Air fryers have transformed weeknight cooking — faster than a conventional oven, crispier than a microwave, and far less mess than deep frying. The good news: you do not need to spend a lot to get excellent results. The best cheap air fryers deliver the same crisp finish as premium models at a fraction of the price. This guide covers five of the best options under $80, tested across everyday tasks like fries, chicken wings, and reheated leftovers.
Table of Contents
Best Cheap Air Fryers at a Glance
| Model | Capacity | Wattage | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 | 4 Qt | 1550W | Overall best value | $80–$100 |
| COSORI Pro II 5.8 Qt | 5.8 Qt | 1700W | Families of 3–4 | $80–$100 |
| Instant Vortex 4 Qt | 4 Qt | 1500W | Easiest to use | $60–$80 |
| DASH Compact 2 Qt | 2 Qt | 1000W | Singles & couples | $30–$50 |
| Chefman TurboFry | 3.6 Qt | 1200W | Tightest budget | $30–$50 |
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Our Top Picks — Reviewed
1. Ninja AF101 — Best Overall Value
The Ninja AF101 consistently tops budget air fryer rankings because it simply works. It heats up quickly, produces genuinely crispy results, and the 4-quart basket is right-sized for one to three people. The wide temperature range (105°F to 400°F) gives it genuine dehydrating capability at the low end and serious crunch-producing heat at the top.
- Pros: Reliable crisping, easy-to-clean ceramic-coated basket, compact footprint
- Cons: Digital display (not touch) can feel dated; basket not dishwasher-safe on all models
- Best for: Individuals and couples who cook air fryer staples daily
2. COSORI Pro II 5.8 Qt — Best for Families
If you regularly cook for three or four people, the COSORI Pro II is worth the modest step up in price. The 5.8-quart square basket has significantly more usable space than round baskets of the same stated capacity. The 11 preset functions are genuinely useful rather than gimmicky — particularly the preheat and shake reminder functions.
- Pros: Large square basket, shake reminder, bright LED display, dishwasher-safe basket
- Cons: Bigger footprint on the counter; slight learning curve with presets
- Best for: Families of 3–4, meal preppers, people who cook larger batches
3. Instant Vortex 4 Qt — Easiest to Use
The Instant Vortex wins on simplicity. Where other air fryers bury you in buttons and presets, the Vortex offers four clear one-touch programmes (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat) and a clean rotary dial for time and temperature. If you want air-fried results without any fuss, this is the model to pick.
- Pros: Dead-simple interface, excellent reheat function, solid build quality
- Cons: Fewer presets than competitors; basket slightly small for the stated capacity
- Best for: First-time air fryer users, older adults, anyone who wants simplicity
4. DASH Compact 2 Qt — Best for Small Spaces
The DASH Compact is the smallest and cheapest air fryer worth recommending. At two quarts it cannot handle a full batch of wings, but it excels at single portions — a handful of fries, one chicken breast, or reheating a slice of pizza. The manual dial design means nothing to break or reprogram, and at under $50 it is virtually risk-free to try.
- Pros: Tiny footprint, very affordable, manual dial is foolproof
- Cons: 2-quart basket limits batch size; no digital display
- Best for: Singles, studio apartments, dorms, office use
5. Chefman TurboFry — Tightest Budget Pick
The Chefman TurboFry is regularly available under $35 and still delivers respectable air-fry results. It is not as polished as the Ninja or COSORI, but for someone wanting to try air frying before committing to a more expensive model, it is an ideal entry point. The 3.6-quart capacity handles a decent portion size.
- Pros: Very cheap, 3.6-quart basket for the price, includes recipe booklet
- Cons: Plastic-heavy build, less even heat distribution, manual dial only
- Best for: Budget shoppers, gift buying, casual use
Air Fryer Buying Guide
What size air fryer do I need?
A 2–3 quart basket suits one person cooking single portions. A 4–5 quart basket is the sweet spot for couples and small families — it handles a full portion of fries, 4–6 chicken wings, or a small whole chicken. For families of four or more, look for 5.8 quarts or above.
Do cheap air fryers work as well as expensive ones?
For everyday tasks — fries, wings, reheating leftovers — budget models perform nearly identically to premium ones. The differences show up in build quality over years of use, the evenness of heat distribution, and extra features like smart connectivity or dehydrating presets. If you cook air fryer food daily, spending slightly more makes sense. If you cook it occasionally, a budget model is perfectly fine.
Are air fryer baskets dishwasher-safe?
Most modern air fryer baskets have a non-stick coating that technically survives dishwasher cycles, but hand-washing extends the lifespan of the coating significantly. The COSORI Pro II is a notable exception — its basket holds up well in the dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an air fryer take to cook frozen fries?
At 400°F, most frozen fries take 15–18 minutes with a shake halfway through. Thicker cut fries may need 20 minutes. The exact time varies by air fryer model and your preferred level of crispiness.
Can I cook raw chicken in an air fryer?
Yes — air fryers cook raw chicken safely and efficiently. Chicken breasts at 375°F take approximately 18–22 minutes depending on thickness. Always verify internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.
Do I need to preheat an air fryer?
Most recipes benefit from 3–5 minutes of preheating, particularly for anything you want very crispy. Some budget models without a preheat function can simply run empty for a few minutes before adding food.
Bottom line: The Ninja AF101 is the best cheap air fryer for most people — it is reliable, right-sized, and easy to clean. If you cook for a bigger household, the COSORI Pro II’s larger basket is worth the same price. Either way, you do not need to spend more than $100 to get genuinely great air-fried food.
Glenn is the founder of Kitchenware Compare and has spent years researching, testing, and reviewing kitchen appliances, cookware, and gadgets. A lifelong home cook raised in a family that treated every meal as an occasion, Glenn started this site to cut through the noise of conflicting product reviews and give readers honest, practical guidance. When he is not testing the latest air fryer or digging into the specs of a new espresso machine, he can usually be found experimenting with new recipes or hunting for the perfect cast iron skillet at a flea market.