Is your kitchen counter overflowing with appliances? Do you dream of crispy fries without deep-frying, or perfectly toasted bagels without waiting for a big oven to heat up? Many of us crave versatile cooking tools, but often lack the space for bulky machines. Finding a small appliance that can do it all—air fry, toast, bake, and broil—without taking over your entire countertop feels like searching for a unicorn.
The market bombards us with choices. Some are too small to cook a decent meal, while others boast features you’ll never use, leading to decision fatigue and buyer’s remorse. You need a compact powerhouse that delivers on its promises, handles daily meals, and fits neatly into your life (and your cabinets!).
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down what truly matters in a compact Air Fryer Toaster Oven. You will learn the key features to look for, how to match the size to your needs, and which models actually earn their spot on your counter. Get ready to declutter your kitchen and upgrade your cooking game!
Top Small Air Fryer Toaster Oven Recommendations
- 5-IN–1 MULTIFUNCTIONAL COOKING- Enjoy versatile cooking with Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm settings. Perfect for preparing a wide variety of meals from crispy fries to perfectly baked pizzas and golden toast.
- HEALTHY AIR FRYING TECHNOLOGY – Cook crispy, delicious meals with little to no oil using advanced air frying technology. Enjoy healthier alternatives to your favorite fried foods without compromising taste or texture.
- EVENTOAST TECHNOLOGY FOR PERFECT TOAST – Achieve evenly toasted bread, bagels, and more with BLACK+DECKER’s EvenToast technology, ensuring consistent results every time with no hot spots.
- COMPACT YET SPACIOUS INTERIOR – Fits up to a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread, making it ideal for quick family meals, snacks, or small batch cooking while saving valuable counter space.
- USER-FRIENDLY CONTROLS & 7 ACCESSORIES – 30-minute timer with removable crumb/drip tray, bake pan, air fry mesh tray, and wire rack for easy cleanup. Use drip tray when cooking and keep food clear of heating element. See User Manual for proper use.
- POWERFUL AIR CIRCULATION FOR EVENLY BROWNED FOOD WITH LITTLE TO NO OIL: This Hamilton Beach air fryer toaster oven's convection function circulates air around food as it cooks making crispy and delicious fries, chicken, steaks, fish and vegetables.
- AIR FRYER OVEN COMBO WITH 4 VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS: Enjoy the convenience of a toaster oven and the crispy deliciousness of an air fryer in one compact appliance; this versatile combo offers the functions you love—toast, bake, air fry, and broil.
- 4 SLICE CAPACITY PROVIDES PLENTY OF COOKING SPACE: This air fryer toaster oven combo has room for everything you cook, from 4 slices of toast to a 9" pizza, a 3 lb. chicken in an 8" x 8" pan or a 9" x 5" loaf pan.
- INCLUDES METAL AIR-FRY BASKET, BAKE PAN AND BROIL RACK. The air fryer and toaster oven combo comes with all the accessories you need to air fry, bake, broil, and toast, plus a slide-out crumb tray.
- EXCELLENT COOKING AND TOASTING PERFORMANCE: Quality heating elements in the Hamilton Beach toaster oven provide precise, accurate temperatures from 200° to 450°F and even cooking without hot spots.
- RECLAIM YOUR COUNTER SPACE: Takes up 50% less space when you flip it up and away to store against your backsplash.
- OVENCRISP TECHNOLOGY: Infrared heating and rapid circulating air combine for edge-to-edge even cooking.
- 8-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate.
- LARGE CAPACITY, SMALL FOOTPRINT: Air fry & roast up to 4 lbs of ingredients, bake a 12” pizza, toast up to 6 slices of bread, fits 6 chicken breasts.
- QUICK FAMILY MEALS: Family-sized meals that feed up to 4 people in as little as 20 minutes.
- VERSATILE COOKING FUNCTIONS: This premium 1800-watt Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is equipped with an air fry setting plus toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, and warming feature
- SPACIOUS CAPACITY: The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is large enough to toast 6 slices of bread, air fry 3 lbs. of chicken wings, bake a 12” pizza, or roast a 4-lb. chicken.
- SUPERIOR OPERATION: Equipped with an adjustable temperature dial, 60-minute timer/auto-shutoff, and a toast shade selector, this air fryer toaster oven features a wide temperature range (Warm-450°F) to ensure your meals are cooked to your perfection
- FAST AND CRISPY FOOD: AirAdvantage technology with top fan/heater assembly provides optimized hot air flow for fast and crispy results, locking in flavor and giving food the crispy texture you love
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven includes an oven rack, baking pan/drip tray, air fry basket, ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle, and stainless steel easy-clean interior to make cleanup simple.
- 6 COOKING FUNCTIONS: This Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven offers air fry, toast, convection bake, convection broil, pizza and warm settings. It has a wide temperature range (Warm-450°F).
- CAPACITY: Our compact stainless steel air fryer fits easily on any kitchen countertop and is large enough to air fry up to 2.5 lbs. of your favorite foods, as well as bake an 8" pizza.
- SIMPLE OPERATION: Features a temperature dial with adjustable control and toast shade selector for easy, precise cooking.
- INCLUDES: This Cuisinart air fryer includes an oven rack, baking pan, and air fry basket.
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: The Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
- 12 Preset Functions – Air fry, bake, roast, toast, bagel, fries, wings, snacks, broil, dehydrate, popcorn and keep warm with a single tap.
- FryForce 360° Technology – Perfect for healthier cooking, rapid airflow circulates heat for golden, crunchy food using little to no oil.
- Large Capacity with 3 Rack Positions – Fits a 9” pizza, 4 slices of bread, or stacked batches using adjustable rack levels.
- Convection Mode — Promotes even heat distribution for quicker, more consistent cooking.
- Accessories for Every Meal – Includes an air fry basket, oven rack, baking pan, and crumb tray for all cooking, baking, and air-frying needs.
- 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑼𝒑𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆: This is the perfect solution to upgrade your air fryer while simplifying your traditional oven. Enjoy the best of both worlds!
- 𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊-𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑼𝒏𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝑬𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔: More than just an air fryer—it also features Rotisserie, Pizza, Proof, and Toast, and more for a total of 11 cooking functions to meet your culinary needs.
- 𝑳𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑻𝒘𝒐-𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈: The 13-quart oven fits up to 2 lbs of fries, an 8-inch pizza, or 4 lbs of chicken, and allows you to cook on two levels at once, perfect for family meals.
- 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏, 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑲𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆: Smaller than traditional ovens, the R121’s sleek dimensions [13.5 (D) x 13.0 (W) x 14.5 (H) in] make it easy to fit on your countertop or in your cabinets, maximizing your kitchen space.
- 𝑭𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑬𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚: Cooks 40% faster* than traditional ovens, with a simplified control panel that makes cooking easier and quicker—no more waiting for long preheating! *Average determined by testing a variety of foods. Results may vary.
- COMPACT 8.5L CAPACITY: Designed for singles or small families, this air fryer oven offers a generous cooking space, ideal for faster, healthier, and splatter-free meal preparation.
- STYLISH STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN: A sleek stainless-steel finish with a glass door and an easy-grip handle combines elegance with practicality, while its compact size saves space and allows for convenient storage.
- VERATILE 5-in-1 FUNTIONALITY: Choose from Air Fry, Broil, Toast, Bake, or Broil with Convection for ultimate cooking flexibility. Adjustable temperature settings (200°–450°F) with high power convection fan and a 60-minute timer ensure precise cooking, with an auto shut-off feature for added safety.
- 2 RACK SETTINGS: For versatility to easily prepare meats, fish, vegetables, pizza, and more. Enjoy air frying, roasting, broiling, and toasting your favorite dishes effortlessly.
- HEALTHY COOKING MADE EASY: Achieve crispy, delicious results with little to no oil, cutting out unnecessary calories without sacrificing flavor. Prepare your food & then simply set your function, temperature, and timer, and let the air fryer do the rest.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Small Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Choosing the right small air fryer toaster oven can change your kitchen game. These handy appliances do more than just toast bread. They bake, broil, and air fry food, all while saving counter space. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on what the oven can actually do. More functions mean more cooking options.
1. Cooking Functions
- Air Fry: This is a must-have. Good air frying means crispy food with less oil. Look for models that circulate air very well.
- Toast/Bake/Broil: Ensure these basic functions work reliably.
- Keep Warm: A nice extra if you cook multiple items at once.
2. Capacity and Size
Since you are looking for a *small* model, measure your counter space first. A small oven usually fits 4 slices of toast or a small chicken. Think about how many people you usually cook for. A 10-liter oven is great for one or two people.
3. Controls and Presets
Digital controls are usually easier to use than dial controls. Preset buttons for common foods (like fries or chicken nuggets) simplify cooking. You just press a button, and the oven sets the time and temperature automatically.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials inside and outside affect how long your oven lasts and how safe it is to use.
Exterior and Interior
- Housing: Stainless steel looks sharp and cleans up well. Plastic housing is lighter but might not handle high heat as long.
- Interior Walls: Non-stick coating makes cleanup much easier. Check reviews to see if the coating flakes off over time.
- Heating Elements: Look for durable quartz or metal heating elements.
Accessories
Your oven comes with trays and baskets. Make sure these accessories are dishwasher-safe. A good air fryer basket allows air to flow all around the food for maximum crispiness.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about looks; it’s about performance and safety.
What Improves Quality?
- Powerful Wattage: Higher wattage (usually 1500W or more) means faster preheating and more consistent cooking temperatures.
- Even Heating: The best models heat food evenly from all sides. Look for models with top and bottom heating elements working together.
- Good Insulation: Quality ovens keep the outside cooler while the inside gets very hot. This is safer.
What Reduces Quality?
- Flimsy Doors: A flimsy door handle or a door that doesn’t close tightly can let heat escape.
- Inaccurate Thermostats: If the oven cooks much hotter or cooler than the setting, your food will burn or stay raw.
- Loud Fans: Air fryers use powerful fans. Very loud fans make the cooking experience annoying.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the appliance matters most.
Daily Use Scenarios
- Quick Breakfasts: If you only toast bagels or warm pastries, a simple, fast-heating model works well.
- Small Meal Prep: These ovens excel at cooking frozen snacks like chicken tenders or heating leftovers better than a microwave.
- Healthier Frying: Use the air fry function to make vegetables crispy or cook small batches of fries without deep frying in oil.
A good user experience includes easy-to-read instructions and a simple cleaning process. If cleaning takes too long, you will stop using the appliance quickly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How small is “small” for these ovens?
A: Small usually means they hold 4 slices of toast or have an internal capacity between 9 and 14 liters. They take up less space than a full microwave.
Q: Can I cook a whole small chicken in it?
A: Yes, many small models can fit a 3 to 4-pound whole chicken, but you must check the internal dimensions before buying.
Q: Is the air frying feature really better than a separate air fryer?
A: For small batches, the performance is very similar. The toaster oven style lets you see the food while it cooks, which is an advantage.
Q: Do I need to preheat an air fryer toaster oven?
A: Yes, preheating is important for best results, especially for air frying and toasting. Most models heat up fast, usually in 5 to 10 minutes.
Q: Are these ovens energy efficient?
A: They are generally more efficient than heating up a large, traditional oven, especially for small meals. They use less energy because they heat a smaller space.
Q: How difficult is the cleaning process?
A: Cleaning depends on the non-stick quality. Removable trays and crumb trays simplify daily cleaning. Food baked onto the walls requires more scrubbing.
Q: What temperature ranges should I look for?
A: A good range goes from about 150°F (for keeping food warm) up to 450°F (for high-heat searing or air frying).
Q: Do I need special pans or trays?
A: Most ovens come with the necessary rack, baking pan, and air fryer basket. You can use small, oven-safe glass or metal dishes if they fit.
Q: Is the outside of the oven hot when running?
A: Yes, the exterior gets warm, sometimes quite hot, especially the top and sides. You should keep clear space around the unit for ventilation and safety.
Q: How long do these small ovens typically last?
A: With regular use, a quality small air fryer toaster oven usually lasts between 3 to 7 years, depending on the build quality and how often you run it at high temperatures.