Air fryers are all the rage these days among home cooks. As one of the most popular kitchen appliances, they are popular for their “frying” food function by circulating hot air around an inner chamber to create the crispy effect that we associate with deep frying. These machines are a healthier option as they only involve at most, a tablespoon of oil.
Another reason for their popularity is that they do more than just “fry” food. Several models today act as all-in-one tools. Be it, a fryer toaster oven or a large capacity air fryer oven for chicken roasting.
However, most of the air fryers listed here have capacities of around 3.8L to 6L. So, if you’re looking for anything bigger than that, it’s best to explore air fryers at a higher price range. Otherwise, browse below from brands like Instant Vortex, Philips and Tefal for some of the best air fryer prices and options to get in Malaysia.
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Mae An NG chevron_right
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How to choose the right type of budget air fryer?
Thanks to the advancement of technology, with each passing year, even budget air fryers do get several interesting upgrades. So which ones are worth buying, or is there anything you should watch out for when buying an air fryer on a budget? Here are what you should consider:
Price:
Most importantly, determining your price realistically. As you're looking for a budget air fryer, you'll want to have a good balance of having the essentials and a few convenience features for your money's worth. While you might be able to get away with a decent air fryer below RM150, we recommend spending a budget of up to RM300.
Key point - Determine your budget and find an air fryer that fits within it.
Size & Capacity:
Now, you wouldn't want to buy a small-sized air fryer for a large family, would you? Determine how often you would want to use the air fryer or what kind of food you'll be using for cooking at one time.
Say if you're going to be preparing half of your meals frequently in an air fryer, it's worth buying a big one that can fit a whole chicken even if your family or serving meals will be small. Otherwise, if you're a student or a dorm resident looking for a little cooker, small ones should do.
Key point - A good big-size air fryer is about 5 to 10L in capacity, whereas a good small one would be under 5L.
Features:
Because you'll have to be picky with what features you are paying for, make sure to identify if those features are necessary or convenient for you.
These days features like a wide range of temperature control (80 to 200 degrees Celsius), a digital display, multiple cooking modes, and a non-stick frying basket are recommended must-haves.
Key point - Ask yourself what you need in an air fryer, and try to aim for products with those before looking at other options.
Warranty:
Having a warranty is also a good thing to help Malaysians determine if the product or brand is genuine. If not able to be determined, you can check if the seller offers an extended warranty. For your reference, many sellers do offer extended warranties of up to 12 or 24 months.
Overall, by considering these factors, you can choose the right type of budget air fryer that fits your needs and preferences.
How we do our tests here in Malaysia
By today's standards, most air fryers would be able to do more than fry food. Because of the way they cook, they are able to push high temperatures into food and cook them quickly. At the same time, their design helps to ensure some natural moisture in the food retains.
At ProductNation, we don't just test whether the air fryers can do as they are meant to be but also look at how consistent their cooking results are (ex: texture and color), as well as the product's build quality and likewise. Our tests are also done for a couple of weeks before we begin to write about them.
Of course, seeing as this article is about budget air fryers, we also judge based on whether the product's selling price is worth the money or its features.
For your reference, some air fryer brands we got to try out were Panasonic, Morgan, Gaabor, Xiaomi Mijia, Philips & Riino, just to name a few.
12 Best Budget Air Fryers in Malaysia 2024 (Below RM300)
- Our Tried & Tested Choices
Who is this for?
Struggle with having to occasionally check the progress of your food in the air fryer? Since the Gaabor Air Fryer Oven Visible features a transparent viewing window, you can monitor to customize the cooking results to your desired level.
What to know
The Gaabor Air Fryer Oven Visible has an 8.5L frying basket capacity that's designed to fry a dish or snack plate for an entire family of 7-10 people. That can be large enough to monitor the cooking quality, but be rest assured as the transparent viewing window allows you to monitor the process effortlessly.
For safety reasons, this air fryer oven comes equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that activates immediately after cooking. Also, the air fryer has a large intelligent touch screen that lets you set the temperature and timer controls.
Key info
- Rated Capacity：8.5L
- Color: White
- Product Size: 355x283x305 (mm)
- Product Weight: Around 4.6KG
- Intelligent touch screen
- Viewing window
- Automatic power-off memory
- Non-stick frying basket
- Anti-scald handle design
Who is this for?
If you are living in a dorm and are sick of eating instant food, up your game with this small air fryer which is enough for up to 3 servings of french fries.
Of course, if you are living alone and are looking to cook food quickly in a "convection oven" without wanting to spend big bucks, this air fryer should give you a good headstart into cooking with an air fryer daily.
What to know
Simple yet essential; the Bossman Kaden BK220 boasts features one may need for most instances. With a pan capacity of 2.2L, the portion is fit enough to add to a gratin dish or up to two slices of bread for toasting.
In terms of its heat power, the Bossman Kaden BK220 utilizes a smart heating system that can cook fast and is energy-saving, all together with a heat power rating of 800W. Rest assured that the air fryer is made with several safety features, such as smart overheat protection, a 3L capacity multilayer cool-to-touch body and an automatic shut-off trigger.
Although the air fryer may be small, it is able to cook a variety of food thanks to its mechanical dial that lets you preset the temperature setting, which ranges from 80°C to 200°C.
Key info
- Rated capacity：2.2L
- Colour: Black
- Products size: 255 x 330 x 255 (mm)
- Product weight: 2.6KG
"In Our Experience" - Live ProductNation Review
At first glance, the Bossman Kaden BK220 Air fryer might lack exciting features, but it stays true to its readiness to deliver a consistent performance in cooking food. Over many other air fryers, this one was able to deliver cooked food with consistent results in terms of food texture and heating.
The material of the body seemed fragile and of low quality at first, but it stayed true to its safety feature. For instance, the air fryer is able to cook food without its surroundings feeling hot, hence making it safe enough to be used on a small kitchen counter.
So while the safety features of the BK220 are satisfactory, some parts are a tad iffy for us.
Say for the dialling knob to control the timer; we actually had difficulty adjusting the timer due to its stiffness, to the point that we accidentally broke off the handle. Lucky for us, we managed to do some taping, and the knob is now much sturdier. On the other hand, the temperature control was less stiff and thus easier to adjust.
Other than that, we were pleased with the cooking results and consistency.
Who is this for?
This is great for those wanting an ergonomic design air fryer that focuses on user comfort, efficiency, and ease of use during operation. What’s more, the PerySmith 3D Air Fryer includes features such as a user-friendly control knob positioned for easy access, as well as a well-placed detachable basket or tray for loading and unloading food.
What to know
The PERYSMITH PS1520 Air Fryer utilizes ECOHEALTH tech which boasts the ability to cook with 80% less oil than usual. Fully equipped with a 3D airflow system, this feature ensures fast and even energy-saving cooking. Also, the detachable food-grade-coated basket eases your cleaning procedure, so you spend most of your energy on your food instead!
Key info
- Power: 1500w
- Voltage: 240v
- Weight: 5kg
- Pan Capacity: 4.8L
- Basket Capacity: 3.8L
- Size: 326 x 326 x 380 (mm)
- SIRIM Certified
- 3D airflow heating system
Who is this for?
The MMX Kelen Munoz Sirocco Eco KM40 surely will be the center of attraction with two vibrant color options. Aside from its large capacity, the cooking technology ensures consistent cooking results for your food.
What to know
Need a versatile air fryer for the days when you don't want to go out to eat? The MMX Kelen Munoz Sirocco Eco KM40 boasts improved capacity efficiency through its innovative flat basket technology, enabling simultaneous food preparation for up to 6 individuals.
Employing an enhanced 360-degree hot air technology, ensures you can cook dishes without compromising nutrition or flavour retention. It’s also certified by SIRIM for safety reassurance.
Key info
- Rated Voltage (V): 220V~240V
- SIRIM Certified
- Pan Capacity: 5 Liter
- Color: Vibrant Red/ Emerald Green
- Flat basket design
- Rapid-360 Air-Crisp Technology
- Auto-shutoff from overcooking
Who is this for?
Although considered a budget-friendly air fryer, the Riino Rapid Glass does not feel like one. Especially with its premium look and comfortable frying basket size, the Riino Rapid Glass is great for most home chefs looking to get a proper air fryer that will last for quite some time.
What to know
The main reason to get an air fryer glass oven is the fact that it let you see your food cook before it's done. Another good reason is that if you want to change food temperature due to a personal error or if you are new to cooking with a convection oven, you can easily monitor the food inside so that it doesn't burn.
This Riino Rapid Glass Air Fryer Oven utilizes a carbon fiber heating tube and a 1200W heat power rating to cook food quickly. Thanks to its pull-out protection that ensures the cooking area is completely sealed and not easily taken out, the air fryer is able to cook efficiently with high air circulation as well as lock in up to 60% of moisture from the food.
With a big 5.5L capacity, up to a 60-minute timer, and a temperature range of 80 to 200 degrees Celsius, the Riino Rapid Glass Air Fryer Oven is also easy to clean after cooking thanks to its glass basket.
Key info
- Power: 1200W
- Capacity: 5.5L
- Voltage: 220-240V
- Cable Length: 1.1m
- Size: 25 x 30 x 30 cm
- Weight: 4.6 kg
- Healthy Air Frying
- 5.5L Open View Glass Drawer
- Double Analog Switch Control With NTC Technologies
- 360 Degree Air Heating Circulation
- Premium Glass Drawer
"In Our Experience" - Live ProductNation Review
The Riino Rapid Glass Oven is a winner in many ways. First, its build quality is superb, especially for an air fryer priced under RM300. Because of its matte-feeling plastic body, the air fryer is a tough one that can probably last you for many years to come.
Its control knobs for adjusting the temperature and timer are also easy to turn, and it is a good thing that the air fryer has a timer of up to 60 minutes, which makes it possible to cook foods like roast chicken or even baked potatoes.
When it came to cooking, foods had pretty satisfactory cooking results. In our test, meats of chicken thighs stayed just as juicy, although the skin remained crispy. We were also appreciative of its safety pull-out feature, which is a mechanism that helps to lock the fryer basket in place, avoiding any possible slips burns and crashes.
Who is this for?
Love grilling or baking goods besides just air frying everything? You'll want this air fryer oven as it is big enough to fit a 2 to 3-kg chicken, which means cooking several portions for a big family of 5 is possible. Plus, the fact that it has an auto shut-off safety protection makes it just much safer and beginner-friendly for beginner chefs or households with kids to use.
What to know
If you are unsure what to get as your next cooking device, an oven with many capabilities, such as grilling, rotisserie, air frying, and even broiling, would be a great pick. The Morgan Air Fryer Oven MAO-VORTEX PRO 22 would be a good budget pick, being one of the more comfortably spacious and decent quality ovens around for its price.
Aside from its 65ºC to 230ºC adjustable temperature knob and up to 60 minutes of a cooking timer, the air fryer has 6 cooking functions for you to choose from: air fry, broil, bake, toast, convection grill and convection roast. It utilises stainless steel heating elements and a large turbo convection fan to speed up cooking as well in order to circulate hot air and save the cooking time up to 50%.
With a heat power rating of 1500w and a big cooking box dimension, you'll be able to cook the likes of roasted chicken, french fries, and easy cookies.
Key info
- Power: 1500W
- Inner Chamber Capacity: 22L
- Net Weight: 7.52kg
- Gross Weight: 8.52kg
- Dimensions : 45cm (L) x 42cm (W) x 39.5cm (H)
"In Our Experience" - Live ProductNation Review
Our initial first look at the air fryer was not straightforwardly pleasant. That's because our unit had a dent at the side of the glass door, which meant hot air could leak out and affect cooking time. This is not to say that the build quality is bad (since the rest of the body and parts were of good quality), but that the air fryer oven wasn't delivered with a protection box aside from the delivery box it comes in.
Therefore, be reminded that you should go to a reputable seller that'll pack the product properly if you want to pick up this product.
Moving on; while our unit had a minor flaw, cooking wasn't affected too much when it came to air frying and toasting food. Since it's an oven with a bigger cooking space, do spread out your food portion on the cooking pan or frying basket evenly to avoid inconsistent cooking results.
Other than that, the air fryer, like most ovens, has pretty good heating power, with food cooking quite fast compared to many traditional convection ovens. Instead of taking 5 minutes (at 190 degrees Celsius) to produce golden toast bread, this oven needed only 2.5 minutes to do so.
- Other Budget Air Fryers in Malaysia To Consider
Who is this for?
The Trio Air Fryer TAF-827 is a great pick if you’re looking for an air fryer that is compact and easy to handle.
What to know
Its portability can be attributed to its convenient handle at the top for when you need to move the appliance.
Boasting a sleek profile, the TAF-827 features an easy-to-use touchscreen display with precise temperature and timer settings. This is unlike most air fryers in the price range that use analog controls and allow for a more accurate cooking setting.
The air fryer has a capacity of 2.6L and has a 60-minute timer. Meanwhile, its temperature settings range from 60 to 200°C, making it easy to heat food and adjust to suit your needs.
Key info
- LCD touchscreen panel
- 2.6L fryer with rapid air technology for healthier cooking
- Detachable frying basket with protection cover on release button
- Light and portable
Who is this for?
This air fryer by Birkeshire is versatile as it also lets you grill, roast, and bake. Perfect for when you have unexpected guests coming over, cooking a big meal takes less than an hour for the best dinner!
What to know
Worried about safety?
This air fryer comes with overheating protection so you'll never have to deal with cleaning out a burnt air fryer. Speaking of which, it has a cool-touch handle which will definitely reduce the risk of burning yourself when handling its 2.6L basket. Moreover, there’s an auto cut-off feature to ensure that the air fryer doesn’t cause any mishaps if you forget to switch it off.
It functions quietly and efficiently thanks to its 1400W motor. Not only that, but Birkeshire claims that it uses updated air circulation technology that ensures faster cooking time and less lingering odor.
Key info
- Rapid hot air circulation technology
- 3.9L pan capacity and 2.6L inner basket capacity
- Cool-touch handle
Who is this for?
According to reviews, this air fryer cooks food quickly and efficiently. It’s also pretty versatile, as it can accommodate the ideal settings for many food types thanks to its adjustable temperature range of 80 to 200°C alongside its 60-minute timer.
What to know
While air fryers generate little to no grease at all, sometimes, there is still a lingering smell. This won't be an issue with the Haier Digital Air Fryer HA-AF253.
To combat the problem, the brand has an integrated air filter to minimize lingering food smells. Aiding the minimization of odor, the air fryer also uses Rapid Heatwave Technology to quickly cook your food, which means it will lessen the chance of food smells lingering around much longer.
Key info
- 2.5L fryer with detachable frying basket
- Multiple cooking functions – fry, grill, bake, roast, BBQ
- Overheat protection
Who is this for?
Looking for a secure and reliable air fryer that promotes easy cleaning for both the interior and exterior? The Electrova New Ecowell Series Premium Large Air Fryer makes cooking and cleaning up easy. Plus, its versatile cooking temperature and timer allow you to use it for baking purposes too.
What to know
The Electrova New Ecowell Series Premium Large Air Fryer (5.5L) is made with a new IMD technology that ensures durable and abrasion-resistant properties to the air fryer. It’s able to retain a pristine condition just with a single wipe of a damp cloth. Its simple and minimalist aesthetics make it an ideal fit for any kitchen style.
Meanwhile, cooking with this air fryer should be a piece of cake due to its strong power wattage of 1500W, ensuring that food is thoroughly cooked. In fact, the air fryer has 360° Rapid Air Circulation Technology to ensure your fried food retains a nice crunchy texture as well as up to 85% less fat.
Key info
- Power: 1500W
- Capacity: 5.5L
- Voltage: 240V
- Color: Pink, Blue AND Dark Green
- Sirim Certified
Who is this for?
Most have complimented how the fryer manages to consistently cook evenly while retaining moisture in the food. Plus, the preset features are definitely a bonus over the many budget air fryers on this list that do not have it. And because of that, it’s perfect to help you get started on cooking with an air fryer for the first time.
What to know
A fan of Japanese-made appliances? Enjoy some healthy meals prepared with the reliable Samu Giken Rapid Air Fryer SG-AFA35SSB.
This 3.8L unit is hassle-free as both the pan and food basket are finished with a non-stick, Teflon coating, making it easier for you to remove grease residue or burnt food from these components. Furthermore, both the said parts are also dishwasher-friendly for convenient cleanup.
Aside from the analog temperature dial that goes from 80 to 200°C and the 30-minute timer, this air fryer features 8 presets such as chips, fish, mushrooms, and drumsticks.
Key info
- Non-stick coating material
- Advanced heat pulse system for optimized hot air circulation
- The auto-off function includes a "ready" sound indicator
Who is this for?
With the huge capacity, this means that you get to prepare delicious dishes that you can share with ideally three to five people. Past users have even commented that it’s big enough to fit a whole chicken.
What to know
Looking to get the most bang for your buck? The Giman 5.5L High Capacity Air Fryer (AK-8005) features a huge capacity of 5.5L which is practically a steal at this price range.
Capacity aside, the air fryer features a digital panel that lets you control the settings easily. It has presets for you to choose from based on the types of food such as meat, vegetables and even cakes.
Adding to this unit’s value are the five free accessories that come with it. You’ll get a 3-pin plug converter, a pair of oven mitts, a pair of stainless steel kitchen tongs, a cooking manual, and a grill pan for meat, fish, and vegetables.
Key info
- 5.5L capacity with rapid air technology
- Detachable non-stick frying basket
- Multicooker - can be used to bake, grill & roast
FAQs
Cheap air fryer vs expensive
As a conscious consumer, you’re probably wondering if there’s any difference between a cheap air fryer and an expensive one. Does a higher price correspond to higher quality?
All air fryers operate the same way. Hot air is circulated via convection, developing a crispy exterior and cooking the inside.
Expensive models typically have more power, therefore, cooking more efficiently. They also tend to have a larger capacity which is suitable for preparing more servings without having to do a few rounds; ideal for families or those who entertain guests frequently.
Besides, expensive ones tend to be more versatile and have more presets which makes cooking convenient as you won’t have to worry about temperature settings and cooking time. Plus, it’s more multifunctional.
Whether you go with an expensive model or a more budget-friendly option depends on your needs and budget. Don’t be distracted by the bells and whistles of the higher-end models. An affordable model might fulfill your needs just as well.
How does an air fryer work?
To be clear, an air fryer does not exactly ‘fry’ food; rather, it replicates the effect of deep frying minus the huge amount of oil.
The heating components inside an air fryer generate hot air that circulates quickly around the food. When the food is placed in the perforated basket, it increases its contact with the hot air movement, allowing it to reach all of the food surfaces at once and form a brown look and crisp crust.
Is it worth getting an air fryer?
If you’ve been deep-frying your food and want to cut calories while still indulging in your favorite fried foods, an air fryer would be ideal. As mentioned, an air fryer uses little to no oil, instead using the hot air that circulates your food can cook it evenly.
Besides, an air fryer can quickly reach extremely high temperatures, allowing you to reduce cooking time while still achieving that satisfying crunchy and crispy texture. Clean-up is also easier compared to that of deep fryers or a regular wok.
What type of food can you make with an air fryer?
An air fryer is quite versatile. Apart from the usual frozen foods like french fries, nuggets, or potato wedges, you can also get creative by roasting homemade veggies such as carrots and potatoes. That’s not all as you can even toss salmon into your air fryer.
Say goodbye to soggy, bland leftovers when you reheat food with an air fryer.
It’s simple, quicker than using an oven, and yields better results.