Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Cosori Small Air Fryer (2.1-Quart)
Best BudgetNinja AF101 Air Fryer (4-Quart)
Best OverallPrice
$50-$60
$90-$120
Summary
At around $50, this 2.1-quart Cosori delivers evenly crispy wings and fries without needing to flip — a rare feat at this price. The hidden-button panel looks sleek and the square basket maximizes usable space.
The most recommended small air fryer across expert and community sources. Four versatile cooking modes, a dishwasher-safe basket, and proven real-world durability make it the go-to for solo cooks.
Pros
- 2.1-quart square basket maximizes interior space for a compact unit
- Wings came out crispy on the bottom without flipping in GH testing
- Intuitive control panel with hidden buttons when off for clean look
- Significantly cheaper than most competitors at ~$50
- 4 cooking modes: air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate
- Dishwasher-safe basket fits without taking up too much room
- Responsive, easy-to-read control panel
- Heats quickly — crispy wings and fries consistently
Cons
- Nonstick basket prone to scratching over time — avoid metal utensils
- 2.1-quart capacity limits batch size even for one person with larger meals
- No dehydrate function unlike the Ninja AF101
- Slightly larger footprint than other 'small' air fryers on the market
- Doesn't pause when you open the basket — timer and heat keep running
- No window to check food without pulling the basket
Our take
For solo cooking on a budget, this is the one to beat. Wings crispy on the bottom without flipping is a legitimately impressive result that pricier models can't always match.
If you only want to buy one air fryer and never think about it again, this is the one. Good Housekeeping's lab director has used it daily for over a year in an apartment kitchen — that's the endorsement that matters.
Buy
