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Air fryers have quickly become one of the most popular kitchen gadgets of the last few years—and for good reason. They promise crispy, golden results with far less oil than traditional frying, making them a healthier alternative for cooking family favorites like fries, chicken wings, or even desserts. Beyond health, air fryers also score points for convenience: quick cooking times, easy cleanup, and versatile functions that go way beyond frying.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, the good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune. Some of the best-performing air fryers on the market come in under $200. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for, review six top-rated models, and help you find the right one for your kitchen.
What to Look for in an Air Fryer
Contents
When choosing an air fryer under $200, keep these factors in mind:
- Capacity: Do you mostly cook for one, two, or a family of four? Air fryers range from compact 2-quart units to large 6-quart+ models.
- Functions: Some air fryers only fry, while others can roast, bake, dehydrate, or even replace your toaster oven.
- Ease of Cleaning: Removable, dishwasher-safe baskets make a big difference.
- Controls: Digital touchscreens are intuitive, while manual dials are simpler and more budget-friendly.
- Counter Space: Air fryers can be bulky—measure your countertop before buying.
Best Air Fryers Under $200
Top 3 best air fryers:
- Ninja AF101 4-Quart Air Fryer
- COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo (5.8 Quart)
- Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer (6 Quart)
1. Ninja AF101 4-Quart Air Fryer
4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 2 lbs of French fries.
The Ninja AF101 is one of the most popular air fryers for good reason—it’s compact, powerful, and simple to use. With a 4-quart capacity, it’s perfect for small households.
Pros:
- Reliable, even cooking results
- Easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe basket
- Compact footprint
Cons:
- Not ideal for larger families
- Louder fan compared to some models
Mini-Review: We tested the Ninja AF101 with frozen fries and chicken tenders, and both came out crisp and evenly browned without preheating the oven. It’s an excellent choice if you want something straightforward and efficient without taking up too much counter space.
2. COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo (5.8 Quart)
Cook your food up to 50% faster than a traditional oven and reduce your food’s oil content by up to 85% compared to traditional deep-frying, so you can enjoy the same crispy taste without the health drawbacks.
The COSORI Pro II offers a larger capacity—5.8 quarts—making it great for families or meal prep. It comes with 12 preset cooking functions and an intuitive digital touchscreen.
Pros:
- Large capacity for family meals
- 12 versatile presets
- Sleek, modern design
Cons:
- Bulkier than compact models
- Buttons can be a little sensitive
Mini-Review: In our testing, the COSORI Pro II handled a full batch of chicken wings without crowding, delivering evenly crisp results. We also loved the presets for veggies and seafood—ideal if you want hassle-free cooking with one-touch convenience.
3. Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer (6 Quart)
Air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, or reheat with little to no preheating time, all in one easy appliance.
From the makers of the Instant Pot, the Instant Vortex Plus is a 6-quart air fryer with multiple functions, including roasting, baking, broiling, reheating, and dehydrating.
Pros:
- Multiple cooking functions
- Generous capacity
- Easy-to-clean nonstick basket
Cons:
- Takes up more counter space
- Exterior can get warm during use
Mini-Review: We loved how versatile the Instant Vortex Plus is—using it to reheat leftover pizza one minute and bake cookies the next. For under $200, it feels like a multi-appliance in one, especially if you want more than just air frying.
4. Philips Premium Airfryer (TurboStar Technology)
Bring home the Airfryer so you can have 100% taste satisfaction with crispy on the outside and tender on the inside results, using little to no added oil, with up to 90% less fat.
Philips was one of the first brands to popularize air frying, and their Premium model still delivers excellent performance. It’s known for its TurboStar technology, which ensures food cooks evenly without needing to shake or stir.
Pros:
- Exceptional cooking results
- Doesn’t require preheating
- Trusted, long-lasting build quality
Cons:
- Smaller basket than some models
- Higher price point (though still under $200)
Mini-Review: In testing, we noticed that the Philips cooked fries and nuggets more evenly without shaking compared to other models. If you’re after reliability and top-notch results, this air fryer is worth the slightly higher investment.
5. GoWISE USA 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer (5.8 Quart)
Thanks to rapid air technology, you can now experience your favorite food without the extra calories. This air fryer can fry, bake, grill and roast with little to no oil.
The GoWISE USA Air Fryer offers impressive versatility with 8 preset cooking modes. It comes with a recipe book and has a wide temperature range, from 180°F to 400°F.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Large basket capacity
- Includes recipe book with 50+ recipes
Cons:
- Buttons can feel less premium
- Basket coating may wear over time
Mini-Review: We cooked everything from steak to brownies in the GoWISE air fryer, and it consistently delivered. While it’s not as sleek as higher-end models, the performance for the price makes it a fantastic value pick.
6. Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer (5 Quart)
This countertop airfryer produces delicious golden-brown results with only a fraction of the oil that deep fryers need. Plus, it cooks quicker than a traditional oven with powerful convection functions.
The Chefman TurboFry is a budget-friendly option with a simple digital interface and a family-sized 5-quart capacity.
Pros:
- Affordable and reliable
- Compact for its size
- Straightforward digital controls
Cons:
- Louder fan than premium models
- Basket can feel slightly flimsy
Mini-Review: We used the Chefman TurboFry for quick weeknight meals, and it handled everything from roasted veggies to mozzarella sticks with ease. It’s a no-frills choice that gets the job done at a wallet-friendly price.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Air Fryer Under $200
When comparing air fryers, keep these main points in mind:
- Capacity:
- 2–3 quarts → Singles or couples
- 4–5 quarts → Small families
- 6+ quarts → Large families or batch cooking
- Functions:
- Basic → Fry, reheat, bake
- Advanced → Dehydrate, broil, roast, multi-cook
- Ease of Use:
- Digital controls are beginner-friendly
- Manual dials are simpler and less likely to break
- Cleaning:
- Dishwasher-safe baskets save time
- Nonstick coatings reduce scrubbing
- Budget:
- $70–$100 → Entry-level models with fewer presets
- $120–$150 → Mid-range with more features
- $150–$200 → Premium performance and larger capacity
Final Thoughts
An air fryer under $200 can completely transform the way you cook at home—offering crispy, healthier meals with less effort. If you’re cooking for one or two, the Ninja AF101 is a fantastic compact choice. For families, the COSORI Pro II and Instant Vortex Plus offer generous capacity and versatile cooking. And if you’re after premium performance, the Philips Premium Airfryer is a reliable pick.
No matter which model you choose, you’ll enjoy quicker meals, healthier cooking, and the convenience of having one of the most versatile kitchen appliances at your fingertips.
