Cosori Air Fryer Lite 3.8L

The Cosori Lite is our pick of the compact class because it does the small-household basics better than its rivals: reviewers highlight even results, a very quiet fan and little escaping steam, and both the basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe. At 3.8L it comfortably handles one to three portions, so it is right-sized for two without hogging the worktop (a compact single-basket unit of about 4.4kg). It reaches 230C and adds 12 one-touch functions plus optional VeSync app control and Google Assistant, which the more basic budget picks below lack. Versus the Ninja AF100UK at number two, you gain smart control and a slightly lower typical price; you give up Ninja's slightly stronger reliability reputation and its dehydrate mode. It earns the top spot on the strongest all-round balance of price, features and reviewer feedback in the compact bracket.