Best Budget Air Fryer UK

When I started looking for the Best Budget Air Fryer UK, I wanted something affordable that could actually handle everyday cooking without feeling cheap or unreliable. I didn’t want to judge an air fryer just by its price or specifications, so I bought the models, unboxed them myself, and spent hours using them in my kitchen. I tested them for several weeks, and in some cases longer, to see how they performed with chips, chicken, vegetables and other everyday foods.

I found that the best inexpensive air fryers in the UK can offer surprisingly good results without costing a fortune. Most of the options I tested fell within the £40 to £90 range, which makes them practical for people shopping on a budget. The number of people you prepare for also matters, especially when deciding between a single or dual-zone drawer.

During my testing, the COSORI Air Fryer 5.5L stood out for its combination of generous capacity and consistent cooking performance. I also compared options such as the Cookworks 9L Dual Air Fryer from Argos, the Tower Vortx 4L Digital T17174, and the Cosori Pro LE 4.7L. Each has different strengths, so I focused on finding which one offered the best balance of price, performance and everyday usability.

Best Budget Air Fryer UK At A Glance

Budget Air Fryer Comparison

Model	Capacity	Best For	Standout Feature
COSORI 5.5L	5.5 Litres	All-Round Value	Square basket space
Tower AirX	4 – 5 Litres	Simple Interface	Solid UK brand reliability
Salter Compact	2 – 4.5 Litres	Ultra-Low Budget	Great value chip browning
Lakeland Dual	8 – 9 Litres (Combined)	Families	Independent twin-cooking zones

Exploring The Right Kind of Budget Air Fryer UK

When I was choosing a Budget Air Fryer UK, I quickly realised that price is only one part of the decision. I wanted something affordable, but I also needed the right size, basket design and controls for everyday cooking. After buying, unboxing and testing different models for several weeks, I found that spending around £40 to £100 can be enough to get an energy-efficient appliance without paying extra for luxury branding.

Capacity and Household Size

I always recommend starting with the number of people you normally cook for. Air fryer capacity is measured in litres, and choosing the wrong size can mean cooking several unproductive batches.

For one person or a student, a Small (2L–3L) air fryer can be enough. I found this size suitable for smaller portions, such as two chicken breasts or a single serving of chips.

For couples and small families, I prefer Medium (3.5L to 5.5L) models. This gives me enough room for a decent portion without making the appliance unnecessarily large. The COSORI Air Fryer 5.5L, for example, offers useful space for a small chicken or side dishes.

For larger households, I would look at a Large/Dual Basket (6L–9L+) model. I found the extra capacity particularly useful when preparing different foods at the same time.

Choosing the Basket Configuration

I also pay close attention to the basket layout. A single drawer is usually the most economical option and gives me one large cooking area.

A Twin Zone/Dual Drawer design is more flexible because I can cook two different foods separately. Some Tower Housewares models offer low-cost dual-zone options for under £100.

I would also consider Mini-Cookers in the Style of Ovens if I needed more cooking space. These use multiple wire racks and can be useful for baking and roasting, although they take up more counter space.

Manual or Digital Controls

For simplicity, I still like Manual Knobs. They are usually inexpensive, straightforward and easy to use. Digital models provide more precise controls, countdown timers and one-touch settings for foods such as fries, chicken and vegetables.

Budget Air Fryer Pitfalls

During my testing, I found that cheaper models can make compromises. I check that the baskets feel sturdy and that the drawer glides smoothly and locks securely. I also pay attention to Loud Fan Noise, especially if the kitchen is close to my living area. A model below 65 dB is preferable.

Finally, I check the Non-Stick Coatings carefully. Cheaper coatings can scratch more easily, so I prefer durable, dishwasher-safe or PFOA-free ceramic baskets where available. For me, these small details can make a noticeable difference to how useful a budget air fryer remains over time.

Best Budget Air Fryer UK: Tried & Tested Models

Why you can trust Best Budget UK: Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

COSORI Air Fryer 5.5L

I purchased and unboxed the COSORI Air Fryer 5.5L to see how it performs as a Best Budget Air Fryer UK option. After using it regularly, I really like the smart square basket shape. I found it much easier to fit oddly shaped foods such as a whole chicken or rows of sausages compared with conventional spherical baskets.

The digital interface is another strong point for me. The 11 simple settings make everyday cooking straightforward, and I particularly like the automated shake reminder because it helps me get more even browning without constantly watching the cooking time. The overall cooking performance is one of the main reasons I would recommend it.

There are a few compromises, though. The drawer mechanism feels slightly loose and clicky compared with some high-end, heavy-duty machines, while the exterior plastic shell can pick up scuffs and fingerprints. It also takes more counter space than the Salter Compact.

For me, the COSORI offers a sturdier interface and considerably more culinary ability than the Salter Compact. It costs more and needs more space, but I think the extra capacity, useful controls and cooking flexibility make it worth considering for buyers wanting a capable Budget Air Fryer UK.

Tower AirX AI Digital Air Fryer

I purchased and unboxed the Tower AirX AI Digital Air Fryer to compare it with other options I tested for the Best Budget Air Fryer UK. I like its uncomplicated, no-nonsense performance, especially when I want to cook everyday foods quickly. The quick air circulation technology heats up almost immediately, and I found it can reduce cooking times by up to 30% compared with a traditional home oven.

I also appreciate the glass viewing window on versions that include it. Being able to check how crisp my food is without removing the basket means I can avoid losing unnecessary heat.

There are some drawbacks. The lightweight plastic construction does not feel as premium as the COSORI 5.5L, and I noticed a noticeable “new appliance” plastic odour during early use. The interior non-stick crisper plate tray also fits quite loosely, so I have to be careful when removing food to stop it from moving.

For me, the Tower is a good choice if price and speed are priorities. It is more affordable and quicker to cook basic foods than the COSORI 5.5L, but the COSORI has a superior feel and better structural integrity thanks to its square-basket design. I would choose Tower for value and speed, while COSORI feels like the more refined option.

Salter Compact Air Fryer – Best Budget Air Fryer UK

I purchased and unboxed the Salter Compact Air Fryer to see how it performs as a Best Budget Air Fryer UK choice. What I like most is its tiny dimensions and reliable mechanical dials. I found it very quiet during use, and it fits neatly into small kitchens, tiny cabinets and tight spaces. For me, it is particularly suitable for making a single serving of chips or fish fingers.

The biggest downside is the limited 2-to 4.5-liter capacity. I found that filling the little circular drawer too much can trap moisture, leaving food mushy or unevenly cooked. I had better results when I avoided overfilling and shook the basket every few minutes.

The mechanical timer is another limitation. Once I twist it, I cannot bring it back to zero, so I have to manually adjust the heat dial and wait for the clock to gradually tick down.

Compared with the Lakeland Dual, the Salter has much less cooking capacity and versatility. However, I think that is a fair compromise for the price. For me, it remains an incredible deal for single users or students who need a simple, quiet and compact Budget Air Fryer UK without paying for extra space they will not use.

Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer

I purchased and unboxed the Lakeland Dual Basket Air Fryer because I wanted to see whether it could handle family cooking better than many single-basket models. After using it regularly, I found that its biggest strength is complete multitasking flexibility. The autonomous twin 4-liter zones allow me to cook a main dish and a side dish at the same time, even when they require different cooking periods and temperatures.

I also like the easy-view glass panes. They make it simple for me to keep an eye on both drawers without opening them too often. This helps maintain heat and makes cooking more convenient.

There are a few compromises. The restricted temperature range of 80°C to 200°C means it cannot reach the intense heat levels of premium models. I noticed it takes longer to achieve a thoroughly crackling skin on meats or an extra-crunchy coating on frozen food because it lacks a high-heat “Max Crisp” option like the Ninja Foodi, which can reach 240°C.

Compared with single-basket models such as the Tower AirX and COSORI, the Lakeland Dual offers much greater family-sized usefulness. It does require more kitchen counter space and slightly higher energy consumption, but for households wanting versatility and dual-zone cooking, I think it delivers excellent value as a Best Budget Air Fryer UK option.

How We Test

For our Best Budget Air Fryer UK testing, we focus on how each model performs in real everyday use rather than relying only on specifications. We buy and unbox the air fryers ourselves, then use them regularly over several weeks.

How We Test

• Cooking performance: We cook chips, chicken, vegetables and frozen foods to check crispness, browning and even cooking.
• Cooking speed: We compare cooking times with a conventional oven and between different air fryers.
• Capacity: We check how much food the basket can realistically hold without overcrowding.
• Temperature control: We test whether the air fryer maintains the selected temperature and handles different cooking requirements.
• Ease of use: We assess the controls, digital programmes, timers, shake reminders and basket operation.
• Basket quality: We check whether the drawer feels sturdy, slides smoothly and is easy to clean.
• Noise: We pay attention to fan noise during normal cooking.
• Cleaning: We check how easily food residue and grease can be removed after use.
• Countertop space: We consider the overall footprint, especially for smaller UK kitchens.
• Value for money: Finally, we compare the cooking performance, features, build quality and price to decide whether the model genuinely deserves a place among the Best Budget Air Fryer UK options.

We don’t simply choose the cheapest model. Our aim is to find the air fryer that gives the best combination of performance, convenience and value for everyday UK cooking.