Air Fryers Under $50 + A Beginner's Guide to Air Frying
Craving delicious, crispy, and healthier meals without breaking the bank? I'm diving into the world of air fryers but with a budget-friendly twist. These are some of the best air fryers under $50 that deliver fantastic results and save you money. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast on a tight budget, a student looking to elevate your dorm room cuisine, or simply someone who loves a great deal, these affordable air fryers have got you covered.
Chefman Small, Compact Air Fryer
This Chefman Small, Compact Air Fryer allows you to achieve perfect fried results with little to no oil. With a temperature range of 200°F to 400°F, you can cook at your desired temperature and achieve a crispy finish.
The compact size of this air fryer makes it perfect for any small kitchen, dorm, office, or even RV trips. It saves space on your counter and in your cabinet, so you can easily store it when not in use.
With manual temperature control and a 60-minute integrated timer, you have full control over your cooking. You can air-fry frozen veggies and chicken, and it even reheats leftovers from yesterday's dessert. The detachable BPA-free basket, cool touch exterior, and auto-shutoff ensure added safety and security while cooking.
Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1, 2-QT Mini Air Fryer
If you're looking for a versatile kitchen appliance that can do it all, then the Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer is a must-have for your kitchen! From the makers of the beloved Instant Pot, this air fryer offers a variety of cooking functions that will make meal preparation a breeze.
With the Instant Pot Vortex, you can air fry, bake, roast, and reheat with just one appliance. Whether you want to make crispy french fries, perfectly baked cookies, or juicy roasted chicken, this air fryer has got you covered. It's like having four different cooking appliances in one compact size.
One of the standout features of the Instant Vortex is its EvenCrisp technology. This advanced technology ensures that your food gets a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time. No more soggy or undercooked food! The top-down air flow ensures even cooking and a delicious texture.
Secura Air Fryer
There's a reason the Secura Air Fryer has thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon. With its rapidly circulating hot air technology, you can fry, roast, grill, reheat, and even bake with ease.
One of the standout features of the Secura Air Fryer is its large 5.3-quart locking fry basket. Whether you're cooking dinner for one or feeding a whole family, this fryer has you covered. And the best part? The pan and metal basket are removable, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe. No more scrubbing and soaking after a meal.
Not only does the Secura Air Fryer offer exceptional functionality, but it's also built to last. With its 1700-watt motor, this fryer heats up quickly and efficiently. The heavy-duty design ensures that this appliance will be a staple in your kitchen for years to come.
Elite Gourmet Air Fryer
Now let's move on to the Elite Gourmet Air Fryer. This little powerhouse is perfect for those who want to cook personal meals or for a few people.
One of the standout features of the Elite Gourmet Air Fryer is its non-stick pan and rack. Not only are they PFOA/PTFE free, but they can hold up to 2.1 quarts or 1.5 pounds of food. This means you can cook everything from crispy veggie chips to chicken tenders without worrying about sticking or burning.
The Elite Gourmet Air Fryer also gives you complete control over your cooking. With adjustable time and temperature settings, you can fry, bake, grill, and roast all in one appliance. The high-power convection fan evenly distributes heat from 180F to 395F degrees, ensuring your food is always cooked to perfection. And when the cooking cycle is done, the 30-minute timer automatically shuts off the air fryer for added convenience and safety.
Bella Air Convection Fryer
The BELLA Air Convection Fryer uses high-performance circular heat technology to cook your food fast, crispy, and evenly every time. With its 1230-watt heating system, adjustable temperature up to 400°F, and a 1.5-liter basket that can accommodate up to 3 pounds of food, this fryer has all the power you need to create delicious meals.
Cleaning up after cooking is another great feature of this fryer. The pan and crisping tray are dishwasher safe, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Chefman TurboFry 2-Quart Air Fryer
This compact and sleek Chefman TurboFry air fryer is perfect if you only have a little bit of space in your kitchen. It's designed to save space on your countertop and in your cabinets, so you can easily store it when it's not in use.
But don't let its small size fool you – the Turbofry Air Fryer is packed with features that will make your cooking experience quick and easy. With manual temperature control and a 60-minute integrated timer, you have full control over your cooking. Whether you want to air-fry frozen veggies or chicken, this air fryer can do it all.
Safety is also a top priority with the Turbofry Air Fryer. It features a detachable BPA-free basket, a cool-touch exterior, and an auto-shutoff function to ensure added safety and security while cooking. You can cook with peace of mind, knowing that this air fryer has your back.
Gourmia 2qt Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick Basket
Next up is the Gourmia 2qt Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick Basket. With Gourmia's FryForce 360° Technology, hot air rapidly circulates around the air fry basket, giving you that crispy texture you’ll love.
The 2-quart capacity of this air fryer is just the right size for cooking a full meal. It's compact enough to fit in any sized kitchen or even in a dorm room. So whether you're cooking for yourself or for a small group, this air fryer is just the right size.
Using the Gourmia air fryer is simple. It features a simple knob and slide control that allows you to change the time and temperature easily. And with the built-in timer that runs for up to 60 minutes, you can rest assured that your food won't overcook. Once the timer is done, the air fryer automatically shuts off, giving you peace of mind.
Lature 4.2 QT Air Fryer
Lastly is the Lature 4.2 QT Air Fryer Oven Cooker with Temperature and Time Control. This air fryer is a game-changer in the kitchen. With its 360° hot air circulation technology, you can achieve that crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside of your food tender.
One of the biggest advantages of this air fryer is its generous 4.2 QT capacity, making it perfect for feeding 2-4 family members. Plus, its compact design takes up minimal space in your kitchen, making it ideal for small countertops or dorm rooms.
With 6 preset menus, cooking your favorite dishes is easy, whether it's chicken, pizza, steak, fish, drumsticks, or anything else. Simply set the temperature (ranging from 170°F to 400°F) and the timer (up to 30 minutes) based on the preset recommendations, and let the air fryer do its magic.
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A Beginner’s Guide to Air Frying: How to Use an Air Fryer
Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air and a small amount of oil to create crispy, delicious meals with a fraction of the oil used in deep frying. It's perfect for creating healthier versions of your favorite foods like crispy chicken wings, sweet potato fries, and even salmon fillets, all without compromising flavor.
What Is an Air Fryer?
At its core, an air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses hot air and a heating element to cook food. This process mimics deep frying, but with much less oil, which makes it a healthier alternative. Air fryers work by circulating intense heat around the food, similar to how a convection oven works, ensuring even cooking. The result is food that is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—just like you’d get with deep frying, but with far fewer calories.
Basic Steps to Using an Air Fryer
Preheat the Air Fryer: Many air fryers need to be preheated before use, especially if you want to get that perfect crispy perfection. Set your air fryer to the required temperature—usually around 375°F to 400°F—depending on the recipe. Preheating usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Prepare Your Food: While your air fryer preheats, get your ingredients ready. Most air fryers don’t require much oil—just a light spray of cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil should be enough. You can also use a brush to apply oil to food like chicken wings or sweet potato fries. Try to avoid wet batter, as this can cause a mess and won’t result in crispy food.
Arrange the Food in the Basket: Once your air fryer is preheated, place the food in the air fryer basket. The key to getting the best results is not overcrowding the basket. Food needs space to cook evenly and become crispy. For example, if you’re making chicken wings or salmon fillets, make sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking.
Set the Cooking Time and Temperature: Air fryers cook quickly, so it’s important to set the right cook time for your recipe. As a general guide, most foods cook in 10-20 minutes at high temperatures (around 375°F to 400°F). Keep an eye on your food, and shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure everything cooks evenly. For instance, sweet potato fries may need to be shaken to prevent burning.
Check for Doneness: Once the cooking time is up, check your food to ensure it’s cooked to your liking. If it’s not quite as crispy as you want, you can add an extra few minutes of cooking time. Be sure to check the cooking temperature as well—some foods need slightly lower heat to cook through without burning.
What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
The versatility of air fryers is one of their greatest features. You can cook a wide variety of foods with minimal effort and oil. Here are some of the most popular foods to make in an air fryer:
Chicken Wings: Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, air fryer chicken wings are a game-changer. They cook quickly and require just a light spray of oil.
Sweet Potato Fries: Air fryers are great for making crispy sweet potato fries with less oil than traditional frying methods.
Frozen Foods: No need to preheat the oven—air fryers are perfect for cooking frozen french fries, mozzarella sticks, and chicken nuggets in record time.
Pork Chops: Air fryers cook pork chops to perfection, with a golden crust on the outside and tender inside.
Brussels Sprouts: Air-fried brussels sprouts get wonderfully crispy, making them a delicious side dish.
Salmon Fillets: Air fryers work wonders for cooking salmon fillets, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender.
Jazz's Tips for Cooking with Your Air Fryer
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers rely on hot air circulating around the food to cook it evenly. If you overcrowd the basket, your food won’t cook as well, and it may not get as crispy. For best results, stick to a single layer of food. If you’re making large quantities, cook in batches.
Use a Little Oil: One of the main benefits of air frying is that it requires much less oil than traditional deep frying. However, a small amount of oil can help achieve the perfect crispy texture. You don’t need a lot—just a light spray will do. If you’re using frozen french fries or other pre-packaged foods, you may not need to add any oil at all.
Experiment with Temperature and Time: Different foods require different cooking times and temperatures. If your recipe calls for cooking at 400°F, but you’re making something like salmon fillets or chicken breast, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly. Be sure to check the food halfway through cooking and adjust if necessary.
Use Parchment Paper or Foil for Easier Cleanup: If you’re worried about food sticking to the basket, you can line the air fryer with parchment paper or foil, but use them carefully. Foil is great for lining the basket or wrapping food to lock in moisture but should never block air circulation or sit too close to the heating element, as it could affect cooking or become a fire hazard. Parchment paper helps prevent sticking but should be perforated to allow airflow and weighed down with food to avoid it flying into the heating element.
Give Your Food Room to Breathe: If you’re making crispy food like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, or even pork chops, give your food some space in the basket to ensure it cooks evenly. If you crowd the basket, you may end up with soggy food instead of the crispy perfection you're aiming for.
FAQs
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Air fryers under $50 typically have a range of features that make them a great addition to any kitchen. Some common features include their compact size, temperature and time control, preset menus, nonstick baskets, automatic shut-off, and dishwasher-safe parts.
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Air fryers under $50 may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but they can still deliver fantastic results. While pricier air fryers may offer additional features like digital controls, larger capacities, or pre-programmed settings, budget-friendly air fryers can still provide crispy and delicious meals without breaking the bank.
One key difference between cheaper and more expensive air fryers is the capacity. Higher-priced models often have larger cooking capacities, like 6 quarts, which can be beneficial if you're cooking for a larger family or want to make larger batches of food. However, if you're cooking for one or two people, a cheaper air fryer with a smaller capacity may be sufficient.
Another difference is the level of control and convenience. More expensive air fryers may offer digital controls, precise temperature settings, and pre-programmed cooking functions. These features can make cooking even easier and more convenient. Cheaper models typically have manual controls and less precise temperature settings, but they can still get the job done.
The build quality and durability of more expensive air fryers may also be higher compared to cheaper models. However, if you take care of your budget-friendly air fryer and follow the manufacturer's instructions, it should last you a long time and provide consistent results.
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There are several brands that offer air fryers under $50. Some of the notable brands include Lature, Gourmia, Chefman, Instant Pot, and BELLA. These brands provide affordable options without compromising on quality and performance. Whether you're looking for a compact size, versatile functions, or easy cleaning, these brands have a range of air fryers to suit your needs
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While not all recipes require preheating, doing so can help ensure even cooking and achieve that crispy texture, especially for foods like chicken wings or sweet potato fries.
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Yes! While air fryers use less oil than traditional frying, a small amount—like a light spray or brushing—can help certain foods crisp up better. However, some frozen foods may not need extra oil.
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Yes, but with caution. Foil can be used to line the basket or wrap food but shouldn’t block air circulation or touch the heating element. Parchment paper is great for preventing sticking but should be perforated and weighed down by food.
