4 Best Air Fryers Under $50 That Won’t Skimp on Flavor
If you’re seeking an affordable air fryer under $50 that still delivers crisp, flavorful results, you might be surprised what’s achievable without overspending. From compact models with a 2-quart capacity to multi-functional units near 6 quarts, these budget-friendly options pack performance, versatility, and safety features into small footprints. Curious about which model balances value and cooking quality best—and whether affordability compromises taste? The choices below challenge the notion that good fried food requires a hefty price tag.
Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer with Ceramic Nonstick Coating
If you want an air fryer that works well and doesn’t take up much space, check out the Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer with Ceramic Nonstick Coating. It’s small and fits easily into tight kitchens. Despite its size, the big basket can cook up to 3.3 pounds of food, perfect for a family or cooking in bulk.
This air fryer has six preset buttons. You can choose to air fry, bake, or roast with just a press. It also lets you change the temperature easily, so you get your food exactly how you like it. The 1300-watt heater makes food crispy fast. Cleaning is simple because the ceramic nonstick coating doesn’t use harmful chemicals like PFOA or PTFE. This makes cooking healthier and cleanup easier.
This air fryer is great for busy people or families who want quick, healthy meals. It does not take up too much space, but still has plenty of room for meals. It is a good choice if you want a versatile and compact kitchen tool.
Pros:
- Small design that fits small kitchens
- Big enough to cook for a family
- Easy to pick preset functions and set temperature
Cons:
- Only 4-quart size, not good for large groups
- You need to set some options manually
- Slightly more expensive than basic models under $50
CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer with Digital Timer and Shake Reminder
The CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a small but powerful kitchen gadget. It’s perfect if you have limited space on your countertop or inside your cabinets. The design is slim and narrow, so it fits easily in small kitchens. Even though it’s small, it can hold up to 2 quarts of food.
Using the air fryer is simple. It has a digital touch screen that makes it easy to set the time and temperature. It can reach up to 400°F, so your food cooks quickly and gets crispy. In fact, it can cook up to three times faster than a regular oven.
The fryer also has handy features like a digital timer and a shake reminder. It turns off automatically when done, which keeps your food safe. You can make healthier meals with little or no oil using this fryer. Cleanup is simple because many parts are dishwasher-safe.
This mini air fryer is best if you want a quick, easy way to cook small amounts of food. It works well for people who don’t have much space or don’t need a big appliance.
Keep in mind, it’s small, so it’s not ideal for feeding large groups or big families. It has a power rating of 900W, which is less powerful than bigger air fryers. It also has a simple design, so it might not have all the features of larger models.
Ninja Air Fryer, 4 Qt Capacity, 4-in-1 Functions (Roast, Crisp, Reheat, Dehydrate), Dishwasher Safe, Includes Recipes, Compact, Grey
The Ninja Air Fryer has a 4-quart ceramic-coated basket. It lets you make crispy, healthy food without taking up too much space on your counter. You can cook up to 2 pounds of French fries or a small roast in it. The machine is small and grey, weighing just over 10 pounds. It measures 13.6 by 11 inches, so it’s easy to store when you’re not using it.
This air fryer has parts that are safe to put in the dishwasher. That means cleaning up is quick and simple. It offers four main ways to cook: roast, crisp, reheat, and dehydrate. You control it easily with touch buttons that are simple to understand. Thanks to convection heat, food cooks quickly and gets crispy evenly. It uses up to 75% less fat than regular frying.
Best For: People who want a small, versatile air fryer. It’s good for making healthier crispy food. Clean-up is easy, and it doesn’t take up much space.
Pros:
- Easy to use with clear touch controls.
- Dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning quick.
- Small size fits well in small kitchens or on limited counters.
Cons:
- 4-quart size might not be big enough for large families.
- Slightly bulky for very small counters, even though it’s compact.
- Doesn’t have all the advanced features of bigger, more expensive oven or air fryers.
Cosori 9-in-1 Air Fryer 6 Qt
The Cosori 9-in-1 Air Fryer is a great choice for big families or busy homes. It has a 6-quart basket, which is big enough to cook large meals. This air fryer can do many jobs. It can fry food with little oil, bake cakes, roast vegetables, broil meats, dry fruit, reheat leftovers, proof bread, keep food warm, and cook frozen snacks.
It uses TurboBlaze Technology. A special fan spins at 3600 rpm to heat up fast. It can reach temperatures up to 450°F. This helps food get crispy and juicy quickly. The square basket gives you lots of space for family-sized meals. It also has a ceramic coating, so cleaning is easy.
One nice thing is it operates quietly. It makes less noise than 53dB. That means you can cook without waking up the whole house.
This air fryer is perfect for families who want quick, crispy meals with less oil. It combines many cooking options in one small device.
Pros include many functions in one machine, a large 6-quart basket, and quiet operation.
A few downsides are that it only works with 120V power, so it may not fit in all regions. The square basket can be tricky to clean or store. Also, users new to multi-function kitchen appliances might need some time to learn how to use it.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer Under 50
When selecting an air fryer under $50, you need to think about how much food you typically prepare—do you prefer a compact model or one with a larger capacity, like 3.7 quarts? Consider whether space-saving design matters if your counter is already crowded, and if adjustable temperature controls up to 400°F are necessary for your recipes. Finally, look at features like easy-to-clean surfaces and versatile cooking options—they can turn a basic appliance into a real kitchen sidekick rather than just a shiny gadget that’s barely used.
Cooking Capacity Needs
Choosing the right size for your air fryer depends on how much food you usually cook. If you cook for one or two people, a small air fryer with 2 to 4 quarts works well. It’s good for making snacks or single servings.
If you have a family or like to cook big meals, look for an air fryer with at least 6 quarts. This size gives you enough space to cook chicken, fries, and vegetables at the same time. It helps you save time because you don’t have to cook in many small batches.
Remember, bigger air fryers take up more space on your counter. Make sure your kitchen has enough room. If you like to cook several different foods at once, choose a larger basket.
Pick a size that fits your cooking needs. A small one is good for simple meals. A bigger one is better for family dinners or cooking many foods at once. Keep in mind your space and how much food you usually make.
Space-Saving Design
Choosing a space-saving air fryer means picking a smaller, more compact model. These air fryers usually have a tall, slim shape that takes up less space on your counter. In fact, they can be up to half the size of regular models. This way, you can still cook plenty of food without cluttering your kitchen. Some have square or narrow baskets, which help you maximize cooking room in a tiny space.
Many space-saving air fryers have parts that fold or collapse. When you’re done cooking, you can tuck them away easily. This makes them perfect for small kitchens or apartments. Their modern, sleek look blends well with any style of kitchen. They look nice but are still very good at cooking food evenly and quickly.
Even though they save space, these air fryers work just as well as larger ones. They give you healthy, crispy food without taking up all your counter space. Small does not mean weak. With the right design, you get great performance in a tiny package.
Temperature Control Range
A good air fryer under $50 should be easy to use and flexible. One important feature is a wide temperature range. You want an air fryer that can heat from about 90°F to 450°F. This lets you cook many different types of food. For example, you can bake cookies or dehydrate fruit at lower temperatures. Meanwhile, high temperatures help you get crispy fries or browns on chicken.
Having precise control over the temperature helps you cook food just right. It makes snack and meal prep easier and more consistent. If the temperature range is small or fixed, your cooking options are limited. You might only be able to fry foods, which is boring and not very flexible.
Look for an air fryer that covers a broad temperature range. It gives you many choices and helps you avoid overcooking or undercooking. Some cheaper models don’t have this flexibility, which can make cooking harder. So, if you want an air fryer that does more than just fry, pick one with a wide temperature range. It helps you do more recipes and get the best results every time.
Ease of Cleaning
When choosing a cheap air fryer, think about how easy it is to clean. Look for baskets and plates that can go in the dishwasher. This way, you don’t have to scrub them by hand. Nonstick coatings, like ceramic or PTFE, help food slide off easily. This makes wiping everything clean much faster. A smooth inside with few cracks or tiny spaces keeps grease from building up. That means less scrubbing later. Also, hang lightweight and removable parts inside. These are simple to rinse and take out, so cleaning doesn’t take much time. Clear instructions for cleaning help you keep your air fryer in good shape. If you want to save time and avoid mess, pick a model that’s easy to clean. Cleaning shouldn’t be hard, and a good air fryer makes it simple.
Versatile Cooking Features
Budget air fryers under $50 often have many different cooking options. But it’s important to pick one that really gives you more ways to cook, not just extra features that don’t matter. Look for models that can air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat. These options let you try many kinds of recipes without needing extra gadgets.
Choose an air fryer with adjustable temperature controls and preset buttons. These make cooking easier and faster. Features like shake reminders and timers help you cook food evenly and save time.
Size matters too. Pick an air fryer that fits your family. If you cook for yourself or others, pick a size that works for you. Look for accessories that are dishwasher safe and coated with nonstick. These make cleaning up simple after cooking.
Power and Wattage
Wattage is important for how well an air fryer works. If you are on a tight budget, you can find air fryers that cost under $50. These usually have wattages between 900 and 1300 watts. The wattage affects how fast the air fryer heats up and how evenly it cooks food.
Air fryers with 1000 watts or more heat up quickly. They cook food faster and make it crispy. These models can handle normal cooking tasks well. They also give better results without taking too much time.
Lower wattage air fryers take longer to heat and may cook food unevenly. If you want quick results and good taste, look for an air fryer with 1000 watts or higher. Keep in mind, higher wattage uses more energy too.
Safety and Certifications
Safety certifications are important when choosing a cheap air fryer. These signs show the toaster oven passed safety tests. Look for labels like cETL, UL, or NSF. They mean the product is tested for electrical safety and works well. Features like automatic shutoff and timers help stop the air fryer from overheating or burning food. This keeps your kitchen safe and your food just right. Air fryers with cool-touch exteriors and safety locks also help prevent burns. Handles that stay cool and feet that don’t slip make it easier and safer to use. Good models also have protection from electrical surges, proper grounding, and safe wiring. Choosing an air fryer with these safety features makes cooking safer and more fun.
User-Friendly Controls
Choosing an air fryer with easy controls makes cooking much simpler. If you’re new to air fryers or on a budget, simple buttons or touchscreens help you get started quickly. Digital screens or dial knobs let you change temperature and time easily. Labels on presets show you what each setting does, so you don’t have to guess. This helps you cook better and faster every time.
A few helpful features make your kitchen safer and more convenient. For example, shake reminders tell you when to toss your food for even cooking. Auto shutoff turns the machine off when your meal is ready, so you don’t have to watch it all the time. Clear controls with indicators for temperature and time help you set things just right. This way, your fries will be crispy and your chicken moist and tasty, without any hassle.
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!