5 Best Budget Air Fryers in 2025
Love the idea of crispy, delicious food without the guilt of deep frying? An air fryer might be your new best friend, and the good news is, you don’t have to break the bank to get one! We’ve scoured the market to find the top 5 best budget air fryer products that pack a punch without the hefty price tag. Get ready to discover how you can enjoy healthier meals made with ease and deliciousness, all while staying within your budget.
5. CHEFMAN Multifunctional Air Fryer+ Rotisserie 10L
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven is a kitchen gadget that promises to be a culinary all-in-one. While it does a decent job at many tasks, I found some areas where it falls short. The 17 preset options are a definite plus, making it easy to whip up anything from french fries to roasted vegetables. The capacitive touch control screen is responsive and user-friendly. I particularly appreciated the large, easy-view window that lets you monitor your food’s progress without opening the door and losing heat.
The 10-liter capacity is impressive, easily accommodating family-sized meals or bulk cooking for meal prepping. I was able to fit a whole chicken for roasting, and the included rotisserie spit made it a breeze. The air fryer function works well, producing crispy fries and chicken wings with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. However, I noticed that the cooking times were sometimes longer than what I’d expect from a dedicated air fryer.
While the dehydrator function is a nice bonus, I found it somewhat basic. It lacks temperature control precision, which can be crucial for dehydrating certain types of food properly. The same goes for the baking function – it’s functional, but not as precise as a dedicated oven. The included accessories, such as the three air flow racks and drip tray, are useful and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Overall, the CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie is a versatile appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. While its performance might not be as specialized as dedicated appliances, its convenience and ease of use make it a good value for the price. Just be aware that it might not be the best choice for users who prioritize precision cooking or require advanced features for specific tasks like dehydrating.
4. Ninja AF101 4-in-1 Air Fryer
The Ninja AF101 is a compact 4-quart air fryer that attempts to be a one-stop shop for all your cooking needs. While it certainly delivers on its promise of versatility, offering four key functions: air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate, it falls short in some areas compared to its higher-ranked competitors.
The AF101 does an admirable job at air frying. I tested it with frozen french fries and was impressed with the crispy texture achieved with a noticeable reduction in oil compared to traditional frying. The wide temperature range of 105°F-400°F allows for flexibility, whether you’re dehydrating fruits for snacks or quickly crisping up vegetables. The 4-quart capacity is adequate for a small family, comfortably fitting 2 pounds of fries. However, those with larger households might find themselves needing to cook in batches.
One area where the AF101 struggles is its “roasting” function. While it can technically roast, it doesn’t reach the high temperatures needed for proper meat browning and searing. Also, the included 20-recipe booklet leans heavily on air frying and lacks detailed instructions for the other functions, which could be frustrating for new users.
Overall, the Ninja AF101 is a decent entry-level air fryer that offers a decent balance of features and price. It’s great for those looking to experiment with healthier cooking methods and who prioritize convenience. However, if you’re a serious home cook who needs a high-performance roaster or dehydrator, you might want to consider investing in a more specialized appliance.
3. Simple Deluxe Air Fryer 6.34 QT Digital
The Simple Deluxe Air Fryer is a solid contender for those seeking a balance between affordability and functionality. With a generous 6.34-quart capacity, it easily handles family-sized meals, a definite perk for larger households. The compact design, measuring 10.5″ x 12.9″ x 13.6″, is commendable, as it doesn’t take up too much precious counter space. The 12 preset functions offer a degree of convenience, covering a range of popular air fryer recipes from crispy fries to roasted vegetables.
While the air fryer does deliver on its promise of crispy results thanks to its rapid air circulation technology, I found the overall cooking time to be a tad longer compared to some higher-end models. The visible window is a nice addition, allowing you to monitor the cooking progress without disrupting the heat, but it’s prone to getting smudged easily, requiring frequent cleaning.
The nonstick coating on the basket is definitely helpful for easy cleanup, and the dishwasher-safe accessories are a bonus. However, the air fryer’s performance isn’t as consistent as some of its competitors. Certain dishes, like thin chicken breasts, tended to dry out, requiring careful attention and adjustments to the cooking time.
Overall, the Simple Deluxe Air Fryer offers decent value for its price point. It’s a reliable appliance for basic air frying needs, but if you’re looking for superior performance and more precise temperature control, you might want to invest in a higher-end model.
2. Ninja AF141 Air Fryer Pro 5 QT
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. As someone who has tested it extensively, I can confidently say it lives up to the hype. The 5-QT capacity is perfect for families, easily handling a large batch of fries or wings. I was impressed by the “Air Crisp” technology – the superheated air really delivers on the crispiest results, even with minimal oil. Whether it’s frozen appetizers or roasted vegetables, everything comes out perfectly cooked and delightfully crisp.
One of the things I love most about the Ninja Air Fryer Pro is its versatility. It’s not just an air fryer; it’s a 4-in-1 appliance capable of air frying, roasting, reheating, and even dehydrating. This means you can say goodbye to bulky appliances taking up valuable counter space. The included recipe book and cooking charts were a great bonus, offering a wide range of ideas to get started.
Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the nonstick basket and crisper plate. Even after cooking sticky dishes, they wipe down easily. While I haven’t found any major drawbacks with the Ninja Air Fryer Pro, I would say the compact design might be a bit limiting for larger families who frequently cook for a crowd. However, for most households, the 5-QT capacity is more than sufficient.
Overall, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro is an excellent value for money. It delivers on its promise of crispy, delicious food with minimal effort. The versatility, ease of use, and cleaning make it a true kitchen essential. If you’re looking for a high-quality air fryer that can do it all, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro is definitely worth considering.
1. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, 6-Qt
As a self-proclaimed foodie and someone who values convenience, I was excited to test the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1. From the moment I unboxed it, I was impressed by the sleek, modern design and the generous 6-quart capacity. This square basket is perfect for feeding a family, and it takes up surprisingly little counter space. The included recipe book, with its mouthwatering photos, was an added bonus, inspiring me to try new dishes and explore the full potential of the air fryer.
The standout feature of this air fryer is undoubtedly the TurboBlaze Technology. The powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and ability to reach temperatures up to 450°F deliver truly crispy results, rivaling deep-fried goodness but with a fraction of the oil. I tested this claim by making french fries and chicken wings, and the results were phenomenal! The fries were golden brown and perfectly crunchy, while the wings were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The advanced airflow also ensures even cooking, so every bite is consistently delicious.
Beyond its impressive frying capabilities, this air fryer excels in versatility. The 90°-450°F temperature control and 5-fan speed settings allow you to achieve professional-grade results for roasting, baking, drying, reheating, and even proofing dough. I was particularly impressed with its broiling function, which perfectly crisped up the surface of salmon fillets. The quiet operation is another major plus, making it a great choice for open-plan kitchens.
While the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 is feature-packed and delivers exceptional results, there is one minor drawback: the crisper plate can be a bit fiddly to clean due to its intricate design. However, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the overall performance and value this air fryer offers. It’s a true kitchen workhorse that elevates everyday meals and takes the guesswork out of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ideal price range for a good budget air fryer?
A: You can find excellent budget air fryers for around $50 to $100. This price range offers models with essential features like preset cooking functions, adjustable temperature controls, and decent capacity.
Q: What size air fryer is best for a small household?
A: For a single person or a couple, a 2-4 quart air fryer is perfect. It’s compact, easy to store, and can handle most single-serving or small-batch meals.
Q: What features should I prioritize when choosing a budget air fryer?
A:
- Capacity: Consider how many people you’ll be cooking for.
- Temperature Control: Look for adjustable temperature settings for greater cooking flexibility.
- Timer: A timer ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking.
- Preset Functions: Some budget models offer presets for common foods like fries, chicken, and fish.
- Ease of Cleaning: Choose an air fryer with removable parts that are dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleaning.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect air fryer doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re craving crispy fries, juicy chicken, or perfectly roasted vegetables, these budget-friendly options deliver delicious results without the hefty price tag. With their ease of use, versatility, and impressive performance, these air fryers are sure to become a kitchen staple, transforming your cooking experience and your tastebuds.
