Finding a kitchen tool that saves time and makes food taste amazing feels like winning the lottery. You do not have to spend hundreds of dollars to enjoy crispy fries or juicy wings. In fact, finding the Best Air Fryer under $50 is easier than ever, with many compact and powerful models hitting the market. Whether you are cooking for one in a dorm room or looking to simplify side dishes for the family, these budget-friendly machines deliver great results without taking up too much counter space.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Best Air Fryer Under $50 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Chefman 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer with Digital Controls and Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Basket
This compact powerhouse is the ultimate companion for solo diners or those with tiny kitchens. It offers a sleek digital interface that makes customized cooking a breeze while maintaining a very small footprint.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Capacitive touch screen for precise time and temperature control.
- ✓ Healthy cooking technology requiring little-to-no oil for crispy results.
- ✓ Space-saving square basket design that maximizes the 2-quart capacity.
- ✓ Dishwasher-safe parts for a fast and hassle-free cleanup process.
Why We Recommend It
We love this model because it balances modern digital convenience with a very affordable price point. It heats up almost instantly, making it perfect for quick snacks like frozen mozzarella sticks or single servings of salmon.
Best For
Dorm rooms, office breakrooms, or individuals who want a dedicated machine for small side dishes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely compact design fits anywhere
- Easy-to-read digital display
- Nonstick basket is very easy to scrub
- Heats up faster than a standard oven
Cons:
- Capacity is strictly for one person
- Fan can be slightly audible in a quiet room
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 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.”
2. Gourmia 4 Quart Digital Air Fryer with 12 Cooking Presets and Stainless Steel Accents
The Gourmia 4-quart model strikes the perfect balance between capacity and price. It is large enough to handle a meal for two while offering premium features like stainless steel accents and a wide array of presets.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 12 one-touch cooking functions including bake, roast, and dehydrate.
- ✓ FryForce 360° Technology for even heat distribution and maximum crisp.
- ✓ 4-quart capacity suitable for personal portions or small family sides.
- ✓ Intuitive digital interface with clearly labeled cooking options.
Why We Recommend It
This is our top pick for versatility because it doesn’t just air fry; it can dehydrate fruits and roast vegetables perfectly. The stainless steel accents give it a high-end look that belies its budget price tag.
Best For
Couples or small families who need more room than a mini air fryer but still want to stay under budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 4-quart basket fits more food
- Impressive 12 preset cooking modes
- Sleek stainless steel design looks great
- Very consistent results with FryForce tech
Cons:
- Takes up a bit more counter space
- Beeps can be loud when timer finishes
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I got it at a wonderful price amazing quality easy to work nice touchscreen multiple shelves. It does so many wonderful things and I use it at least four times a week.”
Customer Review: “So good that I bought one for my Mom. It’s a great little Air Fryer. Small Profile: It doesn’t take over your countertops. Easy to Use.”
3. Bella 4 Qt Slim Air Fryer with Ceramic Nonstick Coating and Six Preset Cooking Options
Bella has created a slim-profile machine that fits in narrow spaces while offering a surprisingly large XL basket. The standout feature is the ceramic coating, which is a healthier alternative to traditional nonstick.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating free from PFAS and PFOA.
- ✓ Slim design that saves 50% more counter space than bulky models.
- ✓ XL basket capacity that can hold up to 3.3 lbs of food.
- ✓ Six preset cooking options for easy one-touch operation.
Why We Recommend It
The ceramic coating is the real winner here, as it is incredibly easy to clean and safer for your family. Its slim vertical design means you don’t have to sacrifice your entire counter to have a high-capacity air fryer.
Best For
Health-conscious cooks and anyone living in an apartment with very limited counter real estate.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Toxic-free ceramic nonstick coating
- Fits in very narrow spaces
- High weight capacity for bulkier items
- Gorgeous, modern aesthetic
Cons:
- Fewer presets than some competitors
- Taller design might not fit under low cabinets
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent. The best air fryer I’ve ever owned. I use it for all of my air frying, baking, toast. Amazing it is compact and cute, easy to clean.”
Customer Review: “I absolutely love this air fryer! It stays so clean, the color is gorgeous, and the functionality is fantastic. It’s slim enough to fit nicely on my counter.”
4. Cosori 2.1 QT Mini 4 in 1 Air Fryer with Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Basket and Recipes
Cosori is a heavyweight in the air fryer world, and their mini version brings all that expertise into a pint-sized package. It is exceptionally lightweight and heats up in a flash.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Reheat, Roast, and Bake.
- ✓ Ultra-lightweight build (under 5 lbs) for easy storage.
- ✓ Fast heating basket that reduces overall cooking time.
- ✓ Quiet operation compared to larger, noisier units.
Why We Recommend It
This is the perfect choice for seniors or students because it is so simple to handle and move around. It excels at reheating leftovers, making them taste even better than when they were first cooked.
Best For
Dorm life, RV travel, or as a secondary “leftover reheating” machine.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Top-tier build quality from a trusted brand
- Intuitive controls for non-techy users
- Comes with great recipe inspiration
Cons:
- Small capacity limits meal types
- Takes up very little vertical space
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I purchased the Cosori mini air fryer because of its small size. I decided on the Cosori because it’s probably the smallest overall size and I leave my fryer out on the counter.”
Customer Review: “This air fryer is exactly as advertised. It works well and quickly, clean up is super easy, and it beats heating up the oven for one or two servings.”
5. Comfee Compact 2.1 Quart Air Fryer with 12 Menu Options and Adjustable Temperature Control
Comfee offers a stylish and budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features. With 12 menu options, it handles everything from breakfast sausages to midnight chicken wings with ease.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 360-degree rapid air circulation for consistent results.
- ✓ Reduces oil consumption by up to 90% compared to deep frying.
- ✓ 12 pre-programmed menu options for variety.
- ✓ Wide adjustable temperature range for delicate or high-heat cooking.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this because of its surprisingly deep list of menu options for such a small machine. It is designed to be a “set it and forget it” tool for busy people who want a healthy meal fast.
Best For
Budget-conscious students or young professionals who want plenty of preset variety.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful design aesthetics
- Great variety of menu presets
- Very affordable entry price
- Compact but capable
Cons:
- Basket handle feels slightly plastic-heavy
- Instruction manual could be more detailed
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Very nice. Very pretty. Good size.. big enough basket to make food for 2, yet small enough to not take up entire counter. Fries food perfectly.”
Customer Review: “I purchased this small air fryer for my university student daughter. It’s perfect for her needs and fits well into her little kitchen corner.”
6. Chefman TurboX 5 Quart 4 in 1 Air Fryer with Digital Touch Controls and Dishwasher Safe Parts
Getting a 5-quart air fryer under $50 is a steal. The TurboX provides the extra volume needed for families or meal prepping while maintaining the user-friendly digital interface Chefman is known for.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Extra-large 5-quart capacity for whole family meals.
- ✓ 4-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate).
- ✓ TurboX technology for ultra-crispy golden results.
- ✓ Sleek top-facing digital control panel for ergonomic use.
Why We Recommend It
If you have the counter space, this is the best value per quart on our list. It allows you to cook a whole small chicken or a large batch of wings in a single go, saving time and energy.
Best For
Families on a budget or anyone who likes to host friends for game day snacks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best capacity-to-price ratio
- Dehydrate function works surprisingly well
- Dishwasher safe parts save cleaning time
- Modern, high-tech look
Cons:
- Largest footprint on this list
- Can heat up the surrounding area slightly more
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this because of the reviews, and it was everything it was supposed to be. I’ve used it about 20 times now, and it has been reliable, and the food has been very tasty.”
Customer Review: “The fryer that I bought was the one with the digital temperature/timer display. Using that one is a little bit more complex as there are no clicky buttons.”
7. Bella 4 Qt Slim Air Fryer with Ceramic Nonstick Coating and Six Cooking Presets in Plum
Who says appliances have to be black or silver? This Plum version of the Bella Slim air fryer adds a pop of personality to your kitchen without sacrificing the healthy ceramic coating features.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating for chemical-free cooking.
- ✓ Unique Plum color for a stylish kitchen aesthetic.
- ✓ Slim design that handles large 3.3 lb batches.
- ✓ Six preset options for consistent cooking results.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this because it proves that budget appliances can still be stylish and high-quality. The plum color is sophisticated, and the ceramic coating makes it one of the easiest units to clean on the market.
Best For
Kitchen enthusiasts who want a dash of color and a focus on non-toxic materials.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
- May show fingerprints more than black matte
- Price fluctuates near the $50 limit
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent. The best air fryer I’ve ever owned. I use it for all of my air frying, baking, toast. Amazing it is compact and cute, easy to clean.”
Customer Review: “I absolutely love this air fryer! It stays so clean, the color is gorgeous, and the functionality is fantastic. It’s slim enough to fit nicely on my counter.”
8. Domem 3 Qt Compact Air Fryer with Touchscreen Controls and Space Saving Nonstick Basket
The Domem 3-quart air fryer is a sleeper hit for those who want a simple, no-fuss interface. It’s incredibly straightforward, making it a great choice for kids or those who dislike complex gadgets.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Clear and simple touch control panel for all ages.
- ✓ 85% less oil required compared to deep frying methods.
- ✓ Compact 3-quart size fits under almost any kitchen cabinet.
- ✓ Fast-circulating air for even cooking without needing to flip constantly.
Why We Recommend It
We like this model because it is very quiet during operation. It offers that mid-range 3-quart capacity which is the “sweet spot” for many users who cook for themselves and a partner.
Best For
Simplicity-seekers who want a reliable machine with a very low learning curve.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Super quiet operation
- Very intuitive control panel
- Fast preheating time
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Basic feature set compared to others
- Exterior can get quite warm
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Good little thing. Quiet. Not huge but big enough for two people to eat out of.”
Customer Review: “Works as it should. Great addition to my kitchen. Simple to setup and easy to clean afterward.”
9. Deime 3 Qt Digital Air Fryer with Reheat and Roast Functions and Nonstick Basket
Deime has optimized the basket shape of this 3-quart air fryer to ensure you get the most usable space. It’s a great little machine for roasting veggies or perfecting a single steak.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Little-to-no preheating time required.
- ✓ Top-down airflow system for a perfect golden finish.
- ✓ Sleek, narrow design to minimize countertop footprint.
- ✓ Reheat and roast functions for extra versatility.
Why We Recommend It
The speed is the main reason we suggest this. It moves from “off” to “crisping” faster than many larger units, making it ideal for those who have zero patience when they are hungry after work.
Best For
Speedy lunches or anyone who finds themselves using the reheat function often.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Almost zero preheat time
- Excellent at crisping frozen foods
- Compact and easy to store
- Very affordable for a 3-quart unit
Cons:
- Basket can be tight to pull out initially
- Digital icons are small
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This plain Jane version works very well. The cook chart that comes with the instructions just gives you a feel of what time and temperature to set.”
Customer Review: “I finally pulled the trigger and got this one on sale, and I can’t believe I ever went without one! My most popular request for meals since getting this is steak.”
10. Small 2.1 Qt Digital Mini Air Fryer with 7 in 1 Presets and Dishwasher Safe Basket
Don’t let the “small” in the name fool you; this 2.1-quart unit packs 1000W of power. It’s a mighty little tool that delivers 7-in-1 versatility for those who want a mini footprint.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 7 preset menus for effortless one-touch cooking.
- ✓ Wide temperature range from 120°F to 400°F.
- ✓ 1000W power for rapid and efficient air frying.
- ✓ Dishwasher-safe basket for the quickest cleanup possible.
Why We Recommend It
It’s rare to see 7 presets in such a small unit. We love it because it’s perfect for RV life or solo living where you still want the variety of a full-sized air fryer.
Best For
Travelers, RV owners, and students living in compact studio apartments.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 7 handy presets in a mini size
- Great temperature control range
- Very simple cleanup
- Fits in a cabinet easily
Cons:
- Capacity is strictly for small portions
- Cord length is a bit short
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I was looking for a small compact air fryer for a while. I wanted a compact one to not take up too much counter space. As well as a good reliable product. This air fryer has started off great.”
Customer Review: “Small but mighty! Super easy to clean. Gets food nice and crispy pretty quickly. Doesn’t get too hot on the outside to burn yourself.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Air Fryer Under $50
Essential Factors We Consider
When you are shopping in the budget category, capacity and wattage are your two biggest priorities. Most air fryers under $50 fall into the 2-quart to 4-quart range. If you are cooking for one, 2 quarts is plenty. If you have a partner, look for at least 3 quarts. We also check for dishwasher-safe baskets because nobody wants to spend more time cleaning than they did cooking.
Budget Planning
The good news is that at this price point, you are often getting the best value for your money. You are skipping the fancy Wi-Fi connectivity and touch screens for high-quality heating elements and durable baskets. Keep an eye out for sales, as many 4-quart models frequently drop below $50 during holiday periods.
Final Thoughts
An air fryer doesn’t need to be expensive to be effective. By focusing on a model with a solid nonstick coating and consistent airflow, you can enjoy all the benefits of healthy frying without the hefty price tag. Whether you choose the compact Chefman or the larger Gourmia, you’re making a great investment in your kitchen efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you put aluminum foil in a cheap air fryer?
A: Yes, you can use aluminum foil in most budget air fryers, but you must ensure you don’t cover the entire basket. Air needs to circulate to cook the food. Also, never put foil in without food on top to weigh it down, or it could fly into the heating element.
Q: Is a 2-quart air fryer enough for two people?
A: It is usually quite tight. A 2-quart model is perfect for a single serving of fries or chicken. For two people, we recommend looking at a 3-quart or 4-quart model to avoid having to cook in multiple batches.
Q: Do budget air fryers use a lot of electricity?
A: Actually, air fryers are generally more efficient than a standard oven. Because they are smaller and heat up faster, they use less energy overall to cook the same amount of food.
Q: How do I clean a nonstick air fryer basket?
A: Most baskets are dishwasher safe, but if yours isn’t, simply soak it in warm soapy water for 10 minutes. Avoid using abrasive sponges, as these can peel the nonstick coating over time.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen game? Choosing the Best Air Fryer under $50 is a smart way to eat healthier and save time on busy weeknights. Pick the model that fits your space, and start enjoying that perfect crunch today! Happy cooking!
