Thinking about buying an air fryer in 2025? You’re not alone! Air fryers remain one of the hottest kitchen trends, promising crispy, delicious results with less oil-perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. In this guide, we’ll break down the best cheap air fryers for 2025, highlight what’s new this year, and help you find an affordable model that delivers on performance and value.
Trends & Data: What’s Hot in Air Fryers for 2025
Air fryers have exploded in popularity, with nearly 60% of U.S. households now owning one. The market is projected to reach $1.5 billion in 2025, driven by the demand for healthier cooking, time-saving appliances, and smart home integration. This year, expect to see:
- Smarter controls: More models feature Wi-Fi, app connectivity, and voice control.
- Faster cooking: New motors and air circulation tech cut cook times.
- Larger capacities: Families want to cook more in one batch.
- Multi-functionality: Air fryers now roast, bake, grill, dehydrate, and more.
- Easy cleaning: Dishwasher-safe baskets and removable splatter guards are now standard.
These trends mean you can get a feature-packed, affordable air fryer without sacrificing crispy results.
Why These Air Fryers Made the List
We selected air fryers that consistently rank high for performance, value, and user satisfaction. Each pick is budget-friendly, easy to use, and delivers reliably crispy food. We prioritized models with:
- Strong reviews from trusted sources and real users
- Essential features for everyday cooking
- Different sizes to fit various households
- Unique selling points (smart features, dual baskets, etc.)
At-a-Glance: Best Cheap Air Fryers 2025
| Feature / Model | COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Qt | Ninja Foodi DZ201 DualZone | BELLA Pro Series 8-Qt | Instant Vortex Plus 6-Qt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $90–$130 | $120–$150 | $70–$100 | $100–$140 |
| Capacity | 6 quarts | 8 quarts (dual basket) | 8 quarts | 6 quarts |
| Cooking Functions | Air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate | Air fry, roast, reheat, bake, dehydrate | Air fry, bake, roast, broil | Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate |
| Smart Features | App, voice control | Smart Finish, Sync Cook | – | See-through window, presets |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | All-around value | Large families, versatility | Big batches, low price | Quick, even cooking |
| Pros | Fast, quiet, smart, versatile | Dual baskets, big capacity, sync finish | Large, affordable, easy to use | Preheat, easy programming, viewing window |
| Cons | Bulky, some inconsistency | Bulky, takes counter space | Single basket only | Tray can fall out when serving |
| Best Overall/Value | Best Overall | Best for Families | Best Large Capacity | Best for Quick Meals |
Key Comparison Criteria: What Matters Most
When shopping for a budget air fryer, focus on these features:
- Capacity: 4–8 quarts is ideal for most households. Larger models suit families or meal preppers.
- Cooking Performance: Look for even, crispy results across a range of foods.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive controls, clear displays, and helpful presets make a difference.
- Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe baskets and nonstick coatings save time.
- Versatility: Multiple cooking modes (air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate) add value.
- Size & Storage: Consider your counter space and storage options.
- Smart Features: App control and voice integration are a bonus at this price.
Expert Insights
Top guides from Good Housekeeping, BBC Good Food, and Food & Wine emphasize that the best air fryers combine speed, versatility, and easy cleaning. Basket-style models are most popular for their compact size and simplicity, while dual-basket or larger-capacity units are trending for families. Smart features are moving from premium to budget models, making them more accessible than ever.
Summarized User Reviews
COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Qt
- Pros:
- Fast and quiet
- Smart app and voice control
- Dishwasher-safe basket
- Versatile cooking modes
- Cons:
- Bulky on the counter
- Some users report inconsistent results with certain foods
Ninja Foodi DZ201 DualZone
- Pros:
- Dual baskets for cooking two foods at once
- Large capacity for families
- Smart Finish syncs cooking times
- Consistent crispy results
- Cons:
- Large footprint
- Heavier than single-basket models
BELLA Pro Series 8-Qt
- Pros:
- Very affordable for the size
- Simple controls
- Large single basket
- Cons:
- No dual basket
- Fewer advanced features
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Qt
- Pros:
- Preheat function
- Large, easy-to-clean basket
- Viewing window to monitor food
- Quick, even cooking
- Cons:
- Tray can fall out when serving
- Slightly higher price than other budget picks
Product Recommendations
Best Overall: COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Qt
This model stands out for its balance of price, performance, and features. It’s fast, quiet, and offers smart controls-rare at this price.
Best for Families: Ninja Foodi DZ201 DualZone
If you cook for a crowd or want to prepare two dishes at once, the dual-basket Ninja Foodi is unbeatable for the price.
Best Large Capacity: BELLA Pro Series 8-Qt
Need to feed a group on a tight budget? The BELLA Pro offers lots of space and reliable performance at a wallet-friendly price.
Best for Quick Meals: Instant Vortex Plus 6-Qt
With its preheat function and easy programming, this model is perfect for busy cooks who want fast, crispy results.
Amazon Picks:
- COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Qt Air Fryer
- Ninja Foodi DZ201 DualZone Air Fryer
- BELLA Pro Series 8-Qt Air Fryer
- Instant Vortex Plus 6-Qt Air Fryer
- Cosori Pro LE Air Fryer (smaller option)
- Ninja AF101 Air Fryer (compact pick)
- ProCook Air Fryer Health Grill (multi-function)
- Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer
- Breville Halo Rotisserie Air Fryer Oven
- Tefal EasyFry Precision Air Fryer and Grill
FAQs: Cheap Air Fryers 2025
1. What is an air fryer, and how does it work?
An air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food, creating a crispy exterior similar to deep frying but with much less oil.
2. Are air fryers really healthier?
Yes! They use up to 70% less oil than traditional frying, helping you cut calories and fat.
3. Can I cook more than fries and chicken?
Absolutely. Air fryers can cook vegetables, fish, baked goods, and even reheat leftovers.
4. Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Some models benefit from preheating for best results, but it usually takes just a few minutes.
5. How do I clean an air fryer?
Most baskets and trays are dishwasher safe. Wipe down the exterior and clean the heating element as needed.
6. What size air fryer should I buy?
For singles/couples: 4–6 quarts. For families: 6–8 quarts or dual-basket models.
7. Are smart features worth it?
If you like app control or voice commands, smart features add convenience but aren’t essential for everyone.
8. Can an air fryer replace my oven?
For small batches and quick meals, yes. But ovens are still better for large roasts and baking.
9. Why do some foods come out soggy?
Overcrowding the basket or not shaking/flipping food can lead to uneven results. Cook in batches for best crispiness.
10. How much do cheap air fryers cost?
Expect to pay $70–$150 for top-rated budget models in 2025.
Conclusion
The best cheap air fryers of 2025 prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to get crispy, delicious results at home. Whether you want smart features, big capacity, or just a simple, reliable appliance, there’s a budget-friendly air fryer for you. Ready to make healthier meals with less mess? Check out our top picks, explore related guides, and join the air fryer revolution today!