Table of Contents
- Best Budget Friendly Air Fryers 2026: Quick Comparison
- How We Tested and Chose These Budget Friendly Air Fryers
- 1. HOMCOM Dual Zone Air Fryer 8.5L: Best for Families
- 2. Dual Air Fryer 8L with 2 Baskets: Best Value Dual Drawer
- 3. HOMCOM 1700W Air Fryer 6.5L: Best Single Basket for Couples
- 4. HOMCOM 10L Air Fryer Oven: Best for Small Kitchens
- 5. Air Fryer Smart Touch 1400W: Best Compact Steel Option
- Air Fryer vs Fan Oven: Running Cost Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 7, 2026
Crispy chips, golden chicken, and perfectly roasted vegetables without heating up a full oven or drowning your food in oil: that is the promise of a budget friendly air fryer. With energy costs still a concern, finding an affordable model that performs matters more than ever. At iHome Direct, we have curated air fryers designed to deliver genuine results, and this guide breaks down some excellent options for 2026.
Quick Picks:
- Best for Families: HOMCOM Dual Zone Air Fryer 8.5L, two baskets, one meal time
- Best Value Dual Drawer: Dual Air Fryer 8L with 2 Baskets, independent controls for less
- Best for Couples: HOMCOM 1700W Air Fryer 6.5L, simple, reliable, affordable
- Best for Small Kitchens: HOMCOM 10L Air Fryer Oven, compact footprint, oven versatility
- Best Compact Steel Option: Air Fryer Smart Touch 1400W, stylish build, smaller capacity
A budget friendly air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food with far less oil than deep frying. Below, we show how these models compare and which suits your household.
Best Budget Friendly Air Fryers 2026: Quick Comparison
| Model | Capacity | Power | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOMCOM Dual Zone 8.5L | 8.5L (2 baskets) | 2700W | £83.24 | Families cooking two dishes |
| Dual Air Fryer 8L | 8L (2 x 4L) | 2500W | £69.74 | Value dual-drawer cooking |
| HOMCOM 1700W 6.5L | 6.5L | 1700W | £46.12 | Couples and small meals |
| HOMCOM 10L Oven | 10L | 1000W | £51.75 | Small kitchens, multi-function |
| Air Fryer Smart Touch | Compact | 1400W | £55.34 | Singles, stylish steel build |
Every model here sits under £100, making them genuine budget friendly air fryers. The key differences come down to capacity, wattage, and basket count. A dual-zone model cooks chips in one drawer and chicken in the other, finishing both together. A single-basket unit is simpler, cheaper, and takes up less space.
How We Tested and Chose These Budget Friendly Air Fryers
We focused on what matters after unboxing: crispiness, even cooking, ease of cleaning, and durability. Many budget appliances end up in a cupboard within months, so practical criteria are important for each budget friendly air fryer.
Core factors were wattage and airflow. Higher wattage means faster preheat and better browning, which is why the 2700W dual-zone model is a strong contender. Basket design and dishwasher-safe parts are also important, since maintenance is the real test of continued use. Non-stick coating quality matters too, as cheap coatings can peel within months.
A common mistake is buying on capacity without measuring your countertop. A 10L air fryer oven has a larger footprint than a compact basket model, even if both suit a couple. Measure your space first, then match capacity to household size.
1. HOMCOM Dual Zone Air Fryer 8.5L: Best for Families
The HOMCOM Dual Zone Air Fryer 8.5L is an excellent choice, featuring SYCNFinish sync technology. This ensures both baskets finish together, so everything reaches the table hot and perfectly timed. For busy families, this offers great value at £83.24.
The 2700W power delivers fast, crispy results, while 8 smart presets cover frozen chips, cake, steak, drumsticks, chicken, shrimp, sausage, and egg tart. It also bakes, broils, roasts, and grills, making it a versatile budget friendly air fryer. Baskets are non-stick, PFOA and BPA free, and dishwasher-safe.
A memory and power-off function remembers settings between batches, making repeat cooking less fiddly. The LED screen shows temperature and time clearly, and the steel and PP build feels solid. A recipe guide is included.
The limitation is the footprint. At 8.5L with two baskets, this is not compact, so measure your space before ordering. If you have room, it is an excellent value dual-zone option under £100.
2. Dual Air Fryer 8L with 2 Baskets: Best Value Dual Drawer
For dual-drawer flexibility, the Dual Air Fryer 8L with 2 Baskets offers great value at £69.74. Two independent 4L non-stick baskets let you cook different meals at once or use one side for smaller batches. Independent controls make batch cooking straightforward.
The 2500W power keeps cooking times quick, and the digital touchscreen offers 8 presets. A 60-minute timer and temperature up to 200°C give solid control. The viewing window and internal light let you monitor food without losing heat.
Healthier cooking is a key selling point, using up to 90% less oil than deep frying. Baskets are PFOA and BPA free, and a cookbook is included. For dual-zone convenience under £70, this is a strong budget friendly air fryer choice.
The main difference from our top pick is the lack of sync-finish. You will need to start the longer-cooking basket first or check both manually. For most meals, this is minor given the £13 saving.
3. HOMCOM 1700W Air Fryer 6.5L: Best Single Basket for Couples
Couples and small households do not need a dual-zone machine, and the HOMCOM 1700W Air Fryer 6.5L offers a simpler single-basket design. At £46.12, it is an affordable model in our lineup.
The 6.5L capacity suits two to three people, while 1700W handles preheat and cooking efficiently. Temperature spans 80-200°C, with a 60-minute timer and clear LED display. Eight presets cover air fry, bake, broil, roast, and foods like steak, wings, shrimp, fish, snacks, fries, and vegetables.
Rapid hot-air circulation cooks evenly with less oil. The removable basket simplifies cleaning, though the manufacturer advises letting it cool for about 30 minutes before washing. Assembly is required on delivery.
The tradeoff is no viewing window, so rely on the timer and occasional basket checks. For the price, this is a dependable, no-fuss budget friendly air fryer.
4. HOMCOM 10L Air Fryer Oven: Best for Small Kitchens
Renters and students in compact flats want oven versatility without a full-size footprint. The HOMCOM 10L Air Fryer Oven answers that at £51.75, fitting an 8-inch pizza in a body far smaller than a traditional oven.
This is not a basket-style air fryer but a countertop convection oven that roasts, bakes, and grills, with three insertion heights. The 1000W power is ERP-certified, and 360º hot air circulation uses 85% less oil.
Temperature ranges from 80°C to 230°C, with a 60-minute timer. All accessories are machine washable, and the unit is PFOA and BPA free. Dimensions are 32W x 27.2D x 29.8H cm, making it one of the more compact oven-style options.
The tempered glass door and interior light let you watch food brown without opening the door, which matters for baking and roasting where heat loss ruins results. If you want a budget friendly air fryer that also replaces a small oven, this is a great pick.
The limitation is wattage. At 1000W, it preheats more slowly than the 2700W basket models, so expect longer cooking times for chips and frozen foods.
5. Air Fryer Smart Touch 1400W: Best Compact Steel Option
Style-conscious buyers often find budget appliances look plasticky. The Air Fryer Smart Touch 1400W offers a stainless steel body, priced at £55.34.
Touch controls and automatic power-off make it easy to use, while 1400W suits singles and couples cooking smaller portions. Dimensions are 305 x 305 x 345 cm, giving a genuinely compact footprint.
A heating pipe system handles cooking, and the steel build feels more durable than plastic alternatives. For someone setting up a first flat, this is a stylish budget friendly air fryer in our range.
The tradeoff is capacity. This suits one or two people, not family-sized batches. If you cook for more than two, the 6.5L HOMCOM model offers better value.
Air Fryer vs Fan Oven: Running Cost Comparison
Most buyers ask whether an air fryer saves money compared to a fan oven. The answer depends on wattage and cooking time, but the maths generally favours the air fryer for small meals.
A typical fan oven draws around 2000W to 2500W and takes longer to preheat. A budget friendly air fryer like the HOMCOM 1700W uses less power and heats faster because it heats a smaller space. For a tray of chips or a couple of chicken breasts, the air fryer uses noticeably less electricity.
To estimate your own running cost, use this simple approach:
- Check the wattage on your appliance label
- Multiply by the cooking time in hours to get kilowatt-hours
- Multiply by your electricity rate per kWh
For example, a 1700W air fryer running for 20 minutes uses about 0.57 kWh. A 2400W fan oven running for 40 minutes including preheat uses about 1.6 kWh. At typical UK electricity rates, the air fryer costs roughly a third as much per cooking session. Energy efficiency guidance from the Energy Saving Trust confirms that smaller appliances generally use less energy than full ovens for equivalent tasks.
The caveat is batch cooking. For a whole chicken or six people, a fan oven remains more efficient because an air fryer would need multiple cycles. For one to four portions, the air fryer wins on running costs.
Long-term durability is where many budget models fail. Cheap coatings peel within months, and plastic bodies can warp near the heating element. Our highlighted models use steel builds or PFOA and BPA free coatings, which hold up better. Hand-washing baskets and avoiding metal utensils extends their life.
Choosing the right budget friendly air fryer for 2026 comes down to three questions: how many people you cook for, how much countertop space you have, and whether you want one basket or two. Families should prioritise dual-zone models for simultaneous meals. Couples and singles will find single-basket options adequate at a lower price. Those in compact kitchens should consider the oven-style 10L model.
For cleaning and safety, always unplug the appliance and let it cool before washing. Most baskets in our range are dishwasher-safe, but check the individual product listing. Proper maintenance is the difference between an appliance that lasts years and one that ends up in a cupboard. Guidance on safe appliance use is available from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, which recommends regular cleaning of kitchen appliances to prevent grease buildup.
A useful starting point is 180°C for most frozen foods, 200°C for fresh chips, and 160°C for baked goods. Every model varies slightly, so the preset programmes on these budget friendly air fryers remove much of the guesswork. The 8-preset systems on the HOMCOM models cover the most common foods.
For those weighing an air fryer against a fan oven, the comparison above shows clear savings on small meals. For those comparing models, the table below summarises the decision.
| Your Situation | Recommended Model | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Family of 4+, two dishes at once | HOMCOM Dual Zone 8.5L | Sync-finish, 2700W, 8 presets |
| Family wanting dual-zone on a budget | Dual Air Fryer 8L | Independent baskets under £70 |
| Couple or small household | HOMCOM 1700W 6.5L | Simple, reliable, £46.12 |
| Compact kitchen, oven replacement | HOMCOM 10L Oven | Small footprint, multi-function |
| Style-focused single or couple | Air Fryer Smart Touch 1400W | Steel build, compact size |
Choosing the right appliance for your kitchen should not require a compromise between quality and cost. At iHome Direct, we offer a selection of budget friendly air fryers that balance performance, durability, and style, all backed by fast UK delivery and a secure checkout. Whether you need a dual-zone family model or a compact steel option for a first flat, our range is designed to make daily cooking easier and more energy-efficient. Browse the collection today and find the air fryer that fits your home and your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are budget air fryers worth it compared to premium models?
Yes, for most households. Budget friendly air fryers under £100 deliver the core benefit of rapid air circulation for crispy, low-oil cooking. You miss out on smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity or larger touchscreens, but the cooking results are similar. Focus on wattage, capacity and build quality rather than brand name. iHome Direct offers options with dual-zone cooking and multiple presets.
How much electricity does a budget air fryer use compared to an oven?
A typical budget air fryer uses between 1200W and 1700W, while a standard electric fan oven uses around 2000W to 2500W. Because an air fryer heats a much smaller space, it also reaches temperature faster and cooks food more quickly. For a 30-minute oven meal, an air fryer often finishes in 15 to 20 minutes. This combination of lower wattage and shorter cooking time can make it cheaper for everyday meals.
What is the best air fryer for value for money in the UK?
The HOMCOM Dual Zone Air Fryer 8.5L at £83.24 offers great value. You get two independent baskets, SYNCFinish technology so both sides finish together, and eight presets. For an even lower cost, the Dual Air Fryer 8L at £69.74 gives you two 4L baskets and similar features.
What should I look for when buying an air fryer on a budget?
Prioritise wattage (aim for 1400W or higher for good results), basket capacity that suits your household, and non-stick, dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning. Check the countertop footprint and dimensions against your kitchen space. Look for a temperature range up to at least 200°C and useful presets. Avoid paying extra for smart features you will not use. A simple digital timer and temperature controls are all you really need.
What did Martin Lewis say about using air fryers?
Martin Lewis has highlighted that air fryers can be cheaper to run than a conventional oven for smaller meals. The savings come from lower wattage and faster cooking times. To calculate your own running cost, check the wattage on the label, multiply by the hours you cook, and then apply your electricity rate per kWh. Cooking one portion or a meal for two in an air fryer can be more efficient than heating a full-size oven.