8 Best Affordable Air Fryers of 2026

The DEIME 2.8 Qt Air Fryer is a game-changer for budget-conscious cooks who refuse to sacrifice performance. With its 400°F max temperature and rapid heating, it crisps frozen fries in under 15 minutes—no preheating drama. The square basket design is a smart use of space, maximizing capacity without bloating the footprint, making it ideal for tight kitchens or minimalist setups. It tackles everyday meals like chicken tenders, roasted veggies, and reheated pizza with surprising consistency, all while using up to 90% less oil than deep frying.

In real-world testing, this air fryer shines brightest with small-batch cooking for one or two people. The digital touchscreen responds quickly, and the one-click presets simplify routine meals. While the 2.8-quart capacity handles a modest spread, it struggles with larger family portions—don’t expect to cook a full chicken or batch of wings evenly. The fan is relatively quiet, but the top-down airflow occasionally leaves the bottom layer of food slightly less crisp than the top. Still, for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen snacks, it delivers consistent, golden results without the oil splatter or long oven preheat.

Compared to pricier models like the Cuisinart AIR-160NAS, the DEIME model trades cooking power and capacity for affordability and simplicity. It doesn’t offer roasting or dehydrating functions, but for someone who wants fast, healthy meals without clutter, it’s a standout. It’s not the most feature-rich, but it’s one of the most reliable entry-level performers in the under-$40 range. Against the similarly priced Bear 2.1 Qt, it offers more capacity and a sleeker interface, making it a better pick for those who cook slightly larger portions.

The COMFEE’ 2.1 Qt Air Fryer punches well above its weight with 12 smart menu options that transform it from a simple fryer into a versatile mini kitchen assistant. Whether you’re defrosting frozen nuggets or crafting crispy salmon fillets, the 360-degree rapid air circulation ensures even browning with minimal user input. Its adjustable temperature and timer give you full control, while the auto shut-off and overheat protection add peace of mind—especially in shared spaces like dorms or offices. This is the kind of appliance that makes healthy eating feel effortless, not like a chore.

During testing, the pre-programmed settings proved impressively accurate—fries came out golden, wings were juicy inside with a crackling crust, and even sweet treats like banana fritters held their shape. The 2.1-quart basket is compact but efficient, perfect for singles or couples. However, overcrowding leads to uneven results, and the smaller capacity means batch cooking is necessary for families. The fan runs quietly, but the interior light is dim, making it hard to monitor food without opening the basket. Still, for its size, it delivers exceptional crispness and consistency across a wide range of foods.

Stacked against the DEIME 2.8 Qt, the COMFEE’ model offers more cooking intelligence despite slightly less space. It’s not as powerful as the 1500W Chefman models, but its menu diversity and user-friendly design make it a smarter choice for beginners or those who value convenience. It’s the best overall compact air fryer for people who want set-it-and-forget-it simplicity without sacrificing healthy cooking. Compared to the Bear 2.1 Qt, it offers more presets and better temperature precision, making it a more capable daily driver.

The Cuisinart AIR-160NAS is a family-sized powerhouse built for those who want restaurant-quality results without the grease. With a 4.5-quart basket and 1600 watts of power, it can handle 2 pounds of wings or a whole 3.5-pound chicken with ease—something most compact models simply can’t match. The four cooking functions (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Keep Warm) and preset buttons make it incredibly versatile, while the large viewing window and toss reminder ensure you never miss the perfect flip. This is the go-to air fryer for busy households that demand both volume and precision.

In real-world use, the high-wattage heating element delivers deep, even crispness across large loads, whether roasting Brussels sprouts or baking salmon. The digital touch screen is responsive, and the automatic warming mode is a game-changer for keeping food hot during multi-course meals. However, its size demands significant counter space, and the fan noise is noticeable, especially in open-plan kitchens. While it handles most tasks with ease, dehydrating or broiling isn’t as effective as dedicated appliances—this is first and foremost an air fryer and roaster, not a multi-cooker.

Compared to the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, the Cuisinart offers more cooking power and capacity but lacks dehydrate and broil-specific functions. It’s better suited for large families than the 4-quart models, outperforming them in batch cooking and evenness. Against the Chefman 4 Qt, it’s bulkier but delivers superior heat distribution and build quality. For those who cook for three or more regularly, it offers the best balance of size, performance, and reliability—a true workhorse in the mid-price range.

The Instant Pot Vortex Plus is a culinary multitasker that redefines what a compact air fryer can do. With six cooking functions—including broil and dehydrate—it replaces multiple appliances, making it ideal for small kitchens or minimalist cooks. The EvenCrisp technology delivers uniform browning with 95% less oil, while the adjustable temperature from 95°F to 400°F opens up possibilities like jerky, dried herbs, or perfectly reheated pizza. The intuitive touchscreen and in-app recipes guide beginners through complex dishes, turning novices into confident cooks.

Real-world testing shows it excels at versatility—crispy fries, flaky roasted fish, and even cinnamon rolls come out beautifully. The 4-quart capacity is perfect for 2–4 people, though larger families will need to cook in batches. The broil function works well, but it’s not quite as intense as a full oven broiler. The fan is moderately loud, and the basket coating shows wear after repeated use, though it remains dishwasher-safe. Still, for those who want one appliance to do it all, it’s hard to beat the range of functions packed into this compact unit.

Compared to the Cuisinart AIR-160NAS, the Vortex Plus trades raw power for flexibility and smart features. It’s not as fast or spacious, but it does more with less—ideal for singles, couples, or students. Against the Chefman 4 Qt, it offers broil and dehydrate modes the Chefman lacks, making it a better choice for creative cooks who want variety. It’s the best for versatile cooking, offering more culinary freedom than any other model in its class.

The CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a sleek, no-nonsense solution for singles or couples who want crispy, healthy meals without clutter. Its 900W power and 400°F max temperature deliver fast results—frozen tater tots are ready in 12 minutes with a satisfying crunch. The capacitive touch screen feels premium for the price, and the shake reminder ensures even browning, a feature often missing in budget models. With a square basket design, it maximizes its small 2-quart capacity, making it one of the smartest space-saving air fryers on the market.

In daily use, it handles snacks, small proteins, and reheated leftovers with ease. The nonstick basket cleans up effortlessly, and the auto shut-off adds safety—especially important in shared living spaces. However, the low wattage means slower cooking times compared to 1500W models, and the basket is too small for more than two chicken thighs. It’s not built for family meals, and batch cooking is inevitable for more than two people. Still, for dorm rooms, RVs, or minimalist kitchens, it’s a reliable, compact performer that delivers where it matters.

Compared to the Bear 2.1 Qt, it offers similar capacity and quiet operation but adds a shake reminder, giving it a slight edge in usability. Against the DEIME 2.8 Qt, it’s smaller but more aesthetically refined and safety-focused. It’s the best choice for those who prioritize clean design and smart alerts in a tiny footprint. For the price, it offers better features than most entry-level models, making it a strong contender in the mini air fryer category.

The Bear 2.1 Qt Air Fryer earns its title as the quietest performer in the budget air fryer category, making it a perfect fit for open-concept homes or study-friendly environments. Its whisper-quiet operation ensures you can cook without interrupting calls, movies, or sleep—something most air fryers fail at. The dual-knob manual controls are refreshingly simple, letting you dial in precise time and temperature (up to 400°F) without swiping screens. With 360° rapid air circulation, it cooks food 30% faster than a conventional oven, delivering crispy results with 85% less oil—ideal for health-conscious users.

In real-world use, the manual controls are intuitive and reliable, though they lack presets or smart alerts. The 2.1-quart basket fits a generous serving of fries or four chicken wings, but overcrowding leads to sogginess. The nonstick coating wipes clean easily, and the smart pause feature (which stops cooking when the basket is removed) adds safety. However, the interior lacks a light, making it hard to monitor progress, and the knobs feel slightly flimsy over time. Still, for dorms, RVs, or quiet households, it’s a top-tier choice for noise-sensitive users.

Compared to the COMFEE’ 2.1 Qt, the Bear model offers quieter operation and simpler controls, but loses out on preset menus and digital convenience. Against the CHEFMAN 2 Qt, it’s quieter but lacks a shake reminder, which hurts crispness consistency. For those who value peace and quiet during cooking, it’s the undisputed leader in its class. It doesn’t have the most features, but it delivers where others disrupt, making it a unique standout for noise-conscious buyers.

The Chefman 4 Qt Air Fryer is the sweet spot between price and performance, earning its title as the best value mid-range air fryer. Its 1500W power and 450°F Hi-Fry Technology deliver an unmatched crunch—especially in the final two minutes of cooking, where the temperature spikes to seal in crispiness. The touchscreen presets (fries, wings, snacks, veggies) make daily cooking effortless, while the audible shake reminder ensures even browning without guesswork. This is the ideal upgrade for users who want restaurant-level crisp without the premium price tag.

In testing, the Hi-Fry boost made a noticeable difference—chicken tenders had a deep golden crust, and fries stayed crispy even after cooling. The 4-quart capacity serves 2–4 people comfortably, though large batches require rotation. The matte-black finish resists fingerprints, and the nonstick basket cleans easily in the dishwasher. However, the fan noise is on the louder side, and the basket coating shows scratches after heavy use. Still, for its price, it offers features typically found in higher-end models, making it a true overachiever.

Compared to the Cuisinart AIR-160NAS, it’s smaller and less powerful but more affordable and still highly capable. Against the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, it lacks dehydrate and broil functions, but wins in raw crisping power. It’s the best choice for families of three or fewer who want maximum crisp at a fair price. For the balance of performance, features, and cost, it outshines every other mid-tier model in the lineup.

The bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer stands out with its EverGood™ ceramic nonstick coating, a game-changing upgrade for those tired of scratched baskets and toxic coatings. This PFAS-free, PFOA-free interior not only ensures safer cooking but also resists sticking and scrubbing, making cleanup a breeze—even with sticky glazes or cheese. The slim design saves up to 50% more space than traditional models, fitting neatly beside a toaster or in tight cabinets, while still offering a 3.3 lb capacity—perfect for family-sized meals. With six presets and circular heat technology, it delivers consistent, crispy results across a wide range of dishes.

In real-world testing, the ceramic coating lived up to the hype—no food stuck, and wiping it down took seconds. The 60-minute auto shutoff with audible tone adds safety, and the digital controls are responsive. However, the heating isn’t as fast as 1500W models, and the interior light is dim, making it hard to check progress without pulling the basket. The fluted design looks elegant, but it collects dust and requires more frequent wiping. Still, for health-conscious users who value easy cleanup and sleek design, it’s a top-tier choice.

Compared to the Chefman 4 Qt, the bella model trades raw power for safer materials and aesthetics. Against the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, it lacks dehydrate and broil, but wins in nonstick durability and space efficiency. It’s the best for those who prioritize nonstick performance and kitchen aesthetics over high-wattage cooking. For users who want a beautiful, safe, and easy-to-clean air fryer, it offers unmatched peace of mind—a true leader in healthy, hassle-free cooking.