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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The best compact air fryer for most people in RTINGS’ August 27, 2026 roundup is the Ninja AF101: it measured 4.2 quarts, cooks quickly, and offers four cooking modes. But “4-quart” is a size category here, not a strict limit. The roundup also includes two models measured above five quarts, while noting that capacity alone does not determine countertop footprint. Choose by basket floor area, cooking evenness, and the features you will use—not the label alone.
RTINGS says it bought and tested 54 air fryers for its roundup. The picks below reflect that publisher’s assessment, not a universal ranking. Prices and current stock were not established, so check the model number and regional listing before buying.
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How the five picks compare
| Model | Measured capacity | Best fit | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L), measured by RTINGS | Most people seeking a compact all-rounder | Tall, cylindrical basket makes single-layer spreading difficult and can lead to uneven results |
| Ninja Pro AF141 | 5.1 qt (4.9 L), measured by RTINGS | Shoppers willing to go above four quarts for stronger performance | Larger nominal capacity than the target category |
| Chefman TurboFry 5-Quart RJ38-5-T | 5.2 qt (4.9 L), measured by RTINGS | Fast, mostly even batches with a straightforward feature set | Limited versatility, one fan speed, and weaker temperature stability |
| thinkkitchen Luminate | 4.3 qt (4.1 L), measured by RTINGS | Canadian-market shoppers who want a viewing window | Mediocre cooking speed and mixed doneness within a batch |
| Ninja Crispi FN101GY | 4.0 qt (3.8 L), measured by RTINGS | Those who prefer a glass cooking chamber that can also store food | Limited cooking area can leave pieces undercooked |
Capacities in this table are RTINGS measurements reported in its August 27, 2026 roundup. They are not a direct measure of usable basket floor area or external footprint.
Which compact air fryer should you choose?
Ninja AF101: best for most people
RTINGS measured the AF101 at 4.2 quarts and rated it 7.7 for air frying, 8.3 for speed, and 8.1 for versatility. It has Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate modes, and cooks quickly. Its tall cylindrical basket is the key limitation: food is harder to spread in a single layer, which can make results less even.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
For a regional specification example, Ninja’s Canadian AF101C documentation lists a 3.8 L ceramic-coated basket, a 105°F–400°F temperature range, four manual programs, dishwasher-safe parts, and 1550 W. AF101C is a Canadian variant; confirm the exact model suffix and specifications for your market rather than assuming they are identical across regions.
Ninja Pro AF141: choose performance over a strict four-quart limit
At 5.1 quarts measured by RTINGS, the AF141 is larger than the nominal target. RTINGS reports better cooking evenness than the AF101, fast cooking and heat recovery, four modes, and adjustable temperature and fan speed. It is the pick to consider if those performance advantages matter more than staying close to four quarts.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Chefman TurboFry 5-Quart RJ38-5-T: a fast, simpler option
RTINGS measured this model at 5.2 quarts, but found only slightly more usable surface area than the AF101. It heats and cooks quickly and makes mostly even, crispy batches. The trade-off is a limited feature set: there is one fan speed, less versatility, and weaker temperature stability.
thinkkitchen Luminate: a windowed choice, mainly in Canada
The Luminate measured 4.3 quarts in RTINGS’ testing and has a viewing window and light, so you can check food without opening the drawer. It preheats and recovers heat quickly, but cooking itself is mediocre in speed and batches may include both undercooked and overcooked pieces. RTINGS describes it as primarily available in Canada, so local availability is an important part of the decision.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Ninja Crispi FN101GY: glass chamber and storage
RTINGS measured the Crispi at 4.0 quarts. Its glass chamber can also be used for storage, and a smaller 1.6-quart container can be swapped in. The four preset modes are Air Fry, Bake, Recrisp, and Max Crisp. It cooks quickly, but the limited cooking area makes even results harder to achieve; RTINGS reports that many pieces may remain undercooked.
What matters more than the quart label?
A compact air fryer’s nominal capacity does not tell you how much food can sit in a single layer or whether the appliance will fit your counter. RTINGS’ tested roundup includes models from 4.0 to 5.2 measured quarts in this “4-quart” category, and notes that capacity does not directly relate to countertop footprint.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Usable basket floor area: More room to spread food in one layer can matter more than a larger capacity number.
- Evenness: Consider whether the design leaves food crowded or encourages stacking, which can make consistent browning harder.
- Speed and heat recovery: A quick preheat is not the same as fast cooking. Recovery after you open the drawer also affects cooking flow.
- Modes and controls: Decide whether you need functions beyond air frying, or adjustable fan speed and temperature.
- Footprint and cleanup: Check the appliance’s external dimensions and which parts are dishwasher-safe for the exact regional model.
- Availability: A Canadian-market model may not be a practical choice elsewhere, and model suffixes can signal regional differences.
A current alternative with a viewing window
The Instant Pot 4QT Vortex Mini is officially listed as a four-quart appliance with Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, and Reheat functions. Its listed specifications include a ClearCook window with internal light, a dishwasher-safe nonstick basket, 1500 W, 120 V/60 Hz, and a one-year limited warranty. Instant Pot says it handles up to four servings; that is a manufacturer claim, not an independently verified serving result. The consulted material does not provide comparative test results for this model, so it cannot be placed against the five tested picks on equal performance evidence.
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Check the listing before you buy
The roundup records availability checks for its main picks on June 25, 2026, and updates through August 27, 2026. That does not establish current stock or price. Confirm that the live listing is for the intended model and regional variant, especially for the AF101: the cited Ninja manufacturer documentation is for Canadian model AF101C, not confirmation of the exact US listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
