Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Cuisinart TOA-26 Compact Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Best MultitaskerInstant Vortex Mini 2-Quart Air Fryer
Best Compact PickPrice
$100-$150
$50-$70
Summary
The only small air fryer that also toasts, broils, and bakes — Cuisinart's compact toaster oven holds 2.5 lbs of food and produced golden wings in 20 minutes. A smart pick if you want to replace multiple appliances with one.
The top-tested small air fryer from both Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping, this 2-quart model cooked fries in just 14 minutes — faster than any competitor. Its shallow, wide basket puts food closer to the heat for superior crispiness.
Pros
- Air fry, toast, convection bake, broil, pizza, and warm modes in one unit
- Holds up to 2.5 lbs of food — more than most 2-quart basket fryers
- Wings turned golden and juicy in 20 minutes at 400°F
- Compact footprint relative to full-size air fryer toaster ovens
- Fastest cook times tested — crispy fries in 14 minutes, wings in 30
- Shallow, wide basket maximizes surface area for even browning
- Compact 2-quart size is perfect for single servings
- Flip reminder feature ensures even cooking without babysitting
- Dishwasher-safe basket for easy cleanup
Cons
- No built-in timer — requires manual monitoring
- Harder to clean than basket-style air fryers
- Pricier than standalone small air fryers at $119-$150
- 2-quart capacity limits batch size — can't cook for guests
- Fewer cooking presets than some competitors
- Nonstick coating may degrade over time with heavy use
Our take
If you're in a small apartment and can only have one countertop appliance, this Cuisinart does it all — and it's the rare toaster oven that actually competes with a standalone air fryer on crispiness.
Serious Eats crowned this the best small air fryer after testing six models head-to-head, and the speed advantage is real — if you're cooking for one, nothing gets food crispier faster.
Buy
