5 Best Compact Air Fryers in the UK – Top Space-Saving Models

Compact air fryers are perfect for kitchens with limited space, offering a quick and convenient way to cook your favourite meals. They use less oil than traditional frying methods, making it easier to enjoy crispy dishes without the extra fat. With smaller sizes and smart designs, these fryers are great for singles, couples, or anyone who doesn’t want to heat up a large oven. Many compact models are also designed as low watt air fryers, which means they consume less electricity while still delivering tasty results. Below, we’ve listed some of the best compact air fryers currently available to help you pick the right one for your kitchen.

Exceptional

1. Chefman Compact Air Fryer 3.75L

4.9 out of 5

• Capacity: 3.75L
• Max temperature: 235°C
• Controls: Digital touch screen
• Basket: Non-stick, dishwasher-safe
• Dimensions: 26D x 37W x 29.5H cm

• What We Like

• Perfect for small households needing quick, healthy meals.
• Hi-Fry boost ensures extra crispy finishes every time.
• Compact shape saves valuable counter and storage space.
• Easy-view window helps monitor food without stopping cooking.
• Minimal oil needed for lighter, guilt-free meals.
• Simple, preset options for effortless everyday cooking.

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Exceptional

2. Midea Compact 2L Air Fryer

4.8 out of 5

• Capacity: 2L
• Temperature range: 80-200°C
• Timer: Up to 60 minutes
• Basket: Dishwasher-safe, non-stick

• What We Like

• Ideal size for couples, students, or small kitchens.
• Space-saving design fits easily on crowded countertops.
• Quick and even cooking for a wide variety of meals.
• Safe operation with automatic shut-off and overheat protection.
• Easy cleanup thanks to non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket.
• Great gift for health-conscious or busy home cooks.

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Exceptional

3. COSORI Compact 6L TurboBlaze Air Fryer

4.7 out of 5

• Capacity: 6L
• Temperature range: 30-230°C
• Functions: 9 cooking modes
• Fan speeds: 5 adjustable levels
• Basket: Non-stick, dishwasher-safe

• What We Like

• Large capacity in a compact, space-saving design.
• Cooks up to 46% faster than many other air fryers.
• Saves energy by using far less power than conventional ovens.
• Quiet operation keeps your kitchen peaceful while cooking.
• Includes 117 recipes and cooking charts for inspiration.
• Great for families who enjoy diverse, healthy meals.

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Exceptional

4. Philips Compact 4.2L Air Fryer

4.7 out of 5

• Capacity: 4.2L
• Temperature control: Adjustable
• Cooking programs: 13 options
• Presets: 9 quick-select functions
• Dimensions: 36.8D x 27.3W x 29.3H cm

• What We Like

• RapidAir tech ensures food cooks evenly with minimal oil.
• Compact design perfect for everyday family meals or snacks.
• Touchscreen makes selecting functions quick and intuitive.
• Great for reheating, defrosting, or keeping food warm.
• Easy to clean thanks to non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts.
• Reliable performance trusted by a well-known, global brand.

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Exceptional

5. Belaco Compact 2L Digital Air Fryer

4.6 out of 5

• Capacity: 2L
• Temperature range: 80-200°C
• Timer: 30 to 60 minutes
• Controls: Digital display
• Dimensions: 18D x 19W x 28H cm

• What We Like

• Compact and lightweight, ideal for small kitchens or caravans.
• Digital display makes settings simple and precise to adjust.
• Faster cooking helps save both time and energy.
• Sleek, modern design blends into any kitchen decor.
• Perfect size for snacks, small meals, or single servings.
• Affordable choice without sacrificing quality or performance.

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What are the main benefits of a compact air fryer?

There are several benefits to owning a compact air fryer:

• Space-saving design: Ideal for kitchens with limited counter space, such as flats, student accommodation, or caravans.

• Energy efficient: Smaller units require less electricity than full-sized ovens or larger air fryers.

• Faster cooking times: Because of their smaller capacity, they tend to heat up and cook food more quickly.

• Healthier meals: They use very little oil, allowing you to enjoy foods like chips and fried chicken with fewer calories and less fat.

• Easy to clean: Many models come with non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets or trays, making cleanup simple and hassle-free.

• Portability: Their light weight and compact size make them easy to move or store away when not in use.

How much food can a compact air fryer cook at once?

The capacity of a compact air fryer usually ranges from 1.5 to 6 litres, which is ideal for one or two people. For example, a 2-litre model can typically hold:

• Around 500g of chips (about two servings).

• Two chicken breasts or two small steaks.

• Four to six chicken wings.

• A small portion of roasted vegetables or fish fillets.

If you often cook for more than two people, you might find a larger air fryer more suitable. However, compact models are excellent for preparing smaller batches or snacks without wasting energy.

Do air fryers save energy compared to ovens?

Air fryers are typically more energy-efficient than standard ovens because they cook food faster and use less power overall. A conventional oven needs time to preheat and maintain its large internal space at a set temperature, which can take 10–15 minutes before you even start cooking.

In contrast, an air fryer heats up almost instantly and cooks smaller portions quickly, meaning less electricity is consumed. For example, cooking a tray of chips in an oven may take 30–40 minutes, while an air fryer can achieve the same results in 10–15 minutes. Over time, this efficiency can lead to noticeable energy savings on your household bills.