Air fryers under $50: which size and type to get

An air fryer is one of the few kitchen gadgets that tends to get used every day: frozen fries, wings, roast vegetables and leftovers come out crisp in a fraction of the time an oven takes, without heating up the whole kitchen. You don't need to spend a lot to get a good one. All six picks below are under $50 right now, and most are more than half off their regular price.

What to look for

• Size for your household. Around 4 quarts suits one or two people. 6 quarts is the sweet spot for a family of three or four. 10 quarts and up, usually oven-style with racks, is for bigger families or batch cooking.
• Basket or oven style. A basket fryer is simpler, smaller and quicker to clean. An oven-style fryer with racks takes more counter space but cooks in layers, and often adds toasting, rotisserie or dehydrating.
• Counter space. Measure where it will live before you buy, and leave a few inches behind it for the hot air vent.
• Easy cleaning. A nonstick basket or trays you can take out and wash will make the difference between using it daily and leaving it in a cupboard.
• Presets matter less than you think. Most people end up using temperature and time. A clear display and a temperature range up to about 400°F count for more than the number of presets.

Our picks

1. Chefman 4-Quart TurboFry: best for one or two people

A compact basket fryer from a well-known small-appliance brand. 4 quarts is plenty for two portions of fries or a few chicken thighs, and it takes up little room on the counter. A simple first air fryer.

2. Suodoka 6-Quart 10-in-1: best size for a family

6 quarts fits a whole meal's worth of vegetables or wings for three or four people, while still being a basket fryer that's easy to clean. A good middle choice if you're not sure what size you need.

3. PowerXL Vortex 6-Quart: a familiar name with quick presets

Another 6-quart basket fryer, with touch presets for the usual foods. Pick this one or the Suodoka above based on price on the day and which look you prefer on your counter.

4. Suodoka 10-Quart: for big batches

10 quarts means you can cook for a crowd in one go instead of in rounds. It needs more counter space, so measure first.

5. MFVV 10.6-Quart toaster oven combo: one appliance instead of two

An oven-style combo with three cooking levels. If your toaster is due for replacing, this can take its place and air fry as well.

6. Yilush air fryer oven with rotisserie and dehydrator: the most features

An oven-style fryer that adds a rotisserie and a dehydrator, so you can roast a small chicken or make dried fruit and jerky. The most versatile pick, and the lowest price here.

Before you buy

Prices and stock change quickly, so check the price on the store's site before you buy. These are eBay listings: check the seller's rating and return policy, and whether the item is new or open-box, on the listing page.