The 5 Best Air Fryers for One Person

We’ve found the best air fryers for solo cooking combine compact 4-5.7 liter capacities with energy-saving features that’ll slash your electricity bills by up to 80%. Our top picks include the Instant Vortex 5.7L with its ClearCook window, the versatile COSORI 4.7L with 11 presets, and the Karaca Air Cook 4L that fits tight spaces. These models cook 30-50% faster than conventional ovens while using 95% less oil, making them perfect for single servings without leftovers. Below, we’ll break down each model’s unique features to help you choose the right fit.

Tower Vortx Vizion 9L Dual Basket Air Fryer (T17100)

While marketed as a 9L dual basket model that feeds up to 8 people, the Tower Vortx Vizion T17100 works exceptionally well for solo cooks who want maximum flexibility. You’ll appreciate having two separate 4.5L baskets, letting you cook different foods simultaneously without flavor transfer. The Vortx technology circulates hot air rapidly, cooking 30% faster than conventional ovens while using little to no oil. You can air fry, roast, bake, or grill using ten one-touch presets. The energy efficiency is remarkable—you’ll potentially save up to 70% on energy bills, roughly £259 annually. It includes a one-year guarantee, extendable to three years with online registration.

Best For: Solo cooks or small households who want the flexibility of cooking multiple dishes simultaneously while saving significantly on energy costs compared to conventional ovens.

Pros:

• Dual 4.5L baskets allow you to cook two different foods at once without flavor mixing, perfect for complete meals
• Exceptional energy efficiency with potential savings of up to 70% on energy bills (approximately £259 annually)
• Versatile cooking with four methods (air fry, roast, bake, grill) and 10 one-touch presets for convenient meal preparation

Cons:

• The 9L total capacity may be excessive for single-person households who don’t need dual basket functionality
• Requires online registration to extend warranty from 1 year to 3 years, adding an extra step for full coverage
• Takes up considerable counter space due to dual basket design, which may be challenging in smaller kitchens

Instant Vortex Digital Single Drawer Air Fryer, 5.7 Litre

The Instant Vortex Digital Single Drawer Air Fryer delivers 1700W of power in a compact 5.7-litre package that’s ideal for solo diners who want restaurant-quality meals without the bulk of larger appliances. You’ll access four smart programs—Air Fry, Bake, Roast, and Reheat—enabling versatile meal preparation at half the cooking time of conventional ovens.

The ClearCook window lets you monitor your food without interrupting the cooking process. You can prepare a 1.6kg whole chicken or 750g of fries in one go, using 95% less oil whilst saving up to 80% on energy bills. This black air fryer combines health-conscious cooking with practical efficiency for your single-person household.

Best For: Solo diners and single-person households who want to prepare healthier, restaurant-quality meals quickly while saving energy and kitchen space.

Pros:

• Four versatile smart programs (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Reheat) cook meals up to 50% faster while using 95% less oil than traditional methods
• ClearCook window allows you to monitor cooking progress without opening the drawer and interrupting the process
• Saves up to 80% on energy bills compared to conventional ovens while handling substantial portions like 1.6kg whole chickens

Cons:

• 5.7-litre capacity may be too small for families or batch cooking multiple servings
• Single drawer design limits ability to cook different foods simultaneously at varying temperatures
• Black color finish may show fingerprints and require more frequent cleaning to maintain appearance

COSORI Air Fryer 4.7L, 9-in-1 & COSORI Air Fryer Oven with Rapid Air Circulation

With its 4.7-litre capacity and 11 cooking presets, the COSORI Air Fryer 4.7L delivers versatility that’ll satisfy solo diners who want variety without excess. You’ll access functions for chicken, fries, steak, seafood, and vegetables at the touch of a button. The rapid air circulation technology cooks your meals 50% faster whilst reducing electricity consumption by 55%, saving you time and money. Two recipe books—featuring 30 and 100 recipes—expand your culinary options beyond basic air frying to baking, roasting, and grilling. The dishwasher-safe, non-stick basket simplifies cleanup, whilst automatic shutoff and overheat protection guarantee safe operation.

Best For: Solo diners and small households seeking a versatile, energy-efficient air fryer with multiple cooking presets and comprehensive recipe guidance for everyday meals.

Pros:

• 11 cooking presets and dual recipe books (30 and 100 recipes) provide extensive versatility for air frying, baking, roasting, and grilling
• Rapid air circulation technology cooks 50% faster while reducing electricity consumption by 55%, delivering significant time and energy savings
• Dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and comprehensive safety features (automatic shutoff, overheat protection) ensure convenient maintenance and worry-free operation

Cons:

• 4.7-litre capacity may be too small for families or batch cooking larger portions
• Aluminium and plastic construction may not be as durable as stainless steel alternatives
• Limited information provided about warranty coverage despite mentioning lifelong customer service

Karaca Air Cook XL 2 in 1 Digital Airfryer, 4L

Solo diners and compact kitchen enthusiasts will find their perfect match in the Karaca Air Cook XL 2 in 1 Digital Airfryer. This 4-liter, 1550-watt appliance offers six cooking functions, including air frying, grilling, baking, and even yogurt preparation. You’ll appreciate its wide temperature range of 60° to 210°F and programmable timer extending up to 12 hours. The advanced hot air circulation requires minimal oil—just one tablespoon—while using 74% less energy than conventional ovens. Its compact 15 x 31 x 37 cm design fits tight spaces, and dishwasher-safe components simplify cleanup. With 4.4 stars from customer ratings, it’s a reliable choice.

Best For: Solo diners, couples, and small households with limited kitchen space who want a versatile, energy-efficient appliance for healthier cooking with minimal oil.

Pros:

• Six versatile cooking functions including air frying, grilling, baking, roasting, dehydrating, and yogurt making
• Exceptional energy efficiency using 74% less energy than conventional ovens with minimal oil requirement (just 1 tablespoon)
• Wide temperature range (60° to 210°F) and extended timer (up to 12 hours) for diverse cooking needs, plus dishwasher-safe components for easy cleanup

Cons:

• 4-liter capacity may be too small for families of four or more people
• Relatively low sales ranking (#1,268,056 in Home & Kitchen) suggests limited market presence and potentially fewer user reviews for reference
• 1550-watt power consumption may be higher than some competing models in the same size category

WINNINGSTAR 7.7L Extra Large Air Fryer with Dual Zone Basket

Looking for versatility without sacrificing counter space? The WINNINGSTAR 7.7L Air Fryer delivers impressive capacity in compact 29 x 23 x 28 cm dimensions. You’ll cook complete meals with its dual zone basket, adjusting temperatures from 80°C to 200°C for perfect results every time.

Hot air circulation technology eliminates flipping while reducing fat by 85%. The 60-minute timer handles everything from crispy chips to tender chicken and vegetables. You’ll appreciate the dishwasher-safe non-stick basket that makes cleanup effortless.

This black Emirate model combines functionality with sleek design, fitting seamlessly into modern kitchens while providing restaurant-quality results for solo dining.

Best For: Couples, small families, and individuals seeking a compact yet spacious air fryer that delivers healthy, oil-free cooking with minimal cleanup and precise temperature control.

Pros:

• 7.7L capacity with dual zone basket allows cooking complete meals while maintaining a compact 29 x 23 x 28 cm footprint
• Hot air circulation technology reduces fat by up to 85% and eliminates the need for flipping food during cooking
• Dishwasher-safe non-stick basket with wide temperature range (80°C-200°C) and 60-minute timer for versatile, hassle-free cooking

Cons:

• Plastic material construction may not be as durable as metal alternatives for long-term heavy use
• 7.7L capacity may be insufficient for larger families or meal prepping for multiple people
• Lacks advanced features like digital displays or preset cooking programs found in higher-end models

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer for One Person

When we’re shopping for a single-serving air fryer, we need to evaluate several key factors to guarantee we’re making the right investment. The ideal model should match our cooking habits, fit comfortably in our kitchen, and operate efficiently without breaking the bank. Let’s examine the essential considerations that’ll help us find the perfect air fryer for solo cooking.

Capacity and Serving Size

The right capacity makes all the difference when you’re cooking for yourself. We recommend looking for air fryers with 4 to 5.7 liters of capacity—perfect for single servings without creating unnecessary leftovers. This size range lets you cook versatile meals, from a 1.6 kg whole chicken to 750g of fries, giving you plenty of meal options.

Smaller capacities offer practical advantages beyond just cooking. You’ll find these models easier to store in compact kitchens and simpler to handle during cleaning. They’re also more energy-efficient, consuming less power than larger units, which translates to lower electricity bills and reduced environmental impact.

When evaluating models, verify the basket can accommodate your typical meals. Multiple cooking presets add value, letting you prepare various single-serving recipes without needing extra space.

Energy Efficiency and Costs

As energy prices continue rising, choosing an appliance that keeps your bills low becomes essential—and air fryers excel in this area. We’ve found they can slash energy costs by 70-80% compared to traditional ovens, thanks to their compact design and efficient heating mechanisms. Their rapid hot air circulation technology cuts cooking times by half, meaning you’ll spend less time drawing power.

For single-person households, these savings add up quickly. The smaller size consumes considerably less energy than full-sized appliances, and you’ll use minimal oil, reducing ingredient costs too. Regular use can lower your annual energy bills substantially—some users report savings exceeding £250 yearly. When you’re cooking for one, an energy-efficient air fryer makes both environmental and financial sense.

Cooking Functions and Versatility

Modern air fryers have evolved far beyond simple frying machines—they’re now versatile kitchen workhorses that’ll handle nearly everything you’d cook in a full-sized oven.

When we’re evaluating air fryers for solo cooking, we prioritize models offering multiple functions like air frying, baking, roasting, and grilling. This versatility means you’ll prepare complete meals without cluttering your kitchen with separate appliances.

We recommend looking for pre-set cooking options that simplify meal prep through one-touch settings for common dishes. These programs eliminate guesswork and deliver consistent results.

Advanced rapid air circulation technology matters too—it’ll cook your food faster while preserving flavor and reducing fat content. Combined with user-friendly digital controls, these features let you easily adjust temperatures and times for different recipes, maximizing your air fryer’s potential.

Counter Space Requirements

Limited kitchen space shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the benefits of an air fryer—you’ll find plenty of compact options designed specifically for solo cooking. We recommend looking for models with dimensions around 15 x 30 cm or less that won’t dominate your countertop. Vertical designs are particularly smart choices since they maximize cooking volume while minimizing horizontal footprint.

When evaluating options, we suggest considering how much counter real estate you can dedicate to the appliance. A 4 to 5.7-liter capacity provides ample room for single servings without unnecessary bulk. We also recommend checking the weight—lighter models offer flexibility to tuck away in cabinets between uses. Pay attention to control placement and handle design, ensuring you can operate the air fryer comfortably without awkward reaching or repositioning.

Ease of Cleaning

Since you’ll likely use your air fryer several times a week, cleaning convenience should rank high on your priority list. We recommend looking for models with removable, non-stick baskets that are dishwasher safe—this feature alone dramatically reduces post-cooking cleanup time.

Compact designs naturally have fewer parts and surfaces requiring attention, making them ideal for single-person households. Some manufacturers incorporate advanced technologies that minimize grease buildup, which means less scrubbing over time.

Check whether your prospective air fryer offers easy-to-wipe surfaces or even a self-cleaning mode. These features can transform maintenance from a chore into a quick task.

We always examine customer reviews focusing specifically on cleaning experiences. Real-world feedback reveals whether manufacturers’ claims about easy maintenance actually hold up in daily use.

Temperature Control Options

While single-person households don’t need industrial-grade features, temperature control remains vital for cooking versatility. We recommend looking for models with temperature ranges between 60°C to 200°C, which let you prepare everything from dehydrated snacks to crispy vegetables. Adjustable settings are important since different foods require specific temperatures for best results.

Digital displays make temperature adjustments straightforward, eliminating guesswork during cooking. This precision prevents common problems like burnt exteriors or raw interiors. We’ve found that reliable temperature control also improves energy efficiency—you’ll cook at lower temperatures when possible, reducing both cooking time and electricity consumption. For solo cooking, consistent temperature regulation means you won’t waste food due to overcooking mistakes, and your meals will have better texture and flavor every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cook Frozen Meals Directly in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen meals directly in your air fryer. We recommend adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time and checking halfway through. There’s no need to thaw them first, making meal prep incredibly convenient.

How Much Electricity Does an Air Fryer Use Compared to Ovens?

Air fryers typically use 50-70% less electricity than conventional ovens. We’ve found they consume around 1,400-1,700 watts compared to an oven’s 2,500-5,000 watts, making them considerably more energy-efficient for single servings.

Do Air Fryers Need Preheating Before Cooking?

Most air fryers don’t require preheating, but we recommend it for better results. Preheating for 3-5 minutes helps achieve crispier textures and more even cooking. However, you can skip it when you’re short on time.

What Materials Are Safe to Use Inside an Air Fryer?

We can safely use oven-safe materials like ceramic, glass, metal, and silicone inside your air fryer. Avoid plastic, paper towels, and wax paper. Always guarantee containers are heat-resistant up to 400°F for best results.

How Often Should I Clean My Air Fryer?

We recommend cleaning your air fryer after every use to prevent grease buildup and maintain peak performance. Wipe down the basket and drawer with warm soapy water, then dry thoroughly before storing it away.

Conclusion

We’ve explored five excellent air fryers that’ll make solo cooking a breeze in 2025. Whether you’re drawn to the Tower Vortx’s dual basket versatility, the Instant Vortex’s compact efficiency, COSORI’s multi-functionality, Karaca’s space-saving design, or WINNINGSTAR’s generous capacity, there’s an option that’ll fit your lifestyle. Remember to weigh the factors we’ve discussed—size, features, and budget—before making your choice. Now you’re ready to find the perfect air fryer companion for your kitchen!