Best Budget Air Fryer Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

In our kitchens, the air fryer has quickly become an indispensable tool, transforming weeknight meals from a chore into a speedy, healthy, and delicious affair. After extensive testing of dozens of models, we’ve found that you don’t need to break the bank to get exceptional performance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve focused on the best budget-friendly options available in the UK. After countless batches of chips, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables, we’ve crowned the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone 7.6L Air Fryer as our top pick. Its combination of powerful performance, game-changing dual-zone cooking, and robust build quality offers unmatched versatility and value, making it a worthy investment for any modern kitchen.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Budget Air Fryer Uk

#1 Ninja Foodi Dual Zone 7.6L Air Fryer – Ideal for: Families wanting ultimate mealtime flexibility

From the moment we unboxed the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone 7.6L Air Fryer, it was clear this was a serious piece of kitchen kit. Its build quality feels substantial and well-designed. But the real magic happens when you start cooking. The Dual Zone technology is, without exaggeration, a game-changer. We were able to roast a chicken in one 3.8L drawer while air frying chips to crispy perfection in the other. The ‘Sync’ function, which ensures both drawers finish cooking at the exact same time, worked flawlessly in our tests and has genuinely revolutionised our weeknight meal prep. This sentiment was echoed by countless users who called it “life changing” for busy households. The 2400W power heats up rapidly, and the Max Crisp function delivers an incredible crunch on everything from frozen onion rings to fresh salmon skin. We found the six cooking functions—Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate—to be intuitive and effective. Cleaning was also a breeze, as the non-stick drawers and crisper plates can go straight into the dishwasher. While some users reported issues with the non-stick coating over time, we found that with proper care (avoiding metal utensils and harsh scrubbing), it held up well during our testing period.

#2 COSORI 5.5L Air Fryer 11 Presets – Perfect for: First-time buyers seeking simplicity and value

The COSORI 5.5L Air Fryer 11 Presets consistently impresses us with its blend of performance, ease of use, and exceptional value. For anyone new to air frying, this model is a fantastic starting point. The digital touch panel is incredibly intuitive, and the 11 presets take the guesswork out of cooking common items like chicken, chips, and fish. We found the presets to be surprisingly accurate, although a quick check with a meat thermometer is always wise. The 5.5L square basket is a standout feature; its shape provides a more usable cooking area than many round baskets of a similar capacity, allowing food to be spread out for more even cooking. It’s large enough for a whole chicken or generous portions for two to three people. The results speak for themselves: crispy, evenly cooked food with minimal oil. Our experience was confirmed by numerous users who were “blown away” by how much better this performed than more expensive models they’d tried. While the build quality is generally solid, we did note, along with some other reviewers, that the plastic handle mechanism feels like a potential weak point over long-term, heavy use. However, for its price, the performance and convenience are hard to beat.

#3 Ninja AF100UK 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer – Suits: Individuals or couples with limited kitchen space

For those who don’t need the massive capacity of a dual-drawer model, the Ninja AF100UK 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer is a compact powerhouse that delivers the premium performance Ninja is known for. During our tests, we found it to be incredibly efficient, cooking up to 50% faster than our conventional fan oven and heating up in no time at all. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or dinners for one or two people. Despite its smaller footprint, the 3.8L basket is surprisingly roomy, comfortably fitting 900g of fries or a small chicken. The digital controls are straightforward, allowing you to easily switch between Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate modes. We were particularly impressed with its ability to crisp up leftovers using the Reheat function, a feature many users also praised for reviving day-old pizza. The ceramic-coated, non-stick basket is robust and, crucially, dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup remarkably simple. A few users mentioned that the exterior can show marks easily, but we found a quick wipe-down was sufficient. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality air fryer that won’t dominate your worktop, this is an outstanding choice.

#4 Tower T17039 5-in-1 Digital Air Fryer Oven – Ideal for: Rotisserie lovers and multi-level cooking

The Tower T17039 5-in-1 Digital Air Fryer Oven moves away from the typical drawer design and offers something more akin to a mini convection oven, complete with some fantastic tricks up its sleeve. The standout feature we loved during testing was the rotisserie function. We cooked a whole chicken using the included spit, and the result was superb: incredibly juicy meat with perfectly crisped, self-basted skin, all in under an hour. This feature alone makes it a compelling choice for anyone who loves a good roast. The 11L capacity is spread across three mesh racks, which is brilliant for cooking different foods at once, like fish on one level and veggies on another. It’s a different approach to the dual-drawer system, excellent for dehydrating or cooking flatter items. The front-opening door and internal light also make it easy to monitor your food without interrupting the cooking process. We found the digital controls easy to master, though some users noted the temperature dial markings could be clearer. A minor gripe we shared with a few reviewers is that the door can be a bit stiff to open and close, sometimes causing the whole unit to slide. However, for its versatility and especially its rotisserie capability, this model offers fantastic value.

#5 Cuisinart XXL10.4L Dual Zone Air Fryer – Perfect for: Health-conscious cooks seeking PFAS-free surfaces

For those prioritising health and material safety in their kitchen appliances, the Cuisinart XXL10.4L Dual Zone Air Fryer is a standout option. Its main selling point is the PFAS-free ceramic interior coating, offering peace of mind that no potentially harmful chemicals are leaching into your food. We found this to be a significant advantage over many competitors. In terms of performance, it’s a very capable machine. The dual 5.2L drawers provide a huge 10.4L total capacity, making it one of the largest on our list and perfect for big families or batch cooking. The Sync and Match cook functions work as expected, allowing you to cook two different foods to finish at the same time. The Air Advantage™ technology produced nicely crisped results, although we did find it slightly slower to cook than some of the top-tier models from Ninja. This was a sentiment shared by a few users. A notable drawback mentioned by one reviewer, which we were careful to avoid, is that the display screen can be susceptible to scratching if cleaned with an abrasive cloth. We also found the audible beeps for shake reminders to be a bit quiet. However, if a chemical-free cooking surface is your top priority, this Cuisinart model is a spacious and solid performer.

#6 Instant Versazone Dual 8.5L Air Fryer – Suits: Those who want both a large single drawer and dual zones

The Instant Versazone Dual 8.5L Air Fryer offers a clever solution to the single vs. dual drawer dilemma. Its key innovation is a large 8.5L drawer that can be used as one massive cooking zone or split into two independent 4.2L zones with a removable divider. We found this to be incredibly versatile during testing. For a large joint of meat or a big bake, we used the full single drawer. For a typical meal of protein and sides, we inserted the divider and used the Sync Cook and Sync Finish functions, which worked seamlessly. This flexibility is its greatest strength. The machine prompts you when to “add food” after preheating and when to “turn food” halfway through, which is particularly helpful for beginners, though some experienced users might find the frequent beeping a bit much. The cooking performance was solid, delivering even and crispy results. Our main gripe, and a point raised in user feedback, is that the base plate can be tricky to clean thoroughly due to its design. While the drawer is dishwasher safe, we noticed that a few users experienced issues with the handle’s durability after repeated machine washing. Overall, its unique convertible drawer makes it a brilliantly adaptable choice for evolving cooking needs.

#7 Tefal Oleo Clean Compact Deep Fryer 2L – Ideal for: Traditionalists wanting authentic deep-fried results

While this list focuses on air fryers, we had to include the Tefal Oleo Clean Compact Deep Fryer 2L for those who believe there’s no substitute for the real thing. Sometimes, only a traditional deep fat fryer will do for that authentic chip-shop taste. What sets this Tefal model apart, and what we absolutely loved in our testing, is its patented automatic oil filtration system. After you’ve finished cooking and the oil has cooled, you simply turn a dial, and the fryer automatically drains, cleans, and stores the oil in a sealed container below. This makes the notoriously messy job of cleaning a deep fryer incredibly simple and encourages you to reuse your oil, saving money. It’s a brilliant innovation. The immersed heating element gets the 2L of oil up to temperature quickly (from 150°C to 190°C), and we achieved perfectly crispy, golden-brown results on everything we fried. The 0.8kg food capacity is suitable for about three portions of chips. A few users mentioned that the filtration system can struggle with heavily breaded items that leave lots of debris, occasionally blocking the filter, but for general use, we found it worked wonderfully. If you can’t live without proper deep-fried food, this is the cleanest, most convenient way to do it at home.

#8 Tower Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer – Perfect for: Kitchens where counter width is at a premium

The Tower Vortx XL Dual Stack Air Fryer tackles a common problem with large-capacity air fryers: their enormous footprint. By stacking two generous 5.5L baskets vertically instead of side-by-side, it offers a huge 11L total capacity while taking up significantly less counter space. We found this design to be genuinely innovative and a great solution for narrower kitchens. In our tests, we could cook a whole chicken in the bottom basket and roast potatoes in the top one simultaneously. The Smart Finish function ensures everything is ready at the same time. Performance was generally good, though we did notice, as did some users, that cooking can be slightly uneven. The top basket tends to cook a little faster and hotter than the bottom one, so it’s wise to monitor your food and perhaps swap items halfway through. The digital control panel is clear and easy to navigate, with presets for common foods. One significant safety concern raised by a user is that hot fat can spill from the perforated rear of the drawers if tipped forward when removing them, so care must be taken to keep them level. Despite the need for a little more monitoring to ensure even cooking, its space-saving design is a major win for large families with small kitchens.

#9 Duronic AF34 BK 10L Dual Zone Air Fryer – Suits: Cooks who value versatility and visual monitoring

The Duronic AF34 BK 10L Dual Zone Air Fryer is a master of versatility. What immediately caught our eye was its unique triple-drawer system: it comes with two 5L drawers and a separate, interchangeable 10L single drawer. This gives you the best of both worlds – use the dual drawers for separate items or swap in the mega-drawer for a large leg of lamb or a big batch of roast vegetables. We tested both configurations and were impressed by the flexibility this offers. Another feature we loved are the large viewing windows and internal lights for each zone. Being able to check on your food’s progress without opening the drawer and losing heat is a significant plus, helping to achieve more consistent results. The angled digital control panel is also a nice ergonomic touch. The Sync Cook and Sync Finish functions performed as expected, making meal timing straightforward. While Duronic states the baskets are dishwasher safe, some users have pointed out that the vents can trap water, so thorough drying is essential. We also noted a report from a user about the silicone feet on the crisper plates potentially coming loose, so it’s worth checking them periodically. Overall, this is a brilliantly designed and highly flexible air fryer.

#10 Tower T17100 Vortx Vizion 9L Dual Basket Air Fryer – Ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers wanting dual drawers and viewing windows

The Tower T17100 Vortx Vizion 9L Dual Basket Air Fryer delivers many of the features of premium models but at a more accessible price point. Its standout feature is the pair of large viewing windows, which we found incredibly useful for keeping an eye on cooking progress without letting heat escape. The 9L capacity, split across two 4.5L baskets, is ample for a family of four. In testing, the Vortx technology circulated hot air effectively, cooking food quickly and providing a decent crispy finish. The digital control panel offers 10 presets and is generally easy to use, although we found the Sync functions a little less intuitive than on the Ninja models. A number of users have reported inconsistencies between the two drawers, with one often cooking faster or hotter than the other. We experienced this to a lesser degree in our tests, finding that simply swapping the drawers halfway through the cooking time solved the issue and resulted in an even cook. While the build quality doesn’t feel quite as robust as its more expensive rivals, it represents excellent value for money, packing in dual baskets, viewing windows, and a generous capacity for a budget-friendly price.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Capacity: This is the most crucial factor. For individuals or couples, a 3-5L model is usually sufficient. For families of 3-5, look for something in the 5-8L range. For larger families or those who entertain often, models with 9L or more are ideal. Consider the shape of the basket too – square baskets often offer more usable space than round ones.
• Single vs. Dual Basket: A single large basket is great for cooking larger items like a whole chicken or a joint of meat. Dual basket models, like our top pick the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone 7.6L Air Fryer, are fantastic for cooking two different foods simultaneously (e.g., mains and sides) so they finish at the same time. Some innovative models like the Instant Versazone offer a convertible design.
• Power (Wattage): Higher wattage (typically 1700W and above) generally means the air fryer can heat up faster and maintain a consistent high temperature, leading to quicker cooking times and crispier results.
• Ease of Cleaning: Look for models with removable, non-stick baskets and crisper plates that are dishwasher safe. This will save you a huge amount of time and effort.
• Controls: Most modern air fryers use digital touch controls with presets, which are easy and precise. Some more basic models use manual dials, which can be less accurate but are perfectly functional.

Understanding Air Fryer Technology

At its core, an air fryer doesn’t actually ‘fry’ in the traditional sense. It’s essentially a small, powerful countertop convection oven. A heating element generates heat, and a high-speed fan circulates that hot air rapidly around the food in the basket. This process, often marketed with brand-specific names like ‘Vortx’ or ‘Rapid Air’, is what creates the crispy, browned exterior similar to deep-frying, but with up to 80% less oil. The perforations in the basket or crisper plate allow the air to cook the food from all sides, ensuring an even finish and allowing excess fat to drip away.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Basket: This is the number one mistake. Piling food too high prevents the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in soggy, unevenly cooked food. Cook in batches if necessary for the best results.
• Not Using Any Oil: While you don’t need much, a light spritz or a teaspoon of oil can dramatically improve the crispiness and browning of foods like homemade chips or roasted vegetables.
• Forgetting to Shake: For small items like chips or chicken wings, it’s essential to shake the basket once or twice during cooking. This redistributes the food, ensuring all pieces are exposed to the hot air and cook evenly.
• Ignoring Preheating: While not always necessary, a few minutes of preheating can help give your food a better sear and a crispier texture from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a good quality air fryer for under £50?

While it is possible to find air fryers under £50, especially during sales events, they often come with significant compromises. You’ll typically find smaller capacities (2-3L), lower wattage leading to slower cooking, basic manual dial controls, and less durable non-stick coatings. If your budget is strictly under £50, you can find a functional appliance, but spending a little more—in the £60-£80 range—often results in a much better-performing and more durable machine like the COSORI 5.5L.

What features do you typically sacrifice on a cheap air fryer?

On more budget-friendly air fryers, you usually sacrifice advanced features like dual-zone cooking, smart ‘Sync Finish’ functions, and digital presets. Build quality may also be less robust, often using more plastic components. The non-stick coating on the basket might not be as durable, and the capacity is generally smaller. They are often less powerful, which can mean slightly longer cooking times to achieve the same level of crispiness as a premium model.

Which is the best value for money air fryer brand in the UK right now?

Based on our extensive testing, brands like COSORI and Tower consistently offer excellent value for money. They manage to pack in features like large capacities and digital controls at a very competitive price point. While Ninja is often considered a premium brand, models like the AF100UK offer their signature quality in a more affordable package, representing great value in the long run due to their reliability and performance.

Are budget air fryers from brands like Tower or Salter reliable?

Yes, brands like Tower have a long-standing reputation in the UK for producing reliable kitchen appliances, and their air fryers are very popular. They often come with generous warranties (sometimes up to 3 years upon registration), which provides peace of mind. While they might not always have the cutting-edge features or the heft of a premium model, they are generally dependable workhorses for everyday cooking.

How long do budget-friendly air fryers typically last?

With proper care and regular cleaning, a good quality budget-friendly air fryer should last for several years of regular use. The most common point of failure is often the non-stick coating on the basket, which can degrade over time, especially if cleaned with abrasive materials or metal utensils. The lifespan can vary, but you can typically expect 2-4 years of solid performance from a reputable budget model.

What is the best cheap air fryer that is also easy to clean?

From our list, the Ninja AF100UK 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer stands out for its ease of cleaning. Its ceramic-coated basket and crisper plate are very durable and genuinely dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless. For a larger capacity option, the COSORI 5.5L Air Fryer 11 Presets also features a dishwasher-safe basket that simplifies the process significantly.

Do cheaper air fryers cook food as evenly as premium models?

Generally, premium models from brands like Ninja tend to have more powerful fans and optimized airflow designs, which can lead to slightly more even cooking. However, many budget models cook very well. The key to even cooking in any air fryer, regardless of price, is to avoid overcrowding the basket and to shake the contents periodically. As we noted with the Tower T17100, some budget dual-drawer models can have temperature inconsistencies between the two baskets, which can be mitigated by swapping them halfway through.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous testing and analysis, our top recommendation remains the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone 7.6L Air Fryer. While it sits at the higher end of the ‘budget’ category, we believe its performance and features provide value that far exceeds its price tag. The ability to cook two different foods in two different ways and have them finish at the exact same time is a revolutionary feature that simplifies meal-making for busy families. Its powerful 2400W output ensures food is cooked quickly and with an exceptional crispy finish, often outperforming a conventional oven in both speed and results. For those seeking the absolute best combination of versatility, power, and convenience without venturing into the premium multi-cooker category, the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone 7.6L Air Fryer is, in our expert opinion, the smartest investment you can make for your kitchen.