4 Best Air Fryers Under $150 That Deliver Crispy Perfection Without Breaking the Bank
If you’re enthusiastic to get crispy, delicious meals without overspending, finding the right air fryer under $150 is key. These models offer precise temperature control up to 450°F, quick heat-up times, and versatile functions like baking, dehydrating, and roasting—all packed into compact designs that fit small kitchens. But which one balances performance with affordability? As we compare options like capacity, ease of use, and durability, you’ll see that a little research can turn your cooking routine into a crispy success—without breaking the bank.
Emeril Lagasse 24QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
If you want a kitchen gadget that does it all, the Emeril Lagasse 24QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is a great pick. It works as a toaster oven, air fryer, and rotisserie all in one. The size is big enough to cook a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. That makes it perfect if you have a family or like to cook for guests.
The French doors open smoothly with a single pull. This makes it easy to see inside. It also has a light so you can check on your food without opening the door. The control panel is a touchscreen. You can choose different settings with just a tap. It also has automatic shut-off for safety.
This appliance is sturdy and versatile. It doesn’t take up too much space for how large it is. But keep in mind, it is heavy and needs enough room on your counter. The doors swing open wide, so make sure you have space in front of it. It is not dishwasher safe. You will need to clean it by hand, which can take some time. It costs more than simple toasters or air fryers because it does many things and is big.
In short, the Emeril Lagasse 24QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is a strong, all-in-one kitchen helper. It fits big meals, is easy to use, and looks nice on the counter. If you want one appliance that can bake, fry, roast, and toast, this is a good choice for your home.
CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven
The CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven is a great choice for people who want to cook two things at the same time. It has a smooth black look, clear windows, and a digital touch control. This makes it easy to see what’s happening inside and set your cooking just right.
It has two baskets that are each 3 quarts. You can cook different foods at different temperatures, up to 450°F. The baskets are nonstick and can go in the dishwasher, so cleaning is simple. There is a divider inside so flavors don’t mix, which helps keep your foods tasting fresh.
This air fryer has dual-zone technology. It makes both baskets finish cooking at the same time with a feature called Sync Finish. The whole unit is small but powerful, using 1,700 watts of power. It’s perfect for small kitchens or busy homes.
People who need to cook multiple meals at once will find this air fryer helpful. It saves time and space. It works well for families and anyone with limited kitchen room.
Pros:
- Two baskets that let you cook different foods at once.
- Controls that are easy to use.
- Clear windows to watch your food.
- Baskets are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
- Compact size but powerful enough for many foods.
Cons:
- Some people say the unit might get scratched when new.
- Using the digital buttons can take a little practice.
- The 3-quart baskets might be small for big families or heavy cooking.
Cosori 9-in-1 Air Fryer 6 Qt
The Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer has a big 6-quart square basket. It’s great for cooking lots of food at once. The air fryer uses TurboBlaze Technology, spinning at 3600 rpm. This helps your food turn out crispy and juicy. It can get hot up to 450°F, so your food cooks fast and evenly.
It has five fans and precise temperature controls from 90°F to 450°F. These features make sure your food is cooked just right. The air fryer makes very little noise — less than 53dB. It has easy-to-use touch controls, an automatic pause feature, and works with in-app recipes. The basket is made from durable ceramic nonstick, so it is simple to clean.
This size and power make it a good choice for big family meals. It’s quiet and easy to use. Plus, the basket is square, which gives you more room to cook larger portions. But, it weighs about 13.2 pounds, so it’s a bit heavy to carry around. It stops at 450°F, which might not work for some very high-heat cooking. The square shape offers lots of space, but it’s not ideal for small or delicate foods.
Best for: Families or anyone who cooks large meals and wants a quiet, easy-to-clean air fryer.
Pros:
- Big 6-quart square basket for large batches
- Gets food crispy and tender fast with TurboBlaze Technology
- Quiet, with simple controls and safety features
Cons:
- Heavy to move, weighs 13.2 pounds
- Max temperature is 450°F, so it can’t do super high heat
- Square basket gives plenty of room but may not fit small or delicate foods as well as round baskets
This air fryer is a good pick if you want a large, powerful, and quiet machine. It makes cooking big meals simple and fast.
Ninja Air Fryer 4-in-1 Pro, 5QT Capacity
The Ninja Air Fryer 4-in-1 Pro has a big 5-quart basket. This makes it a good choice for busy families or anyone who wants a versatile kitchen tool that doesn’t take up a lot of space. It uses Air Crisp Technology, which can reach up to 400℉. This helps you get crispy food that cooks evenly, using much less oil—up to 75% less fat—compared to regular frying.
This fryer can do four things: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. You can cook different kinds of food, like crispy fries, roasted vegetables, leftovers, or dried snacks. Its small size saves counter space, and its nonstick basket makes cleaning easy. It also comes with useful accessories, including a recipe book, to help you make healthy and quick meals.
This air fryer is great for families or anyone who wants healthy fried food with less oil. It is simple to use and can handle multiple tasks. Its 5-quart capacity is perfect for making meals for several people without taking up too much space.
Some things to keep in mind: The maximum temperature is 400℉, which might limit some recipes that need higher heat. The nonstick parts need gentle cleaning to keep their coating in good shape. Also, the fryer is a little bigger than basic models, so it might be a tight fit on very small countertops.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer Under 150
When choosing an air fryer under $150, consider how much food you need to prepare at once—models vary from compact 2.5-quart baskets to larger 5-quart ones, and no one wants to cook in batches every time. Think about whether you want versatile cooking functions like air frying, roasting, or baking, which can save kitchen space and time, but sometimes complicate operation. Remember, easier cleanup, solid safety features, and intuitive controls aren’t just conveniences—they can make all the difference between a joyful cooking experience and a frustrating one.
Cooking Capacity Needs
When choosing an air fryer under $150, it’s important to think about how much food you usually cook. Do you mostly cook just for yourself or a few people? If yes, a 3-quart air fryer works well. It’s small and easy to handle. If you have a family or cook for many people, you may want a bigger one, like a 6-quart or larger. Bigger air fryers can cook more at once.
Check if the basket can hold foods like a 12-inch pizza or a 6-pound chicken. That way, you won’t need to cook in many small batches. Some air fryers have two baskets. These let you cook two different foods at the same time. It saves you time.
Think about space. Larger air fryers take up more room on your counter. Make sure it fits well.
Finally, think about how much food you usually make at once. Pick a size that matches your needs. Small air fryers work for singles or couples. Larger ones are better for bigger families. Don’t choose one that’s too big if you don’t need it, or you’ll waste space.
Versatile Cooking Functions
A versatile air fryer does more than just make crispy fries. It helps you cook more types of food quickly and easily. Look for a model that can do many things, like baking, roasting, dehydrating, and reheating. These options let you try different recipes with one device. Some air fryers have preset buttons for common foods, so you don’t need to guess the right time and temperature. This saves time and makes cooking simple.
Adjustable controls are helpful too. They let you set the temperature from 75°F to 450°F. This is important for delicate baked goods or crispy chicken. Some air fryers can switch between modes, like frying and dehydrating, which gives you more options. Accessories like racks, pans, or rotisserie spits can turn your air fryer into a full kitchen helper. With these, you can cook a variety of meals, snacks, and desserts easily.
Ease of Cleaning
Choosing an air fryer that’s easy to clean can save you time and put less stress on you. Look for models with parts that go in the dishwasher, like baskets and trays. These make cleaning quick and simple. Nonstick coatings on the baskets and trays stop food from sticking so you can wipe things down easily. An air fryer with a wide opening makes it easier to reach inside and clean. Some models have lights inside, so you can see what’s happening without opening the basket and making a mess. It’s best to pick an air fryer that has few little spaces or hard-to-reach corners. These parts can collect grease and crumbs, making cleaning harder. The fewer hidden spots, the easier it is to keep your air fryer clean with less work.
Safety Features Included
Safety is very important when choosing a cheap air fryer. It’s not just about cooking food quickly. You want to feel safe while using it. Many air fryers under $150 have safety features built in. For example, some have auto shutoff. This means they turn off by themselves if they get too hot. This helps stop fires and overheating. Some models have safety locks on the door or basket. This keeps the hot food from spilling out accidentally. Cool-touch surfaces and handles stop you from burning your hands. Also, some have vibration or tilt shutoff. This turns the machine off if it tips over or gets moved suddenly.
Think about whether the air fryer can shut down during power surges or when it gets too hot. Safety features give you peace of mind. They make sure the air fryer works safely. When you pick a cheap air fryer, check if it has these safety features. They keep you and your family safe while you cook.
User-Friendly Controls
Easy controls can make your air fryer cooking much simpler, especially if you’re watching your budget. Look for models with digital touchscreens or easy buttons. These are simple to use and help you avoid confusion. Some air fryers come with preset buttons for frying, roasting, and baking. These presets save you time and make cooking easier, especially if you’re new to air frying.
Good controls should be clear and simple. If you spend lots of time trying to figure out how things work, it can be frustrating. Make sure the buttons are easy to understand. Features like timers that you can set and temperature controls that go between 180°F and 400°F give you more control. These help you cook your food just right.
Some air fryers have interior lights or see-through windows. These let you watch your food while it cooks without having to open the door. Such features help you keep an eye on your food and prevent overcooking.
Having good controls means your food cooks well every time. It also makes using the air fryer more fun and less stressful.
Noise Levels During Operation
Most air fryers make about 60 decibels of noise when they are working. That’s like normal talking. Some models can be louder, up to 70 decibels, which is similar to background chatting in an office. If you want a quiet kitchen, check the noise level in the product details or reviews before buying.
Quieter air fryers often have special fans or better insulation. These help lower the sound during cooking or when the machine is heating up. They are good if you like to cook early in the morning or late at night without loud noise.
When the fan runs faster, it usually makes more noise. So, think about how much background sound you are okay with. Noise might seem small, but if you are sensitive to sound or share your space, a quieter air fryer can be a good choice.
Fewer noises mean you can enjoy making crispy foods without much distraction.
Digital vs. Analog Controls
When choosing an air fryer for under $150, you’ll notice two main types of controls: digital and analog. Digital air fryers have buttons and screens. You can set the exact temperature and time easily. They often have presets for common recipes, so you don’t have to guess. The display shows you real-time info, which helps you watch how your food cooks.
Analog air fryers use knobs or dials. You turn the dial to set the temperature and timer. They are simple to use and don’t have digital screens. These models are often more durable and can handle power changes better. They don’t have presets, so you set everything manually each time.
If you like to have lots of control and enjoy trying different recipes, a digital air fryer might be best. It makes cooking more precise and lets you save your favorite settings. If you want something tough and easy to operate, an analog model works well. It’s simple and often lasts longer.
Think about what’s more important to you—precision or durability. Both types can fit in your budget and do a good job.
Brand Reliability and Support
Choosing a well-known brand for your under-$150 air fryer is a smart move. Bigger brands usually have better customer support. If something breaks, they often help you fix it or replace parts easily. These brands also make products that last longer and work well. You can learn how to use them better with clear manuals and online help. Reading reviews from other buyers can show you how the company handles issues. Picking a trusted brand can save you time and headaches. It’s more likely you’ll get crispy food that lasts, instead of a gadget that stops working fast.
Hello! I’m Eloise Wilson, the culinary enthusiast behind SimplyCookings. Cooking is my canvas and flavors are my palette. I’m here to share easy-to-follow recipes and kitchen wisdom that will make your cooking journey joyful and delicious. Join me and let’s turn everyday meals into extraordinary experiences!
