If you're short on space but big on flavor, a 1-quart air fryer might be your kitchen's new best friend. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one truly earns its spot? We’ve tested the top models to bring you honest, real-world insights. From performance to ease of use, we’ll help you find the best 1-quart air fryer that fits your lifestyle—because great taste shouldn’t require a big footprint.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for transparent cooking view: Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer | 8-1 Preset Cook Modes | Transparent Fry Bowl for Best Cooking Results | Cook Shrimp
- Best for single-serve simplicity: Elite Gourmet EAF-1121X Personal 1.1 Qt. Compact Space Saving Electric Hot Air Fryer Oil-Less Healthy Cooker
- Best for turboblaze powerhouse: Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt
- Best for max crisp xl: Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp
- Best for fry & waffle combo: Gourmia GAFW598 2 in 1-5-Quart Digital Air Fryer + Waffle Maker
- Best for slim space saver: bella 6 Qt Slim Air Fryer
- Best for compact elite model: Elite Gourmet EAF-3218BL Personal 1.1Qt Compact Space Saving Electric Hot Air Fryer Oil-Less Healthy Cooker
- Best for elite personal pro: Elite Gourmet EAF1121 Personal 1.1 Qt. Compact Space Saving Electric Hot Air Fryer Oil-Less Healthy Cooker
- Best for versatile 4-in-1: Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry
- Best for budget elite compact: Elite Gourmet EAF-3218R Personal 1.1 Quart Compact Space Saving Electric Hot Air Fryer Oil-Less Healthy Cooker
Product Comparison: Best 1 Quart Air Fryer
Transparent Cooking View
Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer | 8-1 Preset Cook Modes | Transparent Fry Bowl for Best Cooking Results | Cook Shrimp, Steak, Fries, Wings, Chicken & More | Precise Temperature Control & Time | Grey
NutriChef
- PRECISE COOKING RESULTS - Cook and air fry Shrimp, Steak, Fries, Wings, Fish, Chicken, and Defrost Cooking Presets. Ensure exact cooking results with adjustable temp control (up to 390°F) and timer settings (up to 60 minutes).
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE & PRECISE CONTROL - Experience powerful performance with the 1200W heating element for fast heating and cooking, cook large portions with the 5.8 QT food capacity with our instant air fryer mini, and achieve perfectly cooked meals
- EASY CLEANING & SAFETY FEATURES - Experience easy cleaning with the air fryer's non-stick & dishwasher-safe tray, ensuring safety w/ automatic shut-off & overheat protection, enjoy safe handling & convenient serving w/ the handle & removable basket
- EFFICIENT COOKING TECHNOLOGY - Cook your meals quickly and evenly with the 360° hot air circulation technology, and monitor your cooking progress through the LED touch screen and transparent window, the perfect addition to your kitchen appliances
- COMPACT DESIGN & EASY STORAGE - The sleek and compact design of our small air fryer allows you to save countertop space, ideal for small kitchens with limited space. This stainless steel air fryer ensures long-lasting performance
Single-Serve Simplicity
Elite Gourmet EAF-1121X Personal 1.1 Qt. Compact Space Saving Electric Hot Air Fryer Oil-Less Healthy Cooker, Timer & Temperature Controls, 1000W Black
Elite Gourmet
- PERSONAL CAPACITY: The non-stick basket holds 1.1 Qt or up to 0.75-lb of food, perfect for single serving meals. Cook faster and more safely than in oil, eliminating splatter burns and reducing electricity use.
- HEALTHY EATING by cooking with 85% less oil for fat-free delicious meals. Same flavor and crispy finish without the added calories! Simply add food to the basket, add a tbsp of oil if desired, set temp/time, and start cooking!
- ADJUSTABLE TIME AND TEMPERATURE dials give you the ultimate in cooking control and versatility allowing you to fry, bake, grill and roast all in one! A high-power convection fan envelopes food in temperatures from 176 to 395F degrees and a 30-minute timer automatically shuts off the elite platinum air fryer at the end of the cooking cycle.
- GUILT-FREE FRYING lets you enjoy crispy veggie chips, fish fillets, chicken tenders and more without fatty oils. Includes a full-color booklet featuring 26 delicious and healthy recipes to get you started.
- COOL-TOUCH HANDLE lets you safely remove fried foods from the air fryer without burning your hands. The exterior of the Elite Gourmet air fryer retains its pristine condition with just a damp cloth.
TurboBlaze Powerhouse
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, Premium Ceramic Coating, 90°–450°F, Precise Heating for Even Results, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm, 120V, Dark Gray
COSORI
- 𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achieving crispy, juicy results every time
- 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°– 450°F temperature control deliver evenly cooked dishes with perfect texture in every bite
- 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The basket and crisper tray feature a premium ceramic coating that is nonstick, durable, and heat-resistant to improve your cooking experience
- 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking and save time to deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy days
- 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The 6-quart square basket offers a wide, deep design, great for the entire family meals while saving you space on your kitchen counter or cabinet
- 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Enjoy a quieter and more peaceful kitchen environment with TurboBlaze operating at less than 53dB even on the highest fan speed
- 95% 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙊𝙞𝙡: Enjoy the same crispy fries as traditional deep frying with up to 95% less oil*. Enjoy all your favorite fried foods without the guilt. *Fat content analyzed by SGS lab
- 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧-𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙚: The nonstick, ceramic coated cooking basket and crisper plate make cleaning a breeze. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying delicious meals
- 𝘾𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: Enjoy flexibility with the Preheat function, which adjusts time based on temperature. Easily choose to preheat for optimal results, or skip it as the default setting for a hassle-free experience
- 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙡 & 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙚 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠: Enjoy our 30-recipe cookbook with pictures and cooking charts created by in-house chefs and registered dietitians, all packed within our in-box envelope. Check before discarding the box so you don't miss these helpful resources
Max Crisp XL
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
Ninja
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results using little to no oil—perfect for fries, wings, and more. Achieve that golden crunch with rapid air circulation.
- Guilt-Free, Healthy Fried Foods: Enjoy the indulgence of fried food with up to 75% less fat compared to traditional deep frying. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries for proven healthier results.
- XL Capacity Air Fryer: The 6.5-quart nonstick basket and crisper plate hold up to 5 lbs. of French fries or 9 lbs. of chicken wings ideal for family meals, game day, and meal prepping.
- Cooks Frozen Foods Fast: Go from frozen to crispy in minutes with powerful Max Crisp settings no need to thaw. Get a restaurant-style finish straight from the freezer.
- 6-in-1 Cooking Functions: Includes Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate a complete countertop solution for healthier, oil-free meals.
- Space-Saving Design: The compact footprint of the Ninja AF181 fits seamlessly on your countertop without sacrificing its generous capacity ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Easy to Clean: Both the air fryer basket and crisper plate are nonstick and dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup after every meal.
- What’s Included: The Ninja AF181 Air Fryer, 6.5-qt. nonstick basket, crisper plate, a 20-recipe chef-created cookbook, and detailed cooking charts to get you started.
Fry & Waffle Combo
Gourmia GAFW598 2 in 1-5-Quart Digital Air Fryer + Waffle Maker
Gourmia
- HEALTHY COOKING: RadiVection 360° Technology cooks foods quickly and evenly without fat or oil
- ALWAYS CRISPY: Perfect Crisp System makes food crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside
- ACCESSORY KIT: Includes removable, nonstick and dishwasher-safe pan and crisper tray
- COLOR CONTROL: Go dark and crispy or light and fluffy! Adjust your preferred browning level with the simple temperature dial.
- ETL CERTIFIED: We, at Gourmia, take the quality of our products seriously. This product is ETL certified so you can be confident that you're receiving a safe, efficient, high quality appliance.
Slim Space Saver
bella 6 Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 5lb Capacity, Oatmilk
BELLA
- Slim Design for Any Space: The bella 6qt Air Fryer features a sleek, space-saving design, perfect for fitting into any kitchen while providing enough room for big batches of your favorite foods. Save up to 50% more space compared to prior models!
- EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating: Our proprietary coating ensures easy cleanup without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, or cadmium. Enjoy healthier cooking and hassle-free maintenance, making every meal prep a breeze!
- XL Basket Capacity: The innovative XL basket of the air fryers holds up to 5 lbs of food, perfect for family meals. Cook up large batches of fries, chicken, salmon, and more, all at once, making mealtime faster and more efficient
- Digital Controls: With adjustable temperature and 6 presets - air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate - preparing quick and tasty meals has never been easier. Enjoy crispy food fast with 1750 watts of power and circular heat technology
- Modern, Subtle Fluting: Designed with stylish rounded corners, a soft matte finish, and subtle fluting, our premium quality, small kitchen appliances add a touch of modern elegance to any home, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics
Compact Elite Model
Elite Gourmet EAF-3218BL Personal 1.1Qt Compact Space Saving Electric Hot Air Fryer Oil-Less Healthy Cooker, Timer & Temperature Controls, PFOA Free, Mint
Elite Gourmet
- COMPACT SIZE: The Non-Stick pan and rack hold 1Qt or up to 3/4 lb of food Perfect for personal use or when cooking for a few. Cook faster and more safely than in oil, eliminating splatter burns and reducing electricity use.
- HEALTHY EATING by cooking with 85% less oil for fat-free delicious meals. Same flavor and crispy finish without the added calories! Simply add food to the drawer pan, add a tbsp of oil if desired, set temp/time, and start cooking!
- ADJUSTABLE TIME/TEMP gives you the ultimate in cooking control and versatility allowing you to fry, bake, grill and roast all in one! A high-power convection fan envelopes food in temperatures from 180F to 390F degrees and a 30-minute timer automatically shuts off the air fryer at the end of the cooking cycle.
- GUILT-FREE FRYING lets you enjoy crispy veggie chips, fish fillets, chicken tenders and more without fatty oils. Includes delicious and healthy recipes to get you started.
- COOL-TOUCH HANDLE lets you safely remove fried foods from the air fryer without burning your hands. The exterior of the Elite Gourmet Air Fryer retains its pristine condition with just a damp cloth.
- ETL APPROVED 700-Watt/120V Air fryer with 1 quart capacity is ideal for home kitchen use. Dishwasher safe removable Non-Stick coated 1 quart drawer pan with removable frying rack for fast, easy clean-up
- TRUSTED BRAND - As a trusted brand for 40 years, Elite Gourmet has delivered high quality and stylish kitchen products that are affordable & user friendly. Call, email, or live chat with us, our US-based support team responds quickly to all inquiries.
Elite Personal Pro
Elite Gourmet EAF1121 Personal 1.1 Qt. Compact Space Saving Electric Hot Air Fryer Oil-Less Healthy Cooker, Timer & Temperature Controls, 1000W
Elite Gourmet
- PERSONAL CAPACITY: The non-stick basket holds 1.1 Qt or up to 0.75-lb of food, perfect for single serving meals. Cook faster and more safely than in oil, eliminating splatter burns and reducing electricity use.
- HEALTHY EATING by cooking with 85% less oil for fat-free delicious meals. Same flavor and crispy finish without the added calories! Simply add food to the basket, add a tbsp of oil if desired, set temp/time, and start cooking!
- ADJUSTABLE TIME AND TEMPERATURE dials give you the ultimate in cooking control and versatility allowing you to fry, bake, grill and roast all in one! A high-power convection fan envelopes food in temperatures from 176 to 395F degrees and a 30-minute timer automatically shuts off the elite platinum air fryer at the end of the cooking cycle.
- GUILT-FREE FRYING lets you enjoy crispy veggie chips, fish fillets, chicken tenders and more without fatty oils. Includes a full-color booklet featuring 26 delicious and healthy recipes to get you started.
- COOL-TOUCH HANDLE lets you safely remove fried foods from the air fryer without burning your hands. The exterior of the Elite Gourmet air fryer retains its pristine condition with just a damp cloth.
- ETL APPROVED 1000-watt/120V Air fryer ideal for home kitchen use. Dishwasher safe removable non-stick Coated fryer pan and rack for fast, easy clean-up.
- TRUSTED BRAND - As a trusted brand for 40 years, Elite Gourmet has delivered high quality and stylish kitchen products that are affordable & user friendly. Call, email, or live chat with us, our US-based support team responds quickly to all inquiries.
Versatile 4-in-1
Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141
Ninja
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
- SPACE SAVER: Ninja’s latest air fryer design allows you to save even more space on your countertop without compromising capacity.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The basket and crisper plate are both nonstick for easy cleaning.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Air Fryer, 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate, chef-inspired 20 recipe book and cooking charts.
Budget Elite Compact
Elite Gourmet EAF-3218R Personal 1.1 Quart Compact Space Saving Electric Hot Air Fryer Oil-Less Healthy Cooker, Timer & Temperature Controls, Red.
Elite Gourmet
- COMPACT SIZE: The Non-Stick pan and rack hold 1Qt or up to 3/4 lb of food Perfect for personal use or when cooking for a few. Cook faster and more safely than in oil, eliminating splatter burns and reducing electricity use.
- HEALTHY EATING by cooking with 85% less oil for fat-free delicious meals. Same flavor and crispy finish without the added calories! Simply add food to the drawer pan, add a tbsp of oil if desired, set temp/time, and start cooking!
- ADJUSTABLE TIME/TEMP gives you the ultimate in cooking control and versatility allowing you to fry, bake, grill and roast all in one! A high-power convection fan envelopes food in temperatures from 180F to 390F degrees and a 30-minute timer automatically shuts off the air fryer at the end of the cooking cycle.
- GUILT-FREE FRYING lets you enjoy crispy veggie chips, fish fillets, chicken tenders and more without fatty oils. Includes delicious and healthy recipes to get you started.
- COOL-TOUCH HANDLE lets you safely remove fried foods from the air fryer without burning your hands. The exterior of the Elite Gourmet Air Fryer retains its pristine condition with just a damp cloth.
- ETL APPROVED 700-Watt/120V Air fryer with 1 quart capacity is ideal for home kitchen use. Dishwasher safe removable Non-Stick coated 1 quart drawer pan with removable frying rack for fast, easy clean-up
- TRUSTED BRAND - As a trusted brand for 40 years, Elite Gourmet has delivered high quality and stylish kitchen products that are affordable & user friendly. Call, email, or live chat with us, our US-based support team responds quickly to all inquiries.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What capacity should I choose for a single‑serving air fryer?
For one‑person meals, a 1 to 1.2 quart basket is usually sufficient, holding up to about 0.75 lb of food. This size lets you cook a full portion of fries, chicken tenders, or a small roast without wasting space. Larger models can be bulkier and use more electricity for the same amount of food.
How do the temperature ranges of the 1‑qt models compare?
Most 1‑qt air fryers, such as the Elite Gourmet EAF‑1121 and EAF‑3218BL, reach up to 395 °F, which is enough for crisping fries and baking pastries. Some premium versions push slightly higher, around 400 °F, offering a bit more flexibility for roasting meats. The difference of a few degrees rarely impacts everyday cooking results.
Which 1‑qt air fryer offers the best value in terms of features and price?
The Elite Gourmet EAF‑1121 provides a solid mix of adjustable temperature and timer dials, a non‑stick basket, and a recipe booklet at a competitive price point. It balances essential functions—air fry, bake, grill, roast—with easy cleaning, making it a cost‑effective choice for solo cooks. While other models may add digital displays, the price premium often outweighs the added convenience.
Are there any safety or cleaning advantages in the 1‑qt models versus larger units?
Smaller air fryers typically have fewer components, which translates to quicker, simpler cleaning—most baskets are dishwasher‑safe and the compact size reduces the number of crevices where food can stick. They also often include automatic shut‑off and cool‑touch handles, minimizing burn risks. Larger units may offer more advanced safety sensors, but the extra cleaning effort can be a drawback for single‑serve users.
What cooking functions are most useful in a personal‑size air fryer?
Core functions like air fry, bake, roast, and reheat cover the majority of everyday meals for one person. Some models add a dehydrate setting, which is handy for making fruit chips or jerky, but it’s not essential. Look for preset programs that simplify cooking common items such as fries, chicken, and vegetables.
How does the power (wattage) affect cooking speed for small air fryers?
Higher wattage—typically 1200 W to 1500 W in 1‑qt units—means faster heat‑up times and shorter cooking cycles, especially for frozen foods. A 1200 W model can crisp a batch of fries in about 12‑15 minutes, whereas a lower‑watt unit may need 18‑20 minutes. However, higher power also draws more electricity, so consider your usage frequency.
Is it worth buying a larger capacity air fryer if I mostly cook for one person?
A larger capacity (5‑qt or more) offers flexibility for batch cooking and family meals, but it occupies more countertop space and usually costs more. If you rarely prepare food for multiple people, the extra size may be underutilized, leading to higher energy consumption per use. Sticking with a 1‑qt model provides a compact, budget‑friendly solution without sacrificing performance for solo cooking.