7 Best Air Fryers for One Person 2026

The COMFEE’ 2.1 Quart Air Fryer grabs attention with its 12 preset cooking options and rapid 360-degree air circulation, making it a standout for solo cooks who want convenience without compromising on versatility. Its adjustable temperature range from 180°F to 400°F gives precise control, while the oil reduction of up to 90% delivers crispy results that rival deep frying—perfect for health-conscious eaters tired of soggy, steamed textures. This compact model solves the real pain point of limited counter space in small kitchens, dorms, or RVs, all while maintaining consistent performance across everyday meals.

In real-world use, the 2.1-quart basket handles single portions of fries, chicken tenders, or even small portions of roasted vegetables with impressive evenness, thanks to its hot air vortex system. It heats up quickly—no lengthy preheating—and performs reliably whether reheating leftovers or cooking frozen snacks. However, it struggles slightly with larger items like full-sized chicken breasts due to the narrow, compact design. While the nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, the handle can retain heat, requiring caution when removing mid-cycle.

Compared to the OSTBA 2.5QT, the COMFEE’ offers more preset flexibility but trades off some capacity and knob simplicity. Where the OSTBA wins with intuitive dual knobs, COMFEE’ leans into automation, ideal for users who want set-and-forget cooking with minimal guesswork. It’s best suited for tech-inclined singles or students who value menu diversity over manual control. For those prioritizing smart presets and compact efficiency, this model delivers stronger features than the CHEFMAN or Bear, despite a slightly higher price.

The OSTBA 2.5QT Air Fryer shines with its ultra-simple dual-knob design and 720° 3D rapid air circulation, delivering golden, crispy results with up to 85% less oil—ideal for seniors or cooking beginners who want zero complexity. Its standout feature is the intuitive manual controls: twist the time and temperature dials, and you’re ready to cook, no touchscreens or confusing presets needed. This no-nonsense approach solves a major pain point for users overwhelmed by digital interfaces, making it one of the most accessible entry-level models on the market.

During testing, the 2.5-quart capacity proved generous for one and sufficient for two, easily crisping wings, fries, or small salmon fillets in under 15 minutes. The 304 stainless steel basket resists odors and scratches, and the nonstick coating releases food effortlessly, even sticky items like breaded shrimp. It heats evenly, though very dense foods like thick potatoes can develop slight hot spots if not shaken. The lack of presets or digital display may deter tech-savvy users, but for straightforward, reliable cooking, it excels.

Positioned against the COMFEE’, the OSTBA trades automation for simplicity and durability, making it a better fit for low-tech households. While the Instant Pot Vortex offers app connectivity, OSTBA wins with instant usability and dishwasher-safe parts. It’s ideal for seniors, students, or minimalists who want fast, healthy meals without learning curves. With a 1-year warranty included automatically, it offers stronger long-term value than similarly priced models like CHEFMAN.

The dark blue 2.1QT mini air fryer earns its title as the quietest performer in its class, combining ultra-quiet operation with a 4-in-1 cooking system that includes air fry, roast, bake, and reheat—perfect for shared living spaces or noise-sensitive environments. Its standout feature is the 60-minute timer with adjustable 140–400°F temperature control, offering more cooking flexibility than basic models. For singles who cook late at night or work from home, the low decibel output ensures meals don’t disrupt focus or sleep.

In practical use, this air fryer handles small-to-medium portions efficiently, crisping fries and reheating pizza with consistent results. The nonstick, BPA-free basket slides out easily and cleans up fast in the dishwasher, a win for busy professionals or students. However, the lack of presets or smart programs means you’ll need to manually set time and temperature every time, which can be tedious for frequent users. It also takes slightly longer to heat than models with higher wattage, though performance remains solid for basic tasks.

Compared to the COSORI 2.1QT, this model lacks app integration and recipe support but wins on quietness and affordability for users who prioritize peace over tech. It’s best for dorm dwellers or remote workers who need a discreet, compact appliance. While the Instant Pot Vortex offers faster preheating and better browning, this model delivers superior noise control at a similar price, making it a stealthy daily driver.

The Instant Pot Vortex 2QT stands out with its EvenCrisp Technology and 100+ in-app recipes, making it the best reheating air fryer for those who want restaurant-quality crispiness from leftovers. Its top-down airflow system ensures even browning—no more half-soggy pizza or unevenly heated wings—while the one-touch smart programs take the guesswork out of cooking popular items like roasted veggies or cinnamon buns. For busy singles, this means gourmet results with minimal effort, solving the daily dilemma of bland, microwaved meals.

Real-world testing confirms it excels at reheating and small-batch cooking, delivering crispy textures in minutes with little to no preheating. The 2-quart capacity is ideal for one, and the nonstick basket cleans up easily in the dishwasher. However, the app dependency can be a hurdle for users without smartphones, and the lack of manual knobs means you’re locked into presets unless you adjust within the app. It also runs slightly louder than competitors, which may bother light sleepers.

Against the COSORI 2.1QT, the Vortex offers better browning and more recipes, but fewer manual controls. While the CHEFMAN includes a shake reminder, the Vortex wins with smarter automation and brand reliability. It’s perfect for tech-savvy singles who want crispy leftovers and guided cooking. With stronger app support than COSORI and better reheating than COMFEE’, it justifies its price with performance.

The COSORI 2.1 QT earns its title as the best app-controlled air fryer with 30 in-app recipes and VeSync app integration, offering a seamless cooking experience for digital-first users. Its reheat function brings leftovers like pizza and wings back to life with crispy precision, while the compact 2.1-quart basket heats faster than larger models—ideal for singles wanting quick meals after work. For those who love guided cooking, the app provides step-by-step instructions and meal ideas, turning solo cooking from a chore into a creative ritual.

In daily use, the nonstick basket delivers consistent results across fries, chicken, and roasted veggies, and the 900W power ensures fast cooking with minimal preheating. The ultra-light 4.87-lb design makes it easy to store or move—perfect for dorms or RVs. However, the lack of physical presets means you rely on the app or manual settings, which can slow down repeat cooks. It also runs slightly louder than Bear or the quiet model, though not excessively so.

Compared to the Instant Pot Vortex, COSORI offers more personalized recipes and better app interface, but less crispiness due to airflow design. While the OSTBA wins on simplicity, COSORI dominates for connected cooking and reheat precision. It’s best for students, remote workers, or app lovers who want guided, healthy meals. With better app support than Instant Pot and stronger reheat than COMFEE’, it’s the smartest choice for tech-dependent cooks.

The CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is the most budget-friendly powerhouse, packing digital controls, a shake reminder, and rapid cooking into a sleek, space-saving design. Its capacitive touch screen and audible shake alert ensure optimal crispiness—no more forgotten mid-cycle shakes—while the square basket maximizes capacity in a compact footprint. For singles on a tight budget, it solves the problem of affordable, healthy cooking without sacrificing smart features.

In practice, it cooks fries, nuggets, and small proteins in under 15 minutes, often 3x faster than a conventional oven, and the nonstick basket cleans up easily in the dishwasher. The 900W motor delivers solid performance, though the 2-quart size feels slightly smaller than competitors like OSTBA. It also lacks presets, requiring manual input every time, and the plastic finish feels less premium than metal-bodied models.

When compared to the Bear 2.1QT, CHEFMAN offers better tech features at the same price, but less quiet operation and smaller capacity. It outperforms the COMFEE’ in speed and alerts but lacks its presets. Ideal for budget-conscious students or first-time buyers, it delivers strong value for basic, fast cooking. With smarter alerts than Bear and lower cost than COSORI, it’s the best bang-for-buck entry model.

The Bear 2.1 QT Air Fryer takes the crown as the best overall pick by balancing quiet operation, manual controls, and consistent performance in a compact, stylish package. Its dual-knob design offers full control over time (0–60 min) and temperature (176–400°F), appealing to users who want precision without digital clutter. The standout feature is its whisper-quiet motor, making it ideal for open-concept homes or late-night cooking—no more waking roommates or interrupting Zoom calls.

Testing shows it crisps food evenly, from frozen fries to homemade chicken nuggets, with 30% faster cooking than traditional ovens and up to 85% less oil. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, and the smart pause function adds safety when pulling out mid-cycle. While it lacks presets or app support, this simplicity enhances reliability. It’s slightly smaller than the OSTBA, but the square footprint saves counter space better.

Against the CHEFMAN, Bear wins on noise and build quality, though it misses the shake alert. Compared to the COMFEE’, it trades presets for quieter, more intuitive cooking. It’s perfect for singles, seniors, or minimalist kitchens seeking reliable, quiet, and healthy meals. With better sound control than COSORI and more manual freedom than Instant Pot, it strikes the ideal balance for everyday use.