Air fryers have become a kitchen essential, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy foods with less oil. But finding an affordable model that doesn’t compromise on quality can be challenging. As we head into Summer 2025, we’ve researched and tested dozens of budget-friendly options to bring you this definitive guide to the best cheap air fryers available. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, these wallet-friendly picks deliver impressive performance without breaking the bank.
Our Top Budget Air Fryer Picks for Summer 2025
With temperatures rising, nobody wants to heat up their kitchen with a conventional oven. These affordable air fryers offer the perfect solution for quick, energy-efficient summer cooking. From compact models perfect for small spaces to larger options for family gatherings, we’ve found budget-friendly air fryers to suit every need.
Why Trust Our Recommendations
We’ve thoroughly tested each air fryer for cooking performance, ease of use, and durability. Our recommendations are based on real-world testing and value for money, helping you find the perfect affordable air fryer for your summer cooking needs.
1. COSORI TurboBlaze 6.3qt – Best Overall Budget Air Fryer
The COSORI TurboBlaze stands out as our top budget pick for Summer 2025, offering exceptional value at under $100. This versatile 6.3-quart air fryer provides ample cooking space for 3-4 people while maintaining a reasonable footprint on your countertop. What sets it apart is its five fan speed settings, allowing you to adjust airflow for different cooking methods – from high-speed air frying to gentle baking.
Pros
- Excellent cooking capacity for its price point
- Five adjustable fan speeds for versatile cooking
- Produces evenly browned, crispy results
- Sleek design with intuitive controls
Cons
- Preheats somewhat slowly
- Temperature fluctuates slightly during cooking
During our summer recipe testing, the TurboBlaze excelled at cooking everything from crispy zucchini fries to juicy chicken wings. The square basket design maximizes cooking surface area, allowing you to arrange food in a single layer for optimal crispiness – perfect for summer appetizers and sides.
Experience versatile cooking with the COSORI TurboBlaze – the perfect addition to your summer kitchen arsenal.
2. Beautiful 6qt Digital Air Fryer – Best Value Pick
The Beautiful 6qt Digital Air Fryer offers exceptional value for budget-conscious shoppers this summer. Available exclusively at Walmart for well under $100, this stylish air fryer comes in multiple color options to match your kitchen decor. With a generous 5.9-quart capacity and straightforward digital controls, it’s perfect for preparing summer meals without complicated settings.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Available in multiple attractive colors
- Good cooking capacity for families
- Simple, intuitive digital controls
Cons
- Bulkier design takes up more counter space
- Limited specialized cooking functions
In our tests, the Beautiful air fryer produced consistently crispy results with minimal oil, making it perfect for healthier summer cooking. While it lacks some of the specialized functions of pricier models, its core air frying performance rivals machines costing twice as much.
Enjoy stylish, affordable air frying this summer with the Beautiful 6qt Digital Air Fryer.
3. Ninja Air Fryer 3.8L – Best Compact Budget Option
The Ninja Air Fryer 3.8L proves that good things come in small packages. At just under $80, this compact powerhouse is perfect for smaller households or kitchens with limited counter space. Despite its smaller footprint, it offers four versatile cooking functions: air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate – making it ideal for summer cooking versatility.
Pros
- Compact, space-saving design
- Fast preheating and cooking times
- Four versatile cooking functions
- Excellent build quality from a trusted brand
Cons
- Smaller capacity limits batch sizes
- No preset cooking programs
This air fryer excels at quickly preparing summer favorites like crispy vegetable chips, grilled corn fritters, and even small batches of chicken wings. The lightweight design makes it easy to move and store, perfect for summer rentals or smaller kitchens where space is at a premium.
Get premium performance in a compact package with the Ninja Air Fryer 3.8L.
4. Russell Hobbs XL Family Rapid Air Fryer – Best Budget Multi-Cooker
For under $60, the Russell Hobbs XL Family Rapid Air Fryer offers exceptional versatility as both an air fryer and multi-cooker. With a generous 5.5-liter capacity and seven cooking functions (air fry, sear, grill, roast, bake, reheat, and slow cook), this budget-friendly appliance is perfect for preparing complete summer meals without heating up your kitchen.
Pros
- Seven versatile cooking functions
- Large 5.5L capacity for family meals
- Excellent value for a multi-function appliance
- Simple setup with responsive controls
Cons
- Basket can be slightly difficult to remove
- Limited viewing window
During our summer testing, this air fryer excelled at roasting chicken (ready in just 30 minutes) and preparing crispy summer vegetables. The preset cooking functions make it easy to prepare a variety of dishes with minimal effort – perfect for casual summer entertaining.
Enjoy versatile cooking options at an affordable price with the Russell Hobbs XL Family Rapid Air Fryer.
5. COSORI 5.5L Smart Air Fryer – Best Budget Smart Air Fryer
The COSORI 5.5L Smart Air Fryer brings affordable smart kitchen technology to your summer cooking. At around $80, this connected air fryer allows you to control cooking remotely via a smartphone app – perfect for preparing meals while enjoying summer activities. With 13 cooking presets including specialized modes for steak, seafood, and frozen foods, it offers exceptional versatility.
Pros
- Smart app control with cooking notifications
- 13 versatile cooking presets
- Generous 5.5L capacity
- Includes extensive recipe book
Cons
- Drawer sometimes catches when sliding into place
- App requires WiFi connection to function
During our summer testing, this smart air fryer produced perfectly golden chips and juicy chicken with minimal effort. The app notifications are particularly useful for summer entertaining, allowing you to mingle with guests while keeping track of cooking progress.
Bring smart cooking convenience to your summer kitchen with the COSORI 5.5L Smart Air Fryer.
6. Morphy Richards Health Air Fryer – Best Budget Compact Air Fryer
At just $60, the Morphy Richards Health Air Fryer offers excellent value in a compact 3-liter package. This space-saving air fryer is perfect for smaller kitchens, apartments, or as a secondary cooking appliance for summer homes. Despite its smaller size, it delivers impressive air circulation for consistently crispy results.
Pros
- Compact, space-saving design
- Exterior remains cool during cooking
- Excellent air circulation for crispy results
- Detailed instructions and recipes included
Cons
- Basic design with no preset functions
- Smaller capacity limits batch sizes
This air fryer excels at preparing summer snacks and sides, from crispy zucchini chips to golden potato wedges. During our testing, it produced well-risen, fluffy cupcakes – perfect for summer desserts without heating up your kitchen with a conventional oven.
Save space without sacrificing performance with the compact Morphy Richards Health Air Fryer.
7. Salter EK4221AS Digital Air Fryer 4.5L – Best Budget Mid-Size Option
The Salter EK4221AS offers an excellent balance of capacity and affordability at just $50. This 4.5-liter digital air fryer features a unique “Group-Fry” function that allows you to cook a main dish and side simultaneously – perfect for complete summer meals. With seven cooking modes and an intuitive touchscreen display, it offers versatility beyond its budget price point.
Pros
- Innovative “Group-Fry” function for complete meals
- Seven versatile cooking modes
- Intuitive touchscreen display
- Excellent value at under $50
Cons
- Recipes only available online
- Not dishwasher safe
During our summer testing, this air fryer impressed with its ability to cook steak and vegetables simultaneously, making it perfect for quick summer dinners. The lightweight design makes it easy to move and store – ideal for seasonal use in summer kitchens or vacation homes.
Prepare complete summer meals with the innovative Salter EK4221AS Digital Air Fryer.
8. Swan 11L Twin Stack Air Fryer – Best Budget Dual Drawer Option
The Swan 11L Twin Stack Air Fryer brings dual-drawer convenience to budget shoppers at just $110. Unlike traditional side-by-side dual air fryers, this innovative stacked design saves counter space while still offering 11 liters of total cooking capacity (two 5.5L drawers). With 10 preset cooking options and a foldable touchscreen display, it combines premium features with affordable pricing.
Pros
- Space-saving stacked dual drawer design
- Large 11L total capacity
- 10 preset cooking functions
- Foldable touchscreen display
Cons
- No dishwasher-safe accessories
- Limited recipe inspiration included
This air fryer excels at summer entertaining, allowing you to prepare different components of a meal simultaneously. During our testing, we successfully cooked a whole chicken in just over an hour while preparing golden cupcakes in the second drawer – perfect for complete summer meals without heating up your kitchen.
Experience dual-drawer convenience at a budget price with the Swan 11L Twin Stack Air Fryer.
Budget Air Fryer Comparison Chart – Summer 2025
| Model | Price | Capacity | Cooking Modes | Standout Feature | Best For |
| COSORI TurboBlaze | $99 | 6.3qt | 5 | Five fan speed settings | Overall value |
| Beautiful 6qt Digital | $79 | 5.9qt | 4 | Stylish color options | Value seekers |
| Ninja Air Fryer 3.8L | $80 | 3.8L | 4 | Compact design | Small spaces |
| Russell Hobbs XL | $59 | 5.5L | 7 | Multi-cooking functions | Versatility |
| COSORI 5.5L Smart | $80 | 5.5L | 13 | Smartphone control | Tech enthusiasts |
| Morphy Richards | $60 | 3L | Manual | Compact size | Small kitchens |
| Salter EK4221AS | $50 | 4.5L | 7 | “Group-Fry” function | Complete meals |
| Swan 11L Twin Stack | $110 | 11L (2×5.5L) | 10 | Stacked dual drawers | Family cooking |
Find your perfect budget air fryer for Summer 2025 cooking!
Budget Air Fryer Buying Guide – Summer 2025
When shopping for a budget air fryer this summer, consider these key factors to ensure you get the best value for your money:
Capacity
For individuals or couples, a 2-4 liter air fryer is sufficient. Families should look for 5+ liter models or dual-drawer designs. Remember that larger air fryers typically cost more but offer better value for feeding groups during summer gatherings.
Functions
Basic air fryers offer simple temperature and time controls, while more versatile models include presets for different foods or additional cooking methods like roasting, baking, or dehydrating – perfect for preserving summer produce.
Design
Square baskets generally offer more cooking space than round ones. Consider counter space limitations, especially for summer rentals or outdoor kitchens. Some budget models offer premium features like viewing windows or digital displays.
“The best budget air fryer isn’t necessarily the cheapest one, but rather the one that offers the right balance of features, capacity, and performance for your specific summer cooking needs.”
Ready to find your perfect budget air fryer for Summer 2025?
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Air Fryers
Are cheap air fryers worth buying for summer cooking?
Absolutely! Our testing shows that many budget air fryers under 0 perform exceptionally well for everyday cooking needs. While they may lack some premium features of more expensive models, the core air frying functionality – cooking food quickly with less oil – is present even in affordable options, making them perfect for summer meal preparation.
What’s the ideal air fryer capacity for summer entertaining?
For summer gatherings, we recommend a minimum capacity of 5 liters for serving 3-4 people. For larger groups, consider dual-drawer models like the Swan 11L Twin Stack, which allows you to prepare different foods simultaneously. Remember that cooking in batches with a smaller air fryer can reduce energy efficiency.
Do budget air fryers use less electricity than conventional ovens?
Yes, most budget air fryers use significantly less electricity than conventional ovens, making them ideal for energy-efficient summer cooking. A typical air fryer uses around 1200-1500 watts and cooks food faster, while a conventional electric oven uses 2000-5000 watts and requires longer preheating and cooking times.
What summer foods work best in budget air fryers?
Budget air fryers excel at preparing summer favorites like vegetable chips, grilled corn, chicken wings, fish tacos, and even desserts like fruit crisps. They’re particularly useful for cooking without heating up your kitchen during hot summer months. Most models can handle any food that works in a conventional oven, just in smaller quantities.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Budget Air Fryer for Summer 2025
As we’ve seen, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the benefits of air frying this summer. Our top pick, the COSORI TurboBlaze, offers exceptional versatility and performance at under $100, making it the best overall budget air fryer for Summer 2025. For those with specific needs, options like the compact Ninja Air Fryer 3.8L or the dual-drawer Swan 11L Twin Stack provide excellent alternatives without breaking the bank.
Whichever model you choose, a budget air fryer will help you prepare healthier summer meals with less oil and without heating up your kitchen. From crispy vegetables to juicy chicken wings for backyard gatherings, these affordable appliances deliver impressive results that belie their budget price tags.
Ready to Upgrade Your Summer Cooking?
Don’t miss out on these affordable air fryers while summer stock lasts!