10 Best Compact Air Fryers 2025 in the United States

The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4QT is a compact air fryer that offers a versatile 6-in-1 cooking experience, allowing you to air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake, and reheat all in one appliance. With a 4-quart capacity, it comfortably fits small family meals like a 20-oz bag of fries or chicken tenders, making it suitable for 1 to 3 people. Its 1600-watt power ensures quick cooking and fast preheating, so you don’t have to wait long to get started. The temperature range from 95 to 400°F provides plenty of flexibility for various recipes, from gentle dehydration to crispy frying.

The touch screen control is intuitive and includes customizable smart programs that simplify cooking popular dishes, even if you’re new to air frying. The compact design with stainless steel accents looks stylish and won’t take up much counter space. Cleanup is easy thanks to the non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket and tray, which saves time after cooking.

However, while the 4-quart size is perfect for smaller portions, it might feel limited if you often cook for larger families or want to prepare big meals at once. Additionally, the digital touch controls may have a slight learning curve for those used to simpler manual dials. This air fryer is well suited for those seeking a multi-use, compact kitchen gadget that balances performance with ease of use and cleaning, especially if you want a reliable appliance from a trusted brand.

The COSORI 9-in-1 Air Fryer offers a solid mix of large capacity and compact design, making it a good fit for families who want to cook multiple dishes quickly without cluttering their kitchen. With a roomy 6-quart basket, it can handle meals for several people. Its 1725-watt power combined with Turbo Blaze technology helps cook food fast and evenly, while the five fan speeds and four turbo modes add extra control for different recipes.

The temperature ranges widely from 90°F to 450°F, covering a variety of cooking needs—from dehydrating to broiling. The touch control panel is straightforward to use, though some might prefer physical buttons. It also includes over 100 in-app recipes with nutrition facts, which is handy for those watching their diet. Cleaning is easier thanks to the dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and detachable parts.

While labeled compact, it is fairly heavyweight at 13.2 pounds and measures about 14 by 12 by 12 inches, so it requires some counter space. For those seeking a versatile air fryer that replaces several kitchen appliances and supports healthy cooking with less oil, this model is a strong option. However, if you want something ultra-light or very small, there are lighter alternatives available.

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro AF141 is an impressive choice for anyone seeking a compact air fryer that packs a lot of functionality into a small design. With a 5-quart capacity, it’s spacious enough to prepare meals for a small family, allowing you to cook up to 4 pounds of French fries or 5 pounds of chicken wings at once. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy entertaining or meal prepping.

One of the standout features is its Air Crisp Technology, which heats up to 400°F, providing crispy results with minimal oil. This can be a game changer for health-conscious cooks looking to enjoy their favorite fried foods without the guilt, as it claims to reduce fat content by up to 75% compared to traditional frying methods.

The 4-in-1 functionality—air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate—adds versatility to the unit. Being able to handle various cooking methods is a significant advantage, especially for those with limited kitchen space who prefer multifunctional appliances. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the design is compact, some users might find the 10.34-pound weight a bit heavy for frequent movement or storage. The push-button control might not appeal to everyone; some users prefer touchscreens or dials for ease of use. Additionally, cleaning is made simpler by the nonstick materials, but the need for proper care to maintain the nonstick surface is essential.