Best Air Fryer For One Person

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Cooking for one doesn’t mean you need a big, bulky appliance taking up space in your kitchen. A compact air fryer can help you prepare quick, crispy, and healthy meals without wasting food, energy, or time. Whether you live alone, have a small kitchen, or simply want an easy way to cook single portions, choosing the right air fryer makes all the difference. If you’re new to air frying, it helps to understand what an air fryer is and how it compares to a traditional oven in our air fryer vs conventional oven guide.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best air fryers for one person, focusing on size, capacity, ease of use, and overall value. By the end, you’ll know exactly which model fits your lifestyle and cooking needs—so you can enjoy perfectly cooked meals every time.

Top Picks of Air Fryers for 1 person

Brand

Title

Rating

Cosori

COSORI Air Fryer 2.1 QT, Small & Mini 4-in-1 airfryer

FZGhome

Compact Air Fryer Small 2QT, 4-in-1 Small Mini Airfryer

FZGhome

Compact Air Fryer Small, 2.1QT, 4-in-1 Small Mini Airfryer Compact

COSORI 2.1QT Mini Air Fryer Review (Ideal for 1 Person)

Special Feature4 Cooking Functions, 97% Less Oil, Automatic Shut-Off, In-App Recipes with Nutrition Facts, Programmable, Temperature Control, Timer
Product Dimensions10.1″D x 8.3″W x 10.5″H
ColorGrey
Capacity2.1 Quarts
MaterialAluminum, Non-stick

The COSORI 2.1QT Mini Air Fryer is a compact, lightweight solution designed for solo cooks, students, seniors, and anyone with limited kitchen space. Its small footprint makes it especially popular for dorm rooms, apartments, RVs, and trucks, while still offering enough versatility for everyday meals and snacks.

This mini air fryer features Air Fry, Reheat, Roast, and Bake functions, making it suitable for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or quick late-night snacks. Thanks to its compact basket, it heats up faster than larger air fryers, helping reduce cooking time and making it easier to prepare meals after work or during busy days.

Weighing just 4.87 lbs, the COSORI is easy to lift, move, and store—an advantage for seniors who prefer something lighter than traditional cookware or full-size ovens. It also allows you to cook with up to 97% less oil compared to deep frying, making it a healthier option for fries, vegetables, wings, and frozen foods.

The 2.1-quart capacity is best suited for 1 person or couples, not large families. Users consistently mention that it works exceptionally well for roasted vegetables, frozen snacks, fish, biscuits, and reheating leftovers. While smaller foods can brown quickly at the default temperature, most users report that adjusting time and temperature is easy after a short learning curve. Cooking smaller portions requires the right settings—otherwise food can dry out, which we explain in why air fryer food comes out dry. The Reheat mode is especially useful for bringing leftovers like pizza, fries, and wings back to a crispy texture without drying them out—something a microwave can’t achieve. Cleanup is simple thanks to the non-stick basket, which many long-term users say remains in great condition with regular washing.

With compact dimensions (10.1 x 8.3 x 10.5 inches) and 900W power, the COSORI Mini Air Fryer is a reliable choice for small kitchens, provided there is proper airflow clearance during use.

  • Compact and dorm-friendly design
  • Lightweight (4.87 lbs), easy for seniors to handle
  • Fast heating and quick cooking
  • Uses up to 97% less oil than deep frying
  • Reheat function restores crispiness to leftovers
  • Great for single servings or couples
  • Easy to clean non-stick basket
  • Perfect for apartments, RVs, and small counters
  • Proven durability in long-term user reviews

Verdict:

The COSORI 2.1QT Mini Air Fryer is an excellent choice for one person or a couple who wants quick, healthy meals without taking up much space. It heats fast, cooks evenly, and is easy to use and clean. While it’s not designed for large portions, its compact size, lightweight build, and reliable performance make it one of the best small air fryers for solo cooking. For users who want faster cooking and more even browning using infrared heating — even when cooking for one — we cover that experience in detail in our Tefal Infrared Air Fryer review.

2-Quart Mini Air Fryer Review (Great for 1 Person or Small Spaces)

Special FeatureAutomatic Shut-Off, Stain Resistant, Temperature Control, Timer
Product Dimensions7.48″D x 7.48″W x 10.63″H
ColorBlack
Capacity2 Quarts
MaterialAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Metal, Polypropylene (PP)

This 2-quart mini air fryer is built for people who want fast, crispy results without sacrificing counter space. Using Extra-Crisp Air Crisp Technology, it circulates superheated air up to 400°F, cooking food up to 3× faster than a traditional oven while delivering a crunchy exterior and juicy interior.

Designed with solo cooks in mind, this small air fryer allows you to enjoy fried-style foods with up to 98% less fat than deep frying. It performs especially well with frozen foods like fries, nuggets, and snacks, making it ideal for quick meals without excess oil or mess.

Its space-saving design makes it a smart choice for tiny apartments, dorm rooms, or as a secondary air fryer for single servings. Despite the compact footprint, the round basket feels roomier than expected and comfortably handles meals for 1–2 people.

Operation is refreshingly simple. With two manual knobs—one for temperature and one for time—there’s virtually no learning curve. This makes it especially suitable for seniors, beginners, or anyone who prefers physical controls over digital menus. Several users note that cooking is faster than an oven and doesn’t heat up the kitchen, which is a huge benefit during warmer months.

Cleaning is easy thanks to the nonstick basket and crisper plate, both of which are dishwasher safe. Users also appreciate that the handle stays cool during cooking and that the unit runs quietly without producing smoke.

That said, the small capacity means it’s best for single meals, not batch cooking or leftovers. Some users mention that the control dials can be hard to turn with wet or greasy hands, and others recommend being mindful of the nonstick coating to maintain long-term durability.

Overall, this mini air fryer is a practical, no-nonsense option for anyone who wants quick, crispy food in single-serving portions.

  • Compact 2-quart size, perfect for 1 person or couples
  • Cooks up to 3× faster than an oven
  • Uses up to 98% less fat than deep frying
  • Simple two-knob control (great for seniors & beginners)
  • Doesn’t heat up the kitchen
  • Quiet operation with no smoke
  • Nonstick basket and crisper plate
  • Dishwasher-safe parts
  • Excellent for frozen foods, snacks, and quick meals
  • Ideal for dorms, small apartments, and second kitchens

Verdict:

This 2-quart mini air fryer is an excellent choice for anyone cooking for one who wants fast, crispy results without cluttering their kitchen. It’s simple to use, quick to heat, and perfect for single-serving meals, dorm living, or as a compact secondary air fryer. While the capacity is limited, it delivers reliable performance and great value for solo cooking.

2.1QT Compact Air Fryer Review (Best for One Person & RV Living)

Special FeatureAutomatic Shut-Off, Stain Resistant, Temperature Control, Timer
Product Dimensions6.97″D x 6.97″W x 10.83″H
ColorBlack
Capacity2.1 Quarts
MaterialAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Metal, Polypropylene (PP)

This 2.1QT compact air fryer is designed for people who want powerful performance in a small, clutter-free appliance. Using Extra-Crisp Air Crisp Technology, superheated air circulates up to 395°F, cooking food up to 3× faster than a traditional oven while delivering a crispy outside and tender inside.

Built for 1–2 people, this mini air fryer is especially popular among RV owners, college students, and anyone living in a studio apartment or small kitchen. Its smart design maximizes the 2.1-quart capacity while keeping the footprint minimal, making it easy to store in cabinets when not in use.

The 4-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Reheat) adds impressive versatility for such a compact unit. Users report excellent results with fries, nuggets, roasted vegetables, reheated leftovers, baked eggs, and even small cakes. Reheated foods—especially fries—come out crispy instead of soggy, a major improvement over microwaves.Operation is intentionally simple. With two manual knobs for temperature and time, there’s virtually no learning curve. This makes it an excellent choice for seniors, beginners, or anyone who prefers physical controls over digital menus. A bell chimes when cooking is done, allowing for hands-off convenience.

Cleaning is fast and easy thanks to the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate. Users also appreciate the quiet operation, solid build quality, and consistent performance even after daily use. Given its affordable price point, many consider it a great value—and a thoughtful gift for students or first-time cooks.

While it’s powerful for its size, this air fryer is best suited for single meals or portion-controlled cooking. Some users note it can run hotter than the displayed temperature and may produce a slight plastic smell during the first few uses, which typically fades.

  • Compact 2.1QT size, ideal for 1 person or couples
  • Cooks up to 3× faster than a conventional oven
  • Uses up to 98% less oil than deep frying
  • 4-in-1 functions: Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Reheat
  • Extremely simple two-knob controls
  • Quiet operation
  • Great for RVs, dorms, and studio apartments
  • Reheats leftovers better than a microwave
  • Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket
  • Excellent value for the price

Verdict:

This 2.1QT compact air fryer is an excellent choice for solo cooks who want fast, crispy results without sacrificing space. It’s powerful, easy to use, and perfect for portion control, RV living, or small kitchens. While the capacity is limited, its simplicity, versatility, and performance make it one of the best small air fryers for one person.

Conclusion

Choosing the best air fryer for one person comes down to size, simplicity, and efficiency. A compact air fryer is perfect for quick meals, portion control, and small kitchens, whether you live alone, in a dorm, or travel in an RV. The models covered in this guide prove that you don’t need a large or expensive appliance to enjoy crispy, delicious food with little to no oil.

If you value easy controls, fast cooking, and minimal cleanup, a 2–2.1QT air fryer is more than enough for everyday use. These small air fryers heat quickly, take up very little counter space, and are ideal for reheating leftovers, cooking frozen foods, or preparing fresh meals without turning on a full-size oven. Small air fryers are also surprisingly good for personal-size pizza, whether you’re reheating slices or cooking a single-serving fresh pizza. Even a small air fryer needs proper airflow, so make sure you’re placing it correctly—here’s a simple guide on where to place an air fryer in the kitchen.

Ultimately, the best air fryer for one person is the one that fits your lifestyle and cooking habits. Whether you prioritize simplicity, versatility, or portability, investing in the right compact air fryer can make solo cooking faster, healthier, and more enjoyable every day.