A compact, budget-friendly cooker that crisps fast with simple controls.
I live in the US, in Austin, Texas. Most nights, I want dinner in under 20 minutes without heating my whole kitchen. An air fryer solves that. It makes fries crisp, chicken juicy, and veggies sweet. It uses less oil and less energy than a big oven. The Brentwood Select Air Fryer line stands out for people like me who want simple dials, fast results, and a small footprint. If you crave crunchy sides, late-night snacks, or easy weeknight meals, this guide walks you through top picks, real use cases, and the small details that matter.
Brentwood AF-202BKC 2-Liter Air Fryer (Black/Copper)
The Brentwood AF-202BKC is a tiny workhorse made for small counters and quick snacks. It holds 2 liters, which suits one person or two light eaters. The dial controls are simple. Turn the temperature knob. Set the timer. You are ready to cook. I like this model for frozen fries, nuggets, and wings. It heats fast and does not smoke when food is patted dry. The basket is nonstick, so cleanup is short. You can do roasted carrots, zucchini, or a small salmon fillet in minutes. It trims calories by cutting oil. It also keeps heat out of your kitchen.
During testing, I found it perfect for dorms, RVs, and offices with a kitchen nook. The footprint is small, yet it produces a crisp bite. A short preheat, about three minutes, improves texture and color. Shake halfway for even browning. Avoid aerosol sprays because they can harm nonstick. Use a little oil in a bowl instead. The unit has an auto shutoff, so it is safe if you step away. I like the copper accent. It looks a bit premium on a budget. If you want an entry-level Brentwood Select Air Fryer, this is a smart start.
Pros:
- Compact size fits tight counters and small kitchens
- Simple dials for time and temperature
- Fast preheat and quick crisp on snacks
- Nonstick basket for easy cleanup
- Budget-friendly way to try air frying
- Stylish black/copper finish
Cons:
- 2-liter capacity is small for families
- No digital presets or display
- Coating needs gentle care to last
My Recommendation
The AF-202BKC suits students, singles, and couples who want a small air fryer that cooks snacks fast. If you need a starter Brentwood Select Air Fryer for fries, wings, and veggies, it shines. The simple dials reduce the learning curve. The price fits tight budgets. If you cook for three or more, move up to a 4-quart option below for more room.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Small apartments or dorms | Tiny footprint and easy storage |
| Quick snacks for 1–2 people | Heats fast and crisps frozen foods well |
| Budget-conscious buyers | Great price for a first air fryer |
Chefman 4 QT Compact Air Fryer, Hi-Fry
The Chefman 4 QT is a compact step up when you need more room than a 2-liter unit. It handles two chicken breasts, two salmon fillets, or a half-pound of fries in one batch. The touchscreen is simple, with four presets that guide new users. The Hi-Fry feature adds an extra crisp step. It is nice when you want a crunchier finish on breaded foods. The basket is nonstick and dishwasher-safe, which saves time on cleanup. It still sits well on a small counter. If you want a mid-size basket without a big footprint, this is a good fit.
In daily use, I liked the crispy edge it gives to cauliflower and potato wedges. I also used it for toastier garlic bread. The presets are helpful but you can adjust time and temp to taste. For best results, preheat three minutes and shake or turn food halfway. Avoid overcrowding so air can circulate. The device is quiet and stable. If you compare this with a Brentwood Select Air Fryer, the Chefman adds a digital panel and Hi-Fry. It is great for folks who want simple presets and a bit more room, while staying compact and affordable.
Pros:
- 4-quart size suits small families
- Hi-Fry mode for extra crisp finish
- Touchscreen with four easy presets
- Dishwasher-safe basket for fast cleanup
- Compact build despite larger capacity
Cons:
- Basket size still limited for large roasts
- Presets can overcook if you do not adjust
- Exterior can show fingerprints
My Recommendation
Pick this if you want digital ease and a little more space than tiny models. It suits a couple or a small family who care about texture and quick cleanup. If you like a classic dial layout and a strong value, a Brentwood Select Air Fryer is still great. But for preset fans, Chefman is a smart move.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Families of 2–3 | 4-quart basket cooks more at once |
| Preset lovers | Touch controls with four cooking presets |
| Crisp seekers | Hi-Fry adds a crunchier finish |
Brentwood AF-202BL 2-Quart Air Fryer (Blue)
The Brentwood AF-202BL is a colorful 2-quart air fryer with familiar dial controls. If you enjoy clean, bright kitchen tools, the blue housing pops. It has a timer and temperature dial, so there is no app or learning curve. For single servings, it cooks fast and evenly. Think frozen snacks, roasted broccoli, or a small portion of shrimp. I used it to refresh leftover pizza too. It crisped the crust without drying the cheese. The basket slides smoothly and locks in place with a click. It is a straight-to-the-point Brentwood Select Air Fryer for small everyday tasks.
Capacity is the key limiting factor. With 2 quarts, you should cook in batches for bigger meals. That said, the small size heats quickly and uses less power than a big oven. It is a win on hot days when you do not want extra heat indoors. I recommend a short preheat and a light oil toss for fresh veggies. Pat meat dry to avoid steam. Cleaning is simple with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. If you want an easy, low-cost air fryer with a cheerful look, this one checks the boxes.
Pros:
- Bright blue finish adds style
- Simple dials for no-fuss control
- Great for singles and quick snacks
- Fast preheat and efficient energy use
- Nonstick basket for easy cleanup
Cons:
- 2-quart capacity needs batching
- No digital display or presets
- Not ideal for larger families
My Recommendation
Choose the AF-202BL if you want a small, fun air fryer that makes snacks fast. It fits tiny kitchens, dorm rooms, and RVs. If you outgrow the size later, you can keep it as a backup snack station. As a Brentwood Select Air Fryer, it offers strong value, simple use, and a look that makes you smile.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Singles and students | Right-sized basket for one plate |
| Small kitchens | Compact and easy to store |
| Budget buyers | Low price and simple controls |
Brentwood 4-Quart Digital Air Fryer (Red)
The Brentwood 4-Quart Digital Air Fryer gives you more room and a modern display. The red finish looks bold on a counter. The digital panel lets you dial in time and temperature with accuracy. That helps when you cook chicken thighs or fish, where a minute or two matters. This model fits two to three servings of protein or a big batch of fries. It is a strong middle ground. You get capacity for a small family, without taking up a lot of space. As part of the Brentwood Select Air Fryer family, it keeps things easy, affordable, and efficient.
In daily cooking, I found the digital control handy for repeat recipes. Once you like a setting, you can reuse it with confidence. Preheat three to five minutes for the best sear. Space food so hot air can move. Shake or flip halfway for even browning. The basket is nonstick and cleans with warm soapy water. I like how it handles wings, seasoned potato wedges, and mixed veggies. It makes weeknight meals fast. If you want to step up from a 2-quart unit and stay in the Brentwood world, this is the upgrade I would pick.
Pros:
- 4-quart basket suits 2–3 people
- Digital time and temperature for precision
- Bold red finish adds style
- Even cooking for meats and sides
- Good step up from a 2-quart model
Cons:
- Not large enough for big families
- No app or smart features
- Exterior color may not match all kitchens
My Recommendation
If you want a Brentwood Select Air Fryer with more space and a digital panel, choose this one. It is ideal for couples, small families, and anyone who wants precise control. It offers strong value and a simple learning curve. If you meal prep in bulk, consider a larger unit. For daily dinners, this 4-quart size hits the sweet spot.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Couples and small families | Enough room for 2–3 servings |
| Precision cooks | Digital control for repeatable results |
| Brentwood fans upgrading | More capacity without big size |
BELLA 4Qt Slim Air Fryer (Oatmilk)
The BELLA 4Qt Slim Air Fryer aims to fit anywhere. Its slim body slides against a wall and frees counter space. The Oatmilk color is a warm off-white that blends with modern kitchens. It offers six presets for fast starts, plus manual temperature and time adjustments. The EverGood ceramic nonstick coating is designed to be durable. It helps reduce sticking with less oil. The 60-minute auto shutoff adds peace of mind. If you want a mid-size basket and a lean profile, this model delivers. It competes well with a Brentwood Select Air Fryer in the same size class.
In practice, I liked the layout of the controls and the easy-to-read icons. It handled wings, veggies, and toast with no fuss. The ceramic coating helps with sticky foods, like honey-glazed carrots, when used with a light oil. As with all nonstick, use silicone or wood tools to protect the surface. Hand washing keeps the coating in good shape. The slim design makes it a nice pick for small condos or galley kitchens. If you want a stylish, compact, 4-quart air fryer with simple presets, this BELLA model fits the bill.
Pros:
- Slim design saves counter space
- Six presets for quick cooking
- Ceramic nonstick helps reduce sticking
- 60-minute auto shutoff with audible tone
- Clean Oatmilk color looks modern
Cons:
- Presets may need tweaks for your taste
- Ceramic coating still needs gentle care
- Not ideal for very large batches
My Recommendation
Go with BELLA if you need a slim, stylish 4-quart unit with handy presets. It is ideal for small homes that value clean lines and quick cooking. If you want the simplest path and a strong price, a Brentwood Select Air Fryer is hard to beat. If you want ceramic nonstick and a slim frame, BELLA is your pick.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Small kitchens | Slim Fits-anywhere design |
| Preset users | Six quick cooking options |
| Style-focused buyers | Modern Oatmilk color and clean look |
Chefman 2 Qt Mini Digital Air Fryer
The Chefman 2 Qt Mini is a tiny digital air fryer that still packs useful features. It has a digital timer and a shake reminder. The reminder is helpful because shaking is key to even crisp. The basket is nonstick and listed as dishwasher-safe. That saves time. The compact body fits in corners and is great for dorms. Despite the small size, it does fries, nuggets, and veggies well. It is a great late-night snack machine. If you like the small size of a Brentwood Select Air Fryer but want a digital display, this Chefman is worth a look.
I tested it with frozen snacks and small protein portions. It handled them easily. Preheat for two to three minutes and do not overfill. This is a snack-size unit, so respect the basket capacity. The controls are simple and clean. The audible cues keep you on track. The nonstick basket cleans up fast. If you are in a tight space or want a personal air fryer for the office, it fits. For daily meals for two or more, a larger Brentwood Select Air Fryer is better. As a dedicated personal cooker, this Chefman makes sense.
Pros:
- Very compact and space-saving
- Digital timer and shake reminder
- Nonstick and dishwasher-safe basket
- Great for late-night snacks
- Simple, clean interface
Cons:
- Tiny capacity needs batching
- Not ideal for full dinners
- Limited room for large items
My Recommendation
Pick the Chefman 2 Qt Mini if you need a personal-size digital unit for snacks and sides. It is perfect for dorms, offices, and tight counters. If you plan full meals, move to a larger basket. A Brentwood Select Air Fryer in the 4-quart size will give you room to grow while staying affordable.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Dorms and offices | Tiny footprint and simple controls |
| Snack lovers | Shake reminder helps crisp evenly |
| Easy cleanup | Dishwasher-safe basket saves time |
FAQs Of Brentwood Select Air Fryer
Do I need to preheat a Brentwood Select Air Fryer?
A short preheat helps. Three minutes improves browning and texture on most foods.
Can I use aerosol cooking spray in the basket?
Avoid aerosol sprays. They can harm nonstick. Toss food with a small amount of oil instead.
Are Brentwood Select Air Fryer baskets dishwasher-safe?
Check your model’s manual. Many users hand wash to protect the coating and extend life.
How do I stop smoke when cooking fatty foods?
Trim excess fat, pat food dry, and cook at proper temperature. Wipe out grease between batches.
What size should I buy?
For one person, 2 quarts works. For two to three people, a 4-quart Brentwood Select Air Fryer is better.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you cook for one, the Brentwood Select Air Fryer in 2 liters is simple and cheap. For two to three people, the Brentwood 4-Quart Digital model hits the sweet spot with more room.
Want digital presets and a crisper boost? The Chefman 4 QT adds Hi-Fry. Need a slim body? Pick BELLA. For the best budget pick, I’d still choose a Brentwood Select Air Fryer.
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