Choosing a compact, space-saving air fryer for small kitchens is exceptionally reasonable. Instead of bulky devices, small air fryers are increasingly popular because of their convenience and low price.
Over the past three years, we have tested more than 20 small air fryers from many different brands priced under £50. We evaluated all air fryers on factors such as capacity, design, cleaning ability, and especially the taste of the food. Finally, we have found the top 10 best small air fryers today.
Top 10 Best Small Air Fryers in UK 2024
- Salter EK2817 2L Compact Air Fryer – Hot Air Circulation
- Russell Hobbs 4L Rapid Digital Air Fryer
- Tower T17025 Vortx Compact Air Fryer with Rapid Air Circulation 1.5L
- Tower T17126WHT Vortx Air Fryer with Manual Controls 1500W – 3.8L
- Chefman 2L Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer
- Russell Hobbs Compact Rapid Digital Air Fryer 1.8L
- Daewoo Manual Air Fryer 2L
- Midea Air Fryer 1150 Watt 2 L
- Chefman TurboFry 2-Litre Small Air Fryer
Salter EK2817 2L Compact Air Fryer – Hot Air Circulation
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact, suitable for small families, singles | Need to shake food a few times during cooking |
| Comes with a cooking guide | |
| Cheap price of only £33 |
If you are looking for a quality air fryer at a low price, you cannot ignore the Salter EK2817 Compact. It is one of the cheapest products we tested in the UK.
With seven pre-set cooking modes, you can cook popular dishes such as fries, chicken, steak, and cakes with just one turn. In addition, the pot capacity of 2L is large enough to cook for single households, students, or newlyweds.
The heat-insulated handle, overheating protection, and automatic shut-off will help you feel secure when using it without worrying about problems. However, to cook food evenly, you should shake the food a few times during cooking.
Capacity: 2L | Power: 1000 Watt | Dimensions: 9.3D x 9.3W x 12H cm
Russell Hobbs 4L Rapid Digital Air Fryer
| Pros | Cons |
| Larger capacity than other products | Easy to get fingerprints on the pot’s shell |
| Has a touch screen and preset modes | |
| The frying basket can be washed in the dishwasher | |
The second in our list of the most highly rated small air fryers is the Russell Hobbs 4L. In the same segment under £50, the product has twice the capacity of other air fryers. It is also equipped with a touch screen and ten preset cooking modes, only available in the high-end segment.
With a capacity of 4L, it is large enough to hold 800g of fries or three chicken thighs. After frying, the potatoes are evenly golden, crispy on the outside, and moist on the inside, not dry like in a conventional oven. However, when frying the broccoli, it is a bit burnt at the top, and the stem is a bit hard.
After a month of continuous use with Russell, we found that its only drawback is that it quickly leaves fingerprints on the pot’s shell. But you can wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Capacity: 4L | Power: 1350 watts | Dimensions: 34D x 25.2W x 25.6Hcm
Tower T17025 Vortx Compact Air Fryer with Rapid Air Circulation 1.5L
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact, beautiful design, suitable for families of 1-2 people | 900W may not be strong enough to cook frozen or large dishes. |
| Save cooking time, replace oven or microwave | The frying basket can be difficult to clean if food is stuck. |
| Delicious food, less oil | |
The Tower brand is one of the most popular brands in the UK. Their products are highly appreciated for their quality, design, and low price, and the Tower T17025 Vortx Compact Air Fryer is no exception.
With a capacity of 1.5L, this pot is compact, about the size of a blender in the kitchen. I think this pot is just suitable for those who live alone. The design of the Tower air fryer is also quite simple, with a knob to adjust the time and temperature, easy to operate even for first-time users. Rapid Air Circulation technology is the point that our team appreciates the most. Just put the food on the tray, adjust the time and temperature, and wait 10-15 minutes for a delicious crispy dish. A big plus is that the pot does not need much cooking oil, but the food is still crispy and tasty, like deep-fried. The feeling of eating delicious food is also good for your health.
One thing I am not satisfied with the Tower T17025 Vortx Compact Air Fryer is that the capacity is relatively small and not strong enough to cook frozen dishes quickly.
Capacity: 1.5L | Power: 900 watts | Dimensions: 22D x 29W x 30H cm
COSORI Air Fryer Oven With Rapid Air Circulation 3.5L
| Pros | Cons |
| Larger capacity than other small fryers | Slightly high price |
| Has 13 preset functions | |
| Large capacity, equal to a large fryer | |
If the above air fryers have small capacities and basic functions, this air fryer from Cosori is a miniature version of a high-end fryer. It has a spacious 3.5L capacity and is suitable for a family of 2-3 people.
An electronic control screen with 13 preset cooking functions allows you to cook a hot, delicious dish with just one touch. In particular, when buying a pot, you will receive 100 free recipes from Cosori. We tried cooking 10 random recipes in the book, adjusting the temperature and time according to the instructions. The dish was quite delicious.
If you are not too fond of cleaning up after cooking, don’t worry. The frying basket is detachable and dishwasher-safe. A minor point to note is that you should not use stiff brushes to scrub because they can scratch the non-stick coating.
Capacity: 3.8L | Power: 1500 watts | Dimensions: 27.3D x 27.3W x 31.1H
Tower T17126WHT Vortx Air Fryer with Manual Controls 1500W – 3.8L
| Pros | Cons |
| 1500W power for cooking a variety of ingredients | Manual controls are a bit less convenient than fryers with electronic displays. |
| 80-200°C temperature control for delicious results | |
| Low or no oil needed for healthy cooking | |
If you are looking for a larger-capacity air fryer to serve the whole family, the Tower T17126WHT is the perfect choice. With a capacity of 3.8L, this pot easily meets the cooking needs of 4-5 people. Especially at only 36 GBP, this product has received many positive reviews from experts.
The highlight of the T17126WHT is the sophisticated ivory-white design, which brings modern beauty and luxury to your kitchen space. Also, the unique Vortex technology helps hot air flow evenly around the food, shortening cooking time by up to 30% compared to traditional ovens.
Through practical testing, we have proven this product’s outstanding efficiency when baking 500g of French fries, 500g of chicken thighs, and 400g of other vegetables simultaneously.
Capacity: 3.8L | Power: 1500 Watt | Dimensions: 30.7D x 26W x 28.6H cm
Chefman 2L Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer
| Pros | Cons |
| Modern technology, automatic shutdown when time is up | Weak capacity, long cooking time |
| Luxurious, compact design, suitable for many kitchen spaces | |
After testing many cheap small air fryers, we found that the Chefman Mini Compact Air Fryer 2L stands out. At £41, it has beaten many other competitors, such as Cosori and Ninja, in the same segment.
The first strength is the ability to cook food evenly and deliciously. The fried chicken in the Chefman has a crispy crust on the outside, sweet on the inside, and a rich flavor like being baked in a traditional oven. As for the fries, they cook quickly; some of the top slices may be slightly yellow.
Although it only has a capacity of 2L, the Chefman Mini is still equipped with modern technology for high-end lines, with the ability to adjust temperature automatically, timer mode when turning off, and alarm sound. The electronic touch screen with two functions to change the time and temperature of the device is also highly appreciated. It only took me 2 minutes to get used to the operations.
Capacity: 2L | Power: 900 Watt | Dimensions: 25.1D x 25.6W x 27H cm
Russell Hobbs Compact Rapid Digital Air Fryer 1.8L
| Pros | Cons |
| Cooks faster than an oven | More expensive than other products of the same capacity |
| Requires little or no oil | |
| Beautiful design | |
The product with the preset function we like the most is the Russell Hobbs Compact Rapid Digital Air Fryer 1.8L. This product is really convenient for those who like to cook quickly with little oil but still ensure flavor.
The pot has a capacity of 1.8L, is suitable for cooking for one to two people, and is ideal for light meals or side dishes. The cooking performance is quite good; the cooking time is much faster than when we use a conventional oven. We tried making french fries, fried chicken, and even salmon – all of which kept the outside crispy and the inside soft and moist. With Rapid Air technology, the pot helps distribute heat evenly without overcooking in any corner, ensuring even crispiness when finished. The fryer has a non-stick coating, so food doesn’t stick to the bottom or sides of the pot, making it easy to clean. The frying basket is removable and dishwasher-safe, but I usually just wipe it with warm water. This is convenient for busy or lazy days, as it only takes a few minutes after cooking to clean the pot thoroughly.
However, the Russell Hobbs Compact Rapid Digital Air Fryer 1.8L is quite expensive, at £41, compared to other fryers of the same capacity.
Capacity: 1.8L | Power: 1100 Watts | Dimensions: 24.5D x 24.5W x 30H cm
Daewoo Manual Air Fryer 2L
| Pros | Cons |
| More energy efficient than other products | Few automatic functions |
| Easy to adjust temperature and time | |
We have been using the Daewoo Manual Air Fryer 2L for the past few weeks and found it a good product for a small family. What impressed us most was its energy-saving ability.
The Daewoo Manual Air Fryer 2L has a compact capacity, suitable for a family of 2-3 people. I tried baking many types of food, such as french fries, chicken, fish, and vegetables, all of which were cooked evenly, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With easy temperature and time adjustment, this pot allows me to adjust to each type of food flexibly. Another plus is the fast cooking speed. With a capacity of 800-1000W, the cooking time is significantly shorter than that of a conventional oven, saving a lot of time.
One of the reasons I chose the Daewoo air fryer was to reduce the amount of oil used when cooking. Not only does it save oil, but it also consumes less electricity than I thought.
Capacity: 2L | Power: 900 Watt | Dimensions: 25.6D x 21.1W x 26.7H cm
Midea Air Fryer 1150 Watt 2 L
| Pros | Cons |
| One of the cheapest products | No electronic display |
| Easy to clean | |
| Easy to use | |
If you want a Christmas gift for friends or newlyweds, you cannot ignore the Midea Air Fryer 1150W 2L. This pot is not only beautiful in appearance but also healthy and convenient for the recipient. This is especially true on holidays or special days when we want to express our concern and care for the health of our loved ones.
With a capacity of 1150W and 2 liters, this pot helps me cook many dishes without oil, minimizing the amount of cooking oil, and it is suitable for those who want to eat healthily. When cooking, there is no feeling of oil like traditional frying. Dishes like french fries, chicken wings, and even grilled fish all have a crispy outer layer but are still soft and juicy on the inside, not dry. This helps me eat comfortably without worrying about gaining weight or affecting my health.
However, if the temperature and time are not controlled when grilling vegetables, they can easily burn on the outside, become mushy on the inside, and lose their natural sweetness.
Capacity: 2L | Power: 1150 Watt | Dimensions: 21.8D x 23.2W x 21.8H cm
Chefman TurboFry 2-Litre Small Air Fryer
| Pros | Cons |
| Top safety among air fryers | No preset cooking function |
| Automatic shut-off when overheating | |
Topping the list of the most highly rated small air fryers for safety is the Chefman TurboFry 2-Litre. This fryer is designed with a well-insulated outer shell. When cooking at high temperatures, the outside of the pot is still not too hot, so it is very safe to place on the kitchen counter or any surface. The pot handle also does not get hot when cooking, making removing the tray easy without worrying about burns.
The Chefman TurboFry has an automatic shut-off feature when the frying tray is removed or overheated. This is a big plus, helping to prevent the pot from exploding if you accidentally forget to pay attention. This automatic shut-off feature worked very effectively when I pulled the frying tray out in the middle of the cooking process to check the food. The pot will automatically turn off when the tray is removed and automatically resume operation when the tray is reinstalled, helping avoid the risk of steam burns and ensuring safety during cooking.
Another plus is that the frying tray is coated with a non-stick layer that does not contain PFOA – a chemical that can be harmful when exposed for a long time. Thanks to that, you will feel more secure because the food will not stick and is not detrimental to your health, and it is easy to clean after use.
Capacity: 2L | Power: 1000 Watt | Dimensions: 20.3D x 22.9W x 27.9H cm
How to choose a small air fryer
When choosing a small air fryer, consider a few factors to find the product that best suits your needs.
- Capacity: Capacity is the most crucial factor when choosing an air fryer. You should consider how many people you usually cook for and how much food you need to prepare. If you live alone or in a small family, a pot with 1.5 – 2 liters capacity is enough. If you need to prepare more food, you can choose a pot with 3-4 liters capacity.
- Power: The larger the capacity, the faster the air fryer heats up and cooks food. However, a large capacity also means consuming more electricity. You should choose a product with a capacity of 900-1500W.
- Features: Other useful features include a timer, temperature control, automatic cooking modes, and an easy-to-remove and clean frying basket. These features not only save you time but also enhance your cooking experience.
- Material: Air fryers are usually made of stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic. Choose safe, durable, and easy-to-clean materials to ensure the health of your family.
- Price: A small air fryer usually costs under £50, depending on the capacity, features, and brand.
Instructions for use and maintenance of small air fryer
Follow these instructions for use and maintenance to ensure that your small air fryer works effectively and lasts a long time.
Step 1: Before first use
Before first use, clean the pot with dishwashing liquid and warm water, then wipe it dry to remove dirt and unpleasant odors from production.
Step 2: Use properly
Read the instructions carefully before starting the machine. Never pour oil directly into the pot, which can damage the device. Instead, brush a thin layer of oil on the food if necessary.
Step 3: Clean after each use
After use, let the pot cool down before cleaning. Disassemble the removable parts and wash them with dishwashing liquid and warm water. Dry the parts before reassembling to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
Step 4: Proper Storage
Always keep the air fryer in a cool, dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Cover it tightly or store it in a box to prevent dust and dirt when not in use.
Step 5: Avoid substantial impacts
Finally, avoid dropping or hitting the air fryer. Doing so may damage the internal components and affect the product’s performance.
Frequently asked questions about small air fryers
What capacity air fryer should one person use?
A capacity of 1.5 – 2 liters is completely suitable for one person. An air fryer with this capacity will prepare simple, quick dishes for one person. You can cook up to 500g of French fries, two chicken thighs, and 1 slice of pizza at a time.
What capacity air fryer should two people use?
You can choose an air fryer with a capacity of 2 – 3.5 liters for two people. This capacity allows you to prepare more dishes for two people and cook for occasions when friends and relatives visit.
What can I cook with a small air fryer?
The small air fryer has the same features as a regular air fryer can replace the oven and microwave, helping you prepare a variety of dishes, including:
- Fried dishes: French fries, fried chicken, fried fish, fried shrimp, etc.
- Grilled dishes: Toast, grilled meat, grilled vegetables, etc.
- Steamed dishes: Steamed chicken, steamed fish, steamed vegetables, etc.
- Roasted dishes: Roasted chicken, roasted duck, etc.
- Other dishes: Baking, popcorn, etc.
Above are our reviews of the Top 10 best small air fryers on the market. Hopefully, this article will help you choose a quality product that suits your needs.
