Short answer: for most US buyers on a tight budget, the best-value air fryers are compact, single-basket 120V models from established brands with a published model code and manual. The three exact models below cover the main budget choices: the Chefman RJ38-2T (2 qt, manufacturer list price $59.99) for one person, the Chefman RJ38-4TW-BLACK (4 qt, list price $99.99) if you want a viewing window, and the Ninja AF101 (4 qt) if you want a ceramic-coated basket and a dedicated Dehydrate mode.
How we built this guide: this is a specification-led comparison based on manufacturer product pages and owner’s guides, checked 26 October 2026. We have not hands-on tested these appliances, and we do not publish ratings or scores. List prices are the manufacturer’s own published figures where one is shown; retail prices change often, so check the current price before buying.
- Budget air fryer quick picks
- Chefman RJ38-2T: the lowest-cost compact pick
- Chefman RJ38-4TW-BLACK: a window and presets for about 0 list
- Ninja AF101: brand-name 4-quart alternative
- What you give up with a budget air fryer
- How to avoid a bad cheap listing
- Budget air fryer FAQ
- What is the best air fryer under 0?
- Is a 2-quart air fryer big enough?
- Are cheap air fryers safe?
- Do budget air fryers use less electricity?
- Should I buy a budget air fryer or a toaster-oven air fryer?
- Official sources checked
Budget air fryer quick picks
| Exact model | Capacity | Power | Temperature | Best for | Manufacturer list price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chefman RJ38-2T | 2 qt / 1.89 L | 900W, 120V | Up to 400°F | One person, snacks, reheating, small kitchens | $59.99 |
| Chefman RJ38-4TW-BLACK | 4 qt / 3.78 L | 1500W, 120V | 90–450°F | One or two people who want a window and presets | $99.99 |
| Ninja AF101 | 4 qt / 3.8 L | 1550W, 120V | 105–400°F | Small batches with a ceramic-coated basket and Dehydrate | Not shown on the official page we checked |
Capacity figures are nominal basket volumes. They tell you the size class, not how many full meals will brown evenly in one layer.
Chefman RJ38-2T: the lowest-cost compact pick
Choose it if you cook for one, mostly make fries, nuggets, vegetables or leftovers, and have little counter space. Chefman lists the RJ38-2T at 2 qt (1.89 L), 900W/120V, a maximum of 400°F, a dishwasher-safe basket and an 8.3 × 10 × 9.8 in footprint.
Skip it if you regularly cook for two or more, want presets, or want to roast a whole protein. Two quarts is the smallest practical size class, so larger meals mean several batches. The 900W rating can help on a shared circuit, but lower wattage does not automatically mean lower energy use for every recipe.
Full details: Chefman RJ38-2T review · 2-liter air fryer comparison
Chefman RJ38-4TW-BLACK: a window and presets for about $100 list
Choose it if you want a middle size for one or two people and like checking food without pulling the basket. Chefman lists the RJ38-4TW-BLACK at 4 qt (3.78 L), 1500W/120V, a 90–450°F range, four one-touch presets, a viewing window and a top-rack dishwasher-safe nonstick basket.
Skip it if you need family-size batches or two independent zones. Check the full model code too: RJ38-4T, RJ38-4T-V2 and RJ38-4TW are related names, not proof of the same window, power or parts.
Full details: Chefman RJ38-4TW-BLACK review · Chefman 2-, 4- and 6-quart comparison
Ninja AF101: brand-name 4-quart alternative
Choose it if you want four simple functions (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate), a ceramic-coated basket and crisper plate, and a low 105°F starting temperature for drying fruit or jerky. SharkNinja documents 4 qt (3.8 L), 1550W, 120V/60Hz and a 400°F maximum, with dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate.
Skip it if you want a viewing window, a dedicated Bake key or temperatures above 400°F. SharkNinja’s owner’s guide notes that the multi-layer rack is not included with every model, so confirm package contents. Ninja did not show a current list price on the official page we checked, so compare the live price with the Chefman options before buying.
Full details: Ninja AF101 review · Ninja US single-basket comparison
What you give up with a budget air fryer
- Cooking area: 2–4 qt baskets suit one or two people. A family usually needs about 5–6 qt or two baskets; see our air fryer size guide and capacity calculator.
- Controls: cheaper models often skip presets, windows, app control or separate zones. That is fine if you are happy setting time and temperature yourself.
- Power: lower wattage can mean longer preheat and cook times. Our wattage guide explains what the rating does and does not tell you.
- Accessories: racks and liners may be sold separately. Check what fits safely in our guide to air-fryer-safe containers and utensils.
How to avoid a bad cheap listing
- Look for a full model code that appears on the manufacturer’s own site and in a downloadable manual. Unknown brand names with no manual make parts, warranty and safety checks hard.
- Check the voltage: US kitchens need 120V. A 220–240V import will not work safely with a plug adapter.
- Match capacity to your household, not to the lowest price. A 2-quart unit that needs three batches per meal is poor value for a family.
- Check the basket coating and cleaning rules in the manual, and avoid used units with peeling coating.
- Compare against the price history during sales events; a large “was” price does not prove a good deal.
Budget air fryer FAQ
What is the best air fryer under $100?
For one person, the Chefman RJ38-2T has the lowest manufacturer list price here ($59.99). For one or two people who want a window and presets, the Chefman RJ38-4TW-BLACK lists at $99.99. Retail prices change, so check the current price.
Is a 2-quart air fryer big enough?
For one person and snacks, usually yes. For two or more people or whole meals, a 4-quart model or larger is more practical.
Are cheap air fryers safe?
Choose a model sold for 120V US use with a published model number, manual and safety listing information, and follow its cleaning and placement instructions. Avoid listings without a traceable manufacturer.
Do budget air fryers use less electricity?
Lower-wattage models draw less power while heating, but total energy depends on how long you cook and how many batches you need. See our air fryer electricity guide.
Should I buy a budget air fryer or a toaster-oven air fryer?
A basket air fryer is usually smaller and quicker for fries and snacks. A toaster-oven style unit takes more counter space but can toast and fit flatter foods. Compare both in our air fryer buying guide.
Official sources checked
- Chefman Compact Air Fryer 2 Quart (RJ38-2T) product page — model, capacity, power, maximum temperature, dimensions, list price
- Chefman TurboFry Touch 4-Quart Easy-View (RJ38-4TW-BLACK) product page — model, capacity, power, temperature range, presets, list price
- SharkNinja AF100 Series owner’s guide — AF101 functions, temperature range, cleaning, accessories
- SharkNinja AF101C product specifications — capacity and power for the AF101 family
Sources and list prices checked 26 October 2026. Specifications are taken from manufacturer documentation; no hands-on testing is claimed.
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