Do you find yourself occasionally hankering for crisp foods when staying in a hostel? Enjoy delicious meals prepared in the best air fryer for college students.
Let's be honest: not being able to eat fried food every day was probably the biggest downside of living in a college dorm.
But, that was before the introduction of air fryers, and now everything is different.
Although many universities prohibit students from having ovens or electric stoves in their dorm rooms, an air fryer (if permitted by the guidelines) is a fantastic alternative.
The dorm air fryer is an indispensable kitchen device for satisfying late-night snacking and reheating leftovers.
The Best Air Fryers For College Students Reviews
1. DASH Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer - Best With Non-Stick Basket
When it comes to air fryers, we recommend the DASH model because it's the most reasonably priced option for the best air fryer for college students because of how well-made it is, how quickly it cooks, and how simple it is to use.
With the knob-adjustable frying temperature and the automatic shut-off, you don't have to hover over your air fryer the entire time.
According to the manufacturer, this air fryer uses 75% less oil than conventional deep fryers while producing the same level of crispiness in the cooked food.
We cooked chicken wings to verify their claim, and they turned out pretty well. Without using any oil in the air fryer, the wings were both soft on the inside and crispy on the exterior.
This model of the Dash air fryer, with its spacious 2.6-quart basket drawer, is ideal for a college student's cramped dorm room.
With this compact countertop air fryer, students can prepare nutritious meals without leaving the convenience of their dorm room.
There is no danger of overheating with this air fryer since it automatically shuts off when the timer runs out.
During our testing, we discovered that the air fryer's non-stick coating wasn't very effective. Our fried chicken wings stuck to the air fryer's non-stick basket.
We use a sponge soaked in soapy water to scrub the air fryer's surface clean, but food debris remained on the appliance's drip tray even after we're done.
Dimension: 10.7 x 8.7 x 11.3 inches
Capacity: 2.6 Quarts
Weight: 6.1 Pounds
Power: 1000 Watts
Temperature range: 200°F to 400°F
Pros
Cons
2. Chefman TurboFry 2 Quart Air Fryer - Best Air Fryer Under $50
CHEFMAN's best small air fryer is comparable to the one that comes in at number one here.
Cooking in a dorm is a breeze thanks to the manual programming that lets you choose the fryer's temperature and time.
It has a wide temperature range, a 60-minute timer, and Rapid Air technology, so it can cook a wide variety of dishes, from savory to sweet, with excellent texture and 80% reduced oil usage.
Adjusting the Temperature of a Chefman Turbofry Air Fryer
During our test, we used the air fryer to cook a variety of foods, including spring rolls, french fries, and spicy chicken legs.
By turning the fries and chicken over every 5 minutes, you can get the ideal crisp without overcooking.
There are a lot of similarities in the features and designs of the many air fryers for college students, such as an automatic shutoff, a cool-to-the-touch housing, and a detachable nonstick basket.
Because of its 2-quart basket, it is the best air fryer for college students or friends to use in a small space like a dorm room, workplace, RV, or semi-truck.
The flat design of the basket is something that has been particularly praised by our experts. This part increases the air fryer's total capacity by 40% without increasing the unit's size, making it a convenient and practical appliance.
Unfortunately, we have trouble gliding in the basket. The air fryer still has a faint metallic odor even after being thoroughly scrubbed.
Dimension: 9.75 x 9.75 x 12.5 inches
Capacity: 2 Quarts
Weight: 5.69 Pounds
Power: 1000 Watts
Temperature range: 200°F to 400°F
Pros
Cons
3. DASH Compact Air Fryer - Best Air Fryer with Auto Shutoff
Adding yet another Dash Air fryer model, why? Is there a clear winner between the two?
This small model, like the Dash 1000-watt air fryer we just talked about, includes built-in AirCrisp technology.
Air fryer safety is ensured by the unit's cool-to-the-touch exterior and automatic shutoff in the event of overheating.
Its lightweight construction and non-slip feet on the bottom ensure that it will not move around while you work on an air fryer on the countertop.
This air fryer can hold 2 quarts of food, which is enough to air fry wings, bake cookies, or roast steaks for two people.
The appliance's recipe book allows even the most finicky eaters to prepare a delicious, versatile meal every day.
Our studio testing revealed that this air fryer's nonstick coating may eventually flake, although this is not something that can be anticipated before extended usage (in the long run, we will keep you updated).
It is recommended that you line the air fryer basket with parchment paper before using it to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
Compared to the other model, the Dash tiny air fryer is the clear winner when thinking about dorm room countertops. thanks to its sleek portable design.
As compared to the Dash TastiCrisp fryer, which is its direct competitor, the latter has a larger cooking capacity (2.6 quarts) in a more lightweight design.
Dimension: 10.2 x 8.1 x 11.4 inches
Capacity: 2 Quarts
Weight: 5.70 Pounds
Power: 1000 Watts
Temperature range: 170°F to 400°F
Pros
Cons
4. Instant Vortex 4-in-1, 2-QT Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo - Best Smart Air Fryer
In order to take your air frying to the next level, invest in this 4-in-1 Instant air fryer that has EvenCrisp Technology. The even distribution of heat from this air fryer results in evenly browned, crisp exteriors and juicy inside.
Overheating prevention and automatic shut-off are two examples of the company's attention to customer and food safety that have been praised by our experts.
Each step is displayed in discrete units on the smart panel. Choosing a cooking program, adjusting the time, and tweaking the temperature are all done through the small LED display, making it user-friendly even for newbies.
The fact that it can roast, air fry, reheat, and bake all at once is amazing, too. With this, you're one fingertip away from a delicious dinner to satisfy your hunger.
We had a pleasant time using this appliance in the kitchen. We flipped new wings and drumsticks halfway through cooking, along with some fries. The end result was delicious and perfectly cooked.
In a surprising twist, the Instant Vortex air fryer features a companion smartphone app for both iOS and Android devices, along with a selection of mouthwatering recipes for use with the appliance.
When compared to the various air fryers we tried in our kitchen, including the Elite Gourmet, the Dash, and the Chefman, the Instant Pot Vortex came out on top because of its cutting-edge technology and effective design.
The lingering smell of plastic was the only negative we encountered while testing. We are certain, however, that it will disappear after a couple washes.
All things considered, it's the best air fryer for under $100 for college students because of its compact design, versatility, and low price.
Dimension: 11.26 x 9.02 x 11.73 inches
Capacity: 2 Quarts
Weight: 7.28 Pounds
Power: 1300 Watts
Temperature range: 120°F to 400°F
Pros
Cons
5. Elite Gourmet EAF-3218R Air Fryer- Best Compact Air Fryer
Elite Gourmet's 1.1-quart personal air fryer was the smallest of the models we tested.
This air fryer stands out from the crowd thanks to its 360° Rapid Air Circulation technology. You can enjoy crispy food faster than you could in the oven or deep fryer.
Cleaning up after frying is also simplified with this technology because less oil and other debris are left behind.
Thanks to the cool-to-the-touch handle, tossing food every so often is a snap, so you can enjoy flawlessly air-fried food with no effort.
Including a device like an air fryer in a college student's dorm room is a smart move because of the appliance's safety and convenience features.
For beginners, the Elite Gourmet fryer has seven different cooking references. Therefore, they can make popular dishes like French fries, shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and chicken nuggets without having to experiment with heat and time.
We used an Elite air fryer to quickly cook some spring rolls and tater tots. The rolls are perfectly golden and crunchy, but the tater tots are merely okay.
Making thin-crust pizza, re-heating chicken wings, and air-frying frozen foods all proved successful in testing this air fryer's many cooking reference options.
The air filter system is included in this air fryer, and it helps get rid of the plastic odor that is the most common complaint about air fryers.
The highest temperature it can reach is 390°F, but many recipes call for much higher temperatures, so there's a chance the food may turn out undercooked and mushy.
With this compact air fryer, you can prepare tasty meals without having to resort to time-consuming methods such as microwaving or using a stovetop burner in the dorm room.
Dimension: 7.75 x 7.75 x 8 inches
Capacity: 1.1 Quarts
Weight: 5.09 Pounds
Power: 700 Watts
Temperature range: 180°F to 390°F
Pros
Cons
6. Chefman TurboFry Small Compact Air Fryer - Best BPA-Free Air Fryer
The Chefman small toxic-free air fryer has a slim body and takes up very little room, yet its space-saving design and convenient features make it an ideal alternative to bulkier, less functional options.
The effective combination of a 60-minute timer and a maximum temperature of 400°F ensures quick cooking and minimal energy usage.
We couldn't find any other air fryers with a rubberized grip like this one. You can use the basket without worrying about burning your hands.
With its temperature controls, timer, and light indicator, this appliance makes it easy and safe for students to complete their regular cooking tasks.
Our testing showed that its 2-quart capacity was too little to prepare a whole batch of meat appetizers, but for a college student living in a dorm, this would be plenty of cooking space.
Its parts are BPA-free, can go in the dishwasher, and have a nonstick coating that effectively keeps food from sticking.
Because it can make single servings of nutritious food, this best air fryer for two people is ideal for college students.
Dimension: 10.23 x 10.23 x 13.98 inches
Capacity: 2 Quarts
Weight: 3.31 Pounds
Power: 1000 Watts
Temperature range: 200°F to 400°F
Pros
Cons
7. Elite Gourmet EAF2612D Personal 2.1Qt Air Fryer - Best Lightweight Air Fryer
The Elite Gourmet 2.1-quart personal air fryer is ideal for you and a friend, since the two of you can cook around 1.5 pounds of food at once.
Both a cooking manual and a recipe book are included to give students a leg up when they begin using this kitchen device.
This air fryer features six quick references for preparing a wide variety of foods, including fish, chicken, bread, and fried foods.
A digital temperature control with a range of 176°C to 392°C and a timer of 30 minutes ensures that your food is cooked to perfection with a nice, crisp exterior.
The EAF2612D is powered by the same 360° Rapid Air Circulation technology as the more expensive Elite Gourmet EAF-3218R air fryer. It distributes heat uniformly and produces crispy results with less oil.
The experts in our studio agree that the air filtering system included in this air fryer is a great way to prevent any lingering smells from invading your dorm room.
However, we've found that when cooking a medium-sized breast, it's best to cut it in half beforehand. Without properly draining the meat before frying, the pieces won't get crisp.
In addition, the cooking time in this air fryer is somewhat longer than we had anticipated given that it has Rapid Air Circulation.
Dimension: 8.7 x 7.8 x 10.5 inches
Capacity: 2.1 Quarts
Weight: 6.49 Pounds
Power: 1000 Watts
Temperature range: 170°F to 400°F
Pros
Cons
8. DASH Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer - Best Air Fryer for College Students
The 2.6-quart capacity and sleek design of this portable appliance make it a standout among the best air fryers for a single person .
This Dash air fryer, like the others we've reviewed, uses oil-saving AirCrisp technology to make kids' favorite fried foods with less oil.
Compared to previous Dash air fryers, the digital control panel and LED display are the most notable features of this model.
Among the manufacturers we looked at, this air fryer was the only one that allowed us to save our own cooking preferences.
Up to three of your favorite cooking preferences can be stored in the appliance's memory for the incredible recipes you're always craving.
To put it through its paces, we cooked frozen asparagus and onion rings using our own custom settings and then saved them for future use. We utilized the preset cooking mode for the second batch, and it turned out just as well as the first.
Unfortunately, during testing, we heard a very loud whistle whenever the air fryer was used. Moreover, the air fryer's cooking space is limited by the basket's being deep yet narrow.
It has a neat and clean overall appearance, with no fussy knob adjustments.
A lot of students have given positive reviews to this affordable air fryer for college dorms since it has made their meal preparation routines more simple, safe, and organized.
Dimension: 8.7 x 10.7 x 11.3 inches
Capacity: 2.6 Quarts
Weight: 7.04 Pounds
Power: 1000 Watts
Temperature range: 170°F to 400°F
Pros
Cons
9. BELLA 2.9QT Manual Air Fryer - Best Easy-to-Clean Safe Air Fryer
For those who would prefer not to use the more complex digital controls, the Bella air fryer with a knob is a great option.
Its 5-in-1 multifunctional air fryer's 2.5-pound size makes it ideal for dorm use in place of bulky ovens or toasters.
In terms of space efficiency, the Bella air fryer is highly recommended by our team.
It looks great and is perfect for a hostel or dorm room because it has 2.9 quarts of cooking space.
With a 1400-watt high-powered heating element, the Bella air fryer features Circular Heat Technology.
It helps the appliance get to the ideal cooking temperature rapidly and without the need for preheating.
Your food will be cooked quickly and uniformly, with a gorgeous golden texture on all sides, thanks to the combination of circular heat flow and power.
It has a timer that can be set for up to 60 minutes and a temperature knob that can go up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, all of which work together to keep your food from over-browning and burning.
The numbers on the air fryer's temperature knob are too small to read when we're using it to cook.
While this is not considered a defect by professionals, students may have trouble adjusting the temperature to their liking.
Dimension: 15.11 x 15.11 x 14.68 inches
Capacity: 2.9 Quarts
Weight: 9.53 Pounds
Power: 1400 Watts
Temperature range: 175°F to 400°F
Pros
Cons
10. GoWISE USA Electric Mini Air Fryer - Best Air Fryer for One Person
If you're searching for the best mini air fryer, look no further than this sleekly designed, American-made model from Gowise that packs a maximum of 2 quarts into its compact body.
Our experts show that this air fryer is the best option for those looking for a straightforward appliance that can handle a wide variety of cooking tasks.
You may air fry, toast, reheat, keep warm, or even defrost food with the five preset modes displayed on the touchscreen control panel.
In contrast to other models of air fryers, the Gowise wowed us with its superior nonstick coating, which, in practice, translates into an exceptionally simple cleaning process after a meal has been enjoyed.
We reheated some chicken wings and alfredo pasta using the appliance's inbuilt preset function, and both dishes turned out well.
Because of the included recipe book, even novice cooks can successfully use this modern kitchen appliance.
The air fryer itself is great; however, the non-removable basket tray was a major drawback. The tray is flat in design, with a little clasp in the center for holding the basket while working with it.
As we remove the cooked food from the basket, we have to avoid coming into contact with the hot tray as much as possible to avoid getting blisters from burning.
To keep it intact, use tongs or oven mitts. If it's too hot to handle, wait until it cools down.
While most competing brands accounted for a removable basket and tray in their designs, Gowise neglected to do so.
Because of this relatively minor drawback, it is not as well regarded as the other best small air fryers for college students on our list.
Dimension: 9 x 8 x 11 inches
Capacity: 1.7 Quarts
Weight: 7.68 Pounds
Power: 1000 Watts
Temperature range: 180°F to 400°F
Pros
Cons
The Best Air Fryer for College students Buying Guide
College students take an air fryer with them to their dorm rooms because they think it's their only practical cooking appliance. The best air fryer for a dorm room can be determined by thinking about the factors listed below.
Size
Absolutely, the size of the air fryer is important! It's unrealistic to bring a full kitchen to a dorm because of the limited space. Choose air fryers with a small footprint and a portable design if you live in a crowded dorm.
The typical college student needs a fryer with a basket capacity of between two and three quarts.
Ease of Cleaning
When it comes to cooking and eating, students are all smiles—until it's time to clean the air fryer.
You don't want to spend all that time wiping oil off its basket plunge, do you?
Make sure the air fryer you choose has a detachable basket and tray so that it can be cleaned and stored easily.
Also, the nonstick coating on the air fryer's basket makes cleanup a breeze.
Cost
Let's be honest here: for a student, cost is the most important aspect. It might be stressful to try to figure out how much money they have and yet spend on an air fryer of decent quality.
So, we recommend avoiding the heated discussion between quality and cost and instead selecting the most affordable option. Because of this, you won't have to worry about a significant financial loss if your air fryer doesn’t last long enough.
Ease of Use
Picking an air fryer with as few features as possible is always the best bet. Even the most basic air fryers have enough versatility to satisfy the needs of today's busy college student.
FAQs
Are air fryers allowed in dorms?
Air fryers are often permitted in college dorms. If you want to be on the safe side, it's a good idea to check the college's policies and procedures regarding the dorm room again.
Is an air fryer good for a dorm room?
Without a doubt, air fryers are a great appliance to keep in a college dorm. They take up far less room than standard microwaves and stoves because of their small footprint. The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can be used to reheat and prepare a wide variety of foods, making it ideal for college students to use when living on their own.
Are air fryers good for college students?
College students do not have the time or space to devote to cooking, and many cannot afford to eat out every day. An air fryer is now our only safe option. An easy-to-use kitchen device that can be placed on a counter.
Final Thoughts!
After all other choices have been exhausted, an air fryer is the last and best hope for allowing college students to get away with cooking. Let's not add the stress of having to cook in a dorm room to the list of challenges that college students already face. Don't wait any longer if you're moving into a dorm room soon; instead, read up on the top rated models and make an instant purchase. Prepare your own nutritious meals and keep your mind on your studies.
