If you think a crispy batch of fries or juicy chicken wings means dragging out a deep fryer and a jug of oil, an air fryer under $50 will be a very nice surprise. These budget-friendly models use hot air to give you that crunchy texture with far less oil, while staying compact enough for small kitchens, dorms, and RVs. Below, you’ll find our favorite cheap air fryers (and one classic deep fryer) that still feel solid, cook evenly, and are easy to clean.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Air Fryer Under $50 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer with EverGood Ceramic Nonstick, 6 Presets, 60-Min Timer, Oatmilk Finish
The Bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer is a great pick if you want an air fryer under $50 that does not eat up counter space. The slim body still hides an XL basket that can handle family-size batches. The EverGood ceramic nonstick coating is a nice bonus if you care about easier cleanup and fewer chemicals.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 4-quart capacity with an XL basket that holds up to 3.3 lbs of food, ideal for family dinners or weekly meal prep
✓ EverGood ceramic nonstick coating that is free from PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium for peace of mind
✓ Slim, vertical design that fits in tight corners, small apartments, or dorm kitchens
✓ 6 cooking presets plus a 60-minute timer, so you can set it and walk away
✓ Oatmilk finish that looks modern and blends well with light or neutral kitchen decor
Why We Recommend It
This model hits a rare balance: a compact footprint with real family cooking capacity. In daily use, it heats quickly, cooks evenly, and the ceramic basket releases food without a fight, which matters when you are trying to eat a bit healthier without scrubbing pans all night.
Best For
Best for small to medium households who want a stylish air fryer under $50 that can still handle a full dinner. It is also a smart choice if you care about ceramic nonstick instead of classic Teflon-style coatings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Generous 4-quart capacity in a slim, space-saving design
- Ceramic nonstick coating for easier cleanup and fewer chemicals
- Simple controls and presets that are easy to understand for beginners
- Modern oatmilk color looks nicer than basic black plastic
Cons:
- Preset icons may take a bit of trial and error to match to your favorite foods
- Exterior can get warm during longer cooking sessions
- No advanced features like shake reminders or preheat alerts
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is the perfect size for my needs. I cook for one and this efficient, slim air fryer more than meets my needs. It’s more compact than others, which was important to me, it simply works like a charm and it’s easy to clean! I’ve cooked 2 large chicken breasts that were perfectly roasted. I sliced “
Customer Review: “I can’t believe it took me so long to get this air fryer. For years I had this huge ugly one that didn’t fit in my pantry. This air fryer is perfect! It’s so sleek and fits in my pantry perfect and of course I love the fun color! It’s really easy to use and does a really good job. It’s also a lot qu”
2. Chefman TurboX 5-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer, Extra Crispy Results, Digital Touch Controls, Dishwasher Safe Basket
If you want the crispiest possible results from an air fryer under $50, the Chefman TurboX 5-Quart is hard to beat. The 5-quart basket gives you room for big batches of wings or veggies, and the digital controls make it feel like a more expensive model.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 5-quart capacity, ideal for families or anyone who likes to cook in larger batches
✓ 4-in-1 functionality with Air Fry, Bake, Roast, and Reheat modes to replace several small appliances
✓ Digital touch controls with a top-facing panel for quick access and clear visibility
✓ Temperature control up to 400°F so you can crisp, roast, or reheat a wide range of foods
✓ Dishwasher-safe basket for quicker cleanup on busy weeknights
Why We Recommend It
This Chefman model feels like a “sweet spot” between size, features, and price. It heats fast, browns food well, and the controls are simple enough that you do not need to babysit it. For an air fryer under $50, the extra capacity and digital interface are a nice surprise.
Best For
Best for families, roommates, or anyone who often cooks for three or more people. It is also a strong pick if you want to use your air fryer to bake and reheat, not just crisp frozen snacks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 5-quart basket for family-size portions
- Digital touch controls are intuitive and easy to read
- Produces very crispy results with minimal oil
- Basket is dishwasher safe, which cuts down on cleanup time
Cons:
- Larger footprint takes more counter or storage space
- Fans can be a bit noisy at higher temperatures
- No window to see food without pulling out the basket
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Last Friday night I had a craving for extra-crispy chicken wings but didn’t want to fire up the oven or deep-fry and clean up a greasy mess. That’s when I reached for the Chefman TurboX 4-in-1 Air Fryer — and within minutes it turned a casual dinner idea into crispy, juicy reality without the guilt “
Customer Review: “I love this air fryer. It’s very nice and modern looking. Easy to use and works great”
3. Chefman 2 Qt Mini Digital Air Fryer, Compact Space-Saving Design with Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Basket, Black
The Chefman 2 Qt Mini Digital Air Fryer is a tiny workhorse and one of the best true budget options if you want an air fryer under $50 for one or two people. It takes up about as much space as a large kettle, yet still handles quick snacks, sides, and small mains.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 2-quart square basket that maximizes cooking area while staying compact
✓ Digital touch screen to set time and temperature with just a few taps
✓ Uses little to no oil, making it easier to lighten up frozen snacks and weeknight meals
✓ Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket for fast cleanup
✓ Slim, vertical design that fits in tight spaces, ideal for dorms, RVs, and office kitchens
Why We Recommend It
This mini air fryer is perfect if you are cooking for one and do not want another bulky appliance. It heats quickly, cooks evenly for its size, and the digital controls feel more premium than the price suggests. For a first air fryer or a secondary unit, it is a very low-risk buy.
Best For
Best for singles, students, and couples who want a small air fryer under $50 for quick meals and snacks. It is also handy if you already own a larger air fryer and want a second unit for sides.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very compact and easy to store
- Digital controls make it simple to dial in time and temperature
- Great for small portions and quick snacks
- Basket and tray are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Too small for most families or large meals
- You may need to cook in batches for bigger portions
- Limited presets compared to larger, more advanced models
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This air fryer works great and is very easy to use. It heats up quickly and cooks food evenly with a nice crispy result. The size is perfect for everyday meals and it’s easy to clean. I’ve been using it often and so far I’m very happy with the quality for the price.””
Customer Review: “I really like this air fryer and I’m happy with the purchase. It works well, heats up quickly, and is very easy to use. Perfect for everyday meals and small portions.That said, it is quite small. It’s great for one person or a couple, but if you have a larger family or want to cook bigger portions a”
4. Amazon Basics 2.1-Qt Electric Deep Fryer, 8-Cup Oil Capacity, Adjustable Thermostat, Timer, Viewing Window
While this is not an air fryer, the Amazon Basics 2.1-Qt Electric Deep Fryer deserves a spot if you are shopping in the same budget range and want classic deep-fried taste. It is compact, easy to use, and keeps the oil mess contained much better than a pot on the stove.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 2-liter oil capacity (about 8 cups), enough for up to 6 cups of fried food
✓ Adjustable thermostat and built-in timer for more controlled frying
✓ Viewing window in the lid so you can monitor browning without lifting the top
✓ Mesh metal fry basket with hooks for draining and easy food removal
✓ 1500-watt heating element for fast heat-up and steady oil temperature
Why We Recommend It
If you still love the taste of classic deep-fried foods, this is a safer and more controlled way to do it at home. The temperature control and timer take a lot of guesswork out of frying, and it is small enough to store when you are not using it.
Best For
Best for small households that want true deep-fried texture on a budget, especially for fries, onion rings, and breaded snacks. It is also handy if you host the occasional game day and want a compact fryer that is easier to manage than a big pot of oil.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact size that still handles enough food for two people
- Thermostat and timer make frying more consistent and safer
- Viewing window lets you check food without removing the lid
- Basket hooks help drain excess oil with less mess
Cons:
- Uses a significant amount of oil compared to an air fryer
- Cleanup takes longer than with most air fryers
- Capacity may feel small if you are cooking for a crowd
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “One could deep fry in a sauce pan with a wire insert basket (I have one of those) or one could use a fryer specific implement. The advantage of this deep fryer is that the temperature is automatically controlled thus providing for a smoother operation and better outcomes. I’ve prepared onion rings, “
Customer Review: “Needs 2.1 quarts of oil, the basket is 6” x 8” and oil in basket is 1.5” deep when filled to the Max. Line. Very small deep fryer but great for 2 people. Used one time so far on fries worked great very crispy. Did not check temperature but I think it was hot enough, heated up in average time for a f”
5. 4.2 Quart Compact Air Fryer Oven, 1500W Rapid Air Circulation, 30-Min Timer, Adjustable Temperature, White
This 4.2 Quart Compact Air Fryer Oven is a straightforward, dial-control option that focuses on getting the basics right. If you want an air fryer under $50 with enough room for a couple or small family, this one offers solid power and a clean, white finish.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 4.2-quart capacity that suits two to four servings at a time
✓ 1500W rapid air circulation for even cooking and crisp results
✓ Simple two-dial operation for time (up to 30 minutes) and temperature
✓ 360° rapid air technology to cook food evenly without splatter
✓ Matte white exterior that resists fingerprints and looks neat on the counter
Why We Recommend It
This is the kind of air fryer you can plug in and use without reading a manual. The dials are clear, the basket is roomy, and the results are reliably crisp. For the price, it is a no-frills machine that does exactly what most people need.
Best For
Best for small families or couples who want a simple, mechanical air fryer under $50 with enough capacity for full meals. It is also a good match for anyone who prefers knobs over digital touch screens.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good 4.2-quart size for everyday dinners
- Strong 1500W heating for fast, even cooking
- Very simple controls that are easy for kids and seniors to use
- Clean white look that blends into most kitchens
Cons:
- 30-minute timer may not be enough for some recipes without resetting
- No digital display or presets
- White exterior may show stains if not wiped down regularly
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “We have enjoyed this air fryer for the past six months,it works so well ,no heating up the kitchen for a simple snack or meal,french fries are perfectly crisp just like oil frying,I made a grilled cheese that was heaven …lolThe price is excellent,it’s so easy to clean up as well…I hope I don’t h”
Customer Review: “We have enjoyed this air fryer for the past six months,it works so well ,no heating up the kitchen for a simple snack or meal,french fries are perfectly crisp just like oil frying,I made a grilled cheese that was heaven …lolThe price is excellent,it’s so easy to clean up as well…I hope I don’t h”
Complete Buying Guide for Air Fryer Under $50
Essential Factors We Consider
When we pick an air fryer under $50, we look for the same basics you would want in your own kitchen. First is capacity: a 2-quart model works for one person, while 4–5 quarts suits couples and small families. Second is even cooking, so food browns instead of steaming. Power around 1200–1500W usually gives better crisping.
We also pay attention to ease of use. Simple dials or clear digital controls mean you are more likely to use the fryer every day instead of letting it collect dust. Finally, cleanup matters a lot. Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts make it much easier to air fry a quick snack without dreading the cleanup afterward.
Budget Planning
Staying under $50 means you trade away some extras, but you can still get a reliable cooker. In this price range, expect one basket, basic presets (if digital), and fewer fancy features like smart apps or dual zones. Focus on getting the right size and a design that fits your counter or pantry.
If you are also planning your kitchen storage, it helps to think about where everything will live. For example, if you buy bulk items like dog food, a dedicated container can keep things tidy and fresh; the same mindset applies to storing small appliances so they are easy to reach when you need them. Over time, a clear plan for budget and storage keeps your kitchen from feeling cluttered.
Final Thoughts
An air fryer under $50 will not replace a full oven, but it can absolutely handle weeknight sides, snacks, and smaller mains. Decide how many people you cook for most often, then pick the smallest model that still fits that amount of food. If you are brand new to air frying, starting with a simple, affordable unit is a smart way to test the waters before upgrading later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is an air fryer under $50 actually worth buying?
A: Yes, as long as you keep your expectations in check. You will not get smart features or huge capacity, but you can still get crispy fries, wings, and veggies with less oil. For singles, students, and small families, these budget models often cover 90% of everyday needs.
Q: What size air fryer should I get for one or two people?
A: A 2-quart air fryer like the Chefman Mini is perfect if you mostly cook for one. For two people, a 3.5–4.2 quart model gives you more flexibility for full meals without taking up too much space.
Q: Do I need to preheat a budget air fryer?
A: Many recipes turn out better with a short preheat, even if the manual says it is optional. For most air fryer under $50 models, 3–5 minutes of preheating helps food crisp faster and cook more evenly.
Q: Can I cook raw meat in these air fryers?
A: Yes, you can cook raw chicken, pork, fish, and more in an air fryer under $50. Just make sure pieces are not overcrowded and always check that the internal temperature reaches a safe level before serving.
Q: How do I keep my air fryer from smoking?
A: Avoid using too much oil, clean the basket and tray regularly, and pour off any excess fat between batches. For especially fatty foods like bacon, adding a little water to the drip tray can help reduce smoke.
Choosing the right air fryer under $50 comes down to how much you cook and how much space you have. If you want a slim, ceramic-coated option, the Bella 4Qt is a great everyday pick. For bigger batches and extra-crispy results, the Chefman TurboX 5-Quart stands out. If you are ready to make weeknight cooking faster and a bit healthier, pick the model that fits your kitchen and click through to check today’s price—your future self on a busy evening will thank you.