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If you cook for one or two, a compact air fryer is quicker to heat, easier to store and cheaper to buy than a family-size model. In a small kitchen, the footprint matters as much as the capacity.
We looked at air fryers between roughly 3.8 and 6 litres that are widely available in the UK, comparing basket size, worktop footprint, cleaning and value.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Typical UK price |
|---|---|---|
| COSORI Turbo Blaze 6L Air Fryer | Best overall | £90–£130 |
| Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK | Best compact Ninja | £80–£110 |
| Tower Vortx Air Fryer 4.3L | Best budget | £45–£70 |
| Russell Hobbs SatisFry Air Fryer 4L | Easiest to use | £50–£80 |
The 4 best picks
1. COSORI Turbo Blaze 6L Air Fryer – Best overall
A roomy 6-litre basket in a reasonably compact body, with fast, even cooking and a quiet fan – ideal for couples who batch cook. Fast, quiet single basket with precise temperature control.
Why we like it:
- Quick and even cooking
- Quiet fan
- Large 6 L single basket
Watch out for:
- One basket only
- App adds little
Key specs: Capacity: 6 L; Power: 1,725 W; Temperature: 30–230 °C.
Buy it if you cook for one or two and want crisp results quickly. Skip it if you need to cook two dishes at once. Typical UK price: £90–£130.
👉 Check the price of the COSORI Turbo Blaze 6L Air Fryer on Amazon.co.uk
2. Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK – Best compact Ninja
Ninja’s reliable results in a small 3.8-litre basket that tucks into a corner of the worktop. Compact 3.8 L basket from Ninja.
Why we like it:
- Compact
- Reliable results
- Easy to clean
Watch out for:
- Small capacity
- Single basket
Key specs: Capacity: 3.8 L.
Buy it if you cook for one or two. Skip it if you cook family-sized meals. Typical UK price: £80–£110.
👉 Check the price of the Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK on Amazon.co.uk
3. Tower Vortx Air Fryer 4.3L – Best budget
Simple dials, a 4.3-litre basket and a very low price make it a sensible first air fryer. Simple, affordable single basket.
Why we like it:
- Very affordable
- Compact
- Simple dial controls
Watch out for:
- Basic build
- Fewer presets
Key specs: Capacity: 4.3 L.
Buy it if you want a cheap, compact air fryer. Skip it if you want premium build. Typical UK price: £45–£70.
👉 Check the price of the Tower Vortx Air Fryer 4.3L on Amazon.co.uk
4. Russell Hobbs SatisFry Air Fryer 4L – Easiest to use
Straightforward controls and a 4-litre basket for anyone who just wants crisp food without menus. Small, simple and low-cost.
Why we like it:
- Low price
- Compact
- Easy controls
Watch out for:
- Small
- Plain design
Key specs: Capacity: 4 L.
Buy it if you want a starter air fryer. Skip it if you cook for four. Typical UK price: £50–£80.
👉 Check the price of the Russell Hobbs SatisFry Air Fryer 4L on Amazon.co.uk
How to choose the right one
How small can you go?
A 3.8–4.5 litre basket cooks two portions of chips or two chicken breasts comfortably. If you batch cook or entertain occasionally, a 5–6 litre basket gives useful headroom without the bulk of a dual-drawer model.
Footprint and storage
Measure the space between your worktop and wall cupboards, and leave room behind for the hot air vent. Lighter models are easier to lift into a cupboard if you do not want the air fryer out all the time.
Buying tips for UK shoppers
Small air fryers heat a tiny space, so a typical 15–20 minute cook uses only a few pence of electricity at UK prices – a real saving over the oven for one or two portions.
How we chose these products
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, and only included products that are widely available from UK retailers. Our picks are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not carried out. Read our editorial guidelines to see how we work.
Frequently asked questions
What size air fryer for two people?
Around 4–6 litres suits two people. Go towards 6 litres if you like cooking extra for lunches.
Are small air fryers powerful enough?
Yes. Smaller baskets heat quickly and often crisp food very evenly because air circulates easily.
Can a small air fryer replace my oven?
For most everyday meals for one or two people, largely yes. You will still want the oven for roasts and baking trays.
Our verdict
The COSORI Turbo Blaze is our favourite for couples. Choose the Ninja AF100UK for the smallest footprint, or the Tower to spend the least.