7 Best Cheapest Ninja Air Fryers for Easy & Healthy Cooking
If you’re looking for the cheapest Ninja air fryers that still deliver top performance, you’re in the right place. Many people want to eat healthier and save time in the kitchen but don’t want to spend a fortune on big appliances. That’s where Ninja air fryers come in they help you cook crispy fries, juicy chicken, or even bake snacks with little or no oil.
In this guide, you’ll learn about seven affordable Ninja air fryers that are perfect for small families, students, or anyone on a budget. These models have been chosen for their quality, ease of use, and great value for money. Whether you need a compact design for a tiny kitchen or a dual-basket model for cooking two meals at once, this list will help you find the right fit.
By the end, you’ll know which Ninja air fryer suits your lifestyle best all while keeping your wallet happy and your meals delicious.
How We Picked These Air Fryers
To find the cheapest Ninja air fryers that are worth buying, we checked hundreds of real customer reviews on Amazon. We focused on models with at least a 4.5-star average rating. Then, we looked at how easy they are to clean, how evenly they cook, and what extra features they include, like DualZone technology or dehydration options.
We also compared usability, build quality, and how much value you get for the price. Every air fryer here was chosen because it’s budget-friendly, reliable, and easy to use even for beginners.
#7. Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer (AG301)
Grill, Air Fry, Roast & Bake – All in One Smart Kitchen Partner
If you love grilled food but don’t want smoke or oil everywhere, the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill is a game-changer. It combines a powerful grill with an air fryer so you can cook steaks, burgers, fries, or even roast a whole chicken all in one machine.
This model is perfect for small spaces because it does multiple jobs. The grill sears meat evenly while the air fry function makes snacks crispy without extra oil. Its Smoke Control System keeps your kitchen fresh, and the nonstick parts are dishwasher safe, saving time on cleaning. You can grill up to 3 pounds of meat, which makes it great for small families or couples.
It’s ideal for anyone who wants an affordable way to enjoy indoor grilling and air frying together. The build quality is strong, the controls are simple, and the cooking results are impressive for the price.
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#6. Ninja XL Single Basket Air Fryer – 5.5 QT (AF150AMZ)
Cook Big, Save Time – Perfect for Family Meals
The Ninja XL Single Basket Air Fryer offers a large 5.5-quart capacity that fits up to 3 pounds of wings, making it perfect for medium families. It’s one of the cheapest Ninja air fryers with a large basket and five cooking functions air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate.
You’ll love its simple digital control panel and the nonstick basket that makes cleaning fast and easy. The Air Crisp Technology ensures food comes out crispy outside and tender inside without too much oil. It’s also energy-efficient, cooking faster than an oven.
This model is ideal for families who cook daily and want something reliable and affordable. It’s big enough for a full dinner but small enough to fit on most countertops. It’s a great mix of value, simplicity, and performance.
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#5. Ninja DoubleStack 2-Basket Air Fryer – 8 QT (SL201)
Cook Two Dishes at Once with a Space-Saving Design
The Ninja DoubleStack Air Fryer brings smart space-saving design to busy kitchens. It comes with two baskets stacked vertically, so you can cook two meals at once like fries and chicken without mixing flavors.
With a total of 8 quarts, it can cook enough food for up to six people. It also includes six cooking functions like air fry, roast, bake, reheat, broil, and dehydrate. The nonstick baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe, which means less cleanup after dinner.
What makes it stand out is how compact it is compared to most dual-basket air fryers. If you want more capacity but less countertop space, this one fits the bill perfectly. It’s best for families who want to cook fast and eat healthy without spending too much.
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#4. Ninja Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer (DZ550)
Smart Cooking with Dual Baskets and Built-In Thermometer
The Ninja DZ550 Smart XL Air Fryer takes cooking control to a new level. It comes with two independent baskets that let you cook two foods in two ways at the same time. No waiting, no mixing flavors both are done together using the Smart Finish and Match Cook options.
Its built-in Smart Cook Thermometer helps you achieve perfect doneness every time. Whether it’s chicken, fish, or fries, you’ll get restaurant-quality results without oil. The 10-quart size makes it a top choice for large families or home parties. Despite its advanced features, it’s still one of the most affordable large-capacity models from Ninja.
This fryer is a great option if you want both flexibility and smart features. It’s simple to use, cooks evenly, and saves time. For busy people who still want healthy meals, this is a smart and worthy investment.
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#3. Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer, 2-Quart
Small size, big results — perfect for quick meals
The Ninja AF080 Mini Air Fryer is ideal when you want something compact but capable. With its 2-quart capacity and Quick Set timer, this model is perfect for single servings or small snacks. If you live alone, in a dorm, or just want a lightweight appliance for simple, quick cooking, this is a solid choice.
In real life, this air fryer heats up fast and fits in tight spaces. The nonstick basket means cleanup is easy, and because it’s small, it uses less energy and stores neatly. You can cook fries, vegetables, or small portions of meat without taking up much counter space. The downside is obvious: capacity is limited, so you’ll need to cook in batches if you’re serving more than one person. Also, it lacks some of the more advanced settings found in bigger models (like dual baskets or smart finish). But if you need a very affordable Ninja air fryer that does the basic job well, this one fits nicely. Ideal users are singles, students, or anyone with limited kitchen space.
#2. Ninja DZ100 Foodi DualZone 8 qt Renewed (DZ201)
Two baskets, more flexibility — great for cooking two meals at once
The Ninja DZ100 (renewed) gives you two separate baskets and DualZone technology in an 8-quart total capacity. This means you can air fry two different foods at different temperatures and times. It’s especially helpful when cooking a main and a side simultaneously, saving you time and avoiding flavor mixing.
Real-world benefits include faster meal prep and more control over doneness. The renewed model offers major savings, making it one of the most affordable dual-basket Ninja options on the market. The learning curve is small, and most users find the controls intuitive and easy to use. However, since it’s renewed, parts may show light wear or cosmetic flaws, and warranty coverage might be limited compared to brand new units. If you cook for a family or want flexibility without paying full price, this is a smart budget pick.
#1. Ninja AF142 5-QT 5-in-1 Air Fryer
All-rounder combo — top value, simple functions, solid performance
The Ninja AF142 is a 5-quart, 5-in-1 air fryer that offers great versatility at an affordable price. It air fries, bakes, roasts, reheats, and dehydrates. It includes a nonstick removable basket and a crisper plate. For many users, this is the most balanced Ninja for everyday cooking without spending too much.
In use, the AF142 delivers consistent results for fries, chicken, vegetables, and even jerky when dehydrating. Its size is large enough for family meals but not too bulky. Because it’s straightforward and doesn’t include overly complex extras, it stays reliable and easy to maintain. One drawback is that it’s not dual basket, so you can’t cook two foods separately at once. If you want something simple, compact, and cost-effective, this model is ideal for first-time air fryer buyers, small families, or anyone wanting a good all-round air fryer on a budget.
Comparison Table: Cheapest Ninja Air Fryers
| Rank | Model | Capacity | Highlights / Best For | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ninja AF142 (5-QT, 5-in-1) | ~5 quarts | Versatile, balanced, value all-round model | Single basket only |
| 2 | Ninja DZ100 DualZone (renewed) | ~8 quarts total (2 baskets) | Flexibility, dual cooking, affordability | Renewed condition, limited warranty |
| 3 | Ninja AF080 Mini (2-QT) | ~2 quarts | Compact, energy efficient, great for one person | Small capacity, limited features |
| 4 | Ninja DZ550 DualZone Smart XL | ~10 quarts total | Smart controls, independent baskets, big meals | More expensive, larger footprint |
| 5 | Ninja DoubleStack SL201 (8 QT) | ~8 quarts total | Dual baskets, space saving | Not as smart as some, heating speed trade-offs |
| 6 | Ninja AF150AMZ XL (5.5-QT) | ~5.5 quarts | Large capacity, solid for daily use | No dual baskets, fewer smart features |
| 7 | Ninja AG301 Indoor Grill + Fryer | ~Varies | Grill + Air fry combo, smoke control | Bigger size, more expensive |
Key Tips for Picking the Right Ninja Air Fryer
Choosing the cheapest Ninja air fryer that works best for you means balancing price, capacity, cooking flexibility, and ease of use. If you cook for just yourself or want something compact, the AF080 mini is a smart buy. But if you have a family, need faster meals, or want to cook different foods at once, go for dual-basket models like the DZ100 or DZ550. If you want a simpler appliance with versatile functions and easy cleanup, the AF142 is a great all-round choice. Always check for warranty, parts, and ease of cleaning, because these affect long-term value more than just initial price.
If you want reliable performance without excess cost, focus on models that offer essential cooking modes, strong reviews, and trusted controls. Don’t pay extra for features you won’t use daily. The “cheapest” model isn’t just about price it’s about value for your needs.
FAQ: Common Questions About Budget Ninja Air Fryers
Can a low-price Ninja air fryer still cook well?
Yes. Even cheaper Ninja air fryer models like the AF142 and AF080 can cook crispy fries, chicken, and vegetables effectively. They use strong airflow and heat technology to get good results. The main difference in higher priced models is added features like smart controls, dual baskets, or built-in thermometers. For everyday use, many budget models are perfectly fine.
Is dual basket worth the extra cost?
Dual baskets are very useful if you want to cook two different foods simultaneously like protein and veggies at different temperatures. That saves time and prevents mixing flavors. If you often cook meals that require different cook times or want faster dinners, dual basket models are worth the extra cost. If you mostly cook one dish at a time, single basket models suffice.
What’s the difference between new and renewed units?
New units come with full manufacturer warranty and no prior use. Renewed (or refurbished) units are used, checked, and repaired, sometimes sold at much lower price. They may have cosmetic wear and shorter warranties. For budget buyers, renewed models can save money but check warranty, return policy, and reviews carefully before buying.
Should I care about dehydrate or smart features?
Dehydrate is great if you want to make jerky, dried fruit, or healthy snacks. Smart features like cook timers, auto finishing, or internal thermometers help with precision and convenience. If these aren’t important to you, choosing a simpler model saves money while still cooking many dishes well.
Final Summary & Top Picks
- Best single-basket value: The Ninja AF142 is a well-balanced, affordable model that handles most cooking tasks without unnecessary complexity.
- Best compact choice: The Ninja AF080 Mini is perfect for singles or small kitchens.
- Best dual-zone on a budget: The Ninja DZ100 Renewed delivers flexibility of two baskets at a lower cost.
- Best smart XL model: The Ninja DZ550 Smart XL is worth the upgrade if you want control, capacity, and convenience.
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