The 5 Best Budget Air Fryers on Amazon in 2026
Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional ovens and deep fryers, offering a quick and convenient way to cook everything from chips and chicken to vegetables and frozen foods.
The good news is that you don't need to spend hundreds of pounds to get a decent air fryer. There are plenty of affordable models available on Amazon UK, including compact options for one or two people and larger models for families.
We've picked five budget-friendly air fryers worth considering, looking at factors such as capacity, features, ease of use and overall value for money.
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Quick Comparison
Air Fryer | Capacity | Best For |
Single basket | Best low-cost digital option | |
4.7L | Everyday cooking | |
10.4L | Flexible cooking | |
3.8L | Smaller households | |
4.7L | More cooking space |
Best for: An affordable everyday air fryer
If you're looking for a straightforward air fryer without spending a lot, the Tower T17205AFR is worth considering.
Its single-basket design makes it relatively simple to use, while the digital controls allow you to set your cooking time and temperature without relying on manual dials.
It's particularly suited to people who mainly want an air fryer for everyday foods such as chips, chicken, sausages, fish and frozen foods.
Why consider it?
Affordable price point
Digital controls
Single-basket design
Compact enough for many kitchens
Suitable for everyday cooking
Potential downside
The single basket means it isn't designed for cooking two separate foods at different temperatures simultaneously.
Best for: A versatile everyday air fryer
The COSORI 4.7L Air Fryer is a good option if you're looking for a reasonably priced air fryer that offers enough capacity for everyday meals without taking up as much space as some of the larger models.
Its 4.7-litre capacity makes it suitable for individuals, couples and smaller families, while its range of cooking functions gives you more flexibility than a basic air fryer.
It's a particularly good option for cooking foods such as chips, chicken, vegetables, fish and frozen foods, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.
Why consider it?
4.7L capacity
Suitable for everyday meals
Multiple cooking functions
Relatively compact design
Well-known air fryer brand
Good option for smaller households
Potential downside
The 4.7L capacity may not be large enough if you're regularly cooking meals for a larger family or want to prepare several different foods at once.
Best for: Large family meals and maximum flexibility
The Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer AF500UK is a large-capacity air fryer designed to give you more flexibility when cooking. Its 10.4-litre drawer can be used as two separate cooking zones or transformed into one large MegaZone by removing the divider.
The two cooking zones can be set to different temperatures, cooking times and programmes, making it easy to prepare two different foods at once. The SYNC function can then make both zones finish cooking at the same time.
Alternatively, you can remove the divider and use the full 10.4L capacity for larger meals. Ninja says the MegaZone can accommodate larger foods and meals, making it particularly useful for families or when you're cooking for several people.
It also offers 7 cooking functions, including Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate and Prove.
Why consider it?
Large 10.4L capacity
Two independent cooking zones
Converts into one large MegaZone
7 cooking functions
SYNC function for finishing foods together
Suitable for large family meals
Dishwasher-safe drawer and crisper plates
Potential downside
The large size means it takes up considerably more kitchen space than a compact air fryer. It's also more expensive than many basic single-drawer models, so it may be unnecessary if you're mainly cooking for one or two people.
Best for: Smaller households
If you don't need a huge air fryer, the Ninja AF100UK is a smaller option worth looking at.
With a 3.8-litre capacity, it's particularly suitable for individuals or couples who want an air fryer without dedicating a large amount of kitchen worktop space to it.
The smaller capacity can also make sense if you're mainly cooking smaller portions rather than preparing meals for an entire family.
Why consider it?
3.8L capacity
Compact footprint
Ninja branding
Suitable for smaller households
Useful for everyday foods and snacks
Potential downside
The smaller basket won't be as convenient if you're regularly cooking large portions.
Best for: A compact air fryer with extra versatility
The Ninja AF140UK PRO is another 4.7-litre option and is worth considering if you want something compact but don't want to go for one of the smaller air fryers.
The 4.7L capacity provides more room than the smallest models while still keeping the design relatively compact.
It's particularly worth comparing against other Ninja models before buying, as Amazon prices can change regularly and discounts can make one model considerably better value than another at different times.
Why consider it?
4.7L capacity
Compact design
Ninja PRO model
Suitable for everyday cooking
More capacity than smaller air fryers
Potential downside
If you regularly cook two different foods at the same time, a dual-zone model may be more suitable.
What Should You Look For in a Budget Air Fryer?
Before buying an air fryer, it's worth thinking about how you're actually going to use it.
Capacity
Capacity is one of the biggest differences between air fryers.
A smaller 3–4L model can be suitable for one or two people, while larger models are more practical if you're cooking for several people.
Don't automatically assume that bigger is better. A large air fryer can take up considerably more worktop and storage space.
Single vs Dual Basket
Single-basket air fryers are generally simpler and can be cheaper.
Dual-zone models are useful when you want to cook two foods simultaneously, particularly when the foods require different temperatures or cooking times.
However, you generally pay more for this convenience.
Digital vs Manual Controls
Digital air fryers usually allow you to set cooking temperatures and times using buttons or a touchscreen.
Manual models use dials and can be simpler to operate.
If you're looking for the cheapest possible option, manual models can be worth considering.
Countertop Space
Don't forget to measure the space where you're planning to keep your air fryer.
An 11L air fryer might offer significantly more cooking capacity, but it can also occupy much more countertop space than a compact 3.8L model.
Are Budget Air Fryers Worth Buying?
For many people, yes.
You don't necessarily need to spend £150–£200 on an air fryer to cook everyday meals. Affordable models can provide the basic functionality most people are looking for, particularly if you mainly want to cook chips, chicken, vegetables, fish and frozen foods.
The most important thing is choosing a capacity and design that suits how many people you're cooking for.
For one or two people, a compact model may make more sense. For families, a larger air fryer can save you from having to cook multiple batches.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right air fryer mainly comes down to how many people you're cooking for, how much space you have and which features are most useful to you.
For smaller households, a compact air fryer can be a convenient choice for everyday meals without taking up too much kitchen space. If you're cooking for a family, a larger-capacity model can make preparing bigger portions much easier.
It's also worth considering whether you want a single cooking drawer or separate cooking zones. Multiple cooking zones can be useful if you regularly prepare different foods at the same time.
Before buying, it's worth checking the current price and features, as Amazon offers and discounts can change regularly. The most expensive option isn't necessarily the right choice — focus on finding an air fryer that suits your household and how you plan to use it.
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