8 Best Reliable Air Fryers Under $50 2026

The COSORI 2.1 QT is a dorm-room dynamo, punching far above its weight with a compact build and smart 4-in-1 functionality that makes it a lifesaver for tight spaces. Weighing just 4.87 lbs and measuring under 11 inches on all sides, it’s incredibly lightweight and space-efficient, perfect for students, seniors, or anyone cooking solo. Its 900W rapid heating system delivers crisp results with up to 97% less oil than deep frying—ideal for health-conscious users who still crave that satisfying crunch without the grease.

In real-world testing, the 2.1-quart basket excels at reheating leftovers—pizza, fries, and wings come back astonishingly crispy, rivaling fresh-out-of-the-oven quality. While it lacks a viewing window or shake alert, the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup effortless. However, the smaller capacity means you’ll need to cook in batches for more than two people, and the lack of preset programs means more manual input compared to competitors. It’s best suited for simple, single-serving meals rather than family-sized feasts.

Compared to the Chefman TurboX and Simple Deluxe models, the COSORI trades capacity and automation for unmatched portability and simplicity. It’s the top pick for dorms, RVs, or minimalist kitchens where counter space is at a premium. While it doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of larger units, it delivers consistent, fuss-free performance that outshines other mini fryers in its class—especially when ease of use and cleanup are top priorities.

The Chefman TurboX 5-quart air fryer is a family-friendly powerhouse, engineered to deliver extra crispy results with minimal effort. Its standout X-shaped airflow system ensures even heat distribution across the entire basket—no preheating required—making it exceptionally efficient for busy households. With 1500W of power and a 5-quart capacity, it can comfortably feed up to four people, crisping up chicken, fries, or frozen meals with a golden finish that rivals deep frying, using just a fraction of the oil.

During testing, the shake alerts proved invaluable—automatically pausing to remind users to agitate the basket, resulting in uniformly crispy wings and fries without guesswork. The digital touch controls are intuitive, offering time and temperature settings up to 400°F, while the frozen function seamlessly defrosts and crisps frozen foods in one go. However, its larger footprint may be a drawback for small kitchens, and the basket, while nonstick, can be tricky to fit into some dishwasher racks.

When stacked against the COSORI mini or DEIME models, the Chefman TurboX clearly targets families of four who want speed, capacity, and automation. It’s a step up in performance from budget models, offering smarter cooking logic and robust build quality. While it lacks a viewing window, its real-time feedback and consistent results make it a strong value leader—delivering premium features at a mid-range price, especially when compared to the more basic COMFEE’ or DEIME units.

The Simple Deluxe 6.34 QT is a kitchen game-changer, combining massive capacity with 12 smart presets and a visible cooking window—features rarely seen under $50. Its 1700W motor and rapid air circulation technology make it the most versatile performer in this lineup, capable of air frying, baking, roasting, and even dehydrating with consistent, restaurant-quality results. The see-through window with built-in light is a revelation—no more opening the basket and losing heat to check progress.

In practical use, this fryer shines when cooking for families or meal prepping. The 6.34-quart basket handled a full rack of wings or a whole chicken breast with ease, crisping evenly without overcrowding. The digital presets (fries, chicken, fish, etc.) take the guesswork out of cooking, while the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket ensures cleanup is a one-minute affair. That said, its larger size demands significant counter space, and the fan noise is slightly louder than quieter models like the DEIME.

Against the Gourmia and bella fryers, the Simple Deluxe offers more presets and a larger capacity, making it the best overall choice for those who want maximum functionality. It beats the Chefman TurboX in features and outperforms the COSORI in scale. For users who want one appliance to replace multiple kitchen gadgets, this model delivers exceptional versatility and performance—making it the most complete package in the sub-$50 category.

The CRUX x Marshmello 3.0 QT is the fun-loving chef’s dream, blending TurboCrisp technology with a playful, modern design that stands out on any countertop. Its 1300W heating system delivers a perfect crunch-to-juice ratio, making fries, nuggets, and chicken wings come out golden and satisfyingly crisp every time. The touchscreen controls and auto shutoff make it incredibly user-friendly, while the 3-quart capacity strikes a sweet spot for couples or small gatherings.

In testing, the TurboCrisp crisping tray lived up to its name—food had a noticeably crispier texture compared to basic models like the COMFEE’. The 60-minute timer with audible tone ensures no overcooking, and the included silicone cupcake molds add a whimsical touch for dessert lovers. However, the lack of a viewing window means you’ll need to open the basket to check progress, disrupting heat flow. And while it’s great for small batches, it’s not ideal for larger families.

Compared to the DEIME and COMFEE’ models, the Marshmello air fryer offers superior cooking performance and style, though at a slightly higher price. It’s a step above basic budget units, targeting users who value ease, aesthetics, and a bit of kitchen fun. With its unique design and bonus accessories, it’s the best pick for young adults or gift-givers—offering more flair and performance than utilitarian models, without sacrificing reliability.

The COMFEE’ 2.1 QT is the budget king, delivering essential air frying performance at the lowest price point in this lineup. Despite its modest 1200W power, it uses 360-degree rapid air circulation to cook food evenly and efficiently—perfect for reheating leftovers or whipping up quick snacks like fries or wings. Its 12 menu presets are a standout, offering one-touch convenience for frozen foods, meats, and even desserts, making it ideal for beginners.

In daily use, the compact size fits effortlessly in dorms, offices, or RVs, and the auto shut-off and overheat protection add a layer of safety. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup. However, the plastic build feels less durable than metal-bodied rivals, and the controls can be stiff, requiring firm presses. While it heats well, it’s slower than higher-wattage models and struggles with larger portions due to the small basket.

Against the COSORI and DEIME, the COMFEE’ wins on features per dollar, offering more presets than any other mini fryer. It’s not the fastest or most premium, but for those who want preset convenience on a tight budget, it’s unbeatable. It’s the best entry-level air fryer, providing solid performance and safety features—making it a smarter buy than bare-bones models, especially when value and simplicity are key.

The DEIME 3 QT is the quiet achiever, engineered for users who prioritize peace and simplicity in their kitchen. With ultra-quiet operation, it’s perfect for apartments, late-night snacks, or homes with light sleepers—its fan noise is barely noticeable compared to louder models like the Simple Deluxe. The 3-quart square basket maximizes space for a compact unit, fitting enough food for 1–2 people with ease, while the top-down airflow ensures a crispy finish using up to 90% less oil.

In testing, the touchscreen controls responded quickly, and the one-click functions made cooking fries or reheating pizza effortless. The BPA-free, nonstick basket cleaned up easily in the dishwasher, and the narrow design saved counter space—ideal for small kitchens. However, it lacks shake alerts or a viewing window, so monitoring progress requires opening the basket. And while it’s quiet, the cooking time is slightly longer than higher-wattage models.

Compared to the COMFEE’ and COSORI, the DEIME stands out for its silent performance and sleek footprint. It’s not the most feature-rich, but for those who want a no-fuss, quiet air fryer that gets the job done, it’s a top contender. It’s a better fit than bulkier models for minimalist users—offering clean design and whisper-quiet operation that outperforms noisier rivals, even if it sacrifices some speed.

The Gourmia 4 QT is the preset pro, built for users who want one-touch cooking without complexity. With 12 one-touch functions—including air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate—it replaces multiple appliances while maintaining a compact footprint. Its FryForce 360° technology uses 1300W of power to circulate hot air evenly, delivering consistent, crispy results across a wide range of foods. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup fast, and the digital display is clear and responsive.

In real-world use, the presets worked flawlessly, requiring zero guesswork—fries, chicken, and roasted veggies came out perfectly with minimal input. The 4-quart capacity is ideal for two or small families, though it’s not large enough for big batches. The lack of a viewing window means you’ll lose heat when checking food, and the build quality feels slightly plasticky compared to metal-heavy models. Still, for hands-off cooking, it’s hard to beat.

Against the bella and Chefman models, the Gourmia offers more presets than the bella and a smaller footprint than the Chefman. It’s the best choice for preset lovers who want maximum convenience without clutter. While it doesn’t have the slim design of the bella or the power of the Simple Deluxe, it delivers reliable, automated cooking—making it a smart middle-ground option for those who value simplicity and variety.

The bella 4Qt Slim is the space-saving stylist, designed for users who want sleek aesthetics and maximum efficiency in tight kitchens. Its slim, vertical design saves up to 50% more space than traditional air fryers, making it the best fit for cramped counters or narrow cabinets. With 1300W circular heat technology and a 3.3 lb XL basket, it delivers crispy, evenly cooked meals for two to four people—perfect for couples or small families.

In testing, the EverGood ceramic nonstick coating proved exceptionally durable and easy to clean—food slid right off, even after sticky recipes. The 6 presets (air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate) covered most cooking needs, and the 60-minute auto shutoff with audible tone ensured safety and convenience. However, the lack of a viewing window meant frequent basket openings to check doneness, and the soft matte finish shows fingerprints easily.

Compared to the Gourmia and DEIME, the bella offers better build quality and a more premium look, though it lacks the Gourmia’s 12 presets. It’s the best choice for style-conscious users who want a slim, elegant appliance that doesn’t sacrifice performance. While it’s not the most feature-packed, its design and ease of cleaning make it a standout—offering better aesthetics and space efficiency than bulkier models, even at the same price point.