Most cheap air fryers cut corners where it matters—uneven cooking, weak heating, or frustrating controls. That’s how you end up with soggy fries and wasted counter space. We narrowed it down to the best air fryer deals under $80 that are actually worth your money—all currently discounted by at least 20%.
What to Look For in a Budget Best Air Fryer
At this price point, you need to prioritize performance over extras.
Capacity
Look for at least 3.5 to 5 quarts. Anything smaller gets limiting fast unless you’re cooking for one person.
Wattage
Aim for 1200–1700 watts. Lower-powered units struggle to crisp food properly and take longer to cook.
Temperature Range
A solid range (around 180°F–400°F) gives you flexibility for everything from reheating to crisping.
Ease of Cleaning
Nonstick, dishwasher-safe baskets are a must. If it’s annoying to clean, you won’t use it.
Controls (Manual vs Digital)
Manual dials are more reliable and cheaper. Digital controls give more precision—but at this price, they can be hit or miss.
Build Quality
Cheap plastic is common, but avoid units that feel flimsy or poorly assembled.
Best Air Fryer Deals Under $80 Right Now
COSORI Lite 4.0-Quart Air Fryer
This is one of the most balanced options under $80. It heats evenly, has an intuitive digital interface, and is compact enough for smaller kitchens without sacrificing usable capacity.
Best for: Most people who want reliability and ease of use
Drawback: Slightly smaller capacity than larger family units
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
Ninja consistently delivers solid performance, and this model is no exception when discounted. It cooks evenly, heats quickly, and feels more durable than most budget competitors.
Best for: Buyers who want dependable performance from a trusted brand
Drawback: Takes up more counter space than similar-capacity units
Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer
From the same company behind Instant Pots, this air fryer is simple, effective, and consistent. It offers multiple cooking modes without overcomplicating things.
Best for: People who want a straightforward, no-learning-curve air fryer
Drawback: Exterior can get warm during extended use
Chefman TurboFry 3.6-Quart Air Fryer
This is a strong budget pick if you want something simple that just works. It uses manual controls, which actually makes it more reliable than many cheap digital models.
Best for: Budget buyers who prefer simplicity and durability
Drawback: No presets or digital display
Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer
Compact, affordable, and easy to use, this is ideal for small spaces. It won’t handle large meals, but it performs well for quick snacks and single servings.
Best for: Small kitchens, dorms, or single users
Drawback: Limited capacity makes it impractical for families
Our Verdict
If you want the best overall value, go with the COSORI Lite 4.0-Quart—it balances performance, size, and ease of use better than anything else under $80. If durability and brand reliability matter more, the Ninja AF101 is worth grabbing when discounted. For tighter budgets or simpler needs, the Chefman TurboFry is a smart pick that avoids the common pitfalls of cheap digital models. Bottom line: under $80, you can absolutely get a solid air fryer—but only if you avoid underpowered, gimmicky options.