Air fryers have taken over kitchens everywhere, and for good reason. These little appliances promise crispy, delicious meals with less oil and in less time. But with so many options out there, it can be tricky to pick the right one—especially if you’re on a budget. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best affordable air fryers that won’t break the bank, but still deliver on taste and convenience!
What is an Airfryer?
An air fryer is like a mini convection oven that sits on your countertop. It uses hot air and a fan to circulate heat around your food, giving it that crispy texture we all love, but with way less oil than traditional frying. Think of it as the healthier, faster way to make your favorite fried foods—whether it’s fries, chicken wings, or even baked goods!
What to Look for in an Airfryer
When shopping for an affordable air fryer, here are a few key things to consider:
- Size: Make sure it fits your kitchen counter and meets your portion needs. Bigger isn’t always better, especially if you’re just cooking for one or two people.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means quicker cooking times, but it can also use more energy. Strike a balance depending on how often you plan to use it.
- Temperature Range: Look for one with a wide temperature range so you can cook a variety of foods.
- Ease of Cleaning: Check if it has dishwasher-safe parts or a non-stick basket to make cleanup a breeze.
Extra Features: Some air fryers come with preset cooking programs or accessories like racks or skewers. These can be helpful, but aren’t necessary if you’re on a budget.
Chefman Air Fryer
This compact air fryer is designed for efficient, healthy cooking with minimal counter space. Featuring a digital touch screen with customizable settings and preset functions, it offers convenience for preparing meals for 2-4 people.
Specs
- Dimensions: 13.82″D x 10.04″W x 10.24″H
- Capacity: 4 quarts
- Material: Plastic, Metal
Pros
- 450°F Hi-Fry Technology for extra crisping during the last two minutes of cooking
- Compact design saves countertop space while still providing ample cooking capacity
- Dishwasher-safe basket and rack for easy cleanup
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
This 5-quart air fryer combines large capacity with versatile cooking options, perfect for making crispy, healthier meals. With four functions and an easy-to-clean design, it’s an excellent choice for families looking to prepare meals quickly and efficiently.
Specs
- Dimensions: 14.84″D x 11.29″W x 10.39″H
- Capacity: 5 quarts
- Material: Plastic, Metal
Pros
- Air Crisp Technology delivers crispy results with little to no oil
- Large capacity basket holds up to 5 lbs of food, perfect for families
- 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate
Ninja Air Fryer AF101
This 4-quart programmable air fryer offers a healthier way to enjoy your favorite fried foods with up to 75% less fat. With a wide temperature range and multiple cooking functions, it’s designed to provide versatile cooking options for guilt-free meals.
Specs
- Dimensions: 8.5″D x 12.1″W x 11″H
- Capacity: 4 quarts
- Material: Ceramic
Pros
- Wide temperature range from 105°F to 400°F for gentle dehydration or fast, crispy cooking
- Ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- Preheat function ensures optimal cooking results with just a 3-minute warm-up
COSORI 2.1Qt Air Fryer
The COSORI Lite 2.1-Quart Mini Air Fryer is perfect for small meal portions, offering a compact design that takes up minimal counter space. With four customizable cooking functions and 30 online recipes, this air fryer is ideal for effortless, quick meals.
Specs
- Model: CAF-LI211
- Capacity: 2.1 quarts
- Temp Range: 170°F–400°F
- Time Range: 0–60 minutes
- Dimensions (with handle): 10.1″D x 8.3″W x 10.5″H
- Dimensions (without handle): 8.0″D x 8.3″W x 10.5″H
- Basket Space (with crisper plate): 6.2″D x 5.9″W x 3.1″H
- Weight: 4.87 lb / 2.21 kg
- Rated Power: 900W
Pros
- Compact size ideal for small kitchens or single servings
- Dishwasher-safe basket for easy cleaning
- Quiet operation with four customizable cooking presets for convenience
Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer,
This 8-quart digital air fryer oven combines size, convenience, and healthier cooking, perfect for families of 4-6. Featuring one-touch presets and a shake reminder, it’s designed for quick, crispy meals with up to 98% less oil.
Specs
- Dimensions: 12.75″D x 13.5″W x 10″H
- Capacity: 8 quarts
- Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
Pros
- LED shake reminder ensures even crisping of your food
- Wide temperature range (200-400°F) for cooking a variety of dishes
- Dishwasher-safe basket and tray for easy cleaning and maintenance