Looking for an affordable way to enjoy crispy, healthier meals without breaking the bank? The best air fryer under $50 offers a budget-friendly solution to transform your cooking routine.
These appliances deliver convenience and efficiency, utilizing features like rapid air circulation, non-stick baskets, and dishwasher-safe parts, making cooking and cleanup a breeze.
We have analyzed over a dozen models, focusing on capacity, controls, ease of use, and real-world performance to find the perfect fit.
Our top picks cater to diverse needs, ranging from compact 2.1-quart options for small kitchens to larger 4.5-quart models for families.
1. Belaco Air Fryer, 2.1Qt Digital Display
For those seeking rapid, energy-efficient cooking, the Belaco BEL-AF-02 is a compelling, budget-friendly option.
This compact 2.1Qt air fryer features a clear digital display, which allows for precise control over its 80–200℃ temperature range and a timer up to 60 minutes.
The design is intended to slash cooking times by up to 70% compared to conventional ovens, delivering crispy results like fish in under 14 minutes.
Performance is centered around quick heat-up and efficient air circulation, providing 180° cooking capability for consistent results.
The space-saving design and stylish black high glossy finish make it suitable for cramped countertops, dorm rooms, or RVs.
It claims energy savings of up to 60% less energy than an oven, appealing to budget-conscious users. Positioned as a straightforward digital air fryer, the Belaco offers speed and digital precision, making it a value pick for basic air frying needs.
| Key Features | Compact 2.1Qt capacity, digital display, 80-200°C temperature range, slash cooking times by up to 70%. |
| Pros | Digital controls, fast cooking, energy efficient (up to 60% savings), compact footprint, stylish look, solid entry-level digital unit. |
| Cons | Small capacity, max 60 min timer (shorter than some competitors), lacks preset menus. |
2. COMFEE’ Compact 2.1 Quart Air Fryer
The COMFEE’ 2.1 Quart air fryer is a versatile contender designed for healthy, oil-reduced cooking. It utilizes 360-degree rapid air circulation to promise up to 90% less oil compared to traditional frying, delivering crispy outcomes.
This model simplifies healthy meal preparation with minimal effort across an impressive 12 built-in menu options, covering everything from frozen foods and snacks to main dishes and desserts. With a temperature range of 180–400°F, it handles a wide array of cooking tasks.
Its compact, space-saving design fits easily into small kitchens or dorms, while safety features like auto shut-off and overheat protection provide peace of mind.
A major advantage is the easy cleanup, as the nonstick basket and tray are removable and top-rack dishwasher safe.
The COMFEE’ strikes a strong balance between digital control, feature richness, and ease of use, positioning it well against other compact digital models.
| Key Features | 2.1 Quart capacity, 360-degree rapid air circulation, 12 menu options, 180-400°F temperature range, auto shut-off. |
| Pros | 12 cooking presets (offering significant versatility), healthy oil reduction (up to 90% less oil), rapid air technology, safety features, dishwasher safe basket. |
| Cons | Small capacity. |
3. 2.1Qt Small Air Fryer – Compact Digital
This 2.1Qt compact air fryer targets users who prioritize convenience and health on a budget, offering a feature-rich digital experience at an attractive price point.
Powered by 1000W, it uses advanced air frying technology to achieve crispy, moist results with up to 98% less oil.
A standout feature is the inclusion of 7 preset menus and incredibly useful shake reminders for ensuring even cooking.
It also features a wide adjustable temperature range (120°F–400°F). Designed for quick, effortless meal prep for one to two people, this unit is ideal for small living spaces like apartments, dorms, or RVs.
Safety is ensured via auto shut-off, and cleanup is simplified with a premium nonstick, BPA-free, dishwasher-safe basket and tray.
This model is a budget-friendly champion, providing excellent digital functionality and key features like the shake reminder, which surpasses the basic digital control offered by some competitors.
| Key Features | 2.1 Qt capacity, 1000W power, 7-in-1 presets, 120°F–400°F temperature range, shake reminder feature, auto shut-off. |
| Pros | Budget-friendly, 7 preset menus, shake reminder feature, wide temperature range, easy cleanup (dishwasher-safe basket & tray). |
| Cons | Small capacity. |
4. GreenLife 4.5QT Mechanical Air Fryer
The GreenLife 4.5QT air fryer breaks the compact trend in this category by catering specifically to those needing larger capacity and favoring simple mechanical controls.
Its key differentiator is the generous 4.5-quart size, making it suitable for cooking larger portions or meals for small families (3-4 people).
It appeals to health-conscious users by featuring a signature healthy PFAS-Free Ceramic nonstick coating. Operation is refreshingly straightforward due to its easy-to-use time and temperature dials, eliminating complex digital menus.
The design ensures safe handling with a stay-cool handle, and LED indicator lights signal cooking status.
The focus here is on size, functional performance, and ease of cleaning, with the large drawer and tray being conveniently dishwasher safe.
Prioritizing size and simplicity over digital precision, the 4.5QT capacity is more than double that of most other units in this price range.
| Key Features | 4.5QT capacity (largest in comparison), PFAS-Free Ceramic nonstick coating, time & temperature dial controls, dishwasher safe drawer & tray. |
| Pros | Larger 4.5QT capacity (ideal for families), healthy ceramic nonstick coating, simple dial controls, dishwasher safe components, stay-cool handle. |
| Cons | Mechanical controls only, no cooking presets, lacks digital precision. |
5. COSORI Air Fryer 2.1 QT, Small & Mini
The COSORI 2.1 QT focuses on ultimate portability and multi-functionality within a very compact form factor, specifically targeting dorm rooms, small spaces, or RVs.
This unit is not just an air fryer; it offers 4-in-1 capabilities including Air Fry, Reheat, Roast, and Bake functions. The unit promotes healthier cooking, promising up to 97% less oil compared to traditional deep frying.
Performance is geared towards quick, personal-sized meals and snacks, heating faster due to its small basket size. A dedicated “Reheat” function is particularly useful for restoring leftovers to a crispy texture.
It is remarkably light, weighing only 4.87 lbs, and features extremely compact dimensions (10.1×8.3×10.5 inches), making it exceptionally easy to move and store.
Additionally, access to 30 in-app recipes via the VeSync app adds a modern, guided cooking element. Its unique blend of functions and portability offers distinct value for users with extremely limited space.
| Key Features | 2.1 QT capacity, 4-in-1 functions (Air Fry, Reheat, Roast, Bake), 900W power, extremely lightweight (4.87 lbs), compact dimensions, app connectivity. |
| Pros | Multi-function modes (especially Reheat), app connectivity/recipes, extremely lightweight and portable, very compact size. |
| Cons | Lower wattage (900W), small capacity, at the higher end of the under-$50 range. |
6. DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer
Emphasizing simplicity and health in a user-friendly design, the DASH Tasti-Crisp air fryer is a compact 2.6 Qt model perfect for individuals or couples.
Utilizing AirCrisp Technology, it significantly reduces added fat (70-80%) compared to traditional frying methods.
The defining characteristic is the intuitive, analog dial control, which makes it incredibly easy to operate—a major plus for users, such as seniors, who prefer simplicity over digital complexity and multiple buttons.
The 2.6 Qt PTFE nonstick basket offers a slightly larger capacity than standard 2.1 Qt models. This unit provides quick and easy cooking for common tasks like snacks and frozen foods.
Safety features include an auto shut-off function and a cool touch handle, enhancing user confidence.
The compact size ensures it won’t dominate counter space, and the nonstick basket facilitates easy cleanup. The DASH Tasti-Crisp provides a hassle-free, easy-to-clean option focused purely on essential air frying functions.
| Key Features | 2.6 Qt capacity, 1000-Watt, Analog dial control, AirCrisp Technology, auto shut-off function, cool touch handle. |
| Pros | Simple analog controls (intuitive for those unfamiliar with technology), slightly larger 2.6Qt capacity, safety features, compact footprint, easy cleanup. |
| Cons | No precise control, no cooking presets, analog type. |
