Best Budget Air Fryers, Starting From Just £60

The last few years have seen a huge increase in the popularity of air fryers, but while they’re healthier and proven to use less energy than a traditional oven, not everyone can justify spending hundreds of pounds on an additional kitchen appliance.

While feature-rich models, premium brands and high-capacity dual air fryers tend to come with a significant price tag, it is entirely possible to find affordable air fryers without sacrificing on performance. In fact, you can now pick up many high-quality air fryers for less than £100, with a range of presets, cooking modes and features to save you time and money.

To help you find the best budget air fryer for your needs, we first tapped into the tried-and-tested feedback of trusted Mumsnet users - the UK's largest online network of parents. We scoured hundreds of forum posts to uncover the affordable models and brands that they rate, recommend and use in their own kitchens.

Next, we combined these real-life recommendations with in-depth research, drawing on authentic consumer reviews and expert insights from the food industry and consumer champions. And because we know there’s no substitute for first-hand experience, we also put our top pick through its paces - testing everything from ease of use to cooking performance and cleaning - to ensure it truly deserves first place.

Best budget air fryer UK: at a glance

Best budget air fryer overall: COSORI Air Fryer 5.5L, £90 | Buy now
Best budget dual-basket air fryer: Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer, £100 | Buy now
Best budget air fryer for capacity: Tower T17102 Vortx Air Fryer, £89 | Buy now
Best budget Ninja air fryer: Ninja Air Fryer MAX PRO AF180UK, £129 | Buy now
Best oven-style budget air fryer: Tower T17039 Xpress Pro Air Fryer Oven, £60 | Buy now

1

Best budget air fryer overall

COSORI Air Fryer 5.5L

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Easy to set up and use
11 presets for different food types
Book with 100 recipes included
Dishwasher-safe basket
Mid-range capacity

What we don't like

Noisy
Single basket only

Key specs

What Mumsnet users say

MNHQ editor Natasha Gregson · Tried & Tested

Homemade fries made in this gadget were consistently delicious and achieved that coveted golden-brown perfection, and after a little trial and error on timings, it excelled at making crispy-skinned, succulent chicken breasts much quicker than in the oven. All in all, the Cosori 5.5L Air Fryer didn't disappoint when it came to cooking results, making this a great choice for family homes.

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Our verdict

Tested by MNHQ kitchen editor Natasha Gregson: Read our in-depth Cosori Air Fryer 5.5L review

Retailing at under £100 and offering excellent value for money, this budget-friendly air fryer quickly became a firm favourite of mine. With its relatively compact design and intuitive controls, I found it really easy to use - and after months of testing I reckon it'd be perfect for an air frying newbie.

The simple touchscreen control panel features 11 clearly marked presets, designed to cook everything from crispy french fries to succulent roast chicken with ease. It also offers the freedom to set the temperature and timings manually, which I loved - as an air fryer aficionado I actually prefer to select these myself.

While larger families may prefer a dual-basket model that can cook two different dishes independently, I found the single air fryer basket surprisingly spacious. With a 5.5-litre capacity, there should be sufficient room for most families. I also loved the preheat setting, which warmed up in just five minutes - a huge time saving when compared to my traditional fan oven.

The downsides? It was a little noisy during use and while the cooking basket is dishwasher safe, it did require a good scrub to remove more stubborn grease when I washed it by hand.

It’s also worth noting that while the RRP is already reasonable, I’ve spotted it for as little as £60 during sales - so it’s well worth keeping an eye out for a bargain.

Related: The best microwave according to Mumsnet users

2

Best budget dual air fryer

Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer with Easy View Windows

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Lakeland

What we like

Two baskets that can be run independently
Large overall capacity
Simple-to-use touchscreen display
Eight pre-set cooking programmes
Clear, easy-to-view cooking windows

What we don't like

Can't be cleaned in the dishwasher
Bulky design

Key specs

What Mumsnet users say

TheCalmMaker · Recommended product

I have this one. It is a decent size, works well, and the windows are useful.

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SorrowsPrayers · Recommended brand

I've got the Lakeland Dual Basket one. It's much cheaper than a Ninja and has been fabulous so far.

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Our verdict

If you’re a parent to a picky eater or forever preparing different meals for your family, the budget-friendly Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer could save you significant time, energy and stress. With an eight-litre capacity shared across two four-litre baskets, you can cook two meals using different temperatures or presets, while still syncing the finish times so you can all eat together.

We love the large viewing windows on this air fryer; they provide a clear view of the cooking progress without needing to open the drawer, and there's even a handy light for optimum visibility. With an easy-to-use touchscreen, you can also choose from eight handy presets, including steak, fries and chicken wings, automatically selecting the right temperature and cooking times for crisp and evenly cooked dishes every time.

The downsides? As with any dual air fryer, this model takes up more countertop space than compact single-drawer designs, but this sacrifice does mean it has a decent capacity for families. It's also not dishwasher safe and needs to be washed by hand, which is disappointing.

Related: The best slow cookers, tried and tested

3

Best budget air fryer for a large capacity

Tower T17102 Vortx Vizion Dual Compartment Air Fryer Oven

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Argos Buy now from Very

What we like

Substantial capacity offers great value
Independent cooking drawers can be synced to finish at the same time
Five cooking modes
10 preset programmes
Three-year guarantee

What we don't like

The bulky design takes up significant countertop space
Some reviewers found the mesh shelves a little flimsy

Key specs

What Mumsnet users say

MrsDefrost · Recommended brand

I spent a fortune on a Ninja with nine functions and am not impressed. Customer service was rubbish when I had a problem too. I've got a Tower Vortex, with two drawers, and it's brilliant at a fraction of the price.

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Our verdict

If you’re looking to feed the entire family, this high-capacity dual-compartment air fryer from Tower offers five unique ways to cook including air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate and grill.

With a large capacity of 11 litres spread across two drawers, each 5.5-litre basket offers ample space for your family favourites. It also offers the ability to use one zone at a time, stagger the end times or even sync them to both finish together, so this air fryer makes a cost-effective way to cook meals for one while also accommodating feasts for up to ten people.

Whether you opt for chicken wings, steak or even some comforting slices of toast, the 10 pre-sets certainly take the pressure out of those manic midweek meal times.

While it’s on the bulky side and will take up significant countertop space, Tower’s Vortx technology and improved air circulation uses up to 99% less fat than other cooking methods and can save up to 70% energy when compared to a traditional oven. With viewing windows on both sides, you don’t even need to open the drawer to check on the contents, preventing unnecessary heat loss that can reduce cooking speeds.

4

Best budget Ninja air fryer

Ninja Air Fryer MAX PRO AF180UK

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Argos Buy now from Ninja

What we like

Mid-range capacity well suited to small families
Adjustable crisper plate
Trusted brand

What we don't like

No presets
No viewing window
Some reviewers found the cable too short

Key specs

What Mumsnet users say

MrsWimpy · Recommended brand

I love mine. I had a small, basic Salter one which was OK but I upgraded to the single Ninja and it's amazing. We love it and cook pretty much everything in it.

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Our verdict

Ninja is the first brand on Mumsnetters’ lips when asked for air fryer recommendations, and while many of their models are a significant investment, some are far more affordable than others. While it’s not the cheapest Ninja model you can buy, the Ninja Air Fryer Max Pro offers excellent overall value for money, with a 6.2-litre capacity that makes it well-suited to most families.

It doesn’t come with presets like premium models, but Ninja’s testing found it cooks fish fingers and sausages 50% faster than conventional ovens. As well as adjustable temperatures and timers, we love the adjustable height crisper plate and max crisp functions that help you cook your fries to perfection.

Then, once you’ve tucked in, simply pop the non-stick removable basket in the dishwasher for a quick and easy cleanup.

It’s worth noting that there’s no viewing window on this fryer, so you may find yourself sneaking a peak to ensure your meals don’t overcook. Some reviewers also found the power cord was too short for their kitchens, so you’ll need to think about the proximity of your sockets when deciding where to use it.

Related: The best bread maker, tested by Mumsnet users

5

Best oven-style budget air fryer

Tower T17039 Xpress Pro 5-in-1 Digital Air Fryer Oven

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Substantial capacity across three shelves
Rotisserie function with spit and handle accessories
Clear viewing window
Eight presets
Removable door for easy cleaning

What we don't like

The timer only goes to 60 minutes
Rotisserie only fits chickens of 1.3kg or less

Key specs

What Mumsnet users say

Coastalcreeksider · Recommended brand

I have the Tower 5-in-1. It has three shelves rather than baskets. I use it every day and have only used my large oven around six times since I bought the air fryer back in January. [...]

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Belladone · Recommended brand

I’ve had one for about four years now and use it every day. I had one before with the drawer and I found it limited what I could cook, so I got a Tower one with shelves and it’s better. It’s a learning curve, but yes, it’s brilliant. Did jackets potatoes the other day, big ones 40 minutes at 200°C and they were amazing. [...]

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Our verdict

If you want to serve a succulent whole chicken or crispy skinned jacket potatoes, the Tower 5-in-1 Digital Air Fryer Oven makes a faster and more energy-efficient alternative to the long wait in your oven. We love the built-in rotisserie function with this design, which includes spit and handle accessories and can accommodate chickens of up to 1.3kg in size.

With a choice of eight presets and an 11-litre capacity spread across three stacked shelves, the Tower 5-in-1 has a large viewing window that offers a clear view of the contents at all times, helping you serve your food exactly the way you like it.

A big bonus of this upright design is that the door can be removed completely for easy cleaning, combined with dishwasher-safe shelves that make washing up simple and stress-free.

Related: The best food processor

How does an air fryer work?

Air fryers work with a heating element and fan, circulating hot air rapidly around the interior of the unit, cooking food incredibly quickly without compromising on taste. Thanks to the perforated baskets or trays, excellent airflow helps to cook food evenly and consistently with little or no oil.

One of the benefits of using an air fryer is that they are typically more energy efficient than traditional cooking methods like using an oven. Jenny Tschiesche, a nutrition expert and author of the Air-Fryer Cookbook, attributes their recent surge in popularity to the cost of living crisis: "An air fryer can cook pretty much everything an oven can, albeit in a smaller capacity, but use far less energy."

How much is an air fryer?

The price of air fryers can vary quite considerably. While you can easily spend more than £250 on a high-quality air fryer, it's still entirely possible to find budget air fryers that retail at less than £150. While the items featured in this guide aren’t necessarily the cheapest on the market, we feel they offer the best overall value for money when considering the price, performance, capacity and functionality.

Related: How to use an air fryer

How to choose the best budget air fryer for your family

While you’re less likely to find features such as stirring paddles and rotating baskets on budget air fryers, here are some features to consider when you’re choosing an affordable air fryer:

Size and capacity – More compact models are ideal for couples or for making snacks or a simple plate of chips, whereas larger models and dual-drawer designs are capable of cooking entire meals for a family. You should consider not only the litre capacity but the overall size of the unit and how much space it will claim on your countertops.
Single or dual? - How often do you cook different meals for you and the kids? A single-drawer air fryer with a reasonable capacity may be sufficient if you all tend to eat together. However, dual designs allow you to cook two different dishes and sync the end times for convenience, which may be more practical with kids in tow.
Presets - A quick and easy way to take the guesswork out of mealtimes, many budget air fryers come with presets that automatically select the right temperature and timings.
Viewing window - Does the air fryer have a viewing window that allows you to see the contents inside? This can prevent the need to open the drawers and risk losing valuable heat during cooking.
Digital control panel and timer - How easy is the control panel to use? Does it have simple touchscreen buttons or a manual dial? Is there a built-in timer?
Ease of cleaning - Some budget air fryers have baskets and shelves that are hand wash only, whereas others can be popped in the dishwasher for convenience. Some designs are also easier to clean than others, with removable baskets, doors and shelves.

Related: The best sous vide for adventurous cooks

Do air fryers save you money?

As well as the cost of the air fryer itself, it's also worth considering the running costs. Air fryers tend to use less energy than ovens thanks to their speedy cooking times, so you may also save money on your energy bills too.

To find out a rough estimate of how much your air fryer will cost to use, you can use the Sust-it energy calculator - you just need to input the wattage of the machine and the time you'll be using the air fryer for.

Related: Air fryer vs oven - which is best?

How we chose the best cheap air fryer

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users

Having grown in popularity significantly in recent years, there are many discussions on the Mumsnet forums about air frying, whether that’s the best meals to make, tips, tricks and hacks, and the best air fryers for the job.

First, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users to get their feedback on the budget-friendly air fryers that they rate, recommend and use in their own homes.

We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, difficult to clean or where the phrase ‘you get what you pay for’ certainly rang true.

Expert opinions

Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace, including those recommended by food experts, chefs and consumer champions.

Authentic consumer reviews

After that, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Lakeland, and Argos to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.

In-house air fryer testing

Then, to make sure our top overall choice really was the best, MNHQ editor Natasha Gregson put the Cosori Air Fryer 5.5L through rigorous testing, using it in her kitchen. After extensive use, Natasha then analysed the model, scoring its features, value for money, capacity, ease of use, and ease of cleaning.

Related: The best kettles

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.

First introduced to air fryers during lockdown, Lucy is also prone to rustling up some quick midweek meals in her Ninja, with some major successes and a few unsuccessful trials along the way. Conscious of the high cost of living, Lucy has written several Mumsnet articles about kitchen appliances on a budget, including best budget washing machines, best budget dishwashers, and most energy-efficient kettles.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.

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