Are you on a diet but craving chocolate donuts, sweet potato fries, or fried chicken? Or do the fat drips from your bacon make you nauseous? In these cases and situations like them, an air fryer is what you need. This innovation has already gained popularity as a healthier alternative to a deep fat fryer. It uses hot air for cooking food and does not produce smoke or smell like conventional deep fryers.
Air fryers come in all shapes and sizes, but how do you choose the best one that suits your culinary techniques? Better yet, how do you find one that won’t break the bank?
Don’t worry! To make this decision easier for you, we compiled a list of air fryers under $50 so you can see what all of the fuss is about at a reasonable price.
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Top Recommended Air Fryer: Dash Compact Air Fryer Oven, 2Qt
Best Budget Air Fryer: Chefman 2Qt TurboFry Air Fryer
Best Premium Air Fryer: Aria Premium 2 Qt Retro Style Ceramic Air Fryer
Best Runner-Up Air Fryer: Elite Gourmet EAF-0201 Personal 2.1 Qt Electric Air Fryer
Best Digital Air Fryer: Copper Chef 2 QT Power Air Fryer
Best Small Air Fryer: Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet 1Qt Air Fryer
Best Value Air Fryer: Cosmo COS-23AFAKB 2.3 Quart Electric Air Fryer
Best Versatile Air Fryer: Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer, 2Qt
1. Top Recommended Air Fryer: Dash Compact Air Fryer Oven Cooker, 2Quart
This small gadget has made a name for itself and continues to please air fryer fans due to its modern design and latest technology.
Dash Compact Air Fryer uses AirCrisp technology to create enticing taste and crispiness of air-fried foods. It helps reduce the fat by 70-80%, promising a healthy, low-calorie meal.
It is super quick and easy to use. Simply load the fryer basket then set the temperature and timer to cook delicious food within minutes. With its cool-touch housing and 30-minute auto shut-off timer, it prevents overcooking and burning. It’s so safe and manageable, even your kids can use it!
Another one of its remarkable features is its non-stick frying basket with a two-quart capacity, ideal for making a quick single-serving snack. The basket is dishwasher safe, too, allowing hassle-free cleaning with no splatter. In short, they are easy to cook with and easy to clean. A bachelor’s or busy mom’s dream.
Unlike mainstream ovens, this Dash Air Fryer is compact and lightweight. It’s half the weight of a standard fryer, so you can carry it anywhere easily. Plus, its chic design and trendy color options accent your kitchen perfectly.
Pros:
- Easy to use and clean
- Cooks 80% faster
- Ensures safe cooking with its auto-shutoff function
- Comes with a Recipe Guide containing delicious recipes
- User-friendly temperature dial and timer
- Advanced patented design
- 2-quart non-stick dishwasher safe crisper drawer
- Perfect for small kitchens
Cons:
- The non-stick coating may wear off after a few months
2. Best Budget Air Fryer: Chefman 2-Quart TurboFry Compact Air Fryer
With more than a hundred kitchen appliances under its belt, Chefman has recently released its incredible TurboFry Compact Air Fryer.
Thanks to its Rapid Air Technology, this Air Fryer truly stands by its “Absolute Flavor, Zero Guilt” motto. This futuristic technology cooks crispy dishes with little to no oil so you can snack, guilt-free. TurboFry ensures that your food is cooked faster, healthier, and to perfection through hot air circulation.
If you travel a lot and are tired of eating that grease-laden junk during your journey, this Chefman Compact Air Fryer is here to solve this problem. Because it is portable and lightweight, this personal-size product is perfect for traveling. It would take minimal space in an already cramped RV and is an ideal option for less spacious kitchens and college dorms.
The best feature of this effective gadget is its removable flat basket design, which increases the capacity by 40% with zero effect on the footprint. This basket liner is also dishwasher safe. Say goodbye to everlasting scrubbing and hello to quick cleanup!
Pros:
- The cheapest air fryer on this list
- Uses Rapid Air Technology
- Compact 2-liter fryer basket capacity
- Space-saving design
- Adjustable temperature control
- Integrated timer with auto-off feature
- Dishwasher safe fryer basket facilitates cleaning
- Versatile
Cons:
- Only available in black color
- Electronic chemical smell
3. Best Premium Air Fryer: Aria Ceramic Air Fryer, 2 Quart
Do you want an air fryer that looks good on your countertop but also performs many cooking functions? If yes, this Aria Retro Style Air Fryer is what you are looking for!
Its precise Retro Dial allows the user to regulate the cooking temperature at any point through the cooking process, assuring untroubled cooking. It can heat up to 400 degrees, preparing the food within moments to curb your hunger pangs.
This model uses its powerful AriaFlow Technology to turn your leftovers into best overs. AriaFlow Technology eliminates extra moisture and dispenses super-hot air to turn those lifeless leftovers into a fresh and crispy meal. It also lessens the amount of oil used in the meals, promoting overall wellness.
This ceramic air fryer has Teflon and lead-free construction, making it environmentally friendly. Ceramic itself doesn’t flake or rust like plastic or steel, and it is an excellent heat conductor, delivering even heat distribution.
This understated air fryer is also accompanied by an exclusive chef-curated recipe booklet of over 30 recipes to help you kick-start your cooking ventures. You can use this product stress-free, knowing it comes with a lifetime warranty and friendly customer support.
Pros:
- Teflon-free construction
- All-in-one precision dial
- Fast, healthy meals
- Comes with an exclusive recipe book
- Lifetime Warranty
- Safe and Durable
- Breeze Clean up
Cons:
- Only a single 400° temperature control option
- The handle may break off
4. Best Runner-Up Air Fryer: Elite Gourmet EAF-0201 Personal 2.1 Quart Electric Hot Air Fryer
Elite Gourmet is a relatively new nonetheless exceptional air fryer that has earned customers’ confidence in such a short time. This Hot Air Fryer is one of the few with an integrated air filtration system that guarantees an odor-free kitchen.
In addition, it comes with a free non-stick pan and rack that hold up to 1.5 pounds of food, perfect for individual use or when cooking for a small group. The pan and rack are PFOA/PFTE free, making this product a true crowd-pleaser.
The highly effective 360° rapid air circulation creates the air and heat that prepares our food with full flavor and crispness while cutting down 80% fat.
Its adjustable timer and temperature control knobs provide optimum cooking control, and the cool-touch handle lets you safely remove the contents without burning your hands.
Gone is needing a separate grill pan for grilling and another one for oven baking. You can fry, cook, roast, and bake all in this one ultimate machine. Versatility at its finest.
Pros:
- Adjustable temperature up to 395 °F
- Dishwasher safe pan and stack
- 360° rapid air circulation technology
- Comes with a Recipe Guide and 6 quick cooking references
- 30-minute timer with auto shut-off
- Environmentally friendly
- Easy to use
- Comes with a 1-year assurance
- High-quality non-stick coating
Cons:
- May occupy more space
- Tray falls out easily
5. Best Digital Air Fryer: Copper Chef 2 QT Power Air Fryer
Next in line is this super economical Copper Chef Power Air Fryer that promises to not compromise on its quality and ease of use. This nifty little fryer will make you feel like a professional chef in your kitchen by cooking nearly everything to perfection, from the classic french fries to waffles and pies for your Sunday breakfast.
The Copper Chef uses Rapid Air Technology to crisp your food without needing extra oil. A whirlwind of hot turbo air surrounds your food, making it crunchy on the outside and locking the moisture inside, giving you a considerably healthier version of your best-loved meals.
Its LCD pad has an automatic timer and simply-designed adjust buttons to check the settings at a glance and make the operation simple. It also incorporates auto shut-off technology to prevent the food from burning.
Its two-quart easy load non-stick basket is enough for one to two servings, and the non-stick nature guarantees you don’t waste hours scrubbing the basket, struggling to get the food remnants off the surface.
This all-in-one air fryer can easily replace your toaster oven, deep fryer, grill pan, or almost any kitchen appliance, thanks to its one-touch mode switcher. Cooking has never been this simple.
Pros:
- Easy digital control panel
- Ideal size for a single person
- Occupies limited space
- Rapid Hot Air Technology ensures even and complete cooking
- Good build quality
- Elegant and modish design
- Includes Recipe Book
- Cool touch easy-grip handle
- Non-stick coating
- Provides us with a variety of cooking methods
Cons:
- Long cooking time to cook
- May give off a burnt plastic odor
6. Best Small Air Fryer: Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Air Fryer, 1 QT
It may come as no surprise to see another Elite Air Fryer on this list, given the brand’s amazing performance and reliability. Although this air fryer’s basket is smaller than those in the previous picks, this one-quart air fryer is excellent for making individual servings equivalent to ¾ pounds and is the go-to choice for tiny kitchens and workspaces.
You don’t need to think twice before eating your cheat meal anymore due to Maxi-Matic’s rapid air circulation that cooks fat-free delicious meals. Instead, simply add your favorite food to the drawer pan, brush it with a tablespoon of oil, set the knobs, and wait while this air fryer does its thing.
Its adjustable temperature and timer give you the utmost control and allow you to choose your cooking style. It also has a cool-touch handle to help you safely remove the food, so you don’t scald your hands anymore.
The Elite Gourmet includes a removable drawer pan and rack for prompt and effortless cleaning. The exterior holds on to its pristine state with just a damp cloth, and it comes with a step-by-step manual to guide you with setup.
Even better, this EDA-approved 700-Watt/120V air fryer comes with a one-year warranty and free customer support so you can buy with confidence.
Pros:
- EDA Approved
- PFOA and PTFE free non-stick coating
- Cool-touch exterior
- 1-year warranty and customer support
- Adjustable timer up to 390F
- Auto shut-off feature
- Comes with an instruction guide
- Reduced electricity usage
- Low maintenance
- Available in many colors
Cons:
- The top is not attached at times
- The instruction guide can be a little tricky to navigate
7. Best Value Air Fryer: Cosmo COS-23AFAKB 2.3 Quart Electric Air Fryer
This smart mini appliance will be a permanent fixture in your kitchen as you use it more and more instead of heating up your oven.
This Cosmo Electric Air Fryer provides complete versatility. Equipped with baking, frying, roasting, and grilling options, Cosmo offers trouble-free preparation of meals while saving room on your counter with its 2.3 QT cooking capacity.
This electric air fryer uses high-speed air circulation technology that combines supercharged heat with fast-moving air, reaching a top temperature of 400F to crisp your french fries flawlessly. As a result, food prepared in Cosmo contains about 85% less fat than conventional frying methods.
If you are new to air frying, you’ll love the easy-to-manage controls that guide you through setup. Temperature and time are manually adaptable, and with its built-in auto shut-off feature, you can leave the Cosmo to do its thing while you dabble around the house.
Clean-up is a child’s play with its conveniently-sized non-stick coated parts, making them easy to toss in the dishwasher. Turn your dream kitchen into a reality with this modern and contemporary appliance.
Pros:
- Healthier frying
- Utilizes High-Speed Air Circulation Technology
- Multiple cooking capabilities
- No preheating required
- Swift clean-up due to its dishwasher safe equipment
- Compact and lightweight
- Suitable to make quick snacks
Cons:
- Teflon coating may flake-off after a few months
- Burning plastic smell in some instances
8. Best Versatile Air Fryer: Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer, 2 Quart
Instant Pot’s latest air fryer is a multifunctional gadget that will surely stand out in your kitchen with its sleek matte design. But luckily, it is more than just a pretty gadget. This air fryer is one of the most versatile ones out there!
As its name implies, the Instant Vortex comes with a four-in-one functionality. It can air fry, max crisp, bake, and reheat practically anything and everything from Brussels sprouts to days-old pizza, and the one-touch smart program makes it swift and manageable.
The one distinctive feature that outshines this air fryer is its user-friendly message bar that enthusiastically reminds flipping the food or when the cooking program is done. So even if your kitchen is a busy one, it’s unlikely for you to miss its memo.
The EvenCrisp Technology requires no oil to create a beautiful crunch. Little to no preheating time is needed to turn your frozen-thawed food into gold. Plus, the Overheat Protection Program and auto-off features, on the other hand, are checks in the safety box for both the appliance and its users.
Although it may take a bit of trial and error to understand the setting, nothing can stop you from becoming an expert chef when you get the hang of settings and pre-sets!
Pros:
- 4 one-touch cooking programs
- High quality non-stick cooking tray
- Attractive touch screen display with a message bar
- Wide temperature range
- Has Overheat Protection Program
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Uses less energy
- Stylish
- Ultra-quiet
Cons
- Vague instructions
- Comes with a cooking tray instead of the basket
- Difficult to clean the tray
- You are guided to download the Instant Pot App for guidance and recipes
What to Consider When Buying an Air Fryer
Eating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice your health. On the contrary, you can enjoy nutritious meals cheaply with the correct knowledge and planning.
The best air fryers under $50 provide similar key features as pricier models, like adjustable timer control, non-stick drawers, and an auto-off timer, but depending on your budget, you may have to make a choice on which features you want to pay more for and which you are ready to sacrifice.
Below are a few things to consider when shopping for the best cost-effective air fryers.
Size and Capacity
As with every other appliance, the size is directly related to the price. Depending on whether you are just making dinner for yourself or feeding a large family, you can decide on the capacity of your air fryer.
Smaller air fryers neatly fit on your shelves and can cook between 1qt/0.9L and 3qt/2.4L, which is adequate for one to two people. These types of products are the ones that typically come under the $50 mark. If your family is bigger than four people, anything above 7qt/6.6L will do the trick, but you’ll likely have to pay a little more.
Manual or Digital
The simplest air fryers have manually controlled knobs to twist and set the temperature and time. However, you may prefer a digital dial, where a single touch controls the settings and displays, and the temperature and remaining time are displayed on its digital screen.
A digital design is not necessary to enjoy delicious air-fried food, but it does make the process a little easier, especially if you’ve never had an air fryer before.
Cleaning
Some air fryers need to be hand-washed, but most of them come with dishwasher-proof parts to facilitate easy cleaning. You can wipe down the exterior and main components with any cloth effortlessly.
Range of pre-set programs
Do you like to set your preferred temperature and timer settings to get specific results, or would you prefer to leave everything to the machine? Some air fryers come with up to nine pre-set options for your favorite fish, chicken , veggies, and many more.
Others let you set the temperature and time manually, which makes them a little trickier to use but lets you get precise results.
Warranty
Appliances with a short warranty are not exactly a confidence booster. Generally, the longer the warranty, the safer it is to assume that the product is high quality.
Now that you’ve seen the best options under $50 in our air fryer review, it is no surprise that there are some high-quality options out there. Most come with a one or two-year warranty, but you will undoubtedly run across some that cover up to three years or even a lifetime warranty, like the Aria Premium on our list.
Features
Advanced features do make a difference. It is advantageous to buy an all-purpose fryer that combines dehydrating, baking, rotisserie, and other functions into one device. Additional features, like alerting you when the food is done or when to shake it, can make your culinary experience more enjoyable.
Operating Speed
You may have heard that faster is better, but this may not be true with these gizmos. Fryers with faster speeds can cook things swiftly and offer better grilling options, but they tend to be less efficient and produce more noise. If you want to retain the moisture inside of your food and create tastier dishes, slow-speed fryers are usually a better option! They run on limited energy and are affordable, making them a top choice for consumers.
Safety
Look for a well-insulated fryer with cool-touch housing so your fingers don’t turn red every time you pull out the air fryer basket. The air fryer you choose should also have a non-slip base to safeguard the fryer against falling and breakage.
FAQs
Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?
An air fryer consumes relatively little electricity in comparison to a traditional microwave or oven. Most air fryers available on the market currently use an average of 1500 watts of power.
Which air fryer is the cheapest?
The top-rated Chefman TurboFry Compact Air Fryer is one of the most inexpensive fryers on our list. It features a two-quart capacity and offers a wide temperature range of 200° to 400 °F.
Do air fryers need oil?
No, most air fryer recipes do not need oil. But if you want your food even crisper, add a tiny bit of oil to your food before cooking. To do this without adding heaps of calories, we recommend using an oil sprayer instead of brushes or tablespoons.
What size air fryer do I need for a family of 2?
If you are cooking for two people, it’s best to go with an air fryer of 3qt/2.8L. This is the optimum size for cooking family-sized meals without crowding your kitchen or becoming a nuisance for everyday use.
Conclusion
Choosing the best air fryer that’s affordable without compromising quality is challenging yet important. The number of brands and available options on the market can leave your head spinning.
After reading our review, we hope that you’re fully aware of the highest-quality and most effective air fryers available for under $50 and that you find your true match!
