Air fryer is a product that many families have, but in the market, has different brands, types, and features, they all say they are the best, but what is the real situation? Our team purchased air fryers from various e-commerce platforms and officials. Then we test them in our labs and in real life use at home, we evaluate them in terms of actual performance, ease of use, energy efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Top 6 Budget Air Fryers for 2025: Our Expert Picks
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, delicious meals without the excess oil of traditional frying. For those watching their budget, finding an affordable air fryer that doesn’t skimp on performance is key. We’ve carefully selected six budget-friendly air fryers that stand out for their features, reliability, and value in recommendation includes real user reviews and links to trusted retailers, ensuring you can make an informed choice.
Air Fryer 5 Qt
The COSORI Air Fryer 5 Qt is a compact yet powerful option for small families or individuals. With a 5-quart capacity, it’s ideal for preparing meals for up to four people. Its sleek design, intuitive digital touchscreen, and nine preset cooking functions make it user-friendly and versatile. It heats up quickly, reaching temperatures up to 450°F, and its square basket maximizes cooking space. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Why We Love It: This air fryer combines affordability with premium features like rapid heat circulation for even cooking and a preheat function for better results. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
User Review (Amazon): “I have used this air fryer almost every day since I got it. It’s so easy to use, and the food comes out crispy and delicious. The basket is a good size for my family of three, and cleanup is super simple.” – Sarah M.
Where to Buy: COSORI Air Fryer 5 Qt on Amazon
AF101 Air Fryer 4 Qt
The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is a reliable choice for those seeking a balance of performance and simplicity. Its 4-quart capacity is great for small households, and it offers four cooking functions: air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. The temperature range of 105°F to 400°F allows for versatile cooking, from crispy fries to dried fruit snacks. Its compact footprint fits well in tight kitchen spaces.
Why We Love It: The Ninja AF101 delivers consistent results and is praised for its durability. The ceramic-coated basket is easy to clean, and the dehydrate function adds extra value for budget-conscious buyers.
User Review (Amazon): “This air fryer is a game-changer! I’ve made everything from wings to veggies, and everything comes out perfect. It’s small enough to fit on my counter but cooks enough for two. Love the dehydrator feature!” – John T.
Where to Buy: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer on Amazon
Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer 6 Qt
From the makers of the Instant Pot, the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer offers a 6-quart capacity and four cooking modes: air fry, roast, bake, and reheat. Its sleek design includes a clear digital display and customizable cooking programs. The large basket can handle a whole chicken or a batch of fries, making it ideal for larger meals.
Why We Love It: This air fryer heats up fast and cooks evenly, thanks to its EvenCrisp technology. It’s a great value for those needing a bit more cooking space without breaking the bank.
User Review (Amazon): “I was skeptical about air fryers, but this one blew me away. It’s so easy to use, and the food comes out crispy without all the oil. I’ve even baked brownies in it!” – Emily R.
Where to Buy: Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer on Amazon
TurboFry Qt Air Fryer
The Chefman TurboFry is a compact, budget-friendly option with a capacity, perfect for singles or couples. Despite its smaller size, it delivers powerful performance with temperatures up to 400°F and a rapid air circulation system. The analog controls are straightforward, and the fryer comes with a recipe book to inspire new dishes.
Why We Love It: Its small footprint and simple design make it ideal for beginners or those with limited counter space. It’s also energy-efficient, saving you money in the long run.
User Review (Amazon): “This is my first air fryer, and I’m obsessed! It’s so easy to use, and the food comes out perfectly crispy. It’s small but mighty, and I love how it doesn’t take up much space.” – Lisa K.
Where to Buy: Chefman TurboFry Qt Air Fryer on Amazon
Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer Qt
The Dash Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer is one of the most affordable options on our list, with a capacity that’s perfect for small portions. Its simple dial controls make it easy to set time and temperature, and its lightweight design is great for small kitchens or dorms. Despite its low price, it delivers crispy results with minimal oil.
Why We Love It: This air fryer is a steal for its price, offering reliable performance for basic air frying needs. Its compact size and vibrant color options add a fun touch to any kitchen.
User Review (Amazon): “I bought this for my college dorm, and it’s perfect. It’s small, easy to use, and makes the best fries and chicken nuggets. I can’t believe how affordable it was!” – Rachel P.
Where to Buy: Dash Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer on Amazon
6 Qt Digital Air Fryer
The Gourmia 6 Qt Digital Air Fryer offers a larger capacity and 10 preset cooking options, making it a versatile choice for families. Its FryForce 360° technology ensures even cooking, and the digital interface is easy to navigate. The basket is nonstick and dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup.
Why We Love It: This air fryer offers excellent value with its large capacity and multiple cooking modes, rivaling more expensive models. It’s a great pick for those who want a budget-friendly yet feature-rich option.
User Review (Amazon): “This air fryer is amazing for the price. It’s big enough to cook for my family of five, and the presets make it so easy. Everything comes out crispy and delicious.” – Mark S.
Where to Buy: Gourmia 6 Qt Digital Air Fryer on Amazon
How We Reviewed These Air Fryers
Our team of 8 people, tested 26 air fryers, after 3 weeks of real life use, cooking chicken wings, French fries and vegetables separately for air fryers, analyzing the taste, color of their production. At the same time, we also evaluated its performance, ease of use of the interface, size, capacity, energy consumption compared to the overall cost-effective evaluation. In addition to our own evaluations, we also compare the data reported by other authoritative media. So you can be assured of approval, these are all through our audit.
You can also quickly get the ideal air fryer for you with the tool we built below:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Budget Air Fryer in 2025
With so many air fryers on the market, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose a budget air fryer that meets your needs, based on key factors like capacity, features, and ease of use.
Capacity: Match the Size to Your Needs
Air fryer capacity is measured in quarts, and choosing the right size depends on your household. For singles or couples, a 2- to 4-quart model, like the Dash Tasti-Crisp or Chefman TurboFry, is sufficient for small meals. For families or those who entertain, a 5- to 6-quart model, like the COSORI or Gourmia, can handle larger portions, such as a whole chicken or a tray of wings. Consider your counter space too—larger models take up more room.
Pro Tip: Check the basket shape. Square baskets, like those in the COSORI and Instant Vortex, often provide more usable cooking space than round ones.
Features: Balancing Functionality and Cost
Budget air fryers vary in features, so prioritize what matters most to you. Basic models like the Dash Tasti-Crisp use analog dials for simplicity, while digital models like the COSORI or Gourmia offer presets for specific foods (e.g., fries, chicken, or steak). Look for air fryers with a temperature range of at least 400°F for versatility and rapid air circulation for even cooking. Additional functions like dehydrating (Ninja AF101) or baking (Instant Vortex) can add value without increasing the price significantly.
External Reference: For more on how air fryer features impact performance, check out this guide from CNET.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
A user-friendly air fryer saves time and frustration. Digital interfaces with clear displays and presets are great for beginners, while analog controls appeal to those who prefer simplicity. Nonstick baskets, like those in all our recommended models, make cleaning easy, and dishwasher-safe parts are a bonus. Ensure the fryer has a cool-touch exterior for safety, especially in households with kids.
Price and Value
Budget air fryers typically range from $40 to $ cheaper models like the Dash Tasti-Crisp are great for basic needs, spending a bit more on models like the COSORI or Ninja AF101 can get you advanced features and better durability. Look for warranties (most offer one year) and check customer reviews for long-term reliability.
External Reference: For tips on finding budget-friendly kitchen appliances, visit Consumer Reports.
Safety and Energy Efficiency
Air fryers are generally safe, but look for models with auto-shutoff features to prevent overcooking. Energy efficiency is another factor—air fryers use less power than traditional ovens, but smaller models like the Chefman TurboFry are especially efficient for daily use. Check the wattage (typically 1,200–1,700 watts) to ensure it suits your kitchen’s electrical setup.
Additional Considerations
Think about your cooking habits. If you plan to experiment with recipes, choose a model with versatile settings. If counter space is tight, prioritize compact designs. For inspiration, websites like AllRecipes offer air fryer recipes tailored to different models and skill levels.
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Final Summary
Our expert team, after 3 weeks of real use, and then according to the performance, intelligence, practicality, quality, price of the air fryer to go through a detailed analysis, for the above we recommend the dishwasher, you can rest assured that you can choose. If you have any questions, you can leave us a message in the comments section.
At the same time, we also provide a quick selection of dishwasher tool, you can use our tool, choose more in line with your product.