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10 Best Cheap Air Fryers

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Air Fryers

When looking to buy an air fryer, it's important to focus on your personal needs and kitchen habits rather than just choosing the first affordable option you see. Air fryers come in various sizes and with different features, so thinking about the types of food you plan to cook and how many people you typically serve will help narrow down your options. While all air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food with little or no oil, differences in capacity, wattage, controls, and extra features can affect ease of use and results. Understanding what these key specifications mean will help you confidently pick a model that fits your lifestyle and cooking preferences.
CapacityCapacity indicates the size of the basket inside the air fryer, telling you how much food you can cook at once. It's measured in liters or quarts. Smaller models (around 1.5–2 liters) are best for individuals or couples, making single servings or snacks. Medium sizes (2.5–4 liters) suit small families or people who want to cook simple meals. Larger air fryers (over 4 liters) are helpful if you often prepare bigger batches, have a family, or enjoy hosting. If you usually cook just for yourself, there's no need to buy a large device that takes up counter space and uses more energy. But if you frequently entertain or prepare food in advance, a bigger model makes things easier and quicker.
WattageWattage refers to how much power the air fryer uses, with common values around 1200 to 1800 watts. Higher wattage means the air fryer heats up and cooks food faster, making it ideal if you’re often in a hurry. Models with lower wattage may take longer to achieve crispy results but can still perform well for simple meals and snacks. Choose higher wattage for faster cooking and if you cook dense or larger portions, while medium to low wattage is sufficient for lighter, less frequent use.
Temperature RangeThe temperature range shows the minimum and maximum heat settings available, usually from about 180°F (80°C) to 400°F (200°C). A wider range gives you more cooking options, like roasting veggies at lower temps or crisping frozen foods at higher ones. If you want to bake, dehydrate, or reheat in addition to frying, look for air fryers with broader temperature ranges. If you mainly want to crisp up fries or nuggets, a basic range will do fine.
Controls (Manual vs Digital)Air fryers can have manual (dials and knobs) or digital (buttons and screens) controls. Manual controls are straightforward, created for set-it-and-forget-it use. Digital controls offer more precision, preset cooking modes, and can be easier to clean. If you prefer simplicity, manual controls are easy to use with little learning curve. If you like convenience and the ability to repeat dishes with exact settings, a digital interface might be better for you.
Ease of CleaningCleaning is influenced by whether parts like the basket and tray are non-stick and dishwasher-safe. Non-stick, removable parts are easier to wash up after greasy foods. Dishwasher-safe features let you toss things in the machine rather than scrubbing by hand. If you dislike washing dishes or prepare sticky or oily foods, prioritize easy-to-clean designs.
Additional Features (Timer, Presets, Safety)Extra features like timers, ready alarms, automatic shutoff, and pre-set cooking programs can make using your air fryer easier and safer. Timers and auto shut-off keep food from burning if you get distracted, and presets take the guesswork out of common foods like fries, chicken, or fish. If you’re new to air frying or want maximum convenience, look for these handy extras. If you want full control or don’t mind monitoring your food, basic models can suffice.