The DASH Tasti-Crisp is the best small air fryer for most small kitchens: it was the easiest of the three to store, and it turned out the crispiest spring rolls in just five minutes.
If you live in a small apartment, cook mostly for yourself, or don’t have room for another bulky kitchen appliance, finding the right air fryer can be a balancing act. You want something that cooks food well without taking over your countertop or becoming a hassle to store between meals.
To find the best compact air fryer, I tested three popular models in my own kitchen: the Chefman TurboFry 3.5-Quart Compact Air Fryer, the DASH Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer, and the Cuisinart AIR-80 2.6-Quart Compact Basket Air Fryer. I looked at ease of use, cleanup, storage, noise, and how the food actually turned out.
Each has its own personality, from Chefman’s bright green finish to DASH’s cheerful aqua and Cuisinart’s sleek, mini-oven look. But looks aren’t everything. Here’s how these three small air fryers compare, and which one would best suit your kitchen.
At a glance
All three were tested at home in my own kitchen, for cooking results, cleanup, storage and noise| Air fryer | Tested with | Result | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DASH Tasti-Crisp | Spring rolls, dumplings | Crispiest; done in 5 min | Best overall |
| Chefman TurboFry | Mini pancakes | Tasty; easy cleanup | Best for versatility |
| Cuisinart AIR-80 | Spring rolls, dumplings | Tasty; less crispy than DASH | Best for design |
Our picks
Best overall: DASH Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer, 2.6 Quart
Best for: Small kitchens, quick snacks, and crispy results
The DASH Tasti-Crisp was one of my favorites to use. Its aqua finish is fun without being overwhelming, and its small design makes it especially appealing if you don’t have much room to spare.
Of the three models, the DASH felt like the smallest option for my space. It was also easy to store, and the top handle made it easy to pick up and move.
What I liked
The biggest highlight was the food.
I tested the DASH with frozen spring rolls and dumplings. For the spring rolls, the package recommended air frying for eight to ten minutes. In my test, they were ready in just five minutes at 390°F on the air fry setting.
They were also crispier than the results I got from the other models, making the DASH my personal favorite for cooking performance.
Of course, cooking times vary by food, portion size, and appliance, so I’d still recommend checking your food as it cooks rather than relying on the clock alone.
The DASH was quieter than the Chefman, too. Its nonstick basket was easy to clean, and its compact shape made it practical for someone who doesn’t want an appliance permanently taking up valuable counter space.
What to consider
The DASH has a 2.6-quart capacity, so it’s best for smaller portions, snacks, and meals for one or two people. If you regularly cook larger quantities, the Chefman’s bigger basket may be more convenient.
I also noticed that the exterior (particularly the sides) warmed up more than the other two appliances while cooking. I don’t see it as a problem, but it’s a good reminder to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement, ventilation, and handling.
Unlike the other two models, this one didn’t remind me to shake it during my test. If that feature matters to you, check the product manual to confirm exactly what the controls provide.
The verdict
The DASH Tasti-Crisp is my favorite of the three for someone who values compact storage and crispy results. It handled my spring rolls particularly well, and its quieter operation was another plus.
If you mostly cook for yourself and want an air fryer that doesn’t dominate your kitchen, the DASH deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Small but mighty! This was my favorite for getting that satisfying crispy finish.
What we liked
- Excellent crisping results
- Compact design
- Easy to clean
What we did not
- Exterior gets warm during use
- Smaller cooking capacity
Best for versatility: Chefman TurboFry 3.5-Quart Compact Air Fryer
Best for: Anyone who wants cooking options in a compact appliance
The Chefman TurboFry immediately caught my eye because of its pine green finish. If you like kitchen appliances that bring style to your space, this is a fun alternative to the usual black-and-stainless-steel options.
It was also simple to set up and get started. I didn’t need much time to figure out the controls, which is always a plus when you’re trying out a new appliance (and hungry).
What I liked
The Chefman offers the most cooking versatility of the three models I tested. Beyond air frying, it offers settings for baking, dehydrating, and cooking frozen foods. It also reaches temperatures up to 450°F, compared with the other two models’ 400°F maximum.
Its 3.5-quart capacity is larger than the 2.6-quart baskets on the DASH and Cuisinart. That extra room could help if you want to cook a slightly larger portion or occasionally prepare food for more than one person.
I used the Chefman to make mini pancakes, and the results were yummy. The nonstick basket was easy to clean afterward, and I appreciated not having to put much effort into removing food residue.
The appliance also has automatic shake reminders, which can be helpful when a recipe calls for moving food around during cooking.
What to consider
Although the Chefman is marketed as compact, its elongated design means it takes up a little more counter space than I would ideally like in a small kitchen. It’s longer than it is tall, so measure your available counter space before purchasing.
I found it reasonably easy to store when I wasn’t using it, though. The appliance was also moderately noisy during operation: not unusually loud, but not the quietest of the three I tested.
The verdict
The Chefman TurboFry is a good option for someone who wants more than basic air frying without moving up to a full-size appliance. Its larger capacity, higher maximum temperature, and extra cooking functions give it more versatility.
If you like colorful, sleek appliances and want to experiment with different cooking methods, the Chefman is worth considering.
A great little all-rounder for solo cooks who want a little extra cooking space without sacrificing counter space.
What we liked
- Generous capacity for a compact air fryer
- Versatile
- Easy-to-clean nonstick basket
What we did not
- Takes up a little more counter space than the smaller models
Best for design: Cuisinart AIR-80 2.6-Quart Compact Basket Air Fryer
Best for: Design lovers who want to see their food while it cooks
The Cuisinart AIR-80 looks a little different from the typical basket-style air fryer. Its viewing window and interior light make it look like a miniature oven, which is especially attractive if you prefer a more polished countertop look.
It’s still compact, with the same 2.6-quart capacity as the DASH, but the design feels slightly different.
What I liked
The viewing window is the main feature. Being able to check your food without opening the basket is convenient, and the interior light makes it feel even more like a traditional oven.
I tested the Cuisinart with spring rolls and dumplings, and both turned out yummy. However, when I compared its spring rolls with those cooked in the DASH at 390°F for five minutes, I preferred the DASH’s crispier results.
The Cuisinart’s cooking functions also go beyond air frying. It offers air fry, bake, and roast settings, along with three air-fry presets. A toss reminder and automatic keep-warm function add some convenience, too.
Another mindful design detail is the cord wrap on the back. It’s a small feature, but it makes tidying the appliance away a little easier.
Like the other two models, the Cuisinart’s nonstick basket was easy to clean. In my experience, its operating noise was about the same as the Chefman’s.
What to consider
The Cuisinart’s basket is 2.6 quarts, so it’s better suited to smaller portions than large, family meals. While the viewing window and oven-like design are appealing, they may not be essential if you prioritize compact storage and easy cooking.
It was reasonably easy to store, though, and the cord wrap is a nice touch if you’re moving it in and out of a cabinet.
The verdict
The Cuisinart AIR-80 is the best choice for someone who values design and visibility. The viewing window, interior light, and cord-storage feature make it feel deliberately designed for everyday use.
If you like keeping an eye on your food while it cooks and want an appliance that looks good on the counter, this is the model I’d consider first.
A sleek, compact option with thoughtful design details and plenty of appeal for smaller kitchens.
What we liked
- Compact footprint
- Easy-to-clean basket
- Convenient cord wrap
What we did not
- Didn’t crisp quite as well as the DASH in my testing
All the results
| Feature | DASH Tasti-Crisp | Chefman TurboFry | Cuisinart AIR-80 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2.6 quarts | 3.5 quarts | 2.6 quarts |
| Wattage | 1,000 watts | 1,300 watts | 1,100 watts |
| Maximum temperature | 400°F | 450°F | 400°F |
| Cooking functions | Air fry | Air fry, bake, dehydrate, frozen | Air fry, bake, roast |
| Digital controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shake/toss reminder | Not observed during my test | Yes | Yes |
| Viewing window | No | No | Yes, with interior light |
| Basket cleanup | Nonstick | Nonstick, dishwasher-safe | Ceramic nonstick, dishwasher-safe |
| Best for | Compact design and crispy results | Versatility | Viewing window and oven-like design |
How they compared in my kitchen
After using all three, I found that the differences weren’t just about capacity or technical specifications. Each appliance offered something distinct.
For cooking results: The DASH was my favorite. Its spring rolls came out especially crispy and were ready in five minutes, even though the package recommended eight to ten minutes in an air fryer.
For variety: The Chefman had the most options, including baking, dehydrating, and a dedicated frozen-food function. Its larger capacity also helps if you sometimes cook more than a single serving.
For design: The Cuisinart stood out thanks to its viewing window and interior light. It looks like a small oven, and the cord wrap is a handy storage detail.
For noise: The DASH was quieter than the Chefman, while the Cuisinart sounded about the same as the Chefman during my testing.
For cleanup: All three were easy to clean. Each has a nonstick cooking basket, and I didn’t find cleanup a major drawback on any of them.
For storage: All three were reasonably easy to put away. The DASH was my favorite thanks to its compact size and top handle, while the Chefman’s longer shape is worth considering if counter depth is limited.
Which small air fryer should you choose?
The best compact air fryer depends on what matters most to you.
- Choose the Chefman TurboFry if you want the most cooking functions, a larger 3.5-quart capacity, and a fun green finish.
- Choose the DASH Tasti-Crisp if you cook mostly for yourself, want something easy to store, and prioritize crispy results.
- Choose the Cuisinart AIR-80 if you love the look of a mini oven and want to see your food through a window while it cooks.
In my small-space kitchen, the DASH stood out for crispiness and compact convenience. The Chefman won on versatility, while the Cuisinart offered the most distinctive design.
The good news? You don’t necessarily need a large appliance to make satisfying air-fried snacks and small meals. Any of these three models could be a useful addition to a smaller kitchen, as long as its capacity, footprint, and features match the way you cook.
How we chose
I bought and used all three air fryers at home in my own kitchen. I made mini pancakes in the Chefman, and cooked frozen spring rolls and dumplings in the DASH and the Cuisinart, comparing their spring rolls side by side. For each model, I judged setup and ease of use, cleanup, storage, noise, and how the food turned out. Specifications come from each manufacturer’s product information.
What we could not test
- These are my observations from using the appliances at home, not the results of a controlled laboratory test. Different foods and quantities can produce different results, so adjust cooking times as needed.
- The Chefman was tested with mini pancakes rather than spring rolls, so its cooking results weren’t compared head-to-head with the other two.
- I didn’t see a shake reminder on the DASH during my test; check the product manual to confirm what its controls offer.
Sources and further reading
- DASH Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer, 2.6 Quart, Amazon listing, capacity, wattage, maximum temperature and functions
- Chefman TurboFry 3.5-Quart Compact Air Fryer, Amazon listing, capacity, wattage, maximum temperature and functions
- Cuisinart AIR-80 2.6-Quart Compact Basket Air Fryer, Amazon listing, capacity, wattage, maximum temperature and functions
Changelog
- Published.
Questions
Which small air fryer is best for one person?
The DASH Tasti-Crisp. Its 2.6-quart basket suits snacks and meals for one or two, it was the easiest of the three to store, and it gave the crispiest results in my testing.
Which compact air fryer has the most cooking functions?
The Chefman TurboFry: air fry, bake, dehydrate and a frozen-food setting, with temperatures up to 450°F.
Which small air fryer lets you see your food while it cooks?
The Cuisinart AIR-80, which has a viewing window and an interior light.
Are small air fryers easy to clean?
All three I tested have nonstick baskets that were easy to clean. The Chefman and Cuisinart baskets are dishwasher-safe.