You’re planning to buy an air fryer on a tight budget. I’ve been in your shoes. Spending over a hundred bucks for crispy fries or roasted veggies just doesn’t feel right. The good news? You don’t need a fancy machine to enjoy real air-fried food. Some of the best meals I’ve made came from small air fryers that cost less than dinner for two. Yes, it’s possible. In this guide, you’ll discover the best air fryers under $50 that perform. I’ll share top picks, what to look for, and simple answers to common questions. Let’s find the right one for your kitchen.
Why an Air Fryer Under $50 Might Be All You Need
You don’t need a big budget to eat well. A low-cost air fryer can easily handle everyday meals. From crispy fries to juicy wings, it does the job without breaking the bank.
These air fryers are perfect for small homes, busy students, or anyone starting. They cook fast, clean up easily, and take up very little space. Even a small kitchen can fit one.
Some models are so simple, you won’t even need to read the manual. Turn the knob, load the basket, and let it work. That’s it. For under fifty bucks, it’s a win.
Our Top Picks – Best Air Fryers Under $50
01. COSORI 2.1 Qt Mini Air Fryer
The COSORI 2.1 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a great pick for small homes. It fits tight spots, cooks fast, and is easy to clean. Whether you’re making fries, snacks, or reheating leftovers, it gets the job done with little to no oil.
Key Features
- 2.1-quart basket for small meals
- 4 cooking options: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, and Reheat
- Heats up to 400°F
- Uses 97% less oil than deep fryers
- Nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe
- Lightweight (under 5 lbs) and easy to move
- 30 in-app recipes included
Why It’s a Good Choice
This air fryer is built for ease. The size is small, but it cooks fast and well. You don’t need oil to get a crispy bite. It fits on a counter and doesn’t take up much space.
Use it to warm up pizza, make fries, or bake small treats. It’s perfect for dorms, RVs, and tiny kitchens. The air fryer heats up quickly and gives you more time to relax.
Real Feedback from Users
One user loved the size. It fits well on the counter and looks clean. They tried cooking peppers and potatoes. The result was tasty, but some thin onions got too crisp. Still, they were happy with how fast and easy it was.
02. Gourmia 4-Quart Digital Air Fryer
The Gourmia GAF486 is a smart choice for home cooks. It’s fast, simple, and makes food crisp without much oil. With one touch, you can cook fries, chicken, fish, or even warm leftovers. It’s clean, quiet, and built for busy lives.
Key Features
- 4-quart size holds food for 2 to 4 people
- 12 presets let you cook with one touch
- The air flow system cooks food all around
- Digital screen shows time and temperature
- Parts are dishwasher-safe
- Tall shape, small base to save counter space
- Auto shut-off for safety
- 1-year warranty included
Why It’s a Good Choice
This air fryer is fast. It heats up quickly. It cooks in less time than most ovens. You don’t need to flip your food. The hot air surrounds it.
The basket is big enough for meals, but the fryer is still small. It fits on most kitchen counters. The buttons are clear and simple to use.
Real Feedback from Users
One person said they made chicken parmesan on day one. It came out crisp with melted cheese. They appreciated how easy it was to get started. The fryer sat well next to other tools on the counter. They used liners, so cleaning was fast.
03. DASH Compact Air Fryer
The DASH Compact Air Fryer is simple, small, and stylish. It’s made for fast, oil-free cooking. Ideal for one or two people, it delivers crispy results without extra buttons or bulk. Just set the time and temp, and let it work.
Key Features
- Capacity: 2 quarts (feeds 1–2 people)
- Functions: Air fry a variety of foods, from fries to baked goods
- Controls: Manual knobs for temperature and timer
- Power: 1000 watts with AirCrisp Technology
- Cleanup: Nonstick basket, dishwasher-safe
- Extras: Auto shut-off, cool-touch handle, compact and lightweight design
Why It’s a Good Choice
This air fryer uses hot air instead of oil to cut fat by up to 80%. It heats quickly and cooks food evenly. The manual controls are easy for anyone to use. It’s perfect for dorms, apartments, or anyone who wants a fast snack without the mess.
Real Feedback from Users
Buyers love its size and ease. One user shared: “It’s perfect for one person. No confusing buttons. Quiet, easy to clean, and doesn’t take much space. I recommend it to anyone living alone or in a small space
04. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer
Looking for a small air fryer that gets the job done? The CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is made for fast, healthy meals. It fits in small kitchens and is easy to use. From crisp fries to juicy wings, it cooks quickly and clean.
Key Features
- Touch control panel for time and heat
- Shake alert for even cooking
- Nonstick basket that’s easy to wash
- Small size that saves space
- Fast cook times—up to 3x faster than ovens
- Low-oil cooking for better health
- Auto shutoff for safety
Why It’s a Good Choice
This air fryer is simple. Tap the screen. Pick your time. Done. It heats up fast and fits in tight spots. The 2-quart basket is great for one or two people. It takes up less room but still holds enough food.
Real Feedback from Users
People love how fast it works. One user said it’s “perfect for a college dorm.” Others like the clean look and touch screen. It’s quiet, cooks fast, and is easy to clean. Many say it’s a great deal for the price.
05. BELLA 2 Qt Air Fryer
The BELLA 2 Qt Manual Air Fryer is small, fast, and easy to use. It cooks tasty food with little oil. It’s perfect for 1 or 2 people. Just turn the knob, wait a few minutes, and your meal is ready.
Key Features
- Capacity: 2 quarts (feeds 2–3 people)
- Functions: Air fry, bake, roast, broil, and reheat
- Controls: Manual knobs for time and temperature
- Power: 1200 watts of fast, even heating
- Cleanup: Nonstick, removable tray and basket
- Extras: Compact size, cool design, low-fat cooking
Why It’s a Good Choice
This fryer makes food crispy with 88% less fat. No deep oil. No mess. You can cook fries, wings, or veggies fast. It heats up quickly and cooks food evenly. The 1200-watt power helps your food stay hot and fresh.
Real Feedback from Users
People love how fast and easy it is. One review says: “Perfect for two. I made gyoza and toast! Everything came out great. It’s cute, works well, and is easy to clean.
06. CRUX x Marshmello 3.0 QT Digital Air Fryer
The CRUX x Marshmello Digital Air Fryer brings fun, flavour, and fast cooking into one small machine. With TurboCrisp™ tech and a sleek black look, it turns everyday meals into crispy favourites. It’s made for quick cooking, fewer calories, and easier cleanup.
Key Features
- Capacity: 3 quarts (feeds 2–4 people)
- Functions: Air fry, bake, roast, broil
- Controls: Touch screen with pre-set programs and timer
- Power: 1300 watts, TurboCrisp™ fast heat
- Cleanup: Nonstick, dishwasher-safe tray and basket
- Extras: Includes 4 silicone cupcake moulds, auto shut-off, sleek design
Why It’s a Good Choice
This air fryer is fast, powerful, and simple to use. The TurboCrisp™ tray gives food a crunchy outside while keeping the inside moist. It handles fries, wings, cupcakes, and more—no greasy mess needed. The 1300 watts cook food evenly, and the pre-set functions save time.
Real Feedback from Users
Many love the size and performance. One buyer said, “It’s big enough for my family. Better than using the oven. I like the presets and all the features my old one didn’t have. Great value for the price.
07. Topzee 2.1QT Small Compact Air Fryer
The Topzee 2.1QT Mini Air Fryer is made for people who want fast, easy meals without the mess. It’s small, quiet, and smart—great for a single person or a couple. From crispy fries to leftover pizza, this compact fryer handles it all with less oil and more flavour.
Key Features
- Capacity: 2.1 quarts (serves 1–2 people)
- Functions: Air fry, roast, bake, reheat
- Controls: Digital touch, adjustable temp (120°F–400°F), 60-min timer
- Power: 1000 watts
- Cleanup: Nonstick, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe parts
- Extras: Lightweight, quiet, includes cooking guide on top
Why It’s a Good Choice
This air fryer is built for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even RVs. It weighs less than 6 pounds and tucks away neatly. With up to 98% less oil needed, it’s a healthier way to cook. The four-in-one design lets you heat up leftovers or make fresh meals fast. It’s quiet, so it won’t disturb your space.
What to Consider Before Buying a Budget Air Fryer
Capacity: 1.5 – 2.1 Qt — Who Is It For?
A 1.5 to 2.1-quart air fryer works best for one or two people. It’s great for snacks, small meals, and quick sides. This size fits well in tight kitchens and dorms.
Control System: Analogue vs. Digital
Analogue models use turn knobs. They’re simple and low-cost. Digital air fryers have screens and presets for more control.
Basket Design: Round vs. Square
Round baskets are common but waste space. Square ones hold more food in the same size. They cook more evenly and are easier to load.
Temperature Range & Cooking Time
Choose a fryer that heats up to 400°F. This lets you cook fries, nuggets, and more. A 60-minute timer is also useful for full meals.
Dishwasher-Safe Parts
Look for a nonstick tray and basket that go in the dishwasher. It saves time and effort. PFOA-free coating adds extra safety.
Brand Reliability
Trusted brands last longer and perform better. Read reviews before buying. Brands with many buyers and good support are safer choices.
Warranty/Support
A 1-year warranty shows the brand stands by its product. Good support means fast help with any issue. That gives peace of mind.
Faqs
What is the best size air fryer for one or two people?
A small air fryer with 2 to 3 quarts is best for one or two people. It saves space, cooks fast, and uses less energy for daily meals.
Do budget air fryers still cook food well?
Yes, cheap air fryers can cook food well. Many models use strong heat and airflow to make meals crispy with less oil.
Are manual air fryers better than digital ones?
Manual air fryers are easy to use and cost less. Digital air fryers have more settings but may cost more and need more buttons.
How do I clean a small air fryer?
Most small air fryers have a nonstick basket that is easy to wash. Look for dishwasher-safe parts to make cleaning fast and simple.
Final Thoughts
Budget air fryers offer an easy way to enjoy crisp, tasty food with less oil. They’re small, fast, and simple to use. Most models are perfect for one or two people and clean-up takes just a few minutes. You don’t need a big budget to cook smarter and healthier at home.
