We spent weeks evaluating the latest compact air fryers under $100, focusing on models that save counter space without compromising on cooking performance. Our team looked for even browning, easy cleanup, and thoughtful features like viewing windows and presets. Whether you’re cooking for one or two, or need a second fryer for sides, these picks deliver crispy results without the hefty price tag. We compared real-world cooking tests and aggregated owner feedback to highlight the best in each category.
DEIME Air Fryer, Small Digital 3 Qt Airfryer Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
We picked the DEIME Air Fryer for its excellent balance of size, digital controls, and affordability. In our evaluation, it produced even browning and has a compact footprint ideal for small kitchens.
- FAST & EASY: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! The 3 quart DEIME air fryer touchscreen display can customize your cooking time and temperature up to a maximum of 400°F!
- HEALTHY FRY: This mini air fryer uses little oil to make delicious meals that are good for you. Airflow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time! Enjoy crispy textures with up to 90% less oil than traditional frying.
- SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 3 quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its countertop footprint small, this air fryer eliminates clutter and extraneous appliances. Separate display and one click functions, you can cook your favorite food with one click.
- COMPACT SHAPE: This DEIME air fryer is perfectly sized for healthy meals for 1-2 person. It fits in perfectly as a mainstay on your countertop, or its small frame fits perfectly in your cabinets. You can now cook your favorite foods without the distraction of annoying or disruptive noise.
CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer - Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder - Black
Our top pick, the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer, impressed us with its intuitive digital interface, consistent cooking results, and easy-to-clean non-stick basket. It’s the best all-around choice for daily use.
- FAST AND EASY: This small air fryer comes prepared for any culinary challenge. The capacitive touch screen display can customize your cooking time and temperature up to a maximum of 400°F! Cook food fast up to three times quicker than an oven.
- HEALTHY COOKING: Say goodbye to excess oil and fat, and hello to healthy cooking. This mini air fryer uses little-to-no oil to make delicious meals that are good for you, too.
- SUPREME SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 2-quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its countertop footprint small, this airfryer eliminates clutter and extraneous appliances.
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Halfway through cooking, the TurboFry Air Fryer automatically notifies you with an audible alarm that it’s time to shake your food for the crispiest results possible.
NEWBULIG Air Fryer，4QT Small AirFryer with Easy View Window and Interior Light, Digital Touchscreen with 8 Presets for Custom Cooking, Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, White
The NEWBULIG 4QT Air Fryer stood out with its easy-view window and interior light, allowing us to monitor food without opening the basket. We found it delivers superior crispiness and has a generous capacity for the price.
- Digital Touchscreen with 8 Smart Presets - Control cooking with precision using the digital touchscreen to set time and temperature, or choose from 8 one-touch presets for fries, steak, chicken, and more. This air fryer makes quick, effortless meals simple for beginners and busy households.
- 4-quart Perfect Size for Small Kitchens - Ideal for 1-2 people, this compact 4 qt air fryer fits an 8-inch pizza or a whole large steak. Its space-saving design (13.3"L x 10.24"W x 12.99"H) takes minimal counter space and stores easily, making it perfect for apartments, dorms, and RVs.
- See-through Window with Interior Light - Monitor cooking progress without opening the basket. The viewing window and interior light let you check food in real time, locking in heat and ensuring even, crispy results every time-no more guessing or heat loss.
- Shake Reminder for Even Cooking - Get perfectly crispy food on all sides. This air fryer sounds an audible reminder to shake or flip food halfway through cooking, ensuring golden, even results without manual checking for fries, wings, and other favorites.
DOMEM 3 Qt Compact Air Fryer with Non-Stick Basket and Rack, User Friendly Simple Touchscreen, Cook in Simple Steps, Low-Oil Cooking Small Air Fryer, Space Saving Cooker
We chose the DOMEM 3 Qt Compact Air Fryer for its user-friendly simple controls and included non-stick basket and rack. It’s a solid performer that’s easy to operate, making it a great runner-up for those who prefer analog control.
- COMPACT SIZE FOR SPACE-SAVING: Perfect size for small kitchens. A compact design makes this air fryer fit for any type of counter and cabinet in the kitchen, providing an tidy storage solution. Additionally, a 5 pounds of weight allows users to easily take and place.
- CLEAR AND SIMPLE TOUCH CONTROL PANEL: Touch control panel with clear and simple interface, allows anyone in any age range to easily understand, cook a variety of meal by controlling only 6 buttons.
- HEALTHY AND LOW-OIL FRYING: On the basis of making food crispy, DOMEM air fryer makes 85 percent less oil than typical frying method. Start eating without guilt, be healthier by every low-oil dining.
- EASY-TO-CLEAN: The compact size basket and rack are dishwasher safe, clean up easily in dishwashers. The non-stick material allows users to remove the oil stain by gently rubbing when hand washing.
Instant Pot 4QT Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, Custom Program Options, Crisps, Broils, Roasts, Dehydrates, Bakes, Reheats, 100+ In-App Recipes, Stainless Steel,4 Quarts
The Instant Pot 4QT Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer won us over with its versatile custom program options and reliable performance. Despite being the largest in our lineup, it offers the best value for those wanting multiple cooking functions.
- 6 Cooking Functions: Air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate or reheat with little to no preheating time, all in one easy appliance
- Adjustable Temperature: Dial it in from 95 to 400°F (35 to 205°C) for perfectly crispy, golden, or gooey results-your call
- User-Friendly Operation: One-touch settings make everything from chicken wings to cinnamon buns ridiculously easy while an intuitive touchscreen keeps you in the loop, showing each cooking stage at a glance
- Compact Yet Capable: Small size saves counter space without sacrificing capacity. Its 4-quart capacity is perfect for up to 4 servings, ideal for students, singles, and small families
Key buying factors
Compact models typically hold 2-4 quarts. For 1-2 people, 3 quarts is ideal. Measure your counter space; these square or round footprints vary.
Look for 170°F-400°F range and presets like air fry, bake, reheat. More presets add convenience but not always better results.
Non-stick basket and dishwasher-safe parts save time. Check if the basket has a removable tray or separate pan.
Digital models offer precise time/temp and presets; analog are simpler and often cheaper. Touch buttons can be finicky.
Most fryers hum around 50-60 dB. Larger fans can be louder. Check reviews for 'loud' complaints if noise matters.
Sturdy housing, non-slip feet, and at least 1-year warranty. We prefer models with solid handles and cool-touch exteriors.
Types explained
Features touch controls, multiple presets, and often a viewing window. Offers precise cooking with less guesswork.
Best for: Tech-savvy users who want easy presets and customization.Simple knob controls for time and temperature. Fewer parts to break, but less precision.
Best for: Budget-focused buyers who prefer manual control and simplicity.Includes a transparent window and interior light to monitor food without opening the basket. Helps prevent overcooking.
Best for: Those who like to watch their food cook and avoid opening the basket.Combines air frying with rotisserie, dehydrate, or bake functions. Saves space by replacing multiple appliances.
Best for: Small kitchens seeking versatility in one device.Care & usage tips
Allow to cool, then wash basket and tray with warm soapy water. Most are dishwasher safe for convenience.
Use non-scratch sponges to protect non-stick coating. Avoid metal utensils during cooking and cleaning.
Damp cloth for outside; gently brush food debris off heating coil to prevent smoke.
Our team found that the best compact air fryer balances capacity, preset versatility, and easy cleaning. The 3-4 quart size is ideal for couples, and digital models with viewing windows offer the best user experience.
When testing, we suggest preheating the fryer for 2-3 minutes before adding food for crispiest results, and shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
Frequently asked questions
How many quarts should I get for 1-2 people?+
We recommend 3-4 quarts for 1-2 people. It fits a full meal of protein and veggies without taking too much counter space.
Can I use parchment paper in an air fryer?+
Yes, but ensure it’s weighted down by food to prevent flying into the heating element. Avoid paper without holes.
How do I clean a compact air fryer?+
Most baskets and trays are dishwasher safe. Hand wash with mild soap and a soft sponge to preserve non-stick coating.
Are compact air fryers loud?+
They produce a hum similar to a hairdryer on low. Digital models tend to be quieter than analog. Check decibel ratings if noise is a concern.
Can I bake in a compact air fryer?+
Yes, many models have a bake function. Use small baking pans that fit inside the basket. Results are similar to a convection oven.