Air fryers
Air fryers for one or two people: choosing the right size
COSORI Lite, Philips NA220/00 and Ninja AF160EU: three single-basket sizes for different routines, not an automatic conversion between litres and portions.
AceiteySal editorial team · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
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At a glance
Compare the essentials ↓
COSORI Lite 3.8 L
A single basket with a smaller nominal capacity for cooking moderate quantities per batch.
3.8 L
See analysis ↓
Philips 2000 Series Airfryer NA220/00
A 4.2 L basket with a window for watching food as it cooks.
4.2 L1500 W
See analysis ↓
Ninja MAX AF160EU — 5.2 L
A single-basket 5.2-litre alternative for anyone who does not need to coordinate two cooking zones.
5.2 L1750 W
See analysis ↓Compare the essentials
Swipe the table to see every column.
| Model | Capacity | Power | What we like | Things to consider | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COSORI Lite 3.8 L | 3.8 L | Not specified |
|
| A side dish or small batches |
| Philips 2000 Series Airfryer NA220/00 | 4.2 L | 1500 W |
|
| Anyone who wants to see progress without opening the basket repeatedly |
| Ninja MAX AF160EU — 5.2 L | 5.2 L | 1750 W |
|
| Moderate batches · Preparing one component at a time |
How to choose
One person does not always need the smallest basket
For side dishes or moderate quantities, we would start with the 3.8 L COSORI Lite. If you value watching the colour during cooking, Philips NA220/00 adds a window in a 4.2 L format. The 5.2 L Ninja AF160EU gives more room for anyone batch-cooking for several days. We do not call it compact simply because it has one basket.
Think about your usual food
A portion of spread-out potatoes, a long fillet and a small tin need different surfaces. Litres describe volume, not the size of a piece that must lie flat. Before buying, decide whether you will prepare the whole meal inside or just a side dish, and check internal dimensions.
If you need two batches every day to avoid piling food up, a larger basket may make more sense than the smallest appliance. If you rarely cook large quantities, extra volume may occupy worktop space you need for chopping and preparation. Also measure drawer travel and the manufacturer's required ventilation.
What not to use as a shortcut
More programmes do not guarantee a better result. Rated power does not tell you how much electricity your dinner will use either. We have not measured these models' consumption, noise or speed. Compare controls, usable size and ease of basket removal rather than a generic promise of portions.
Variants and spare parts
Check the full code and European plug. A page for a US version, a refurbished unit or a basket of another capacity does not validate the offer you are viewing. Before adding attachments, measure the actual space and leave room for air to circulate.
Cooking tip
For vegetables and potatoes that need browning, avoid a densely packed layer. Stir or turn when the recipe needs it and check doneness before automatically extending the time. Linked dishes are ideas for adapting the load; they have not been tested in all three appliances in this guide.
How we research and what we have not tested
Selection for the Spanish market reviewed on 13 September 2026. We cross-checked references and features on official pages and in manuals, linked in each product review. Recommendations by use are our editorial judgement based on those data, not results of physical tests. We have not measured these models' performance, noise, energy use, wear or comfort. We do not assign scores or a permanent value-for-money winner.
Images come from product pages; sources are listed in each review. Amazon links are reference searches and require checking the exact offer; other links lead to the official shop. Price and stock have not been confirmed. Related recipes illustrate possible uses, not verified compatibility or testing with each product.
Header image: COSORI Lite 3.8 L. Source: COSORI.
A closer look
COSORI Lite 3.8 L
A single basket with a smaller nominal capacity for cooking moderate quantities per batch.
Capacity: 3.8 L
Specification-based analysis · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Best suited to: A side dish or small batches
What we like
- A nominal capacity of 3.8 L.
- A specific LI401S-series manual is available from official support.
Things to consider
- It does not guarantee that two portions of every dish will fit in a single layer.
- Check the European reference, dimensions and ventilation clearance.
Methodology and evidence
Cross-checking official product information and manuals, with editorial interpretation based on cooking needs. No hands-on tests or verification of offers. Sources are linked in the review.
We would choose it when the priority is avoiding an oversized basket and cooking one component at a time. If you usually roast large pieces, measure the interior surface: litres do not tell you the maximum length of a fillet that will fit.
The support documentation distinguishes regional Lite variants. Check the European reference before buying and follow its loading and cleaning instructions. We do not attribute energy savings to the app or programmes that we have not measured.
Sources and scope
Official source 1 · Official source 2. Accessed: 13/09/2026. Documentary analysis, without our own hands-on test. We do not publish ratings, prices or availability. The image shows the product described.
The Amazon button opens a model search, not a validated offer. Check the reference, seller and package contents before buying.
Product image: COSORI (source).
Choose your retailer market
Philips 2000 Series Airfryer NA220/00
A 4.2 L basket with a window for watching food as it cooks.
Capacity: 4.2 LPower: 1500 W
Specification-based analysis · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Best suited to: Anyone who wants to see progress without opening the basket repeatedly
What we like
- A nominal capacity of 4.2 L and stated power of 1500 W.
- A viewing window on this specific model.
Things to consider
- Looking through the window does not replace shaking, stirring or checking doneness.
- The series includes other sizes and model references.
Methodology and evidence
Cross-checking official product information and manuals, with editorial interpretation based on cooking needs. No hands-on tests or verification of offers. Sources are linked in the review.
The window is its useful distinction beyond capacity alone. It can help you check the food's colour visually, although you will still need to move the contents when the recipe calls for it.
We compare the NA220/00, not a refurbished unit with an added suffix or another 2000 Series appliance. Confirm the dimensions, plug and package contents. We do not present its power rating as a measure of energy consumption per portion.
Sources and scope
Official source 1. Accessed: 13/09/2026. Documentary analysis, without our own hands-on test. We do not publish ratings, prices or availability. The image shows the product described.
The Amazon button opens a model search, not a validated offer. Check the reference, seller and package contents before buying.
Product image: Philips (source).
Choose your retailer market
Ninja MAX AF160EU — 5.2 L
A single-basket 5.2-litre alternative for anyone who does not need to coordinate two cooking zones.
Capacity: 5.2 LPower: 1750 W
Specification-based analysis · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Best suited to: Moderate batches · Preparing one component at a time
What we like
- One basket and six cooking functions.
- Lets you prepare a side dish without managing two compartments.
Things to consider
- Lower nominal capacity than the 6 L and 6.2 L single-basket models in this selection.
- Cannot run two independent programmes simultaneously.
Methodology and evidence
Review of manufacturer documentation and analysis of cooking uses. No hands-on tests, ratings, prices or stock information.
The MAX AF160EU may suit cooking one preparation per batch. Its 5.2 L capacity does not automatically make it the best option for one person: before buying, check its footprint and the basket size you actually need.
If you often make potatoes for several people, usable surface area matters more than the number of programmes. For an even result, use a load you can move around. We would choose a dual-zone model if the usual challenge is serving two different preparations at the same time.
Sources and scope
Manufacturer documentation. Reviewed: 2026-09-13. Specification-based analysis; this product has not been physically tested. The image shows the product described. The retailer button opens a search: check the exact offer before buying.
Product image: Ninja (source).
Choose your retailer market
Frequently asked questions
Does 3.8 litres mean two portions?
There is no fixed conversion. It depends on the food, its shape and the space it needs to brown.
Does a viewing window avoid opening the basket?
It lets you look inside, but does not replace stirring, turning or checking doneness when necessary.
Does the lowest-powered model always use less energy?
No. Consumption also depends on time, temperature, load and appliance cycles; we have not measured those figures here.
Related buying guides
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Recipes to put it to use
Use these recipes as a starting point; adjust batches and cooking time to your appliance. They have not been tested on every model in this guide.
Check the current price, availability and exact model at the retailer. Markets are shown explicitly; language does not select your country.
