Craving crispy fries without the guilt or the mess? An air fryer is your kitchen’s new best friend. But with so many options under $200, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. We tested and compared the top models to see which ones deliver golden results without breaking the bank. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, let’s find the perfect air fryer that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Top pick: Dual baskets for versatile cooking.
- Consider capacity based on household size.
- Prioritize dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.
- Look for smart features like sync finish.
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets
Dual Zone Power
- Dual independent baskets
- Large 8-quart capacity
- Smart Finish feature
- BEST FOR COMPACT 4-IN-1: Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry Read More ↓
- BEST FOR TURBOBLAZE TECH: Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT 6-QT CHOICE: Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ULTRA COMPACT MINI: CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket Read More ↓
- BEST FOR VERSATILE ROTISSERIE: CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EVENCRISP TECH: Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer Read More ↓
- BEST FOR TOASTER OVEN COMBO: Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SLIM SPACE SAVER: bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DUAL ZONE POWER: Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT 4-QT PICK: Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Air Fryer Under $200
Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141
The Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen companion, perfect for health-conscious cooks. With 5QT capacity, it fits up to 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of wings, making it ideal for families.
Its Air Crisp Technology delivers crispy results with up to 75% less fat, while the 4-in-1 functionality lets you air fry, roast, reheat, or dehydrate. The nonstick basket ensures easy cleanup, and frozen-to-crispy cooking saves time.
Compact yet powerful, it’s a great choice for quick, guilt-free meals.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Large 5QT capacity
- Crispy results with less oil
- Versatile 4-in-1 functions
- Easy to clean
- Fast frozen food cooking
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No digital display
- Bulky design
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, Premium Ceramic Coating, 90°–450°F, Precise Heating for Even Results, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm, 120V, Dark Gray
The Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer elevates cooking with its innovative 3600 rpm fan and precise temperature control. Its 6-quart square basket offers ample space for family meals, while the premium ceramic coating ensures durability and nonstick performance.
With 9 cooking modes and TurboBlaze Technology, it delivers evenly cooked, crispy dishes in less time. The wide temperature range (90°–450°F) and 5-fan speed system provide versatility for any recipe, from roasting to dehydrating.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Powerful TurboBlaze Technology
- Large 6-quart capacity
- Premium ceramic coating
- Precise temperature control
- 9-in-1 functionality
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher price point
- Heavy basket
Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket – Black
The Chefman Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen companion designed for quick and easy meals. With its 6-quart capacity, it serves 3-5 people, making it perfect for families or small gatherings.
The digital touch screen offers customizable time and temperature, along with four preset functions for one-touch cooking. Its standout feature is the 450°F Hi-Fry Technology, ensuring an extra crispy finish on favorites like chicken tenders and fries.
The sleek, narrow design maximizes capacity while saving counter space. Plus, LED shake notifications remind you to shake food halfway through for evenly crisp results.
Enjoy healthy, low-fat meals with little-to-no oil.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Hi-Fry Technology for crispiness
- Large 6-quart capacity
- Compact, space-saving design
- Digital touch screen controls
- Shake notification reminder
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- May be bulky for small kitchens
- Higher price point
- Limited to 400°F for presets
CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black
The Chefman 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a compact, space-saving appliance ideal for individuals or couples. Its square basket design maximizes capacity while keeping the footprint small, fitting perfectly on counters or in cabinets.
The capacitive touch screen allows precise temperature and time adjustments up to 400°F, cooking food up to three times faster than a conventional oven. Enjoy healthier meals with little-to-no oil, without sacrificing flavor.
The built-in shake notification ensures evenly crispy results. Perfect for quick, delicious meals, this mini air fryer is a must-have for those seeking convenience and efficiency in a small package.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ultra-compact design
- Fast cooking performance
- Easy-to-use touch controls
- Shake notification feature
- Perfect for 1-2 people
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited 2-quart capacity
- No preset cooking functions
- Not suitable for large meals
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ is a versatile countertop appliance that combines air frying, baking, dehydrating, rotisserie, and roasting into one convenient unit. Its rapid air heating elements cook food faster and more evenly than traditional ovens, with no preheating required.
Enjoy healthier meals using 98% less oil while achieving crispy perfection. The 17 preset options and capacitive touch screen make it easy for anyone to cook perfect meals in minutes.
It includes three air flow racks, a stainless steel rotisserie spit with a retrieval tool, and a drip tray, offering everything you need for delicious, hassle-free cooking.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Multiple cooking functions
- Faster cooking times
- Healthy oil-free cooking
- Easy-to-use presets
- Includes accessories
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Bulky design
- High price point
Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer, 7-in-1 Functions with EvenCrisp Technology that Crisps, Broils, Bakes, Roasts, Dehydrates, Reheats & Rotisseries, Includes over 100 In-App Recipes, Stainless Steel
The Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer is a powerful 7-in-1 appliance that air fries, roasts, broils, bakes, reheats, dehydrates, and rotisseries with little to no preheat time. Its EvenCrisp Technology ensures perfect crunch with 95% less oil than deep frying.
Six customizable smart programs simplify cooking, from rotisserie chicken to sugar cookies. The large front window lets you monitor food without opening the door, preserving heat and crispiness.
With a 10-quart capacity, it’s perfect for families or meal prep, handling up to 6 portions. This multifunctional air fryer delivers convenience, versatility, and delicious results for everyday cooking.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- 7 cooking functions
- EvenCrisp technology
- Large viewing window
- Family-sized capacity
- Quick preheat time
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Large footprint
- Limited customization
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill, 1800W 8-1 Air Fryer Oven with Bake, Convection Bake, Grill, Broil and Warm Options, Large Capacity, 60-Minute Timer, TOA-70NAS, Stainless Steel
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a versatile powerhouse that combines multiple cooking functions into one sleek appliance. With 1800 watts of power, it offers air frying, toasting, baking, broiling, and grilling, making it perfect for busy kitchens.
Its spacious interior can toast six slices of bread, air fry 3 lbs. of wings, or bake a 12-inch pizza.
The AirAdvantage technology ensures crispy results, while the adjustable temperature dial and 60-minute timer provide precise control. Included accessories like the nonstick reversible grill/griddle and easy-clean interior add convenience, making this a must-have for home cooks seeking efficiency and performance.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Multiple cooking functions
- Large cooking capacity
- Fast, crispy results
- Easy to clean
- Precise temperature control
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Bulky footprint
- Learning curve
bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 3.3lb Capacity, Oatmilk
The bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer is a compact yet powerful kitchen companion designed to fit any space without sacrificing performance. Its sleek, space-saving design is 50% slimmer than previous models, making it ideal for small kitchens.
The EverGood ceramic nonstick coating ensures healthy, hassle-free cooking without harmful chemicals, and the 4-quart basket holds up to 3.3 lbs. of food, perfect for family meals.
Digital controls with six presets, including air fry, roast, and dehydrate, simplify meal prep. With 1300 watts of power and modern styling, this air fryer combines efficiency, elegance, and convenience for everyday cooking.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Space-saving design
- Healthy nonstick coating
- Large basket capacity
- Easy digital controls
- Stylish modern look
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Lower wattage
- Limited presets
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer revolutionizes meal prep with its two independent baskets, allowing you to cook two different foods simultaneously. Its Smart Finish and Match Cook features ensure everything is ready at the same time, while the 8-quart capacity is perfect for families.
With six versatile cooking programs, including air fry, roast, and bake, this appliance is a kitchen workhorse. The separate heating zones and cyclonic fans deliver consistent, crispy results every time.
Dishwasher-safe baskets make cleanup a breeze, making it a top choice for busy households seeking convenience and versatility.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Dual independent baskets
- Large 8-quart capacity
- Smart Finish feature
- Versatile cooking programs
- Dishwasher-safe parts
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Bulky design
- High power consumption
Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket – Black
The Chefman Air Fryer combines style and efficiency with its 4-quart compact design, perfect for small kitchens or serving 2-4 people. Its digital touch screen and four preset functions make cooking quick and easy, while the 450°F Hi-Fry Technology ensures an extra crispy finish.
The shake notification halfway through cooking guarantees evenly cooked, crunchy results. With its sleek, narrow footprint, this air fryer saves counter space without sacrificing performance.
Enjoy healthier meals with little-to-no oil, all while benefiting from a user-friendly interface and rapid cooking times, making it ideal for those seeking convenience and great taste.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact space-saving design
- Hi-Fry Technology
- Easy digital controls
- Shake notifications
- Affordable price
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Smaller capacity
- Limited cooking presets
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in an air fryer under $200?
Look for a model with a capacity of at least 4 quarts if you’re cooking for a family, or 2-3 quarts for individuals. Consider features like adjustable temperature controls, a timer, and easy-to-clean parts. Some models also offer presets for common foods like fries or chicken.
How do basket-style and toaster-oven air fryers compare?
Basket-style air fryers are more compact and great for quick, single-layer cooking like fries or wings. Toaster-oven models are larger but versatile, allowing you to bake, roast, or toast in addition to air frying. The choice depends on your kitchen space and cooking needs.
Are there any must-have features in this price range?
Look for a dishwasher-safe basket or tray for easy cleanup. A digital interface with presets can simplify cooking, though manual dials work well too. Some models also include accessories like racks or skewers for added versatility.
How do I know if an air fryer offers good value?
Check reviews for durability and performance over time, not just initial impressions. Compare wattage—higher wattage often means faster and more even cooking. A solid warranty and responsive customer service also add value.
What are common downsides of budget air fryers?
Some cheaper models may have uneven cooking or smaller capacities. They might also lack advanced features like smart connectivity or multiple cooking modes. Reading user reviews can help you identify these issues before buying.
Can I cook full meals in an air fryer under $200?
Yes, but it depends on the size and type of air fryer. Basket models are better for sides or snacks, while toaster-oven styles can handle main dishes like whole chickens or casseroles. Consider your typical meal prep when choosing.
How important is wattage for an air fryer?
Higher wattage (usually 1500W or more) cooks food faster and more evenly. Lower wattage models may take longer or require preheating. Balance wattage with your kitchen’s electrical capacity.
Are there any underrated features to consider?
A non-stick coating that’s PFOA-free is a healthier and more durable option. Some models have a viewing window to monitor cooking without opening the basket. Others offer memory functions to resume cooking after checking food.