If you’ve shopped for an air fryer lately, you already know the market is crowded. There are dozens of models under $100, all promising crispy food, fast cooking, and “healthy frying.” Some live up to that. A lot don’t.
I’ve tested and used more air fryers than I can count over the years. Some were daily drivers. Others ended up shoved to the back of a cabinet after a week. The good news is you don’t need to spend $200 to get a solid air fryer anymore. There are several genuinely good options under $100 if you know what to look for.
This guide breaks down the best air fryers under $100 based on real-world use, not just specs on a box.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$129.99
|
|
$59.99
|
What You Can Realistically Expect Under $100
Before getting into specific models, it helps to set expectations.
At this price point, you’re not getting a massive dual-basket system or fancy app connectivity. What you can get is reliable cooking, decent capacity, and controls that don’t make you want to throw the thing across the kitchen.
Most air fryers under $100 fall into two categories: compact basket-style models and slightly larger square baskets designed to maximize cooking space. Both can work well depending on how you cook.
In my experience, the biggest differences come down to basket size, temperature accuracy, and how easy the fryer is to clean.
Best Overall: Cosori Pro 5-Quart Air Fryer
Cosori has quietly become one of the most reliable air fryer brands in this price range. The Pro 5-quart model hits a sweet spot between size, performance, and ease of use.
I’ve used this one regularly, and what stands out is how evenly it cooks. Frozen fries, chicken thighs, reheated pizza – it all comes out consistent without constant shaking or babysitting.
The square basket design actually matters. You can lay food flatter instead of stacking it, which helps with browning. The digital controls are straightforward and responsive, and the temperature range is wide enough for almost anything you’d normally air fry.
Cleaning is easy, too. The basket coating has held up well over time, which is more than I can say for some cheaper nonstick finishes.
Pros: Even cooking, square basket, easy to clean
Cons: Exterior can get warm, presets are basic
Best Budget Pick: Instant Vortex Mini 4-Quart
If you’re tight on space or cooking for one or two people, the Instant Vortex Mini is a strong budget option that usually comes in well under $100.
It’s small, lightweight, and heats up fast. I like this one for quick jobs like reheating leftovers, cooking a single portion of wings, or making snacks. The controls are simple, and the basket slides in and out smoothly.
That said, the smaller size does limit what you can cook. You’ll need to cook in batches for family meals, and taller foods can be tricky.
Pros: Compact, fast preheat, affordable
Cons: Limited capacity, less even for larger foods
Best for Families: Ninja AF141 5QT Air Fryer
Ninja prices the AF141 a little higher than their older models, but it still frequently lands under $100 and earns its spot there.
This one feels solid right out of the box. The basket has a sturdy weight to it, the handle feels secure, and temperature control is consistent across cooks. It doesn’t overload you with presets, which I actually prefer. Once you know your times and temps, manual control is faster and more reliable.
The real upgrade here is capacity. The 5-quart basket gives you noticeably more room than Ninja’s 4-quart models, making it easier to cook full meals without stacking food. It’s a good fit for couples or small families who want a little breathing room without jumping to a bulky air fryer.
Pros: Solid build quality, consistent cooking, larger basket
Cons: Fewer presets, takes up more counter space than smaller Ninja models
Best Large Capacity Under $100: Chefman TurboFry 9-Qt Air Fryer
If you want maximum capacity without paying premium prices, the Chefman TurboFry 9-quart air fryer stands out.
The oversized basket is the main reason to buy it. You can cook a lot of food in one go, which makes a real difference for families or anyone tired of cooking in batches. Fries, chicken, and frozen foods all cook well, especially thanks to the higher 450°F max temperature, though it can still take an extra minute or two compared to more expensive models.
The digital controls are clear and easy to use, and the viewing window is a nice bonus for checking food without pulling the basket out. Build quality is solid enough for the price, but it doesn’t feel quite as heavy-duty as higher-end brands. That’s the tradeoff for getting this much space under $100.
Pros: Extra-large capacity, 450°F cooking, clear digital controls, windowed basket
Cons: Bulky footprint, slightly slower cooking than premium models
Best for Simple Controls: Dash Tasti-Crisp 2.6-Quart
Some people don’t want digital menus or presets. They just want knobs that work.
The Dash Tasti-Crisp keeps things very basic with two dials: temperature and time. I’ve recommended this one to friends who hate fiddling with buttons, and they’ve all been happy with it.
It’s not powerful, and the basket is small, but for simple cooking tasks, it does the job without fuss.
Pros: Very easy to use, affordable
Cons: Small size, limited temperature precision
What Actually Matters When Choosing an Air Fryer Under $100
Specs can be misleading. Wattage, presets, and flashy displays don’t always translate to better cooking.
From my experience, these are the things that matter most:
Basket shape matters more than total capacity. A square basket cooks more evenly than a deep round one.
Temperature accuracy matters more than max temperature. A fryer that holds 375°F steadily will outperform one that claims 450°F but fluctuates.
Ease of cleaning matters more than you think. If it’s annoying to clean, you’ll use it less.
Noise is rarely discussed, but some budget models are loud. If that bothers you, look for reviews that mention fan noise.
Who Should Buy a Budget Air Fryer
Air fryers under $100 are perfect if you’re new to air frying, short on space, or just want something reliable without extra features.
They’re also a great second appliance. I know several people who keep a compact air fryer for quick lunches while using a larger one for family dinners.
If you cook large meals daily or want dual baskets, you’ll need to spend more. For most people, though, a sub-$100 model covers 90 percent of everyday air fryer use.
Final Verdict
A compact but powerful air fryer with fast cook times, a slick glass control panel, and a nonstick ceramic basket that wipes clean in seconds. Great for small kitchens or anyone who wants quick, even cooking without the bulk.
You don’t need to overspend to get a good air fryer. The models above prove that solid performance, easy cleanup, and reliable cooking are absolutely possible under $100.
If you want the safest all-around choice, the Cosori Pro 5-Quart is the one I’d pick again without hesitation. It’s balanced, dependable, and easy to live with – exactly what most kitchens need. If you’re ready to settle on a dependable option that cooks evenly and doesn’t overcomplicate things, the Cosori Pro is an easy decision.
If you’re still comparing models or deciding whether to upgrade, these reviews and comparisons may help:
No comment