4 Best Air Fryers for Value in 2026
In 2026, finding an air fryer that balances performance with affordability is more attainable than ever, but which models stand out for value? From the Cosori TurboBlaze’s impressive 9-in-1 versatility with a 6-quart capacity to the Chefman’s straightforward touch controls, the options are diverse yet practical. Ninja’s compact 5-quart design proves that size isn’t everything, while the CHEFMAN 10L offers multi-functionality at a competitive price. Do any of these make the cut for your kitchen?
Cosori 9-in-1 6Qt TurboBlaze Air Fryer
If you want an air fryer that does a lot of things without costing too much, the Cosori 9-in-1 6Qt TurboBlaze is a good pick. It has nine functions like air fry, roast, bake, broil, dry, reheat, and more. This means you can do many kinds of cooking with just one machine. The TurboBlaze technology blows hot air at 3600 rpm. It makes food crispy and cooked evenly, even at temperatures up to 450°F. The large 6-quart square basket can hold around 20 chicken wings. That’s great for family meals. It runs quietly, under 53dB, and you can control the temperature easily. It’s simple to use and easy to clean.
This air fryer is best for families, busy homes, and anyone who wants to cook healthy meals quickly. It saves space and time with its many functions. The powerful airflow gives crispy results with less oil—up to 95% less oil. It’s quiet and made with durable, easy-to-clean materials.
But, if you live alone or have a small household, this big size might be too much. This model also costs more than basic air fryers with fewer features. It may take time to learn how to use all nine functions and different settings.
Chefman 6 QT Air Fryer with Touchscreen & Presets
The Chefman 6 QT Air Fryer with Touchscreen & Presets is a great pick if you want something easy to use and works well. It has a 6-quart size, which is perfect for feeding 3 to 5 people. That makes it a good choice for family dinners or small gatherings.
The fryer has a digital touchscreen with four simple preset buttons. You just press one button, and it sets the right temperature and time for your food. It has a powerful 1700W motor and uses Hi-Fry technology. This means it can make your fries crispy without using much oil. It can heat up to 450°F for that perfect crunchy finish.
The stylish matte black color looks nice in any kitchen. It’s also easy to clean and has a safe automatic shutoff feature, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn it off. Plus, it comes with a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.
This air fryer is best if you want a small, simple appliance to make quick, healthy meals for your family or friends. It’s easy to use and doesn’t make a mess.
Good things about it:
- Easy-to-use touchscreen with four preset buttons for quick cooking
- Makes crispy food with Hi-Fry technology, up to 450°F
- Compact size that still holds enough food for five people
Things to keep in mind:
- Only four presets, so you might need to manually change some recipes
- Slightly bigger and heavier than some small kitchen gadgets
- Usually costs more than basic fryers without smart features
If you want an air fryer that is simple, powerful, and makes food crispy with less oil, this is a great choice.
Ninja 4-in-1 Air Fryer, 5QT, Nonstick Basket
The Ninja 4-in-1 Air Fryer is a good choice if you want a machine that can do many things. It has a 5-quart nonstick basket, so you can cook a lot at once. You can use it to Air Crisp, Roast, Reheat, or Dehydrate. That means you can make crispy fries, roasted veggies, leftover snacks, or dried fruit all in one machine. It can cook up to 4 pounds of French fries or 5 pounds of chicken wings. So, it’s perfect for family meals or parties.
This air fryer heats up to 400°F using Air Crisp technology. That makes food crispy and without much oil. The size of the air fryer is compact. It measures about 14.84 inches deep and 11.29 inches wide. Even with its small size, it has a powerful 1750 watts of heating. This makes cooking fast and easy. It’s a good fit for most kitchens, without taking up too much space.
People like this air fryer because it can do many jobs in one. It helps you make crispy food, roast vegetables, reheat leftovers, or dry fruits. The large basket lets you cook lots of food at once. It is a reliable machine with simple controls. But, it is a little bulky for very small kitchens. The nonstick coating needs gentle cleaning to last longer. Also, it mostly comes in grey, so it might not match all kitchen colors.
In short, the Ninja 4-in-1 Air Fryer is a versatile and powerful machine. It helps you cook a variety of foods quickly and with less oil. Its big basket makes it good for families or parties. If you want a handy, space-saving air fryer that does many jobs, this one is a good choice.
CHEFMAN 10L Digital Air Fryer & Multi-Function Oven
The CHEFMAN 10L Digital Air Fryer & Multi-Function Oven is a great option for families or anyone who cooks a lot. It can do many jobs, like frying, roasting, dehydrating, baking, and more. It has a big 10-liter size that heats up enough food for several people. The stainless steel make feels strong and looks nice on your counter.
The oven has a bright window so you can see your food as it cooks. It also has interior lights. You can choose from 17 preset buttons on the touchscreen. This helps you cook easily and quickly. The air inside heats fast, so your food gets crispy and cooked evenly. You use up to 98% less oil than normal frying.
It is about 12 inches deep. It is powerful but doesn’t take up too much space. It uses 1700 watts of power, which is higher than small appliances. It weighs around 14.2 pounds, so it is a little heavy to move around.
This oven is perfect for people who want a versatile and large machine. It helps you make healthy meals fast and with less oil.
Good points:
- It has many functions, like air fry, rotisserie, and dehydrating.
- It’s big with 10 liters of space for families.
- Easy touch screen and interior light make cooking simple.
Not so good:
- It’s large and takes up a lot of space.
- It is heavy, which makes it harder to carry.
- Uses more power than smaller tools.
This oven gives you many ways to cook food easily. It saves space on your counter and helps you make tasty meals fast.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer for Value
When choosing an air fryer, you need to balance factors like price, cooking versatility, and capacity to find true value, rather than just the lowest cost. Consider how easy it is to clean, since scrubbing baked-on grease can become a workout, and make sure safety features like auto shut-off are in place to prevent kitchen mishaps. Ultimately, size matters—too small, and you’ll be limited; too large, and it might sit more as a decorative piece than a practical appliance.
Price and Budget
Setting a budget before you buy an air fryer makes shopping easier. Decide how much money you want to spend. For example, you might set a limit of $100 for a basic model or go over $150 for one with extra features. Think about what you need. If you want a big basket, check the size in liters or quarts. If you want quick options, look for models with preset cooking functions. Safety features like auto-shutoff are helpful too. Usually, more expensive air fryers last longer and come with longer warranties. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to save money. Remember, a cheaper air fryer might break sooner. A moderately priced one with good reviews and a warranty can give you more value over time. Find a balance between price and the features you want.
Cooking Versatility
Choosing a air fryer with many different cooking options makes it more useful. Instead of needing several small appliances, you can do many jobs with just one device. It can bake, roast, dry snacks, and reheat food. These options save time and make cooking easier, especially during busy days. Some models, like 4-in-1 or 9-in-1, let you switch easily from making crispy fries to proofing bread dough. You can also control the temperature and pick different cooking modes to get the best results. This changes how you can use it for many recipes. You can even dry fruit or make snacks, which adds more fun to cooking in your kitchen. Overall, an all-in-one air fryer can save space and replace many other gadgets. It makes cooking simple, quick, and versatile.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning your air fryer should be easy and quick. When you buy one, check if parts like the basket and crisper tray can go in the dishwasher. That saves you time and makes cleaning simple. Nonstick coatings on the inside help food slide off, so you don’t have to scrub hard. Look for an air fryer with fewer tiny spaces and seams. These are easier to wipe clean because food doesn’t get stuck in hard-to-reach spots.
Some air fryers have filters that you can remove and wash. These keep your fryer fresh and reduce smells or buildup. Also, choose a model with flat, smooth surfaces and simple controls. These are faster to clean and more comfortable to wipe down.
If you want a cleaner that doesn’t take too much effort, pick one with these features. They help you keep your air fryer clean and ready to use, even when you are busy.
Capacity and Size
A 4-quart air fryer is good for one or two people. If you have a big family or like to cook lots of food at once, you might want a 6-quart or bigger model. Bigger air fryers let you cook more food at the same time. This can help you save time and cook leftovers easily.
But bigger models also take up more space on your countertop. They are usually wider and taller, often over 12 inches in size. Plus, large air fryers use more electricity, which can cost more on your bills.
If you have a small kitchen or want to save money, a smaller air fryer might work better. Just remember, smaller units cook less at once and might take longer if you cook big meals.
Choosing the right size depends on how many people you cook for, how much space you have, and how much power you want to use. Pick a size that matches your cooking needs and your home. This way, you get a good balance of convenience and value.
Safety Features
Safety features are very important when choosing an air fryer. They help prevent accidents and make sure you can use the appliance without worries. For example, many air fryers have an automatic shutoff. This feeling stops the machine from overcooking food and keeps it safe if you forget to turn it off. That’s helpful if you’re busy or sleepy late at night.
Many air fryers also have safety parts. The outside stays cool to touch, so you won’t burn your hand. The bases have non-slip feet, so the air fryer doesn’t slide around when in use. Certified models that have cETL or UL labels meet safety rules. This gives you confidence the product is safe to use.
Other safety features include removable parts that are dishwasher safe. These parts lock in place tightly, so hot food doesn’t spill or burn if they fall. Some air fryers show lights or alerts. These tell you when the machine is turned on or ready to cook, so you know what’s happening inside.
Choosing an air fryer with good safety features keeps your kitchen safer and makes cooking easier.
Energy Efficiency
Choosing an energy-efficient air fryer can save you money on your electricity bill and help the environment. Look for models that use around 1700W or 1750W. These models cook food quickly while using less energy. Some air fryers have better fans and fast heat circulation. This means they cook faster and save power because they don’t run as long.
Look for air fryers with precise temperature controls and timers. These features help keep the heat steady so your food cooks right without wasting energy. Some air fryers also have eco-modes. These modes cut down on power use even more.
Try to pick a size that matches what you usually cook. If you choose a bigger air fryer than you need, it will waste energy and take up more space. The right-size air fryer helps you save power and keeps your kitchen neat.
In short, choose an air fryer that is the right size and has features to save energy. This way, you save money and help the environment, and you get tasty food every time.
Brand Reputation
When choosing an air fryer, it’s smart to pick a good brand. Good brands usually make reliable products that last a long time. They often come with warranties of one or two years. These warranties cover repairs and parts when needed. Well-known brands are trusted because many people say they work well and heat up efficiently. Most have heating parts between 1700 and 1800 watts. Buying from a trusted brand reduces the chance of getting a fake or bad product. This keeps you safe and protects your money.
Good brands also keep making better products. They follow safety rules and help customers if they have questions. Picking a reputable brand means you can trust your air fryer to work well. It lasts longer, saves you trouble, and gives you confidence you made the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do All Air Fryers Have Similar Cooking Times?
Not all air fryers have similar cooking times. Factors like size, power, and design influence cooking speed. You should check the specific model’s manual or reviews to get accurate estimates for your favorite recipes.
Which Brands Offer the Best Warranty Coverage?
You’ll find that brands like Philips, Ninja, and Cosori offer the best warranty coverage, often including multiple years of protection. They stand behind their products and provide responsive customer service if you encounter any issues.
Are Higher Wattage Air Fryers More Energy-Efficient?
Higher wattage air fryers aren’t necessarily more energy-efficient because they use more power, but they often cook faster. If you prioritize speed, a higher wattage might save energy overall, but for efficiency, lower wattage models might be better.
Can Air Fryers Be Used for Baking and Roasting?
Yes, you can use air fryers for baking and roasting. They heat quickly, evenly cook food, and often come with appropriate trays, making them versatile appliances ideal for a variety of delicious baked or roasted dishes in your kitchen.
How Important Is Brand Reputation When Choosing an Air Fryer?
Brand reputation matters because it signals quality, durability, and safety. When choosing an air fryer, go for trusted brands with positive reviews to guarantee you’re investing in a reliable, long-lasting appliance that delivers consistent cooking results.

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!
