8 Best Air Fryers for One Person 2025

Effortless, compact, and surprisingly capable, the COMFEE’ 2.1 Quart Air Fryer punches above its weight for solo cooks on a budget. With rapid 360-degree air circulation, it crisps fries and reheats leftovers faster than a toaster oven, all while using up to 90% less oil—a game-changer for health-conscious eaters. The 12 preset cooking modes eliminate guesswork, letting you air fry, bake, or defrost with a single tap, making it ideal for beginners or anyone craving simplicity without sacrificing versatility.

In real-world use, this air fryer excels at small-batch cooking, perfectly handling a serving of wings or a half-pound of fries—just enough for one, maybe two. The 180–400°F temperature range and adjustable timer offer solid control, though the lack of a preheat function can add a few minutes to cook times. While the 2.1-quart basket fits standard portions, it struggles with larger items like whole chicken breasts, and the round shape limits space efficiency compared to square models. Still, its compact 10×15-inch footprint makes it a dream for tight kitchens or dorms.

Priced at the lower end, the COMFEE’ model stands out as a budget-savvy alternative to pricier rivals like the Cosori 6 Qt or Instant Pot Vortex. It doesn’t offer app connectivity or ultra-precise fan control, but for solo diners who want reliability without frills, it’s a no-brainer. Compared to the Elite Gourmet 1.1 Qt, it offers more capacity and smarter presets, making it a better long-term fit for varied meals—even if it lacks gourmet flair.

Power meets precision in the Cosori 6 Qt TurboBlaze, an overachiever in the air fryer space that delivers restaurant-quality crunch with remarkable consistency. Its 3600 rpm TurboBlaze fan and five-speed airflow system ensure heat wraps evenly around food, eliminating cold spots and delivering golden, crispy results—even with dense items like frozen chicken tenders. The premium ceramic nonstick coating not only resists scratches but also makes cleanup a breeze, a major win for busy households.

During testing, this air fryer shines in multi-tasking mode—roasting vegetables while crisping salmon, or baking cookies with 90–450°F precision that rivals convection ovens. The 6-quart square basket maximizes space, easily fitting a full pound of fries or a small whole chicken, making it ideal for couples or small families. It operates under 53dB, meaning it won’t drown out dinner conversation—unlike louder models like the Bear 2.1 Qt. That said, its size may overwhelm a single person’s countertop, and the learning curve for 9 functions can feel excessive for minimalist cooks.

When stacked against the COMFEE’ or CHEFMAN models, the Cosori 6 Qt is the clear upgrade for those willing to invest in performance. It’s not the most compact, but for one person who loves culinary variety, it offers unmatched flexibility. It outperforms the Instant Pot Vortex in capacity and noise control, while delivering more precise results than knob-based models—a true all-rounder where features, power, and ease of use converge.

Sleek, smart, and built for speed, the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a digital powerhouse in a tiny frame, designed for the solo cook who values efficiency. Its capacitive touch screen and automatic shake reminders bring a premium feel to a budget-friendly build, while the 400°F max temperature ensures deep crisping in record time—up to three times faster than a conventional oven. The 2-quart square basket maximizes interior space, making it a clever fit for single servings of fries, nuggets, or roasted veggies.

In daily use, the shake alert feature is a standout—giving an audible ping halfway through cooking to flip food, which dramatically improves crispiness, especially for wings or tater tots. The 900W heating element delivers consistent results, though it can struggle with very dense foods like thick-cut potatoes. Its narrow, upright design saves counter space, fitting neatly beside a coffee maker or under cabinets—perfect for studio apartments or office kitchens. However, the plastic finish feels less durable than metal-bodied rivals, and the basket handle can get hot during long cycles.

Compared to the knob-controlled Bear or Elite Gourmet models, the CHEFMAN brings modern convenience to compact cooking. It lacks app integration like the Cosori 2.1 Qt, but its digital precision and user-friendly alerts make it a better pick for tech-savvy singles. For one person who wants smart features without bulk, it’s a strong step up from basic fryers, offering more control than the COMFEE’ while staying compact—a sweet spot between simplicity and sophistication.

Slim doesn’t mean small-time—the bella 4Qt Air Fryer redefines space efficiency with a razor-thin profile that fits where others can’t, yet still delivers full-flavored, crispy meals. Its XL 3.3-lb capacity basket handles generous single servings or meals for two, making it ideal for someone who cooks for guests occasionally but lives alone. The 1300W circular heat technology ensures even crisping, while the 6 smart presets—including dehydrate and broil—expand its culinary range beyond basic frying.

Real-world testing shows it roasts vegetables evenly and revives leftover pizza with a satisfying crunch, thanks to its EverGood ceramic nonstick coating that resists sticking and wipes clean effortlessly. The 60-minute auto-shutoff with audible tone adds safety and convenience, especially when multitasking. However, the slim design means a taller footprint, which may not fit under low cabinets, and the lack of app support or preheat function limits smart cooking options. It’s also noticeably louder than quieter models like the Cosori TurboBlaze.

When compared to the Instant Pot Vortex or CHEFMAN mini models, the bella 4Qt stands out as the best for tight spaces that still demand capacity. It’s not as compact as 2-quart models, but for a single person in a studio or small apartment, it offers the most cooking flexibility per inch of counter space. It beats the COMFEE’ in capacity and power, though it falls short of Cosori’s noise control and smart features—a trade-off for its ultra-slim, stylish design.

From the makers of the legendary Instant Pot comes a mini fryer that’s big on convenience—the Vortex 2QT blends smart cooking with simplicity, making it a top pick for app lovers and recipe beginners. Its EvenCrisp technology forces hot air from the top down, delivering uniform browning that outperforms many budget models, especially on wings and roasted veggies. The real star? The free Instant Pot app with over 100 guided recipes, turning indecision into dinner in minutes.

In practice, the 2-quart basket is perfect for one-portion meals, crisping a serving of fries or baking a small batch of cookies with minimal preheat time. The one-touch smart programs—like “garlicky potatoes” or “cinnamon buns”—take the guesswork out of cooking, ideal for students or new cooks. However, the round basket wastes space, and the lack of adjustable fan speeds means less control than the Cosori TurboBlaze. It also lacks a shake reminder, so food can cook unevenly if not manually flipped.

Against the CHEFMAN or Bear models, the Vortex shines in guided cooking, offering more recipe support than any other mini fryer. While it doesn’t have digital knobs or ceramic coating, its app integration and brand reliability make it a standout for solo users who want foolproof results. It beats the COSORI 2.1 Qt in recipe variety, though it falls behind in build quality and customization—a trade-off for simplicity and smart cooking support.

Old-school charm meets modern performance—the Bear 2.1 QT Air Fryer wins with no-nonsense knob controls that make it instantly intuitive, even for tech-averse users. Its dual dials for time and temperature (176–400°F) offer full manual control, letting you fine-tune everything from delicate fish to crispy fries without menu diving. The 360° rapid air circulation delivers 85% less oil cooking and 30% faster results than traditional ovens, making it a healthy, efficient choice for one-person meals.

In real use, the whisper-quiet operation is a major win—perfect for open-plan living or late-night snacks without disturbing others. The 2.1-quart capacity fits a satisfying meal, and the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket cleans up easily. However, the round basket shape limits usable space, and the lack of presets or digital display means you’ll need to memorize cook times. It also doesn’t include recipe guidance, unlike app-powered rivals, which can be a hurdle for beginners.

Compared to the CHEFMAN or Instant Pot models, the Bear stands out as the best for users who hate touchscreens and apps. It’s simpler than the COSORI 2.1 Qt, more tactile than the COMFEE’, and quieter than most—a perfect match for seniors, students, or minimalists. While it lacks the smart features of pricier models, it delivers reliable performance at a fair price, offering more control than button-only fryers while staying refreshingly straightforward.

Designed for life on the move, the COSORI 2.1 QT Air Fryer is the ultimate companion for dorms, RVs, and tiny homes, blending portability with performance. Weighing just 4.87 lbs and measuring under 10 inches wide, it slips into tight spaces while still delivering crispy, oil-free meals using up to 97% less oil than deep frying. Its compact basket heats faster than larger models, making weeknight dinners or late-night snacks ready in minutes—perfect for students or solo travelers.

In testing, it reheats pizza and fries with surprising crispness, thanks to its efficient convection system, and the “Reheat” preset brings leftovers back to life better than microwaves. The free VeSync app includes 30 chef-designed recipes, adding culinary inspiration without cluttering the unit with buttons. However, the small basket limits portion size, and the lack of a shake reminder means you must remember to flip food manually. It also doesn’t have dehydrate or proof functions, narrowing its versatility.

Stacked against the Instant Pot Vortex or CHEFMAN, the COSORI 2.1 QT is the best portable option—lighter than the Bear, smarter than the COMFEE’, and more travel-ready than any other. For a single person living in a dorm or RV, it’s the ideal balance of size, ease, and performance. It beats the Elite Gourmet in capacity and features, though it costs more than basic knob models—a fair trade for app support and reheat magic.

Truly personal cooking begins here—the Elite Gourmet 1.1 Qt Air Fryer is the smallest, most focused model in the lineup, built for strict single servings. With a 0.75-lb food capacity, it’s perfect for crisping a few chicken tenders, roasting a small portion of veggies, or making guilt-free veggie chips—nothing more, nothing less. The 85% less oil cooking keeps meals healthy, and the adjustable dials give full control over time and temperature, making it a no-frills, functional tool for solo eaters.

In practice, it cooks quickly and safely, with a cool-touch handle that prevents burns when pulling out the basket—ideal for seniors or shared kitchens. The 30-minute timer auto-shutoff adds peace of mind, and the 1000W power ensures solid crisping, though it can’t match the evenness of fan-heavy models like the Cosori. The lack of presets or app support means you’re on your own for recipes, and the basket is too small for most full meals, limiting it to snacks or sides.

Compared to the COSORI 2.1 Qt or CHEFMAN models, this fryer is the most minimalist, sacrificing features for ultra-compact size and low cost. It’s not ideal for variety, but for a single person who wants one-serving cooking without clutter, it’s unmatched. It beats the COMFEE’ in portability and safety, though it falls short in capacity and versatility—a specialist tool for the strictest solo cook.