Does the thought of a crispy, delicious meal without all the extra oil sound amazing, but the price tags on air fryers make your wallet cry? You’re not alone! So many people want the convenience and healthier cooking of an air fryer, but they don’t want to spend a fortune to get one.
Finding a truly “cheap” air fryer that actually works well can feel like a treasure hunt with a lot of duds. You worry about getting something that breaks fast or just doesn’t cook food right. It’s frustrating to sift through endless reviews and confusing features just to save a few dollars.
But what if we told you that you *can* snag a fantastic, budget-friendly air fryer without the guesswork? This post cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly what to look for, which brands offer real value, and how to spot the best deals so you can start air frying guilt-free.
Keep reading to discover our top picks for the best air fryers that won’t empty your savings account!
Top Air Fryer Cheap 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.
- 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.
- 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
- COMPACT AIR FRYER PRODUCES HEALTHY & TASTY COOKING: High-speed air circulation and heat technology to easily fry delicious foods without the addition of excess oils or fats and delivering the same great taste
- EASY TO COOK: Air Fryer has built-in knob controls with timer and temperature adjustments from 180°F up to 400°F make any recipe possible, plus a built-in auto shut-off feature to prevent overcooking and overheat protection.
- AIR FRYER PROVIDES VERSATILITY IN THE KITCHEN: Equipped with frying, baking, grilling and roasting capabilities for a variety of meals with hassle-free functions in a compact 2.3 Quart Fry Basket.
- COMPACT SIZE: The Mini Air Fryer is small enough to conveniently fit in dorms, RV's or stored away in cabinets when not in use to save space and free up countertops. Made with non-stick coated parts that can be cleaned by hand or in a dishwasher.
- 1-YEAR LIMITED: Our customer support team is based proudly in the USA. Product Dimensions: 10.5" (W) x 8.2" (D) x 11" (H). Product Capacity: 2.3 Quarts / 2.1 Liters. Electrical Requirements: 120V/60Hz. ETL Certified
- Healthy and Delicious Cooking Made Simple: Enjoy guilt-free indulgence with the TOPZEE 2.1QT Air Fryer. Powered by 1000W and advanced air frying technology, it delivers crispy and moist results with little to no oil. Cook healthier meals without sacrificing flavor, from golden fries to juicy chicken.
- Quick, Easy, and Versatile: Take control of your meals with adjustable time and temperature settings, ranging from 120°F to 400°F. The 7 preset menus, auto shut-off, and shake reminders make meal prep effortless—perfect for busy professionals, kitchen novices, and seniors alike. Air fry, roast, bake, or reheat in minutes!
- Compact and Stylish Design: Crafted for convenience, this 2.1QT mini air fryer is ideal for 1-2 servings, making it perfect for apartments, dorms, RV trips, or small kitchens. Its sleek, space-saving design blends seamlessly into any kitchen decor and is easy to store when not in use.
- Premium Non-Stick for Hassle-Free Cooking: Experience the ease of cooking with our premium non-stick basket and food tray. Your meals slide right out, ensuring perfect results every time and easy cleanup after.
- Effortless Cleanup for More You Time: Say goodbye to scrubbing! The BPA-free basket is dishwasher safe, and the durable exterior wipes clean in seconds. Spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your delicious creations.
- VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY: Seamlessly switch between Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, and Reheat functions to tackle a wide range of cooking tasks with ease.
- Clear Viewing Window: Allows you look food without opening the air fryer, helping to maintain consistent temperature and cook times for perfectly crispy results.
- Large Capacity: Sweetcrispy 6.34QT Air Fryer is perfect for cooking family meals with square basket design maximizes cooking space, offering more room to fry.
- Safe and Nontoxic Materials: Sweetcrispy Air Fryer is made with nontoxic materials that are free from harmful chemicals. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your meals are prepared in a safe and healthy environment.
- Basket Dishwasher Safe: The non-stick basket and accessories are dishwasher safe,so that you can spend more time enjoying your meals and less time scrubbing.
- Top Rated Air Fryer: Its superior performance, user-friendly features, and stylish design make it a must- have for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, healthier meals with ease.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Budget Air Fryer
Finding a great air fryer doesn’t have to empty your wallet. A cheap air fryer can still cook your food crispy and delicious. This guide helps you pick the best budget-friendly option.
1. Key Features to Look For in a Cheap Air Fryer
Even on a budget, some features really matter. Don’t just look at the lowest price tag. Check these things first:
Capacity and Size
- Basket Size: How much food can you cook? A small family (1-2 people) might be fine with a 2-quart model. Larger families need 4 quarts or more. Bigger baskets cost a little more, but save you time cooking in batches.
- Footprint: How much counter space do you have? Cheap models are often smaller, which is great for tiny kitchens.
Controls and Presets
- Digital vs. Analog: Digital controls (with a screen) usually offer more precise temperature settings. Analog (knobs) is often simpler and sometimes more durable on very cheap models.
- Pre-set Buttons: Some budget fryers have buttons for “Fries” or “Chicken.” These are handy if you are new to air frying.
Temperature Range
Make sure the fryer can reach at least 400°F (about 200°C). Lower maximum temperatures mean your food might not get as crispy.
2. Important Materials for Longevity
The parts that touch your food should be safe and easy to clean. This affects how long your cheap fryer lasts.
The Basket Coating
- Non-Stick Material: Look for a PFOA-free non-stick coating. This makes cleanup much easier. If the coating scratches easily, the basket will stick quickly, making the fryer less useful.
- Stainless Steel Interior: While rare in the cheapest models, stainless steel is the most durable material. If you see it, grab it!
The Exterior Casing
Most budget air fryers use plastic for the outside shell. This keeps the price down and the unit light. Check that the plastic feels sturdy, not flimsy, when you press on it.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A low price often means some corners were cut. Know what trade-offs you are making.
What Reduces Quality (Watch Outs):
- Weak Heating Elements: If the element is weak, your food cooks slowly or unevenly. Read reviews to see if users complain about long cooking times.
- Poor Insulation: Cheaper fryers often get very hot on the outside. You must be careful not to touch the sides while it runs.
What Improves Quality (Look For):
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: If the basket and tray go into the dishwasher, cleaning is simple. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement.
- Automatic Shut-Off: This safety feature turns the machine off when the timer ends or if the basket is pulled out. This feature should be standard, even on cheap models.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your new, affordable fryer.
Simple Cooking Tasks
Budget air fryers are excellent for basic reheating and crisping leftovers. They reheat pizza better than a microwave! They handle frozen foods like fries, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks perfectly.
Noise Level
Cheaper fans sometimes run louder than premium models. If your kitchen is open to your living room, check reviews for noise complaints. A loud fan can be annoying during dinner prep.
Cleaning Routine
If you plan to use it daily, you need fast cleanup. A simple pull-out drawer is usually easier to clean than complex, multi-piece baskets found on very high-end models.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheap Air Fryers
Q: Can a cheap air fryer really make food crispy?
A: Yes! Crispiness comes mainly from high heat and air circulation, not the price tag. If it hits 400°F, your food will crisp up.
Q: Are cheap air fryers safe to use?
A: Most budget models sold in reputable stores meet safety standards. Always look for safety features like automatic shut-off and check that the exterior doesn’t get dangerously hot.
Q: Will a small, cheap air fryer cook enough for two people?
A: A 3-quart model usually cooks enough for two people for side dishes. For main courses, you might need two small batches.
Q: What is the biggest compromise when buying cheap?
A: The biggest compromise is usually build quality and advanced settings. They might not last as many years as expensive ones, and they often lack smart features or powerful fans.
Q: Do I need to preheat a budget air fryer?
A: Yes. Preheating is important for even cooking, no matter the price. Give it 3 to 5 minutes to get hot first.
Q: How do I clean the non-stick basket on a budget model?
A: Use a soft sponge and warm, soapy water. Harsh scrubbers will quickly ruin the non-stick coating.
Q: Can I cook raw meat like chicken breasts in it?
A: Absolutely. Air fryers cook raw meat well. Just make sure you check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked for safety.
Q: Why do some cheap models have knobs instead of digital screens?
A: Knobs are cheaper to manufacture and install. They work well, but they are less precise when setting the exact temperature or time.
Q: What is the warranty like on very inexpensive fryers?
A: Warranties are often shorter, sometimes only 90 days. Read the seller’s return policy carefully before buying.
Q: Can I put aluminum foil in my cheap air fryer?
A: You can, but be careful! Place the foil *under* the food in the basket, making sure it does not block the airflow underneath the food or touch the heating element.