If you and your partner are tired of cooking for a crowd or constantly reheating leftovers, a compact air fryer might be your kitchen’s new best friend. We’ve tested and compared top models designed just for two, balancing size, performance, and ease of use. From crispy fries to juicy chicken breasts, these air fryers deliver big flavor without the bulk. Let us help you find the perfect fit for your small household—because great meals shouldn’t require a big appliance.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for large-capacity crisp: Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry
- Best for compact healthy fry: CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket
- Best for dual basket power: Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets
- Best for turboblaze speed: Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt
- Best for dual-view cooking: CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven with Easy View Windows
- Best for compact triple cook: Cuisinart Air Fryer
- Best for ceramic crisp: Ninja | Air Fryer | 4 QT Capacity | 4-in1 Roast
- Best for family dual capacity: Chefman TurboFry Touch Dual Air Fryer
- Best for simple knob fry: OSTBA 2.5QT Air Fryer for 1–2 People
- Best for slim space saver: bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer
Product Comparison: Best Air Fryer For Two People
Large-Capacity Crisp
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.
Compact Healthy Fry
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
Chefman
- 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.
- COMPACT STORAGE: This 2-quart 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.
- SIMPLE CLEAN-UP: The nonstick 2-quart basket and rack are both dishwasher safe to keep clean-up fast and simple.
- SAFETY FIRST: Automatic shutoff technology ensures added safety by turning off the fryer when cooking finishes or the basket is removed.
- RESOURCES: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman. 900W/120V – RJ38-2T-BLACK
Dual Basket Power
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
Ninja
- 2 INDEPENDENT BASKETS: The original Air Fryer with 2 independent baskets, the XL air fryer lets you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time, eliminating back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer.
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: DualZone Technology allows you to choose between the Smart Finish feature, which unlocks cooking 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, and the and a Match Cook button to easily copy settings across zones for full 8-qt capacity.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The baskets can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
- XL CAPACITY: The 8-quart air fryer capacity lets you fit mains and sides at the same time for making quick family meals, or up to 4 lbs. of French fries or chicken wings.
- SEPARATE HEATING ZONES: 2 independent 4-quart zones have their own cooking baskets, cyclonic fans, and rapid heaters.
- EASY CLEANING: Easy-to-clean baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates.
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F to 450°F allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: DualZone Air Fryer, (2) 4 Quart Baskets, (2) Nonstick Crisper Plates, 15 Recipes, Additional Meal Options & Cooking Charts.
- Cord Length: 32"
TurboBlaze Speed
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
Dual-View Cooking
CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven with Easy View Windows, Sync Finish, Hi-Fry, Auto Shutoff, 2 Independent 3Qt Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Frying Baskets, Digital Double Air Fryer - Black
Chefman
- DUAL AIR FRYER WITH 2 BASKETS: Cook food faster and more conveniently with two powerful air fryers in one with a combined 6-quart large air fryer capacity
- VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS: Dual zone air fryer technology gives you the flexibility to cook different dishes simultaneously, or to easily switch from one basket to the other
- FOOD FINISHES TOGETHER: Convenient Sync Finish allows individual 3-quart large capacity air fryer double baskets to finish cooking at the same time
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: Digital air fryer dual basket temperature settings from 200-450°F allow you to cook at low and high heat for food just the way you want it
- HEALTHY FOOD PREP: Enjoy all your favorite fried foods without sacrificing flavor or quality; this dual basket air fryer convection oven requires little to no oil for healthier frying results
- LARGE VIEWING WINDOWS: Effortlessly monitor and observe your air-fryer oven's cooking progress, ensuring perfect doneness and precision every single time
- EASY CLEANUP: The removable, non-stick coated air fryer dual baskets are dishwasher safe and easy to clean after every use
- AIR FRY ALL YOUR FAVORITES: Perfectly cook chicken, vegetables, pizza, French fries, frozen foods, and even leftovers with touchscreen presets in minutes
- SLEEK COUNTERTOP DESIGN: The compact air fryer size and sleek convection oven countertop design will seamlessly fit in with your other home kitchen appliances, apartment, or dorm decor
- RESOURCES: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability, & 1-year assurance provided by Chefman. 120 Volts/1700 Watts
Compact Triple Cook
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.
Ceramic Crisp
Ninja | Air Fryer | 4 QT Capacity | 4-in1 Roast, Crisp, Roast, Reheats, & Dehydrates | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Includes 20 Easy & Healthy Recipes | Compact | Grey | AF101
Ninja
- LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 2 lbs of French fries.
- 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Includes 4 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- DEHYDRATE: Create flat, chip-like dehydrated foods for fun, homemade snacks. The combination of low fan speed and low temperature enables thorough dehydration.
- EASY-TO-CLEAN: Dishwasher safe parts including the basket, and crisper plate. Wipe to clean machine exterior.
- DURABLE MATERIALS: Basket and crisper plate made of aluminum with nonstick ceramic coating
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: Ninja Air Fryer, 4 Quart Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate, and 20 Recipe Booklet.
Family Dual Capacity
Chefman TurboFry Touch Dual Air Fryer, Maximize The Healthiest Meals With Double Basket Capacity, One-Touch Digital Controls And Shake Reminder For The Perfect Crispy And Low-Calorie Finish
Chefman
- TWO AIR FRY BASKETS The Dual Air Fryer can cook two different foods in two ways in two separate baskets. Cook a main in one and a side in the other or crisp up a couple snacks for game day fun
- EXTRA-LARGE CAPACITY: 9-quart total cooking capacity makes it easy to cook for the whole family.
- PERFECT-TIMING SYNC FINISH: Want two foods to finish cooking at the same time? Just select Sync Finish and the air fryer will do the math so the two baskets finish together.
- HEALTHY EATING MADE EASY: Because air frying requires little to no oil, foods crisp up beautifully without all the fat. Great for reheating leftovers, too.
- AUTO REMINDERS: For the best results, most foods benefit from a shake about halfway through cooking. That’s why this air fryer features a visual and audio SHAKE reminder.
- CARE-FREE CLEANUP: A nonstick interior and bonus basket liners prevent foods from sticking, which makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, the baskets and racks are top-rack dishwasher-safe.
- SAFETY FEATURES: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long lasting durability. Stay-cool handles, auto-shutoff, and overheat protection
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY: A one-year warranty provided by Chefman means you can purchase worry-free. 1500 watts/120 volts – RJ38-SQPF-45TDB.
Simple Knob Fry
OSTBA 2.5QT Air Fryer for 1–2 People, Small Air Fryer with 6 Menu Options, Dual Knob Manual Temp & Timer, 3D Rapid Air Circulation, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket, Oil-Free Healthy Cooking
OSTBA
- 3D 720°Rapid Air Circulation: OSTBA’s advanced 3D 720° cyclonic heat circulation surrounds food from all angles for a perfect golden crunch—fast., golden finish—using up to 85% less oil. No more soggy chips or uneven cooking—just delicious results every time with less fat, less mess, and no need to preheat like a conventional oven. Plus, it uses up to 50% less energy than traditional ovens, helping reduce your bills, not the flavour
- Simple Knob Controls: Just twist and cook. Ours air fryer features two intuitive manual knobs for time (0–30 min) and temperature (up to 200°C/392°F), giving you full control with zero learning curve. Ideal for seniors, beginners, or anyone who prefers straightforward cooking without complicated buttons. The top panel includes 6 helpful cooking guides for quick reference, making every meal easy—even on your first try
- Compact Design: Designed to save precious counter space without sacrificing cooking capacity, the OSTBA 2.5QT small air fryer is the perfect fit for small kitchens, apartments, dorms, or RVs. Its sleek, vertical build takes up minimal space but still serves up generous portions for 1–2 people. Lightweight and easy to move or store, it blends seamlessly into any lifestyle—ideal for busy students, downsized households, or anyone short on space but big on flavor
- Durable, Food-Safe & Easy to Clean: Made with high-quality 304 food-grade stainless steel, Ours baskets are odour-free, rust-resistant, and built to last. The non-stick coating ensures food slides out easily with no mess left behind. When you're done, simply pop the baskets in the top rack of your dishwasher for a hassle-free clean—no scrubbing, no fuss
- 1-Year Extended Warranty: At OSTBA, we stand firmly behind the quality and durability of our products. That’s why we offer an industry-leading 1-Year Extended Warranty on your OSTBA Air Fryer! Unlike other brands, our 1-year warranty is automatically applied—no need to register your product. Plus, If you encounter any quality problems, We will provide you with a 100% satisfactory after-sales service
Slim Space Saver
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
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 size air fryer is ideal for two people?
For one or two servings, a 2‑ to 4‑quart model provides enough capacity without taking up too much counter space. Models like the Chefman 2 Qt Mini, Cuisinart 2.6‑Qt, and OSTBA 2.5 Qt fit this niche perfectly. If you occasionally cook larger batches, a 5‑quart unit such as the Ninja 4‑in‑1 can still work while offering extra versatility.
How do compact air fryers differ in cooking performance?
Compact fryers usually have lower wattage and smaller heating elements, which can mean slightly longer cook times compared to larger units. However, features like Ninja’s 400 °F superheated air and Chefman’s TurboFry technology still deliver crisp results in a small basket. Look for models that advertise rapid air circulation or high fan speeds to ensure even cooking despite the smaller size.
Is it worth paying more for extra functions like dehydration or dual‑zone cooking?
If you plan to experiment with snacks, jerky, or simultaneous side dishes, a dual‑zone or dehydrating model adds real value. The Ninja DZ201 (8 qt) and Chefman 6‑qt Dual Basket excel at cooking two foods at once, while the Cosori TurboBlaze offers a dedicated dehydrate setting. For everyday meals for two, a simpler 4‑in‑1 model may be more cost‑effective.
Which air fryer offers the best value for a small household?
The Chefman 2 Qt Mini and Cuisinart 2.6 Qt provide solid performance, intuitive controls, and a price point under $100, making them strong value picks. They include essential presets and easy‑to‑clean baskets, covering most cooking needs without the premium price of larger, feature‑rich units.
How important is the basket coating and cleaning ease?
A non‑stick or ceramic coating reduces food sticking and simplifies cleanup, which is especially helpful for frequent small‑batch cooking. The Bella 4 qt and Cosori models highlight premium ceramic coatings, while the OSTBA’s stainless‑steel basket is dishwasher‑safe. Choose a coating that matches your cleaning preferences and any health‑concern about PTFE or PFOA.
Do digital displays and preset programs make a difference for beginners?
Digital touchscreens and preset programs can shorten the learning curve by eliminating guesswork on time and temperature. Models like the Chefman Mini, Ninja 4‑qt, and Cuisinart include preset buttons for fries, wings, and frozen snacks, which help new users achieve consistent results. If you prefer a more tactile experience, knob‑controlled units like the OSTBA are straightforward and reliable.
What should I consider regarding countertop space and storage?
Measure your kitchen counter and cabinet dimensions before buying; compact models such as the Chefman Mini (2 qt) and OSTBA (2.5 qt) are designed for tight spaces and can be stored upright. Larger units like the Ninja 5‑qt or Cosori 6‑qt require more room but often include sleek, square designs that fit into standard cabinets. Prioritize a footprint that matches your kitchen layout to avoid clutter.