If you're on the hunt for the **best 3 qt air fryer**, you're not alone—this compact size strikes the perfect balance between space-saving design and cooking versatility. We’ve tested top contenders, comparing performance, ease of use, and value, so you can skip the guesswork and find the one that truly delivers crispy, delicious results every time.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for space-saving compact: DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt
- Best for preset powerhouse: Cuisinart Air Fryer
- Best for turbocrisp innovation: CRUX x Marshmello 3.0 QT Digital Air Fryer with TurboCrisp Technology
- Best for turbocrisp fun: CRUX x Marshmello 3.0 QT Digital Air Fryer with TurboCrisp Technology
- Best for turbocrisp deluxe: CRUX x Marshmello 3.0 QT Digital Air Fryer with TurboCrisp Technology
- Best for slim ceramic capacity: bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer
- Best for hi-fry precision: Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes
- Best for user-friendly recipes: DOMEM 3 Qt Compact Air Fryer with Non-Stick Basket and Rack
- Best for no-preheat manual: BELLA 2.9QT Manual Air Fryer
- Best for big capacity hi-fry: Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes
Product Comparison: Best 3 Qt Air Fryer
Space-Saving Compact
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
deime
- 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.
- COMPACT SHAPE: This DEIME air fryer is perfectly sized for healthy meals for 1-2 people. 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.
- QUICK CLEAN: The BPA-Free nonstick 3-quart basket and accessories are both dishwasher safe to keep clean-up fast and simple.
Preset Powerhouse
Cuisinart Air Fryer, 2.6-Quart Compact Basket Fryer with 3 Cooking Functions to Air Fry, Roast, and Bake, 3 Airfryer Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Parts, AIR-80, Stainless Steel & Black
Cuisinart
- VERSATILE AIR FRYER: This Cuisinart Air Fryer has a 2.6-quart internal capacity with four cooking functions and three air fry presets. Ideal for cooking complete meals for 1-2 people and shipping up delicious sides and snacks.
- 3 COOKING FUNCTIONS: The air fryer features three cooking functions, including Air Fry, Roast, and Bake, allowing you to prepare a wide range of dishes.
- 3 AIR FRY PRESETS: This compact air fryer offers three cooking preset programs—French Fries, Wings, and Frozen Snacks—ideal for cooking any meal quickly and easily.
- HIGH HEAT, HIGH PERFORMANCE: The basket air fryer offers 1100 watts of power, adjustable temperature settings up to 400°F, and an automatic warming mode post-cook.
- PRECISE CONTROLS: Toss reminder and touch screen digital display lets you know when to flip food for perfect crisping every time, and the viewing window allows you to closely monitor your food and know exactly when to pull it from the fryer basket.
TurboCrisp Innovation
CRUX x Marshmello 3.0 QT Digital Air Fryer with TurboCrisp Technology, Touch Screen Temperature Control, Timer and Auto Shut-off, Fully Programmable, Silicone Cupcake Molds Included, Black
Crux
- PERFECTLY CRISPY, EVERY TIME: Introducing the Marshmello Air Fryer, the first-to-market with TurboCrisp tech for the perfect balance of crunch and moisture. Its powerful 1300 watt heating system delivers fast, juicy and evenly cooked food every meal
- HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS: Prepare healthier and tastier meals effortlessly! This high-performance air fryer oven uses up to 75% less fat for delicious recipes and the touch panel control system with pre-programmed cook settings makes cooking convenient
- FOR SMALL GATHERINGS: Our stainless steel air fryer is equipped with a 60-min auto shutoff timer and audible tone to make your cooking experience pleasant and laid back. With an 3-quart capacity, the unit can cook up to 2.5 lbs and feed 2-4 people
- EASY CLEANING: Our oven air fryer has a dishwasher-safe and PFOA-free non-stick cooking basket and crisping tray which make cleaning up a breeze. Plus, its sleek design and compact size make it a perfect fit for any kitchen style and countertop
- BONUS EXTRA FOR EXTRA FUN: Unleash your creativity and prepare unique dinners that will impress your friends and family. Our modern, fun air fryers come with patent-pending TurboCrisp crisping tray & 4 custom CRUX x Marshmello silicone cupcake molds
TurboCrisp Fun
CRUX x Marshmello 3.0 QT Digital Air Fryer with TurboCrisp Technology, Touch Screen Temperature Control, Timer and Auto Shut-off, Fully Programmable, Silicone Cupcake Molds Included, Olive
Crux
- PERFECTLY CRISPY, EVERY TIME: Introducing the Marshmello Air Fryer, the first-to-market with TurboCrisp tech for the perfect balance of crunch and moisture. Its powerful 1300 watt heating system delivers fast, juicy and evenly cooked food every meal
- HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS: Prepare healthier and tastier meals effortlessly! This high-performance air fryer oven uses up to 75% less fat for delicious recipes and the touch panel control system with pre-programmed cook settings makes cooking convenient
- FOR SMALL GATHERINGS: Our stainless steel air fryer is equipped with a 60-min auto shutoff timer and audible tone to make your cooking experience pleasant and laid back. With an 3-quart capacity, the unit can cook up to 2.5 lbs and feed 2-4 people
- EASY CLEANING: Our oven air fryer has a dishwasher-safe and PFOA-free non-stick cooking basket and crisping tray which make cleaning up a breeze. Plus, its sleek design and compact size make it a perfect fit for any kitchen style and countertop
- BONUS EXTRA FOR EXTRA FUN: Unleash your creativity and prepare unique dinners that will impress your friends and family. Our modern, fun air fryers come with patent-pending TurboCrisp crisping tray & 4 custom CRUX x Marshmello silicone cupcake molds
TurboCrisp Deluxe
CRUX x Marshmello 3.0 QT Digital Air Fryer with TurboCrisp Technology, Touch Screen Temperature Control, Timer and Auto Shut-off, Fully Programmable, Silicone Cupcake Molds Included, White
Crux
- PERFECTLY CRISPY, EVERY TIME: Introducing the Marshmello Air Fryer, the first-to-market with TurboCrisp tech for the perfect balance of crunch and moisture. Its powerful 1300 watt heating system delivers fast, juicy and evenly cooked food every meal
- HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS: Prepare healthier and tastier meals effortlessly! This high-performance air fryer oven uses up to 75% less fat for delicious recipes and the touch panel control system with pre-programmed cook settings makes cooking convenient
- FOR SMALL GATHERINGS: Our stainless steel air fryer is equipped with a 60-min auto shutoff timer and audible tone to make your cooking experience pleasant and laid back. With an 3-quart capacity, the unit can cook up to 2.5 lbs and feed 2-4 people
- EASY CLEANING: Our oven air fryer has a dishwasher-safe and PFOA-free non-stick cooking basket and crisping tray which make cleaning up a breeze. Plus, its sleek design and compact size make it a perfect fit for any kitchen style and countertop
- BONUS EXTRA FOR EXTRA FUN: Unleash your creativity and prepare unique dinners that will impress your friends and family. Our modern, fun air fryers come with patent-pending TurboCrisp crisping tray & 4 custom CRUX x Marshmello silicone cupcake molds
Slim Ceramic Capacity
bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 3.3lb Capacity, Oatmilk
BELLA
- Slim Design for Any Space: The bella 4qt 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 3.3 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 1300 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
- LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY: You can install with confidence, knowing this kitchen faucet is backed by Delta Faucet's Lifetime Limited Warranty
Hi-Fry Precision
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
Chefman
- FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the digital touch screen display or use one of four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals. Perfect for serving 2-4 people
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking: perfect for extra crispy chicken tenders and French fries.
- STYLISH AND COMPACT: The sleek, narrow design of this air fryers maximizes its 4-quart capacity while minimizing its countertop footprint. Its compact size makes it a great space saver, fitting perfectly on your counter or in your cabinets
- HEALTHY COOKING: Enjoy delicious meals with little-to-no oil. This Chefman small air fryer lets you cook healthier, low-fat meals that still taste amazing
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Get notified with an audible alarm halfway through cooking, reminding you to shake your food for the crispiest results possible
- SIMPLE CLEAN-UP: The 4-quart nonstick basket and rack are both dishwasher safe, making clean-up quick and easy. The stylish matte-black finish is timeless and easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth
- SAFETY FIRST: With automatic shutoff technology, this air fryer ensures added safety by turning off when cooking is finished or when the basket is removed
- TRUSTED QUALITY: This air fryer is cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and comes with a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman. 1500W/120V – RJ38-4T-BLACK
User-Friendly Recipes
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
DOMEM
- 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.
- RECIPE BOOK INCLUDED: 30 recipes are created by our chefs for air fryers in DOMEM`s recipe book, which is included in every air fryer product of DOMEM.
No-Preheat Manual
BELLA 2.9QT Manual Air Fryer, No Pre-Heat Needed, No-Oil Frying, Fast Healthy Evenly Cooked Meal Every Time, Removeable Dishwasher Safe Non Stick Pan and Crisping Tray for Easy Clean Up, Matte Blue
BELLA
- EASY TO USE: Features simple knob controls specially designed for hassle-free, easy cooking. Feeds 2-4 people (up to 2.5 pounds of food) in just minutes. Simply fill the cooking pan, set your desired temperature and time, and you’re done!
- 5-IN-1 MULTI-COOKER: Air Fry, Broil, Bake, Roast or Reheat meals for your friends and family. Get creative from breakfast, to lunch, to dinner and desserts. We’ve even included a Recipe Book to help you get started… the possibilities are endless.
- NO PREHEAT NEEDED: Using Circular Heat Technology, and its 1400 watt heating element, this Air Fryer quickly make crispy, evenly cooked meals with no preheat waiting time. Satisfy your cravings in less time than it takes for your oven to pre-heat!
- FRY BUT MAKE IT HEALTHY: BELLA air fried french fries have 88% less fat and 65% fewer calories than typical fast food restaurants. Ditch the greasy food and unpleasant odors without compromising any crispiness or flavor. “Fast" food favorites without the extra fat or calories.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Its PFOA-free Non-Stick cooking pan and crisping tray, are removeable and dishwasher safe for easy and fast cleaning. Specially designed compact size easily fits any kitchen counter to keep your kitchen clutter-free!
Big Capacity Hi-Fry
Chefman Air Fryer – 6 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
Chefman
- FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the digital touch screen display or use one of four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals. Perfect for serving 3-5 people
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking: perfect for extra crispy chicken tenders and French fries.
- STYLISH AND COMPACT: The sleek, narrow design of this air fryers maximizes its 6-quart capacity while minimizing its countertop footprint. Its compact size makes it a great space saver, fitting perfectly on your counter or in your cabinets
- HEALTHY COOKING: Enjoy delicious meals with little-to-no oil. This Chefman large air fryer lets you cook healthier, low-fat meals that still taste amazing
- LED SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Get notified with an audible alarm halfway through cooking, reminding you to shake your food for the crispiest results possible
- SIMPLE CLEAN-UP: The 6-quart nonstick basket and rack are both dishwasher safe, making clean-up quick and easy. The stylish matte-black finish is timeless and easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth
- SAFETY FIRST: With automatic shutoff technology, this air fryer ensures added safety by turning off when cooking is finished or when the basket is removed
- TRUSTED QUALITY: This air fryer is cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and comes with a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman. 1700W/120V – RJ38-6T-BLACK
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 key factors should I look at when picking a 3‑quart air fryer?
Focus on capacity, power (wattage) and maximum temperature because they affect cooking speed and crispiness. Check the control interface – touchscreen vs. buttons – and whether preset programs match your typical recipes. Clean‑up convenience, such as dishwasher‑safe non‑stick baskets, can save time, and a compact footprint matters for small kitchens.
How does the DEIME 3‑qt air fryer compare to the CRUX x Marshmello 3‑qt model?
The DEIME offers a simple touchscreen, 1100 W power and a 400 °F limit, while the CRUX uses a higher‑output 1300 W heater and its TurboCrisp technology for extra crunch. CRUX includes fun extras like silicone cupcake molds and a patented crisping tray, whereas DEIME emphasizes a space‑saving square basket and quick dishwasher cleaning. Both fit 1‑2 people, but CRUX generally costs more due to the added accessories.
Is the Cuisinart 2.6‑qt compact fryer a viable alternative to a full 3‑qt unit?
Yes, the Cuisinart’s 2.6‑qt basket still handles meals for one to two people and adds four cooking functions plus three preset programs for fries, wings and frozen snacks. It delivers 1100 W of power and reaches 400 °F, so performance is comparable to larger 3‑qt models. The slightly smaller capacity may require batch cooking for larger families, but its price point is often lower.
Which 3‑qt air fryer is easiest to clean?
Both the DEIME and CRUX models feature BPA‑free, non‑stick baskets that are dishwasher safe, making clean‑up straightforward. The DOMEM also offers a dishwasher‑safe basket and rack, but its non‑stick coating may need a gentle hand‑wash to avoid scratches. Overall, DEIME and CRUX provide the most hassle‑free cleaning experience.
How does wattage and temperature range impact the crispiness of my food?
Higher wattage, like the CRUX’s 1300 W, heats up faster and maintains a more stable temperature, which helps achieve a golden, crunchy exterior. A maximum temperature of 400 °F (or higher for a short burst, as in Chefman’s 450 °F feature) allows you to finish foods with an extra burst of heat for extra crispness. Models with lower wattage may need longer cook times or manual shaking to reach the same result.
Do any of these air fryers include accessories or recipe guides that add extra value?
The CRUX x Marshmello units come with four silicone cupcake molds and a TurboCrisp crisping tray, which expand cooking possibilities beyond standard fries. DOMEM includes a 30‑recipe booklet designed for its compact size, helping new users get started quickly. While DEIME and Cuisinart focus on core functionality, they do not bundle additional accessories.
Which 3‑quart air fryer offers the best overall value for a small household?
For most small households, the DEIME 3‑qt air fryer provides a balanced mix of price, performance, and convenience with its touchscreen, quick clean‑up, and solid 1100 W power. If you value extra features like TurboCrisp technology and accessories, the CRUX model justifies its higher price. The Cuisinart is a budget‑friendly alternative but sacrifices a bit of capacity and the premium extras.