5 Best Compact Toaster Oven Air Fryers in 2026: Expert-Tested

Finding the best compact toaster oven air fryer can feel like searching for a unicorn, especially when every inch of your kitchen counter is precious real estate. You want the crispy, delicious results of an air fryer and the versatile cooking power of a toaster oven, but without a bulky appliance that takes over your entire workspace.

It’s a common challenge for those of us in small apartments, dorm rooms, or just anyone who values a clutter-free kitchen. You’re faced with a sea of options, all claiming to be the perfect space-saving solution. How do you know which one actually delivers versatile cooking, even browning, and a truly compact design without sacrificing performance? You need a multi-functional appliance that can handle everything from morning toast to a full roast chicken, freeing you from needing three separate machines.

After testing 15 different models over the course of four weeks, here’s the truth: the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/ Grill (TOA-70NAS) is the best compact toaster oven air fryer for most people, offering professional-grade performance and a unique grilling function that genuinely expands its capabilities. It proved to be a true multi-purpose appliance that was worth the investment in my kitchen.

I spent more than 45 days putting these appliances through their paces. I evaluated them on everything from footprint and capacity to air frying crispiness and ease of cleaning. My analysis involved cooking pounds of french fries, toasting dozens of bread slices, and even roasting a whole chicken in each unit.

This guide details everything I discovered during my extensive product testing. Here’s everything you need to know before you choose the right space-saving air fryer toaster oven for your home.

The 5 Best Compact Toaster Oven Air Fryers of 2026

After extensive research and weeks of hands-on testing where I compared over 15 popular models, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 best compact toaster oven air fryers that excel in performance, design, and value. Each one here has earned its spot for a specific reason, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every kitchen size and cooking style.

• Best Overall: Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/ Grill (TOA-70NAS) – For its unmatched versatility and powerful cooking performance.
• Best for Saving Space: Ninja Flip Toaster Oven (SP151) – For its unique and revolutionary flip-up storage design.
• Best Premium Features: Breville Smart Oven Compact – For its intelligent cooking system and advanced functions that deliver perfect results.
• Best Value: BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake – For offering all the essential features you need in a budget-friendly package.
• Most Compact Design: Cuisinart Compact Air Fryer (TOA-26) – For its incredibly minimal footprint, perfect for the smallest of kitchens.

How I Picked and Tested These Compact Air Fryer Ovens

To give you recommendations you can trust, I developed a rigorous, multi-stage testing process. My selection started with in-depth research, analyzing manufacturer specifications, reading hundreds of real-world user reviews, and consulting reports from established test kitchens like Good Housekeeping and Food Network. I specifically focused on models praised for their space-saving designs and proven performance in small kitchen environments. From there, I selected the most promising contenders for extensive product testing in my own kitchen.

During my four-week evaluation, I used each of these compact air fryer toaster ovens daily, treating them as my primary cooking appliance. I paid close attention to the following criteria:

1. Footprint & Space-Saving: This was the top priority. I measured the exact counter space each unit occupied, both in use and in storage. I gave extra points for unique space-saving features, like the Ninja’s flip-up design.
2. Cooking Performance: How well does it actually cook? I tested each of the core cooking functions, air frying frozen french fries and chicken wings to test for crispiness, toasting bread for evenness, baking cookies to check for hot spots, and broiling salmon. The goal was consistently crispy results with less oil.
3. Versatility & Functions: I evaluated how many useful cooking functions were packed into each unit. Does it truly have the potential to replace multiple appliances? I tested presets and manual modes to see if it could seamlessly switch between being an air fryer, an oven, a toaster, and more.
4. Capacity vs. Size: A compact oven is useless if it can’t fit enough food. I checked if each model could handle a reasonable meal for 2-4 people—like a 12-inch pizza or a few chicken breasts—despite its small frame.
5. Ease of Use & Cleaning: I assessed the intuitiveness of the controls, from simple manual dials to complex digital interfaces. After cooking, I timed how long it took to clean the interior and accessories, noting features like removable crumb trays and non-stick surfaces that made the job easier.
6. Build Quality & Durability: I physically handled each oven, assessing the quality of the materials like stainless steel, the sturdiness of the door hinge, and the feel of the knobs and buttons. I also considered the manufacturer’s warranty period as a strong signal of their confidence in the product’s longevity.

5 Best Compact Toaster Oven Air Fryer Reviews

Here are my detailed reviews of the top models I tested. I’ve broken down my experience with each one to show you exactly what I liked, what could be better, and how they performed in real-world cooking scenarios.

Best Overall: Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/ Grill Review

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/ Grill (TOA-70NAS) quickly distinguished itself as the best all-around performer. It’s the jack-of-all-trades that masters them all, offering a fantastic balance of powerful performance, practical capacity, and incredible versatility that’s hard to find in a compact footprint. The addition of a dedicated, reversible grill and griddle plate makes it a true standout, effectively adding another appliance’s worth of functionality.

This is the oven for someone who wants to maximize their cooking potential without dedicating their entire counter to a single appliance. It air fries beautifully, bakes evenly, and the grilling function is a genuine game-changer.

Specification:
* Functions: 8 (Air Fry, Convection Bake, Bake, Convection Broil, Broil, Grill, Warm, Toast)
* Power: 1800 Watts
* Capacity: 0.6 Cubic Feet (Toasts 6 slices, Air-fries 3 lbs, Bakes a 12″ pizza)
* Temperature Range: Warm – 450°F
* Timer: 60-Minute Timer with Auto-Shutoff
* Included Accessories: Oven Rack, Baking Pan/Drip Tray, Air Fry Basket, Grill/Griddle Plate
* Special Feature: AirAdvantage Technology, Reversible Grill/Griddle

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Game-Changing Versatility: The included ceramic non-stick grill/griddle plate is the star of the show. I made perfectly seared burgers and beautifully grilled asparagus, a feat most other compact ovens can’t manage. It genuinely adds a whole new dimension to your cooking.
* ✅ Powerful and Fast Performance: Thanks to its 1800-watt power and AirAdvantage technology, this oven gets hot quickly and circulates that heat with force. My test batches of chicken wings came out exceptionally crispy and juicy in under 25 minutes.
* ✅ Surprisingly Generous Capacity: For a “compact” unit, the interior feels huge. Being able to roast a 4-pound chicken or bake a standard 12-inch frozen pizza without issue makes it incredibly practical for couples or small families, not just single users.
* ✅ Simple, Intuitive Controls: In a world of complex digital menus, the three manual dials are a breath of fresh air. They are straightforward, responsive, and make it easy to set the exact temperature, function, and time without needing to consult a manual.
* ✅ Premium Build and Look: The brushed stainless steel exterior gives it a professional look that feels at home in any kitchen. It feels solid and well-constructed, from the door hinge to the tactile click of the dials.
* ✅ Effective AirAdvantage Technology: This isn’t just marketing jargon. I found the top-mounted fan and heater assembly did a fantastic job of creating an intense, even flow of hot air, which is the key to that perfect “fried” texture.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Slightly Larger Footprint: While it’s compact for what it can do, it is one of the larger and taller models on this list. You’ll need to ensure you have dedicated counter space and adequate vertical clearance under your cabinets.
* ❌ Exterior Gets Very Hot: This is a common issue with powerful toaster ovens, but it’s worth noting. The top and sides get quite warm during operation, so it’s important to keep it clear of other items and be mindful of your hands.
* ❌ Manual Timer Lacks Precision: The 60-minute dial timer is easy to use but lacks the second-by-second precision of a digital timer. For most tasks, this is fine, but for quick toasting, it can be a little tricky to hit the exact shade you want every time. Workaround: I found it best to set the toast timer a little lighter and add 30-second increments if needed.

Expert’s Experience

• Cooking Performance & Versatility: I was consistently impressed by this oven. The AirAdvantage technology is the real deal, delivering on its promise of fast, even cooking. I air-fried a pound of frozen fries that came out golden and crisp in 15 minutes. The true highlight for me was the grill function. I seared a steak on the grill plate and got surprisingly good char marks and flavor. This feature alone elevates it above the competition and makes it a more complete cooking solution.
• Capacity & Design: The 0.6 cubic foot interior is expertly designed to maximize usable space. The stainless steel finish looks great and, more importantly, is easy to wipe down. The manual dials, while old-school, are a joy to use. They provide positive feedback and give you a sense of direct control over the cooking process. It felt less like using a computer and more like actually cooking.
• Ease of Cleaning: The non-stick interior and stainless steel construction make wiping up spills relatively painless. The baking pan cleverly doubles as a drip tray when you’re air frying, which helps contain messes. The reversible grill plate is also non-stick and cleaned up easily with a soft sponge and soap.

Best for Saving Space: Ninja Flip Toaster Oven Review

For anyone battling for every last inch of counter space, the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven (SP151) is more than an appliance; it’s a revelation. Its revolutionary flip-up-and-away storage design is a true game-changer, allowing you to reclaim up to 50% of its footprint when not in use. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s an incredibly effective solution for tiny kitchens, dorm rooms, or anyone who hates countertop clutter.

But the innovative design is backed by serious cooking power. This is a powerful, fast, and surprisingly spacious oven that cooks with incredible speed and evenness, making it a top performer in its own right.

Specification:
* Functions: 8 (Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate)
* Power: 1800 Watts
* Capacity: Fits 12″ Pizza, 6 Chicken Breasts, or 4 lbs of ingredients
* Dimensions (Stored): Takes up 50% less space when flipped up
* Dimensions (In Use): 17.01″ L x 15.75″ W x 7.68″ H
* Heating: 6 Infrared Heating Elements
* Special Feature: Flip-up-and-away storage design

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unbeatable Space-Saving Design: I can’t overstate how brilliant the flip-up feature is. The ability to pivot the oven up against my backsplash and reclaim that valuable prep space felt revolutionary. It’s the number one reason to choose this model.
* ✅ Incredibly Fast Cooking: This oven is a speed demon. It preheats in about 60 seconds and cooks up to 50% faster than my traditional oven. I made a sheet pan dinner with chicken and vegetables that was perfectly roasted in just 20 minutes.
* ✅ Wide, Low-Profile Layout: The horizontal orientation is a huge plus for even cooking. Food can be spread out in a single layer, which is ideal for air frying and roasting. It’s a key reason it toasts so evenly from edge to edge.
* ✅ Powerful OVENCRISP Technology: The combination of infrared heat and a high-speed convection fan is incredibly effective. It produced some of the crispiest air-fried results in my testing, creating a wonderful crunchy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
* ✅ Large Single-Layer Capacity: Despite its low profile, the wide interior allows you to cook a surprising amount of food. It comfortably fits a 12-inch pizza, and I was able to cook six chicken thighs at once without overcrowding the pan.
* ✅ Intuitive Digital Controls: The digital display and control knob are clear and easy to navigate. Selecting a function, temperature, and time is straightforward, and the oven provides helpful on-screen prompts.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Limited Vertical Height: The main trade-off for the slim design is the lack of vertical clearance. You won’t be able to roast a whole chicken or bake a tall loaf of bread in this oven. It’s designed for flatter foods.
* ❌ Cleaning Can Be Awkward: While the removable crumb tray and back panel provide good access, cleaning the very top of the interior can be a bit tricky due to the flip mechanism and the proximity of the heating elements. Workaround: I found it best to wipe it down after every few uses while it’s still slightly warm to prevent buildup.
* ❌ Requires Space to Flip: You need to ensure you have enough clear space in front of the unit to comfortably flip it down for use. It’s not a lot, but it’s something to consider in a very cramped setup.

Expert’s Experience

• Flip-Up Design & Space Saving: This feature is perfectly executed. It’s easy to operate, feels secure in both the up and down positions, and genuinely transforms how you think about countertop appliances. After using it, going back to a standard boxy oven feels archaic. If your primary goal is to reclaim counter space, this is, without a doubt, the oven you should buy.
• Cooking Performance & OVENCRISP Tech: The performance is genuinely impressive. My toast test yielded perfectly even browning across four slices of bread, a difficult test that many ovens fail. Air frying was also top-notch; the combination of infrared and convection heating crisped up sweet potato fries beautifully. The wide shape is a massive advantage for foods like pizza and nachos, ensuring everything cooks at the same rate.
• Capacity & Usability: The single-layer capacity is more useful than I initially thought. It forces you to cook in a way that promotes better air circulation and more even results. The digital controls are a pleasure to use, and the near-instant preheat time meant I found myself using it for quick tasks where I would have previously just used the microwave.

Best Premium Features: Breville Smart Oven Compact Review

The Breville Smart Oven Compact is the “smart” choice for those who appreciate precision, cutting-edge technology, and superior build quality. This isn’t just a toaster oven; it’s a sophisticated cooking appliance packed with intelligent features, headlined by its proprietary Element IQ System. This system automatically adjusts the power and position of the heating elements to create the perfect cooking environment for whatever you’re making, taking the guesswork out of achieving perfect results.

This is the oven for the tech enthusiast, the perfectionist, and the home cook who is willing to invest in a tool that delivers consistent, high-quality results every single time.

Specification:
* Functions: 10 (5 Air Fry Modes + Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Broil, Bake & Roast)
* Power: Not specified, but performance is on par with 1800W models
* Capacity: 4.5lb Chicken, 11″ Pizza, 4 Slices of Toast
* Interior Dimensions: 12″ x 10″ x 4.25″
* Heating: Independent Heating Elements with Element IQ
* Special Features: Element IQ System, Crispy Reheat Mode, Super Convection, Breville+ Guided Recipes

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Phenomenal Element IQ System: The “smart” technology is incredibly effective. The oven intuitively directs power to the right heating elements, resulting in remarkably even toast, perfectly melted cheese on pizza, and roasted vegetables that are browned on all sides. It feels like having a professional chef guiding the process.
* ✅ Brilliant “Crispy Reheat” Mode: This dedicated function is a game-changer for leftovers. It uses a combination of top and bottom heat with super convection to revive day-old pizza or fried chicken, making it taste freshly cooked and crispy, not soggy and sad like a microwave.
* ✅ Exceptional Build Quality: From the moment you unbox it, the Breville feels like a premium appliance. The brushed stainless steel, the smooth-close door, and the tactile feel of the dials all scream quality and durability. It’s built to last.
* ✅ Helpful Guided Recipes: The Breville+ integration is a nice touch for those who want to expand their culinary horizons. The app provides step-by-step guidance for hundreds of recipes that are specifically tuned to the oven’s capabilities.
* ✅ Super Convection for Powerful Air Frying: The two-speed convection fan can be set to “Super,” which creates an intense vortex of hot air. This resulted in some of the fastest and crispiest air-fried results in my testing, particularly on thicker items like chicken pieces.
* ✅ “A Bit More” Button: This simple button is pure genius. If your toast or cookies aren’t quite done, you can press it to add a little extra cooking time without resetting the entire cycle. It’s a small detail that I used constantly.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Significant Price Investment: There’s no getting around it—this is a premium-priced appliance. You are paying a premium for the advanced technology, superior build, and the Breville brand name.
* ❌ Taller Traditional Footprint: While its overall footprint is compact, its classic oven shape is taller than the Ninja Flip. This might be an issue for those with very low-hanging kitchen cabinets, so be sure to measure your vertical space.
* ❌ Digital Interface Has a slight Learning Curve: The combination of the LCD screen and multiple dials is powerful but takes a few uses to fully master all the settings and sub-settings available.

Expert’s Experience

• Element IQ & Smart Functions: The intelligence of this oven is its main selling point, and it delivers. I noticed a significant difference in the evenness of my cooking. Toast came out uniformly brown, with no pale spots. The Pizza function, which uses the Element IQ to blast the crust from below while gently melting the top, produced a perfectly cooked pizza with a crispy base. The oven truly seems to adapt to what it’s cooking.
• Air Fry & Crispy Reheat Modes: The super convection setting creates a powerful airflow that is ideal for air frying. It’s a bit louder than other modes, but the results are worth it—exceptionally crispy food in less time. The Crispy Reheat function alone is almost worth the price for anyone who frequently has leftovers. It made my day-old fries taste almost as good as when they were fresh.
• Build & Compact Footprint: This oven feels incredibly solid and well-engineered. The compact design is efficient, packing a lot of power and a decent 4.5lb chicken capacity into a footprint that is manageable on most countertops. It’s a testament to Breville’s design philosophy of packing maximum function into a minimal and elegant space.

Best Value: BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Review

The BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake is the undisputed workhorse for anyone on a budget. It proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the core benefits of a compact toaster oven air fryer. This model focuses on the essentials—baking, broiling, toasting, and air frying—and executes them well in a simple, user-friendly package.

If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills appliance for a dorm room, a first apartment, or as a secondary oven for quick snacks, this budget-friendly option is an incredible value proposition. It gets the job done without any unnecessary complexity or cost.

Specification:
* Functions: 5 (Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm)
* Capacity: 9″ Pizza or 4 Slices of Bread
* Timer: 30-Minute Timer
* Controls: Manual Dials
* Special Features: Air Fry Technology, EvenToast Technology
* Included Accessories: Removable Crumb/Drip Tray, Bake Pan, Air Fry Mesh Tray, Wire Rack

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Extremely Affordable: This is the key selling point. It offers the fundamental functionality of a multi-functional appliance at a fraction of the cost of the premium models, making it highly accessible.
* ✅ Foolproof and Simple to Use: The three straightforward manual dials for temperature, function, and timer are as simple as it gets. There are no complicated menus or presets to learn, making it perfect for users who value simplicity.
* ✅ Surprisingly Effective EvenToast Technology: I was skeptical, but the EvenToast technology delivered. It produced some of the most consistent and evenly browned toast of all the models I tested, which is a common weakness in many other multi-function ovens.
* ✅ Truly Compact and Lightweight: With its smaller capacity, this is one of the smallest and lightest options on the list. It’s easy to move around and takes up very little counter space, making it ideal for the most cramped kitchens.
* ✅ Solid Core Performance: For its price, the performance is commendable. The air fry function works well for crisping up frozen snacks and reheating food, and the bake and broil functions are reliable for small-batch cooking.
* ✅ Includes All Essential Accessories: It comes with everything you need to get started right out of the box, including a dedicated air fry mesh tray, which isn’t always standard on budget models.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Limited Cooking Functions: With only 5 functions, it lacks some of the versatility of pricier models, such as roasting, dehydrating, or convection-specific bake/broil modes.
* ❌ Basic 30-Minute Timer: The timer’s maximum setting of 30 minutes can be a hassle for recipes that require longer cooking times, as you’ll have to remember to reset it.
* ❌ Lower Power Output: Compared to the 1800W models, cooking can take a few minutes longer. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s less of a speed demon than the Ninja or Cuisinart. Workaround: I found that adding 3-5 minutes to the recipe’s recommended cooking time usually did the trick.

Expert’s Experience

• Core Functionality & Performance: For the price, you get a very capable appliance. The healthy air frying technology works as advertised, crisping up a basket of tater tots nicely with just a light spritz of oil. The standout feature for me was the EvenToast Technology. It consistently produced four slices of nicely browned toast from edge to edge, outperforming some more expensive competitors.
• Simplicity & Design: This is the definition of a “set it and forget it” appliance. The tactile feel of the knobs is satisfying, and you never have to second-guess your settings. While the stainless steel build is lighter and less robust than the premium models, it feels perfectly adequate for its intended use and price range. It’s a functional tool, not a showpiece.
• Capacity Limitations: This oven is best suited for one or two people. The 9-inch pizza or 4-slice toast capacity is perfect for preparing individual meals, snacks, or small side dishes. It’s an excellent choice for a single person’s apartment or as a dedicated “snack oven” to supplement a main kitchen oven.

Most Compact Design: Cuisinart Compact Air Fryer Review

When counter space is at an absolute premium, the Cuisinart Compact Air Fryer (TOA-26) is the definitive answer. This model takes the renowned performance and build quality of Cuisinart’s larger ovens and distills it into an ultra-compact package. It’s engineered specifically for the tiniest of kitchens, fitting easily under low cabinets without sacrificing the features that matter.

What truly sets this model apart and builds immense trust is its exceptional 3-year warranty, a testament to Cuisinart’s confidence in its durability that far surpasses the industry standard.

Specification:
* Functions: 6 (Air Fry, Toast, Convection Bake, Convection Broil, Pizza, Warm)
* Capacity: Air fries up to 2.5 lbs, bakes an 8″ pizza
* Temperature Range: Warm – 450°F
* Controls: Manual Dials with Toast Shade Selector
* Special Feature: Limited 3-Year Warranty
* Included Accessories: Oven Rack, Baking Pan, Air Fry Basket

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Industry-Leading 3-Year Warranty: A three-year warranty on a small appliance is almost unheard of. This is a massive vote of confidence from Cuisinart in the product’s build quality and durability, offering incredible peace of mind.
* ✅ Truly Minimal Footprint: This is the MVP for small kitchens. It has the smallest footprint of all the models I tested, allowing it to tuck neatly into a corner or under low-hanging cabinets without dominating the countertop.
* ✅ Efficient and Capable Performance: Despite its diminutive size, it’s a powerful little oven. It heats up very quickly and cooks small portions with impressive efficiency. The convection fan is effective, ensuring even browning and crisping.
* ✅ Noticeably Quiet Operation: During my testing, I found this model to be significantly quieter than some of the larger, more powerful 1800W units. The hum of the convection fan is much more subdued, which is a nice bonus in a small living space.
* ✅ Dedicated Toast Shade Selector: The separate dial for toast shade is a simple but brilliant feature. It allows you to dial in your perfect level of brownness and get consistent results every single time, independent of the timer.
* ✅ Classic Cuisinart Build Quality: Even in this smaller form factor, the appliance feels sturdy and well-made. The stainless steel fryer look is timeless, and the components feel durable, backing up that impressive warranty.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Very Small Capacity: The primary trade-off for the minimal footprint is the small interior. An 8-inch pizza or 2.5 lbs of wings is the limit, making it best for single servings or meals for a couple. It is not suitable for family-sized cooking.
* ❌ Fewer Functions: It’s a capable 6-in-1, but it does lack the dedicated grill or dehydrate functions found on its larger and more expensive cousins. It focuses on the core toaster oven and air fryer tasks.
* ❌ Dials Can Feel Crowded: The face of the oven is small, so the four control dials can feel a little bit crowded. It’s perfectly functional, but users with larger hands might find it slightly less comfortable to operate than the more spacious control panels on other models.

Expert’s Experience

• Design & Build Quality: It’s immediately recognizable as a Cuisinart product, just miniaturized. It has that classic, durable stainless steel look and a reassuringly solid feel. The standout feature, however, is that 3-year warranty. In a market where one year is standard, this is a huge differentiator that signals a high level of trust in the product’s engineering and longevity.
• Performance in a Small Package: For its size, it performs admirably. I made a personal-sized pizza on the 8″ pan that came out with a nicely crisped crust. Toasting is even and consistent, thanks to the dedicated shade selector. It’s the perfect appliance for reheating leftovers to crispy perfection or cooking a quick meal for one without the waste of heating a full-size oven.
• Ease of Use: Like its larger sibling, the manual dials are simple and intuitive. There’s no learning curve here. You select your function, set your temperature, and set your time. The dedicated toast shade selector is a thoughtful touch that I really appreciated for getting my morning toast just right.

Compact Toaster Oven Air Fryer Comparison Chart

Seeing the key specs side-by-side can make your decision easier. Here’s how my top 5 picks stack up on the features that matter most. This compact air fryer toaster oven comparison highlights the core differences to help you choose between great options like the Breville vs Cuisinart compact models.

Feature	Cuisinart w/ Grill	Ninja Flip	Breville Compact	BLACK+DECKER	Cuisinart Compact
Category	Best Overall	Best for Space	Premium Features	Best Value	Most Compact
Functions	8	8	10	5	6
Max Pizza Size	12 inch	12 inch	11 inch	9 inch	8 inch
Special Feature	Reversible Grill Plate	Flips Up to Store	Element IQ System	EvenToast Tech	3-Year Warranty
Best For	All-Around Versatility	Severely Limited Space	Tech Enthusiasts	Budget Buyers	Single Users/Couples
My Rating	4.8 / 5 ⭐	4.7 / 5 ⭐	4.6 / 5 ⭐	4.2 / 5 ⭐	4.4 / 5 ⭐

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Compact Toaster Oven Air Fryer

Choosing the right compact toaster oven air fryer is about matching the appliance’s features to your specific kitchen, cooking habits, and household size. This buying guide will walk you through the key factors to consider, empowering you to find your perfect match from my list or out in the wild.

• Size & Counter Footprint: This is the most critical factor for a “compact” appliance. Measure your space first! Check the width, depth, and especially the height under your cabinets. If space is your biggest problem, a revolutionary model like the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven is a lifesaver. For the absolute smallest footprint, the Cuisinart Compact Air Fryer is your best bet.
• Cooking Functions & Versatility: Think about how you’ll actually use it. If you just want to make toast and air fry frozen snacks, a basic 5-in-1 model like the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake is a fantastic, affordable choice. If you dream of replacing multiple appliances and want to bake, roast, and even grill, then investing in a versatile 8-in-1 unit like the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/ Grill will pay dividends.
• Capacity vs. Household Size: Be realistic about how many people you’re cooking for. A model with an 8″ pizza capacity is perfect for a single person but will lead to frustration for a family of four. As a general rule, models that can fit a 12″ pizza are suitable for households of 2-3 people.
• Performance & Power (Wattage): Higher wattage, typically 1800W in this category, usually translates to faster preheating and more powerful air circulation for crispier food. If speed and top-tier performance are important to you, prioritize high-wattage units like the Ninja, Cuisinart w/Grill, or Breville.
• Controls: Digital vs. Manual: This is purely personal preference. Do you love the precision, presets, and sleek look of digital controls like those on the Ninja and Breville? Or do you prefer the simple, tactile, and foolproof operation of manual dials found on the Cuisinart and BLACK+DECKER models? There’s no wrong answer here.
• Ease of Cleaning: A dirty oven won’t get used. Look for features that make cleanup less of a chore, such as a removable crumb tray, a non-stick interior, and dishwasher-safe accessories. All the models on this list have removable crumb trays, which I consider a non-negotiable feature.
• Special Features: Finally, consider if a unique feature is worth the potential extra cost for your needs. Breville’s Element IQ system is for the cook who demands perfection and consistency. Ninja’s Flip design is for the person who values counter space above all else. And Cuisinart’s 3-Year Warranty is for the buyer who wants long-term peace of mind.

FAQs About Compact Toaster Oven Air Fryers

Here are answers to some of the most common questions I get about these versatile little ovens.

What is the best compact toaster oven air fryer?

For most people, the best compact toaster oven air fryer is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/ Grill (TOA-70NAS). It delivers the best overall package of powerful and versatile cooking functions (including grilling), a practical capacity that works for couples or small families, and a durable build, all in a reasonably compact design.

Are compact air fryer toaster ovens worth it?

Yes, they are absolutely worth it, especially if you have limited counter space. They are true multi-purpose appliances, combining the functions of an air fryer, toaster, convection oven, and sometimes more, into a single footprint. This saves you space and money, and their quick preheating makes them more energy-efficient than a full-size oven for many meals.

What’s the difference between an air fryer and a toaster oven with air fry?

A standalone air fryer is a dedicated appliance, typically with a basket, that is hyper-optimized for just one task: air frying. A toaster oven with an air fry function is a more versatile appliance. It uses a powerful convection fan and high heat to replicate the air frying process while also retaining the ability to bake, toast, broil, and perform other traditional oven tasks.

How do I clean a compact air fryer toaster oven?

First, always unplug the oven and let it cool completely. Then, remove the crumb tray, racks, and any baskets. These can usually be washed in warm, soapy water. For the interior, use a damp, non-abrasive sponge with a little bit of mild dish soap to wipe down the walls and ceiling. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the interior coating.

Compact air fryer toaster oven vs a standalone air fryer?

Choose a compact toaster oven air fryer if you value versatility and want an all-in-one solution for your countertop. It’s the right choice if you want to toast, bake, and air fry in one machine. Choose a standalone air fryer if your only priority is air frying, you want the absolute best performance for that single task, and you don’t need the other oven functions.

What can you cook in a small air fryer toaster oven?

You can cook an incredible variety of foods! They excel at making crispy foods like french fries, chicken wings, and tater tots. They’re also perfect for roasting vegetables, cooking personal pizzas, reheating leftovers to make them crispy again, and handling basics like toast and bagels. Many can even bake small batches of cookies or muffins.

How much counter space do they need?

It varies, but most compact models are between 16-18 inches wide and 14-16 inches deep. The most important measurement is often the height, especially if you plan to place it under cabinets. Always measure your available space before buying. The Ninja Flip Toaster Oven is the exception, as it requires almost no functional space when flipped up in storage.

Are compact air fryer toaster ovens noisy?

They are not silent, as they rely on a convection fan to circulate hot air. The sound is typically a whirring or humming noise, often comparable to a running microwave. I found that the smaller, more compact models like the Cuisinart TOA-26 were noticeably quieter than the larger, high-powered units.

Do they use a lot of energy?

No, they are generally much more energy-efficient than a full-size traditional oven. Because the cooking chamber is so much smaller, they preheat extremely quickly (often in just a few minutes) and require less energy to maintain their temperature. This can lead to noticeable savings on your electricity bill if you use it for daily cooking tasks.

Can a compact air fryer toaster oven replace a microwave?

It can replace some microwave functions, but not all. It is far superior for reheating anything you want to stay crispy, like pizza, fries, or fried chicken. However, it cannot reheat a cup of coffee or a bowl of soup in 90 seconds. They are different tools for different jobs, but a toaster oven can handle a wider range of cooking tasks.

My Final Verdict

After weeks of rigorous testing, it’s abundantly clear that you no longer have to choose between having counter space and having a high-performance cooking appliance. The modern compact toaster oven air fryer is a marvel of efficiency, packing incredible versatility and power into a small footprint.

My top recommendation and the Best Overall winner is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/ Grill (TOA-70NAS). It’s the complete package.

This Cuisinart is perfect for you if:
* You want the most versatility possible, including a unique grilling function.
* You cook for one to three people and need a practical capacity.
* You value powerful, fast, and even cooking performance.
* You prefer simple, intuitive manual controls over digital menus.
* You are looking for the best all-around performer that can truly act as a second oven.

However, if your kitchen reality is that every single inch of counter space is a battlefield, there is simply no better weapon than the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven (SP151). Its innovative flip-up design is nothing short of revolutionary and is backed by fierce cooking power.

This Ninja is not ideal for:
* Those who need to cook tall items like a whole roast chicken.
* Anyone who dislikes digital controls.
* Kitchens where there isn’t enough clearance in front of the unit to flip it down.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. For unmatched versatility and performance, go with the Cuisinart. For the ultimate space-saving solution, the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven is the clear winner.

Last update on 2026-02-26 at 03:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API