Best Air Fryers for One Person of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Air fryers are a great option for individuals who want to cook healthier meals without sacrificing taste. These appliances use hot air to fry food, rather than oil, resulting in crispy and delicious dishes. They are also convenient for single-person households as they come in smaller sizes that can fit on a countertop. Air fryers offer a variety of cooking options, from frying to baking and roasting, making them versatile for a range of meals. With easy-to-use controls and quick cooking times, air fryers are a great addition to any kitchen.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer Oven Cover #TOP 1
DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer Oven
ftb score rating icon 9.9
CHEFMAN Small, Compact Air Fryer Healthy Cooking Cover #TOP 2
CHEFMAN Small, Compact Air Fryer Healthy Cooking
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Chefman 4 QT Air Fryer Cover #TOP 3
Chefman 4 QT Air Fryer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 3 Air Fryers for One Person

DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer Oven

DCAF200GBAQ02
Aqua
2.6 Qt.
DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer Oven Cover
DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer Oven, 2.6 Qt., Aqua – Compact Air Fryer for Healthier Food in Minutes, Ideal for Small Spaces - Auto Shut Off, Analog, 1000-Watt

The DASH Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer is an inexpensive, lightweight, and compact air fryer that is perfect for small families or limited spaces. It is easy to use and clean, and comes with an instruction manual and some recipes. It has a 2.6-qt capacity fryer basket and a redesigned Crisper Basket that allows for greater surface area inside the Air Fryer so food gets more crisp, faster. The auto-shut off function prevents overcooking and the cool touch handle makes it easy to use. Customers have found it to be a great option for quick, tasty, no hassle meals with minimal cleanup.

What We Like
Inexpensive
Lightweight and compact
Easy to use and clean
2.6-qt capacity fryer basket
Redesigned Crisper Basket
Auto-shut off function
Cool touch handle
Quick, tasty, no hassle meals with minimal cleanup

CHEFMAN Small, Compact Air Fryer Healthy Cooking

TurboFry Black Air Fryer
Black - Manual
2 Quart
CHEFMAN Small, Compact Air Fryer Healthy Cooking Cover
CHEFMAN Small, Compact Air Fryer Healthy Cooking, 2 Qt, Nonstick, User Friendly and Adjustable Temperature Control w/ 60 Minute Timer & Auto Shutoff, Dishwasher Safe Basket, BPA - Free, Black

The Chefman Small, Compact Air Fryer is a great choice for those looking for a basic air fryer that is small and easy to use. It is perfect for one or two people and is great for reheating snacks, frozen food, and more. It is easy to clean and comes with a one year warranty. However, some users have reported a plastic smell and taste that does not go away, even after multiple cleanings.

What We Like
Small and compact size
Easy to use with two dials
Comes with a one year warranty
Easy to clean
Great for reheating snacks and frozen food

Chefman 4 QT Air Fryer

RJ38-4T-BLACK
Black
Chefman 4 QT Air Fryer Cover
Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black

The Chefman Air Fryer makes cooking quick and easy, allowing you to customize your meals with its digital touchscreen. You can choose from four preset functions for hassle-free one-touch cooking, ideal for serving 2-4 people. With its Hi-Fry Technology, you can reach temperatures up to 450°F, ensuring that your favorite dishes, like chicken tenders and French fries, come out perfectly crispy. Its compact design saves counter space while still offering a generous 4-quart capacity, making it a practical choice for any kitchen.

What We Like
Fast cooking times
Extra crispy results
Compact design
Easy to clean
Buying Guide Image

Deciding which Air Fryers for One Person is Best for Your House

Introduction

Air fryers are a great kitchen appliance for those who want to enjoy the taste of fried foods without the excess oil and calories. They work by circulating hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy and delicious texture without the need for deep-frying. If you're a single person looking to purchase an air fryer, there are a few key factors to consider before making your decision.

Capacity

One of the most important things to consider when choosing an air fryer for one person is the capacity. If you're only cooking for yourself, you don't need a large air fryer that can accommodate a whole chicken or a family-sized batch of fries. Instead, look for an air fryer with a smaller capacity, such as a 2-quart or 3.5-quart model. This will be the perfect size for cooking a single serving of food, such as a handful of chicken tenders or a small batch of vegetables.

Features

Another important factor to consider is the features of the air fryer. Some air fryers have additional functions, such as the ability to roast, bake, or grill, which can be useful if you want to expand your culinary repertoire. Other air fryers come with convenient features such as digital controls and pre-set cooking programs, which can make it easier to achieve consistent results. Take some time to research the different features available on different air fryer models, and choose one that has the functions that you think you'll use most often.

Price

When it comes to purchasing any appliance, price is always an important factor to consider. Air fryers can range in price from less than $50 to over $200, so it's important to determine your budget before you start shopping. In general, you can expect to get a decent air fryer for around $100. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that cheaper air fryers may not have as many features or as good of a performance as more expensive models. It's worth it to spend a little more to get an air fryer that will meet your needs and last for a long time.

Brand

When it comes to air fryers, there are many different brands on the market. Some of the most popular brands include Philips, Black+Decker, and Ninja. Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's worth doing some research to determine which one is the best fit for you. For example, Philips air fryers are known for their high-quality construction and advanced features, while Black+Decker air fryers are more affordable and have a good reputation for reliability. Ninja air fryers, on the other hand, are known for their versatile cooking capabilities and sleek design.

Conclusion

Choosing an air fryer for one person can be a daunting task, but by considering factors such as capacity, features, price, and brand, you can find the perfect air fryer for your needs. Whether you're looking for a simple, affordable model or a more advanced air fryer with additional functions, there's an option out there for you. Take some time to research and compare different models, and you'll be able to find an air fryer that will help you enjoy all of your favorite fried foods without the excess oil and calories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is an air fryer any good for one person?

Yes, an air fryer is a great option for one person. A compact-sized air fryer works well for one to two people. Basket-style air fryers are particularly suitable for small quantities and easy-to-shake foods like fries and veggies.

2. What I wish I knew before I get an air fryer?

Before getting an air fryer, it's good to know that you can use it to bake bread, it's excellent for steaks, and it's perfect for small-batch cookies. However, it might not be suitable for cooking big birds or frozen pizza. Also, using dry seasoning or wet batters can have varying results.

3. Is a 3.7 quart air fryer too small?

A 3.7-quart air fryer is a perfect size for a family of 2 or a single person. While it may be considered small by some, it is still large enough to cook chicken and vegetables for dinner. It offers faster cooking times and a perfect finish for your food.

4. What cannot be cooked in an air fryer?

There are a few things that cannot be cooked in an air fryer, such as water, cheese, roast chicken, wet batters, popcorn, vegetables with low water content, loose seasoning and breadcrumbs, and red meat. These may not turn out well or may not be suitable for air frying.

5. What is the difference between an air fryer and a ninja air fryer?

Ninja Air Fryers offer more than just air frying. They have multiple cooking functions, including roast, reheat, and dehydrate. They also come in larger-capacity models, allowing you to cook bigger meals. The Ninja Air Fryer provides additional versatility and convenience compared to a standard air fryer.

6. Is a 2qt air fryer big enough for 2 people?

A 2-quart air fryer is suitable for a family of 2. It provides enough space to cook approximately six chicken wings or enough vegetables for two people. While it may have a smaller capacity, it is still sufficient for cooking meals for two individuals.

Editor's Notes

During our air fryer for one person research, we found 18 air fryer for one person products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 838,956 customer reviews through our big data system to write the air fryers for one person list. We found that most customers choose air fryers for one person with an average price of $72.27.

The air fryers for one person are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of air fryers for one person, including DASH, Chefman. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.