Choosing the right air fryer can feel confusing because there are so many options. If you want something small but still big enough for daily meals, a 4-quart air fryer is a great size. It fits well in almost any kitchen and can cook for one to three people without taking too much space.
In this guide, I explain 10 of the best 4-quart air fryers in simple language. Each review is clear, detailed, and easy to understand so you can choose the one that fits your needs.
MY Top Picks
- Ninja AF101 4Qt Air Fryer – Best Overall Performance
- Chefman 4Qt Compact Air Fryer – Best for Fast, Simple Meals
- Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass System – Best for Non-Metal Cooking
- Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4Qt – Best for Consistent, Reliable Results
- Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer – Best Compact Space-Saving Design
- Gourmia 4Qt Digital Air Fryer (GAF486) – Best for Beginners & Budget-Conscious Buyers
- BLACK+DECKER Purifry 4Qt Air Fryer – Best Trusted Brand with Presets
- Cosori Lite 4Qt Smart Air Fryer – Best Smart App-Connected Option
- Beelicious 4Qt Smart Compact Air Fryer – Best Quiet & Premium-Feel Choice
- PowerXL 4Qt Maxx Air Fryer – Best for Simple Everyday Cooking
The 10 Best 4 Quart Air Fryer: Compact, Powerful & Perfect for Small Families
1. Ninja AF101 4Qt Air Fryer
The Ninja AF101 is known for being reliable and easy to use. Its ceramic-coated basket holds up to 2 lbs of fries and prevents sticking. The wide temperature range from 105°F to 400°F lets you dehydrate, reheat, or cook food until perfectly crispy.
It includes four main functions—Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate—making it suitable for everyday use. The lightweight parts are dishwasher-safe, and the air fryer heats up quickly. This model is ideal for people who want simple operation and consistent results.
What I Like
- Very wide temperature range
- Ceramic nonstick coating
- Dishwasher-safe parts
What I Don’t Like
- Fewer preset options
- No built-in viewing window
2. Chefman 4Qt Compact Air Fryer
The Chefman 4Qt Compact Air Fryer is a good choice for fast meals. It has four simple presets and an easy temperature control system. One standout feature is the Hi-Fry mode, which reaches 450°F for extra-crispy food.
The slim design saves counter space while still offering enough cooking room for small families. Shake reminders help food cook evenly. The basket and rack are nonstick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quick. With built-in safety features, this model is great for beginners or anyone who wants easy cooking.
What I Like
- Hi-Fry crisping at 450°F
- Slim and lightweight
- Basket and rack are dishwasher-safe
What I Don’t Like
- Only four presets
- Actual cooking space feels slightly smaller
3. Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer System (4Qt)
The Ninja Crispi system is unique because it uses glass cooking bowls instead of metal baskets. The small PowerPod heater connects to these bowls, letting you cook, serve, store, and reheat all in one container. The 6-cup bowl is great for single meals, while the 4-quart bowl can fit a small chicken with vegetables.
The glass bowls are BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and good for people who prefer cooking on non-metal surfaces. This air fryer offers four main functions—Max Crisp, Air Fry, Bake, and Recrisp—which make it easy to prepare everyday meals. The parts also nest together, so storing the unit is simple.
What I Like
- Cook and store food in the same glass bowl
- Compact design that saves space
- Very easy to clean in the dishwasher
What I Don’t Like
- Glass bowls are heavier to handle
- Fewer cooking modes than other models
4. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4Qt Mini Air Fryer
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4Qt is a very flexible air fryer. It can air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, and dehydrate, making it a useful all-in-one appliance for everyday cooking. The temperature range of 95°F to 400°F lets you cook slowly at low heat or make food crispy at high heat.
Its touchscreen is easy to use, and the EvenCrisp technology helps food cook evenly with little oil. The basket is nonstick, so cleaning takes only a few minutes. It also has auto shut-off for safety. This model is perfect for small households, students, or anyone who wants one machine that can cook many different types of food.
What I Like
- Six handy cooking functions
- Wide temperature range
- Simple and clear touchscreen
What I Don’t Like
- Stainless steel version costs more
- May feel small for big portions
5. Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer (Oatmilk Edition)
The Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer is great for small kitchens because of its tall, space-saving shape. Even though it looks slim, the basket can hold a large amount of food—up to 3.3 lbs—making it useful for snacks and simple meals.
It has a ceramic nonstick coating that avoids PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium, which makes it safer and easier to clean. With six presets and 1300W power, it cooks quickly and evenly. The matte finish also gives it a modern and clean look. This air fryer is ideal if you want something affordable, compact, and stylish.
What I Like
- Slim design that saves space
- Ceramic nonstick coating
- Large basket capacity
What I Don’t Like
- Plastic frame feels less premium
- 1300W power may cook slower than stronger models
6. Gourmia 4Qt Digital Air Fryer (GAF486)
The Gourmia GAF486 is affordable but still offers a lot of features. It has 12 one-touch presets for air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, reheating, and dehydrating. Its FryForce 360° technology helps food cook evenly and get crispy without using much oil.
The temperature range of 90°F to 400°F makes it suitable for both slow and fast cooking. The basket and crisper tray are nonstick and dishwasher-safe. This model is great for beginners who want convenience and preset cooking instead of manual settings.
What I Like
- 12 easy presets
- Simple cleaning with dishwasher-safe parts
- Compact and practical design
What I Don’t Like
- Plastic build feels light
- Icons may require time to learn
7. BLACK+DECKER Purifry 4Qt Air Fryer
The BLACK+DECKER Purifry offers nine presets that make cooking simple. Its 1300W power and 400°F top temperature help food cook evenly even with less oil. The presets cover fries, chicken, steak, vegetables, baking, and dehydrating.
The nonstick basket is easy to wash, and all removable parts are dishwasher-safe. With a 4-liter capacity, it works well for singles or couples. This model is good for people who want simple controls and preset choices from a trusted brand.
What I Like
- Nine helpful presets
- Easy digital display
- Nonstick, easy-to-clean basket
What I Don’t Like
- Slightly bulky design
- 1300W may cook slower than other models
8. Cosori Lite 4Qt Smart Air Fryer
The Cosori Lite 4Qt is modern, fast, and great for small kitchens. It reaches up to 450°F, which helps food cook quickly and come out extra crispy. It offers five presets plus options like Preheat and Keep Warm.
When you connect it to the VeSync app, you get access to guided recipes, cooking reminders, and notifications. It is lightweight, easy to clean, and dishwasher-safe. This model is perfect for people who enjoy smart home features.
What I Like
- Smart app support with many recipes
- High heat up to 450°F
- Compact and stylish appearance
What I Don’t Like
- Limited number of presets
- Some features require the app
9. Beelicious 4Qt Smart Compact Air Fryer
The Beelicious air fryer offers fast heating and quiet performance. With temperatures from 100°F to 450°F, it can dehydrate, roast, reheat, and air fry. It includes eight preset functions for easy cooking.
The built-in viewing window lets you see your food without opening the basket, helping the heat stay inside. The metal cooking chamber heats quickly, and the nonstick basket is easy to wash. This model is good for people who want a premium look, fast heating, and low noise.
What I Like
- Clear viewing window
- High heat up to 450°F
- Quiet 53dB operation
What I Don’t Like
- Higher price compared to other compact models
- Slightly larger size for a 4-quart fryer
10. PowerXL 4Qt Maxx Air Fryer (Special Edition)
The PowerXL 4Qt Maxx is simple, fast, and great for basic everyday meals. It includes four key presets—Air Fry, Chicken, French Fries, and Steak. This makes it easy for beginners or people who want quick results.
Its 1200W heating system reaches up to 400°F and uses air-crisp vents for better circulation. The basket can hold around 13 wings or 1 pound of fries, making it a good size for small families. It also includes a recipe guide and a crisper tray that helps reduce mess.
What I Like
- Strong airflow for crispy food
- Simple preset controls
- Easy-to-clean crisper tray
What I Don’t Like
- Only a few presets
- 1200W may heat slower than other options
Final Verdict
If you want the best balance of performance, consistency, and everyday convenience, the Ninja AF101 4Qt Air Fryer is the clear winner. It’s reliable, versatile, and simply delivers great results every time.
For anyone looking for a fast, beginner-friendly, and budget-friendly option, the Chefman 4Qt Compact Air Fryer is the perfect pick—lightweight, easy to use, and surprisingly powerful.
And if you prefer a modern, non-metal cooking experience, the Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass System is an excellent alternative with a unique design.
FAQs for Best 4 Quart Air Fryer
Is a 4-quart air fryer large enough for a family of four?
A 4-quart air fryer is generally sufficient for a couple or a small family of three, for main dishes. For a family of four, it works well for side dishes or snacks, but you may need to cook larger main meals like chicken in batches.
What are the main benefits of choosing a 4-quart air fryer?
The primary benefits are their compact size and faster preheating. They save valuable counter space and are often more energy-efficient than larger models or a full oven. This makes them ideal for small kitchens.
Which brands make the best 4-quart air fryers?
Top brands known for reliable 4-quart air fryers include Ninja and Instant Vortex. These models are highly rated for their crisping ability, durability, and user-friendly digital controls. Always check recent reviews for the newest models.
Can a 4-quart model handle cooking a whole chicken?
A 4-quart air fryer can typically handle a small, whole chicken, usually around 3 to 4 pounds. The shape of the basket is key, so look for a model with a square basket for maximum cooking surface and better air circulation.
How do I ensure crispy results with my 4-quart air fryer?
To get the crispiest food, do not overcrowd the basket. Cook food in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate freely around each piece. Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time is also essential for even browning.
I can also look up specific features for 4-quart air fryers, such as dishwasher-safe parts or different cooking functions. What feature is most important to you?