The Best Air Fryer For One Person

TLDR – Get a Cosori!

Let’s cut to the chase! The best air fryer on the market under $150 is the Cosori! It’s the perfect size if you are cooking for yourself, has tons of presets for cooking things like veggies and fish, and its easy to clean.

What Is an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven designed to simulate deep frying without using much oil. It works by circulating hot air at high speeds around the food, producing a crispy outer layer and a tender, cooked interior. For those who love fried food but want a healthier alternative, air fryers are the way to go! They are also great if you are cooking for one.

Air fryers are designed to make your cooking easier, faster, and less greasy—all while delivering the crispy texture we crave from fried foods. As a beginner cook, you don’t need to master complicated techniques to get delicious results with an air fryer. This little application can make fries, chicken wings, and even reheats leftovers. This trusty appliance simplifies the process of cooking small meals and cuts down on cook time.

Why You’d Want to Use an Air Fryer Cooking For One

The appeal of air fryers boils down to a few key benefits:

Healthier Meals:

Air fryers allow you to cook with minimal oil, reducing fat and calories in traditionally fried dishes. You can get that crispy texture without the unhealthy downside.

Quick and Easy:

If you’re pressed for time (and who isn’t?), air fryers are perfect for whipping up meals fast. Most recipes can be completed in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or when you don’t feel like cooking an elaborate meal. This is key when you are cooking for yourself!

Versatile Cooking:

Air fryers can handle a wide range of foods. Thing everything from cooking frozen foods like chicken nuggets or chicken tenders to experimenting with homemade fries, roasting veggies, or even baked goods, the versatility is hard to beat.

Faster Than Traditional Ovens:

Air fryers preheat quickly and cook food faster than a standard oven due to their size and air flow. You don’t have to wait around for the oven to heat up, which saves both time and energy. You can even pop something in the air fryer while you do something else around the house while it cooks.

Beginner-Friendly:

For new cooks, air fryers are incredibly easy to use. You don’t need to worry about complex recipes. Simply toss your food in, spray with a little oil (if necessary), season, select the temperature and time, and let it work its magic.

How Air Fryers Differ from Ovens

While air fryers and ovens both cook food with hot air, there are some significant differences between the two:

• Speed: Air fryers cook food faster because they use rapid air circulation, while ovens rely on heating the space around the food, which takes more time.
• Size: Air fryers are more compact, making them perfect for smaller kitchens or those cooking for one or two people.
• Preheating: Air fryers preheat much faster than conventional ovens, often taking just a few minutes.
• Energy Efficiency: Since air fryers cook more quickly, they use less energy than ovens, which need to stay on for longer periods.

For everyday cooking, especially when you’re just starting out, air fryers can simplify the process dramatically compared to a conventional oven.

How Air Fryers Differ from Microwaves

Microwaves and air fryers might both be convenient, but they serve different purposes:

• Cooking Method: Microwaves use electromagnetic radiation to heat water molecules in food, which makes them great for reheating but not for crisping or browning food. Air fryers, on the other hand, use convection heat to crisp and cook food thoroughly.
• Texture: If you’ve ever tried to microwave leftover pizza, you know it can come out soggy. Air fryers will reheat food and restore that crispy texture, making them a better option for foods where texture matters.

While microwaves are unbeatable for speed in reheating liquids or quickly thawing frozen food, air fryers are the way to go for cooking meals that need to stay crispy and crunchy.

How Air Fryers Differ from Toaster Ovens

Toaster ovens and air fryers share some similarities, but there are still key distinctions:

• Air Circulation: Toaster ovens don’t circulate hot air as rapidly as air fryers do, which is why air fryers often deliver crispier results in less time.
• Versatility: While toaster ovens can bake, broil, and toast, air fryers take it a step further by simulating the texture of deep-fried foods without needing much or any oil.
• Size: Air fryers are generally smaller than toaster ovens, making them more space-efficient for tight kitchens or for someone who only needs to cook small batches of food or lives alone.

Both appliances have their strengths, but if you’re primarily focused on achieving crispy textures quickly, the air fryer is your best bet.

5 Of The Best Air Fryers Under $150

Now that we’ve covered why air fryers are such a fantastic tool for beginner cooks, let’s talk about the top options available that are all  under $150 so that you can get the best bang for your buck. These air fryers provide great value, ease of use, and versatility—all without busting your budget.

1. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

Best For: Versatility and Ease of Use

The Ninja AF101 is one of the best air fryers under $150, offering an impressive balance between performance and price. It has a 4-quart capacity, which is perfect if you’re cooking for one or two people but large enough for small families, too.

Why it’s the Best:

• User-Friendly Controls: This air fryer comes with pre-programmed settings for air frying, roasting, dehydrating, and reheating, so you don’t need to figure out specific times or temperatures. Need to cook some fish? Just press the fish button instead of looking up the time and temperature.
• Temperature Range: With a range of 105°F to 400°F, you can air fry or even dehydrate fruits and veggies for a healthy snack.
• Easy to Clean: The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

If you’re looking for an air fryer that’s versatile, easy to use, and perfect for beginner cooks, the Ninja AF101 is hard to beat.

2. Cosori Pro LE Air Fryer L501

Best For: Modern Design and Digital Controls

The Cosori Pro LE is a sleek, modern air fryer with a user-friendly digital display. It has a 5-quart capacity, which is perfect for making meals for one to three people. The square basket design also allows for more food to fit compared to round baskets. This is the brand I own and love! And it’s great if you are cooking for one and want to make a complete meal in the basket.

Why it’s the Best:

• Digital Display: The modern LED screen makes selecting presets and adjusting times or temperatures simple and intuitive.
• Pre-Programmed Settings: With 9 cooking presets, it’s easy to cook everything from frozen foods to vegetables with just one touch.
• Compact Design: It’s slim enough to fit on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space, which is ideal for smaller kitchens.

3. Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer

Best For: Fast and Even Cooking

The Instant Vortex is another excellent option under $150, known for its fast cooking times and consistent results. With a 4-quart capacity, it’s perfect for making crispy fries or cooking up chicken wings without the grease.

Why it’s the Best:

• One-Touch Programs: Four pre-programmed settings let you air fry, roast, bake, or reheat with ease.
• EvenCrisp Technology: This ensures a perfectly crispy finish, giving you that deep-fried texture without all the oil.
• Fast Preheat: The Instant Vortex preheats in seconds, getting your meals on the table faster.

If you’re looking for speed and crispy results, this air fryer delivers.

4. Chefman TurboFry 4-Quart Air Fryer

Best For: Small Spaces and Cooking for Singles

The Chefman TurboFry is one of the most affordable air fryers on this list, making it a great pick for those on a budget. It has a smaller 4-quart capacity, making it ideal for those cooking for one person or those with limited kitchen space.

Why it’s the Best:

• Compact Design: Its small size makes it perfect for dorm rooms, studio apartments, or anyone who just needs to make smaller portions.
• Simple Controls: This air fryer doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but that’s what makes it so approachable for beginner cooks.
• Energy Efficient: Its smaller size also means it heats up quickly and uses less energy.

5. GoWISE USA 5.8-Quart Air Fryer

Best For: Large capacity, preset programs

The GoWISE USA model is another fantastic option if you need a bit more cooking space. It offers eight preset programs and comes with a built-in alarm to remind you when to shake or turn your food halfway through cooking. It’s great for cooking larger meals or complete meals for one person (think a protein, and sides all in the same basket), making it perfect if you frequently cook bigger meals or for a small family.

Why it’s the Best:

• Built-in Reminder: Perfect for beginners who might forget to turn the food for even cooking.
• Large Capacity: With 5.8 quarts, it can handle larger meals, making it ideal for families or meal prepping.

Our Top Pick: Cosori Air Fryer Max XL

Out of these excellent options, the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL stands out as the best air fryer under $150. It offers the largest capacity, preset programs for easy cooking, and is simple to clean, making it a perfect choice for beginners or small families. This model delivers on every front.

Why Cosori Air Fryer Max XL Is Our Top Pick

• Large Capacity: 5.8 quarts allows you to cook more food at once. I think this is actually the perfect size to cook a meal for yourself. There’s room for a meat and a veggie in the same basket which I love when I need dinner ready quick!
• Preset Programs: 11 preset cooking options, making it incredibly easy to use for beginners.
• Ease of Use: The digital display and preset programs make cooking effortless.
• Easy To Clean: I’ve had my Cosori for almost 5 years now and I’m only now considering to possibly replace it or upgrade to a larger model. The basket on this is super easy to clean and manage by myself. Its starting to show a little wear now just from daily use but not enough to be a problem and I might likely just get a replacement basket instead of a whole new device.

How to Choose the Best Air Fryer Under $150

When picking an air fryer as a beginner cook, consider this checklist:

1. Capacity: For cooking just for yourself, a 2-4 quart air fryer is perfect. It’s small enough to fit in tight spaces but still versatile enough for all your air frying needs. If you want to cook larger portions or full meals in one go, consider a 5+ quart model.
2. Ease of Use: Look for models with preset cooking programs. These allow you to toss in your food, press a button, and walk away. The less you have to think about time and temperature, the easier your life will be.
3. Temperature Range: Air fryers with a wider temperature range are more versatile, allowing you to cook everything from delicate veggies to hearty meats. Most good models will offer a range of 105°F to 400°F.
4. Cleaning: Stick to air fryers with dishwasher-safe baskets or trays. After all, no one wants to spend more time cleaning than cooking!
5. Size & Design: If counter space is tight, opt for a more compact air fryer. Luckily, there are plenty of small models that pack a punch without taking up too much room.

Why You Should Get an Air Fryer if You Live Alone

If you’re cooking for one, an air fryer is your new best friend. Here’s why:

• Fast and Easy: Air fryers cook meals in minutes—no waiting for an oven to preheat or dealing with complicated recipes. You can literally set this thing and do something else as your dinner cooks! 
• Healthier Meals: You get the crispy texture of fried foods with little to no oil, making it easier to stay healthy.
• Perfect for Small Spaces: Their compact size means they fit in any kitchen, no matter how small.
• Minimal Cleanup: Most models are dishwasher-safe and you just need to clean the basket, meaning less time spent scrubbing dishes.
• Versatile: It doesn’t matter if you are reheating leftovers, roasting veggies, or cooking up a quick dinner for one, air fryers do it all.

If you’re tired of long cook times and soggy microwave meals, it’s time to invest in an air fryer. For under $150, you’ll be making delicious, crispy meals with less effort and more fun!