These days it seems like everyone is talking about air fryers. But with all the hype, how do you know what is the best air fryer for one person? I mean, I get it, those giant family-sized ones can feel a little daunting when you’re just cooking for yourself.
I’ve been down that road - trust me. Years ago when I first heard about these magical appliances that promised crispy fries without the guilt, I ran out and bought the biggest air fryer I could find. Turns out, that was a bit overkill for my solo kitchen adventures.
What I realized was that the best air fryer for one person is one that fits your lifestyle, countertop space, and cooking needs. Air fryers are healthy because they require significantly less oil to cook, making them a healthier cooking option. You’ll learn that selecting the perfect air fryer boils down to size, features, and a sprinkle of personal preference.
Now, before you think you need to scour countless reviews and forums, don’t sweat it. I’ve spent way too much time obsessed with all things air fryers, and I’m ready to spill my secrets with you! Let’s begin!
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What Is The Best Air Fryer For One Person?
You see all those 6-quart and even 8-quart monsters? As tempting as they are, resist. They’re simply overkill when you’re just serving up dinner for one. The best air fryer for one person size-wise, is usually in the 2- to 4-quart range.
Here’s a secret. The actual cooking surface area matters more than the stated capacity. A tall basket with a tiny bottom won’t cook your food as evenly as a wider, shorter one, even if the advertised capacity is the same.
Think about what you normally cook. One or two chicken thighs? A handful of veggies? You won’t need much room for that. The best small air fryers are more compact, take up less counter space, and are way easier to clean - wins all around.
Choosing the right type of air fryer
I bet you’re picturing the standard square basket-style air fryers when you think of them. Well, they’re great - no doubt. They’re simple, efficient, and work wonders for things like chicken wings and French fries.
But there’s another contender, my friend - the air fryer toaster oven. Imagine an appliance that not only air fries but can toast your bread, bake a small pizza, and even roast vegetables. These air fryer toaster ovens cook quickly and efficiently while being space-saving. Intrigued? I was. That’s why I now proudly own one of these versatile machines.
For a solo cook, it’s often the more practical choice. Sure, it might cost a little more than a basic basket fryer, but the added versatility is a total game-changer for me.
Related: Is Air Fryer Healthier than Oven
What to look for when choosing the best air fryer for one person?
Let’s cut through the clutter and focus on the must-haves for a solo cook like yourself. I’ll break it down so that choosing an air fryer feels less like navigating a minefield:
When considering all the air fryers available, it's important to look at different features, functions, and cleaning options to make the best selection.
Consider your cooking habits and space
You gotta ask yourself - are you the type of person who primarily loves snacks, appetizers, and small meals? Or do you occasionally whip up a slightly larger dish that needs more space?
A 2-quart air fryer works, like this Chefman TurboFry can be the perfect match for your cooking tasks if you’re strictly in the snack and small meals territory. For me, the convenience of the air fryer toaster oven shines as it gives me the ability to cook more substantial dishes on those occasions when I’m feeling extra ambitious in the kitchen.
Now, if your kitchen space is as precious as a New York City apartment, you’ll definitely want a model that’s sleek, compact, and can easily be stashed away when not in use. Compact air fryers are perfect for this, offering excellent performance, ease of use, and easy cleaning, making that tiny counter space matter when you’re living the single life.
Don’t get distracted by too many bells and whistles
All those fancy preset buttons? They can look appealing, I know. For me, having precise temperature control and a timer is more than enough.
Look for dishwasher-safe components
This makes cleanup a breeze - believe me. If there’s anything worse than washing a mountain of dishes after cooking for one, it’s struggling to clean those pesky air fryer components. Look for a dishwasher-safe air fryer to make cleaning look less like a mountain and more like a walk in the park.
Small air fryer showdown - the Top Picks
Remember those days of sifting through endless reviews, paralyzed by decision fatigue? You don’t have to go through that. I’ve put together a little showdown of the small air fryers that actually work magic for solo cooks and small kitchens.
We’re not just listing them; we’re giving you the real lowdown, comparing sizes, capacities, and even the unique quirks I discovered along the way. Consider this your personal cheat sheet to air fryer bliss, tailor-made for someone like you. After all, we’re both looking for that perfect solution!
1. Best overall small air fryer for one: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
Yep, this one gets my top spot, no doubt. I was blown away when I first started using the 4-quart Ninja AF101 Air Fryer. The key? It combines the compactness of a smaller fryer with just enough cooking surface to handle a surprising amount of food.
You know those moments when you want fries AND chicken? This fryer handles it with ease. This is the best air fryer for one person who sometimes wants to cook for two.
| Type | Capacity | Dimensions | Functions |
| Basket | 4 Quarts | 8.5" x 12.1" x 11" | Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate |
2. Next in line: Instant Vortex Plus
If you are looking for overall functionality as well as a few options, the Instant Vortex Plus is your go-to! With 6 functions, and minimal storage space needed, this beauty is worth having in any kitchen!
| Type | Capacity | Dimensions | Functions |
| Basket | 4 Quarts | 10.2" x 13.03" x 11.02" | Crisp, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, Reheat |
3. Best budget pick for a solo cook: Chefman Small Compact Air Fryer
Looking for an air fryer that won’t dig into your personal life savings but still delivers crispy goodness? Look no further.
For less than 50 bucks, you’ll be surprised by this Chefman’s compact footprint and its ability to make wings and fries that rival those fancy, more expensive models. If you're all about those easy dials and straightforward cooking, this one’s your new best friend in the kitchen.
| Type | Capacity | Dimensions | Functions |
| Basket | 2 Quarts | 9.75" x 9.75" x 12.5" | Reheat, Air Fry |
4. The smallest champion for single servings: Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer
This Dashi Tasti is a marvel of efficiency. It’s small enough to tuck away discreetly in your cabinets, but it still cranks out impressive results. It's also my go-to for quick, solo meals that don't require a lot of fuss.
| Type | Capacity | Dimensions | Functions |
| Basket | 2.6 Quarts | 10.7" x 8.7" x 11.3" | Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Crisp |
5. For those craving air fryer AND toaster oven magic: Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven
I had to include this Ninja Foodi, couldn’t resist. Yeah, this is more of a toaster oven, but hear me out. You're getting a do-it-all champion here - air fry those French fries, then use the same appliance to toast a slice of bread for your garlic toast on the side.
For someone living the solo cook life, this awesome appliance streamlines those kitchen cooking adventures.
| Type | Capacity | Dimensions | Functions |
| Oven | 19.7 Cubic Inches | 19.72" x 14.96" x 7.56" | Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Bagel, Toast, Dehydrate, and Keep Warm |
Making the most of your small air fryer
Got that brand-new air fryer sitting proudly on your countertop? Great, but the adventure doesn't end there. Let's take a look at tricks and tips that transform you into a true air fryer wizard, conquering single-serve dishes like a boss.
I've been air frying solo for years, and these are the hacks I've learned the hard way. This isn't about fancy recipes; it’s about practical advice for someone who wants to use their small air fryer without burning their meals, maximizing those crispy results without ending up with a mountain of dirty dishes.
Check out these hacks: Air Fryer Hacks: Genius Ways to Use Your Air Fryer
Embrace the single-serve revolution
Frozen snacks like spring rolls and mozzarella sticks? Yep, air fryers are like the single person’s superpower. Want a single perfectly seared salmon filet? No problem. An air fryer makes everything fast and flavorful without feeling like you’re wasting precious ingredients or prepping a massive meal that'll sit in your fridge for days.
Keep things crispy
I always preheat my air fryer. Just like with a traditional oven, it helps you get that perfect golden-brown exterior without overcooking your food. For most of the smaller models, 5 minutes is all it takes. Another game changer? Use a bit of cooking spray or olive oil, just a light coating on your food to encourage even crisping.
Master the art of shaking
For most air fryers, the key to crispy and evenly cooked results is simple: Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures that your food cooks uniformly, especially if it's in a single layer.
Remember that chicken thigh experiment we talked about? You won’t need more than one in a well-chosen, small air fryer. But even smaller portions sometimes need a little shake to achieve ultimate crispy perfection.
Cleaning made easy
Here's the beautiful truth - a small air fryer, when used properly, is usually quite easy to clean. Remember, most air fryers these days have those wonderful non-stick coatings that are lifesavers. I have a ritual - after every air frying escapade, once the appliance has cooled down, I remove the basket, give it a gentle hand wash with soapy water, dry it, and pop it right back in.
If it's dishwasher safe? Even better. That's solo-cook efficiency at its finest. No fuss, no soaking, and most importantly, no caked-on messes that make you question the whole "convenience" thing about an air fryer.
Related: Where to Put Your Air Fryer in the Kitchen for Best Results
FAQ's
For one person, a 2 to 4-quart air fryer is usually the sweet spot. Aim for an air fryer basket that is wide enough to cook your desired quantity in a single layer for better airflow and crispiness. If you plan to make slightly larger portions or occasionally cook for two people, consider opting for the upper end of this range (closer to 4 quarts).
Many air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and convenient after cooking your favorite dishes.
Convection ovens and air fryers both use hot air circulation, but air fryers are more compact and efficient for smaller portions and quick meals.
While it’s tricky to pinpoint one universally “best” air fryer (remember everyone has different preferences.), the Ninja AF101 often steals the show. The larger, 6-quart version took top honors when we did a test for the best overall air fryer. It's well-designed, versatile, and delivers consistent results for both novices and experienced air fryer users.
Conclusion
Finding the best air fryer for one person can change your solo-cooking game. Now you can enjoy quick, flavorful meals and avoid wasting food. Consider size, features, and how you typically cook to find your ideal match. I have total confidence you'll be air frying delicious solo meals in no time. Happy Air Frying!
Annemieke Lommaert-Blondeel
I have a terrific Princess Airfryer. It doesn't have one or two baskets at the bottom, just one oven-like space with three baskets and a drip tray underneath. It also has a rotating basket for fries, a small rotisserie attachment, and cooks chicken thighs, roast potatoes and a green vegetable for 2 people all at the same time. Baskets etc are dishwasher proof. What is not to like?