4 Best Air Fryers Under $50 to Try in 2026

Finding a reliable air fryer under $50 might seem like searching for a needle in a haystack, but some models pack surprising features—like preset cooking modes, adjustable temps up to 400°F, and 2-4 quart capacities—without breaking the bank. While performance can vary, these compact units often deliver crispy results on chicken wings or roasted veggies efficiently. Curious how these budget-friendly options measure up and which one suits your lifestyle? The details ahead might just change your perspective on affordable kitchen tech.

Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer with presets

The Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer with presets is a great choice for anyone who wants an affordable and useful kitchen tool. It has a slim, space-saving shape that fits easily in small kitchens. The basket is 4 liters big, so you can cook enough food for your family. It uses 1300 watts and special heat technology to make food crispy fast.

The digital panel makes it simple to use. It has six preset buttons for things like air fry, bake, and dehydrate. The ceramic nonstick coating makes cleaning easy and keeps your food safe and healthy. Plus, it has safety features like auto shutoff, so you don’t have to worry about it turning on by mistake.

Best for: People who want a small, stylish, and easy-to-use air fryer. It’s perfect if you like healthy cooking and don’t have a lot of space.

Pros:

• Small, slim design with colors to match your kitchen
• Easy digital controls with buttons for common cooking styles
• Nonstick coating for quick cleaning and healthy food

Cons:

• The 4-liter size may be small for big families or lots of food
• The preset buttons might not work for everyone’s favorite recipes
• Its small size can make it hard to cook big items or multiple things at once

This air fryer is a simple and good choice for many kitchens. It makes cooking easier and faster, and it looks nice on your counter.

CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer with Digital Controls

If you have a small kitchen or a tiny counter, the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a good choice. It is small and fits easily into tight spaces. The black color and simple shape make it look neat on your counter. The basket is 2 quarts and has a square shape. This helps it hold enough food while still staying narrow.

This air fryer has a touchscreen that is easy to use. You can set the cooking time and temp up to 400°F. It cooks food three times faster than a regular oven. You can use it to bake, reheat, or roast food. It also has safety features like automatic shutoff. Parts that are nonstick and dishwasher safe make cleaning simple.

This air fryer is best for people who cook for one or two. It saves space and cooks quickly. Its rating is 4.5 stars, and users like how easy it is to clean.

However, the 2-quart size is small. It might not work well if you cook for big families. The max temperature is 400°F, which might limit some recipes. It costs a bit more than basic air fryers that have fewer features.

COMFEE Compact 2.1 Qt Air Fryer with 12 Menus

If you want an air fryer that doesn’t take up much space but can do lots of jobs, the COMFEE Compact 2.1 Qt is a good choice. It’s small—just 8.58 inches by 8.58 inches by 9.13 inches—and weighs about 5.2 pounds. That means it’s perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs.

This air fryer has 12 different menus. That means you can cook lots of foods, like fries, chicken, seafood, or vegetables, with just one machine. You can set the temperature from 180°F to 400°F, so it works for many recipes. Its Rapid Air Circulation Technology moves hot air all around the food. This makes cooking even and faster.

Cleaning is simple because the parts are dishwasher safe. It uses 1150 watts, so it might use a bit more electricity than bigger models. It weighs 5.2 pounds and has good reviews, with a rating of 4.6 stars.

This small air fryer is great for those who need a versatile tool that fits in tight spaces. It’s easy to use, quick, and makes healthy food.

Best for: People with small kitchens who want a simple, fast way to cook healthy meals.

Pros:

• Fits well in small spaces
• Has 12 cooking options
• Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts

Cons:

• Only 2.1-quart size, so it might not be good for large families
• Uses a bit more power at 1150 watts
• You might need some practice to get the settings just right

DEIME 3 Qt Digital Air Fryer, Compact & Quiet

The DEIME 3 Qt Digital Air Fryer is perfect for small households or kitchens with limited space. It has a compact design but still works well. The square basket is 3 quarts and saves room on your counter. It measures about 8 inches deep, 10.4 inches wide, and 8.2 inches high. It weighs just over 6.78 pounds, so it’s easy to move around and store.

This air fryer heats up quickly thanks to its 900-watt heating element. It can reach a maximum temperature of 400°F. It cooks food evenly and preheats fast. It runs quietly, so it won’t make a lot of noise while you cook. Cleanup is simple because it has BPA-free nonstick parts.

This model is great if you want quick, healthy fried food without using much space. It’s best for 1-2 people or small families. Keep in mind, the 3-quart size may not be enough for big meals or larger families. Also, it’s a bit more expensive than basic models that don’t have digital controls.

In short, the DEIME 3 Qt Digital Air Fryer offers a small but powerful way to make crispy, tasty food. It’s quiet, easy to clean, and perfect for small kitchens.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer Under 50

When choosing an air fryer under $50, you’ll want to consider its size and capacity—whether a compact 2-quart model suffices or a more generous 3-quart one is needed for family dinners. Cooking presets can save time and effort, but make sure the temperature range goes up to at least 400°F for crisping perfection; otherwise, you might end up with soggy results. Finally, features like easy cleanup, built-in safety mechanisms, and adjustable temp controls can make all the difference between a gadget you use daily and one that’s quickly forgotten on a shelf.

Size and Capacity

Choosing the right size and capacity for an air fryer under $50 is simple. You want one that fits your cooking needs and space. If you live alone or have a small family, pick a model with 1.5 to 3 quarts. These are small, affordable, and heat up quickly. They can hold one or two snacks at a time, giving you crispy results without crowding.

If you cook bigger meals for many people, look for an air fryer with 4 quarts or more. These are larger and can cook bigger portions. But they are also bigger and might cost a little more. So, check the size of the air fryer to be sure it fits in your kitchen.

Cooking Presets

Many cheap air fryers under $50 have built-in presets. These presets can make cooking easier and more reliable. They usually include options like air fry, bake, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. Instead of guessing cooking times and temperatures, you just pick a preset. This helps get your food nice and crispy or tender without fuss. Some models have digital screens or one-touch buttons. These make it quicker to set up your meal, which is good if you’re in a hurry.

While these inexpensive models might have fewer preset choices than more expensive ones, they still provide solid results. Presets are great for beginners because they let you cook common foods easily. You don’t need to be a chef or learn lots of settings. Just select what you want to cook, and the air fryer takes care of the rest.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning your air fryer doesn’t have to be hard. When you pick a model under $50, look for baskets and accessories that can go in the dishwasher. This makes cleaning quick and easy. Choose an air fryer with a nonstick coating. It helps food slide off, so you wipe it clean in no time. Find a model with removable parts that are easy to take out. That way, you can clean every corner without a fuss. Avoid things with lots of tiny gaps or hard-to-reach spots. These can trap grease and food bits, making cleanup tough. Smooth surfaces and simple buttons also make cleaning faster. Overall, pick an air fryer that’s easy to wipe and take apart. This way, you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying delicious crispy food.

Safety Features

Safety features matter when choosing an air fryer under $50. Cheaper models often focus on the basics. Many have an automatic shutoff. This turns the air fryer off when cooking ends or if it gets too hot. It helps stop fires and burns. Cool-touch handles and exterior surfaces are common. These parts stay cool even when the air fryer is hot. They help prevent burns during use.

Most air fryers also have overheat protection. This feature stops the machine if it gets too hot inside. It keeps the air fryer from breaking down. Nonstick baskets usually have locking mechanisms. These prevent spills. Some models beep or make a sound when cooking ends or if there is a safety issue. These small features can help keep you safe. They make cooking easier and less risky.

Temperature Range

A big advantage of some air fryers is that they can handle a wide temperature range. When choosing an air fryer under $50, look for ones that work from about 180°F to 400°F. This gives you many options for different recipes. You can bake, roast, fry, or even dry out food with one machine. This makes it very versatile, like a Swiss Army knife for your kitchen.

Good temperature control is important. It helps your food turn out just right. Some air fryers have digital screens and buttons so you can set the exact temperature. Lower temperatures, like 180°F, are good for slow cooking or drying foods. Higher temperatures, around 400°F, help make foods crispy. When you can control the heat, your dishes come out better every time.

Power Consumption

Have you ever thought about whether a cheaper, energy-saving air fryer can still do a good job? Most air fryers under $50 have wattages between 900 and 1150 watts. This balance helps them work well without using too much power. If a fryer uses less wattage, it uses less electricity. That’s good if you want to save on your energy bill.

But, how long you cook also matters. Faster cookers use less total energy because they heat up quickly and cook food faster. Smaller air fryers usually have smaller heating parts, so they use less power too.

Look for energy labels or certifications. These can help you pick a model that uses less energy without losing any performance.

In the end, choosing an energy-efficient air fryer doesn’t mean it has to be slow. You can find good options that save power and still cook your food well.

Versatility Options

Since a versatile air fryer can do more than just fry food, it’s a good idea to pick one with many functions. Look for models that have options like bake, roast, reheat, and even dehydrate. These features let you try new recipes and cook different dishes all in one device. Choose an air fryer with adjustable temperature controls and timers. This makes it easier to switch from one type of cooking to another. Digital controls or menu buttons help you select the right setting quickly. Make sure the air fryer can handle different textures, like crispy, tender, or baked foods, without losing quality. Accessories like extra trays or mesh baskets expand your options. They let you cook multiple foods at once or try new ways of cooking. The more flexible your air fryer is, the more you can do in your kitchen.

Price and Value

When you look for an air fryer under $50, the price shows what you get. Cheaper models usually do just basic cooking. Check if they can handle your everyday needs. Many small air fryers have just 1 to 2 quarts of space. That means you can’t cook big meals all at once, which can be a problem if you have a family or cook in batches.

Look for deals or sales. Sometimes, spending a little more can get you a better model for not much extra money. Cheaper air fryers might miss features like preset buttons or timers. These features make cooking easier, so think about if you need them.

In the end, decide if saving money now is more important than having a little more flexibility later. Spending a bit more can mean getting an air fryer that lasts longer and cooks better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are These Affordable Air Fryers Durable for Long-Term Use?

Yes, these affordable air fryers are generally durable for long-term use if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and proper maintenance. While they might not last as long as high-end models, they can still serve you well over time.

Can I Cook Large Meals With These Small-Capacity Air Fryers?

You can cook larger meals with small-capacity air fryers by cooking in batches or adjusting recipes. While they’re great for individual servings, for bigger families or meals, you might need multiple cycles or a bigger fryer.

Do Budget Air Fryers Have Reliable Safety Features?

Yes, budget air fryers generally have reliable safety features like auto shut-off and cool-touch exteriors. You should still check specific models for certifications and safety reviews to guarantee they meet your safety standards before purchasing.

Are Replacement Parts Readily Available for Inexpensive Models?

Replacement parts for inexpensive air fryers are often harder to find, but some brands offer limited parts or support. You might need to contact the manufacturer directly or check online marketplaces, though availability isn’t always guaranteed.

How Energy-Efficient Are These Under $50 Air Fryers?

These under-$50 air fryers are generally quite energy-efficient. They use less power than traditional ovens, helping you save on energy bills. However, their smaller size and cooking capabilities might require longer cooking times for larger meals.