Finding the best air fryer under $50 might seem like a challenge, but you’d be surprised at the incredible value and performance available in this price range! These kitchen powerhouses have become a staple for quick, healthy, and deliciously crispy meals without the need for excessive oil. Whether you’re a student in a dorm, a busy parent, or simply looking to upgrade your cooking game on a budget, an affordable air fryer can revolutionize your kitchen experience. We’ve put some top models to the test to bring you our honest insights into the most effective and wallet-friendly options. Let’s dive in!
Quick Product Comparison
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Our Top 5 Best Air Fryers Under $50 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
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1. TOPZEE 5.5-QT Compact Air Fryer with 360° Hot Air Circulation, Precise Heat, and Visible Window
The TOPZEE 5.5-QT Compact Air Fryer is a fantastic all-rounder, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get great results. Its impressive 12-in-1 cooking versatility, combined with efficient 360° hot air circulation, makes it a powerful contender in the budget air fryer category. Plus, the visible window is a game-changer for monitoring your food without interrupting the cooking process!
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 12-in-1 Versatile Cooking: Air fry, bake, broil, reheat, dry, proof, and more, offering extensive culinary possibilities.
- ✓ 5.5-QT Compact Yet Spacious: Perfectly sized for 2-4 people, it handles family portions while still saving precious counter space.
- ✓ 360° Hot Air Circulation: Ensures even cooking and delivers deliciously crispy textures with up to 95% less oil.
- ✓ Visible Window: Allows you to check on your food’s progress without opening the basket, maintaining consistent heat.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the TOPZEE 5.5-QT because it delivers exceptional performance and versatility well within the under $50 air fryer price point. It’s incredibly efficient at cooking and provides crispy results, making it ideal for healthier eating. The intuitive design and multiple functions mean it can easily replace several kitchen gadgets, offering great value.
Best For
This air fryer is best for small families (2-4 people) or individuals who want a versatile, healthy cooking appliance that saves counter space and offers excellent value.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide range of 12 cooking functions in one appliance.
- Generous 5.5-quart capacity fits meals for multiple people.
- Achieves consistently crispy results with minimal oil.
- Convenient visible window helps monitor food without heat loss.
Cons:
- Might take some counter space despite being “compact” for its capacity.
- Digital controls could have a slight learning curve for some users.
- The 12 functions may feel overwhelming if only basic air frying is desired.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I ordered it in a blue color that has a matte finish. This air fryer works great. It has a nice size basket that’s super easy to clean due to its non stick coating. The grate comes out with ease and washes easily also. Ive cooked fish filets in it (Mahi-Mahi & Salmon) they both turned out delicious.”
Customer Review: “very nice I’M NEW TO AIR FRYING BUT IT WORKS GREAT FOOD IS DELICIOUS.EASY TO CLEAN AND OPERATE GREAT PRICE THANKS TOPZEE AND THANKS AMAZON”
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2. CHEFMAN 6-Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer with Sync Finish, Easy View Windows, and Nonstick Baskets, Black
The CHEFMAN 6-Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer truly stands out, especially for its dual-zone capabilities, a feature typically found in much pricier models. This affordable air fryer lets you cook two different dishes at once and even synchronizes their finish times, making meal prep a breeze. If you’re looking for a convenient and efficient cooking solution, this dual-basket design is a game-changer.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Dual Basket Design: Two independent 3-quart baskets combine for a total 6-quart capacity, allowing you to cook multiple items simultaneously.
- ✓ Sync Finish Technology: Ensures both baskets finish cooking at the exact same time, so your entire meal is ready together.
- ✓ Easy View Windows: Convenient transparent windows let you monitor cooking progress without opening the baskets.
- ✓ Nonstick Baskets: Designed for easy food release and hassle-free cleanup after every use.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the CHEFMAN 6-Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer for its incredible convenience and innovative Sync Finish feature, which is rare to find in an air fryer under $50. It’s perfect for busy households or anyone who loves to cook complete meals efficiently. The easy-view windows and nonstick baskets further enhance its user-friendliness and overall appeal.
Best For
This air fryer is best for families or individuals who frequently cook multiple items for a single meal and desire synchronized cooking for ultimate convenience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cooks two different foods at separate temperatures simultaneously.
- Sync Finish feature ensures all food is ready at the same time.
- Large combined 6-quart capacity is great for diverse meals.
- Easy-view windows eliminate the need to open baskets.
Cons:
- Takes up more counter space due to the dual basket design.
- Might be an overkill for single-person households.
- Initial learning curve for utilizing the dual-zone functions effectively.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Bought this as a gift for my brother, he absolutely loves it !! With it’s dual baskets – a nice size and the many features, easy to use. Can program each side baskets to different temperatures. A great quality product at a reasonable price. I just might order one for my self”
Customer Review: “This is good quality for the money! I would definitely recommend!! Works well and easy to use!”
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3. Chefman 4-QT Compact Air Fryer with Hi-Fry Technology, Touchscreen Controls, Nonstick Basket, Black
The Chefman 4-QT Compact Air Fryer proves that high-performance air frying doesn’t require a high price tag. With its special Hi-Fry Technology, you can achieve that perfect crispy finish on your favorites, often a challenge for cheap air fryers. Its sleek, narrow design also ensures it fits comfortably in most kitchens, making it a stellar choice for everyday use.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 450°F Hi-Fry Technology: Delivers an extra-crispy finish, perfect for items like fries or wings.
- ✓ Fast and Easy Touchscreen Controls: Customize cooking time and temperature with a user-friendly digital display.
- ✓ Stylish and Compact Design: Maximizes its 4-quart capacity while maintaining a minimal countertop footprint.
- ✓ Nonstick Basket: Ensures effortless food release and quick, easy cleanup.
Why We Recommend It
This Chefman air fryer is our top pick for best budget air fryer because it doesn’t compromise on essential features. The Hi-Fry Technology is a fantastic addition, giving you restaurant-quality crispiness. Its intuitive touchscreen and space-saving design make it incredibly practical for any kitchen, providing excellent value for an air fryer under $50.
Best For
It’s best for individuals or small families (1-3 people) who prioritize crispy results, digital controls, and a compact appliance that won’t clutter their countertop.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Hi-Fry Technology creates exceptionally crispy textures.
- Sleek and narrow design minimizes countertop space usage.
- Intuitive digital touchscreen for easy operation.
- Quickly heats up and cooks efficiently.
Cons:
- 4-quart capacity might be too small for larger families.
- The high temperature setting (450°F) might not be suitable for all recipes.
- Some users might prefer physical dials over a full touchscreen.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “After using this air fryer for about a month, I can confidently say it has exceeded my expectations. The build quality feels solid, the interface is simple to use, and it cooks consistently well. Most of the time I use it to make boneless wings and fries for my twin girls, and everything comes out c”
Customer Review: “This air fryer is absolutely fantastic. I use this almost daily. It can hold a decent amount and is perfect for a single person to use for daily meals. Easy to clean, and I do not have issues with anything sticking to it. Everything I have cooked in this so far has come out better than when cooked i”
4. CHEFMAN 2-QT Mini Digital Air Fryer with Nonstick Basket, Digital Timer, and Shake Reminder
The CHEFMAN 2-QT Mini Digital Air Fryer is a compact powerhouse, perfect for those with limited space or who cook for one or two. Don’t let its size fool you; this mini air fryer is incredibly efficient, delivering healthy, crispy meals with virtually no oil. It’s a fantastic entry-level option for anyone looking for an air fryer under $50 to kickstart their healthier cooking journey.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Supreme Space-Saver: Its sleek, narrow design and 2-quart capacity are perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or RVs.
- ✓ Digital Touchscreen Display: Allows for precise control over cooking time and temperature for various dishes.
- ✓ Healthy Cooking: Uses little-to-no oil, enabling you to enjoy your favorite fried foods guilt-free.
- ✓ Shake Reminder: Prompts you to shake the basket for even crisping and thorough cooking.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this CHEFMAN Mini Digital Air Fryer for its incredibly compact design, making it one of the best air fryers under $50 for small spaces. It’s incredibly user-friendly with its digital controls and shake reminder, ensuring consistent and healthy results every time. It’s truly a great option if you need an efficient, small-batch cooking solution.
Best For
This compact air fryer is best for single individuals, couples, college students, or anyone with very limited kitchen space who wants to prepare small portions quickly and healthily.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely compact, ideal for small kitchens and apartments.
- Digital controls offer precise temperature and time settings.
- Shake reminder ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Great for preparing healthy meals with minimal oil.
Cons:
- 2-quart capacity is too small for families or larger meals.
- Fewer advanced features compared to larger, more expensive models.
- Limited versatility due to its small size.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Love this!! It’s perfect for one or two people. I can’t believe how fast and easy it is to use. Baked potatoes like you have never had before, salmon comes out perfect and moist. Hard boiled eggs with no fuss – what’s not to love. Can’t beat the price as it takes up very little room. Easy clea”
Customer Review: “I never write reviews… but I’m obsessed with this air fryer. No joke it has literally changed my life hahhaah. First off – I don’t cook. Never have. Always hated it. I’m neurodivergent and I’m very good at a lot of things but just not in the kitchen – I hate the prep, the smells, the number of opt”
5. bella 4-QT Slim Air Fryer with Ceramic Nonstick, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Presets, Auto Shutoff
The bella 4-QT Slim Air Fryer is an excellent choice for health-conscious users looking for an efficient and space-saving appliance. Its standout feature is the EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating, which is free from harmful chemicals like PFAS and PFOA, ensuring a healthier cooking experience. This makes it one of the top air fryers under $50 for those prioritizing safety and eco-friendly materials.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Slim Design: Its narrow profile is specifically designed to fit into smaller or more crowded kitchen spaces.
- ✓ EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating: A safer, chemical-free (PFAS, PFOA, PTFE-free) nonstick surface for easy cleaning and healthier cooking.
- ✓ XL Basket Capacity: Despite its slim build, the 4-quart basket can hold up to 3.3 lbs of food, ideal for family meals.
- ✓ 6 Presets and Adjustable Temperature: Offers versatile cooking options with convenient pre-programmed settings and manual control.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the bella 4-QT Slim Air Fryer for its commitment to healthier cooking through its ceramic nonstick coating and its intelligent, space-saving design. It delivers consistent performance with the added convenience of presets, making it one of the most attractive affordable air fryers for conscious consumers.
Best For
This cheap air fryer is best for health-conscious individuals or small families who need a space-efficient air fryer with chemical-free nonstick coating and versatile cooking presets.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- PFOA/PTFE-free ceramic nonstick coating promotes healthier cooking.
- Slim design is excellent for narrow countertops or small kitchens.
- Generous 4-quart capacity handles decent-sized portions.
- Includes 6 helpful presets and adjustable temperature for variety.
Cons:
- Does not feature a visible window for monitoring food.
- Digital controls may require some getting used to for new users.
- Limited aesthetic options (primarily black).
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “AMAZING AIR FRYER. So far we’ve used it for frozen fries, nuggets, broccoli/veggies, and chicken wings. It is simple to use, quick to heat up, and every single thing has come out to crispy perfection. I use a parchment air fryer liner under the tray for the greasy chicken wings, and clean-up is a br”
Customer Review: “I love this air fryer. I have have been anti-air fryer for a long time, but this one impressed me. It’s perfect for meals and because of it’s shape being longer, I don’t have to cut veggies like asparagus in half. I even put in a spatchcock chicken from Trader-Joe’s, and best part is it’s very quiet”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Air Fryers Under $50
Choosing an air fryer under $50 doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or essential features. While the budget might be tighter, many brands offer fantastic value. Here’s what we recommend considering to ensure you pick the perfect one for your kitchen.
Essential Factors We Consider
When you’re looking for the best air fryers under $50, a few key things really matter:
- Capacity: Think about how many people you’re usually cooking for. For singles or couples, a 2-4 quart air fryer is often perfect. For small families (3-4 people), a 4-6 quart model offers more flexibility.
- Features & Controls: Even affordable air fryers come with great options. Do you prefer a simple dial or a sleek digital touchscreen with presets? Look for features like adjustable temperature, a timer, and maybe even a “shake reminder” for even cooking. Some even offer dual baskets for cooking multiple foods at once, which is amazing value at this price point!
- Ease of Cleaning: A nonstick basket is crucial for easy cleanup. Many models have dishwasher-safe components, which is a huge plus after a busy meal.
- Footprint: Kitchen counter space is precious! Check the dimensions to ensure your new air fryer will fit comfortably without hogging too much room. Slim or compact designs are a great advantage for smaller kitchens.
- Safety Features: Always prioritize models with auto-shutoff functions and cool-touch exteriors to prevent accidents.
Budget Planning
Sticking to a budget of under $50 for an air fryer is absolutely achievable! You’ll find that many compact to medium-sized models, typically 2 to 6 quarts, fall into this range. While you might not get all the bells and whistles of premium models (like smart connectivity or a huge array of advanced presets), you can certainly find reliable and efficient appliances that excel at basic air frying, roasting, and crisping. Focus on core performance and the features that matter most to your cooking habits.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the price tag deter you; there are fantastic budget air fryers available that deliver excellent results. By considering your capacity needs, preferred controls, and essential features, you can easily find a high-performing air fryer under $50 that makes healthy and crispy meals a regular part of your routine without breaking the bank. Happy air frying!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are air fryers under $50 actually good?
A: Absolutely! While they might not have all the advanced features of more expensive models, many air fryers under $50 offer excellent performance for everyday cooking. They are perfectly capable of crisping up fries, chicken wings, vegetables, and more, often with great digital controls and ease of use.
Q: What capacity air fryer do I need for one person or a small family?
A: For one person or a couple, a 2-quart to 4-quart air fryer is usually sufficient for most meals. If you’re cooking for a small family of 3-4 people, a 4-quart to 6-quart model would be more versatile, allowing you to cook larger portions or multiple items simultaneously.
Q: How do I clean my air fryer?
A: Most affordable air fryers come with nonstick baskets that are very easy to clean. For best results, clean the basket and crisper tray with warm, soapy water after each use. Many components are also dishwasher-safe. Always ensure the air fryer is unplugged and cooled down before cleaning, and never submerge the main unit in water.
Q: Are budget air fryers energy efficient?
A: Generally, yes! Air fryers, including those in the under $50 range, are known for being more energy-efficient than traditional ovens for smaller meals. They heat up quickly and cook food faster, using less electricity overall. This makes them a great way to save on utility bills.
Q: What are common features in affordable air fryers?
A: Even budget-friendly air fryers typically include essential features like adjustable temperature controls, a built-in timer with auto-shutoff, and a nonstick, removable basket. Many also offer digital touchscreens, preset cooking functions for popular foods, and compact designs to save counter space.
There you have it! Our comprehensive guide to finding the best air fryers under $50. It’s clear that a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on delicious, healthy, and convenient cooking. Each of these models brings something unique to the table, from dual baskets to chemical-free nonstick coatings, proving that great value is within reach. Ready to transform your meals and enjoy crispy perfection every time? Click on the links to check out the prices on Amazon and find your perfect kitchen companion today!
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I’m Emma J. Caldwell, the founder, lead writer, and home-cooking enthusiast behind KitchenGuideCo.com. With a background in culinary arts and over a decade of cooking experience in both professional and personal kitchens, I created this platform to demystify recipes, offer smart kitchen gadget reviews, and guide readers through meal prep with confidence and clarity.
