Air fryer under $50: is a cheap one worth it

A cheap air fryer is a small countertop oven with a strong fan. It makes frozen fries, wings and reheated pizza crisp without much oil. Under $50, it is worth it if you cook for one or two and use it a few times a week.

It is not worth it if you have a toaster oven that you already use, or if your counter space is tight.

Will you use it enough?

Try the math with round numbers. A $45 air fryer used 3 times a week for a year is about 150 uses. That is 30 cents a use. If it sits in a cupboard after a month, it costs $45 for 4 uses, which is more than $11 each.

Ruling: buy only if you can name three foods you will cook in it this week.

For the method, see cost per use, explained.

What the money gets you

At this price you get

• A 2 to 4 quart basket, enough for one or two portions.
• A dial or digital timer and a temperature control.
• A nonstick basket that goes in the sink or sometimes the dishwasher.

At this price you do not get

• A large family size basket.
• Presets that work well every time. Learn the time and heat for your food.
• A long warranty.
• Metal parts that never scratch. Use silicone tools on the basket.

Size guide

Air fryer or toaster oven?

If you already own a toaster oven, an air fryer adds little. It is faster to heat and crisps better in the same time, but the gap is small. If you do not own either, a toaster oven does more jobs, such as toast and baking. Our toaster oven vs toaster page shows how to think about that choice.

Check before you pay

1. Basket coating. Nonstick wears. Look for a note about the coating and follow the care steps.
2. Cord and plug. Check the cord length and that it is listed by a safety lab. Look for a mark like UL or ETL on the box.
3. Noise. Fans are loud. Read the reviews.
4. Return policy. A clear window protects you if it smells or fails early.
5. Space. Leave room behind it for hot air to vent. Makers often say several inches.

Safety

Never leave it running unattended. Do not line the basket with loose paper that can fly up into the heating element. Use liners made for air fryers and keep them weighed down by food.

Walk away if

• The cord feels thin or the plug is loose.
• There is no safety mark.
• The basket does not slide in smoothly.
• Reviews mention a burning smell after the first week.

Common mistakes

• Overfilling the basket. Food crisps in a single layer.
• Spraying nonstick aerosols on the basket, which can damage the coating.
• Expecting deep fried taste from a basket of vegetables.