If you live alone — or you are the only one in the house who actually uses the air fryer — you do not need a massive 8-litre family unit taking up half your kitchen bench. A compact model in the 2-3.5 litre range is the sweet spot for single servings, and the best part is they are genuinely affordable.
We have rounded up the best air fryers under $100 AUD that are perfectly sized for one person. These models are ideal for studio apartments, dorm rooms, caravans, and anyone who values bench space as much as crispy chips.
Why a Compact Air Fryer Makes Sense for Solo Cooking
Before we get to the picks, here is why going smaller is actually the smarter choice when you are cooking for one:
Energy Efficiency A smaller basket means a smaller heating element. A compact 1000W air fryer costs roughly **$0.12 per 30-minute session** compared to $0.17 for a standard 1500W model. Over a year of daily use, that adds up. We break down the full numbers in our [electricity cost guide](/blog/air-fryer-electricity-cost-australia).
Faster Cooking Less air space to heat means faster preheating (often under 2 minutes) and quicker cooking times. A single chicken breast or serving of chips is done in 12-15 minutes start to finish.
Better Results for Small Portions This is the big one. Air fryers work best when food is in a single layer with space between pieces for air circulation. Put a single serving in a big basket and the food gets lost — put it in a properly sized basket and you get perfect, even crisping every time.
Counter Space Compact air fryers have a footprint smaller than a kettle. If you are in a small kitchen, studio, or rental with limited bench space, this matters enormously.
What to Look For in a Compact Air Fryer
When shopping for a solo-sized air fryer, keep these specs in mind:
- Capacity: 1.5L to 3.5L is the ideal range for one person. Under 1.5L and you cannot fit a chicken breast; over 4L and you are wasting energy on empty space.
- Wattage: 800W to 1200W is normal for compact models. More than enough for single servings.
- Temperature range: Look for at least 80°C to 200°C. The low end matters if you want to dehydrate or keep food warm.
- Timer: A 30-minute timer is fine for most single-serve meals. Some budget models only go to 30 minutes.
- Basket style: Drawer-style baskets are easiest to clean. Avoid models where the basket is hard to remove.
- Dishwasher-safe parts: Essential for easy cleanup, especially if you are cooking every day.
Our Top Picks Under $100 AUD
1. Kmart Anko 3.2L Air Fryer — Best Budget Pick
Price: $39 - $59 AUD (Kmart stores and online)
The Kmart Anko is the air fryer that got Australia hooked. At under $60, it is absurdly good value and has racked up thousands of positive reviews from Aussie buyers.
What we like: - Unbeatable price — the cheapest air fryer worth buying - 3.2L capacity fits a generous single serve or a small couple's portion - Simple dial controls — no confusing digital menus - Non-stick basket pops out easily for cleaning - 1000W — efficient and more than enough power for the basket size - Available in-store at every Kmart in Australia
What could be better: - No digital display or preset programs - Timer only goes to 30 minutes (fine for most meals but limiting for slow recipes) - Build quality is basic — it is a $50 appliance and feels like one
Best for: Absolute beginners, students, or anyone who wants to try air frying without a big investment. If you discover you love it, you can always upgrade later.
2. Healthy Choice 3L Digital Air Fryer — Best Digital Option
Price: Around $49.95 AUD (Big W, Catch, Amazon AU)
A step up from the Kmart in features while staying firmly under $50. The digital touchscreen gives you preset cooking programs for common foods.
What we like: - Digital touchscreen with 8 presets (chips, chicken, fish, steak, shrimp, cake, pizza, reheat) - 3L capacity — ideal for one person - 1000W with temperatures from 80°C to 200°C - Auto shut-off for safety - Removable non-stick basket - Available at multiple retailers
What could be better: - Touchscreen can be fiddly with wet hands - Some presets run a bit hot — you may need to adjust
Best for: Solo cooks who want preset convenience without spending much.
3. Healthy Choice 3L Digital — Most Compact
Price: Around $60 - $79 AUD (Amazon AU, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman)
From the makers of the Instant Pot, this tiny 2L air fryer is designed specifically for single servings and small spaces. It is the smallest name-brand air fryer you can buy in Australia.
What we like: - Incredibly compact — smaller footprint than most toasters - 4-in-1: air fry, roast, reheat, and bake - Digital one-touch programs - EvenCrisp technology for consistent results - Well-known brand with good warranty support in Australia - Stylish design that does not look out of place on the bench
What could be better: - 2L is genuinely small — you cannot fit much more than a single chicken breast or one serve of chips - Slightly pricier than the Kmart option for less capacity - Can be hard to find in stock at some retailers
Best for: People in very small spaces (studios, caravans, dorms) who are strictly cooking for one and want a quality brand name.
4. Healthy Choice 3L Digital (2L) — Best for Smart Features
Price: Around $80 - $99 AUD
The Healthy Choice 3L Digital packs premium features into a compact frame. If you want the smart capabilities of a high-end air fryer in a solo-friendly size, this is it.
What we like: - Wi-Fi enabled with app control (yes, really, for under $100) - 4 cooking functions: air fry, roast, bake, reheat - Compact 2L basket perfect for one person - Shake reminder so you do not forget to toss your chips halfway through - Extensive recipe library in the app - Quiet operation — noticeably quieter than most budget models
What could be better: - App setup takes a few minutes - 2L capacity limits what you can cook in one batch - At the top of the under-$100 budget
Best for: Tech-savvy solo cooks who want app control and smart features. Read our full Healthy Choice 3L Digital review for more details.
Healthy Choice 3L Digital Air Fryer
Best for singles & students on a budget
- ✓Very affordable — under $60 AUD
- ✓Compact size perfect for small kitchens
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Wattage | Controls | Price (AUD) | Best For | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Kmart Anko 3.2L | 3.2L | 1000W | Dial | $39-$59 | Budget buyers | | Healthy Choice 3L | 3.0L | 1000W | Digital | ~$50 | Preset convenience | | Healthy Choice 3L | 2.0L | 1000W | Digital | $60-$79 | Tiny spaces | | Healthy Choice 3L Digital | 2.0L | 900W | Digital + App | $80-$99 | Smart features |
What Can You Actually Cook in a 2-3L Air Fryer?
You might be surprised how much you can do in a small basket. Here are some single-serve meals that work perfectly:
- One chicken breast — seasoned and crispy in 18-20 minutes at 190°C
- A serve of chips — fresh-cut or frozen, done in 15-18 minutes
- Two lamb cutlets — 12 minutes at 200°C for medium-rare
- Crumbed fish fillet — 10-12 minutes at 180°C, no soggy batter
- Toasted sandwich or jaffle — 5-6 minutes, perfectly golden
- Reheated pizza — 3-4 minutes, crispy base (not soggy like a microwave)
- Roasted vegetables — broccoli, pumpkin, zucchini in 12-15 minutes
- Egg muffins — using a silicone mould, 8-10 minutes
For more ideas, browse our recipe collection — most can be halved easily for single servings. And our cooking times cheat sheet is handy for quick reference.
Tips for Getting the Best Results from a Small Air Fryer
Do Not Overcrowd the Basket This is the number one mistake. Even though the basket is small, resist the urge to pile food in. A single layer with space between pieces gives you the crispiest results. Cook in two small batches if needed — it is still faster than an oven.
Use the Right Accessories Compact air fryers benefit hugely from the right [accessories](/accessories). Parchment liners sized for small baskets prevent sticking and make cleanup instant. A small silicone mat works too.
Adjust Recipes for Size Most air fryer recipes online are written for 4-5L baskets. For a 2-3L basket, simply halve the quantities and reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Check food a few minutes early until you learn your specific model's quirks.
Keep It Clean Smaller baskets get dirty faster because food sits closer to the heating element. A quick wash after each use prevents buildup and keeps performance consistent. Most baskets are dishwasher-safe — take advantage of that.
Get a Cheat Sheet Stick a [magnetic cheat sheet](/accessories) on your fridge with common times and temperatures. It saves you from googling every time you cook.
Should You Spend More for a Bigger Model?
If you find yourself regularly wanting to cook for two or batch-prep meals for the week, a 3-5L model might be worth the extra investment. Check our buying guide for mid-range recommendations.
But if you are genuinely cooking for one most of the time, a compact model under $100 is the smarter buy. You will save money upfront, save energy on every cook, and get better results for single portions than you would in an oversized basket.
The Bottom Line
You do not need to spend $300+ on a premium air fryer to enjoy perfectly crispy food as a solo cook. The Kmart Anko 3.2L is our top pick for sheer value — at $39-$59, it is almost disposable pricing for an appliance that genuinely changes how you cook.
If you want digital presets, the Healthy Choice 3L offers great features at around $50. For the smallest possible footprint, the Healthy Choice 3L is hard to beat. And if smart features matter to you, the [Healthy Choice 3L Digital](/reviews/healthy-choice-3l-digital) punches well above its weight.
Whichever you choose, pair it with some essential accessories and you will be eating better food for less money within a week.
Not sure which size is right for you? Our complete buying guide walks you through capacity, features, and what actually matters when choosing an air fryer.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/air-fryer-liners-cleaning-hack-tout-1e4e8165a6134937addbb81595d72bce.jpg)