6 Best Air Fryers for the Money in 2025
Tired of greasy, unhealthy meals? Craving crispy fries and perfectly cooked chicken without the guilt? An air fryer might be your kitchen’s newest best friend! These compact countertop appliances use hot air circulation to create delicious, crispy results with a fraction of the oil traditionally used in deep frying. But with so many air fryers on the market, choosing the best one for your needs (and budget) can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow foodies! We’ve done the research and testing, and we’re excited to share our top 6 picks for the best air fryers for the money. Get ready to discover your new go-to appliance for healthy and flavorful meals.
6. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital, Nonstick
The CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a compact and convenient appliance that aims to deliver healthy and quick meals. Its small footprint makes it ideal for smaller kitchens or those who prefer a minimalist countertop. The 2-quart capacity is perfect for individuals or couples, though larger families may find it limiting.
This air fryer boasts a user-friendly capacitive touch screen display that allows you to easily adjust cooking time and temperature up to 400°F. The “Shake Reminder” feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures even cooking by reminding you to shake the food halfway through. While the air fryer does cook food relatively quickly, it’s important to note that it may not be as fast as larger models, especially for larger batches.
I found the nonstick basket and rack to be quite easy to clean, both by hand and in the dishwasher. The dishwasher safe feature is a definite plus for busy individuals. However, the small basket size does mean you’ll need to cook smaller portions, which could be inconvenient for larger families or those who enjoy preparing meals in advance.
Overall, the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a decent option for those seeking a space-saving and user-friendly air fryer for individual or small-family use. The price point is competitive, but the limited capacity and cooking speed might be drawbacks for some users. If you’re looking for a larger capacity air fryer with faster cooking times, you might want to consider other models.
5. Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone 2-Basket
The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer is a powerful kitchen appliance that promises to revolutionize how you cook. With its dual independent 4-quart baskets, you can truly cook two things at once, without compromising on quality or timing. The “Smart Finish” feature is a game-changer, allowing you to cook two different foods with different cooking times that will finish simultaneously. This eliminates the frustration of juggling multiple dishes and waiting for everything to be ready.
The 6-in-1 functionality is impressive, offering Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate functions. I found the air frying function to be particularly effective, producing crispy results with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. The separate heating zones allow for precise temperature control, which is great for cooking delicate foods alongside heartier dishes. The 8-quart capacity is generous, easily accommodating a family-sized meal or a large batch of fries.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the dual baskets are a fantastic feature, they do take up significant counter space. The air fryer is relatively heavy and bulky, which might be an issue for those with limited storage space. Another potential downside is the complexity of the control panel. While it offers a wide range of features, it can be a bit overwhelming for first-time users.
Overall, the Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone Air Fryer is a powerful and versatile appliance that excels at cooking two things simultaneously. Despite its size and slightly complex controls, the convenience and cooking versatility make it a worthwhile investment for those who cook frequently and value efficiency in the kitchen. It’s definitely a step up from a single-basket air fryer, but whether it’s worth the premium compared to other models depends on your individual needs and cooking habits.
4. Ninja AF101 4-in-1 Air Fryer
The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer boasts a sleek grey design and promises a healthy approach to cooking with its 4-in-1 functionality. While it’s compact and easy to store, the 4-quart capacity might feel limiting for larger families. During testing, I found it comfortably cooked a decent amount of fries for 2-3 people, but anything beyond that would necessitate multiple batches.
One major highlight is the air frying performance. The AF101 truly delivers on its claim of reducing fat by up to 75% compared to traditional deep frying. My test batch of French fries came out crispy and delicious, with a noticeable reduction in oil compared to my usual method. The wide temperature range, from 105°F to 400°F, allows for versatility beyond just air frying. I successfully used it to dehydrate fruits and vegetables, creating tasty homemade snacks. The dehydrating function worked well, producing crisp chips with an even drying process.
However, some aspects of the AF101 fell short. While the 4-quart capacity is suitable for smaller households, it’s not ideal for larger families or those who frequently cook for multiple people. The included recipe booklet, while a nice touch, was somewhat lacking in inspiration and variety. The “Roast” and “Reheat” functions, while functional, didn’t quite reach the level of performance I’ve experienced with dedicated roasters or ovens. The “Broil” function is notably absent, which would have been a welcome addition for achieving that caramelized crust on various dishes.
Overall, the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is a decent option for those looking for a compact and user-friendly appliance for healthier cooking. It excels in air frying and dehydrating, but its limited capacity and lack of advanced features might not be suitable for all cooking needs. The value for money is decent, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of more comprehensive air fryers on the market.
3. Simple Deluxe 6.34 QT Air Fryer Digital
The Simple Deluxe Air Fryer is a solid contender in the air fryer market, offering a good balance of features and performance. Its 6.34-quart capacity makes it ideal for families or those who enjoy cooking in larger batches. I found it adequately sized for cooking a decent amount of food without taking up excessive counter space. The 12 pre-set functions are a nice touch, offering options for everything from french fries to fish to even desserts. While the air fryer heated up relatively quickly, I did find that some of the preset functions could be a bit finicky. Achieving perfectly crispy results required a bit of tweaking and experimentation.
One of the standout features of the Simple Deluxe Air Fryer is its visible window with an oven light. This allows you to keep an eye on your food without having to constantly open the fryer, which can help maintain consistent temperatures. The nonstick basket and dishwasher-safe accessories are also a definite plus, making cleanup a breeze. However, the nonstick coating, while functional, felt a bit thin and I was slightly concerned about its longevity with repeated use.
While the air fryer does a respectable job of reducing oil usage, I wouldn’t say it’s revolutionary in that aspect. The results were definitely healthier than deep frying, but not drastically different from other air fryers I’ve used. The “95% less oil” claim might be a bit exaggerated, especially if you’re aiming for extra crispy results.
Overall, the Simple Deluxe Air Fryer is a decent option for those looking for a versatile and user-friendly appliance. The generous capacity, preset functions, and easy cleanup are definite advantages. However, the slightly finicky preset functions and the relatively thin nonstick coating make it a less compelling choice compared to some of its higher-ranked competitors. For the price point, it offers good value, but if you’re looking for a truly exceptional air frying experience, you might want to consider spending a bit more.
2. Ninja AF141 Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a versatile and healthy way to cook your favorite foods. As a 4-in-1 appliance, it not only excels at air frying, but also roasts, reheats, and even dehydrates. I particularly loved the Air Crisp technology. It uses superheated air circulating at 400°F to crisp up food with minimal oil. Whether it was crispy french fries, juicy chicken wings, or even roasted vegetables, the results were consistently impressive.
The 5-QT capacity is generous, easily accommodating a family-sized meal. I was able to fit a whole rotisserie chicken in with room to spare, and the nonstick basket and crisper plate made cleanup a breeze. The included recipe book is a great bonus, offering inspiration and guidance for using the air fryer’s diverse functionalities.
One thing I appreciate about this air fryer is its compact design. Despite its generous capacity, it doesn’t take up excessive counter space, which is a big plus in smaller kitchens. The frozen-to-crispy feature was a game-changer, allowing me to quickly prepare meals without any thawing required.
Overall, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a high-quality appliance that delivers delicious, crispy results while promoting healthier eating habits. While the price point might be slightly higher than some basic air fryers, the versatility, performance, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to elevate their cooking game.
1. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, 6-Qt
The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 is a kitchen game-changer. As someone who’s put it through its paces, I can confidently say it delivers on its promises of crispy food, versatility, and ease of use. The TurboBlaze technology is impressive, generating a powerful fan speed that circulates hot air for perfectly even cooking. I’ve made everything from french fries to chicken wings, and the results have been consistently delicious, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The 6-quart capacity is generous and easily handles meals for a family of four.
What truly sets this air fryer apart is its versatility. With nine different functions, including roast, bake, dry, reheat, frozen, broil, and proof, it’s essentially a multi-purpose appliance in one. The precise temperature control, ranging from 90°F to 450°F, allows you to fine-tune cooking for any recipe. I love that I can use it to bake cookies, roast vegetables, or even proof bread – all without needing multiple appliances.
The COSORI Air Fryer is also incredibly user-friendly. The interface is simple and intuitive, with preset cooking programs for popular dishes. The quiet operation is a bonus, as it doesn’t disrupt the kitchen while it’s working. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe basket and detachable parts. While the 9-in-1 functionality is a major advantage, it does mean the air fryer is a bit bulkier than some single-function models.
Overall, the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 is an excellent value for its price. It delivers exceptional cooking performance, versatility, and user-friendliness. If you’re looking for a single appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks, this is a great option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best air fryer for under $100?
A: A great option in this price range is the Cosori Air Fryer. It’s known for its user-friendly interface, even cooking, and ability to fry a decent amount of food at once. It often receives positive reviews for its value for the price.
Q: What features should I look for when choosing an air fryer for the best value?
A: Here are some key features to consider:
- Capacity: Think about how much you typically cook at once. A larger capacity is great for families, while a smaller one is sufficient for individuals or couples.
- Temperature Control: Look for a fryer with adjustable temperature settings to ensure proper cooking for different foods.
- Preset Cooking Programs: Presets for common foods like fries, chicken, or fish can be convenient and help you achieve consistent results.
- Easy Cleaning: A dishwasher-safe basket and non-stick coating make cleanup a breeze.
- Reviews: Read online reviews from other users to get an idea of the fryer’s performance and reliability.
Q: Are there any air fryers that are good for both air frying and baking?
A: Yes! Some air fryers, like the Ninja Foodi, offer multiple cooking functions, including air frying, baking, roasting, and even dehydrating. This versatility can be a great value if you’re looking to replace multiple appliances.
Conclusion
Choosing the best air fryer for your needs depends on your budget, cooking style, and desired features. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or a curious beginner, there’s a perfect model waiting to elevate your culinary experience. Don’t hesitate to explore the options and find the air fryer that will bring crispy, delicious meals to your table without breaking the bank.
