Are budget air fryers actually worth it?

Yes. Budget air fryers from brands like Cosori, Dash, and Chefman deliver excellent results on everyday foods like frozen fries, chicken wings, and vegetables. You lose some features found in premium models (like dual zones or smart connectivity), but the core air frying performance is nearly identical. The biggest trade off is usually capacity, with most budget models offering 2 to 4 quart baskets.