Review: The Compact Countertop Air Fryer — Is It Worth the Counter Space?

Reviewer: Naomi Reed • Test period: 4 weeks

Air fryers dominated kitchen conversation for the last half-decade, promising crisp textures with less oil. The Compact Countertop Air Fryer (model CC-AF20) aims at small households and cooks who want speed and efficiency without a large appliance footprint. We put it through repetitive weeknight use and occasional batch-cooking to answer the core question: does it deliver on performance and value?

What we tested

• Frozen French fries and homemade oven fries
• Chicken tenders and breaded vegetables
• Roasted Brussels sprouts and salmon filets
• Batch reheating pizza and leftovers

Design & build

The unit is compact—20% smaller than many midsize machines—making it ideal for apartments. Controls are an intuitive dial and a small LED, with a removable non-stick basket. The exterior stays warm but not scalding during use.

Performance

Crisping: Excellent for snacks and thin proteins; fries and tenders achieved a satisfying crunch in about 12–15 minutes. For thicker items like bone-in chicken, results were good but required finishing under a broiler for extra color.

Evenness: For single layers the air circulation produced even browning; stacking reduces effectiveness. The included tray helps with airflow but limits capacity.

Noise & heat

The fan noise is noticeable but not intrusive (about the same as a running vacuum at distance). The unit emits heat from the back—allow clearance from walls and cabinets.

Ease of cleaning

The basket and tray are dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended). The non-stick coating held up well during the test; avoid metal utensils to preserve it.

Pros & cons

• Pros: Compact footprint, reliable crisping for snacks, quick heat-up, easy controls.
• Cons: Small capacity for families, not ideal for large roasts, plastic aroma present on first uses (dissipates after several runs).

How it compares

Compared to larger basket-style air fryers, the CC-AF20 sacrifices capacity for speed. For one to two people, it's a strong performer. Larger households or those who want to roast a whole chicken will find it limiting.

Best use cases

• Singles or couples who want crispy snacks on demand.
• Small kitchens where counter space is limited.
• Reheating leftover pizza and fries with better crisp than a microwave.

Price & value

At its MSRP (approx. $99), it hits a competitive price band. Sales often drop it to $69–$79, making it a compelling buy for its target audience.

Final verdict

Score: 8/10

The Compact Countertop Air Fryer is recommended for individuals and small households seeking an affordable, quick, and easy way to crisp food without a lot of oil. If you often cook for a family of four or want a multi-function oven replacement, consider a larger model.

Quick tips

1. Don't overcrowd the basket—air circulation is crucial.
2. Shake or flip food halfway through to ensure even browning.
3. Use a small brush of oil for homemade fries to enhance crisp.