Air fryers provide a way to indulge in fried food without using any oil. They use hot air circulation heating technology that rapidly cooks food, resulting in juicy and tender interiors and crispy exteriors. This technology evenly cooks the food from all sides. Additionally, air fryers are easy to clean, which has led to a growing demand for them.
While there are many expensive air fryers on the market that cost over $100, you can also enjoy the same fried food with a cheaper model. These budget-friendly air fryers come with the latest cooking functions and features, and we will review the 5 best air fryers under $40 today. These air fryers are small, compact, and space-saving, making them ideal for use on small kitchen countertops and for portability while camping, in college dorms, and other such situations.
The Best air fryer under $40 Reviews
1. Chefman TurboFry - Best air fryer under $40
If you're in the market for a personal air fryer under $40 with basic features, the Chefmen Turbo Fry is a great option. It features a 2-quart non-stick basket, perfect for a single serving, and a compact design that's convenient for small kitchens, dorm rooms, and RV trips.
This air fryer uses newly upgraded Rapid Hot Air Circulation technology that allows you to enjoy the taste of fried food without the use of oil. With a 1000-watt power heating mechanism, the air fryer can produce temperatures ranging from 200°F to 400°F in just minutes. You can manually adjust the cooking time and temperature with two easy-to-use knobs.
Safety features include an auto shut-off function to prevent overcooking and overheating, two indicators that show when the air fryer is in use, and a safe detachable handle and BPA-free basket for food preparation.
Cleaning is a breeze with the non-stick basket, which requires no cooking oil spray, is removable, and is dishwasher safe. Although the air fryer does not come with any extra cooking accessories, it is ETL approved for safety and durability. Overall, you'll get a high-quality air fryer with all of these features at an affordable price of under $40!
Capacity: 2 quart
Power: 1000 watts
Diemension: 9.75 x 9.75 x 12.5 inches
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2. Elite Gourmet EAF 2.1 quart - best air fryer under $40
Looking for a budget-friendly air fryer with multiple cooking options? The Elite Gourmet 2.1-quart BPA-free air fryer is another great option under $40. This air fryer is available in five different colors, so you can choose the one that suits your kitchen best.
Measuring just 11.02 x 8.5 x 10.75 inches, the compact design of this air fryer won't take up too much space on your kitchen countertop and can easily be stored away when not in use. The 2.1-quart PFOA-free basket can hold 2-3 servings and is perfect for personal use. If you're living alone and looking for a healthier way to cook your meals and snacks, this air fryer can help you maintain a healthy eating lifestyle without any added oils.
The air fryer is easy to control with its accessible knobs, and the 1000-watt power can produce temperatures between 180°F and 395°F with a maximum cooking time of 30 minutes. This air fryer allows you to fry, bake, grill, and roast all in one, while reducing the oil in your food by up to 85%. You can enjoy guilt-free crispy veggies, fish fillets, chicken tenders, and more without any added fatty oils.
The Elite Gourmet air fryer also has safety features, including an auto shut-off function, a cool-touch handle for easy handling, and a PFOA-free basket. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the non-stick basket, which eliminates the need for an oil sprayer. The parts are also dishwasher-safe.
This air fryer comes with a 1-year warranty and includes a removable drawer pan, removable rack, and instruction manual. With all these features and accessories included, the Elite Gourmet air fryer is a great budget-friendly option for anyone looking to add an air fryer to their kitchen.
Capacity: 2.1 quart
Power: 1000 watts
Diemension: 11.02 x 8.5 x 10.75 inches
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3. iRUNTEK Mini Compact - best Air Fryer under $40
Our third pick for the best air fryers under $40 is the iRUNTEK Mini Compact Air Fryer. Its compact design includes a small foot stand to keep it stable on your kitchen countertop, and the 1.3-quart basket size is perfect for one or two people, saving valuable counter space.
Cooking is a breeze with the iRUNTEK air fryer. Simply fill the cooking pan with your favorite snacks, power on the fryer, and enjoy hot, crispy fries. While there are no heat adjustment knobs, the integrated timer allows for up to 30 minutes of cooking time, and the 360° hot air circulation heats up quickly and cooks your food evenly. The auto-shutoff feature ensures your food won't overcook or burn.
The BPA-free basket is good for your health, and the cool-touch handle makes handling easy while cooking. The mini size allows for portability, making it ideal for camping, traveling, or any on-the-go lifestyle. The basket is detachable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
However, there are no heat adjustment knobs, which may be a disadvantage for some users. Overall, the iRUNTEK Mini Compact Air Fryer is a great choice for personal or couple use.
Capacity: 1.3 quart
Power: 800 watts
Diemension: 13.89 x 10.39 x 7.83 inches
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4. Aria 2 quart - best Air Fryer under $40
If you're looking for an air fryer that can do more than just fry, the Aria 2-quart air fryer under $40 is an excellent choice. It has the latest features and can replace several kitchen appliances, saving space on your countertop. The perfectly balanced design, compact size, and lightweight make it perfect for personal use, and it can be easily transported anywhere.
With this air fryer, you can grill, fry, toast, roast, and reheat your favorite meats, breakfasts, vegetables, and more—all faster than a traditional, convection, or microwave oven. It can reach 400°F in just seconds, providing a fast cooking experience without any hassle.
The air fryer is built with excellent quality, and the crisper plates are coated with ceramic, making it a luxury appliance that looks great on your countertop. All of the safe parts are free of toxins like PTFE, PFOA, lead, and BPA, eliminating the harmful side effects of Teflon. The ceramic baskets and crisping racks have excellent heat conduction for even results, and they're very durable, so they'll never peel, flake, or release dangerous fumes.
This air fryer comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can enjoy it for years to come. You'll get one BPA- and PFOA-free ceramic air fryer grill rack for the basket, one full-color recipe cookbook with exclusive recipes, and vegan/keto options, and one user guide.
Capacity: 2 quart
Power: 1000 watts
Diemension: 13.5 x 10.3 x 10.25 inches
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5. Elite Gourmet EAF - best air fryer under $40
Our final pick for the cheapest air fryer under $40 is also one of the most affordable, priced at under $40. The Elite Gourmet brand is well-known in the US, and this air fryer has received positive feedback from satisfied buyers. Its 1-quart BPA-free basket is perfectly sized for single-person use, making it an excellent appliance for those living alone and on a budget.
With the air fryer, there's no need for a deep fryer, as it can perform all the cooking tasks without using oil. It can air fry, toast, reheat, and more, all while reducing oil consumption by up to 85% without sacrificing the taste of fried food. You can choose from three colors: mint, black, or red, to complement your kitchen décor.
The front of the air fryer features two simple dials with time and temperature readings, allowing you to adjust cooking time and temperature. Although it only has a 700-watt power rating, which is lower than other air fryers, it's perfect for the 1-quart basket size. You can set the temperature from 195°F to 395°F for up to 30 minutes.
The air fryer also features a cool-touch handle that makes it easy to flip your fries every five minutes for better crispiness. The non-stick basket produces less food mess and is removable for easy cleaning. All cooking parts are dishwasher safe and come with a 1-year warranty.
Capacity: 1.1 quart
Power: 700 watts
Diemension: 10.7 x 9.4 x 8.75 inches
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Conclusion
We conducted a review of the best air fryers under $40 and found them all to be impressive in their categories. Despite their low cost, these air fryers boast advanced features such as a non-stick coating, a dishwasher-safe basket, and modern cooking technology like 360° hot air circulation and rapid air technology.
Moreover, these air fryers are designed to be small and compact, making them ideal for small kitchens. They are also lightweight and portable, making them easy to move around. If you're wondering which air fryer to purchase, we recommend the Chefman Turbo Fry and Elite Gourmet models, as they have received high popularity ratings and positive reviews, and are packed with the latest technology.
