Do you dream of crispy fries and juicy chicken without the guilt of deep frying? Air fryers promise that magic, but the price tags on some models can make your wallet cry! It feels like every other kitchen gadget demands a huge investment these days. You want that delicious, healthier cooking method, but staring at a wall of expensive options is frustrating. How do you find a machine that actually works well without emptying your savings account?
Finding a truly budget-friendly air fryer that doesn’t shortchange you on performance is the real challenge. Many cheap models burn food or break down quickly. We understand that balancing quality and cost is tough. That is why we dug deep to find the best affordable air fryers available right now.
Keep reading to discover our top picks for budget air fryers that deliver big flavor without the big price. We will break down what features matter most when you are shopping smart. Get ready to upgrade your kitchen game without breaking the bank!
Top Budget Air Fryers Recommendations
- FAST AND EASY: This small air fryer comes prepared for any culinary challenge. The capacitive touch screen display can customize your cooking time and temperature up to a maximum of 400°F! Cook food fast up to three times quicker than an oven.
- HEALTHY COOKING: Say goodbye to excess oil and fat, and hello to healthy cooking. This mini air fryer uses little-to-no oil to make delicious meals that are good for you, too.
- SUPREME SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 2-quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its countertop footprint small, this airfryer eliminates clutter and extraneous appliances.
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Halfway through cooking, the TurboFry Air Fryer automatically notifies you with an audible alarm that it’s time to shake your food for the crispiest results possible.
- COMPACT STORAGE: This 2-quart air fryer is perfectly sized for healthy meals for 1-2 people. It fits in perfectly as a mainstay on your countertop, or its small frame fits perfectly in your cabinets.
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
- 𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achieving crispy, juicy results every time
- 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°– 450°F temperature control deliver evenly cooked dishes with perfect texture in every bite
- 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The basket and crisper tray feature a premium ceramic coating that is nonstick, durable, and heat-resistant to improve your cooking experience
- 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking and save time to deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy days
- 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The 6-quart square basket offers a wide, deep design, great for the entire family meals while saving you space on your kitchen counter or cabinet
- Compact Yet Mighty: The Dash Digital Tasti-Crisp️ Air Fryer is perfect for single or two-person households who want quick meals, featuring a Removable Crisper Basket for easy-to-clean convenience
- Cook Like a Pro: Prepare delicious meals with the adjustable temperature control that gives you flexibility, plus a Digital Display Screen for precise cooking every time
- Quick Heat-Up Device: Enjoy speedy cooking with fast preheat times, while the adjustable Timer feature lets you set it and forget it for efficient mealtimes
- Auto Shut-Off: This Air Fryer oven comes equipped with an auto shut-off feature for cooking confidence and peace of mind
- Happiness Is Homemade: Dash products invite families to gather together for the joy of cooking and eating at home
- Slim Design for Any Space: The bella 4qt Air Fryer features a sleek, space-saving design, perfect for fitting into any kitchen while providing enough room for big batches of your favorite foods. Save up to 50% more space compared to prior models
- EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating: Our proprietary coating ensures easy cleanup without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, or cadmium. Enjoy healthier cooking and hassle-free maintenance, making every meal prep a breeze
- XL Basket Capacity: The innovative XL basket of the air fryers holds up to 3.3 lbs of food, perfect for family meals. Cook up large batches of fries, chicken, salmon, and more, all at once, making mealtime faster and more efficient
- Digital Controls: With adjustable temperature and 6 presets - air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate - preparing quick and tasty meals has never been easier. Enjoy crispy food fast with 1300 watts of power and circular heat technology
- Modern, Subtle Fluting: Designed with stylish rounded corners, a soft matte finish, and subtle fluting, our premium quality, small kitchen appliances add a touch of modern elegance to any home, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics
- FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the digital touch screen display or use one of four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals. Perfect for serving 2-4 people
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking: perfect for extra crispy chicken tenders and French fries.
- STYLISH AND COMPACT: The sleek, narrow design of this air fryers maximizes its 4-quart capacity while minimizing its countertop footprint. Its compact size makes it a great space saver, fitting perfectly on your counter or in your cabinets
- HEALTHY COOKING: Enjoy delicious meals with little-to-no oil. This Chefman small air fryer lets you cook healthier, low-fat meals that still taste amazing
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Get notified with an audible alarm halfway through cooking, reminding you to shake your food for the crispiest results possible
- FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the digital touch screen display or use one of four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals. Perfect for serving 3-5 people
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking: perfect for extra crispy chicken tenders and French fries.
- STYLISH AND COMPACT: The sleek, narrow design of this air fryers maximizes its 6-quart capacity while minimizing its countertop footprint. Its compact size makes it a great space saver, fitting perfectly on your counter or in your cabinets
- HEALTHY COOKING: Enjoy delicious meals with little-to-no oil. This Chefman large air fryer lets you cook healthier, low-fat meals that still taste amazing
- LED SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Get notified with an audible alarm halfway through cooking, reminding you to shake your food for the crispiest results possible
- FAST & EASY: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! The 3 quart DEIME air fryer touchscreen display can customize your cooking time and temperature up to a maximum of 400°F!
- HEALTHY FRY: This mini air fryer uses little oil to make delicious meals that are good for you. Airflow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time! Enjoy crispy textures with up to 90% less oil than traditional frying.
- SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 3 quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its countertop footprint small, this air fryer eliminates clutter and extraneous appliances. Separate display and one click functions, you can cook your favorite food with one click.
- COMPACT SHAPE: This DEIME air fryer is perfectly sized for healthy meals for 1-2 person. It fits in perfectly as a mainstay on your countertop, or its small frame fits perfectly in your cabinets. You can now cook your favorite foods without the distraction of annoying or disruptive noise.
- QUICK CLEAN: The BPA-Free nonstick 3-quart basket and accessories are both dishwasher safe to keep clean-up fast and simple.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Budget Air Fryers
Air fryers make cooking fast and healthier. You do not need much oil. Budget models offer great value. This guide helps you pick the best cheap air fryer for your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
Even on a budget, some features matter most. They control how you cook and clean the machine.
Capacity and Size
- Basket Size: Look at the quart size. A small family (1-2 people) needs 2 to 3 quarts. A larger family (3-4 people) should aim for 4 to 5 quarts. Bigger fryers cost more, so balance size with your budget.
- Counter Space: Measure where you plan to keep it. Small air fryers save space.
Controls and Settings
- Digital vs. Analog: Digital controls often offer more precise temperature settings. Analog (knobs) are simpler and sometimes more durable on cheaper models.
- Presets: Simple presets for fries, chicken, or fish save time. They remove guesswork.
Timer and Temperature Range
- Ensure the temperature goes up to at least 400°F (about 200°C). This is needed for crispy results. A 30 or 60-minute timer is standard.
2. Important Materials
The materials used affect safety, cleaning, and how long the air fryer lasts.
Basket Coating
- Non-Stick Coating: Most budget air fryers use a non-stick coating, usually Teflon-based. Check reviews to see if this coating flakes off easily. A good coating makes cleanup simple.
- Dishwasher Safe Parts: If the basket and crisper tray are dishwasher safe, cleaning becomes much easier. This is a big quality-of-life feature.
Body Construction
- The outer body is usually plastic on budget models. Ensure the plastic feels sturdy, not flimsy. Hot air is generated inside, so the exterior should not feel overly hot to the touch during use.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Price often reflects build quality. However, smart shopping helps you avoid the lowest-quality traps.
Factors That Improve Quality (Even on a Budget)
- Good Air Circulation Design: The best air fryers circulate heat evenly. Look for models with strong, well-placed vents or fans.
- Shorter Warranty: A slightly longer warranty (one year instead of 90 days) suggests the manufacturer trusts their product more.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Watch Outs)
- Very Low Wattage: If the wattage is too low (under 1200W for a mid-sized fryer), it takes much longer to heat up and cook food. This wastes energy and time.
- No Automatic Shut-off: Safety features are important. Most good fryers turn off automatically when the timer ends.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the air fryer daily.
Ease of Use
Budget air fryers should be intuitive. You should not need to read a long manual just to cook frozen fries. Simple, clear buttons are best for daily use.
Best Use Cases for Budget Models
- Reheating Leftovers: Air fryers reheat pizza or fried chicken better than a microwave. They restore crispiness.
- Small Batch Cooking: They excel at cooking small amounts of food quickly, like two chicken breasts or a handful of vegetables.
- Beginners: If you are new to air frying, a budget model lets you learn the ropes without a huge investment.
Budget Air Fryer FAQ
Q: How small is “budget”?
A: Generally, budget air fryers cost between $40 and $70 in most markets. Prices change based on sales.
Q: Do cheap air fryers smell bad when new?
A: Yes, most new air fryers have a slight “new plastic” or chemical smell during the first few uses. You should run the machine empty at a high temperature for 10 minutes before cooking food to burn this off.
Q: Can I cook raw meat in a budget air fryer?
A: Yes, you can cook raw meat. Make sure the internal temperature reaches a safe level. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, as cheaper models might cook slightly unevenly.
Q: Are budget air fryers energy efficient?
A: Air fryers are generally more efficient than heating a large conventional oven. They use less power because they are smaller and cook faster.
Q: What is the difference between an air fryer and a toaster oven?
A: An air fryer uses a powerful fan to circulate very hot air quickly around food. A toaster oven primarily uses heating elements like a broiler or conventional oven, but often with less intense fan power.
Q: How loud are budget air fryers?
A: They make noise because of the fan. Budget models might be slightly louder than premium ones, sounding similar to a strong kitchen exhaust fan.
Q: What should I do if the handle feels loose?
A: If the handle feels loose right out of the box, contact the seller for a replacement immediately. A loose handle can be a safety hazard when pulling out hot food.
Q: Do I need to shake the basket?
A: Yes. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps ensure all sides of the food cook evenly and get crispy. This is true for all air fryers, regardless of price.
Q: Can I use aluminum foil in my budget air fryer?
A: You can often use foil to line the basket for easier cleanup. However, never cover the bottom completely. The air must flow underneath the basket and around the food for the fryer to work correctly.
Q: Where can I find replacement parts for cheap models?
A: Finding specific parts can be hard. Always check if the manufacturer offers basic replacement baskets or trays online before buying. If not, look for generic 3rd-party accessories that match your fryer’s dimensions.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!