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By Taryn Pire
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Published Jun 12, 2024
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It’s official: The air fryer is not a passing phase. This countertop convection oven that’s beloved for making all types of air fryer recipes from chicken wings to roasted Brussels sprouts crispy AF is now a must for plenty of home cooks. But before you shell out hundreds on an appliance, check out this list of the best inexpensive air fryers (as in models that go for $175 or less) money can buy, as tested by our editors. Whether it's the Black + Decker Purify 2-Liter Air Fryer ($70) which is regarded for its straightforward design, the tiny DASH Deluxe Air Fryer (was $100, now $95) that's beloved for its effectiveness or the ultra large Ninja Max XL Air Fryer (was $170, now $130), these are some of the best air fryers on the market.
Our faves include a range of sizes, colors and price points, so there’s one for every French fry enthusiast out there.
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The Best Inexpensive Air Fryers at a Glance
4
Prettiest Inexpensive Air Fryer
Beautiful 6-Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer
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What Is the Best Inexpensive Air Fryer?
There are plenty of models out there, from mini fryers designed for a party of one to heavy-duty options capable of cooking crowd-pleasing meals. The best one for you all depends on your needs, preferences and budget. Here are a few things to consider before you buy:
- Price: Air fryers can cost anywhere from $30 to $500. Luckily, a higher price tag doesn't necessarily mean better quality. There are dozens of budget-friendly options that don't sacrifice functionality for affordability.
- Style and Size: Decide if you'd prefer a convection oven-style or a basket-style fryer. Oven-style fryers tend to be bulkier, but they can cook larger portions and usually come with more features or bonus accessories. Basket-style fryers are smaller, but may require more babysitting and batch cooking to ensure even heat distribution. Consider how much kitchen real estate you're willing to devote to an air fryer, as well as how many people you typically cook for.
- Cleaning: Unless you're Monica Gellar, we doubt you're someone who actually enjoys washing dishes. If minimizing mess is a priority, a smaller basket-style model with removable (or better yet, dishwasher-friendly) parts is likely your best bet. This type of fryer usually comes apart with ease, giving you access to every nook and cranny for a breezy cleanup.
Is It Worth Getting a Small Air Fryer?
One of the easiest ways to keep the cost low when shopping for an air fryer is to buy smaller basket-style models, as they tend to be the cheapest. But is it worth skimping? If you typically cook for one or two people and have limited counter space, we think yes. If you're cooking family-style meals on the reg and have room to spare, you may as well spend a few more bucks on a larger model that can accommodate larger portions in one fell swoop.
How We Tested Inexpensive Air Fryers
We first scoured the internet to find popular, positively reviewed models from a wide range of brands. Then, we got as many models as possible for our editors to test at home. Once they became familiarized with their air fryers and cooked with them multiple times, they filled out a detailed questionnaire about the air fryer's pros and cons and assigned ratings for value, functionality, ease of use, aesthetics and consistency.
Best Inexpensive Air Fryer Overall
1. Black + Decker Purify 2-Liter Air Fryer
What We Like
- easy to use
- convenient size
- sleek
- easy to assemble
What We Don't Like
- small basket size
- can't accommodate larger portions
- takes up significant counter space for a basket model
Black + Decker
- Value: 20/20
- Functionality: 17/20
- Ease of Use: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 18/20
- Consistency: 20/20
TOTAL: 95/100
This air fryer is about as straightforward as they come. Even if you've never used one before, it's hard to mess up with this appliance, given how simple its design is and how consistently it crisps foods. One dial controls temperature and the other controls time—that's it. While it looks nice on the kitchen counter, know that it does still take up a decent amount of counter space despite its smaller basket size. (Air fryers require space on all sides to operate safely and promote air flow.)
Best Small Inexpensive Air Fryer
What We Like
- vintage-inspired design
- simple settings
What We Don't Like
- requires more babysitting than non-manual models
- no digital interfact
Dash
- Value: 20/20
- Functionality: 17/20
- Ease of Use: 19/20
- Aesthetics: 19/20
- Consistency: 20/20
TOTAL: 95/100
The Dash Deluxe air fryer, which comes in four vivid colorways, offers a retro take on this modern appliance. Rather than relying on digital displays and preset buttons, this model boasts easy-to-use settings. "It's super sleek and cute," says associate editor Chelsea Candelario. "It doesn't take up too much room on the counter. I even converted my grandmother to try it out and cook a few of her meals." The single-knob design—coupled with a rounded shape—makes for an aesthetically pleasing appliance, but because it's fully manual ("I prefer a digital interface rather than the manual knob," shared Candelario), you'll have to pay close attention to your food while it cooks.
Best Large Inexpensive Air Fryer
What We Like
- large basket
- easy to wash
What We Don't Like
- bulky
- Value: 20/20
- Functionality: 15/20
- Ease of Use: 18/20
- Aesthetics: 16/20
- Consistency: 17/20
TOTAL: 86/100
If you're looking to dish up some Buffalo wings, cauliflower bites or fries for a crowd, the Ninja Max XL is certainly the way to go. “It's such a quick and convenient way to make dinner, breakfast or a snack,” says former editor Stephanie Sengwe. “This one makes crispy fries in 25 minutes and I don't have to stand there the whole time.” It has a large basket that can handle big batches of game day grub for your hungry crowd, and the ceramic interior and removable parts (which are dishwasher safe) make cleanup a breeze. But it's not ideal for small apartment kitchens. “I have to store it away after every use because it doesn't fit on my counter,” Sengwe adds. “I think if you have a lot of kitchen space, then it's no problem.”
Prettiest Inexpensive Air Fryer
4. Beautiful 6-Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer
What We Like
- gorgeous design
- reportedly cooks food 50 percent faster than an oven
What We Don't Like
- smaller basket
- light-colored models will turn dingy over time
- Value: 15/20
- Functionality: 17/20
- Ease of Use: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 17/20
- Consistency: 18/20
TOTAL: 87/100
Editor in chief Jillian Quint thought she wouldn't use an air fryer often. Spoiler: She was wrong. "We use it mostly for frozen fries, chicken nuggets, potatoes and broccoli/veggies," she says. "I love how fast it is. I think the best use is chicken nuggets for the kids, which take 25 minutes in the toaster oven, but only 10 minutes in the air fryer." With an easy-to-use touch display and high-performance heat technology, you can use this cutie to air fry, reheat, dehydrate or roast to your heart's content. Plus, it successfully provides even heat distribution, so each bite will be light and crispy. Her one bone to pick? The basket is a bit small for her family of four, so this one is best for one- and two-person households.
Cheapest Inexpensive Air Fryer
5. Bella 2-Quart Electric Air Fryer
What We Like
- quiet
- easy to clean
- good for small kitchens
- efficient
What We Don't Like
- not the most gorgeous model
- can't accommodate large portions
- Value: 20/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Ease of Use: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 12/20
- Consistency: 17/20
TOTAL: 89/100
Finding an inexpensive air fryer is not a particularly difficult task, but the Bella 2-quart electric option really doesn't skimp on quality. It's easy to use, quiet during operation and pays for itself with just a few uses. "It has a knob to set the temperature and an old-fashioned timer—no fancy buttons or presets like other high-tech air fryers," explains executive editor Dara Katz. "I describe it now as a microwave (for its speed) meets convection oven. My oven might take 25 minutes to fully preheat. This air fryer takes a couple of minutes, and in 10 minutes I have gorgeously roasted potatoes." (She's also partial to cooking salmon in it.) The fryer is also relatively compact, making storage a cinch.
Best Inexpensive Air Fryer for Newbies
What We Like
- easy to operate
- hinged door
- viewing window allows you to watch your food
What We Don't Like
- not much space between racks
- not the most gorgeous design
PowerXL
- Value: 15/20
- Functionality: 18/20
- Ease of Use: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 16/20
- Consistency: 20/20
TOTAL: 89/100
It may not be the sleekest model out there, but it'll surely get the job done. Claiming to deliver crispy foods with 80 percent less calories compared to traditional toaster ovens, this mighty air fryer can do just about anything without requiring much from its owner. "There are definitely nicer air fryers on the market, but if you don't need all the bells and whistles and like a non-finicky machine to cook your meals, this one is a great option," says commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. "I've had it for about three years and haven't had any issues with its functionality." We love that it's equipped with an oven light and hinged door so you can take a peek at your food without letting out the heat. "I can see inside the fryer without opening it to check on the state of my food. The racks are also really easy to slide out and clean when I'm done."
Here are 2 more popular models to consider, based on customer reviews:
Most Popular Inexpensive Air Fryer
7. Instant Vortex Plus 10-Quart Air Fryer
What We Like
- can accommodate large portions
- reasonably priced
- thousands of 5-star Amazon ratings
What We Don't Like
- bulky
- some reviewers claim there's a plasticky chemical smell after use
- some reviewers say it beeps too much or too little
Instant Pot
The cult-favorite (seriously, it has a 4.5-star average rating out of 60,575 reviews) Instant Pot expanded its lineup with the Instant Vortex Plus, an air fryer that's totally foolproof and large enough to whip up a family-sized portion of fries. It boasts seven useful functions: air fry, broil, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat and rotisserie. The appliance comes with six cooking settings and an easy to operate temperature dial. Its 10-quart basket is actually a square, so it's able to hold more than some competitors.
Best Inexpensive Air Fryer for Families
8. GoWISE USA 7-Quart Electric Air Fryer
What We Like
- stackable racks
- innovative basket
- great for families
What We Don't Like
- bulky
- some reviewers claim it doesn't distribute heat evenly, some reviewers find the crisper tray difficult to clean
GoWISE
- Why We Love It: stackable racks, innovative basket, great for families
- Cons: bulky, some reviewers claim it doesn't distribute heat evenly, some reviewers find the crisper tray difficult to clean
The GoWISE fryer is a Texas-sized appliance for Texas-sized appetites. With its 7-quart capacity and eight cooking functions (air fry, roast, broil, dehydrate, grill, bake, reheat and keep warm), it can accommodate a whole chicken if needed, or about five burgers at once. Whereas most air fryer baskets are either squared or fully circular, this fryer has an elongated basket that makes it easier to spread ingredients into a single layer. And thanks to the stackable racks, you can air fry multiple foods (or two batches of fries) at once.
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Taryn Pire
Food Editor
Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...
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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
