The 6 Best Air Fryers for 1 Person in 2026

The Ninja AF101 stands out as a capable and user-friendly air fryer, particularly for individuals or couples. Its 4-quart capacity is quite generous for a single person, allowing for ample portions or cooking multiple components of a meal at once. The unit delivers on its promise of reducing fat, crisping up foods like French fries and chicken wings effectively with minimal oil. The temperature range, from 105°F for dehydrating to 400°F for quick cooking and crisping, provides good versatility across its four functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate are practical and simplify the cleaning process, being dishwasher safe.

Operation is straightforward with its clear digital controls, making it easy to select a function, set the temperature, and timer. While it may not boast the extensive preset menus of some competitors, its core performance is reliable for everyday air frying tasks. For a single user, it offers a good balance of capacity, performance, and ease of use without being overly complex or taking up excessive counter space, though it’s not the smallest option available. The included recipe booklet is a nice touch for beginners. Compared to the 2.1Qt Small Air Fryer, the Ninja AF101 offers a significantly larger cooking capacity and more robust build quality, suitable for those who occasionally cook larger single meals.

The COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Qt Air Fryer is a powerful and feature-rich appliance, designed with impressive airflow technology and a wide temperature range up to 450°F. This allows for rapid cooking and achieves excellent crispiness and even results on a variety of foods. Its 9-in-1 functionality, including unique modes like Proof, and the five fan speeds offer considerable versatility for those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. The 6-quart square basket is spacious, easily accommodating family-sized meals, which is a key design focus. The unit also boasts quieter operation than many air fryers, a notable plus for kitchen comfort.

For a single individual, however, the 6-quart capacity might be excessive for daily needs, potentially leading to inefficient energy use for smaller portions and taking up more counter space than necessary. While its performance is commendable, the array of features and larger size are geared more towards couples or small families. The dishwasher-safe basket and accessories make cleanup convenient, and the customizable preheat function adds a layer of control. In terms of features and capacity, the COSORI TurboBlaze offers a more advanced cooking experience than the simpler Ninja Air Fryer AF101, though its larger size may be less ideal for a solo user.

The Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone Air Fryer is an innovative solution for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, thanks to its two independent 4-quart baskets. This design is incredibly efficient for families or those who frequently cook diverse meal components that require different cooking times and temperatures. The Smart Finish feature, ensuring both baskets complete cooking at the same time, is a standout, eliminating the hassle of staggered meal prep. The Match Cook function is also useful for larger batches of a single item, effectively creating an 8-quart cooking space. With six cooking functions, it offers good versatility for various culinary tasks.

However, for a single person, the 8-quart total capacity and the dual-basket system are likely overkill. The unit is substantial in size and designed for volume cooking, which may not align with the needs of someone typically preparing meals for one. While the performance in each basket is consistent with Ninja’s reputation for quality air frying, the overall footprint and capacity are its defining characteristics. Cleaning is manageable with dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates. Compared to the Ninja Air Fryer AF101, the DZ201 Foodi offers significantly more capacity and the unique dual-cooking capability, making it a powerhouse for larger households rather than a practical choice for an individual.

This 2.1Qt Small Air Fryer by TOPZEE is specifically designed with the single user in mind, offering a compact and efficient solution for individual meals. Its diminutive size is perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs, taking up minimal counter space. Despite its small footprint, it features seven preset menus, adjustable temperature (120°F-400°F), and a timer, making it surprisingly versatile for its category. The 1000W power is adequate for its capacity, delivering crispy results on items like fries and chicken with significantly less oil. The auto shut-off and shake reminder are thoughtful additions for convenience and safety, especially beneficial for busy individuals or kitchen novices.

The non-stick, BPA-free basket is appropriately sized for one to two servings and is dishwasher safe, ensuring cleanup is quick and effortless. While it won’t handle large batches or bulky items, it excels at its intended purpose: providing quick, healthy, and easy meals for one. The digital interface is straightforward and easy to navigate. For someone seeking a dedicated air fryer for solo use without unnecessary bells and whistles, this model presents a very practical option. Compared to the Ninja Air Fryer AF101, this 2.1Qt model is considerably more compact and tailored for single servings, making it a more specialized appliance for one person.

The COSORI Air Fryer Pro 5QT strikes a good balance between capacity and a relatively compact design, making it a viable option for individuals who prefer slightly larger portions, enjoy leftovers, or occasionally cook for two. Its 9-in-1 functionality, including specific programs for steak, chicken, and seafood, caters well to diverse cooking needs, and the ability to reach 450°F allows for excellent searing and crisping. The JuiceLock technology aims to keep meats tender and juicy, a noticeable feature for protein lovers. The one-wipe clean glass panel and dishwasher-safe basket contribute to easy maintenance.

For a single person, the 5-quart capacity is generous but not overwhelmingly large, especially if you appreciate the flexibility it offers over truly mini air fryers. The inclusion of over 130 recipes via the app and cookbook, complete with nutritional information, is a significant plus for those looking for meal inspiration or tracking their diet. While it has smart features and a broader temperature range, it remains user-friendly. Compared to the more basic Ninja Air Fryer AF101, the COSORI Pro offers more cooking functions and a higher maximum temperature, providing enhanced versatility for a slightly larger investment.

The Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer offers a substantial cooking capacity combined with a user-friendly interface, featuring 8 preset cooking modes for popular dishes like shrimp, steak, and fries. A key distinguishing feature is its transparent fry bowl, which allows users to monitor their food’s progress without opening the basket, helping to maintain consistent cooking temperatures. The 1200W heating element and 360° hot air circulation technology are designed for efficient and even cooking. With adjustable temperature control up to 390°F and a 60-minute timer, it provides adequate control for various recipes.

While marketed with a “compact design” suitable for small kitchens, its 5.8-quart capacity is quite large for a single individual’s typical daily needs. This size is more aligned with small families or those who frequently cook larger quantities. The non-stick, dishwasher-safe tray simplifies cleanup, and safety features like automatic shut-off and overheat protection are standard. For a solo user, the generous capacity might mean underutilizing the space or energy. Compared to the COSORI Air Fryer Pro 5QT, the Nutrichef offers a slightly larger capacity and the unique transparent bowl for viewing, though the COSORI reaches a higher maximum temperature.