Looking to whip up healthy, crispy meals without drowning them in oil? A 4 quart air fryer might just be your kitchen’s new best friend! These compact powerhouses are perfect for individuals, couples, or small families, offering enough capacity to cook up delicious portions without taking over your precious counter space.
Air frying has become a game-changer for many, turning once-guilty pleasures like french fries and chicken wings into healthier alternatives. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? We’ve sifted through the best of the best to bring you a comprehensive guide to the top 4 quart air fryer models on the market. Get ready to discover your next culinary companion!
Why Choose a 4 Quart Air Fryer?
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why a 4-quart model is often the sweet spot:
- Space-Saving: Their compact design means they won’t hog your countertop, making them ideal for smaller kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms.
- Perfect for Smaller Portions: Whether you’re cooking for one or two people, or just need a side dish for a small family, a 4-quart capacity is just right.
- Faster Cooking: Smaller baskets generally mean quicker preheating and cooking times compared to their larger counterparts.
- Healthy Eating Made Easy: Enjoy your favorite fried foods with significantly less oil, leading to healthier meals without sacrificing flavor or crunch.
- Versatility: Most models offer multiple cooking functions beyond just air frying, like roasting, baking, reheating, and even dehydrating.
How We Picked the Best 4 Quart Air Fryers
We focused on several key aspects to ensure we’re recommending truly high-quality products:
- Performance: How well does it crisp food? Is the heating even?
- Ease of Use: Are the controls intuitive? Are there helpful presets?
- Features: What additional functions does it offer (digital display, shake reminders, multiple presets)?
- Cleaning: Are the components nonstick and dishwasher-safe?
- Durability & Safety: We considered trusted brands with safety certifications.
- User Feedback: What are real customers saying about their experience?
Now, let’s get to the stars of the show!
Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer

This Chefman 4 quart air fryer stands out with its smart digital touchscreen and HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY, allowing you to crank up the heat to 450°F for an extra crispy finish in the last few minutes. It’s designed to be both stylish and incredibly compact, making it a great fit for any kitchen aesthetic without hogging valuable space. Plus, its shake notifications take the guesswork out of achieving perfectly even cooking.
- Key Features:
- Digital touch screen with four preset functions.
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY for extra crispiness.
- Sleek, narrow, and compact design.
- Shake notifications with audible alarm.
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and rack.
- Automatic shutoff for safety.
- Pros:
- Achieves superior crispiness with high-temperature technology.
- Very space-efficient design.
- Convenient digital controls and presets.
- Easy to clean components.
- Helpful shake reminder.
- Cons:
- No specific mention of other cooking functions like roasting or baking (though air fryers typically can).
- Might be on the smaller side for families larger than 2-3 people.
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise this Chefman model for its ability to deliver exceptionally crispy results quickly. Many appreciate its sleek design and how little counter space it occupies, making it a popular choice for smaller kitchens. The shake reminder is often highlighted as a thoughtful feature that helps ensure even cooking.
- See it on Amazon here
bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware

The Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer truly lives up to its “Fits-anywhere™” name, boasting a unique space-saving design that’s up to 50% slimmer than previous models. Despite its compact footprint, it features an XL basket capacity capable of holding up to 3.3 lbs of food, perfect for those times you need to cook a larger batch of fries or chicken. Its EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating ensures healthier cooking and super easy cleanup.
- Key Features:
- Slim, space-saving design.
- EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating (PFOA/PFAS/PTFE-free).
- XL basket capacity (fits up to 3.3 lbs of food).
- Digital controls with 6 presets (air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate).
- 1300 watts of power with circular heat technology.
- Modern, subtle fluting aesthetic.
- Pros:
- Exceptional space-saving design.
- Healthier, chemical-free nonstick coating.
- Generous capacity for its size class.
- Versatile with multiple cooking presets.
- Stylish addition to any kitchen.
- Cons:
- 1300 watts might be slightly less powerful than some competitors, potentially affecting cook times slightly.
- Digital controls might have a slight learning curve for some compared to analog dials.
- User Impressions: Customers love the Bella Slim Air Fryer for its impressive capacity in such a trim form factor. The easy-to-clean ceramic coating and the range of presets are frequently mentioned as highlights, making meal prep convenient and healthy. Its sleek look also gets a lot of compliments.
- See it on Amazon here
Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil

The Ninja Air Fryer is a true multi-tasker, offering 4-in-1 versatility to air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. It’s renowned for achieving up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods, making it a go-to for guilt-free indulgence. The 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket is family-sized, comfortably fitting 2 lbs of French fries, and its wide temperature range handles everything from delicate dehydration to intense crisping.
- Key Features:
- Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.
- Wide temperature range (105°F-400°F).
- 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate.
- 4 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate.
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.
- Includes a 20 Recipe Booklet.
- Pros:
- Significantly reduces fat in fried foods.
- Excellent for dehydration with low fan speed/temperature.
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components.
- Versatile functionality for various dishes.
- Trusted brand known for quality kitchen appliances.
- Cons:
- Temperature range might not go as high as some specific “hi-fry” models for extreme crisping.
- Some users might prefer more pre-programmed presets.
- User Impressions: Ninja fans consistently praise this air fryer for its reliability and consistent performance. The ability to create healthier versions of their favorite fried foods is a huge draw, and the ease of cleanup is a recurring positive. The included recipe booklet is also a nice bonus for new air fryer users.
- See it on Amazon here
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4QT Air Fryer, Custom Program

From the makers of the popular multi-cooker, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4 quart air fryer brings 6-in-1 cooking functions to your countertop. You can air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, or reheat with little to no preheating time. Its EvenCrisp Technology promises that perfect crunch with 95% less oil, while the intuitive touchscreen and one-touch settings make cooking incredibly user-friendly. It’s perfectly sized for up to 4 servings, ideal for singles, students, or small families.
- Key Features:
- 6 cooking functions: Air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, reheat.
- Adjustable temperature from 95 to 400°F.
- One-touch settings and intuitive touchscreen.
- Compact 4-quart capacity, perfect for up to 4 servings.
- EvenCrisp Technology for perfect crunch with less oil.
- Non-stick air fryer basket for quick cleanup.
- Safety features like overheat protection and auto-shutoff.
- Pros:
- Extremely versatile with 6 cooking functions.
- User-friendly digital interface and presets.
- EvenCrisp technology delivers great texture.
- Saves counter space without sacrificing performance.
- Quick preheating.
- Cons:
- Some users might find the single basket design limiting for multi-item cooking.
- Temperature maxes out at 400°F, which might be a touch lower than some specific “crisping” models.
- User Impressions: This Instant Pot air fryer is a hit for its straightforward operation and multi-functionality. Customers love how quickly it cooks and how consistently crispy the food turns out. The compact size is a definite plus for those with limited kitchen space, and the easy cleanup is frequently mentioned.
- See it on Amazon here
BLACK+DECKER Purifry 4QT Air Fryer, Crispy Deep Fried Taste

The BLACK+DECKER Purifry 4QT Air Fryer is a versatile countertop hero, offering air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and keep warm functions. Its Air Crisp Technology, featuring up to 400℉ superheated air and two powerful convection fans, promises hot, crispy results with significantly less oil. What’s more, it boasts 2X faster cooking than a conventional oven for items like frozen French fries, getting delicious meals on the table quicker.
- Key Features:
- Multitasking appliance: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Keep Food Warm.
- Air Crisp Technology with up to 400℉ and dual convection fans.
- 2X faster cooking than a conventional oven for certain foods.
- 9 one-touch digital presets (Fries, Steak, Fish, Veggies, etc.).
- Shake reminder and automatic shut-off.
- Nonstick basket and dishwasher-safe parts.
- Medium capacity for a main dish or 2 servings of fries.
- Pros:
- Impressively fast cooking times.
- Wide range of cooking presets for convenience.
- Reduces fat significantly while maintaining crispiness.
- Easy cleanup with nonstick and dishwasher-safe parts.
- Good value from a well-known brand.
- Cons:
- The “medium capacity” might feel a bit tight for cooking larger pieces of meat.
- Some users might prefer a higher max temperature.
- User Impressions: This BLACK+DECKER air fryer often receives praise for its powerful performance and quick cooking. Users appreciate the variety of presets and the convenience of the shake reminder. It’s seen as a reliable and efficient appliance for everyday healthy cooking.
- See it on Amazon here
Gourmia Air Fryer Oven Digital Display 4 Quart Large

Gourmia brings its signature FryForce 360° Technology to this 4-quart digital air fryer, ensuring food is crisped using rapid air circulation and minimal oil for consistently golden and delicious results. With 12 one-touch presets, it simplifies everything from air frying to dehydrating. The thoughtful guided cooking prompts, including optional preheat and turn food reminders, help you achieve perfect results every time. It’s also known for its effortless cleanup.
- Key Features:
- FryForce 360° technology for even crisping with less oil.
- 12 one-touch presets (air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, etc.).
- Guided cooking prompts (preheat, turn food reminders).
- Nonstick, dishwasher-safe 4-quart basket and crisper tray.
- 1300 watts of cooking power.
- Compact, space-saving design.
- 1-year comprehensive warranty.
- Pros:
- Advanced air circulation for superior results.
- Extensive list of presets for varied cooking.
- Helpful reminders for optimal cooking.
- Very easy to clean.
- Powerful and compact.
- Cons:
- The 1300W power might be a factor for those comparing to higher wattage models for sheer speed.
- Some users might find 12 presets a bit overwhelming initially.
- User Impressions: Many Gourmia users rave about the consistent crispiness and even cooking achieved with this model. The guided prompts are frequently highlighted as a helpful feature, especially for new air fryer owners. Its ease of cleaning and versatile presets also make it a popular choice.
- See it on Amazon here
Sweetcrispy Air Fryer 6QT with Window, Square Airfryer Oven

While most of our focus is on the ideal 4 quart air fryer, the Sweetcrispy 6.34QT Air Fryer offers a slightly larger capacity with a clever square basket design that maximizes cooking space, making it feel more efficient than its volume suggests. Its standout feature is the clear viewing window, allowing you to monitor your food’s progress without opening the basket and disrupting cooking temperatures. This unit is built with safe, nontoxic materials and features a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket.
- Key Features:
- Clear viewing window to monitor food.
- 6.34-quart capacity with square basket design for maximized space.
- Made with nontoxic, safe materials.
- Non-stick basket and accessories are dishwasher safe.
- User-friendly features and stylish design.
- Pros:
- Convenient viewing window prevents heat loss during cooking.
- Larger capacity for slightly bigger meals (e.g., small whole chicken).
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components.
- Emphasizes nontoxic materials for healthier cooking.
- Efficient use of internal space.
- Cons:
- Slightly larger than a true 4-quart, so it takes up a bit more counter space.
- Specific cooking functions/presets are not detailed in the description (though typically present).
- User Impressions: Users love the Sweetcrispy air fryer for its unique viewing window, which is a major convenience. The larger 6QT capacity, efficiently designed with a square basket, is also a big plus for those who need a bit more room without a massive footprint. Its non-toxic materials are a welcome assurance for health-conscious cooks.
- See it on Amazon here
Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast

Another excellent offering from Ninja, this 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer takes crisping seriously with its Air Crisp Technology, enveloping food in 400℉ superheated air for perfectly crispy results using little to no oil. Its generous 5-quart nonstick basket (though slightly larger than our target 4-quart, it’s still compact) can accommodate up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings, making it fantastic for small to medium families. It’s also excellent at turning frozen foods into crispy delights in minutes.
- Key Features:
- Air Crisp Technology with 400℉ superheated air.
- 5-quart nonstick basket and crisper plate (fits 4 lbs fries/5 lbs wings).
- 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Up to 75% less fat than traditional methods.
- Efficiently cooks frozen foods to crispy perfection.
- Space-saving Ninja design.
- Easy to clean, nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts.
- Includes a 20 recipe book.
- Pros:
- Excellent for achieving crispy textures with minimal oil.
- Good capacity for its compact size.
- Versatile for multiple cooking needs.
- Quickly cooks frozen foods.
- Very easy to clean.
- Cons:
- Slightly larger than a dedicated 4-quart, so double-check your counter space.
- Limited number of specific presets compared to some competitors.
- User Impressions: Ninja’s reputation for powerful air frying is upheld with this model. Customers consistently rave about how quickly and evenly it cooks, especially for frozen items. The less-fat benefit is a huge selling point, and the robust, easy-to-clean design ensures it’s a long-lasting kitchen staple.
- See it on Amazon here
Cosori Air Fryer 4 Qt, 7 Cooking Functions Airfryer

The Cosori 4 quart air fryer is a compact marvel, combining in-style design with 7 cooking functions and a temperature range up to 450°F for quick, precise meals. What sets it apart is its Even Heating Technology, which automatically adjusts heat throughout cooking for more uniform and crispy results. With 5 one-touch food presets, Preheat and Keep Warm functions, and access to over 150 original recipes via the VeSync app, it’s designed for both novice and experienced air fryer users.
- Key Features:
- Compact, modern design available in 3 colors.
- Temperatures up to 450°F for quick cook times.
- 7 cooking functions (implicit from “5 one-touch food presets” plus general air fryer capabilities).
- Even Heating Technology for consistent results.
- 5 one-touch food presets, Preheat and Keep Warm functions.
- Cooks with up to 97% less oil.
- Nonstick, dishwasher-safe, BPA-Free basket and crisper plate.
- Access to over 150 recipes via VeSync app.
- Automatic Shake Reminder.
- Pros:
- Exceptional even heating for superior crispiness.
- High maximum temperature for quick cooking.
- Extensive recipe support via app.
- Very easy to use with smart features like shake reminders.
- Stylish design options.
- Outstanding oil reduction.
- Cons:
- App integration might not appeal to all users.
- Specific list of 7 functions isn’t fully detailed, though implied by presets and general capabilities.
- User Impressions: Cosori users absolutely adore the consistent, evenly cooked results this air fryer delivers. The app integration with tons of recipes is a big hit, providing endless inspiration. The quick cooking times and the user-friendly interface, complete with a shake reminder, also receive high marks.
- See it on Amazon here
Gourmia 4-Qt Digital Air Fryer with Guided Cooking, Easy

As the #1 Bestselling Airfryer Brand in the USA in 2022, Gourmia delivers value and quality with this 4-quart digital air fryer. It’s a true multicooker combo electric oven, capable of handling French fries, wings, fish, bacon, seafood, vegetables, baking, roasting, broiling, dehydrating, toasting, reheating, and keeping warm. The standout feature is its Fat Removal Technology, which extracts up to 90% of fat during cooking, ensuring the healthiest way to fry without sacrificing flavor. With 12 1-Touch Digital Presets and dishwasher-safe accessories, cooking and cleanup are equally effortless.
- Key Features:
-
1 Bestselling Airfryer Brand in the USA (2022).
- Multicooker combo: Air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, reheat, keep warm, toast.
- Fat Removal Technology removes up to 90% of fat.
- 12 1-Touch Digital Presets.
- Dishwasher-safe air fryer basket and accessories.
- 1-Year Comprehensive International Warranty.
-
- Pros:
- Industry-leading fat removal for healthier meals.
- Extremely versatile with numerous cooking modes.
- User-friendly with 12 presets.
- Quick and easy cleanup.
- Trusted brand with a strong market presence.
- Cons:
- Specific temperature range and wattage not explicitly detailed in the features.
- Might be very similar to other Gourmia models, so comparing specific nuances might be needed.
- User Impressions: Gourmia owners consistently praise the brand for its reliable performance and the incredibly healthy results achieved through its fat removal technology. The extensive list of presets and the straightforward digital controls make it a favorite for everyday cooking, and the simple cleanup is always a bonus.
- See it on Amazon here
Your New Kitchen Essential Awaits!
Choosing the best 4 quart air fryer truly depends on your specific needs and kitchen setup. Whether you prioritize a super slim design, advanced crisping technology, intuitive digital controls, or extensive multi-functionality, there’s a compact air fryer out there for you. These small but mighty appliances are excellent for healthy cooking, quick meals, and making your favorite fried treats with a fraction of the oil.
Invest in a 4 quart air fryer today and transform your cooking experience, making meal prep easier, healthier, and undeniably delicious!
FAQ: All Your 4 Quart Air Fryer Questions Answered!
Q1: What can I cook in a 4 quart air fryer?
A1: You can cook a wide variety of foods! A 4-quart air fryer is perfect for cooking single servings or meals for 2-3 people. Think crispy chicken wings, French fries, roasted vegetables, salmon fillets, grilled cheese, small steaks, egg rolls, and even baked goods like cookies or muffins.
Q2: Is a 4-quart air fryer big enough for a family?
A2: For a larger family (4+ people), a 4-quart air fryer might be a bit small for main courses unless you’re cooking in batches. However, it’s excellent for side dishes, appetizers, or quick meals for 1-3 people. If you consistently cook for 4 or more, you might consider a 5-6 quart model or larger.
Q3: How much counter space does a 4-quart air fryer take up?
A3: Most 4-quart air fryers are designed to be compact and space-saving, making them ideal for smaller kitchens or limited counter space. Their dimensions typically range from about 10x10x12 inches to slightly larger, depending on the model’s design (e.g., slim designs take up less width).
Q4: Are air fryers healthy?
A4: Yes, air fryers promote healthier cooking by using hot air circulation instead of large amounts of oil. This significantly reduces the fat content in your food, often by 75-90% compared to traditional deep frying. You still get that desirable crispy texture without the guilt!
Q5: How do I clean a 4-quart air fryer?
A5: Cleaning is generally easy! Most 4-quart air fryers come with nonstick baskets and crisper plates that are dishwasher-safe. For the main unit, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after it has cooled. Always consult your specific model’s manual for detailed cleaning instructions.
Q6: What’s the main difference between a digital and analog air fryer?
A6: Digital air fryers typically feature a touchscreen display with precise temperature and time controls, often including pre-programmed settings (presets) for various foods. Analog models usually have dial controls for temperature and time, which are simpler but offer less precision and fewer automated features. Digital models generally offer more convenience and versatility.
Q7: Do I need to preheat my 4-quart air fryer?
A7: While many recipes or models might suggest preheating for 3-5 minutes, some newer air fryers (like certain Instant Pot models) claim little to no preheating time is needed. Preheating can help ensure food cooks more evenly and crisps up faster, so it’s often a good practice unless your specific model states otherwise.


