design.
Pros:
* Good balance of power and size for solo cooking.
* Convenient presets and shake reminders.
* Effortless cleanup with non-stick and dishwasher-safe parts.
* Compact and stylish, fits well in small spaces.
* Versatile for frying, roasting, baking, or reheating.
Cons:
* Limited brand recognition compared to others.
* Only 2.1 quarts, so not suitable for larger batches.
User Impressions:
Users are impressed by its ease of use and consistent results. The presets and shake reminder features are particularly popular, simplifying the cooking process. Its compact size and quick cooking time make it a go-to for daily single-serving meals.
7. Small Compact Air Fryer, 2.1QT, 4-in-1 Small Mini Airfryer…
This generic 2.1QT small air fryer emphasizes portability and efficiency, making it an ideal candidate for the best air fryer for one person on the go. Weighing less than 5 pounds, it’s designed to be effortlessly moved from countertop to cabinet, or packed for RV trips and dorm life. It offers 4 essential cooking functions, allowing you to easily customize your meals with up to 98% less oil, providing healthy and crispy textures every time.
Key Features:
* 2.1-quart capacity, perfect for 1-2 people.
* Less than 5 pounds, highly compact & portable.
* Up to 98% less oil than traditional frying.
* 4 cooking functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat.
* Adjustable temperatures (120–400°F) & 12H integrated timer.
* Dishwasher-safe, nonstick, BPA-Free detachable accessories.
Pros:
* Extremely lightweight and portable.
* Very compact, excellent for small spaces.
* Achieves very crispy results with minimal oil.
* Versatile with 4 cooking functions.
* Effortless to clean.
Cons:
* Generic branding might lack detailed support or community.
* The timer is quite long (12H), which may be unnecessary for daily use.
User Impressions:
Customers highlight its portability and small size as major benefits, fitting perfectly into tight spaces. They find it incredibly easy to use and clean, making it a convenient solution for quick, healthy meals for one.
8. COMFEE’ Compact 2.1 Quart Air Fryer with 12 Menu Options…
The COMFEE’ Compact 2.1 Quart Air Fryer stands out with its impressive 12 preset menu options, taking the guesswork out of cooking. This air fryer is built for efficiency, utilizing 360-degree rapid air circulation technology to cook meals faster and more evenly than conventional methods, all while significantly reducing oil use. Its compact size makes it a natural fit for solo living, ensuring healthy and delicious meals are just a button press away.
Key Features:
* 2.1-quart capacity, ideal for 1-2 people.
* Reduces 90% of oil compared to traditional frying.
* 12 intuitive menu options for various dishes.
* Rapid 360-degree air circulation for even cooking.
* Compact, space-saving design (10″W x 15″H).
* Auto shut-off and overheat protection for safety.
* BPA-free and PFOA-free materials.
* Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and tray.
Pros:
* Wide variety of 12 preset menu options.
* Excellent for healthy, low-oil cooking.
* Fast and even cooking results.
* Very compact, perfect for small living spaces.
* Safety features and easy cleaning.
Cons:
* Physical size might be slightly taller than some other mini models.
* Preset options may not suit every personal preference.
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the convenience of the 12 preset options, making cooking effortless. Its compact size is also a big hit, allowing it to fit seamlessly into smaller kitchens. Many enjoy how quickly and healthily it cooks their favorite snacks and meals.
9. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air…
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro, with its 5-quart capacity, is a step up in size from the smaller models, making it suitable if you’re a single person who regularly cooks larger portions for leftovers, enjoys batch cooking, or wants more room for a whole chicken breast plus sides. It boasts Ninja’s renowned Air Crisp Technology, ensuring superheated air surrounds your food for incredibly hot and crispy results with minimal oil. This model provides more space without completely dominating your counter.
Key Features:
* 5-quart nonstick basket, fits up to 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
* Air Crisp Technology for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
* 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
* Up to 75% less fat than traditional methods.
* Cooks frozen foods quickly to a crispy finish.
* Space-saving design for its capacity.
* Nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean.
* Includes a 20-recipe book.
Pros:
* Generous capacity for meal prep or larger individual meals.
* Exceptional crisping performance.
* Versatile with 4 cooking functions.
* Can handle larger frozen items with ease.
* Reputable Ninja quality and reliability.
Cons:
* Larger than typical “one person” air fryers, requiring more counter space.
* May be overkill for someone strictly cooking small, single portions.
User Impressions:
Customers love the Ninja Air Fryer Pro for its ability to cook larger quantities and its powerful crisping performance. It’s a favorite for those who want the flexibility to cook more than just a single snack, easily handling anything from a whole chicken to big batches of fries.
10. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster…
The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a multi-cooker beast that far transcends the typical “single-person” air fryer. With a massive 26-quart capacity and French doors, it’s designed for families or entertaining. While it offers an air frying function, its primary strength lies in its versatility as a full-fledged toaster oven, roaster, baker, and more, with 25 cooking presets. If you’re a single person with ample counter space who wants a single appliance to replace a toaster, oven, and air fryer, and often cooks larger meals or entertains, this could be a highly versatile, albeit very large, option.
Key Features:
* Extra-large 26-quart capacity, suitable for 4–6 people.
* Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo.
* French doors for easy access and monitoring.
* 25 cooking presets (Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, etc.).
* Dual-speed fan for 360º superheated air circulation.
* Can rotisserie a 6-lb chicken or bake a 12” pizza.
* Stainless steel exterior for aesthetics and durability.
Pros:
* Extremely versatile, combining multiple appliances in one.
* Massive capacity for large meals or entertaining.
* Excellent for roasting, baking, and toasting in addition to air frying.
* Stylish stainless steel design.
* Lots of preset options for convenience.
Cons:
* Significantly too large for typical “one person” needs or small kitchens.
* Takes up considerable counter space.
* Much higher price point than dedicated mini air fryers.
User Impressions:
Users are impressed by its robust build and the sheer versatility it offers, often replacing several other appliances. They appreciate its large capacity for family cooking and entertaining, though solo users confirm it’s definitely not a space-saver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What size air fryer is best for one person?
A: For most single individuals, an air fryer with a capacity between 2 and 3 quarts (2.0-2.8 liters) is ideal. This size is perfect for cooking single servings of items like chicken breasts, a handful of fries, or a couple of fish fillets without taking up too much counter space.
Q2: Are small air fryers worth it?
A: Absolutely! Small air fryers are incredibly worth it for individuals. They offer quick cooking times, promote healthier eating by using less oil, save valuable counter space, are energy-efficient for small batches, and are generally easier to clean than larger models or conventional ovens.
Q3: What can I cook in a mini air fryer for one?
A: You can cook a surprising variety of meals! Think crispy chicken tenders, single-serving portions of roasted vegetables, frozen snacks like spring rolls or onion rings, grilled cheese sandwiches, re-crisped leftovers (pizza, fries), a baked potato, or even a small steak or fish fillet.
Q4: How much counter space do mini air fryers take up?
A: Mini air fryers are designed with space-saving in mind. Most models around the 2-quart mark have a footprint roughly equivalent to a coffee maker or a small toaster, typically measuring about 8-10 inches in width and depth, and 10-12 inches in height. They’re perfect for dorms, small apartments, or RVs.
Q5: Is it healthier to cook in an air fryer?
A: Yes, cooking in an air fryer is generally healthier than traditional deep frying. Air fryers circulate hot air to achieve a crispy texture, requiring little to no added oil. This can significantly reduce the fat and calorie content of your meals compared to submerged oil frying.
Q6: How do I clean a small air fryer?
A: Cleaning a small air fryer is usually straightforward! Most models come with non-stick baskets and trays that are dishwasher-safe. For manual cleaning, let the basket cool, then wash it with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Wipe down the exterior of the unit with a damp cloth. Always ensure the appliance is unplugged before cleaning.
Q7: Can I use aluminum foil or parchment paper in a mini air fryer?
A: Yes, you can generally use aluminum foil or parchment paper in an air fryer, but with some precautions. Make sure the foil or paper doesn’t block the airflow or touch the heating element. Always place food on top of the foil/paper to weigh it down and prevent it from flying around inside, which could be a fire hazard. There are also specially designed air fryer parchment liners available.