10 Best Compact Air Fryers 2025 in the United States

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.

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 Chefman 4 Quart Compact Air Fryer is a solid choice for anyone looking to prepare quick, healthier meals for about 2 to 4 people. Its 4-quart capacity is a good fit for small families or couples, and the sleek, narrow design helps save counter space while still offering enough room to cook a decent amount of food. Powered at 1500 watts, it heats quickly and efficiently, supporting a wide temperature range up to 450°F. This high heat is especially useful for achieving extra-crispy finishes on items like chicken tenders and fries, thanks to its Hi-Fry technology.

The digital touch controls are straightforward to use, featuring four preset cooking options for convenience, plus the ability to manually adjust time and temperature. An easy-view window lets you peek at your food without opening the basket, which helps maintain heat and ensures everything cooks evenly. A helpful audible alarm reminds you to shake your food halfway through cooking to get the best crispiness.

Cleaning is hassle-free with a nonstick basket and rack that are dishwasher safe, making post-meal cleanup quick and simple. Safety is also considered with automatic shutoff when cooking finishes or if the basket is removed. While the compact size saves space, the 4-quart capacity may be a bit small for larger families or meal prepping larger portions. Some users might find touch controls less responsive compared to physical buttons, especially if hands are wet or greasy. The basket size limits cooking very large items. This air fryer suits those who want a user-friendly, space-saving appliance to prepare healthier meals quickly, with a good balance of power, temperature flexibility, and easy maintenance.