The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Air Fryers of 2025
Finding a budget-friendly air fryer that doesn’t skimp on performance can feel like a treasure hunt. After scouring reviews, testing models, and comparing features, we’ve rounded up six of the best cheap air fryers for picks, all priced under $100, deliver crispy results, user-friendly controls, and solid value for small kitchens or tight budgets. Whether you’re whipping up fries, wings, or even cupcakes, these air fryers prove you don’t need to spend big to eat well.
Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer, Quart
For solo cooks or small households, the Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer is a compact powerhouse. Its capacity is perfect for single servings of fries or veggies, and its retro design comes in fun colors like aqua and red. Despite its small size, it crisps food evenly thanks to a simple digital interface with three presets (fries, wings, and veggies). At under $50, it’s a steal for beginners or anyone with limited counter space.
Key Features:
- Capacity: quarts
- Power: 1,000 watts
- Settings: Air fry with three presets
- Dimensions: x x inches
What We Like: Lightweight (just 6 pounds), easy-to-clean nonstick basket, and quiet operation.
What to Consider: Small capacity limits cooking for more than one or two people.
Real User Review: “I live alone and this air fryer is perfect for me. It cooks my frozen fries and chicken nuggets so crispy, and it’s super easy to use. Plus, it looks adorable on my counter!” – Amazon Customer, verified purchase.
by Drew Barrymore 6-Quart Digital Air Fryer
Walmart’s exclusive Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer combines style and substance for under $ 6-quart square basket fits enough food for a family of four, and the soft-touch digital screen offers six preset functions (air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, reheat). Available in chic colors like sage green and lavender, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t look cheap.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Power: 1,500 watts
- Settings: Six preset functions
- Dimensions: x x 13 inches
What We Like: Sleek design, powerful motor for fast cooking, and a secure tray that stays in place.
What to Consider: The fan can be strong, blowing lighter foods around during cooking.
Real User Review: “This air fryer is so pretty and works like a dream! I made chicken breast and fries, and both came out perfectly crispy. The touchscreen is easy to use, and it’s a great value for the price.” – Walmart Customer, verified purchase.
Pro LE Air Fryer, 5 Quart
The Cosori Pro LE Air Fryer is a crowd favorite for its balance of affordability and performance. Priced around $100, its 5-quart capacity suits small to medium households, and the intuitive digital controls include nine presets for everything from steak to seafood. In tests, it delivered golden-brown fries and juicy wings with minimal oil, making it a versatile choice for health-conscious cooks.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 5 quarts
- Power: 1,700 watts
- Settings: Nine preset functions
- Dimensions: x x inches
What We Like: Compact design, customizable shake reminder, and dishwasher-safe basket.
What to Consider: Slightly pricier than other budget models.
Real User Review: “This air fryer is amazing! It cooks food so evenly, and the presets make it foolproof. I’ve made everything from veggies to chicken, and it’s all delicious. Worth every penny!” – Amazon Customer, verified purchase.
Vortex Slim 6-Quart Air Fryer
For those with limited counter space, the Instant Vortex Slim Air Fryer offers a 6-quart capacity in a narrower footprint. Priced at about $90, it features a square basket for maximum cooking surface and six settings (air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate). Its clear digital display and responsive controls make it a breeze to use, and it consistently produces crispy results.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Power: 1,500 watts
- Settings: Six preset functions
- Dimensions: x x inches
What We Like: Slim design, fast cooking times, and easy-to-read interface.
What to Consider: No preheat function, which may affect some recipes.
Real User Review: “I love how this air fryer doesn’t take up much space but still cooks a ton of food. Fries and wings come out super crispy, and it’s so easy to clean. Great buy!” – Target Customer, verified purchase.
4-Quart Air Fryer (AF101)
The Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer is a reliable pick for small families or couples, priced around $ 4-quart basket handles enough food for two to three people, and the four settings (air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate) are straightforward. Testers praised its even cooking, especially for chicken wings and veggies, and the nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 4 quarts
- Power: 1,550 watts
- Settings: Four preset functions
- Dimensions: x 11 x inches
What We Like: Consistent cooking, compact size, and durable build.
What to Consider: Tray liner may fall out when emptying the basket.
Real User Review: “This air fryer is a game-changer! It cooks everything so well, and I love how easy it is to clean. The size is perfect for my small kitchen.” – Amazon Customer, verified purchase.
TurboFry Air Fryer
Rounding out our list is the Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer, a budget pick at around $ capacity is ideal for one or two people, and the analog controls are simple for air fryer newbies. While it lacks presets, it still crisps up fries and chicken tenders well, and its compact size fits easily on any countertop.
Key Features:
- Capacity: quarts
- Power: 1,200 watts
- Settings: Manual time and temperature controls
- Dimensions: x x inches
What We Like: Affordable price, intuitive analog dials, and easy storage.
What to Consider: Inconsistent cooking with larger batches.
Real User Review: “For the price, this air fryer is fantastic. It’s super easy to use, and my food comes out crispy every time. Perfect for my small apartment!” – Walmart Customer, verified purchase.
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Cheap Air Fryer
Shopping for a cheap air fryer doesn’t mean settling for subpar performance. Here’s what to consider to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
Capacity
Air fryer capacity is measured in quarts, and the right size depends on your household. A 2- to 4-quart model suits one or two people, while 5- to 6-quart air fryers can feed three to four. Larger baskets allow more food to cook evenly without overcrowding, which can lead to soggy results. For example, the Cosori Pro LE’s 5-quart basket is ideal for small families, while the Dash Tasti-Crisp’s quarts is better for solo cooks.
Power and Cooking Performance
Wattage, typically between 1,000 and 1,700 watts, affects cooking speed and crispiness. Higher wattage (like the Cosori’s 1,700 watts) cooks faster but may use more energy. Look for models with good airflow and square baskets, which promote even cooking. Consumer Reports notes that basket-style air fryers outperform oven-style models for crispiness due to their compact design Consumer Reports.
Controls and Features
Digital controls with presets (like the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore model) simplify cooking, especially for beginners. Analog controls (like the Chefman TurboFry) are straightforward but less precise. Features like shake reminders, auto-shutoff, and dishwasher-safe parts add convenience. Some models, like the Instant Vortex Slim, lack a preheat function, which may require recipe adjustments.
Ease of Cleaning
Nonstick baskets are standard in budget air fryers, but some are easier to clean than others. Dishwasher-safe parts, like those in the Ninja 4-Quart, save time. Avoid models with trays that don’t stay secure, as they can make emptying food messy. Good Housekeeping recommends wiping down the interior after each use to prevent grease buildup Good Housekeeping.
Size and Storage
Measure your counter space before buying. Compact models like the Instant Vortex Slim ( inches wide) are great for small kitchens, while larger ones like the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore ( inches wide) need more room. Consider weight if you plan to store the air fryer after use; the Dash Tasti-Crisp, at 6 pounds, is easy to move.
Price and Warranty
Budget air fryers range from $50 to $100, with most of our picks falling between $60 and $ for at least a one-year warranty, standard for brands like Cosori and Ninja. Sales, especially around holidays, can drop prices significantly, so keep an eye on retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Safety Tips
Air fryers get hot, so place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface with clearance around the vents. Use tongs to handle food, and never overfill the basket, which can cause uneven cooking or smoking. CNET advises unplugging the air fryer when not in use to prevent accidental activation CNET.
🔌 Air Fryer Electricity Cost Calculator
Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
