I'm buying this half-price air fryer for my sister's Christmas gift (don’t tell her) – it's perfect for small kitchens and air-frying beginners

As a trained cook who spends my days testing kitchen gadgets, I've become an agony aunt among family and friends who want to invest in the best air fryers.

My sister is one of those people – she wants a small air fryer for her college apartment. She enjoys healthy cooking, but she's short on time and often ends up ordering takeout. As the appliance matchmaker, I've been eyeing up the best air fryer deals I think will suit her.

One particular steal has caught my eye: the Instant Vortex Plus 4QT Air Fryer, which is now nearly half price at $69.95, down from its original $129.99.

An unexpected bargain in the Amazon Prime Big Deals Day, it's the smaller version of our favorite-ever air fryer (without the window or anti-odor tech). It's simple, sure, but it's perfect for roasting vegetables, small portions of salmon, or French fries.

Instant Vortex 4QT Air Fryer | Was $129.99, now $69.99 at Amazon

A pint-sized version of our favorite air fryer. This is Instant's smallest model, but its performance is out of this world. The price has just been reduced by a whopping 46%. The biggest discount I've seen all year.

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This air fryer deal is too good not to share, but you'll have to keep your side of the bargain – if you're reading this and you know my sister, don't tell her I got this Christmas gift on sale!

FAQS

Why choose a small air fryer?

Small air fryers are a practical choice for petite kitchens. Typically ranging from 2 to 4 quarts, they are ideal for preparing two or three fish fillets, side dishes or snacks. They are also easy to hide away in cupboards when not in use!

How to choose an air fryer?

With so many designs and styles available, I've created a helpful guide to the different types of air fryers and which one is best for your needs. I've gone for a single basket, small capacity fryer for my sister – since she's an individual who is short on space.

If you're a couple or a family, you'll be better off with a dual-drawer model. I use the Ninja Double Stack at home, which has four cooking levels and can cook an entire meal for two in 15 minutes.

Does an air fryer make a good gift?

I clearly seem to think so! If there's a person in your life who is super busy and they keep saying they want to eat healthy, quick meals – an air fryer is a super thoughtful gift.

I also recommend one of the best slow-cookers as a thoughtful gift for a foodie. They make such cozy, quick meals. My mother has been hinting she'd love an Instant Pot for Christmas, so I'm eyeing up the sale prices as we speak. Personally, I find air fryers a little more fun to use.

When is the best time to buy an air fryer?

The best air fryer deals have finally dropped for Amazon Prime Big Deals Day. If you're investing in your first air fryer, or you want to upgrade to a bigger, better dual-drawer model – now is the time to do it.

I've scrolled through the sales and rounded up the best air fryer deals for you. You can pick up a Ninja, Cosori, Philips, or Instant air fryer with an affordable discount.